romanticizing writing with...Amy Lea
"Being at peace and keeping a positive mental space is the best way for creativity to flourish."
romanticizing writing with… is an interview series that offers a sneak peek into the dream scenario and the reality of an author’s writing life. In case you missed the last one, check out Ali Rosen’s interview. Or take a peek into the entire romanticizing writing with… archive.
Next up, we’re romanticizing writing with Amy Lea, author of Set on You, Exes and O’s, The Catch, Woke Up Like This, and Something Like Fate. I’ve been a huge fan of Amy’s since her debut (and she was so kind in blurbing and supporting my own debut)! Her books are comedic and thoughtful and sweet with such fun premises.
I flew through her latest YA novel, Something Like Fate. In it, Lo Zhao-Jensen and the women in her family have always been able to have visions of The One—the great loves of their lives—before meeting them. Up until we meet her, Lo has never had one of these visions. Then she does, and with the help of her aunties, they’re sure she’ll meet The One on her upcoming summer trip to Italy. Joining her on this Italian getaway is Lo’s best friend, Teller, who Lo hasn’t gotten to hang out with ever since college started. Lo and Teller get more time to reconnect on their travels, but when she’s saved in Venice by Caleb, the guy she’s convinced is The One because of her vision, her feelings for Teller are starting to become more complicated. 📚 Add to your TBR if you’re into: fate vs. free vill, friends to lovers, love triangle, supportive aunties, and Italian adventures.
Now, let’s get romanticizing! Amy’s got so much great stuff to share (I found myself nodding along to everything she says about mental health, chaotic first drafts, cover design, and interacting with readers).
Lauren Kung Jessen: Hi, Amy! So excited to be romanticizing about writing with you! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you write?
Amy Lea: Hi! So nice to be here 🙂 I’m Amy Lea and I write contemporary romance for both adults and teens. My next upcoming YA/coming of age romcom, Something Like Fate, hits shelves this March, so get ready to be transported to Italy with two awkward besties (black cat and golden retriever dynamic), a psychic premonition or two, and at least one overly dramatic monologue in a public bathroom of all places.
I live in Ottawa, Canada (the snowiest capital city in the world). When I’m not writing, I spend most of my free time with family, hanging out with my golden doodles, reading and fangirling over other romance books, and travelling (though these days, I’m at home with babies but daydreaming about travelling).
LKJ: What’s your dream writing day?