Amber West | Author

Author

Sep 20

Written By R. Skye

1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

I don't know that there was anything specific externally that inspired me to create. I was always a very "in my head" kid, and I had a terrible time falling asleep, so making up stories was just second nature. I didn't even play MASH like a normal kid. I had to deliver the results in story form.
I was always fascinated by all kinds of art - I was the kid on field trips to the museum who was over-analyzing the paintings - but I quickly learned I was much better with words than most of the visual arts. (I can make a pretty great stick figure, though.)
Over time, some of the words I read inspired me even more. I always gravitated toward plays (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is one of my all time faves), and I think that's reflected in how dialogue heavy my writing is.

2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?

My latest release is a romantic comedy called Love, Loss, & Lists. That story was born from a tweet, actually. I made a joke online about wanting two actors - Kyle Chandler and Ron Livingston - to be cast as brothers in a romantic comedy, and quite a few people loved the idea. It was stuck in my head at that point, and since I don't make moves/TV, I did the next best thing. I wrote it.
My creative process is pretty fluid. I'm an avid pantser. An idea pops in my head and then I sort of just turn on the movie and watch. My first novel was actually based on a weird nightmare I had.
I'm also super visual - I can see and hear the story play in my head, so writing it is essentially transcribing what I see and hear. I also find that the story comes together more clearly when I really know the characters well. So, for every little thing the reader gets on the page, there's tons of back story in my head about these characters. I also have a tendency to "cast" roles in my stories, so sometimes I'll watch interviews with actors that give me a feel for the specific cadence/rhythm in their speech and mannerisms, which helps make the characters feel more real.

3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

I tend to write pretty light-hearted fare - what some would call beach reads, I guess? But I do like to add realism into my characters. Mental health is a big one for me, and I like to include characters that are neurodivergent. In all my work, I also like to highlight characters who are imperfect, but doing their best to be good humans, especially to each other.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?

Don't get bogged down in advice. :)
But seriously, there are a LOT of people out there telling you what you should or shouldn't do. Write every day. Set word count goals. And that might work for some. And it doesn't work for others. I'm all for being informed and doing your research, but it's important to not let it overwhelm you to a point that you're too paralyzed to do the work. Learn what works for you and just create. Worry about the rest later.

5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?

I love the freedom that comes with it, and when it's done right, it's hard work. People should never discount indies, because they are often truly a one-man show putting out amazing work. I also love that indie publishing has opened the way to more marginalized writers getting their work out there to audiences.

6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?

Social media has been a great way to connect with readers. I have a love/hate relationship with social media, but the ability to find and connect with an audience is super valuable. I love when readers contact me to tell me how some part of a story connected with something very personal in their life. One of the highlights was when Wil Wheaton (nerds know who that is) shared a line from my first novel on Facebook - and I had no idea until I started getting messages out of nowhere from people I hadn't heard from in years who saw it.

7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?

Touch grass. No, seriously. Get outside. Go for a walk, listen to music, go to a museum. I feel like burnout tends to happen if all I'm doing is sitting in front of a screen.

8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?

I'm currently in edits for my next romantic comedy, which is a follow up to my latest release. I had no intentions of doing a follow up, but quite a few readers contacted me because they fell in love with one of the characters and wanted to see him get his HEA.
I have a few other ideas on the back burner and this last project has been so much fun to write, I'm looking forward to jumping into the next one.

9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?

Fun fact: I'm related to William Shakespeare. I didn't know this until later in life, but I was that weirdo kid that was obsessed with Much Ado About Nothing and many other plays, and there are some silly ways that I'd say he's a creative influence. I don't know if he directly shaped my work or style, but I love writing banter, so maybe he has.

10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?