Our Writers Who Read series continues with debut novelist Amanda Gale, author of the Meredith series.
Who are you?
I’m a mid-30s mother of three boys. I have English degrees from Vassar College and Boston University. I taught high school English before leaving my job to be with the kids, and I copy edit from home for a scholarly journal. My series is contemporary women’s fiction. Writing about modern, colorful characters has been an outlet for me while I’m home, something fun and uniquely mine.
What are three beloved books you first read before the age of 12?
I’ve always loved Alice in Wonderland. I read it for the first time in junior high, and for years afterward, I collected Alice memorabilia—posters, boxes of tea, and antique copies of the book itself. I also loved The Little Prince, which like many books is much more meaningful as an adult. As for the third, I can give you an author as opposed to one book: Agatha Christie. I remember one summer before junior high when I went to the bookstore every day to buy another mystery featuring Hercules Poirot (I liked Miss Marple, but Poirot was such a lovable character to me, very complex and fun to read about). That summer I think I read fifty of her books, about one a day.
What is one book you are always recommending to friends and family (and maybe the local barista) as an adult?
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I think it could be the perfect book. I love the historical setting, the depth of the characters, the romance, and the intricate plot lines. It has something for everyone. Plus, it’s long! (Like most readers, when I love a book, I never want it to end.)
Author Amanda Gale
What is your book kryptonite—those unique elements in a book, beyond just great writing and three-dimensional characters, that make you unable to resist reading?
This is a tough question to answer because there are so many. However, I would have to say I can’t resist humor. I love all kinds of humor, but I especially love humor that is tied into commentary about history or even about the characters. Some examples are Catch-22, Confederacy of Dunces, Auntie Mame, and even some works by Dickens.
What is your ideal time and place to read?
I like to read any time, but mostly at night when it’s quiet and I have some time to myself. My favorite spot is my living room, next to a table with a little lamp, curled up in an armchair. The walls of my living room are red, and they make the room feel warm and cozy at night.
Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing?
I double majored in English and Victorian Studies, so Victorian literature had a major effect on me, for better or worse. On the one hand, I think Victorian novels taught me a certain sensibility I might not otherwise have. On the other hand, my writing tends to be verbose if I’m not careful. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Gone With the Wind. I love a good saga. I love Scarlett O’Hara, how she has so many flaws, but we just love her anyway, perhaps because of those flaws. They make her human, and she grows along her journey. I’m attracted to the idea of an imperfect woman learning as she goes, falling in and out of love, and ultimately coming to an understanding of who she is.
How do you balance reading and writing in your life?
I try to sneak it in during the little moments of the day, like if I have fifteen minutes in car line while I wait to pick up a child from school. Mostly I end up staying up way too late at night to read and write. (As I write this, it is 2:16 am.)
Choose your penned poison: ebook, physical book, or audio book?
Physical book, forever and always.
Do you consciously plan your future reading—i.e., set book goals, keep a TBR list, participate in book challenges or book clubs? Why or why not?
I don’t, mostly because I never know what kind of mood I’m going to be in. I may see something on a table at Barnes & Noble and instantly know it was what I was looking for, even though I hadn’t known it until that moment. I tend to shy away from book clubs because I’d rather choose for myself what I’m going to read.
What are you reading now?
Actually, right now I’m not reading anything. During the last few months, I’ve been scrambling to finish my editing and finalize some business details in preparation for publication. I am looking forward to reading again once that happens!
You can find out more about Amanda Gale and her Meredith series on her website, Facebook page, or Twitter.