Interview with Amanda Ashley...aka Madeline Baker
Hi Mandy. Thank you for doing this interview. I know that WOLF SHADOW is your current release, as of July 2003, and it is truly another memorable book. I know that your readers enjoy all your works in the Historical as well as the Paranormal venues. I hope to see several more like Captive, your Futuristic as well.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
West Texas Bride - Silhouette Romance - 11/03
Midnight Pleasures Anthology - St. Martin's Press - 11/03
A Whisper of Eternity ~ Zebra Paranormal 2/04
Callie's Cowboy ~ Silhouette Romance ~ 7/04
Under Apache Skies ~ Signet Historical ~ 9/04
Once Upon a Full Moon Anthology - St. Martin's Press - Fall 2004
- How do we find out about you and your books?
At my website - www.madelinebaker.net where you can read excerpts from upcoming books, find out what's coming next, preview covers, and enter my contest.
- How may readers contact you?
via DarkWritr@aol.com or at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I was bored with TV. I'd been reading a lot of romance novels, and one night I sat down and started writing my own. I've been writing ever since.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
It generally takes from 4 to 6 months, give or take a month or two.
- What is your writing routine?
I usually write 6 days a week. I write in spurts, an hour or two at a time and then I take a break and do the laundry or run a few errands, etc. although there are some days when I just sit at the computer and write for hours at a time.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I don't have a set schedule, and I don't write from an outline. If I'm not in the mood or the words aren't there, I go do something else for awhile. I know a lot of authors who feel you should sit in front of the computer and write even if you throw it all out, but I've always felt that was a waste of time.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Read, soak in a hot bubble bath, play with my grandkids, go to the movies.
- Where do your ideas come from?
I wish I knew! I just hope they keep coming!!!!!
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Love scenes...I don't find them particularly difficult to write. I do find them far too hot in a lot of the books I read. I enjoy reading and writing about sexual tension. I don't particularly like to read about the actual act itself. In books, in movies, in life, I feel that sexual intimacy is a private thing and should be done behind closed doors.
- What kind of research do you do?
Lots! I have quite a library of research books on cowboys, Indians, vampires, etc.
- Fill in the blank favorites -
Dessert - dark chocolate anything
City - Virginia City, Montana
Season - Spring
Type of hero - dark and brooding
Type of heroine - hmmm, I don't really have a favorite type
- What are some of your favorite things to do?
Read, write, movies, plays, spend time with my kids and my best friend, walk in the park.
- Do you have a favorite book?
Probably Susan Kay's "Phantom". It's a great story.
- Who are some of your favorite authors?
Kathleen Eagle, Maggie Shayne, Jim Butcher, Rachel Gibson, Charlaine Harris.
- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
I think Lori Herter, Nancy Gideon, and Anne Rice have all influenced me to some degree.
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
I've only belonged (and still belong) to 2 critique groups and they've both been very beneficial. I've heard horror stories but I've been very lucky.
- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I've been published for 18 years. I never planned to be a writer, it just happened. As I mentioned earlier, I sat down and started writing because I was bored with TV and it was so much fun, I just kept writing. A friend of mine encouraged me to look for a publisher. But, if not for her, I would probably still be writing stories and hiding them under the bed.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I've written over 40 books and they've all been published but 2. One of them has been rejected by every publisher I've sent it to, the other one hasn't been sent out yet.
- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and read it?
I used to, but I don't any more. I must say that, even after 18 years, it's still a thrill for me to go into a bookstore and see my books on the shelf.
- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest?
The hardest part is always the middle of the book...the easiest is the beginning, when I'm just discovering who the people are. Endings, too, are easy...but that middle...it's always trouble!
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Letters from readers. It's very rewarding for me when I get a letter from someone who always hated reading until they read one of my books, or from someone who writes to tell me that reading my books has helped them through a difficult time in their lives. I also love the letters I've received from Native Americans who've written to tell me that my books have given them a greater appreciation of their Indian heritage.
- Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Never give up! The first book I sold was rejected 31 times.
- Thank you again, Mandy. I really appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to do this for us. Good Luck with WOLF SHADOW, and we will be looking forward to WEST TEXAS BRIDE in November and the MIDNIGHT PLEASURES ANTHOLOGY then as well!?
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Amanda Ashley
RaH Links:
Interview Reviews
Purchase Links:
Buy Amanda Ashley Books
