Interview with Amy Lamont, author of Almost Never

What can you tell us about your new release, Almost Never?

Almost Never was the book that almost wasn’t. I had a crazy series of health issues while Almost Never was on pre-order that caused me to postpone the release. It felt like I’d never get a chance to finish Harper and Declan’s story. But thankfully, I had a happy ending to that chapter of my life and I was able to get back to work and make sure Harper and Declan got their own happily ever after.

Of course, they didn’t make it easy. Harper decided at a party her freshman year in college that Declan was just another overprivileged frat boy. The last thing she needed while she was working hard to keep her scholarship was to get involved with him. But Declan doesn’t give up on the idea of them so easily. He’s determined to show her that when it looks like everything is falling apart, he’s the one that will be there to help her pick up the pieces.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve loved writing ever since I can remember, but walking through a book store one night, I passed a book by Anne Lamott on the shelves. From the corner of my eye, I could have sworn it was my name popping off the cover of that book. I still remember the thrill that shot through me, and I think that’s the moment I decided I wasn’t giving up until I saw my name gracing the cover of a book I wrote.

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

I only get to pick 5? Not easy to narrow down that list, but I’ll give it a shot:

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

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

I’d have to have Janet Evanovich. I think there were already a dozen books in her Stephanie Plum series when I discovered it, and I plowed through all of them in less than a week! I’d love to ask her how she brought such a vibrant character to life and how she keeps her writing so fresh after so many books!

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Hmm, being able to work in my pajamas is definitely on the top of the list. But I absolutely love when a story I’ve been struggling to write suddenly takes on a life of its own. There’s no better feeling than when I tap into the part of my brain that has the story all figured out and the words come pouring out almost faster than my fingers can keep up on the keyboard.

What is a typical day like for you?

s the mom of two teenagers, I’m up way too early in the morning to get them off to school. I usually manage to get some form of exercise in and then I mainline coffee while I read through and edit whatever I wrote the day before. I’ll outline the scenes I want to work on and then write for two hours or so. My husband works from home, too, so we usually get to chat over lunch before we get back to work. Then I spend the afternoon working on my other favorite thing–marketing. I love finding new ways to connect with readers who love romance as much as I do!

What scene in Almost Never was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scene where Harper opens up to Declan about what her family life had been like growing up. After being let down by too many people too often, she’d learned to keep her defenses up at all times. The scene where she finally, finally decides to put some of her trust in Declan, if even just a little, was such an emotional and difficult one to write. Especially knowing I’d be putting Harper through a few more tough times that would give her reason to question herself for trusting him. It was bittersweet to give them that one perfect moment before things start to unravel.

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

Say yes as often as possible! As an introvert, there are times I could let life pass me by as I stay cuddled under the covers with my dogs and a pile of books. But life is too short to hibernate for too long. I try to say yes to new opportunities and possibilities whenever I get the chance!

Amy Lamont is the author of the new book Almost Never

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