Lane Hill House: "Get to Know Amy" blog tour ~ Amy Clipston, Summer 2016 August Splash

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Amy Clipston, Summer 2016 August Splash

Hi all,

We are doing a "Get to Know Amy" blog tour!

Come and join us as Amy's Bakery Bunch ask her questions ~

Welcome, Amy Clipston to Lane Hill House

Question 1:
Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite that has stayed with you long after you have tucked them away?

Lindsay Bedford from my Kauffman Amish Bakery series has a very special place in my heart. She had been through such an emotional rollercoaster when she moved to Amish Country, and I enjoyed telling her story throughout the series.

In my Amish Heirloom series, my favorite character is Christopher Hochstetler, the hero from The Cherished Quilt, book three, which releases Nov. 29, 2016. Some books are easier to write than others, and this book pretty much wrote itself. The words flowed from my fingertips as soon as I figured out who the hero would be. Christopher came to life in my mind when I happened upon a photo of an actor (Griffin Freeman), who became my mental model for him. Christopher has a tortured past when he comes to Bird-in-Hand, and he finds solace in his specialist friendship with Emily Fisher, the youngest of the Fisher sisters.

Question 2:
Do you write more than one story at a time?

I don’t write more than one book at a time, but I often am working on more than one book at a time. For example, if I’m writing a book and then I receive edits on a completed novel, I have to stop writing and work on the edits. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to switch gears and go back to a story I’ve already completed, but as I reread it, the details come back to me quickly. Books edits always take priority, and I have to stay ahead of my deadlines so I can build in time for edits.

Question 3:
How did you and your assistant, Jamie, meet?

When I researched how to start a street team, I was completely overwhelmed since I work full-time and write at least four books per year. A few fellow writers suggested I find someone to help me with the daunting task, and I realized I needed a marketing assistant. I thought the best resource would be a college student, and I contacted a friend who works in the library at a nearby college. I asked my friend for a recommendation, and she suggested I contact Jamie. I’m so grateful I found Jamie and she agreed to help me. She’s been a lifesaver! Jamie has fantastic ideas, and she keeps my awesome street team members and me on track.

Question 4:
What is in the works for 2017 publication from you and... any hint of cover ideas?

The Beloved Hope Chest, which is final book in my Amish Heirloom series, will release May 9, 2017. I’m super excited about this book! I guess I can share the cover since it is available on bookstore websites. This book will reveal the mystery behind the blue onesie that Veronica found in The Forgotten Recipe, and it will also answer any burning questions readers may have.

Also coming in the fall 2017 is the first book in my next Amish series. I’m currently in the process of plotting out that book. I’ll share more information about my new series as the release date gets closer.

Question 5:
Could you tell us about an unexpected fun adventure your characters took that totally surprised you, as you were typing to keep up with them?

I’m a plotter, and my books are planned out before I start typing. Sometimes, however, the characters’ personalities and backstory take me by surprise as I write. When I plotted out The Forgotten Recipe, I hadn’t envisioned Veronica being an “expert” stone skipper, and I hadn’t planned on Jason’s weather reports. Those details came to me as I wrote the story. I love learning who the characters are while I write the book. They become real people to me as the story unfolds.

Thank you for hosting me on your blog, and thank you for being part of my Bakery Bunch!

Thank you, Amy, for your end of summer visit! We all hope you have an awesome autumn season!