I’m proud to feature Amy R. Anguish and her new book, For Better or For Granted, for April’s special guest highlight. Amy is my friend. She’s written several wonderful contemporary romances, and she’s also an editor for Scrivenings Press. It’s been a delight getting to know her as a friend and in her role as an editor for A Gift for All Time, when my novella was included in this Christmas novella collection.
Amy’s new book provides a twist on a contemporary romance. The main characters are married, but the marriage is falling apart. What are they going to do about it?
Scott and Genevieve Stewart haven’t even made it to five years of marriage and are already facing the possibility of divorce. But their friends and family refuse to let them give up. They have to decide if it’s worth it to fight for their marriage or if they’ve taken each other for granted too long.
And the fun begins…
What are you working on right now?
I’m about to start a new novella. It’s set at Valentine’s day and includes a hamster and a Kindergarten classroom. Set to release next February. Should be lots of fun.
Tell us about your next writing project.
I’m hoping to write a second fairytale retelling this year. Last year I tackled a Cinderella story and had a blast. This year, I’m aiming for Snow White with a possible guest appearance of Red Riding Hood. And if I can find time to write two books, maybe I can do my Beauty and the Beast retelling too. I’m having lots of fun with these stories.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
Josephine March from Little Women. I love her spunk, her creativity, her passion, her go-get-it-ness, and her honesty. And I adore who she ends up with in the end of the book.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go and why?
There are quite a few places I would like to go honestly, but I guess maybe England. I love reading books set over there and would love to see/experience the country for myself.
If you could have an unlimited supply of money for the rest of your life, what would you do with it?
Quit working the jobs I don’t want to work and only do the ones I enjoy. And travel more.
How do you relax and recharge when you step away from writing?
Ironically, reading. Or is that ironic? I love to read and usually get through over a hundred books a year. It’s my way to relax and unwind as well as be entertained.
I also love to garden. There’s just something about pulling weeds and getting my fingers dirty. It grounds me, pardon the pun.
Describe what you feel is the hardest part about writing.
Finding the time to do it. At least at this phase in my life. I have two elementary school kids, four jobs, and am active with our church. It leaves not as much time for writing as I would like—especially since I like to write blitz-style (a whole book all at once, usually within a month).
What do you find is the greatest blessing of being a writer?
I have had people tell me that their book touched them. Some of my stories include pieces of my infertility journey. To have them say that it made them fell less alone—that made me feel all the agony of reliving those moments when writing them was worth it. Other of my stories include some of the struggles I’ve had growing up a preacher’s daughter. Or dealing with grief. To connect with others through fiction is an amazing experience.
Is there a genre you’d consider in the future that differs from that/those you do now?
I think it would be fun to write split time, but to be honest, writing the historical part intimidates me.
Which book or book series have you recently enjoyed reading?
I’ve really loved Pepper Basham’s Skymar series. It’s set on a fictional island is just so fun and quirky and funny.
What’s your best advice for other writers?
Read. Read a lot. Read across genres. Read good and bad. Because by seeing how other authors write, seeing what works and doesn’t, it helps you become a better author yourself.
Links to more information about Amy R. Anguish:
https://amyranguish.com
https://facebook.com/amyanguishauthor
Thank you so much for having me! I love having you as a friend too!