Amanda Zieba

Amanda Zieba is the author of 12 adult and children's books. She is an author, teacher, writing coach, and entrepreneur.

Born in Alaska, Wisconsin, Amanda has been writing since she was young. She calls her books "a sweet escape" because they are made up stories that help you feel good. She enjoys using settings from locaI places. One of her adult series is about a woman who runs a chocolate shop in Deluth. Another is about four cousins who open a bookstore in LaCrosse.

She's written 6 middle grade and young adult books.

You've written books in a variety of genres and for many age levels. Which age level do you enjoy writing for most? Which genre do you enjoy writing the most?

I have a sweet spot in my heart for middle grade. I taught middle school ELA for 12 years and truly love that age group because while they are trying to improve their academic skills, they are also trying to figure out how to be good humans. Teaching them and writing books for them is such a treat because I get to be a part of BOTH of those goals. As for genre, I think contemporary fiction is the EASIEST for me and thus the most enjoyable. Instead of balancing world building and research, I just have to tell a good story. Personally, whether I'm reading or writing, I largely use fiction as an entertaining escape from real life. Components that add stress to the experience take away some of the joy for me. I'm not saying we should all hit the easy button for everything in life, but you asked my favorite and there it is, lol! 

How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

I have more ideas than time to write them! Ideas come to me all the time, but most often after I see something in the news or in my life and ask, WHAT IF? If this were a novel, what would happen next? Or, what would I NOT want to happen if this were a book... which undoubtedly leads me to thinking about what I would rather read about/see happen. For example, earlier this year when I heard that the Artemis II would be cut off from all Earth communication for 40 minutes when they went to the far side of the moon I immediately wondered... what are they going to talk about in that 40 minutes? Do they have a secret they are dying to tell with no one else to hear? Does it include treasure (always a fun story) or a planet they discovered they don't want anyone else to know about... or... and then I'm off and writing! 

What advice would you give to a newly published author on how to market themself?

Practice pitching your book (or book idea or the fact that you are a writer) to people you don't care about in tiny increments. For example, when I go to the post office to mail one of my books and the postal worker asks me if there is anything hazardous inside, I could simply say no and move on. Instead I say, "Nope, just my book. It's going to a teacher in Ohio." Sometimes that sentence just hangs there. Other times there are follow up questions. If I fumble the words, it's okay... I'm leaving the post office in two minutes and can escape. Or, if the dental hygienist asks, any plans for today? Are you working? I tell them I'm working on a new manuscript. I try to explain it succinctly before they shove more tools back into my mouth. I don't care what the dentist thinks of me or the postal worker either. Their opinions do not impact my self esteem or my relationship with them. It can feel awkward, sure. But they are good people to practice with because you see them infrequently and can leave relatively soon after the conversation. Bonus, now, my post office and dental office people know me and ask about book projects. The biggest part of the battle is getting people to know who you are what you do... and while you've been practicing your book pitch skills and getting over being embarrassed about it, you've also been slowly building awareness. 

My second and probably even better tip is to GO WHERE YOUR PEOPLE ARE. The main character in my newest book (Life in the Passenger Seat) is a high school gymnast. While I've had some luck selling those books at vendor markets, launch parties and schools, my best events have been at... you guessed... high school gymnastics meets. Specifically inviatationals with dozens of teams. Rather than compete with a dozen other books/authors at a book festival, I am the only author in the room selling something different than everyone else, something made for a targeted group of people, all gathered into this ONE space. If you've got a book about a rock collector, go to a gem and crystal conference. If you've got a book about a dog, partner up with the humane society at one of their events. If your main character loves baking do a pop up at a local bakery. GO WHERE YOUR PEOPLE ARE and you will sell so many more books.  

What's the most frustrating part of being an author?

The energy it takes to sell books. Also, the fact that fiction is a luxury item without a luxury price tag. Fiction isn't "necessary" (to general society) the way nonfiction is. Thus, it is priced lower. It's hard to make a lot of money selling things for $16 a pop. I LOVE what we all do... but making a living at it is hard. And that is frustrating and sad. (But I'm still not going to stop writing and trying!)

What is the Word Nerd Collaborative?

The Word Nerd Collaborative is my ecosystem of educational resources designed to help middle school ELA teachers create engaging reading and writing experiences for their students. It includes a membership community, YouTube channel, and free app, Word Nerd Daily. After years of teaching and writing, I realized I could combine those two passions to create something that was both helpful to educators and sustainable as a business. My goal is simple: increase student engagement while saving teachers time. When students want to be in your classroom and willingly participate in the activities you've planned, everything gets easier. One of the most popular features of the Word Nerd Collaborative is a video series called First Chapter Friday. In each episode, I introduce a book I love, read the first chapter aloud, and sometimes interview the author. The series now includes more than 250 books and interviews with several talented SCBWI authors, including Laura Anne Bird, Valerie Biel, and Liza Wiemer. If you know a middle school ELA teacher, I'd love for you to send them my way! They can access a collection of free resources at www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup or learn more about the membership at www.wordnerdcollaborative.com.

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time, what's that!?!? My sons are 13 and 16 and each in 3 sports as well as band. So when I'm not writing or creating awesome stuff for Word Nerd Collaborative I am watching them do cool things on the court/field/stage or driving them to said events. I only get five more years of this chaos before they'll be in college so I tell myself to enjoy it! But free time... there is very little of that. :) If I do get a slow morning or afternoon at home, I love sitting on my front porch in a super cozy chair with a good book and bevie (latte/flavored lemonade/prosecco).