Author Interview: Amanda Penn

G7: What inspired you to start writing, and when did you know you wanted to become an author? 

AP: I’ve always written. I can’t remember a time i didn’t write but my mom gave me my first typewriter when I was six. It was the greatest gift I ever received.

G7: What was your biggest challenge while writing your book Twisted Souls, and how did you overcome it?

AP: I am a SA survivor, and it brought back all those feelings, but it was also something that healed.

G7: What strategies do you employ to overcome writer’s block or creative challenges?

AP: So, I do this every day, and it prevents writer’s block. I take a walk, and I make up stories about the people I see or objects on the ground and how they got there. It keeps the creative juices flowing.

G7: Do you have any quirky writing rituals or habits that help you get in the zone? 

AP: It would probably be the walk, but another one would be doing a life history for my characters even if I’m not going to use those details. It helps me relate to them.

G7: What advice would you give your younger self just starting your writing journey?

AP: Stop being so hard on yourself. It will help you finish your books much sooner.

G7: If you could have dinner with any three authors (living or dead), who would they be? 

AP: So, Anne Rice inspired me. V.C. Andrews because I have A LOT of questions about how she came up with these stories. The last would-be Maggie Shayne. She’s a wonderful person and great author.

G7: Can you share a sneak peek about an upcoming book or a fun fact about a current book?

AP: So, the next book that will be released is the second book to my Mythological Romance Series, The Silver Grove Legacy Series. I felt bad because I left it on a cliffhanger. So, there will be two trips into different realms of the mythological world, Tartarus and Helheim. i am looking forward to those trips into those realms.

G7: What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? 

AP: Write every day even if it’s a word or a sentence. Just keep going.

G7: If you could spend a day with any character from your books, who would it be and why?

AP: Gabe from The Silver Grove Legacy Series. He is so funny, and I really enjoy writing his scenes.

G7: What techniques do you use to balance intense, darker themes with romantic elements in your narratives? 

AP: So, with my dark romances, I will put a moment of nostalgia or kindness to break up the intense darkness. The beach scene in Twisted Souls is definitely one of those scenes that balances the dark and the light.

G7: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve had to Google for book research?

AP: This one definitely put me on the list: How long does a human body live after being soaked in turpentine and set on fire?

G7: What’s a random, small thing that brings you joy?

AP: Crystals, candles and just the simple act of standing outside in the sun. My children and grandchildren watching a movie with me. I love crafts.

G7: Are you a night owl or an early bird when it comes to writing?

AP: I am definitely a night owl. My best ideas come at night. I’m also more productive.

G7: Do you have a favorite quote from Twisted Souls that resonates with you?

AP: Yes. The tagline I use is said by the reaper to Hunter and it sums up how I feel about justice. The full quote is, the path to things that may be justified is dark and twisted. it is a journey of many forks and turns. Be sure what you choose to do is the right thing, so it doesn’t darken your soul.