Amber Argyle Author Interview

Photo Content from Amber Argyle

AMBER ARGYLE grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Her debut novel, Witch Song, came out Sept 1st 2011 by Rhemalda Publishing.

        

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out?
I’m writing a sequel to Witch Song, called Witch Born. It should be out this fall.

Also, I dislocated a girl’s shoulder this week. BUT I DIDN’T MEAN TO! We were just playing basketball and both went up for the rebound. I’m not even sure how it exactly happened.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Chocolate. Lots of it.

Just kidding. Too much chocolate leads to muffin top, which has never made me happy. ;)

Writers have to find a way to balance what, for most of us, is a second job. The key is prioritization, and you can’t sacrifice the essential for the frivolous. It also helps to block out certain times. From 9-10 every MWF, I work out. I do housework/kids until 1 every day (and if I don’t get all the housework done, it simply doesn’t get done). From 1—3:40, I’m a writer. From 4 on, I’m a Mommy/cook/private tutor/chauffer. I also try to fit in at least one marketing event a month (be it a signing, school visit, conference, etc). More than that and I feel too stressed and miss my kids too much.

Basically, that means my house is never as clean as I’d like, I don’t cook elaborate meals, or watch TV. Sometimes I don’t even change out of my yoga pants.

When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer. But I was busy with other dreams until after college. I had my second son, who cried 16 hours a day. Writing literally saved my sanity, and I realized I had a natural talent for it. It took 5 years and 6 manuscripts before I finally found a publisher.

For those who are unfamiliar with your series; Witch Song, how would you introduce it?
In Witch Song, Witches control nature by singing to call in storms, shifting the seasons, and growing plants. But all the Witches have been captured by one of their own. Shy, untrained Brusenna is the only remaining free Witch, but can she’ll have to overcome her lack of training and self esteem to become what the world needs.

If you could introduce Brusenna to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Harry Potter. I’d love to hear a debate between the two of them over wands versus singing to create magic, etc, and compare notes on growing up being bullied, having your arch nemesis kill your family, etc.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?
Love yourself. Respect yourself. Because if you don’t, no one else will.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?
Hunger Games, The Hollow Kingdom, and Eon.

What is your most memorable travel experience?
My high school trip to Washington DC.

What’s the worst job you’ve had?
That’s a toss up between working at the mental institution and flipping burgers.

The world is changing.

Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons. But not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her.

Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Praise for WITCH SONG

In WITCH SONG, Amber Argyle makes a riveting debut, creating a fresh new world full of wonder, peril, and splendor. I found WITCH SONG to be positively engrossing from the first page to the last. I'm convinced that this is just the first book in what will be a long and prosperous career! ―David Farland, New York Times Bestselling Author

Amber Argyle’s debut novel, Witch Song, is an interesting look into the secret world of witches. Spells, magic, and hexes are all here. The world that Argyle created for these remarkable witches are so vivid and darkly beautiful. Filled with characters that are likable, it’s a formula that will surely hook readers from the first page.

The writing style that Argyle presents in this novel is simply stunning. Whether it is people, events or the setting, she does not leave out any description. The story moved along brilliantly and left no space in between. I love the twist that Argyle incorporated with the witch culture: Spells are casted by singing it. The emotions drawn by the characters are so vibrant that you feel every sensation they go through.

We are treated with a grand adventure with a highly spirited protagonist named Brusenna (Senna), who goes against a nearly unbeatable powerful witch. Along the way, we are introduced to the most fascinating characters. Each of them carried their own personality, whether its liked or not, it produced a great cast of memorable people.

I honestly enjoyed every page of this charming tale. A delight read for anyone who loves to read about the paranormal. It satisfies your thirst for out-of-this-world escapades with characters who continually serves up an endless amount of fun.

You can purchase Witch Song at these following Retailers:

      

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you AMBER ARGYLE for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Copy of Witch Song & one Signed Bookmark by Amber Argyle.
3 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark by Amber Argyle.

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