Q1. Tell me about yourself?
A. As an author and copywriter, I'm a word nerd to the core. I've held every job you can think of that involves the English language: transcriptionist, sign language interpreter, and I was even a book slinger for children's books for a while.
Since I can remember, I've also had a love for true crime. Over time, I sort of developed a habit of absorbing the details in the true-life scares and imagining how they would fit into a fictional tale. Enter my authoring career: I write fictional suspense stories that have true crime aspects weaved into the pages.
When I'm not writing, I'm probably busy beating my kid's tails' at Mario Kart or listening to them retell one of their own stories they've created.
Q2.What are your favorite books to read?
A. I tend to read anything within the thriller subgenres (psychological, horror, crime, mystery, and of course, suspense). But really, the one thing that makes a good story for me is that it makes me feel.
Q3. When did you decide you were going to write a book?
A. I always knew I would end up writing one, but 2020 gave me the gift of time to finally admit there were no excuses to buckle down and do it.
Q4. How did you come up with the name of your book?
A. The title, The Fallen in Soura Heights, is a bit two-fold. On one hand, it comes from a piece of dialogue in the book. I have a character who talks in riddles. She's the "town crazy" who everyone brushes off. However, she holds a lot of truth in what she says. She tells the main character, Fey, "They've fallen, they've fallen again." Part of the mystery is figuring out what that actually means.
On the other hand, it's a nod to Fey's first impression of how "perfect" Soura Heights is and how that image is destroyed for her. The small town "falls" from the imaginary pedestal she put it on.
Q5. What are you working on for 2021
A. I'm working on a second novel that features a very quiet character from The Fallen in Soura Heights. So quiet, in fact, he doesn't have any speaking parts. I felt like he had a story to tell.
After some time spent with this character, I realized, he has a big story to tell and it's a lot more complicated than I originally thought. He's battling both alcoholism and a serial killer. Two things that probably shouldn't be mixed. The working title: Amy's Tree. (This may change)
Q6. How long have you been writing?
A. For. Ev. Er. (cue the Sandlot).
Seriously, I've always had notebooks on my hands and unfinished projects on Word/Google docs. I've dabbled in short stories (had one published ages ago) and (really awful) poetry. I've never been without something to write on. I suppose I've just grown up enough to realize I could actually write and finish novels to share with the world.
Q7.What advice would you give other authors?
A. I think the most important advice I can give is don't chase perfectionism. Yes, be diligent with your self-edits. Yes, make sure the plot holes are filled and there are no glaring inconsistencies. Yes, for goodness's sake hire a professional editor and get someone else's eyes on your work. But don't chase perfectionism or you will go out of your mind trying to achieve something that doesn't exist.
Q8. Where can people find you online?
Instagram: Amanda Jaeger (@amanda.b.jaeger) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Amanda Jaeger - Author | Facebook
Q9. What is your favorite coffee drink?
A. Ohh, black coffee. No sugar or cream needed.
HOWEVER, I do love to change things up from time to time. And when I do, I leave a coffee "recipe" in my newsletter: The Fallen in Soura Heights - Preview (mailchi.mp)
Q10. What is your favorite coffee shop?
A. When I don't brew a cup at home, I love supporting Perk, an independently owned coffee shop that features local roasters: Perk Coffee & Lunchbox–bakery and cafe with kids play area (perkbonair.com)
Q11. Do you plan on making a new book in the future?
A. Yup. I plan on releasing several! Just... one at a time.
Q12. How many books have you written?
A. I've written several stories. I've published one (The Fallen in Soura Heights). Working on a second now.
Q13. Did you go to college to be a writer?
A. Sort of. I was an English major, which "everyone" kind of rolled their eyes at. I got asked a lot "What do you do with a BA in English?" Honestly, at the time, I didn't know what I would do with it. I just knew I was meant to study literature and somehow it would serve me in the future. Turns out, it led me into all kinds of literature-related jobs, all the way to authorship. So...what do you do with a BA in English? You write. ;)
Amanda Jaeger, Author of The Fallen in Soura Heights
Let's connect! Here's where you can find me:
Facebook: Amanda Jaeger - Author | Facebook
Instagram: Amanda Jaeger (@amanda.b.jaeger) • Instagram photos and videos
Web: Home - Amanda Jaeger - Author (amandabjaeger.com)
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