Writers in their own words-GCC

Today, for your summer reading pleasure, I'm tickled to introduce you to Amy Wallen and her debut novel Moonpies and Movie Stars.

One reviewer wrote that the book is “A delightful and exhilarating journey, kind of like being on a tour bus guided by Eudora Welty on speed.” and Booklist said, “Wallen launches a funny, touching, and bittersweet ride in search of family, but what her characters find is bigger than Texas and better than MoonPies.”

This sounds to me like a perfect fit for lounging in the hammock or by the pool, a cool drink in one hand and this book in the other. Here's Amy in her own words:

1.) How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I started with a monologue I wrote in which I was imitating my grandmother. She was a wild and crazy woman who owned a honky tonk (beer joint), hair salon, café, convenience store/gas station and various other businesses in a a small town in Texas.

Are you more driven by plot or by character?

Most definitely character is what gets me started. But plot is what gets me through to the end. Just like reading, I’m dying to know what happens to my characters and I don’t know until I write all the way to the end.

2.) Who's your favorite character in this book and why?

There will always be a special place in my heart for Ruby Kincaid, the main character, but really Loralva, her crazy rattlesnake rattler earring wearing sister was the most fun to write.

3.) What's your writing process/writing environment like?

Me, two cats, a laptop, the windows open (I live in Southern CA so that’s all year), silence and a really good idea to get me started. But if I don’t have that idea, I go for a long walk or on a big hike and rifle through all the scenes in my head to see where I should go next.

4.) What's your favorite part of writing?

When I’m creating new stuff I think that’s the best part. But when I’m rewriting, I think that’s the best part. I think I just love it. I hate it at times too, of course. But that just makes the good times that much richer.

5.) What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten about writing?

Just write.

That's advice we should probably all heed!