| From RomanceJunkies.com Interviews What kinds of advice would you give a new writer? Follow your dreams. No matter how many rejections you get, never, ever give up! Hi Amy and Welcome! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you for Romance Junkies. First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?
Hi there! At the moment, I'm working on my latest romantic-suspense, TROPICAL ILLUSIONS, a tale of passion, suspense and the ultimate betrayal… How do you fit writing into your schedule? I work from home, so I pretty much can write whenever I like. What does your workspace look like? My office contains two desks, my PC, laptop, built-in bookshelves line all the walls, filled with all my favorites and a coffee pot that is always brewing! Do you do a lot of research for your stories? What is the most interesting thing you have learned? I do find with romantic suspense novels, I've had to research the law a lot. I've always thought that the FBI was responsible for putting people in the Witness Protection Program, but they aren't. The U.S. Marshals are in charge of that area of the law. Are you a plotter or do you write as it comes? I definitely write as it comes. I tried plotting one time, and the book ended up nothing like I planned it to be. Do your characters start with names or do they have to have personalities before they can be named? I always name my characters before starting the book. What is the most challenging part of writing the story for you? How about the most difficult? I love the challenge of writing the 'black moment' or climax of the plot. I'd have to say getting that first paragraph down is the toughest. It needs to grab the reader and sum up the whole plot in one or two sentences. What are your goals in life? Personal or otherwise? First and foremost to always be a good wife and mother. Second, to live out my dreams to the fullest… life's too short. How hard is it to go back and forth between writing soaps and writing your books? What rewards have you found in both jobs? I don't actually write the storylines for the soaps. I'm the news writer and website manager for the ONE LIFE TO LIVE and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL divisions of SOAPS.COM. Working for SOAPS.COM has been so rewarding! I have the pleasure of interviewing the soap stars, interacting with all the fans. It's awesome! Writing novels… Hearing from my fans is the most rewarding part! After all, if it weren't for the fans, none of my success would be possible! Do you have any hobbies that you do in your spare time? Well, I don't have much spare time, but when I do I enjoy taking long rides on the back of my husband's Harley. Is there something you would love to learn but haven’t had the chance yet? Karate, I've always wanted to take a class. Is there anything that you have learned that you can pass on to someone just starting out? Research the publisher that you submit to, know what you want out the experience. I have always told writers to feel free to email me if they need any advice: Amy@AmyMistretta.com If your life were a movie, what would you name it? ONE MOMENT IN TIME What would be the theme song? I’VE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE What kinds of books will we find on your bookshelf? I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown, but I enjoy all genres from Steven King to Anne Rice. MORE FUN… Who is the most interesting person you have met? Does talking on the phone count LOL? I'd have to say Adrian Bellani from PASSIONS. I interviewed him over the phone, and he was truly amazing! Who would you love to meet to have a thought provoking conversation with? What would you say? Michael Easton. I've always been a huge fan of Michael's. Not only is he an actor, he's a published poet and novelist whose writings are filled with passion, heartache, such an emotional combination. I'd ask him to tell me the stories behind each poem he's written. What is your favorite way to spend a fall afternoon? Oh, I love sitting on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book. Are there any hobbies that you would love to learn but haven’t had a chance to yet? To be honest, I've never given it much thought… Maybe because I don't have the time LOL! What is your favorite TV commercial? Anything to do with Nascar. I'm a huge Jeff Gordon fan! How about your least favorite? The new Purell commercial. I think it's totally disgusting, and there are not many things out there that gross me out! Do you read the Sunday Comics? No, I've never liked comics. Thank you so much for having me! I've enjoyed it immensely! Amy, you’re very welcome, and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend with us. Continued success with your writing. © Copyright 2003 by RomanceJunkies.com |