Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have the heart of a gypsy, the verve of a circus performer, and the style of a Manhattan socialite. The many parts of me include working as an actress, teacher, visual artist, baker, and workshop leader. Magikal Molly Day is my second novel and certainly it is my most personal. I am thrilled it was awarded 1st place from the DragonFly book award contest. Thank you awesomegang for having this generous and helpful site.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Magikal Molly Day is my latest book. The inspiration was actually a terrible heat wave one summer. (I know that is hardly riveting, but work with me here.) Tossing about in my sweat stained pajamas I awoke at 4:00 a.m. and sat at the computer, which sat in the coolest part of my apartment. The day before I had finished an unusual book about Wiccan studies and something started to piece together inside me for a story. A name came, an idea, and I was off typing my sweaty little fingers off till noon. I felt moved to write something uplifting and something that offered hope, but craft it in a way that was buoyant and lively, rather than clinical. How many ways can we talk about repairing broken self esteems? How many books already existed? Ah ha- but mine was fiction and in a magical setting and very different. I felt I had something worth writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I have an unusual life. My mind never operates well with too much structure. Bravo to the author that has the discipline of writing from eight to eleven every day or following some preordained schedule. I write till it is done. Now, when there has been a deadline, such as a personal essay show, and I have to complete a ten minute piece and be performance ready, I absolutely work backwards and make sure I pace myself so the piece is finished at least a week early, giving me plenty of time to practice and polish. I do not do well with last minute anything.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carolyn Myss, Mary Karr, Alice Sebold, Sue Monk Kidd, David Sedaris, Rainer Maria Rilke to name a few.
What are you working on now?
My second book, which is a sequel to Magikal Molly Day. Tough going, the ebb and flow of it all, but my mantra remains: show up at the page and the page shows up for me. Writing something, even a paragraph of crap ( “paracrap”)still works a muscle and coaxes my imagination to keep searching, keep conjuring for the story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I may not be totally equipped to answer this question confidently as I am new to this promoting. I will say do research, see what other authors you like are doing, and take every advantage and opening that comes. I am so happy to see the large number of websites for authors to share their work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Do not be swayed by what you think you should write. Write what you WANT to write. From the ocean of ideas inside you listen attentively to the one that sings the softest and presses the hardest on your heart. Write that story. For you. YOU. Please yourself first and the rest takes care of itself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Elizabeth Gilbert ( Eat,Pray, Love) She spoke beautifully about the need to re-direct what propels you to write. Do not try to please the masses- you will fail. Write the book that please you, tell it as truthfully as you can, and the masses will see your story as their own. By exploring our own uniqueness we actually shine a light on our sameness.
What are you reading now?
Graham Greene- The Heart Of the Matter. It is for a fabulous book club here.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I co-wrote and co-acted in a webseries- “Sheila and Sherry save the World from Solar Flares.” It is a silly, irreverent piece that satisfies my comedy chops and certainly a departure from my book. It will be available on YouTube beginning of February. Please watch it.
I have lined up another short film project to be done, as well as continuing with the development of my sequel.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
e.e.cummings. ( a collection)
Bukowski -Pulp.
W.H. Auden ( collection)
The Lovely Bones- Sebold
Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Lloyd Website
Amy Lloyd Amazon Profile
Amy Lloyd’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile