The Books…

Witch Song

by Amber Argyle

The Interview…

What part of the writing process is the easiest/hardest for you?

Plotting is the hardest, but also the most fun. Usually in the beginning, I’m struggling to get the opening just right. Then I start picking up speed until I hit the middle. Then I feel like the end is so far away I’ll never get there. At the end, I usually buy myself something as a reward.

Who is your favorite character (that you’ve written)?

Joshen, obviously. He’s very easy to get along with, unless Senna is in danger, that is.

Is there anything you’re working on now?

a. Witch Wars, which is a short prequel  to Witch Song, follows the events that lead up to Brusenna’s time.

b. Winter Queen, the first in the new trilogy: With the enemy stealing over the mountains and Darrien coming to take her to his bed, Ilyenna must decide whether to resurrect the power the fairies left behind. Doing so will allow her to defeat Darrien and the other invaders, but if she embraces winter, she will lose herself to that destroying power—forever.

Do you listen to music while you write, or do you prefer quiet?

I listen to music to cover up the kid’s noise.

If you could jump in to any book and live there, which book would you choose?

A book I’m working on right now, called The Forbidden Forest. I won’t tell you what it’s like cause I don’t want anyone taking my idea (paranoid much?).

Where did the idea for your book come from?

A scene in the book. The Witches are harvesting glowing pollen from flowers in the middle of the night. Moths are attracted to the light the flowers give off. When Senna starts shinning with power, they come to her instead.

Are any of the characters inspired by someone in real life?

Joshen is inspired by all the cowboys I chased in high school.

Do you follow a writing schedule, or just write whenever you get the chance?

I have three young kids. Whenever I can get them to leave me alone long enough, I work.

What was last book you bought?

Partials by Dan Wells

Does writing come naturally to you, or did you have to work harder in order to get that story in your head down on paper?

Writing is like pulling threads of magic from the ether.

How much research went into your book?

Lots. I had to research the time period, especially ships and muskets.

Fun Stuff:

• Coffee or tea? Tea
• Summer or winter? Summer
• Werewolves or vampires? Vampires
• Morning person or night owl? Neither. I like to go to bed on time and get up on time.
• Pantser or plotter? Both. I plot as much as I can, then make up the details as I go.
• Pepsi or Coke? Cherry Pepsi
• Dogs or cats? Horse.

Favorites:

• Movie—Last of the Mohicans
• Book—The Hollow Kingdom
• Writing tools—a computer and chocolate
• Sport—basketball
• Vacation destination—Hawaii (I’m going in November!)
• Way to relax—reading

The Author…

Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State Uiversity.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.You can follow her on:
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