Chicklitplus Blog Tour: Amanda Strong Interview

Amanda Strong is visiting Writer’s Corner to share with us her new novel With just one click. I am excited for the opportunity to talk with her.

 

Amanda is from Massachusetts where she grew up and now has a family of her own. Writing has always been part of her life and now she is realizing her dreams with her first book. 

        How did facebook inspire you to write your novel? 

               Actually friends and friends of friends inspired me to write a novel with Facebook as the central theme. Over the years, I kept hearing about relationships and sordid details happening on Facebook with people living in typical suburbia. After hearing the same stories over and over from different people, I wanted to highlight these themes in a fictional setting.

      

      What made you structure the story with three separate characters?

            Relationships on Facebook are complex and when an ex steps into the picture there are a tremendous amount of scenarios that can play out. I wanted to show three women in different stages of their lives, but all with one common bond– Facebook. I believe nothing is ever all good or bad, and didn't want to write just one story depicting Facebook as such. I also felt that somehow the reader could make comparisons with each story and come away with their own conclusions and thoughts on Facebook. I've always said any one of these characters could be your mother, sister, daughter, co-worker, or friend.

    

    Do you believe that a character’s choices affected you as you wrote? Maybe changed the story?

     Absolutely! I knew when I sat down to write this novel what the storyline would be, but the ending was still up in the air. I felt as I wrote each character and their journey, I constantly learned more, especially what drove them to their decisions and actions. With Brynn's character, I could have written a different ending where the story had a definitive end, but that was not true to her situation or character. These situations are very real and the choices they make are not always going to bring them that "happily ever after." I think having the other two characters helped balance that decision out and allowed me to follow my heart, because the reader does receive more "typical" closure with them.

   

        You had three protagonists in this story. How did you write three protagonists with such different characteristics?

        When I realized I wanted to write three different stories, I wanted to have each protagonist be in a different age group and stage of life. I think what helped were the themes being so specific, a single woman is friended by her first love, a mother of two small children discovers one of her husband's friends is his ex, and lonely wife and mother who has just turned forty seeks attention from an ex on Facebook. The stories alone set up very different emotions and characteristics for each, setting them apart from one another.

      

           Do you think you will continue to write with multiple protagonists?

         For this book with Facebook as the central theme, I felt it was necessary to      structure the novel with multiple protagonists to give justice to these stories and characters. I would be open to writing another book similar to this one if it was storyline dictated and there was a point and reasoning behind it.

                      

                 What do you love to do outside of writing?

         I love to spend time with my two small children and husband, especially in the summer months at the beach, and winter months skiing. I also love to read, attend Bikram yoga classes, and spend time with my friends. 

  What is your favorite movie that came from a book and why?

           
      I 'd have to say, "He's Just Not That Into You." I know this answer may be surprising, seeing it was based more on a non-fiction book, but the complexity of the story is very much like a chick-lit book. I loved the ensemble cast, each having their own story and plot, but all connected on some level. The character development was rich, soaked with emotion and thought-provoking moments. The twists and turns of each character leading to their own realizations, not all positive, felt real and true to the each story.

     Which authors influence your writing?

      I really enjoy Emily Giffin and Sophie Kinsella. I believe a book is only as good as the characters, and with these particular authors, they have strong character development. They've influenced me on how to express emotion and depth within the main protagonist, as well as highlight the characters around them. Whether the story is lighthearted or heartfelt these authors create well-rounded characters who aren't superficial and one dimensional. As an author, you hope to evoke raw emotion and excitement from the reader like these two authors do with their novels. 

                

              What is your writing routine like? 

        First, I outline the characters and create who they are and what drives them. I also write down a synopsis of the plot. After these initial steps, I begin writing. Being a mom of two small children, I wrote this particular novel from the hours of 9pm to 2am most nights. 

          

         What advice would you give to young writers?

         My advice to young writers is if you know deep down you love to write then keep writing. Find a way to always stay true to your passion and what comes natural. Writing is creative and artistic- sometimes we are misunderstood and not recognized, other times we receive accolades and awards. Being an author, there is no guarantee, but believing in yourself and your work is the first step. Connect with other writers, accept criticism, and always find time to sit down and write. I was a young writer once who backed away from writing for awhile until I realized writing is a part of who I am...it makes me content and happy. Young writers have the benefits of blogs and social networking(ironically) to express themselves and connect with people you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to, TAKE IT! I believe this is one of the best times to be a writer, with hard work and dedication your options are endless!

       

      What elements are most important for telling a good story? 

      I believe character-development is the most important aspect of telling a good story. If a reader isn't connected or intrigued by the characters, how do you hold their interest? With that said, I think a character-driven plot still needs a substantial central theme driving the core characters through the story.

                 

                   Do you have a new project coming up soon?

        I've been working on some ideas for my next novel, but haven't fully started that project yet. Once I'm done publicizing this book, I will have more time to place all my attention on writing the next novel. 

   Let Amanda know what you of her book on facebook, her blog, website, and twitter.