We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Abraham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Writing is one of “those” things where only so much can be taught out of a textbook or in a classroom. It can only be improved by trial and error, error and trial. While the definition of “great” or “beautiful” or “emotion-provoking” writing looks a bit different for everyone, I found my own style through reading the work of others, deciding what I did and didn’t fall in love with, and responding with my own writing accordingly. I’ve also found great success with writing what’s on my mind/heart, letting my work sit for a week or two before reviewing it again, and making adjustments from there. It can be tough to write and edit simultaneously!
I’m honestly not sure that there’s a way to speed up a process like this. Writing is a field of growth; improvement won’t stop unless you choose for it to. Thus, it can’t really be sped up or slowed down either. My suggestion for writers who want to improve their writing is to keep doing it. Do it ugly, do it worded poorly, do it imperfectly. Improvement WILL come, and the more you DO it, the faster you will SEE it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Amanda Abraham, and seeing those words next to each other on the cover of a book was a dream-come-true. I’ve enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember, but I really began taking the art of “writing a book” seriously when I was about twelve. Since then, I’ve written and published three books, with my newest release, “Disappearance”, dropping on Amazon in early April. In addition to writing, I am a Health Science student at the University of Toledo, an instructor of American Sign Language, a musician, and a missionary.
Right now, I am most proud of my newest book release, “Disappearance”. I am also very close to hitting 10k followers on Instagram, which brings great excitement as well! One thing I’d love for followers and/or readers to know about me is that, contrary to popular belief, I DO NOT have my life together, wrapped with a bow. I certainly wish I did, but unfortunately, this is not the case. I struggle too, even if my face doesn’t show it. I truly hope that my writing will help others to recognize that no matter what they may be going through, they are NOT alone!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My first book, a memoir, was published when I was sixteen years old. As a young, excited new author, I wanted nothing more than to make my book available on the market as soon as possible. Bad idea, by the way. Don’t do that.
Anyway, I had no clue at the time that I had utilized a “scam” publisher. Everything seemed wonderful throughout the publishing process, until I stopped profiting from the book. This was very hard for younger Amanda to work through, and for a while, she lost hope in all writing and publishing.
Thankfully, through the help of my loving parents, pastors, and friends, I found my passion again. It was truly difficult to publish a second time. While I had spotted some “red flags” throughout the publishing process with the first company, I still struggled to trust a new one. Luckily, my wonderful acquisition agent (also named Amanda) was incredibly patient, answering all of my questions with kindness and joy. I am very grateful to have worked with Covenant Books when publishing “Wanted” and again as I finish the publishing process of “Disappearance”.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“On Writing” by Stephen King was really inspiring to me. Reading about his journey taught me a lot about my own, and it’s so encouraging to see that EVERYone (even the best of the best creatives) face struggles, hardships, and feelings of giving up. The book also offers several tips on writing, which I have found useful in my work. Other books that have helped shape my writing were “1984” by George Orwell, “Good Kings Bad Kings” by Susan Nassbaum, and “Sparks of Genius’ by Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/amandama217 Title: Written By Amanda
• Instagram: @writtenby_amanda https://www.instagram.com/writtenby_amanda?igsh=MWQ0dTJoZWphODVuZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Written By Amanda https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jcj7pk1ks/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: Amanda Abraham https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-abraham-735720314?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
• Youtube: Written By Amanda https://youtube.com/@writtenby_amanda?si=2eqHAiupcNHw-sv2