Amanda
J. Clay is a writing YA and Adult fiction from Dallas, TX. A Northern California native, she had a fantastic
time studying English and Journalism at Chico State University and then a very serious
time slaving away for a Master’s degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. When she’s not staring at
a computer screen, she spends most of her spare time on some new fitness
addiction and plotting world adventures.
Her
latest book is the young adult novel, Rebel
Song.
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As a book bloggin’ and book luvin’ Princess, I’m always
curious to find out how authors got the ideas for their books. How did you come up with the idea for your
book?
The very first incarnation of Rebel Song came about 22 years
ago—no joke! When I was 12— after a childhood obsession with tragic love
stories, fantasy tales of kings and queens, with gallant heroes sacrificing all
and quite possibly suffering some unrequited love of my own—I actually wrote
this short book about a princess who falls in love with a spy from another
country and she betrays her kingdom for him. In the end she jumps off a cliff
and kills herself so in retrospect it wasn’t a very uplifting story (I was a
strange 12 year old, I admit). But I never forgot that tale and I’ve maintained
this affinity for the star-crossed lovers since.
So fast forward a couple decades. I’m in Madrid,
Spain, reading about the
turmoil of Spain’s
20th century—from a monarchy to a dictator to back to a monarchy.
And I realized that, while it’s strange to the Americans, royalty is alive and
well in much of Europe. Additionally, many countries in Europe
have undergone rebellions, dictators, civil war and more in the last fifty
years alone. Sometimes there’s even a juicy love story thrown in there. I was
fascinated by the history there and I suddenly knew I had to bring Rogan and
Elyra’s story to life in a fresh new way.
When I describe the plot of Rebel Song to people, but tell
them it’s contemporary, they often say, “Wait, it’s about a princess and a
rebellion and star-crossed love? Sounds a little Medieval.” And it does sound
like a plot of old. But it’s also a reality of today...Let me explain a bit of
history about its inspiration.
And while the story is set in “modern-day,” I admit, the
specific time period for the story is purposefully a little vague because I’m
trying to avoid talking about real world events—it’s hard to talk about 20th
century Europe and not discuss post WWII Communism, for example. I want the
Rogan and Elyra’s story to just exist within itself and for the reader to not
have to think about the outside world.
Can you tell us what your book is about?
Rebel Song is about a fictional country in Central
Europe on the brink of revolution. Elyra is the heir to a
collapsing monarchy and Rogan is the rising leader in the rebel faction. They
meet and fall in love, but standing on opposite sides of what’s happening,
they’re doomed.
Can you tell us a little about the main
characters of your book?
Rogan, 17, is a winemaker from the provincial valley outside
the city. He’s also the son of a famous rebel leader who was executed for
treason when Rogan was a boy. Now that the rebellion is stirring again, Rogan
is pulled into the rebellion as a rising leader.
Elyra, 17, is a the only heir to the throne of Arelanda.
She’s headstrong and intelligent, but also idealistic and naïve about how
corrupt her country has become. When she meets Rogan and learns more about the
state of the nation, she’s compelled to work toward change within the
government—and finds herself at direct odds with those in power.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what
would that be?
To not be afraid! I can’t tell you how much of my career has
been stunted by fear of the things I thought I couldn’t do. Growing up, telling
people you wanted to be a writer netted you a lot of pitying looks and
patronizing smiles—probably akin to a kid telling you they want to be an actor.
“That’s nice sweetie, but what are you going to do for a JOB?” Haha. Like
anything, this career takes a lot of work, but you can’t be afraid to just
try—to put yourself out there. The worst thing people can say to you is no. The
iPhone probably sounded insane too.
What would you say is one of your interesting writing
quirks?
I talk to myself. A lot. That might be a byproduct of being
alone all day every day, ha! Actually one thing I do that some might find odd
is that I dress up for writing many days. I might still wear some comfy
leggings and a tee, but I’ll do my hair and makeup. Put on some jewelry. It
helps to take this job seriously. And don’t we all perform better when we look
our best?!
Do you hear from your readers? What do they say?
I do! And I love it when my readers reach out to me. Mostly
they want to know when the heck my next book is coming out! I also often get
asked how I get my inspiration and how I managed to finally just sit down and
write that first book.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
The hardest thing I ever heard was right after I’d finished
my first book and was showing it to agents for the first time. “The writing is
just not there yet.” Ouch. And I was livid! I’d been an English major, I had a
master’s in Journalism! I’d been writing as long as I could remember! I KNEW
how to write. And I did. But it didn’t mean that the book was where it needed
to be. I had to learn that things aren’t perfect on the first try. I never
turned in an article or essay on the first draft. Shoot, I even edit my
Facebook captions! So why didn’t I think that my book might need some work? It
was hard to hear but once I allowed myself to accept it, it was great feedback.
She wasn’t saying “you’re a terrible writer, don’t quit your day job.” She was
saying, “It’s just not ready. Bake it a little longer.”
What has been the best accomplishment?
I think publishing that first book, really. It was holding a
lifelong dream in my hands—very surreal. Because after that first book, you
know you can do it. Doesn’t mean it won’t be tough and that you won’t have some
ups and downs, but you can do it!
Do you Google yourself?
I used to in the beginning because I couldn’t believe I was
actually coming up in searches, ha! I don’t so much anymore now.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Haha…next question. ;) I have a couple of finished books
that will be published but are still being editing. I also have a handful of
books I’ve started and been pulled away from for one reason or another. I
admittedly am a bit of a racoon when it comes to writing. I get a shiny new
idea and I’m so inspired I need to write it immediately! But like all ideas,
the shine wears off and you’re still faced with the daunting task of writing a
well-crafted story, which takes time and focus. So, those half-finished
projects may never amount to anything, or I might have some inspiration and go
back and finish them. I always make a rule to save every word I write, just in
case it finds new life down the road.
Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to
your readers?
Thank you! We authors couldn’t do what we do without our
fans and we’re so grateful. The best thing a reader can do to help out their
favorite author is to be an advocate for their work—write reviews (even very
short blips are helpful!), tell people about books they’ve enjoyed and keep
reading!
About the Book:
Caught on opposite
sides of a budding civil war, a rebel leader and a modern day princess fight to
The once prosperous European nation of Arelanda has been plagued with poverty and corruption since the failed rebellion tore it apart. Now, rebels stir again in the capital’s underbelly, vowing to depose the monarchy and overturn the unjust government.
Seventeen-year-old Rogan Elwood, son of a rebel leader executed for treason after the first rebellion, has borne a tainted legacy his entire life. As he is pulled deeper into conflict, Rogan must face his calling in the future of the rebel cause—waging his want for peace against his desire for vengeance. Everything changes when he falls for Elyra—modern, idealistic and determined to bring Arelanda a better future. She also just happens to be next in line to the throne—if the corrupt Minister General doesn’t beat her to it.
Caught in the midst of a budding civil war and surrounded by enemies on every side, Elyra and Rogan must fight to save themselves and their country.
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