Amy T. Bio Photo.jpg — Amy Trueblood

author of Nothing but Sky, out March 27
Author, I Never is a segment in which I interview fellow authors about the writing process, breaking into the industry, and breaking rules. I ask some hopefully novel questions along with some of the old standards, and finish it up with a round of I Never to find out what cardinal writing rules we've broken.

Question the first: Amy, when did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

When I was about five or six I was obsessed with the Disney record/read-along books. I would spend hours listening to them and then making up my own stories for what happened after the stories ended (the evil stepmother in Cinderella went to the dungeon. The seven dwarves lived at the palace with Snow White, etc.) I think I knew then I wanted to be a writer in some capacity.

They need to bring those books back. You will know it is time to turn the page when you hear the chime ring, like this. Question the second: What has been your proudest or most exciting moment as an author so far?

This has been a journey that my family has supported from the beginning, so I think the highlight was making the phone calls to tell them I sold my book.

I love that! Question the third: At what point did you think to yourself "I've made it" or at what point do you think you'll feel that way?

Hmmm. I’m not sure I will ever feel this way. I really just want to write books that people fall in love with.

Question the fourth: Did any experienced authors or industry people mentor or give you helpful guidance on your journey to publication?

Yes, too many to count. I credit most of the people who said “yes” to the first interviews in the “Writer Odyssey Wednesday” series on my blog. Those people showed me that the path to publishing can be arduous but if you stick with it your dreams CAN come true!

That's so encouraging! Question the fifth: Have you ever had a time when you've felt like giving up?

Most people won’t believe this, but no. I have always wanted this dream, and I knew if I gave up I’d never see my words in print one day.

I love that. Question the sixth: What was the most inconvenient time or place you were struck by inspiration?

It always seems to happen to me on the freeway going at about 70 miles an hour (LOL!) I find myself pulling over a lot to put notes in my phone.

Question the seventh: Can you give us hint to help us find an "easter egg" or hidden item to look for in one of your books? Maybe an obscure clue if there's a mystery thread, or a reference you threw in to a favorite book or song?

There are little nods to people or things I love all over NOTHING BUT SKY. I’ve actually challenged my family to try and find them as they read.

That's so fun! Speaking of fun, it's time for the...

I NEVER ROUND

I never made up a word in my manuscript, and stood by it during copyediting.

Um, no. When you write historical, copy editors go through your words with a keen eye for time-appropriate language so I couldn’t get away with it.

Those jelly beans really gum up the works sometimes. I never had an amazing idea right before bed, and decided sleep was more important.

Nope. If I have an idea, I get up and write it down.

A keen idea if I ever heard one! I never started a story with a character waking up, looking in the mirror, or in a bathtub.

In my very first manuscript I had my character wake up from a dream which I think is just as bad as the examples mentioned above.

You and me both, pally! I never worked on two manuscripts at once.

Yes, I have done this. And they were in two different categories, genres, and different POVs! I seem to like torturing myself!

And how! I never went several days or even weeks without writing.

Yes, I often take breaks. I once had a writer tell me that everyone needs time to “refill their creative well” and I truly believe this.

Sounds aces. I never wrote "for a long moment."

Not that I can remember.

I never cheated during NaNoWriMo.

Never. In fact, I’ve only tried to Nano once and it’s not something that works for me.

Not everyone finds it a gas!

Phew! Not sure I did that right. Thank you so much for appearing in Author, I Never! When and where can we look for, preorder, or buy your next or most recent book, and where can we follow you on social media?

NOTHING BUT SKY (Flux) releases March 27, 2018