MC: Hi Amie! Let’s dive right in. You’re a writer, obviously, so tell us why you wanted to be a writer and what you write.

AS: I originally started writing erotic short stories back in 2000 as kind of a lark. Yes there was a man involved (but when isn’t there? LOL)—that’s another story. Anyway about six months later my mom died. I didn’t write for three years despite the fact I had these people in my head. They were almost like my own tinker toys—or dolls and I put them in a ton of different scenarios. It took me three years after Mom died to finally put fingers to keyboard and get a story out but I did it and it took me three months and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. It was really hot, really bad women’s fiction LOL Now I’m writing erotic and erotic romance but I’d like to tackle women’s fiction and young adult someday.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

AS: Oh gosh…Susan E. Phillips, King, Koontz, Kay Hooper, Sandra Brown and Lisa Gardner. I read a lot of suspense, but my keeper shelf is filled with everything from Catherine Coulter and Julie Garwood historicals to almost every John Grisham book ever written. What’s inspired me? I’d say SEP—her characterization is amazing and I admire the way she can make you laugh and make you cry.

MC: Tell us about your books. How many have you published so far?

AS: Can I say gosh again? LOL Two e-books, a short story, and two free e-books I released at Halloween. Dancehall Diaries: Lynette was my first Liquid Silver Books release, followed by Once in a Blue Moon. I made the decision to e-publish after I fired my first agent. Lynette is the beginning of what I hope to be a series, if I ever get back to writing it, and involves an older woman and a younger man (one of my favorite scenarios).

Blue Moon actually comes before Lynette and involves a spousal abuse survivor who happens to be a man. In their own way, both Ty and Betti are survivors.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

AS: Hands On is my first Aphrodisia release and it’s coming out in June 2007. It’s a single-author anthology involving three blue collar women who like to spend their weekends in upscale while-collar bars.

MC: Who are you published with?

AS: Liquid Silver books and Black Lace books (I have a short story in the Sex on Holiday anthology).

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

AS: The best advice I ever got was from SEP, and I don’t even remember where I found it, but it was this: Protect The Work. Sometimes that means protecting your writer’s sanity from people who don’t have your best interest at heart or from people who just don’t get your writing. At the same time, be open to criticism that will help make your writing stronger. Learning to censor feedback can be a fine line to walk, but one of the things that makes a great writer great is remembering that writing is also an ongoing learning process.

Also this is a business and it’s not personal. I understand that a whole lot better after selling to New York. It really, truly isn’t personal. Trust me on this, after over 100 rejections, I know it’s true. Publishing is not for the faint of heart.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

AS: You know this is something I’ve thought about a lot and I don’t know. I guess I’d have to say if you like the tone of chick lit, you’ll probably like my voice. As to plot, I try to look outside the box and not rely on old stand-bys.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

AS: Opinionated, Mouthy (which might be the same thing LOL), Strong-willed, Loyal and Idealistic.

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

AS: Most days, half full J

MC: For a candid introduction, readers can visit your myspace page. What’s that address? And what’s something that your readers may not know about you?

AS: http://myspace.com/onthepatio and I also regularly blog at my website http://amiestuart.com/blog

I’m slightly obsessive compulsive and I have a terrible habit of listening to the same CD over and over again and I love guy movies J

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

AS: amie@amiestuart.com or via my website address above.