Keep Writing: Failure Is Just Another Chapter in the Story
Photo: Amey Zeigler: Award-winning author, globetrotter, and storyteller who crafts humorous and heartfelt tales of love, hope, and adventure.
Award-Winning Author Amey Zeigler On Writing Romances, Mastering Mysteries, And Embracing Humor And Hope
Award-winning author Amey Zeigler shares her inspirations, the emotional depth of her novels, the personal touch in her settings, and her invaluable advice for aspiring writers tackling creativity, growth, and perseverance.
A mey Zeigler is a vibrant force in the world of romantic comedies and mysteries, crafting stories that seamlessly blend laughter, heart, and intrigue. Her award-winning works, such as The Swiss Mishap, showcase her rare ability to evoke joy through humor while keeping her narratives wholesome and universally approachable. With a background in theater that breathes personality and energy into her storytelling, Amey weaves tales that are as captivating as they are meaningful. Her books span vivid, personal backdrops—from the snowy landscapes of Alaska to the charm of Switzerland—each setting thoughtfully rendered to create a transformative reading experience.
Amey’s dedication to infusing her stories with hope, love, and a touch of adventure is a hallmark of her writing. She doesn’t shy away from heavy themes like loss or complexity, but through her unparalleled balance of humor and optimism, she gifts her readers with an emotional journey akin to life itself, where hope always shines through. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a devoted fan of heartfelt, lively fiction, Amey’s approach to storytelling inspires, bringing a little extra light into every reader’s world. It was a joy to sit down with Amey and delve into her creative journey, her life’s influences, and her invaluable advice for writers and dreamers alike.
Amey Zeigler inspires readers with her heartfelt stories, blending humor, hope, and adventure, all while championing joy and positivity.
Highlights from the Interview:
- Amey’s love for Nancy Drew sparked her passion for puzzles and mysteries.
- Her life experiences in Alaska, St. Louis, Arizona, and Switzerland shape her novel settings.
- Balances serious themes like divorce and loss with humor and hope.
- Encourages writers to embrace failure and keep growing their skills.
- Advocates for keeping novels accessible for readers of all ages.
- Highlights the importance of building a supportive community for aspiring authors.
What inspired you to start writing stories, and how did you discover your love for mysteries and romance?
I grew up reading Nancy Drew. I loved figuring out the puzzle. Leaning into the romance came later. I wanted people to explore places and feelings like I had in books. But I knew I wanted to keep all my stories where anyone from 14-104 could read them. I limit biblical swears and keep the intimacy off the page. I just want kids and adults to read good stories with only the content they want and where no one has to feel uncomfortable.
How does your experience of growing up in different places influence your writing and choice of settings?
Nearly all my books are deeply personal to me, reflecting a part of my life. You’ll find stories set in Alaska, St. Louis, Arizona, and Switzerland—places I’ve lived. The settings are almost characters in the book because they impact the story.
“Writing is a skill you can learn.
Your voice develops over time with practice.”
– Amey Zeigler
The themes in your books often explore serious topics such as divorce and loss. How do you balance these heavier elements with the lighthearted and uplifting aspects of your stories?
Readers want to explore the full range of emotion, but I believe hope is the greatest emotion that fiction can give us. If you add a little humor and a lot of hope, even heavier topics aren’t weighty.
What advice would you give to someone exploring self-expression through writing but who feels uncertain about their talent or voice?
Writing is a skill you can learn. I’m so glad someone told me that when I first started. You can develop your skills over time with practice. Your voice is something you develop with practice. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not perfect right off the bat. Keep working, keep learning, keep getting feedback. Above all, keep writing.
“Love writing enough that you’d be willing to fail for it
because you will fail and fail and fail.”
– Amey Zeigler
As an established writer, what advice would you give to other aspiring authors seeking to find their niche and grow in their craft?
Start building a social media following now. Let people cheer you on in your journey. Leave your ego at the door. Love writing enough that you’d be wiling to fail for it because you will fail and fail and fail. get up, dust yourself off and keep writing. You only fail if you quit.
