Interview with Amy L. Sauder: Author of Enchantment, Mystery, and Psychological Depth
We had the pleasure of speaking with Amy L. Sauder, an author who seamlessly blends the realms of fantasy and mystery. With a unique storytelling style, Amy explores enchanting circumstances intertwined with psychological depth and intrigue.
About Amy L. Sauder
What inspired you to write in both the fantasy and mystery thriller genres?
“I don’t so much pick a genre as have a story that grabs me. I primarily write about enchanting circumstances within everyday life. Secrets, mysteries, and what lies within us all form their own enchantment to uncover. I find inspiration from dreams, stories—books, shows—art, and the magic in everyday life.”
When developing your stories, do you usually start with the characters or the plot?
“I love plot twists and have them in mind from the start. However, the initial spark tends to be the characters, especially ones who have so much to say. Some character moments just demand to be put on paper. For example:
- A girl who couldn’t be fixed.
- “I’m…uhm…Max.” I swallow the lie…
- “A narrator always gets to know the reader before spilling their deepest secret.”
Do you prefer a structured outline, or do you let the story evolve organically as you write?
“A bit of both. I start with a concept and certain plot points, but much unfolds alongside the characters. I use a marker board to track clues, often finding myself walking into traps with them, figuring out how to escape together.”
Can you describe your writing routine and how it accommodates both genres?
“I consume a lot of mysteries and fantastical narratives. I don’t confine myself to genre, just elements like enchantment and mystery. Only when prepping for publication do I focus on genre conventions.”
How do you handle writer's block, especially when intertwining complex narratives?
“Sometimes, stepping away helps. For bigger blocks, I use a marker board to visualize what I know and don’t. For I Know You Like a Murder, I even created a murder board to study and find missing pieces.”
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing in both fantasy and mystery?
“Uncovering secrets, magical or murderous, can be a challenge. I’ve settled on ‘introspective psychological stories’ to unify the genres.”
Which authors or works have significantly influenced your writing style?
“Books like The Thirteenth Tale, Inkheart, and The Book of Lost Things. Also, unique story structures in The Princess Bride and shows like LOST inspire my approach.”
How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life?
“Balance is tough. I tend toward obsession, which benefits my writing but can lead to burnout. I’ve learned the importance of rest and scheduling downtime.”
What has been your experience with the publishing process?
“It’s a steep learning curve! But I love collaborating with cover designers, illustrators, and other creatives.”
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors interested in blending genres?
“Throw out the ‘shoulds’ and trust your instincts. Cross-genre storytelling is thriving, and your unique story deserves to be shared.”
About Unfixed
What inspired you to write Unfixed?
“An Uncanny Literature course in college sparked the idea. It evolved to include circus elements and characters who led the story in unexpected directions.”
How do you incorporate themes of mental health into your narrative?
“Understanding characters deeply allows these themes to emerge naturally. It takes time and reflection.”
Which character in the book do you relate to the most, and why?
“Each character reflects a piece of me—Julia’s brokenness, Max’s naivety, and RaeChaeline’s meticulous schemes create a mosaic that resonates with my experiences.”
If you could develop a separate story arc for one character, who would it be?
“RaeChaeline. She began as a minor character but gripped me, and she gets her moment in the sequel.”
How did you come up with the idea to blend fantasy, mystery, and mental health themes?
“I simply wrote what I loved. Stories with twists, magic, and psychological depth naturally wove together as I explored my characters’ inner lives.”
Were there challenging scenes to write, especially regarding mental health?
“Yes, scenes involving torture, the psych ward, and fire were emotionally taxing. The characters’ inward pain resonated deeply.”
Looking back, is there anything you’d want to change about the book?
“Small tweaks maybe, but I feel the characters and their stories came through authentically.”
What impact do you hope Unfixed will have on readers, especially about mental health?
“I hope readers find camaraderie, hope, and understanding in these characters’ journeys.”
What insights have you gained about yourself as a writer through this project?
“I’ve gained clarity on my style and interests, learning to balance reader expectations as I grow.”
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects?
“Early next year, Picked Up Pieces will be released! It brings the characters full circle, exploring themes of restoration in the same enchanting world.”
Thank you, Amy, for sharing your thoughts and insights with us.
Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews on @bookjewelofficial!
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