Interview with Amy-Brooke Odell, Author of Silo Boys

by grant

in Author Interviews, Mystery, News, Thriller

30 Jul 2019

What can you tell us about your new release, Silo Boys?

Silo Boys is a Young Adult Suspense that tells a crushing story of death and loss, set deep in South Carolina in the nineties.

Two years ago, three boys enter an abandoned silo. By morning, one was dead, one missing, and the third boy says he was never there.

Addy Marks is trying to move on after the tragedy that took the life of one of her best friends and resulted in the disappearance of her boyfriend. When her boyfriend returns, only to be murdered before she can speak to him, Addy is forced to face her anxiety and distrust as she vows to uncover what really happened that Sunday night at the silo. Addy finds a truth so devastating that her life will never again be the same.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I think it was a combination of people. I’ve always loved telling stories but thought writing was out of reach. I had amazing English and Theatre teachers who were so encouraging and inspiring but I was always missing that confidence that could push me forward. Then I had my son and giving birth was the hardest thing that I have ever done and one day I realized, if I can do this; give birth, be a mother, then I can do anything! With all of these ideas in my head, and the encouragement from my husband, there was no looking back and I have loved every minute of my writing life.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Burying the Honeysuckle Girls by Emily Carpenter
The Complete Miss Marple Short Stories by Agatha Christie

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Can it be anyone dead or alive? Because I would love to get a glimpse of Natalie Babbitt’s imagination! I would want to ask where the inspiration for all of her amazing stories came from.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

I think it’s those moments where something from my life ends up on the pages. Little things; some small, tucked away, memory from childhood, a day with a friend or some everyday errand with my husband, I’m always surprised when those random anecdotes pop up on the page.

What is a typical day like for you?

My typical day starts with getting up ridiculously early in order to grab some quiet time to write and do yoga before my son wakes. We spend our mornings at the park, the pool, with friends, or in toddler classes depending on the day. I write while he naps. My husband gets off work shortly after nap time so we spend our evenings together with our son and dog. Right now, my entire schedule revolves around my son and I love it.

What scene in Silo Boys was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed writing the reveal. It was both challenging and satisfying to finally be able to explain what is happening.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I’m not sure who originated it but I love the quote “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”