Meet Amy Clipston, Author

Today, I have the talented Amy Clipston as my guest. Amy is the author of A Gift of Grace coming May 1, 2009, from Zondervan. A Gift of Grace is Book No.1 in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series.

Amy’s Website: http://www.amyclipston.com. Amy’s Blog: amyclipston.blogspot.com/. I hope you’ll visit Amy’s websites and look for her book in stores in May 2009.

The Standard 10

Joan: How many years from first manuscript to first sale?

Amy: I signed with my agent in 2005. I wrote several sweet romances that came close to selling. However, this book I sold on proposal in a matter of a couple of months.

Joan: What has been your best experience as a published author?

Amy: The best part has been making friends with the awesome people in the Zondervan family and also meeting so many wonderful writers. I cherish the friendships this book has brought me.

Joan: What has been your worst experience as a published author?

Amy: Worst part? Honestly, I haven’t had any bad experiences yet. However, I dread bad reviews.

Joan: What has surprised you most as a professional writer?

Amy: What has really surprised me is how supportive family members, friends, and acquaintances are of my first book. Many of my friends and family members have pre-ordered it and also encouraged their friends to order it. Acquaintances have asked for copies of my cover and have told their friends and family members to buy it. It’s inspiring to know people want to read my books and want me to be a success. I’m blessed to have such a supportive community around me, rooting for me.

Joan: If you could write any story, without regard to it selling or any of those other business issues, what would you write?

Amy: My husband is facing a second kidney transplant after the kidney he received from his brother in 2004 failed. I’m first in line for donor testing. I hope and pray I can tell our story someday in an effort to inspire other organ recipients and also encourage folks to donate blood and organs. I believe there is a reason why we are going through this ordeal for a second time, and I hope our story can make a difference in the lives of others.

Joan: What do you love about your career?

Amy: Everything! I love my editors and the rest of the team at Zondervan. I love having the privilege to tell my stories and share my faith.

Joan: What do you hate about your career?

Amy: Absolutely nothing. I’m blessed to be a part of the Zondervan family, and I’m blessed to have the new friends I’ve encountered through my journey to publication.

Joan: If you got a big 6-figure advance for a book, what’s the first thing you’d buy for yourself?

Amy: I would pay off some bills and put money in my sons’ college funds. And, if there’s money left, I’d take my family to Disney World!

Joan: What is the best advice you can give beginning writers?

Amy: It may sound cliché, but never give up. The publishing industry moves slowly, and you must be patient. Every rejection letter will hurt you but also make you a stronger writer. When you receive a rejection, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and learn from it. Read between the lines to see what the editor liked about your story and your voice. Continue to write, edit, and polish your books. You’ll make it if you believe in yourself and your book.

Joan: What would you like readers to know?

Amy: I’m so thankful that my readers have chosen to read my stories. I’m honored to be an author of choice for them, and I promise to write the best books of my heart that I can for them.

Thanks, Amy, for visiting my website. I wish you the best of luck with your writing and many sales for your upcoming book.

(This interview was originally published on The Pleasure of Reading on The Website of Joan Reeves, March 2009. Each month Joan interviews an author or other person of interest to the writing and entertainment industries.)

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