Interview with Amy Lignor

Amy Lignor

Interview Date: 9/7/2012

Biography

As the daughter of a career librarian I grew up loving books; ‘Patience & Fortitude’ at the NYPL were my heroes. Beginning with my first book of historical romance titled, The Heart of a Legend, and moving into the action/adventure world with a series called, Tallent & Lowery, I then entered the YA genre with The Angel Chronicles, and have been truly lucky.
Working as an editor in the publishing industry for decades, I am now the Owner/Operator of The Write Companion (www.thewritecompanion.com) which offers a variety of services to authors. I’m a contributor and reviewer to Suspense Magazine and various other literary publications such as The RT Magazine (Romantic Times), Authorlink, The Feathered Quill, Random House YA, Ruby For Women (http://rubyforwomen.com/ruby-blogger-of-the-weekamy-lignor-of-the-write-companion), and Goodreads.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I was around eight when we went on the worst family vacation of all time. (And I’m not kidding. Pirate torture would’ve been more fun.) We stayed with my mother’s friends and lived in a house run by a cat. All had to be in bed by 8:00 pm because ‘kitty’ had to go ‘night-night’ and we couldn’t disturb him no matter what. I also was stuck in a room with my sister – enough said. Suffice to say I wrote My Life: A Comedy & Tragedy on that trip and I haven’t stopped writing since.


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonably powerful.)

Mind control! I just HAVE to! Think about it. Everything from being able to make people you like strong and determined enough to go after what they want…and get it; while on the flip side, being able to have those who are not in your ‘preferred friend’ list stand in a room and flap their wings like a chicken… It’s ALL good! (The power of invisibility would run a close second).

Kev's response: On the plus side, it would also help ensure one's minions were well under control. That's assuming one were involved in some sort of devious plot to take over the world, of course.


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

I will always have to go with Superman. I know, Batman, Spiderman and, of course, Wonder Woman doing all females a great service by putting on that costume, are cool – but Superman is the All-American superhero who loves the U.S. of A.! You can’t beat that.

Kev's response: It's also nice to have his "true hero" thought process out there for a hero. It wouldn't work if they were all over the place, but having a rare hero who is just plain a hero first and foremost is awesome.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

My motivation comes from the characters stuck in my head, to tell you the truth. As the daughter of a career librarian I already know that books are the end-all and be-all when it comes to entertainment and learning, so I’m inspired to be a part of all that. I also love talking to creative writing classes in the schools. There are some seriously talented kids out there who offer inspiration every time you speak with them.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

The characters – and this is going to sound silly – come to me when I sleep. Then, I get up immediately and start to write. I like that the ‘next’ chapter, line, scene, or ending comes from nowhere. I sit down in front of the computer and it just all comes out – twists and turns always happen which makes it extra fun.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

When it comes…it comes. I can’t schedule a ‘sit down’ or write ten pages a day. Sometimes forty come out and other times if I even try to write one page I know it will be bad.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

Writing: I love action/adventure. Reading: Absolutely anything that’s well-written and holds my attention.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

Being a part of it. I know it comes from me – from the author – but it’s almost like these characters are letting me be a part of their world and lives for a short while. It’s extremely fun and very humbling all at the same time.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

The end of a series or book. When the characters are over, I miss them like I miss my best friends.

Kev's response: That drives me nuts about most novels I read. I want to continue on with them.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

Do you have a few hours? (LOL) I think this would be an easier question if you needed to hear something normal about myself. But…I suppose the easiest one is that my dog, Reuben, is my co-writer. He sits by me in the den all day and grunts to let me know what he does like and what he doesn’t. We both get treats if we agree on something.

Kev's response: Hmm, I don't know. It sounds like the system could be rigged. I mean, if you both get a treat when you agree...


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

Several


I'm looking to advertise for evil minions for my plot to take over the world, any suggestions?

You should really go with a woman. Is there anyone more frazzled from kids, work, life, etc.? Gayle the Fatal Female. Look out for the spatula! (This can also be a kitchen knife, briefcase, husband’s head on a platter…anything works here.)

Kev's response: Death by spatula? I don't want that on my rep as an evil mastermind!


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

I LOVE libraries; I wish I could break in and live in the basement of the NYPL. Upon saying that, however, eBooks will keep expanding for many reasons: ease, money and people on the go that simply want that story and want it fast! Me, personally, I really want that book in my hand. I love the smell of books – it’s like the smell of ice to a hockey player.


What are your current projects?

Gilded Wings, Book II of “The Angel Chronicles,” comes out November 1st, so I’m currently working on the finale. I have a seven-book action series that was just picked up and I’m working on number six currently. And I have begun a new YA project called Meet the Reaper (a definite flip side from the Angels). I am also doing a re-write for Heart of a Legend – a book about Billy the Kid which was written years back and needs to be expanded.

Kev's response: Very nice!


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Just be really careful. Self-publishing is a great thing, but advertising, marketing – all of that comes into play – and the time it takes to get a successful campaign up and going is really tedious. Social media is the biggest industry in the world when it comes to business nowadays, so having that technical knowledge and background – or being able to work with others to ‘brand’ your name – is a great thing to look into. And when it comes to ‘giving’ your hard-earned finances to someone else, check all your ducks and make sure they’re most definitely in a row. Although there are some truly GREAT publishers out there to work with, there are also some scams. So study first.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

Absolutely:
http://the-angel-chronicles.blogspot.com/
http://www.suspensemagazine.com/files/SM_February_2012.pdf
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Angel-Chronicles/168932393209654
http://hellowriters.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/alignor
http://twitter.com/hellowritersamy
http://ww.facebook.com/pages/The-Write-Companion/137325842996847
http://www.moonlightgleam.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Lignor/e/B001K8S37S

Kev's response: Amy, thank you for joining me! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate - good luck with the many projects in the works!



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