Interview with Amanda Dick
Published 2014-05-19.
What do you read for pleasure?
Stories that are character-driven, rather than plot-driven. Anything that explores relationships, either between partners, friends, family members, lovers - any story that keeps human emotions at the centre of the wheel is something that I'll naturally gravitate towards.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My Kindle! A gift from my husband (bless him).
Describe your desk
Pretty. I love pretty things. My desk is an old Singer sewing machine table bottom, with a lovely piece of stained timber for a top. It has my iPod docking station, a pretty pink lamp and notebooks and pens. I can only work when it's tidy, so it's usually kept in pretty good condition!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the same small town I live in now - Opotiki, New Zealand. I left at the age of 16 to go and work in Auckland, where I stayed for 10 years. Then I wanted a little more adventure in my life, so I went to London, England and worked there for a few months, before meeting some like-minded travelling companions and heading off with our backpacks and a campervan, to see Europe for a few months. When I came back to London, I decided to go and visit my cousin who lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. Three weeks later, I met my husband. We moved in together a week later. That was seventeen years ago, and now we live back in New Zealand with our two children.
I don't know if living in Opotiki influenced my writing, but I do prefer to write about small towns rather than big cities. I find them more fascinating.
When did you first start writing?
When I was about 10 years old. I used to write long-hand, in school books that I would hide under my mattress so no one would find them.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love to have control over the characters and the plot, but the thing that gives me the most joy is when the characters take over and I'm just along for the ride. I love it when they surprise me.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything! If I hadn't received such wonderful support at the release of my first novel, "Absolution", I don't think I would have even considered releasing anything else for public consumption. I'm literally here BECAUSE of people who like what I do, and I'm so very grateful for that. It allows me to share what I love with the world.
What are you working on next?
I have several manuscripts I'm working on. One is a sequel to "Absolution", the other is another stand-alone.
Who are your favorite authors?
Diana Gabaldon, Janet Frame and Katherine Mansfield.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The possibility of what I could accomplish each day. Sometimes it's mind-boggling!
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