Interview with Amanda McKinney

Interview with Amanda McKinney


Tell us about your latest book.

Devil’s Gold is a sexy, small-town murder mystery about two strangers—private investigator Dixie Knight, and sexy Marine Liam Cash—who find themselves thrown into a serial killer’s path, which unleashes a series of unexpected events, including a sizzling attraction to each other. Devil’s Gold is the first book in the Black Rose Mystery series about three single, rich, uber-smart and super badass sisters who run one of the top private investigation companies in the country, Black Rose Investigations. It’s got it all—murder, mystery, small-town folklore, romance, and even witches!

Interview with Amanda McKinney
How was this book published? Why did you choose that particular publishing route?

I chose the traditional publishing route with my first book, Lethal Legacy, but since then, I’ve dived head-first into self-publishing, and have completely fallen in love with it! I’m a bit of a control freak, and being able to control everything from the story, to the cover design, to the marketing, to the price-point and retailers, is awesome. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, and I really get into the business side of things; the analytics, the financials. I love it.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Aside from the old cliché, “never give up,” it would be to write every single day, no matter what. Fully commit to your dream and know that it’s going to be one hell of a roller coaster, but keep at it. Keep writing and improving your craft, every day.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?

People can find out more about me, and my books at my website www.amandamckinneyauthor.com. A great way to get breaking news about upcoming books, sales, and other fun things, is to sign up for my newsletter - www.amandamckinneyauthor.com/contact

Where can a reader purchase your book?

My books can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple iBooks.
                                                      
Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m someone who loves schedules, plans and consistency. Spontaneity scares the crap out of me. So, I keep myself on a tight schedule, professionally at least. I write every day, no matter what. I find that this helps keep the same tone through the book, and keeps my creative juices flowing. There’s nothing more frustrating than opening my computer and staring at the screen for thirty minutes trying to figure out what my next word should be. Writing every day helps to avoid that. I also have a weekly word goal, and I’m pretty hard-core about meeting it. I’ve been known to set my alarm for 4 a.m. to get some writing time in before the kids wake up. When I begin a book, the first thing I do is write a detailed outline, bulleted of course. And although the story develops as I go, I try to stick to that outline as much as possible. I’ve realized that if I don’t, the story becomes scattered, filled with major plot holes. And no one likes a massive plot hole.

What is your work in progress? Tell us about it.

I’m in the final stages of finishing up Black Rose Mystery Book #2 (I’m going back and forth on a title). It’s scheduled to be released in Spring 2018; I’m so excited about it!

Interview with Amanda McKinney
Who or what inspired you to become a writer?

Honestly, my mom. Every dream begins somewhere, but the next step—the hardest step—is believing in yourself enough to make it happen. Reading had always been a passion of mine, and that passion evolved into a dream of becoming a writer, and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have taken that first step, written that first word, without the support and gentle push of my mom at my back. She wholeheartedly believed in me and my talent, and because of that, I’m currently writing my sixth book, with many, many more to come. Love you so much, mama!

What are some of your all time favourite books?

Tough question; there’s so many! I read mostly Mystery and Romantic Suspense, but honestly, I just love stories that draw me in, and make me escape for a bit. A few books that come to mind are The Search, The Witness, and Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts, and the first book of her In Death Series, Naked in Death. Ariana Franklin’s Mistress in the Art of Death books are fantastic. I’m also a huge fan of Laura Griffin’s Tracers Series, those books are so fun to read; I’ve read every single one. Other authors that I love are Sandra Brown, Heather Graham, Lisa Gardner, just to name a few.

What are you currently reading?

GIVEAWAY





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