Ask the Author: Amanda Leigh
Answered Questions (6)
Amanda Leigh
There are so many great things about being a writer. Don't get me wrong, it's not a career for everyone. No career is for everyone. You do need to have a thick skin but there are so many wonderful things about it. The amazing people that you'll meet who will help and support you. Hearing from readers that they loved your work and/or connect to/love your characters. And, I've had characters popping into my head and asking me to tell their stories forever, so to be able to do that is what I've always wanted.
Amanda Leigh
Several things, actually. I kind of hop between projects. Right now, there's this project of true stories from people with the same rare genetic condition as me (Cystinosis), editing my YA Paranormal MS, writing a novelette set in the same world as that MS and outlining another idea.
Amanda Leigh
I think that “never give up” has been said a lot but it’s true. Write. That may seem obvious, but it's super important. You need to write. And read, too. I would also say to learn about the basics and the craft of writing. I minored in Creative Writing but there are many books you can read on the subject. Also, I do think you should record your ideas. Even if you think it won’t amount to something, record it somehow, maybe it will turn into something later.
Amanda Leigh
Honestly, I can find inspiration anywhere. I have a file with probably upwards of 15 ideas for books/stories. Just last night, I got an idea from the name of an X-Files episode. The trilogy that I'm working on now was never supposed to be a trilogy. And it started out because of a one sentence idea and a song that I heard that helped to inspire a big theme and part of the tone of the books. Characters are really important to me, as well. The idea might be the first thing that pops into my mind but then I really focus on the characters.
Amanda Leigh
Honestly, a big part of it for me has to do with music. I find the right music before I even start the novel, usually, and then it helps to get me in the mood for the scene that I'm going to write. But if that still is not enough - sometimes it isn't - maybe I'll try some free writing about the scene or in a character's Point of View. Or discuss what I'm stuck on with my Critique Partner. Or sometimes, I end up just staring at the screen for a while.
Amanda Leigh
The idea for My Heart is Yours came to me when I was 15. The idea started out from a dream that I had. It was originally supposed to be a short story, but the idea grew and grew. It took me a while to get the first draft done, but once I did it was the length of a novella instead of a short story.
Amanda Leigh
The idea for My Heart is Yours came to me when I was 15. The idea started out from a dream that I had. It was originally supposed to be a short story, but the idea grew and grew. It took me a while to get the first draft done, but once I did it was the length of a novella instead of a short story.
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