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Amber Lea Easton Interview 5/12/2013 6:59:45 AM
Multi-genre author, Amber Lea Easton discusses her latest release and the writing life! LTS: Whether you are a fan of fast-paced romantic suspense or prefer gripping tales of revenge and murder, today’s featured author has a real flair for writing on some very diverse subjects! I’d like to introduce you to multi-genre, multi-published author extraordinaire Amber Lea Easton. I’d like to begin by having you share a little information about yourself with our readers, Amber.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
ALE: Belly dancing is my newest passion. I perform in my first public show on May 11. Outside of that, I enjoy hiking, seeing movies, attending concerts (especially at outdoor amphitheaters in the summer), watching plays, socializing with friends and traveling whenever possible.
LTS: Has writing stories always been a part of your life and becoming a published author a lifelong dream?
ALE: Yes. I started scribbling stories in notebooks when I was 9 years old. I'd crawl out my bedroom window, sit on the roof of my parents' porch, stare at the horizon and let my mind go wild. For the longest time, it remained a hobby. I worked in journalism and marketing, always working on a manuscript in my off time. People who've known me for years aren't surprised that I've made this my profession.
LTS: I had a chance to read an excerpt of your latest novel, Reckless Endangerment, and I knew I had to feature you here to talk about this story. What was the inspiration behind this story and can you tell us a little bit about your protagonists, Michael Cedars and Hope Shane?
ALE: This story was inspired by real news headlines regarding soldiers returning home with PTSD and experiencing challenges adapting to civilian life. The human trafficking suspense plot was inspired by a documentary I saw entitled "Price of Sex" that left the entire theatre speechless. Sounds real romantic, right? Well, it is.
LTS: The story itself came to me thanks to the characters, Colonel Michael Cedars and Hope Shane. I thought to myself—why don't I explore an epic love story wrought with the challenges of wounded marine unsure how to deal with returning to the United States as a partially paralyzed civilian and his bigger-than-life wife Hope Shane who's caught up investigating a human trafficking ring? He wants to push her away from the very beginning because he's heard stories of former soldiers acting out in violence against their loved ones while caught up in a nightmare. He's also not sure where he fits in this "new normal" and doesn't want to be an anchor to her. She, on the other hand, is a determined woman who refuses to give up on him or the innocent victims of the human trafficking ring. As the danger of her story intensifies, their marriage is tested and lives are threatened. Hope questions if she's gone too far, risked too much, messed up her priorities. Michael questions if he's still the hero she believes him to be.
LTS: Without giving away too much, can you reveal what’s in store for the readers when they crack open Reckless Endangerment?
ALE: An emotional rollercoaster ride. It's an intense story, that's true. The subject matter isn't exactly generic, but I like taking risks with all of my stories. The reader can expect to encounter characters who feel real, who they will bond with and cheer for (at least that's what the early reviewers are saying), and a storyline that will echo current world issues. Reckless Endangerment is truly a story about heroes—the ordinary kind who are flawed, who we take for granted, who are all too human at times.
LTS: The road to publication is difficult at the best of times. What made you decide to take the indie route and self-publish your novels?
ALE: Well, actually, I'm both published and self-published. I've only self-published 'Reckless Endangerment'. I decided to go the indie route for this novel because I felt confident that my past experiences would lead me to produce a quality book and because I wanted creative control. As I mentioned above, this storyline pushes the boundaries of the romantic suspense genre and I didn't want to compromise the premise. I was scared, though, I'll tell you that! I've been accustomed to having a publisher at my back so going it alone was a frightening experience at first. Only time will tell if I made the right decision.
LTS: What is the best part of being an indie author? What is the worst?
ALE: That's a tough question. I think the best part of being an indie author is learning the full spectrum of publishing—from formatting to cover art to delivering the finished product to the world. As an author, it's comfortable to write, but the business end can feel intimidating. By going indie with this novel, I feel I have a better grasp of the entire process. The worst part? Honestly, it's the snotty comments I've been getting from my fellow published "friends" who can't figure out why I deviated from the norm. I'm surprised by their reaction, especially in today's world. As I said above, I think it is wise to diversify and not have all my eggs in one basket (pardon the cliche). Right now I'd say I feel comfortable both publishing and self-publishing. I signed a contract with a publisher for a New Adult Contemporary Romance series (first book out in late August 2013), but I also intend to self-publish another novel this summer. Diversification is wise—with portfolios and careers.
LTS: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on the road to publication?
ALE: It's vital to listen to your gut at every turn, trust yourself, take risks, and be open to feedback. A thick skin is also an essential element in this business. There will always be critics—usually from unexpected sources.
LTS: On the subject of writing styles, are you a plotter or pantser? The readers would like to know if you tend to plot out your story line in great detail or if your writing is more organic with the characters and events unfolding as you write.
ALE: I'm definitely a panster. I begin with characters, have an idea of the big picture, but let the details work themselves out as I write. Revision helps make it all cohesive. I'm one of the few authors I know who actually loves editing.
LTS: Some authors meditate, others need to fuel up on coffee or listen to music. Do you have any rituals, ones that can be shared with the readers, that you must do before you hunker down for a writing session?
ALE: Music is definitely a constant for me. I light a candle or incense, put on my headphones, choose the playlist that suits my mood, and tune out the rest of the world. I must have my soundtrack to write. The flip side is that I need absolute silence to revise—not sure why, but that's how it is.
LTS: At one time or another, most writers hit the wall and their work stalls because of the dreaded writer’s block. What do you do to get around or over this mental wall to resume writing?
ALE: Writing is how I break free—write something, anything, even if it's a journal entry or an idea for a freelance article. Write something. I have multiple projects going at once. Obviously, there's a main one that takes center stage, but I use the others when or if I get stuck. I write every day. If it's crap, I delete it the next day. I write. Every. Day.
LTS: Who is your favourite author and how has he/she inspired you to write or influenced your writing style or choice of genre?
ALE: Nora Roberts influenced my preferred genre. I became hooked on her work early on and have around 50 of her titles on my shelves. Before that—as in back when I was in middle school or so—Sidney Sheldon hooked me with his suspenseful tales.
LTS: What do you foresee in your future over the next five years? Can your fans expect a sequel to Reckless Endangerment in the near future?
ALE: I didn't plan on writing a sequel to Reckless Endangerment, but now that reviews are coming in asking for one, I might. No promises. I won't write one if it feels contrived.
