Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
One book so far (Rue), but working on book number two as we speak. Hope to get it out there in the next month or so.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rue. My husband and I used to visit San Francisco every year. While he attended an annual work conference, I bought a Muni pass and tootled all around, exploring the many wonders of that great city. When we stayed at the Scarlet Huntington Hotel, and sipped cocktails in the Big 4 lounge, I notice the piano player and said, “Boy, the local lounge singer is a dying breed, aren’t they?” And BOOM! Just like that, I had my story idea.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up every day at 4:00am to write for two hours before work (before going to my day job). On the weekends, I write for 4-8 hours each day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I know this will sound snobby, but up until recently, I never read any books that weren’t considered “classics” or written 100+ years ago. I was an English major in college and this was what we did as English majors and I just continued it into my adult life. My favorite author is Ayn Rand, but I also enjoy Edith Wharton, Daphne Du Maurier, Willa Cather, W. Somerset Maugham, and of course, Jane Austen.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on refining a new book, women’s fiction just like Rue, but with more of a family dynamic.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has worked well for me, however, I’ve just started to create a bigger presence on Instagram and Bookbub.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Run! No, just kidding. But this is the thing I have been telling everyone who has asked me since I published Rue: You better REALLY want to do this – with ALL of your heart and soul because writing ain’t for wusses. Neither is publishing and promoting. It’s a lot of hard work and a roller coaster ride that never ends.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before I started writing, I spoke briefly with a published author of fantasy fiction–she said, you better decide up front what your goal is. Why do you want to write? If it’s to become a best-selling author, then go research that before you write a word. If it’s to feed your inner soul, then the rest will come naturally and only when the timing is right. A lot of being successful is based on luck. I’ve thought about that conversation about a thousand times since then, and I know I write because of the latter reason, but it takes some talking down off the ledge sometimes in order to keep that perspective along the way.
What are you reading now?
I love Cormac McCarthy, which I realize is completely out of my genre, but his style and choice of words is spectacular. I’m reading No Country for Old Men right now.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish book number two and publish!
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?
The Bible, Atlas Shrugged, Pride and Prejudice, Gone with the Wind
Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Q. Barker Website
Amy Q. Barker Amazon Profile
Amy Q. Barker’s Social Media Links
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