Talkshow Thursday: Meet Amre Cortadino

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Amre Cortadino

Linda:  Welcome to my blog. It’s such a pleasure to have you. Congratulations on your story being a 2019 Genesis Finalist. What was the inspiration for your entry and what made you decide to enter the contest?

Amre: Thank you for the opportunity to be on your blog! 

In 2018 I followed a writing prompt using the title From My Window. The prompt led me back to when I was a little girl. I’d sit in my room, gaze out my window, and write and write and write. I had a difficult childhood and writing was good medicine.

Since childhood, I hadn’t written for many, many years. After the death of a parent five years ago, I prayed. His peace covered me, and I knew He had released me to write again. From My Window poured from my soul onto the computer screen. In fact, I wrote 10,000 words in one day. Thank the Lord, the story has won several first-place awards, along with the 2019 Genesis Finalist Award. That felt like a hug and a kiss from the Lord!

LM: What is one thing you’ve learned during your writing journey thus far?

Amre: I am not alone. Before I begin my writing day, I pray and ask the Lord to give me His words. Safe in His arms, the words flow and my fingers go! 

I am so thankful for the home ACFW provides Christian writers. As a small critique group facilitator, we often comment that, though writing is a lonely pursuit, we know we’re not alone. Through God’s word and His inspiration, we encourage one another and strive to do the very best we can for His glory and our good.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself to write (e.g. listen to music, set up in a certain location)?

Amre: I start each morning in prayer and spend time reading the Bible and a short devotion. Sometimes I write a devotion based on my time with the Lord. He’s never failed to inspire me, and sometimes I don’t even get around to my WIP. I’ve learned to relax and enjoy when that happens rather than feeling the anxiety or pressure to write x amount of words that day.

LM: What was your favorite book or author when you were growing up?

Amre: I could write volumes to answer this question but I’ll limit myself. :)

I read the King James Bible cover to cover when I was growing up. Now I wonder how I did that but...  :) 

My other favorite author is Louisa May Alcott (Little Women). I was pleasantly surprised by the movie this year—breathtaking. It inspired me to write better all over again.

LM: What is something you have always wanted to learn how to do?

Amre: I’m doing it!  From the time I was little girl, I said I’d be an author. Thank God for this amazing opportunity He’s given me to learn to write. I mistook storytelling for writing, and now I’m learning the difference.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Amre:

Favorite Season: Autumn!

Favorite Movie: Currently – Little Women :)

Favorite place to visit: Monticello, Virginia and Hood River, OR

LM: What are your plans going forward?

Amre: Follow the Lord one step at a time. Probably sounds cheesy but that’s my heart’s desire.

I’m completing a rough draft of book 2 in the Eventide trilogy (From My Window is book 1). When that trilogy is complete, I’ve had a burning desire to write a Back to the Garden series starting with the Garden of Eden. I’ve got a file folder full of ideas and can’t wait to get to it!

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Amre: My Facebook page is From My Window and my website is http://merryheartink.com.