Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a born entertainer. I’m the 2nd oldest of 10 kids and if I didn’t stand out, I’d never get any attention from my busy parents. I love to entertain with words and sometimes, music. I’ve written two novels and I’m starting my third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the novel “Into Brett Woods”. It was inspired by a place with the same name in Connecticut where I grew up. My friends and I would go there every weekend to drink and party when we were teenagers. The woods were dense and dark and I thought it would be a fabulous backdrop for a novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, I’m all in. I try to write 1000 words a day. If I’m having trouble, I start writing random words that all jumble together. Often that stimulates my brain somehow and I’ll come up with something unique and different to write about. Sometimes I piece things together. Once I moved the beginning of my novel to the end and it actually worked better there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the classic authors. Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, Mark Twain, JD Salinger, and especially Jane Austen. But modern authors have influenced me as well: Kristen Hannah, Jojo Moyes, Amy Tan and John Grisham to name just a few. I especially enjoyed The Nightingale.
What are you working on now?
Another young adult novel. I think today’s younger set need to read books that will encourage them to take the high road in life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like Awesome Gang :). Also Goodreads has great promotions, and of course, Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! And don’t be afraid to fail. It takes years to become successful at anything and you have to fail a lot. If you have a flair for writing and you enjoy it, just keep plugging away. That’s what it takes to become a good writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.
What are you reading now?
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to write a screenplay someday…we’ll see.
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
Robinson Crusoe
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Steiner Website
Amy Steiner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile