Welcome to the Campfire, Amy Craig

​Good morning, campers. At my fire there are no mosquitoes, no-see-ums, or COVID cooties. We can snuggle up and even hold hands. The fire is always just right and you are so welcome here. So, grab a cuppa and maybe some snacks. Here we go...
Take a deep breath. Let it out. Release the troubles of life for a few minutes. Can you hear the bullfrog in the camp pond. Some ducks are paddling past. Breath. At my campfire there's no smoke-eye. Stare into the fire for a minute. Hear the crackle. Yeah? Then you're ready to meet our guest.

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​Today I’m welcoming Amy Craig to the Around the Campfire. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, or wine?
​I prefer dark coffee with half and half for cold morning embers. Come sunset, Manhattan (not an Old Fashioned!) is my favorite indulgence.

Well, my daughter-in-law gave me some French Roast so coffee it is. Tell us have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp? 
My husband and I were active campers and backpackers before the kids arrived. While dating, we hiked the Sierra Nevada mountains with our black lab. On the first night, my legs and body ached, but I perked up when he pulled a bottle of champagne from his backpack. Finally? After so many years of dating! Nope, not a proposal. Just a sweet surprise (he proposed later that year).

Aww, what a nice guy. And one day maybe I'll haul my camper to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Can you share with us your latest project? What’s the title and genre?
I’m working on the edits for two novels, A Winter Rose and Lost in LA. Both contemporary romance novels have strong heroines, but Winter Rose focuses on a flower farm and a hero with a prosthesis. Lost in LA has a coming of age yoga instructor and a fake romance. I think Lost in LA will make it to market first, December 1, 2020, but A Winter Rose should follow in 2021.

Do you have a tagline? A personal one~ Make time for edits!~ For the books? Not yet! 

One of the most common questions I'm asked is How long did it take you from conception to publication?
Writing first drafts took about four months, but as I learn more about my craft, I realize the bulk of my editing time will go toward fixing rookie mistakes.

You have many things going on. But is there anything you're ’re itching to get to?
I have an outline for a new book, but I won’t let myself touch it right now. It’s fermenting while I work through these edits! I may not write it in the long run. Part of the plot involves adultery and forgiveness. Is it worth all the effort when so many readers will say that’s a no go? I have another book finished, but I need to re-work the first act and highlight the romantic tension I envision for the characters.

Hmm, maybe a no-go in romance but Woman's Fiction, Literary Fiction, why not? There are so many other genres. It could even be inspirational. Who are the folks you look to. Are there any mentors, authors, or books,you would like to give a shout-out to? A few indie authors who started around the same time I did and are making their way through the writing words: Lucy Hudson and Anya Pavelle. Lucy writes romance novellas and Anya writes dystopian fiction.

Amy, what does literary success look like to you? People enjoying my stories!

Now the fun questions. 

• Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author. The The Song of the Lioness young adult series of fantasy novels published in the 1980s by Tamora Pierce taught me reading could be fun. I saved my copies and hope my kids enjoy them too.
• If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be? A meal in a restaurant with waiters! Covid Stay-At-Home with the kiddos is lovely, but momma needs a night out!
• Worst household chore? Cleaning the tracks of the 1950s sliding glass doors in my house. So much grime! So many dirty toothbrushes dedicated to the cause.
• Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants? Unlimited international first-class tickets. I love street food (even if I just said I want a night out on the town). Think of the places you could see and arrive well-rested!
• Most campers play board games. What games do you like? Settlers of Catan is a classic.
• What was your first job? Mall pretzel maker. Jewelry store engraver.
• What subjects should be taught in school, but aren’t? Personal finance.

Thanks for coming and hanging around the fire with us, Amy. I'd appreciate if could leave us with information about where we can find you and your books.

​I have two sweet romances available on Amazon. Both are $0.99 May 23 - May 25. ​

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Sunset Dreams:
Mila risked her career to claim the executive director position at Marina Ranch. The upscale retirement community attracts the best of Biloxi, but nothing prepared her for a local firefighter's protective instincts or the way her stomach drops when he walks into the room.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z8CT3R6
A Corporate Courtship:
Mayor Gloria Holding and British executive Alexander Hayworth are struggling to keep their relationship professional while they work to revitalize a facility in Stoneblock, NJ. She knows everything about her constituents and he likes to keep his distance. 
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TY66L7H
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