NK Chats To… Margaret Amatt

Hi Margaret, thank you so much for inviting Novel Kicks onto the blog tour for your novel, Two’s Company at the Forest Light Show. What’s your typical writing day like and how long does the writing process take you overall?

I’m a binge writer so when I get in the zone I keep going as long as possible! This usually happens when my son is at school and the house is quiet. I can write from nine a.m. to three p.m. with only short breaks. I find it the best way to keep the flow of the story going. On good days, I’ll write in the evenings as well.

Overall, I’m quite a fast writer, but to do that I spend a lot of time planning the books before I write a word. Once I know exactly where I want the story to go then I start. sometimes they detour here and there from the plan but generally speaking it keeps me on track and means I always know what I need to write.

Which songs would make up a playlist for your book?

That’s a really tricky question. I’m not sure what would fit this particular book. I’m thinking some power ballads for Cha and maybe something classical for Nick! Something that shows their opposite personalities.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered since you’ve started writing?

That writing ‘the end’ on your first draft isn’t the end at all!! That’s just the start. The editing and publishing work that comes after is the hardest part.

Any other advice for aspiring writers?

If you’re serious about writing to be published, then get feedback and take it on board. It may seem daunting but it’s the best way to improve your writing and start to understand where your strengths and areas for growth are.

About Margaret Amatt –

Margaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light ofday and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks.

But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull. Margaret has also written four books in The Glenbriar Series with more planned for 2023.

The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with the characters.

Say hello to Margaret via her website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

About Two’s Company at the Forest Light Show: 

One night, one second chance, and a love story waiting to happen

Vivacious forestry worker Cha Gilchrist doesn’t usually have flings with buttoned-up guys who dress like her old geography teacher, no matter how secretly attractive she finds them. But she makes one exception; after all, she’ll never see the guy again…

Reserved Nick Harkness is used to people thinking he’s dull – better that than having them discover his secrets. But his carefully constructed life is cracked open when the blue-haired goddess he chanced an uncharacteristic fling with appears in his office and gives the perfect interview for a woodland management job. Nick has no option but to hire her.

Working together on the Glenbriar Forest Light Show, Nick and Cha uncover corruption at the heart of the organising committee, but under their professional façade, a burning attraction simmers. As they attempt to expose the truth, they can’t ignore the intensity of their feelings.

Pursuing her boss is a risky step, even for daring Cha, but if Nick’s secrets come to light, then his position in the company might be the least of their problems.

Two’s Company at the Forest Light Show is book four in the Glenbriar series and was released on 19th August 2023. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US and Waterstones.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.