An Interview with Amy Lanci
Amy Lanci is the author of Listen Up!, The Email Communication Bible, and Untold Storyland: The Voice Within. A memoirist, story coach, and former sea turtle geneticist, she helps people uncover and share their most meaningful stories. With a unique blend of scientific precision and creative insight, Amy guides writers, entrepreneurs, and families in clarifying their vision, building confidence, and bringing their stories to life.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
What inspired me to write Untold Storyland: The Voice Within comes from both my personal journey and my role as a parent. Growing up as a former speech-delayed child, I had to work hard to find and reclaim my voice. That journey shaped so much of who I am and how I see the world. Now, as the parent of my daughter Autumn – the main character of my book – I’ve been able to take those lessons and help her discover and strengthen her own voice. I want her to feel confident and unafraid to express herself. On a bigger scale, my mission is about generational healing. I want to create a world where children, and all generations, are truly seen and heard. It’s about giving people the permission to honor their voice, trusting that it matters, and using it to make their mark on the world.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title Untold Storyland has a lot of personal and professional significance. It started with my company, Untold Story Enterprises, which I created during my marketing and copywriting career. I realized that what I was really passionate about was uncovering the stories my clients didn’t even know they needed to tell – the stories their audiences needed to hear. Over time, I saw that this was also my life’s calling: helping people find and share their untold stories. The ‘Storyland’ part has an even more personal origin. A dear friend of mine would invent a little imaginary world called Untold Storyland whenever I was feeling burned out in my business – a place where I could retreat, rest, and dream again. It became symbolic of creativity, possibility, and hope. The ‘Voice Within’ aspect came naturally as I began writing the book. I wanted it to focus on helping children connect with their intuition, which often comes as a small inner voice. The book’s message is that it’s okay to listen to that voice, even when the world around you tells you otherwise, because that little voice has guidance, wisdom, and answers we often overlook.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
If Untold Storyland: The Voice Within had a soundtrack, it would include songs that celebrate courage, self-expression, and inner strength. For example, What It Sounds Like from K-Pop Demon Hunters, Brave by Sara Bareilles, and Courage by P!nk. Each of these songs reflects the book’s themes of finding your voice, trusting yourself, and embracing the sometimes-difficult journey of standing up for who you are. They embody the energy of empowerment and remind children and adults alike that their voice matters.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Before becoming a writer and story coach, I spent fourteen years working in a sea turtle genetics lab. My work involved processing skin and blood samples to create genetic footprints for sea turtle populations around the world. This research was part of efforts to conserve endangered sea turtles, helping to protect the species for future generations. Something readers might not know is that I originally planned to be a marine biologist – that’s what drew me to sea turtle genetics in the first place. But life led me in a different direction, and my focus shifted to helping people tell their stories and find their voice. Both paths, however, share a common thread: they’re about preservation, care, and giving life to something meaningful.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
What inspired me to write is more about my personal circumstances than any one person. I didn’t start speaking until I was three years old and spent seven to eight years in speech therapy, which made speaking feel foreign for a long time. I was always reflective and deeply thoughtful but expressing myself verbally was challenging. Writing became my safe space – a place where I could process my thoughts and share my experiences without fear. I discovered that the written word gave me a sense of freedom and security that speaking often did not. Over time, this love for writing became the foundation for my career and creative expression. Writing became my voice, my refuge, and my way of helping others find theirs.
Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is at home in my office, cozy in my pajamas, with a warm cup of tea beside me. It’s a space where I feel completely comfortable, relaxed, and able to let my creativity flow. Being at home allows me to tune into my thoughts and my heart without distractions, which is essential for connecting with the stories I want to tell.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
The advice I would give my past self is: Don’t edit as you write. Early on, I would write a few sentences and immediately delete most of them, trying to make everything perfect right away. That constant self-editing slowed me down and sometimes even stopped my flow entirely. I’ve learned that writing freely, without worrying about how it sounds, allows ideas to come out more naturally and quickly. Editing can come later – first, give yourself permission to let the words pour out unfiltered. That freedom is where creativity thrives.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
One thing I hope readers take away from Untold Storyland: The Voice Within is that when you feel stuck or confused – even after trying every logical plan or strategy – it’s time to listen to your own heart. Pay attention to your intuition and ask yourself what you truly want to happen. That’s the point of evaluation: turning inward rather than looking outward for all the answers. When you trust what’s inside, it becomes much clearer how to move forward, make decisions, and honor yourself. The book is a reminder that the guidance we seek is often within us all along.
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