Amy Miller, who uses the nickname AEM to sign her books, is the author of the Endeavor Series and other random literature. While it’s rumored that she’s a homeschooling mama of four and wife of some dude who works with computers, most of the time she’s spotted with her nose in a book or clicking away on a laptop. Her main fantasy series, based in Oklahoma, blends old and new magical creatures and themes. Because seriously, the kind of bra worn while riding a dragon is important, ya’ll.

For more information, please visit Amy on her blog or follow her on Twitter, Facebook – Books and Art by Amy, Facebook – Endeavor Series, Instagram, Pinterest, and on her Amazon Author Page.

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What motivates you to write and how did you get started?

The pleasure of reading encouraged me to write when I was young. The joy of writing is what spurs me on anew. I started writing like most do, in school. I enjoyed it and did well. However, sometime in college I set it aside in favor of earning money and pursuing a career. In my grand plan for life, I thought I would pick it up again when the kids were all grown up. So I graduated college, worked, married, and had children. All of the sudden I was drowning in PPD. I was so drenched in taking care of my children that I felt so invisible and dead inside. Writing enabled me to save myself.

What’s most rewarding about writing?

Definitely the joy I experience while writing. Writing is hard work, but what is a bit of hard when you have a good time doing it?

What’s your favorite genre and why?

Okay, so I’m not good with favorites. I’m a very eclectic person in general, and sometimes I might like a biography in the morning and a thriller before bed. That being said, I do write a lot of fantasy, and it’s a genre that’s dear to me.

Where do your characters come from?

I don’t know! Why? Have you seen it? Tell me!

My characters show up on set, foot tapping and hand on hip. They hand me their demands and sashay into the scene. When they are done, they inform me, and let me know how they die. I spend most of my time running after them, trying to get it all down. But I’m in charge. Totally.

Who is an author who inspires you and why?

I have a long list of fantastic authors who have inspired me, so I’ll choose Juliet Marillier for this interview. She’s a skilled storyteller, and one of the authors I came across early on when I started writing again several years ago. I chose to read more of her books both because I adored them, and because I wanted to read more adult fantasy books with strong, realistic women as I was deciding on my own literary voice.

What do you look for in other people’s books?

When I open a new book, I’m always looking for that tug of a portal to take me away. I also like authentic characters, a goldilocks level of details, and enough space to make the book my own.

Tell us about your newest book or what you’re writing now.

Right now I’m working on Clawthorn, which is my first stand alone novel, and Wicked Atonement, the sixth book in my Endeavor Series. I’m also finishing up some short stories on my blog to grow my skills as a writer, and outlining a non fiction book.

What kind of book would you like to be known for?

The kind that gets banned.

Other than that, I do focus on fantasy that has both male and female strong characters. Too many times it’s just one or the other. It’s also my mission to have fantasy that focuses on female issues. And curvy characters. And characters who cry and mess up and get up and try again.

What has writing taught you about yourself?

I think my writing reminded me of who I am. I think I was buried somewhere under diapers and expectations and loneliness. I saved myself, and I think it’s an experience every person should have in their lifetime.

How has your life experience influenced your writing?

Let me tell one of the best things about writing. You know all that stuff you went through? It’s worth something! Writing is exactly taking the stones other people have tossed at you, and building yourself a strong castle.

Life experiences help in a couple of ways. I wrote a book about big boobs. I had to do absolutely no research for that baby. So that’s the direct way. The other way is indirect. I can pull feelings and situations from my life, and mold them to fit that story’s needs.

What encouraging advice can you offer new writers?

Find out what works for you. Try things. Mess up splendidly. Learn and grow. Writing a book is a difficult business, so remember to take a breath now and then. Reach out to other writers. They’ve been there, and they can encourage you.