Welcome all.
Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing A.M. Myers, author of The Hidden Scars series
Hi A.M., thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Hi, thanks for having me! Let’s see, where to start? I was born in Lincoln, NE but did most of my growing up in a small little town in Wyoming, just a hour or so away from Yellowstone National Park. I met my husband in high school and we’ve been together for ten years now. We have two little boys and a giant pit bull who is really like my third baby.
What were you like at school?
I was pretty shy, still am actually. It usually takes me a little bit of time to warm up to someone and be myself. I took a lot of creative classes like photography and graphic design.
Were you good at English?
Yes. English has always been easy for me and it’s the way that I best express myself. I took several creative writing classes and was on the newspaper for my high school.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
My biggest goal is to just be able to take care of my family doing what I love but of course I’d love to see my name up on a bestseller list one day.
Which writers inspire you?
Jodi Ellen Malpas, K. Bromberg and Ahren Sanders are some of my favorites
My biggest goal is to just be able to take care of my family doing what I love but of course I’d love to see my name up on a bestseller list one day.
Which writers inspire you?
Jodi Ellen Malpas, K. Bromberg and Ahren Sanders are some of my favorites
So, what have you written?
I’m just finishing up the Hidden Scars Series, which includes Hidden Scars, Collateral Damage, and Evading Fate.
Where can we buy or see them?
Hidden Scars:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014B6KFJE
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014B6KFJE
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014B6KFJE
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B014B6KFJE
Collateral Damage:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G9FOS20
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G9FOS20
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01G9FOS20
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01G9FOS20
Evading Fate:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0GKMU0
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L0GKMU0
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01L0GKMU0
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01L0GKMU0
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
For my first book, Hidden Scars, Emma is special because she continues fighting even when she’s been through a whole lot of shit and it would be easier to give up. She holds out hope when she has no reason to. Daisy is one of Emma’s best friends and the focus of book two, Collateral Damage. She’s such a strong person but she shows that strength with grace and patience. When Tucker isn’t willing to give her what she knows she deserves, she stands strong and holds out until she does.
I’m just finishing up the Hidden Scars Series, which includes Hidden Scars, Collateral Damage, and Evading Fate.
Where can we buy or see them?
Hidden Scars:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014B6KFJE
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014B6KFJE
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014B6KFJE
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B014B6KFJE
Collateral Damage:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G9FOS20
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G9FOS20
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01G9FOS20
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01G9FOS20
Evading Fate:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0GKMU0
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L0GKMU0
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01L0GKMU0
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01L0GKMU0
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
For my first book, Hidden Scars, Emma is special because she continues fighting even when she’s been through a whole lot of shit and it would be easier to give up. She holds out hope when she has no reason to. Daisy is one of Emma’s best friends and the focus of book two, Collateral Damage. She’s such a strong person but she shows that strength with grace and patience. When Tucker isn’t willing to give her what she knows she deserves, she stands strong and holds out until she does.
What are you working on at this minute?
I am finishing up Evading Fate, the third and final book in the Hidden Scars series. I’m also starting a new series with the MC boys introduced in Hidden Scars. I’m really excited to dive into the first book, Hopelessly Devoted.
What genre are your books?
They are Romantic Suspense or Contemporary Romance
What draws you to this genre?
I like the drama and I think I’ve probably watched too many cop shows.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
While I was writing Evading Fate, I imagined Blake Lively as Addy but I’m not sure who I would have for Trey.
How much research do you do?
It varies with each book. I usually just read about a topic until I feel like I know enough to do the story justice.
Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?
No
When did you decide to become a writer?
I don’t know that it was something I ever decided. I always had an overactive imagination and I always expressed myself best in writing so it just seemed natural. I think the thing that really pushed me into it though was this assignment I had to write a poem in sixth grade. My poem was published in this collection and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever.
Why do you write?
I write because I have to. The ideas just come to me and I have to tell them
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
I was going through something personally and when I didn’t know how to deal with it all, I started writing. Not long after that, I realized that I could do this as a career.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I try to write full time but I do have two little boys that need lots of attention. Also, promoting my books takes a lot more work than I think a lot of people realize.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
My mornings are spent answering emails, posting about my books in groups and doing any other stuff that needs to be done and then once my kids go down for their naps, I write.
Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I try to write everyday but sometimes I don’t – just depends on the day.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
I usually shoot for 2500 words a day. That keeps me on track but isn’t overwhelming.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
Computer
Where do your ideas come from?
All over the place. I’ve always had an overactive imagination and I’ll see people on the street and build an entire life for them, or I’ll see an episode of something on TV and think “that would be so much better if…”. Most of the time though, my ideas just come from my head. I always seem to be lost in a daydream.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I do work from an outline but that doesn’t always work out the way you think it will. Sometimes when you’re writing, you have to let the characters take control a little bit. On my upcoming release, I was writing away but it just wasn’t working and I ended up reworking the entire plot on the spot.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I think I can see how the story comes together much better now. When I was writing my first book, I felt like it was kind of a runaway train and then magically, it all came together in the end. Now, when I start a book, I’m better at seeing the ending.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Self-doubt. For me, I start to feel like I’m saying the same thing over and over again or I start to worry that what’s in my head isn’t translating to the page. It isn’t until I send it off to my betas and they get back to me do I start to feel more confident in what I wrote.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
The hardest part was trying to work with the original plot I had thought up. It wasn’t true to me or my characters and it took me a little time to see that.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
I’m not sure that there is an easy part to writing. I’m pouring my soul out onto a page and then sending it out into the world but my love for what I do and my readers makes all the hard work more than worth it.
I am finishing up Evading Fate, the third and final book in the Hidden Scars series. I’m also starting a new series with the MC boys introduced in Hidden Scars. I’m really excited to dive into the first book, Hopelessly Devoted.
What genre are your books?
They are Romantic Suspense or Contemporary Romance
What draws you to this genre?
I like the drama and I think I’ve probably watched too many cop shows.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
While I was writing Evading Fate, I imagined Blake Lively as Addy but I’m not sure who I would have for Trey.
How much research do you do?
It varies with each book. I usually just read about a topic until I feel like I know enough to do the story justice.
Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?
No
When did you decide to become a writer?
I don’t know that it was something I ever decided. I always had an overactive imagination and I always expressed myself best in writing so it just seemed natural. I think the thing that really pushed me into it though was this assignment I had to write a poem in sixth grade. My poem was published in this collection and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever.
Why do you write?
I write because I have to. The ideas just come to me and I have to tell them
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
I was going through something personally and when I didn’t know how to deal with it all, I started writing. Not long after that, I realized that I could do this as a career.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I try to write full time but I do have two little boys that need lots of attention. Also, promoting my books takes a lot more work than I think a lot of people realize.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
My mornings are spent answering emails, posting about my books in groups and doing any other stuff that needs to be done and then once my kids go down for their naps, I write.
Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I try to write everyday but sometimes I don’t – just depends on the day.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
I usually shoot for 2500 words a day. That keeps me on track but isn’t overwhelming.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
Computer
Where do your ideas come from?
All over the place. I’ve always had an overactive imagination and I’ll see people on the street and build an entire life for them, or I’ll see an episode of something on TV and think “that would be so much better if…”. Most of the time though, my ideas just come from my head. I always seem to be lost in a daydream.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I do work from an outline but that doesn’t always work out the way you think it will. Sometimes when you’re writing, you have to let the characters take control a little bit. On my upcoming release, I was writing away but it just wasn’t working and I ended up reworking the entire plot on the spot.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I think I can see how the story comes together much better now. When I was writing my first book, I felt like it was kind of a runaway train and then magically, it all came together in the end. Now, when I start a book, I’m better at seeing the ending.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Self-doubt. For me, I start to feel like I’m saying the same thing over and over again or I start to worry that what’s in my head isn’t translating to the page. It isn’t until I send it off to my betas and they get back to me do I start to feel more confident in what I wrote.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
The hardest part was trying to work with the original plot I had thought up. It wasn’t true to me or my characters and it took me a little time to see that.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
I’m not sure that there is an easy part to writing. I’m pouring my soul out onto a page and then sending it out into the world but my love for what I do and my readers makes all the hard work more than worth it.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I give myself six weeks to write each book, sometimes I write faster, sometimes it takes longer.
Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Oh, yes.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I just force myself to keep writing. I’ll be sitting there going “this is complete shit” but I just keep writing. Then, after I walk away from it, I usually come up with a way to fix the scene and it all starts flowing again.
If this book is part of a series, tell us a little about it?
The Hidden Scars series is a three book series of connected standalones that follow three siblings, Emma, Tucker, and Trey, as they each fight for love and family. It has an incredible cast of characters that you can’t help but love.
What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
I love it. It’s hard to keep all the details straight sometimes but I know these characters so well and I’m going to miss writing about them.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
I read a lot. My absolute favorite is Jodi Ellen Malpas.
For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I could go either way. Sometimes it’s easier to use ebooks with two little boys running around.
What book/s are you reading at present?
I just started Down Shift by K. Bromberg
Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I pay someone to do that. It’s essential to putting out a good book
Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
Not usually. I’m the queen of second guessing myself so it would drive me crazy. My betas are usually the biggest help in finding issues.
Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?
Nicole Bailey with Proof Before You Publish. She was recommended by another author
Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.
So, for the cover of Hidden Scars, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted but my cover designer is amazing and worked with me. After that the ideas for the following two books just developed naturally. Since Collateral Damage and Evading Fate are focused around Emma’s brothers, I wanted guys on those covers and I wanted to the colors to work together without being too matchy.
Who designed your book cover/s?
Renee Ericson with Recreatives
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Absolutely.
How are you publishing this book and why?
I’m an indie author all the way.
What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
I actually prefer self-publishing. I’ve done a lot of research into getting traditionally published because for so long that was the only way but I just didn’t see the benefits of doing that. I would give up a lot of the control I have with self-publishing and a lot of the money but still have to do my own marketing. Honestly, I didn’t see the benefit.
I give myself six weeks to write each book, sometimes I write faster, sometimes it takes longer.
Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Oh, yes.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I just force myself to keep writing. I’ll be sitting there going “this is complete shit” but I just keep writing. Then, after I walk away from it, I usually come up with a way to fix the scene and it all starts flowing again.
If this book is part of a series, tell us a little about it?
The Hidden Scars series is a three book series of connected standalones that follow three siblings, Emma, Tucker, and Trey, as they each fight for love and family. It has an incredible cast of characters that you can’t help but love.
What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
I love it. It’s hard to keep all the details straight sometimes but I know these characters so well and I’m going to miss writing about them.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
I read a lot. My absolute favorite is Jodi Ellen Malpas.
For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I could go either way. Sometimes it’s easier to use ebooks with two little boys running around.
What book/s are you reading at present?
I just started Down Shift by K. Bromberg
Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I pay someone to do that. It’s essential to putting out a good book
Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
Not usually. I’m the queen of second guessing myself so it would drive me crazy. My betas are usually the biggest help in finding issues.
Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?
Nicole Bailey with Proof Before You Publish. She was recommended by another author
Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.
So, for the cover of Hidden Scars, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted but my cover designer is amazing and worked with me. After that the ideas for the following two books just developed naturally. Since Collateral Damage and Evading Fate are focused around Emma’s brothers, I wanted guys on those covers and I wanted to the colors to work together without being too matchy.
Who designed your book cover/s?
Renee Ericson with Recreatives
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Absolutely.
How are you publishing this book and why?
I’m an indie author all the way.
What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
I actually prefer self-publishing. I’ve done a lot of research into getting traditionally published because for so long that was the only way but I just didn’t see the benefits of doing that. I would give up a lot of the control I have with self-publishing and a lot of the money but still have to do my own marketing. Honestly, I didn’t see the benefit.
How do you market your books?
I use facebook ads and post in book groups.
Why did you choose this route?
It was kind of all I knew at the time. I’m sure that as I learn more, I’ll find new ways to advertise my books
Would you or do you use a PR agency?
I actually just started working with The Hype PR for the release of Evading Fate
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Just don’t give up. The biggest thing that’s going to kill you is giving up. If you’re not happy with your sales, do research and find ways that have worked for other authors. Google is your friend.
What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Usually most of the morning is devoted to promoting.
What do you do to get book reviews?
Beg and plead…just kidding (kind of). I usually try to get a good group of people to send ARCs to that will post a review on release day and then I hold contests contingent on reaching a certain number of reviews.
How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
Eh. Sometimes it goes really well and other times, not so much
Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
For my ARC reviewers, I stick to the people in my fan group or on my author page
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
You have to accept the good with the bad. I went into this knowing that not everyone was going to love my books and that’s okay. I was overwhelmed by the response from people who said they loved the book or it was the best book they’ve read this year and that helps balance out the bad ones. Some of them, you just have to laugh at.
What’s your views on social media for marketing?
I think it’s so important and something that I need to get better at doing.
Which social network worked best for you?
Facebook
Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
Putting my books up for free for a couple days had a huge impact on sales. My KU reads jumped up and stayed up for a while. The thing is, I only offer my books for free once but I think that helps drive sales up too.
Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
Giving away so many free books. I know it’s tempting to do because you think those people might leave a review or tell their friends but that rarely happens (at least in my case).
Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
They are just being drowned out and I think a lot of people are hesitant to try a new author.
What do you think of “trailers” for books?
Love them!
Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?
I do!
Hidden Scars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UPtaI3JZgs
Collateral Damage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRjsxxz_tXA
Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
If you do it through Amazon, yes.
Did you format your own book?
I do.
In what formats is your book available?
It’s available on Amazon and in paperback
How do you relax?
I’m a huge movie buff and I love to read or go out and do stuff with my family
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Perfection is not attainable but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence – Vince Lombardi
What is your favorite book and why?
I’ve read way too many books to just pick one but I love the This Man trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Flowers for Algernon, and the Harry Potter series.
Where can you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Hopefully, on a bestsellers list.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I have over 200 movies in my personal collection. I can’t pick one.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop stressing. Things work out how they are supposed to.
I use facebook ads and post in book groups.
Why did you choose this route?
It was kind of all I knew at the time. I’m sure that as I learn more, I’ll find new ways to advertise my books
Would you or do you use a PR agency?
I actually just started working with The Hype PR for the release of Evading Fate
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Just don’t give up. The biggest thing that’s going to kill you is giving up. If you’re not happy with your sales, do research and find ways that have worked for other authors. Google is your friend.
What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Usually most of the morning is devoted to promoting.
What do you do to get book reviews?
Beg and plead…just kidding (kind of). I usually try to get a good group of people to send ARCs to that will post a review on release day and then I hold contests contingent on reaching a certain number of reviews.
How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
Eh. Sometimes it goes really well and other times, not so much
Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
For my ARC reviewers, I stick to the people in my fan group or on my author page
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
You have to accept the good with the bad. I went into this knowing that not everyone was going to love my books and that’s okay. I was overwhelmed by the response from people who said they loved the book or it was the best book they’ve read this year and that helps balance out the bad ones. Some of them, you just have to laugh at.
What’s your views on social media for marketing?
I think it’s so important and something that I need to get better at doing.
Which social network worked best for you?
Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
Putting my books up for free for a couple days had a huge impact on sales. My KU reads jumped up and stayed up for a while. The thing is, I only offer my books for free once but I think that helps drive sales up too.
Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
Giving away so many free books. I know it’s tempting to do because you think those people might leave a review or tell their friends but that rarely happens (at least in my case).
Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
They are just being drowned out and I think a lot of people are hesitant to try a new author.
What do you think of “trailers” for books?
Love them!
Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?
I do!
Hidden Scars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UPtaI3JZgs
Collateral Damage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRjsxxz_tXA
Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
If you do it through Amazon, yes.
Did you format your own book?
I do.
In what formats is your book available?
It’s available on Amazon and in paperback
How do you relax?
I’m a huge movie buff and I love to read or go out and do stuff with my family
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Perfection is not attainable but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence – Vince Lombardi
What is your favorite book and why?
I’ve read way too many books to just pick one but I love the This Man trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Flowers for Algernon, and the Harry Potter series.
Where can you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Hopefully, on a bestsellers list.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I have over 200 movies in my personal collection. I can’t pick one.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop stressing. Things work out how they are supposed to.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Lucille Ball. I absolutely freaking love her.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep pushing forward. It’s not going to be easy but if you work hard, you can do this.
Lucille Ball. I absolutely freaking love her.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep pushing forward. It’s not going to be easy but if you work hard, you can do this.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorammyers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorammyers
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Myers/e/B00OPLCL20/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1476712339&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3975855.A_M_Myers
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorammyers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorammyers
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Myers/e/B00OPLCL20/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1476712339&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3975855.A_M_Myers
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
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