About Amy C. Blake…
I’m a pastor’s wife, writer, and homeschooling mom of four. I have a B.A. and an M.A. in English from Mississippi College. I’ve written short stories, devotionals, and articles for various publications. I’ve won writing awards at St. Davids Christian Writers Conference and West Branch Christian Writers Conference. Tricked(under the title The Trojan Horse Traitor) quarterfinaled in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2011. I’m represented by Jim Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.
I’m writing two series for the Christian market with homeschooled main characters, series that are enjoyable for everybody—homeschooled or not. My Levi Prince juvenile fantasy series follows thirteen-year-old Levi through his adventures in Terracaelum, a haven for mythical creatures. My agent is negotiating a contract for the first book in that series, Tricked; hopefully, it’ll come out in the fall of 2015. My On the Brink New Adult (older teen) suspense series follows the journeys of three homeschooled girls—Patience, Natalie, and Christy—as they step out on the brink of adulthood…and danger. The first book in that series,Whitewashed, releases February 15, 2015.
You can learn more about Amy C. Blake by visiting her blog at http://amycblake.com. You can also connect with her by liking her Facebook author page or by following her on Twitter.
About “Whitewashed”, Amy’s new adult suspense novel releasing February 15th…
In Whitewashed, eighteen-year-old Patience McDonough has a plan. Despite her parents’ objections, she will attend Verity College in Hades, Mississippi, and live with her grandparents. She’ll complete her degree in record time and go on to become a doctor. But things at the college are strangely neglected, her class work is unexpectedly hard, Grand gets called out-of-town, and Poppa starts acting weird—so weird she suspects he has Alzheimer’s. On top of that, she has to work extra hours at her student job inputting financial data for the college—boring! But soon her job gets more interesting than she’d like: she finds that millions of dollars are unaccounted for and that something creepy is going on in the Big House basement. She discovers secrets tying her family into the dark beginnings of Verity, founded on a slave plantation, and she’s forced to question the characters of people she’s always trusted. Finally, confronted with a psychotic killer, Patience has to face facts—her plans are not necessarily God’s plans. Will the truth set her free?
Q&A with Amy C. Blake…
I (Sara Ella) would like to know a little about your query process. How long did it take until you signed with an agent, and what did you do while you were waiting on responses?
Sara Ella, I didn’t really do much by way of queries, except when I met agents at conferences who expressed an interest in my books. I’d been working for four or five years before I met Jim Hart of Hartline Literary at a conference in Pennsylvania. I signed with him last December. While I waited, I kept on writing. I sold articles, devotionals, and short stories, and I wrote four books. I also worked with critique groups and read lots and lots of books–both fiction and non-fiction books on the writing craft.
*Note: The funny thing is that when I (Sara Ella) asked Amy this question I was still in the waiting period with query stuff, but now I’ve signed with Amy’s agent Jim as of last week. Small world, huh?
Tricia M. asks, “How did you create your successful blog?”
Tricia, when I signed with my agent, I figured I’d better get going on the social media thing, so I blundered my way through setting up my website and started blogging on the areas that interest me–life as a writer, life as a pastor’s wife, life as a homeschooling mom, and life as a Christian.
Christen K. asks, “What’s your normal writing day look like?”
Since we homeschool, Christen, I spend mornings schooling my kids. Sometimes I’m able to work in the afternoons at home, but most of the time, I bring my laptop along and work at the kids’ lessons, appointments, and activities–piano, violin, soccer, co-op, orthodontist, etc., etc., etc.
Laura P. asks, “Since it’s football season, who is your favorite team?”
Well, Laura, since my husband is from a suburb of Cleveland, I cheer for the Browns, especially if I don’t actually have to watch the game. However, I’m more than happy to watch real football (a.k.a. soccer).
Zekkaina S. asks, “What is the most unique author experience you’ve had so far?”
Zekkaina, I’d have to say that the best thing, after years of work, was to sign my first book contract!
Amy, thank you so much for taking time to share your experiences and new release with us on the blog today.
Whitewashed sounds like my kind of book! I will make sure to pick up a copy!!
Thanks for commenting! It does sound intriguing. Definitely adding it to my TBR list!
Great post. I’m so happy for you, Amy.
Whitewashed sounds like my kind of book. I love mysteries set in the deep South.
Thank you for the comments! Thanks for hosting me, Sara Ella!
I enjoy watching soccer too! 🙂
I just wanted to wish you joy and prosperity now and throughout the New Year in 2015!
You are an awesome woman and a good friend to all.
Thank you for all you do.
Awww! Thanks, LuAnn! I wish the same for you, and Amy, and all the commenters too!