Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
My name is Amy Hale and I’m a huge dork. I also write books, dabble in photography, immerse myself in music, watch riffed movies, dream about my next trip to the ocean, and adore riding on the back of my husbands motorcycle. I’ve been married for over 25 years to a real life book boyfriend. I have two wonderful children and a cat that insists on holding my arms down while I write. I’m obsessed with Doctor Who, Supernatural, Sherlock, and The Walking Dead.
When and Why did you start to write?
I’ve always loved writing. In high school I spent a lot of time writing poems and short stories. Years later when my first child was born, I wrote my first children’s book and continued to make up short, fun stories for my kids from there. Life and stress got in they way and I discontinued my writing for several years, until internet research on some health problems I was dealing with pulled me back into writing for a cause. I spent 13 years writing, both professionally and personally, about health and diet related issues. But like many controversial topics, it became stressful and unfulfilling. After attending a writing/signing event in 2014 I was encouraged go back to fiction, this time with the intention of writing full length books. I’ve been going strong ever since!
What authors do you always read or suggest to others?
There are so many authors and genres I enjoy reading. I know I will leave many out, but here’s a short list off the top of my head:
If you like historical romance I highly recommend Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, Julia London, Mary Balogh and some of the older works by Kat Martin and Pamela Britton (they’ve both moved to contemporary in recent years).
For science fiction/fantasy I love the work of Eric Asher, Jay Noel Reyes, Shelly Crane, JoAnna Morris, and Amy Miles, to name a few.
A few contemporary favorites are Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover, Denise Grover Swank, J.L. Berg, Amy Daws, Barb Speak, and Michelle Miller (I have to stop or I will go on forever.)
What is the most surprising thing you have found out with the writing process?
I think the most surprising thing for me is how the ideas can just pop into my head. My biggest fear when I started this journey was that I’d run out of ideas. But no matter how tough it gets, I always come up with something new. When I’m writing a scene and I’m not sure where it’s going, then POOF! there’s the twist or a crucial moment, I get very excited. I’m often just as surprised by what I write as my readers are.
What are you working on now?
I recently finished my paranormal series The Shadows Trilogy and am now starting on a new contemporary romance series set on a dude ranch. I’m very excited about this new project!
When writing are you a pantser or plotter?
I’m a little of both actually. Before I start the story I know my beginning and end. The middle part is more elusive at first. I will pants it until I get a feel for the direction. Generally about half way through I’ll stop and evaluate to be sure I’m staying on track – this is usually where the plotting takes over.
What are your social links?
Website: http://www.authoramyhale.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authoramyhale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAmyHale
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoramyhale/
What are your buy links?
The Shadows Trilogy Books: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQSPQ8F
Ulterior Motives: https://www.amazon.com/Ulterior-Motives-Amy-Hale-ebook/dp/B00SGGQH3E
Catching Whitney: https://www.amazon.com/Catching-Whitney-Amy-Hale-ebook/dp/B0186G0CIY
Letters From Jayson: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Jayson-Amy-Hale-ebook/dp/B01J2EPZR2
Catching Whitney HERE
Shadows Book 1 HERE