An Interview with Author Ashley Amber

Ashley Amber is a 26-year-old author who calls Boston home. Whether it was her first picture book that she entered in a Reading Rainbow contest at 9 years old, loads of fanfiction as a teenager, or her own novels, Ashley has always been writing. When she’s not writing, she’s making videos as an “Authortuber.” Ashley is currently expanding her writing credentials while she seeks a home in publishing for her LGBTQ book series.

Q: Describe your AuthorTube channel in 20 words or less:

Writing rambles, honest opinions, sometimes bad lighting.

Q: What motivated you to create an AuthorTube channel?

Making videos is something I’ve actually always wanted to do, but always had an excuse not to. But after discovering the Authortube side of Youtube, I decided I finally wanted to give it a try.

Q: What do you hope viewers will take away from your channel?

I hope viewers feel like they can get to know me more through my videos. I feel like sometimes writers have a disadvantage, readers only knowing them through their words on paper. By making videos, people can not only know my writing, but know my voice and face and personality.

Q: Where does your inspiration come from in your writing?

Almost always real life. Like “Castle,” for example, was loosely based on myself and a real-life church in Boston.

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Q: Do you have a favorite short story you’ve written?

My favorite short story I’ve written is one I’m actually still waiting to see published. I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but it centers around a world famous singer in major need of a reality check from the most unexpected source. I like to describe it as A Christmas Carol meets Teen Beach Movie. I’m hoping it will be out in the world sometime next year!

Q: Do you prefer to draw from real life in your writing or make believe?

Again, always real life! I tend to take real-life experiences and twist them just enough to fit into my writing. My favorite thing to do in my writing is quote real-life people word-for-word, which happens a couple times in “Castle” and plenty of times in the book series I’m writing.

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Q: What have you found most challenging about being a writer?

Honestly, the most challenging part about being a writer is staying a writer. It can be such a daunting and unpredictable job, and there were plenty of times I gave up or threw it on the back burner to pursue other career paths, but I’ve realized I love writing far too much to not make a living at it. So, here I am on my second go-around attempting to make this my career!

Q: Do you have a favorite character you’ve created?

I have a character named Kenna, who I’ve given just a glimpse of on Instagram, and she’s a favorite because there’s a bit of me in her. Also the main character of my book series, Noah, has always had a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to introduce him to the world.

Q: What do you want readers to take away from your writing?

For my book series, I want people to remember that love is love, plain and simple. When it comes to my short stories, I hope people enjoy the slight sense of whimsy in them. 

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Q: What’s on your current reading list?

A book I’m still trying to find the time to read is Nothing General About It by Maurice Benard.

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Q: What’s your next project?

While I’m still in the querying process for my book series and the aforementioned short story, I do have two articles being published on different platforms soon, plus I’m excited to launch my first-ever Patreon in the new year!

Q: Where can readers keep up with your work (website, social media, etc)?

I post loads of updates on Instagram and Twitter: @AshleyAmberAuth
I also write a new blog post on my website every month! www.ashleyamberauthor.com

Q: Any closing remarks?

I’m so excited to get more writing out into the world soon and let everyone get to know me through my Authortube videos!

Thank you again for having me, Heidi!

Visit Ashley’s AuthorTube Channel

Read Ashley’s Second Place Short Story

Guest Post: Castle, a Short Story by Ashley Amber

Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the November Short Story Contest. The 2nd place featured entry is: Castle by Ashley Amber Ashley Amber is a 26-year-old author who calls Boston home. Whether it was her first picture book that she entered in a Reading Rainbow contest at 9 years old, loads of fanfiction…

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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.

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