Interview with Amy Edwards

Author of The Trouble With Becoming A Witch

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from Killeen, Texas and have lived in Austin, Texas since 1994.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

Still a central Texas girl! Moved to Austin after college graduation.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I always felt a strong drive to write a book. Could be because I saw my mother writing growing up (she was never published but was a writer and a poet). I wrote this book years ago and decided to do something with it!

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

A story of transformation. It’s about how exploring who you are and new things in your life can make others uncomfortable and cause upheaval and change.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Most likely women in their thirties and forties who have lived to please others but are realizing that they can live life on their own terms.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

It takes much longer than I ever dreamed! But I also learned how gratifying the process is if you stick with it. Don’t give up!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I love this question.I still need the advice now…. just don’t stop. Consistency is better than perfection. Never stop, never let the fear or doubt win.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

The whole fucking world.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Overcoming fear and the task of publishing. Getting into the industry is challenging and takes work and tenacity.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) Sitting down and doing it. b) Understanding and breaking into the industry. Still working on this one. c) Understanding algorithms and working on getting heard in a noisy world.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

All of these have similar challenges- finding time as this is not my main gig right yet. Figuring out the book industry has been extremely challenging. When you start as an indie author, it’s tough to go it alone. It’s helpful to seek out communities that have resources.

When do you think you will write your next book?

It’s already written. Now when will it be published? That’s the question!

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Hybrid.