• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
Women's Fiction Writers Banner
  • Home
  • About Amy Sue Nathan
  • About WFW
  • Amy’s Books
    • The Glass Wives
    • The Good Neighbor
    • Left To Chance
  • Amy the Writing Coach & Editor
You are here: Home / Amy Hatvany / Encore! Encore! Women's Fiction Author Amy Hatvany talks about Finding The Hook, Validating the Female Perspective and Believing in Your Work

Encore! Encore! Women's Fiction Author Amy Hatvany talks about Finding The Hook, Validating the Female Perspective and Believing in Your Work

August 28, 2011 Leave a Comment

Hangs head in shame.  Shuffles feet.  Smiles and bats eyes.

As you know, on August 18th, author Amy Hatvany’s guest post was featured on Women’s Fiction Writers.  Well, what I’d forgotten was that not only did Amy write a guest post but she ALSO allowed me to interview her!  So consider this the second half of a double-feature and welcome back the talented (and very forgiving) Amy Hatvany!

Interview with Women’s Fiction Author Amy Hatvany

ASN: Would you tell us a little about yourself?

AH: Let’s see…my professional history is speckled with dubious office and restaurant jobs. My favorite was working in a French pastry shop where I learned many dangerous, decadent culinary secrets. (My Apple tarte will knock your socks off!) I didn’t have a clear sense of what I wanted to do as a career, but I have always been fascinated by how people “tick” – what makes us do the things we do, what shapes us. I considered psychology and ultimately got a degree in sociology, but writing was something I’d always been compulsive about doing, so I thought, why not put my compulsion to work for me? Ten years and three novels later, here I am!!

As for something not in my bio…let’s see: I don’t have cartilage in the end of my nose, and it will likely droop down to my chin when I am an old lady. I have a double-jointed shoulder I can pop out of its socket; great party trick and handy if I ever end up in cuffs! I adore Bravo reality TV and I could scarf down Thai food and salted caramels on a daily basis and never get sick of them.

ASN: Best Kept Secret deals with alcoholism and recovery and motherhood — where did this idea come from?

AH: While the plot and characters are fiction, Cadence’s emotional journey is based on much of what I went through in my own recovery from alcoholism. As I worked on getting sober, I realized that there is a special kind of intense shame that mothers who have addiction issues struggle with. Though there is quite the “moms who need wine” culture out there, when the drinking becomes problematic, it’s not talked about very much. In fact, there is unfortunately still a huge amount of negative stigma and judgment in our society about women and addiction. I wanted to write about how this happens to a seemingly “together” woman.

But the book isn’t just about addiction. I really wanted to explore the immense pressure women face to do it all, have it all, and be it all…and when we can’t, what happens inside us. All women, whether or not they develop addictions, deal with some level of self-loathing and despair of not quite being “good” enough. I wanted to talk about that, to show that when taken to an extreme, the damage that can occur.

ASN: As a blog that draws a lot of aspiring authors (myself included) many of us would love to know — what was your “process” for writing your novel?

AH: Well, it had been almost seven years since I’d written anything, so when I started I had a very strong idea for the story concept – a woman struggling to come to terms with her alcoholism during a custody dispute for her son – but not much else. I felt pretty shaky, to be honest, but I believed in the story, which for me, counts most of all in whether or not what ends up on the page is any good.

Overall, I’m definitely a pantser! Outlines take the joy and discovery out of writing for me. I want to be surprised by what my characters need to do. I typically have an idea of where I want the main character(s) to be emotionally at the beginning of the book, and where I want them to be at the end. I want them to grow, to change, to become better or stronger people. How that happens for them is usually a surprise, and something I figure out as I go.

One thing my agent taught me in the very beginning is that I need to have one very strong sentence – the “hook” – to describe my entire book. If I can’t capture the essence of what the story is about in one compelling sentence, then I don’t have a good concept to carry a whole novel. It’s the sentence that you put in your query letter to draw the agent reading it in. It’s the sentence you use when someone asks you what your book is about. You want them to gasp a little or say, Wow! Because that means you have a book people will want to read. I use that advice time and again when I’m starting a new project. I find the hook, and then, I start writing. If I start without one? Disaster.

ASN: What was your journey like from draft to query to publication of your first novel — and how has publishing changes affected you?

AH: I read very early on that I needed a completed first draft, in as tip-top shape as I could get it, before even beginning to look for an agent. So, that’s what I did. I wrote the best draft possible of THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU, and then wrote a query letter that I sent out to ten agents. Nine agents passed, and one asked me to overnight the manuscript. She is still my agent today.

Of course, the manuscript was in terrible shape, but I was lucky that my agent wanted to work with me on it, and in about four months, I had a deal with Random House. A year later, I saw my book on the shelves. It was surreal, and wonderful! It still feels that way. I hold a copy of BEST KEPT SECRET and think, “I wrote this? Really?” It’s very odd.

Since I’ve been away from the publishing world for a while, coming back to the new dawn of social media has been alternating thrilling and terrifying. Thrilling, because I’ve been able to connect with so many other fantastic writers, and reach readers I might not have a decade ago. (I love being able to chat with readers on my FB page or Twitter, that they get to see I scrub toilets and argue with my kids, too. The sense of community is lovely!) Terrifying, because I see just how much competition there is. I think self-publishing opens up a whole new world for writers, but the competition is just as stiff, and in my opinion, the marketing is harder. I have a difficult enough time juggling a full-time day job (yes, I still have one!), family, writing, and promoting – the idea of having to deal personally with distributors, etc., I don’t think I’d handle well! More power to those with the gumption!

ASN: Can you share with us what you’re working on now?

AH: I’ve completed OUTSIDE THE LINES, my next novel, which will be released in February, 2012. It tells the story of a woman searching for her homeless and mentally ill father, whom she’s been estranged from for 20 years. I’ve just seen the cover and it is so lovely it made me weep!

I’m wrapping up the first draft of my next novel (as yet unnamed), which takes a look at what happens when a woman is unexpectedly thrust into the role of mother and is forced to confront the complicated reasons behind her previously hard-fast decision to remain childless.

Two more ideas are brewing…so it’s time to start being compulsive again, trying to find the “hooks” for those!

ASN: How do you define women’s fiction?

AH: I think women’s fiction validates the female perspective. It deals with our strengths and our shortcomings; it explores our emotional landscape through shared life experiences. I connect with women’s fiction because the writers get me. I write women’s fiction because I want to connect with readers. Traditionally, women bring comfort to those around them, and so many books have done that for me. My most sincere hope is that someone reads one of my books and feels a little less alone in the world.

ASN: What is your best advice for aspiring authors of women’s fiction?

AH: Here’s the crash course: Learn to take constructive criticism well. Remember publishing, at its core, is a business, and your job is to create marketable product. Trust that it only takes the right pair of eyes to land an agent and/or publishing deal, and there are so many, many eyes out there! Don’t give up if the first one, ten, or a hundred say no. Find a great freelance editor and take their advice to better your work. Read the authors you love to see what they’re doing right.

Most of all, believe in yourself and your work. If you don’t, no one else will!

Amy Hatvany graduated with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs – some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist. In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on writing books. She is the author of THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU, THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS (under the name Amy Yurk), and BEST KEPT SECRET. Her fourth novel, OUTSIDE THE LINES, will be released in early 2012.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Filed Under: Amy Hatvany, Best Kept Secret, Interview, Uncategorized, Women's Fiction, Women's Fiction Author, Writing

Previous Post: « Interview with Women's Fiction Author, Cavanaugh Lee
Next Post: What Do You Want Readers To Say About Your Women's Fiction? Plus, a Great Listen Deserves A Great Review! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Densie Webb says

    August 29, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I take heart whenever I read about successful “pantsers.” I’ve tried and I just can’t make myself outline. I revert back to a rebellious middle schooler, unwilling to line up all those Roman numerals.

    Oh, and I love, “Women’s fiction validates the female perspective.” Amen, sister. 🙂

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 29, 2011 at 11:02 am

      I so agree, Denise. I think I have Outline PTSD!! Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone! 🙂

      Reply
  2. katmagendie says

    August 29, 2011 at 6:53 am

    Wonderful interview as usual! That one sentence hook – you know I still can’t do that, even with my published novels. Or, if I do, they sound boring *laugh* dang. I’m going to try to do this with the next novel – think about it more deeply and come up with a sentence or so that hits the core of it … ungh.

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 29, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Finding that hook sentence is definitely not easy! But for me, it becomes the thread that travels the story, keeping me centered and helping me focus each scene so it contributes to upholding the thrust of the issues I’m trying to explore. In the long run, I’ve found that it really reduces my rewrites, which is always a good thing! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Carolyn Moncel says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Thank you so much, ASN and AH for a great interview. As a writer just starting out, it is great to know that there are other “pantsers” out there! I especially appreciated the advice on finding the hook. AH, good luck with your next book. BEST KEPT SECRET is already downloaded to my Kindle!

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 29, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Thanks SO much, Carolyn! Would love your thoughts once you’ve had a chance to read!

      Reply
      • Carolyn Moncel says

        August 29, 2011 at 12:14 pm

        You are welcome, Amy H! It would be an honor for me to share my thoughts! I’ll look you up when I am done. ASN, thank you for such a great blog. I learn something new with each new post!

        Reply
  4. ProfeJMarie (Janet) says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:28 am

    Ah, pantsers unite! Love it. And a debut novel that only took 10 agents to publish? Must read and take hope for mine when the time comes. BEST KEPT SECRET will come first, though.

    “Women’s fiction validates the female perspective” – how about now, “Women’s fiction writer interview validates women’s fiction writers”. Thanks for this.

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 29, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Thank you, Janet!! So appreciated. Fingers crossed for your impending success!

      Reply
  5. Catherine says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:39 am

    Great realistic interview and good luck to you Amy ! I will be looking out for those books. Best, catherine

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 29, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Thanks, Catherine! We need all the luck we can get in this business! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Tina Ann Forkner says

    August 29, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Best Kept Secret sounds wonderful. I’m adding it to my TBR pile, towards the top. And hooray for pantsters!

    Loved hearing about your journey and thank you to Amy Nathan for introducing me to another women’s fiction author. 🙂

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 29, 2011 at 3:08 pm

      Thank you, Tina!! Maybe we should get Wouldn’t You Like to be a Pantser, too? T-shirts!!

      Reply
  7. Tina Ann Forkner says

    August 29, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Hmmm. I meant Pantsers, but anyhoo. I’m a seat of the pants author, as well. Of course, I DO wish I was a better planner like my mystery writer friends.

    Reply
  8. Melissa Crytzer Fry says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    Hi Amy! I met you over at Beth Hoffman’s awhile back. So happy to see you here, and I think we may be kindred spirits. I’m always accused of psycho-analyzing my family members, but – like you – I’ve always been totally fascinated by “how people “tick” – what makes us do the things we do, what shapes us.” That’s obviously the kind of fiction I read, too. I also love cake decorating!

    I love your process of writing organically – by having a general sense of the emotional journey – but confess that I have to have a loose outline at least, but then let my characters take over. Somehow, I can’t get started without some type of structure – even if it changes later.

    OUTSIDE THE LINES sounds SO fabulous; can’t wait to read it AND BEST KEPT SECRET! Thanks, Amy Sue, for bringing Amy to your blog again.

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 30, 2011 at 9:40 am

      I think every writer has her “way” of getting started. For me, the hook, and having an idea of the emotional journey gets me going, but I totally understand the need for a tiny bit of structure!

      Thank you for your kind words – I appreciate them deeply. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jessica McCann says

    August 31, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    What a great interview. I was touched and inspired by your thoughts and insights, Amy. I was especially drawn in by your explanation of where the idea came from for BEST KEPT SECRETS and your definition of women’s fiction. Thanks!

    Jessica
    Author of the novel ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF FREE

    Reply
    • Amy Hatvany says

      August 31, 2011 at 2:21 pm

      Thank you, Jessica! So appreciated!

      Reply
  10. Kaira Rouda says

    August 31, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    Amy –
    What a wonderful interview! I, like the rest of the folks here, loved your definition of women’s fiction. So well stated! And I just cannot wait for OUTSIDE THE LINES! You know I’m a huge fan!!

    Great interview!

    Kaira

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Get Updates by Email

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email.

Award-winning 2015-2018

Search for a post

Posts by Topic

Secondary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

My Novels





Copyright © 2021 · Women's Fiction Writers Blog

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.