A.M. Gilliam
Author Interview:
1. What inspires you most to write?
I’ve been writing since I was very young. It’s been an escape for me throughout every phase of my life. I want others, like myself, who want that sense of escape, to be able to have that. Whether they are eighteen or eighty, they can at least read a book that has happiness in it. Some need that, and I would love to be the one who gives that to them...
2. What is your favorite genre?
Romance. Whether it be paranormal, erotica etc. Anything and Everything romance for me. LOL
3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?
Honestly, I used to have a lot of authors I admired, but as I’ve become older, I’ve learned to separate the art from the artist. A lot of authors have great books, but in reality, they aren’t nice people. One of my all-time favorite books was written by a racist. I was so upset when I found out, but that's because I didn’t separate the craft from the actual person creating it.
4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?
Meditation. I am a firm believer in meditation. I went through a little writer's block recently and that really helped me focus my thoughts.
5. What legal publishing advice can you give?
Always stay on top of your sales and reports. Even if you are traditionally published. Make sure you're keeping your own charts. I dealt with a lot from traditional publishers, and I vowed to make sure I always stay on top of everything. Also, copyright your work. It costs some money but, always do it.
6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?
I have written 3 books, 2 of which are published, 1 I kind of threw away, and am currently working on my 4th novel as we speak. And No bestsellers yet, but my dream is to be a bestselling author.
7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?
The color Purple. It's a very good movie, but I would have liked to see less African American’s hurting each other, and more of us working together, and building something. I would’ve turned it into a “Black Wallstreet” type of movie.
8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?
I mean, no one really likes criticism. LOL but honestly, it doesn’t bother me because I know most reviewers and bloggers don’t set out to harm me. And the ones that do, I only prove that there is something wrong with them, not me.
9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?
Finishing my second book. Once I finished it, I was so happy. It took me 2 years to finish it, and that because of personal issues. But once I finished it was the spark I needed. That, and getting my first five-star review. That feeling was very nice.
10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort of sound in the background?
I write in silence. That’s because I deal with noise and music all day with my daughter, so writing is a way for me to have some quiet time.
11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?
Don’t quit. Tell the story you feel led to tell, not what you think people will like. And keep writing, always.
12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?
I determine pricing based on the cost of prints and the length of the book. I do a lot of interviews, and self-promotion on social media.
13. Why should anyone read your book?
Readers should definitely read my book because I enjoy writing. When an author enjoys their work, the readers can sense it within the story. I read quite often, and I can sometimes hear the lack of enthusiasm in some writers' work. Plus, my books are funny and contain steamy hints of erotica. Who wouldn’t want to read that? LOL
14. Did you have a book coach?
No, I don’t have a book coach.
15. What was your favorite subject in school?
Besides lunch, LOL. it was English.
16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?
Originally, I was published by a traditionally publishing company back in 2017, but somethings happened, and now as of 2019, I am self-publishing.