What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Amber Unscripted is the final book in The Scarlet’s Harlots Trilogy. When I finished writing Finding Scarlet, I knew there were other strong women whose stories still needed to be told. A reader review became the spark for the second book: “I want to know Missy’s story.” And as soon as I began writing The Unabridged Life of Missy Kinkaid, I knew Amber would be next. At its core, this trilogy is about friendship, reinvention, and the courage to choose yourself. Amber is a woman who embraces risk, welcomes possibility, and learns how to move forward untethered from her past. Amber Unscripted brings the journeys of four courageous women full circle—each choosing to live life on her own terms, even when it gets messy.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
I wrote two songs for this book: Rear View Mirror and Shiny Wrapper. Rear View Mirror is about not being in the same place as someone else, looking back and seeing a part of you left behind. Whereas Shiny Wrapper is about being more than just the outside of the package. It’s based on the old prizes at the bottom of cereal boxes. The hunt for the shiny wrapper was so much fun, but what was inside was always such a letdown. The Harlots challenge that assumption too. Beneath the surface, these women are complicated, vulnerable, resilient, and far more than what the world initially sees. The Harlots know better than anyone: what’s inside is always the real story. Both songs are linked in the back of the ebook, but are also on my SoundCloud.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I have been exploring new genres. I like historical fiction and contemporary romance. But more recently, I’ve liked books that dive into the complexities of life a bit more. All the Colors of the Dark, The Wedding People, and The Road to Tenderhearts were powerful stories that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I have become a huge fan of audiobooks. I get so much more reading done that way! Next in the queue are two books recommended by friends: Wreck by Catherine Newman and Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
This is always such a hard question. Amber had a special relationship with her parents that I enjoyed exploring—and the secrets that came to light. It was fun diving into the relationship she had with her half-sisters. The rediscovery of the Tiffany box and the ensuing events were romantic. Giving Audrey a story and maybe even a happily ever after made my heart full. And, of course, wine nights with the Harlots are always a favorite. Too many to list!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Is drinking too much coffee while writing a quirky habit? Maybe not. But it’s a habit I have and own—unapologetically!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Yes! I saw this several years ago, and it hangs by my desk: “Love your f-ing life. Take pictures of everything. Tell people you love them. Talk to random strangers. Do things you’re scared to do. F- it, because so many of us die and no one remembers a thing we did. Take your life and make it the best story in the world. Don’t waste that sh*.” This is me.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I write about unapologetic, deeply flawed women owning their stories. Life is imperfect. Life is constantly changing. We can choose to sit idly by, waiting for it to happen for us, or we can make it happen. Ultimately, we can’t predict the outcome, but we can own the process.
