Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Amanda Uhl

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

That’s a great question. For me, it’s the subsequent books in the series that are harder, although that doesn’t seem logical (scratches head), since the world would already be created in the first book. But I’ve found it difficult to reinsert myself in a world I may have created some time ago.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I do not plot the entire book. I do light plotting, making sure I understand each character’s internal and external goal, motivation and conflict. I also write the back cover blurb, which is the basic premise of the book. Then I dive in and start writing. This way, I learn about the characters as I write, which offers many surprises for me as the author, and I think for my readers, as well.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Creativity takes courage. Don’t give up! Writing is a journey, and there will be ups and downs. When you are feeling down, do something else — go on a walk, ride your bike, go shopping, whatever gets your mind off of it for a while. Soon you’ll feel refreshed and ready to dive back in.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

I work full time managing a creative team at a large fortune 500 company, which leaves little time for writing. I write a couple of hours a day, usually late at night when everyone else is sleeping. But sometimes I write in short 5-15 minute increments, whenever I have down time –in a doctor’s office, waiting for my car to be repaired, when I’m getting a pedicure.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I have characters that have popped up in my books that I’m dying to know more about and look forward to giving them their own story. One is Caleb Stone, who unexpectedly made an appearance in CROSS WAVES, the second book in my Mind Hackers series. Caleb is described as a creature of nighttime dreams and shadows, more figment of imagination than real substance. Now, I want to know who is he and what makes him tick. I will look forward to writing his story one day to find out!

What is your definition of success?

If I leave this world tomorrow, I will have no regrets. To me that is success. And this has nothing to do with writing. I focus on living in the moment, spreading love and light, praying often, keeping a strong faith, and making friends along the way.

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

I work hard on improving my craft and writing the best book that I can write. All my books have won awards. You can read about them on my website at: https://amandauhl.com/awards/

What are your social links?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandauhlauthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AuAuthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandauhlauthor/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amandauhlauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amanda-uhl
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15698518.Amanda_Uhl

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

https://books2read.com/ap/n6zVzr/Amanda-Uhl

https://www.audible.com/author/Amanda-Uhl/B01LSXEDQE

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.