What do you write? Why this in particular?
As a child I began writing short stories and poetry. I still have the exercise book full of poems and funny pictures and then there is the collection of printed and hand-written sheets written in moments of inspiration. Even then the writer’s midnight thirst woke me from slumber to scribe my work.
Through the years I have written non-fiction to document parts of my life and learning. Then with my Missy Dog series which had been an idea for some time I launched my charity books. These delve into the world of historical fiction woven into the real lives of living creatures through dreams.
I write horror too and have one novel to seek publishing and an idea for a sequel which it opens itself up to. Then my Mum series of short stories tells her precious life story through the eyes of a child carer.
Writing is a way to educate and help people through stories and experience. I like to include morals in my fiction and inspiration in my non-fiction. It gives me a sense of purpose and stories are fun to write.
What do you write? Why this in particular?
As a child I began writing short stories and poetry. I still have the exercise book full of poems and funny pictures and then there is the collection of printed and hand-written sheets written in moments of inspiration. Even then the writer’s midnight thirst woke me from slumber to scribe my work.
Through the years I have written non-fiction to document parts of my life and learning. Then with my Missy Dog series which had been an idea for some time I launched my charity books. These delve into the world of historical fiction woven into the real lives of living creatures through dreams.
I write horror too and have one novel to seek publishing and an idea for a sequel which it opens itself up to. Then my Mum series of short stories tells her precious life story through the eyes of a child carer.
Writing is a way to educate and help people through stories and experience. I like to include morals in my fiction and inspiration in my non-fiction. It gives me a sense of purpose and stories are fun to write.
What got you started on writing in the first place?
My Mum started my writing passion. She taught me to read and write by the age of three through long sessions at the library sat on shallow boxes full of books where we searched for the next unread Dr Seuss. It was at this age that I declared that I would like to be an author when I grew up and it remained a dream until my thirties. I still can’t believe I actually reached through life to grasp it.
She always encouraged me to read and look up words I didn’t know in the dictionary or thesaurus. This inspired my love of words and I still, even now, run through the alphabet in my head when rhyming and search for a different way to express a line.
Then school and my English teachers always supported me. They saw something in my writing and urged me not to stop.
So, I taught myself to touch-type on an electric typewriter (before computers were readily available) and wrote my first novel about a dog aged 10-12. I still aim to resurrect this as it echoes my Missy Dog series ideas and would be interesting to look back at now. Submissions to publishers came next using the yearbook and handwriting cover letters. All, of course, were rejections but it gave me a valuable insight in determination.
After A-levels I burned out my writing mojo for some years. The thorough criticism of texts gave me an overdose of why and not enough ‘just so’. I continued to write poetry and some stories but didn’t return seriously to writing until after bereavement. It was finding peace with life’s experience which settled me back into ambition but with a new purpose and my inner child’s simple understanding which I gained back.
My routine consists of slow progress because of my health and disability. But, it works, probably even better than when I was more able to multi-task. Simple diary actions are written on days and then crossed out and reallocated if I can’t make it happen. Eventually they get done with all of the other things I do.
I try to do a little each day I am able to and don’t feel guilty if I can’t. It has taken me a long time to learn to pace myself and accept my illness but now it is just my routine.
I generally work where I am comfortable and that is with my legs up. So, my sofa becomes my working space. But, I also have an outside shed where I can write, my garden and my upstairs craft room.
After my self-published first Missy Dog book. Some people argue that you’re not a writer or author until you’re earning enough to make a living from your work. I disagree. If you write consistently and put yourself out there online, through blogs, self-publish, publish traditionally or write for yourself you’re a writer. It’s the same way you’re a walker if you walk.
I love creating the whole book with writing, illustrations and cover design. Hearing reviews from readers when they say they have enjoyed my work means the world.
Having trained in the printing industry years ago I learned editing, proof-reading and graphic design so I enjoy using these skills in my work. Research has been an enjoyable experience with historical fiction. I need to submerge myself in the world of my story so visiting museums and places I write about is essential to make it come to life. Then documenting all of these resources in references is hugely important.
Editing other author’s work for Gill James gives me huge satisfaction as I to-and-fro with the writer. It opens my eyes to writing from a different perspective. I ran a local writing group for a while too where we explored writing but unfortunately I couldn’t continue due to health. Working freelance and ad-lib is best for me to juggle around pain and fatigue.
To continue my Missy Dog series for other non-profit work and to write more for myself to seek publishers. The main aim though is to continue to write.
My latest work is Croc-a-beest: https://www.consciouscrafties.com/handmade-gifts/croc-a-beest-story-book-all-ages-illustrated-and-original-moral-story/
My Go Fund Me campaign supports good causes through my Missy Dog Books. I donate the writing, art, design and illustrations, friends support me with their time, proof-reading, editing, layout and more, but printing is an expense. Please support the creation of a book as a book is for life and supports a charity forever.
https://uk.gofundme.com/missy-dog-books-for-good-causes
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/amandababer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandababerauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_jones_aka_baber_author
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missydogbooks/
Website: http://amandababerauthor.wordpress.com/
CafeLit: http://cafelit.co.uk/index.php/meet-our-authors/2-uncategorised/114-amanda-baber
Missy’s Matters
is my Conscious Crafties Shop full of creative, handmade goodies with many
donating to good causes. https://www.consciouscrafties.com/crafties/missys-matters/
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/MissysMatters/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missysmatters/
Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/Missysmatters
Pinterest https://uk.pinterest.com/missysmatters/pins/
Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/161120523@N02/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-baber-6094b9154/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqE6dmZJ3TXpsojksu2BFQ
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