Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Amy Anguish

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Amy Anguish

What was your inspiration for the story?

Believe it or not, a news story on social media years ago. I can’t even remember who shared it or where. But the premise stuck with me. Basically, a man and woman were considering divorce and their family and friends refused to let it happen. And because of that, they helped the couple save their marriage. The very idea just made me so happy and I wanted to explore it ever since.

How do you develop your characters? (e.g. decide on their vocation, names, etc.)?

When I start contemplating the situation I want to write about, the characters start forming in my head. I play with names until one finally just “fits,” and then I stick with it. For their vocations, it depends. I draw on some I’ve had through the years, or some I’ve been able to witness enough to know how they work. Or sometimes, I pick one that fits my character’s personality and the flexibility they need. For instance, if a character needs to be able to take time during the day to help another character, their job needs to be one he can work when he/she wants to instead of one with set hours. That sometimes limits me, but sometimes it’s fun too.

How are your characters like you? Different?

Most of my characters have a bit of a snarky sense of humor. A deep faith in God, though it can

Pixabay/Uwe Baumann

sometimes be shaken. And quite a few of them have some artistic talent too. Because I love being crafty and dabbling in other arts besides writing and it comes through in my characters.

How has your book changed since your first draft?

When I first wrote it, I had it written solely in my heroine’s point of view. After letting it sit a while, I knew I needed to add in the hero’s as well. After all, it’s too skewed when you only get one point of view. Especially in a book that starts with the woman demanding a divorce. I needed him to tell his side of the story, too, and it’s so much stronger now.

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?

Honestly, I rarely do spin-off stories, but if I did, I always tend to lean toward the “bad” character. Not that all of my stories have one of those, but this one definitely does. There’s just something satisfying about redeeming a character in his or her own story.

How do you come up with storylines?

Everywhere! I have come up with ideas listening to conversations. Reading articles. From real life (though by the time I’m done with it, you can’t tell which part is from my real life and which is fiction). Sometimes, a simple phrase or situation will inspire me. Mostly by asking, “What if?”

Why do you write in your particular genre?

I love a happy ending! Writing romance ensures I get one each and every time. I read to relax so I don’t want to have to worry too much about whether or not things will end well for my characters. And when I write, I feel the same way.

Pixabay/Pexels

What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?

I don’t outline much. I am more of a “pantser,” where I basically start with an idea, a few scenes in my head, and just write to see what happens. I can do this because my stories are character-driven, meaning my characters develop and then take over, sometimes telling me what to write instead of the other way around. My favorite part of the writing process is the writing part. It’s so satisfying to see the story come together on a page. And I tend to write more in the afternoons and evenings right now. With several jobs and two elementary-aged kids, I have to steal moments when I can.

What is your next project?

I am writing a novella set at Valentine’s Day in a Kindergarten classroom. And there happens to be a hamster who comes to school, unexpectedly. And an uncle. It’s set to release next February. Then, I hope to tackle a Snow White retelling.

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About For Better or For Granted

Divorce was never in the plans for Genevieve Stewart. Only four years into marriage, and everything has gone wrong. Why stay where she’s never going to be happy? If only she could find her way back to the way things were before Scott’s job took all his time and energy, leaving nothing for her.

Scott Stewart achieved his goal of becoming a high school principal younger than most in the state. Everything in life seems to be going exactly as planned until Genevieve threatens to leave. Suddenly, his dreams aren’t as clear as they once were. He desperately wants to stay married, but he can’t let down his school, either.

Their friends and family remind them of their lifetime promises and urge them not to give up. But the way back to love isn’t easy when you’ve grown used to taking each other for granted.

About Amy

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason-Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

Follow her at http://abitofanguish.weebly.com or http://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor
Or https://twitter.com/amy_r_anguish

Learn more about her books at https://www.pinterest.com/msguish/my-books/

And check out the YouTube channel she does with two other authors, Once Upon a Page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEiu-jq-KE-VMIjbtmGLbJA)