An Interview with Amanda Denham

Amanda Denham is an author and artist living in Alabama with her husband and three rabbits (she thinks she needs more rabbits, but please tell her she doesn’t if you see her). All throughout her childhood and teenage years, drawing and making up stories dominated her life. Sketchbooks were filled with fantasy ideas that she swore were going to be in print someday. Meanwhile, she escaped into young adult books and admired the authors who brought their stories to life through their words. Amanda desires to give a source of comfort and escape for her readers, as well as showcase the importance of mental health awareness and healthy relationships.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Young adult books were a huge influence, along with manga (Japanese comics). An odd combination probably, but they both influenced me in different ways. I’m an artist too, so the art style in the comics inspired me to draw my characters. Meanwhile, reading books gave me a love of storytelling. Cynthia Voigt and Lauren Oliver were authors I wanted to be like, and I think they still influence my writing today.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

My day job that makes sure I eat is as a Billing Specialist (I know, so exciting). I mostly worked retail before that. While not fun, I sure did learn some people skills through my retail experiences! I’ve also drawn commissions for people before when I was unemployed. It was tough, since I’m so nervous about drawing for others.

What my readers may not know is that I love acting. I was in a movie that was made in my town, and it was extremely fun. I’d love to do more if I ever get the opportunity!

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It was the easiest choice! I’d never heard the title Sin Eater and thought it could grab readers’ attention. Later I found out that of course there were other books out there with the same title, but I don’t mind. It’s cool to see different takes on the old idea and practice of sin-eating. I’d say I’ve modernized it.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It was surreal. My own art is the book cover for Sin Eater, and I couldn’t believe my publisher liked it enough to use it! Honestly, no matter how many times I hold my own book in my hands, I still can’t wrap my head around it. It’s amazing to have this physical piece of me that I’m able to share in this way.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I know of two songs for sure: Yellowcard’s “Paper Walls,” and Panic at the Disco’s “House of Memories.” The book centers around memories, and these two songs seem to encompass that idea. “Paper Walls,” was actually how I came up with the idea of my main character’s powers. The lyrics say “Let’s take what hurts and write it all down on these paper walls and this empty house. And when our ink runs out, we’ll burn it to the ground.” I wondered if that actually worked, if people could write down what hurts and then burn it all away to forget, would they? That led me to my whole book! Funny how a tiny spark can create something like that.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers feel inspired to make their own art as I once did when I read my favorite authors’ books. Sin Eater is a story of letting go and moving on in a lot of ways, something that is hard for many of us. Young adults often aren’t given the guidance and mental health care that they need. Sin Eater aims to be a fun story but also one that can show healthier practices to younger people. I will always want to promote better relationships and mental health awareness in my books, and Sin Eater is no exception.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most meaningful part for me was when my publisher, Dawn Bates of Dawn Publishing, came to me after reading Sin Eater, saying that she felt this book needed to be in schools and libraries so that more young people could read it. It gave Sin Eater a bigger purpose to me. Writing it was therapeutic to me for many reasons, and her saying it could help others as well filled my heart with joy. I’ve always been a fairly private person with my feelings, so it blows my mind to think that sharing could potentially help someone else.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

Right now, I am writing Sin Eater‘s sequel, which I’m very excited about! I also have another unrelated book that is fully written but in its editing phase. I’m always working on drawings as well. I’m hoping to find more places to display more art in the meantime!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.