I recently listened to an Armchair Expert podcast interview with R.L. Stine and was reminded about this piece I wrote a few years back for UntitledTown. I knew very little about Stine before the events I wrote about, but I walked away with great respect for the man. What a gift he is. What’s InContinue reading “Stine”
Author Archives: AmiMaxine
She’s on her way!
My intent for this blog post was to announce that I had packed up all the Kickstarter copies of Wherever Would I Be and sent her out into the world. However, despite some [sarcasm] really fun [/sarcasm] obstacles, I actually got her out earlier than anticipated. At the moment, all print copies are in theContinue reading “She’s on her way!”
Andrea Gibson: A Book Review in Five Parts
First things first: Gibson’s pronouns are them/them/theirs. Second, they note that the best writing advice they’ve ever received was to “write what you are terrified to write.” Upon knowing this, the content into which they repeatedly dive makes complete sense. The honesty with which they explore it? Well, that is not something that can be taught – butContinue reading “Andrea Gibson: A Book Review in Five Parts”
Wherever Would I Be: Locations and Research
The main location from this story is Lucy’s home in Cicero, IL, which is a suburb located on the west side of Chicago, IL. What we don’t learn in the story is that the house was Grandma Fran’s family home. Luca, her adopted child and Lucy’s adopted father, inherits the home from her. While todayContinue reading “Wherever Would I Be: Locations and Research”
Engage, Listen, and Show up for Tomorrow
from my work UntitledTown (in anticipation of Danez Smith’s craft talk and keynote reading a few years ago) In 2014, NPR asked “Where Have All The Poets Gone?” The article was a cry to arms for poets to come back and lead the political charge on the front lines like poets Langston Hughes, Jack Kerouac,Continue reading “Engage, Listen, and Show up for Tomorrow”
Say Cheese!
To say that I hate having my picture taken is the understatement to end all understatements. I’m an introvert. Plus, I don’t like having attention on me (especially prolonged attention). But don’t take this to mean I’m a doormat – I will stand my ground/stand up for myself and others when necessary. I’d just ratherContinue reading “Say Cheese!”
What’s in a Name? Part Two
I thought I would do another “meaning of names” post about Wherever Would I Be, my second book. Names within the story have meaning – not just for me as a writer, but for the characters themselves. Lucy’s father, Luca, even shares this with her – and then she shares the story with her littleContinue reading “What’s in a Name? Part Two”
Gettin’ My Nerd On, Bookish Style
There have been several steps to this self-publishing process that have been especially fun for me, and they also happen to be the nerdiest parts of it, too. Go figure. 😉 There are certain childhood dreams that surround becoming a published author. One dream is to walk into my local book shop and get toContinue reading “Gettin’ My Nerd On, Bookish Style”
She’s Real!
It’s a really strange feeling to be reading a book…and it’s my book…in book format. I wonder if this feeling ever goes away. I hope not. This whole process has been such a learning experience. I should note that I’m a stubborn, independent person – and I love to learn. So if there is anContinue reading “She’s Real!”
Music to My Ears
Several years ago, I admitted in front of a friend that I didn’t care for the music of a rather popular musician. I didn’t say I hated their stuff. I didn’t say it was bad. I said nothing other than it didn’t resonate with me. This friend turned to me and said, “I feel sorryContinue reading “Music to My Ears”
Ami Maxine 