About Amanda Gibson:
Amanda Gibson was born in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Columbus, Ohio before returning to Chicago to earn her Master of Arts in Writing and Publishing. She enjoyed getting to write about the city in her first young adult novel, Children of Guerra. Young adult books are her passion, and she loves the message of hope that is inherent in every single one. Whether it’s science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary, she’ll read anything with a good love story. She still lives in Chicago with her husband and two obligatory cats.
What inspires you to write?
Movies inspire me to write more than anything else. Leaving the theater with that feeling of having experienced someone else’s story – it makes me need to tell a story too.
Tell us about your writing process.
I never outline. I probably should. But I always dive right in and decide to solve my problems later. It sometimes makes a mess. But I know if I outlined I wouldn’t stick to it. Writing surprises you and changes course constantly. It’s one of my favorite things about it.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I listen and talk to my characters daily. I have conversations with them when I’m lying awake at night, and they follow me everywhere. I’m far too attached to them for my own good.
What advice would you give other writers?
Forgive yourself for the days you don’t write. Fight against the desire to stop altogether.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I couldn’t wait to get my story out there, and there’s far too much waiting these days, with agents, editors, and publishers. I might not have the power of a publisher behind me, but I get to have the story my way and in my timeframe.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think it’s never as bleak as people want to make it sound. We all love good stories, and we’ll love them forever. Modes of consumption naturally change, but we’ll never stop caring about the content.
What genres do you write?: Young Adult
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Amanda Gibson Home Page Link
