Elisée
asked
Amber Smith:
Hello Amber. I never got to attend school for fine arts, but I haven't stopped painting in my free time. Who is your favorite artist and art piece? Also, I'm quite intrigued by the synopsis of your debut novel. How was your writing process? Any advice for an aspiring writer besides "read, and write what you know" ? Thank you for your time and consideration :)
Amber Smith
Hello Elisee! First of all, I'm so sorry for taking THREE YEARS (!?) to respond--I just realized I have a bunch of questions that have been sitting here forever!
Thanks for your questions! Art was my first love and I'm so thankful I was able to go to school for it. I'm a huge photography and mixed media fan. I love black and white photos, and I think Sally Mann is one of my favorite photographers. Another artist I love is Romare Bearden (I've spent a lot of time researching and writing about his work so it holds a special place in my heart!)
Writing Advice.... Other than the usual: read and write as much as possible, I would also add that it's really important to put yourself out there and connect with other writers and develop a community (it is something I wish I would've started doing much earlier than I did).
And lastly, don't give up! I started writing THE WAY I USED TO BE in 2009 and it didn't come out until 2016. I received so many rejections for this book, and there were times I truly never thought it would happen for me, but I kept going anyway, just for myself, and then it finally did.
Never give up on your dreams! <3
Thanks for your questions! Art was my first love and I'm so thankful I was able to go to school for it. I'm a huge photography and mixed media fan. I love black and white photos, and I think Sally Mann is one of my favorite photographers. Another artist I love is Romare Bearden (I've spent a lot of time researching and writing about his work so it holds a special place in my heart!)
Writing Advice.... Other than the usual: read and write as much as possible, I would also add that it's really important to put yourself out there and connect with other writers and develop a community (it is something I wish I would've started doing much earlier than I did).
And lastly, don't give up! I started writing THE WAY I USED TO BE in 2009 and it didn't come out until 2016. I received so many rejections for this book, and there were times I truly never thought it would happen for me, but I kept going anyway, just for myself, and then it finally did.
Never give up on your dreams! <3
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