Amy C Crooks Interview

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer?

Ans. I've been a genealogist for over twenty years. After collecting thousands of names, dates, places, photos, and stories, I needed a way to showcase all the amazing stories I had uncovered. What better way than writing about my ancestors? I began writing book both non-fiction and fiction (or a mix) about a year ago. Once I published that first book, I was hooked, and the others started coming along shortly after.

Q. What genre(s) do you primarily write in, and what draws you to that particular genre?

Ans. Historical fiction and non-fiction as well as some historical romance

Q. What is your favorite book, and what about it resonates with you the most?

Ans. Oh my, that is so hard to answer. The Last Wagon, is my only (published--working on several) non-fiction and it shares not only the stories, photos, and history of my Romani traveler ancestors but also how I came to discover them. It was my first book, and I would say probably my favorite. Not so much for the writing, because that I would improve now, but more for the story itself.

Q. Who is your favorite author, and how have they influenced your writing?

Ans. Nora Roberts has always been my favorite author overall . The humor that is lightly sprinkled throughout her books it what I think draws me to her the most. Though for historical fiction Krista Hannah, and it was her book Four Winds. I cried at that one. When an author can make me laugh or cry, they've won me for life. I try my best to add a little of that in my book. I probably do better at the crying than the humor in my books.

Q. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or hobbies?

Ans. Balance? Hah, like standing on a tightrope juggling glass balls. I work full-time, write the rest of the time, and help raise my granddaughter.

Q. How do you show appreciation and love to your followers and readers? Do you actively engage with them on social media or through other means?

Ans. I do a newsletter one or two days per week. I have Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram where I interact with my fans.

Q. What do you enjoy most about being an author, and what keeps you motivated to continue writing?

Ans. I love sharing the stories of my ancestors in a way that other people can enjoy, even if they are not related. To be able to take the data of a person's life and maybe a piece of a story or newspaper article and turn it into a full-size novel is just magic.

Q. Have you ever faced writer's block, and if so, how do you overcome it?

Ans. Yes, and that's why it took me years to finish my first few books. I would get them partway and not know where to go when I was stumped. I joined writer groups and made some great new friends who have provided support. Plus, now that I'm near retirement and want to say goodbye to the 9-5 in four years before retirement age, I found I was more motivated to get through it.

Q. Can you share any interesting or funny anecdotes from your writing journey?

Ans. I think the most interesting moment I've had was when a co-worker read one of my books and she messaged me with "OMG! I can actually hear you saying this."

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

Ans. First, don't be too hard on yourself. We are always our own worst critics. I'm not saying publish garbage, but if you have written a well though out story, received feedback from some test readers, and edited the crap out of it, then it's time to let it fly. Second, you will get better the more you practice. Third, don't get sucked in with all the latest advertising gimmicks; focus on building a loyal readership--newsletter, newsletters, newsletters!

Q. Do you have any upcoming projects or works in progress that you'd like to share with your readers?

Ans. Yes, I am currently working on a series regarding my Beeson ancestors. The Fading Light is available for pre-order on Amazon and will be released May 25th. It honors my patriot ancestor, for whom I entered the Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of, but the story is told from his mother and second wife's POV. I'm also working on a reader magnet for it, and there will be more books in the series. I'm also working on a few other books that will be non-fiction about my and my husband's ancestors. Yes, there are a lot of irons in the fire.

Q. Finally, what are your goals and aspirations as a writer? Where do you see yourself and your writing career in the future?

Ans. My goal right now is to have enough income from my books to replace my current income so that I can travel with my husband in four years when he retires. Longer than that, to be able to write all the stories gathering dust in my research and publish them for my audience before time runs out.