Rai29BookReadNReview: Author Interview: Amy Ewing

Amy Ewing has written The Jewel.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

Hi! I'm Amy Ewing and I live in New York City.

2. Do you have a pen name?

I do not - Amy Ewing is my real name.

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

My most recent book is called The Jewel. It’s my debut, which is super exciting. It’s about a city where young girls are auctioned off as surrogates to royal women.

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

The Jewel is the first in a trilogy, so there will be two more books to come!

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I’ve always loved writing, but I never thought it would be my career. I always did it as a way to express myself in private, something for just me. But then, in 2008, I was laid off from my job and had all this time and so I used it to write a YA fantasy book (not The Jewel). That book got me into the graduate program at The New School, which is where I eventually wrote The Jewel.

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?

I did do a Twitter giveaway recently, but that was just for fun. My publisher handles sending out copies for review.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

An author has absolutely no say in what goes on their book cover. But I am so thrilled with mine! The design team at HarperCollins is incredible. Barbara Fitzsimmons and Cara Petrus worked on my cover.

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?

Well, I only have one, so no competition yet!

9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?

Not a thing.

10. Do you have a playlist in mind for any of your books?

My best friend always makes me playlists whenever I complete a project. She’s much better at it than I could ever be.

11. Did you listen to any particular songs whilst writing your books?

I never listen to music while I write.

12. Would you have different book covers for different countries?

I do! I’ve only seen one other cover, the UK version. I love it too!

13. How did you come up with the title for your book?

I didn’t actually! It was my thesis advisor at grad school who came up with the title. I had originally planned to call it The Auction. I like The Jewel much better.

14. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

Hardcovers. I’m a sucker for a beautiful hardcover.

15. Are you a self-published / Indie author?

No.

16. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

I am a huge rereader of books. I’ve read Harry Potter more times than I can count. And anything by Roald Dahl. And The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I’ll stop there, because the list goes on and on.

17. What is your opinion of novellas?

I love novellas! I just finished writing one for The Jewel, to be released in November, and I’ll be doing yet another one to be released before the second book publishes. I think they are such a fun way to explore more of the world of the story.

18. What is your favourite film based on a book?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Peter Jackson is a genius.

19. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

I’m just finishing a delightful middle grade novel called Evil Fairies Love Hair by Mary G. Thompson. She is a grad school friend and fellow author and the book is just as hilarious and fun as the title sounds!

20. If you could invite any four celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, Jon Stewart, and Tom Hiddleston.

21. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Don’t give up! This industry is all about trying and failing. I failed miserably with my first book. You never know which one is going to be “it.” So just keep writing.

22. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

I love to cook, and I play the guitar and write my own songs.

23. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: www.amyewingbooks.com

Facebook page: Amy Ewing Author

Twitter: @amyewingbooks

Instagram: amyewing7