Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from the midwest, Marietta, Ohio, but have lived in the burbs of north Atlanta for close to 20 years. My husband is native to Atlanta and is sensitive, as all southerners are, about The War of Northern Aggression- he lessens the blow by telling his friends and family that I’m from SOUTHERN Ohio. We have four teenagers and two large dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
We’re All A Mess, It’s OK
When my first book, The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book Of Failures hit #1 in Humor & Entertainment on Amazon people started sending me their funniest failures. I created a #FridayFail on social media and within a year I had 60,000 words. After the content editors and I picked the best stories, I had a 237-book of essays and one-liners. The point of the book is to make people feel more normal- everyone makes mistakes. Sharing your failures in a funny way bonds people together. If you do not laugh out loud, I have failed you.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I set up in an office in our walk-thru pantry. I am literally less than 2 feet away from snacks at all times. I like to write with the pantry and side door open so my dogs and I can see and hear cars go by and get fresh air. I normally write in the mornings, while the kids are at school.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The biggest influence is Jenny Lawson. Her book, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, is one of my all time favorites. She, like most us, has plenty of issues but she weaves them into the most ridiculous stories. I write for a magazine, My Forsyth, and Jenny afforded me an interview! She is so gracious and funny, I love her. My books are comedic so I’m influenced by Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Samantha Irby, and Jenn Mann. I love everyday life comedy.
What are you working on now?
The reason I wrote a book at all was to get signed on by an LA entertainment attorney to represent my screenplay. He told me he would not work with me until on until I was “on the map.” I’m so glad I started writing books because I have enjoyed the challenge and have met so many writers and creative people during the journey. I’m currently working with Atlanta filmmaker to fine tune my screenplay, #fakemom, which will be shot in the fall of 2019. It is also a comedy, but not based on my books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I sell 90% of my books through Amazon using their AMS pay per click advertising. The other 10% I sell through speaking engagements and press. My favorite promotion is being a guest on podcasts. You can do the interview in your pajamas (they are audio only) and they are archived forever. You can find podcasts easily on Facebook and Twitter, search #podcasts or #podernfamily to identify hundreds of podcast shows. The hosts are generally wonderfully supportive of authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Study all of the FREE resources that are available to you BEFORE publishing your book. There are 7 million books on Amazon, your title, subtitle, category, and keywords are really important. Two of my favorite self-publishing gurus are Dave Chesson from Kindlepreneur https://kindlepreneur.com/who-is-dave-chesson/ and Laura Peterson from Copy That Pops https://www.copythatpops.com/
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not be upset if someone doesn’t get your book. People are allowed to express how they feel about anything and unfortunately, if they read your work on their worst day, they may lash out at you. You know your intentions for your work and you are introducing your characters and ideas to the public. You cannot please everyone.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Elena Random and the Firebird Unit by J.S. Wood. I bought her series for my kids, but they are so good I started reading them. I admire people that can create an entirely new world.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m finishing up re-writes for my screenplay and then I will be working on two projects with Atlanta filmmaker Sam Juergens. Sam just won Best Comedy for his film short, The Interviewers at the Franklin International Film Festival- next up is the Atlanta Comedy festival. I was an actor in the project. http://ow.ly/8I7a30mL8X4
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?
Let’s Pretend It Never Happens, I know This Much Is True, the Bible and East of Eden.
Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Lyle Website
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