By way of introduction, here’s bio:
Amber Leigh Williams writes pulse-pounding romantic suspense, historical fiction, and contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and being outdoors with her family and dogs.
She is fluent in sarcasm and is known to hoard books like the book dragon she is. An advocate for literacy, she is an ardent supporter of libraries and the constitutional right to read.
Hello, Amber, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
In elementary school, I was a slow reader so I was placed in a retention class.
The teacher there noticed I was too busy quietly entertaining myself with my own stories to read the assigned ones so she challenged me to write them down. Through that exercise, I uncovered this pocket of stories in my mind that’s been with me ever since.
Which genres do you write?
I write contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical fiction.
What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?
While writing Madame Rebelle, I was a little intimidated about writing against a historical backdrop.
But as soon as I approached writing it like my suspense novels with a ticking clock and the constant threat of danger lurking the background of every scene, the plot started to move on its own and I couldn’t stop writing until the end.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
Edmee is based on a number of firsthand accounts from women who experienced World War II in France and fought for their country and themselves in the French Resistance.
I’ve been inspired by the lives of voices throughout Europe at that time such as Anne Frank, Gerda Weissmann Klein, Josephine Baker, Agnes Humbert, Irene Nemirovsky, Vera Atkins, Pearl Witherington Cornioley, and so many others.
What is a favorite quote from one of your own books?
In the second half of the story, the MMC Christian is trying to give the heroine Edmee hope: “Rebellions are like the tracks of a train. The train can’t pass over the tracks until every spike is driven in and every joint is riveted. It only takes one train to pave the way for others. That’s how we change the nature of this war. That is how we take our country back.”
I love this scene because in the first half of the book, Edmee is the one who inspires others to overcome the challenges around them, including Christian. At this point, he turns the tables and motivates her to go on. I find the reciprocal nature of their relationship so touching.
What is your favorite book review from a reader?
A reader left a note saying Edmee’s journey in Madame Rebelle felt like her own and that made her journey through the book feel personal. Edmee’s journey was personal for me, too.
Can you share a random interesting fact about yourself?
I like chocolate and caramel and most days I drink my weight in hot tea like a proper diabolical lady.
What spark started one of your stories?
The concept for Madame Rebelle came about while reading Code Name Pauline by Pearl Witherington Cornioley, A Life in Secrets by Sarah Helm and A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead.
The more I read about the impact women made in the French Resistance, the more I wanted to write Edmee’s story.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
If you’d like a sample of my work, you can read my novella About That Summer by joining my newsletter at https://amberleighwilliams.com/newsletter.
You’ll also gain access to my website archives where you can enjoy more free reads and recipes inspired by the books.
What are your favorite books?
Books that bring me joy are The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (bring on the plots twists!), the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas, Shylyn Ray’s Cupid’s Bottom series, and Ali Hazelwood’s STEMinist novels.
I also enjoy the work of Jennifer Robson, Adrienne Young, Kennedy Ryan, Sara Donati and Leigh Bardugo.
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
Well, Jane Austen has to sit at the head of the table. She’d probably ask me why I can’t keep my characters from acting so inappropriately, but I’d love to have a conversation with her and the Bronte sisters.
I’d also love to speak with Mary Shelley and Maya Angelou. If Margaret Atwood, Nora Roberts, and Anne Lamont want to come to the table, too, I think that would be one heck of a dinner party. I’d be happy to pour the tea and spectate.
When you’re not writing, where can we find you?
I love the outdoors. I have four rescue dogs who remind me frequently that outside time is a must.
My family enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, and biking together. Nature walks are a must as well as reading outdoors when the weather’s nice and gardening.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
I would be the harried woman in the background who has zero idea what she’s doing.
I admire Edmee’s courage so much because if I was dropped into any scene in the book, I don’t think I would have the slightest clue how to think on my feet like she does and survive.
Unless it was the lake scene with Christian. I’d definitely know what to do there. *wink*
Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?
You can find me on the web at https://www.amberleighwilliams.com. I’m also on Instagram (https://instagram.com/amberleighwilliams) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amberleighwiliamsbooks)!
Where can we find your books?
Madame Rebelle is on sale now on Amazon. My contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels are available wherever ebooks are sold!
Thank you, Amber, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.
To learn more about Amber’s book Madame Rebelle and the Giveaway click here.
