AMBER ROBINSON is an ordinary woman seeking to bridge the gap between the needs for justice and balancing family, work, and service. Her life’s passion is to write and advocate for children with Compassion International. She speaks to groups who want to incorporate justice pursuits in simple, practical ways. She is an imperfect Christ follower and reluctantly optimistic.

Amber began this journey when chronic illness forced her to reevaluate her priorities and learn to serve with limitations in everyday life. She networks with leaders in the justice movement as well as everyday women with various limitations in time, resources, and energy but long to serve in simple, practical ways. What can we do at home, shopping, in business, or with family and friends? Not everything, but we can find our “one thing”. [courtesy of www.AmberRobinson.com]

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Hi everybody! I’m just back from vacation and am jumping into my end-of-the-month interview featuring Amber Robinson! The blurb above is just a little bit about her. Continue reading to find out more about Amber’s writing life. Then leave a comment (including your email addy) for a chance to win her book, “Mercy Rising”.

Here’s Amber!


Why did you start writing?

I have always loved to write from the time I was young. As a child I really loved reading. I remember my mom “forcing” me to go outside and play in the summer because all I wanted to do was read. Later I remember writing for the high school paper and college Bible studies and blogs after I graduated.

How did you start writing?

I started writing more formally in the summer of 2007 after attending a Write to Publish Conference. I connected with editors, publishers and agents, but more importantly took writing classes.

How did you select your genre?

I felt a strong calling to non-fiction as a natural extension of my work with Compassion International. My friends and I had been talking about this subject. I tried to find a book on this subject and there wasn’t anything specific to my age and demographic. I wanted to fill the need. Now I am writing fiction and really love that as well.

What is your writing day like?

I don’t have the same schedule everyday but I do have specific times during the week (mostly afternoons or evenings) that is the same every week.

How do you organize your writing? (outlines/note cards/post-its)

I have a word document that contains the overall outline and the specific chapter outlines. But early on in the writing process I use post-its and a poster board to help me with the outline process.

What’s the most surprising thing a character has “told you”?

I am not sure what they are “telling me”. But I am surprised that in my fiction how real the characters are to me.

Do you have a list of characters that you’re saving for future use? What kind of information do you keep on these characters?

I have story lines for future novels stored away, but not future characters. I do keep detailed list of information for current characters.

What does your work space/office look like?

If I only have a short time to write, I will write on my bed, with my laptop and a comfy blanket. My files are electronic so I don’t need an extensive paper filing system. I do have a nearby corner bookshelf for any reference books I need.

If I have a longer time slot to write or feel unmotivated I will go to the public library. I schedule myself to go there at least once a week. Being surrounded by books is inspirational as well as keeps distractions to a minimum.

What is your go-to snack when writing?

Green tea, fruit, and some protein (either cheese or nuts) or chocolate and coffee as needed.

If you could only recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why?

I would recommend George MacDonald’s The Wise Woman. He has such insight into human nature that doesn’t compare with anything else I have ever read.

If you could only recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why?

I would recommend The Plot Thickens. I am new to writing novels and was coming from the non-fiction world. This book asked so many questions about characterization and was really helpful in developing interesting story lines

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you so much for asking me to do the interview. It’s been lots of fun.

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And a big thanks to Amber for chatting with us about her experiences as a writer. Please feel free to leave a comment, and don’t forget your email address so you can win “Mercy Rising”:

Poverty, human trafficking, and natural disasters grip us. What can real people do about it? In Mercy Rising, Robinson organizes practical tips built around stories of everyday people making a difference in their homes, business, and as consumers