Author Interview: Amy Metz

How did you decide to become an author?
It just kind of happened. I was 48 when my mother was diagnosed with dementia, and within a year I became her legal guardian. We’d always had a contentious relationship, but becoming her caretaker upped the ante. I needed a therapeutic outlet, so I started writing a book about everything that was happening–some of it was funny, some of it was sad, some of it was dramatic. All of it was stressful. But then I needed a break from my real life and my “therapy.” So I started writing a humorous mystery, and I haven’t stopped.

How does your professional background help with your writing?
I was a first grade teacher and then a mom and volunteer, so nothing in my professional life prepared me for writing. I like to read a lot, and I think that definitely helped.

Can you tell us more about why you wrote your latest books?
I love “living” in Goose Pimple Junction, and thankfully I have some readers who love it too. Their encouragement keeps me writing. And the voices in my head.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
I think it’s important to get the first draft down and then walk away for a while. Come back with fresh eyes to do the re-writing. I also think it’s a good idea to read your work out loud. It sounds so different out loud than it does in your head! And once you’ve done all you can, get objective beta readers to give you their honest opinion and suggestions. Take their input and do one final round of rewrites. After that, don’t get discouraged. My favorite quote is, “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach on the tree and there will always be people who don’t like peaches.”

What are some upcoming publishing projects you are working on?
I have three books I am working on. One is a thriller about a serial killer–Wax Man, the second is a chick lit book-The Odd Girl, and the third is the fifth book in my Goose Pimple Junction mystery series–Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction.

View my Consortium SF Series at Amazon.