Topic: Author Interview
Amber T. Kingston the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Quirky, Compassionate, and Generous
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Loyal, Caring, and Giving.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Art. Drawing is the first thing I remember really falling in love with. My mother enrolled me in art classes when I was five and I've loved it ever since! Although I never went on to complete any other formal art education when I was older, it was something I continued to do in my free time at home.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
I have two cats: Mouse and Geneva. Mouse is all-white with green eyes and is fairly quiet and reserved. Geneva is all-black with gold eyes and is talkative and rambunctious. Unfortunately, neither girl gets along with the other so we have to keep our home divided into two sections with a tall iron gate, giving each cat her run of part of the house.
5. What is your most precious memory?
Building a "Square-foot Garden" with my grandfather in our back yard. It was very special and meant a lot to me to spend time alone with my grandfather. He acted as a father to me because I didn't have one. Our garden project was so important and fun for me. We grew radishes, carrots, tomatoes, corn, onions, and my favorite . . . sunflowers.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
Forgetting to change my tights during the second act of a dance recital. I was the only girl on stage wearing white tights compared to the other girl's nude-colored legs. I was so panicked once I realized my mistake, that I also forgot the steps to the dance routine!
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I would probably still be training to become an embalmer. I think the end of someone's life deserves as much care, dignity and respect as living part of it. Unfortunately, not many people want to be involved in the aspect of caring for the deceased. I imagine that soon I will find a balance between writing and becoming re-involved in the world of funeral care.
Amber T. Kingston the writer:
8. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
It was in my late twenties. I had been working on a young adult novel for 5 years, and had completed it at whopping 1100 pages. During that period I couldn't go anywhere without a pencil and my notebook-not even the movie theater!
9. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm currently working on my next book in the Laura series. After that, I have one more in mind. I'll be traveling to Germany to visit Laura this spring and I plan to take plenty of pictures of her to use as reference material this time! So right now it's all about writing the story, and then come springtime, I'll begin illustrating again.
10. What are your future goals for your writing?
I'd like to revise and publish the young adult novel I began so long ago. Then I'd like to try writing in different genres to keep writing fresh and challenging for me. Fantasy for young adults comes to mind first, then perhaps a memoir.
11. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I really don't have a typical writing day, but I probably should. Sometimes a write non-stop, sometimes I'll skip a day, some days are a combination of writing and drawing. It really varies and depends on my mood.
12. Why do you write?
Writing makes me happy and I find a certain peace within it. It also allows me to connect to others in a way I'm comfortable with.
13. What writer most inspires you? Why?
When I was young, my favorite stories were by an author named Stephen Cosgrove. He had a series called the Serendipity books, which I still own today. I loved these stories and their colorful illustrations. Each book had a moral clearly stated at the end of it and I really liked that aspect as well.
14. How do you define your writing?
I've never tried to define my writing before because I don't really think it can be done. I write about many different subjects in various forms. My first published book just happens to be a children's story. So right now, I'd say my writing is for families, the young, and young-at-heart. But overall, writing is simply an enjoyable craft that I can create for myself and others.
15. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
That they still have one dog-eared copy of one of my books in their house.
Amber T. Kingston the details:
16. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
You can visit my website at http://www.chrysalispress.com/. You can also read my blog on Amazon.com or myspace.com/ambertkingston.
17. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
I always love to hear from my readers or anyone who simply has a question for me. I can be reached at amber@chrysalispress.com.
18. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Laura and the Leprechauns by Amber T. Kingston
19. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
A fairytale adventure full of surprises and mischievous fun.
In conclusion:
20. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
Writing and drawing have been two of my greatest passions since early childhood. I hope that my stories and artwork bring enjoyment to those who embrace them, and I hope to encourage others who share my desire for creating, to pursue their dreams.
