An Interview with Reader Reviews

I was very happy to be interviewed by Reader Review recently and discuss "An Essential Song" with them! Here's a few excerpts:

Welcome Amy and thank you for being with us today!  Why don’t you start by telling our readers a bit about your journey to becoming a published author? 
One of the tools I utilized with my bereavement counselor and trauma specialist was writing. I began writing a story about my husband Leon’s death and put it aside when I met my next life partner, Ben. I picked up the story again after Ben died, then put it back in the folder. When the bereavement counselor and trauma specialist retired, I picked up the story again to bring it to fruition, so I could thank them while they’re still alive.

What was your biggest challenge writing “An Essential Song?”
My biggest challenge was discovering a way to tell an honest story that contains sadness without being too heavy for the reader. The idea to utilize colorful illustrations helped me create images that could gently hold the reader with me.

Is there a certain author or book that has most influenced your life?
The book that has meant the most to me throughout my life is “The Little Prince.” I treasure the quote, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” It was thrilling to receive permission from Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s family to include this quotation in my book’s preface. I chose the word essential to be part of my book’s title.

What do you like to do in your free time? 
I teach and play mah jongg. I also run a music program where we sing for joy. I’m the percussionist as well. In addition, I’m a cyclist. I ride my bike instead of driving my car whenever weather permits. I call myself the ‘wicked witch of the North Shore’.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, about writing, or about life in general? 
All roads lead to where you are now.

To read the full interview click here




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