Interview with Amanda Witow & Review of Legends' Legacy

I am delighted to be joined on the blog today by the amazing Amanda Witow for both an interview and my review of her book - Legend's Legacy. Here's a little about Amanda.

Amanda Witow is a nerd, a book lover, a wife, and a ninja. She lives with her husband and two cats in windy/sunny/snowy/sweltering Saskatchewan. Despite temperamental weather, she loves it there. She's had a love affair with myths and fairy tales since she was a young girl, and graduated in 2012 with a BA in psychology and classical studies. The first book in her series, Legend's Legacy, was published in 2016. She is a frequent participant in NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNo.

And onto the interview!

How long have you been writing?
The earliest I distinctly remember writing a story was when I was 12, but I know I was writing before that because I also remember abandoning a different story to start on that project. So, at the very least I've been writing for almost 18 years.
I didn't feel like a "real" writer until 2012 though--which was when I actually finished a story for the first time.

Do you write in the genre you love to read?
I love a lot of different genres, and I write in most of them. It gets a little tricky to give a straight yes-or-no because I like to write genre-mash-ups. There aren't a lot of historical fantasy novels I've heard about that I've thought "I have to read this!" (though there are a few), yet that's my primary genre at the moment

Do you have any favourite authors to read?
I adore Patricia Briggs, Terry Pratchett, and Louis McMaster Bujold. There are other authors I really enjoy (Neil Gaiman, Melanie McFarlane, Angie Fox, and Angela Roquet, to name a few), but those three are my all time favs!

Are you an organised writer or not?
I don't feel like it sometimes, because I'm a "pantser" when it comes to my first drafts, but...the stack of notebooks filled with research notes, maps, world building, plot points, and other 'behind the scene' story into...well, they make a compelling argument that I fall into the "organized" side of being a writer.

What's your idea of a perfect writing day?
A perfect writing day, for me, is more about location than time. Obviously, I would need to have at least a couple hours free to focus on the writing. Without a comfortable chair, a snuggly blanket, natural (but indirect) light, and no distractions would be essential if I were to call it a "perfect" day.

Do you like editing or is it something you loathe?
I'm not particularly bothered by it one way, or another. I enjoy the process of streamlining my story, but dislike how time consuming it is. The thing that really makes me want to pull my hair out is formatting >.<

What's your favourite social media? And why?
I'm a Tumblr girl :)
I enjoy the fast-paced feel, while still having the longer discourse available and possible. I would like to get into Instagraming more, but I don't think I have a very good eye when it comes to finding or arranging photos.

How would you describe your writing process?
Hectic lol
I like to use NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNo to hammer out a first draft, and then set myself (impossible) deadlines for research, revision, editing, etc.
As for what order I do things in... I generally start with a basic idea for a plot, and a more defined cast of characters. I don't worry about the research as much until after the first draft is done, but I can easily get derailed down the rabbit hole that is world building. After a second draft is finished, I look for critique partners and/or beta readers while I double check my research and start working on cover design and formatting. I make any final edits needed, format the whole thing, and then print it off and read it backwards to find typos. I make any changes needed and, if I have the funds, send it for a professional edit. Then it's just the final (minor) changes before it's done and ready for publication.

How often do you write? Do you have a schedule?
I try to write every day, but realistically I'm happy if I can manage two decent writing sessions a week. Generally, I can get through a couple thousand words in a single session, so I try not to stress too much about "missing" a bit of writing time. (Which is very important for my mental health as I am frequently busy with work and volunteer responsibilities)

"If you follow those who are lost, you will never find your way..."

Atalanta and Damien are the last descendants of the mythic figures of Medusa and Perseus. Their divine blood is not the only thing they have in common though---they are mortal enemies locked in a centuries long feud. One that would have ended if not for the interference of a priestess with a vague prophecy of world-destroying events that only they can prevent.

They must set aside their hatred long enough to travel from the shores of Sicily to the island of Crete to find answers.

The tumultuous changes of the end of the 15th century darken the edges of their journey as they learn to navigate the strange juxtaposition between old oaths and new.

Amazon

My review: 5 stars
I loved this book. The start is all action and you can't help but get pulled in. The story of a long family feud that must end with the last of one line being killed by the last of the other. It flows beautifully and I was pulled into the story from the first page. I loved how it all played out, with the added threats and the feeling that the priestess and Gods from past were not going to let things go the way of the humans. It was enthralling and interesting and I loved it!

You can follow Amanda on her website, Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook.


Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.