Ask the Author: Amanda Linsmeier
Answered Questions (8)
Amanda Linsmeier
Ahh, thank you for reading! To answer your question, actually I haven't read a ton of gothic novels-- definitely something I'd like to explore more-- but I grew up reading creepy stories, like Fear Street, and I'm sure some parts of those inspirations made their way into the story :) It's definitely got some nods to classic fairytales and favorite books and music as well.
Amanda Linsmeier
Hi! Thanks so much for your interest. Ditch Flowers is no longer in print. Unfortunately, the price on Amazon is higher than the original, but you may have luck on Ebay? Alternatively, the audiobook is available through Amazon Audible for the next year or so. Hope that helps!
Amanda Linsmeier
I just released my short story The Peony and The Sun, and the first line "There was once a flower who fell in love" came to me while I was relaxing on the couch. I went with it, and wrote madly until I had a story the next day, or at least, the basis of a story. I went on to revise, edit, and finally self-publish (for the first time) the story. It's great when lines, character names, or images just come to the writer- it's like the story wants to be told!
Amanda Linsmeier
I still feel like a beginner! But I'll try to repeat some of the best things that have worked for me:
-Write. It doesn't have to be every day. But, write.
-Read. Read books you think you'll like and books you may not like, because each will teach you something.
-Connect with other writers. The talent and skill you'll find (if you're lucky) will inspire you to be better. And if you're able, find writing critique groups to help you grow. Form your own if you can't find any locally.
-Get the first draft down. The rest is not easy, but if you don't have a first draft you have nothing to edit, submit, publish, or share with the world.
-Write. It doesn't have to be every day. But, write.
-Read. Read books you think you'll like and books you may not like, because each will teach you something.
-Connect with other writers. The talent and skill you'll find (if you're lucky) will inspire you to be better. And if you're able, find writing critique groups to help you grow. Form your own if you can't find any locally.
-Get the first draft down. The rest is not easy, but if you don't have a first draft you have nothing to edit, submit, publish, or share with the world.
Amanda Linsmeier
I take a break or try to work on something else. It's really common for me to switch around. I'm usually working on 3 (sometimes more) projects at once. If I'm stuck on one thing, I move on to something else. And reading helps.
Amanda Linsmeier
I'm currently editing a middle grade (children's) fairy tale retelling, and writing a new paranormal women's fiction.
Amanda Linsmeier
Sometimes I just get an idea and write it down fast so I don't lose it. Other times I've dreamt ideas. But if I want to sit down and write, and be productive, I try to set the stage. Music for background noise, a cold drink, and time.
Amanda Linsmeier
Staying in your pajamas. But really, thinking of something and having it only exist in your mind, and then eventually it becomes something that exists in the world.
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