Exclusive Interview with
Amber Higgins
Let’s start with your Career as a writer!
When did you start writing?
I have always loved to write. I started playing with writing as a teenager and I was first published in 1992 newspapers using a typewriter and snail mail. I took a break for several years before returning to college to learn how to publish online which I have been doing ever since.
What makes writing your passion?
My muse. I come from a long line of writers and the urge hits me from above so I write.
How long have you been writing?
Since the 1970's
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Amazing! A big Wow, especially when I heard my short story A Squirrel Planted an Acorn on audible.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Life experiences
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
That 2 publishers have published my books only to make money from me paying them and then they stop working with me.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I take a walk in a forest
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
My muse and to new writers....Write on!
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
What a wonderful adventure it's been and it's not over yet!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes I read my book's reviews. I have not received any bad reviews but one would not bother me. I do not write to please everyone so I would simply accept that the reader was not meant to enjoy my story.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
A good review always makes me feel great and lets me know somebody read what I rode, which is nice to know.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, most of my writing are from my own experiences.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
My draft novel is based on a fiction version of myself. Of course, all names have been changed to protect the innocent and privacy of everyone.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes, I agree, a book cover is very important to let readers know what to expect inside the book as well as for a peek inside to get their attention.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I do chat with them in person or online, when they wish to connect. Usually more so at book signings and events than online.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I'm happy to hear they have gained something from my books and I appreciate the opportunity to know how they feel.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Stephan King because he is great at weaving a tale.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Fame isn't important to me.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes, I have. When my first publisher went out of business, I added almost a 100 pages to the his first edition of the Family Disaster Dogs book to self publish a larger second edition myself.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Stephan King, his house is awesome!
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I delete if I can and let it go. My time is more valuable then wasting on them.
What would you say to your readers?
I hope you enjoy the books and have fun with your dogs, enjoy the outdoors and stay safe out there. Thank you for reading my books.
Thank you for sharing! Let’s talk about your Personal Life!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live on the Oregon coast with my best friend, my dog.
What is your day job if you have one?
I train a dog now and then, or help pet owners with grooming and advice. Otherwise I promote my writing and write.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, gardening and exploring what's in the world.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I had an awesome childhood in art galleries and museums with parents who were fine art artists.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
There was not really one experience but maybe because when I was a teenager and experiencing growing pains I was told to express my feelings with a pen and paper or art.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Yes I have many unpublished books, some I wrote 30 years ago and one day I will catch up with publishing them. I keep writing new books ha!
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I homeschooled three children who all graduated and have done well. So I would say, parents should spend more time teaching children and not rely so much on the child only learning at school. Life is a learning experience that does not stop when the bell goes off at school.