Do you write under your real name or is this a pen name you use?  

This is my real name.

Where are you from? 

Sheffield, originally.  I moved to Bristol for twenty-odd years then moved again to Cornwall nearly four years ago. I adore it here and fell in love with the place when I was four...and that wasn’t yesterday, or the day before that ...

List 3 interesting facts about yourself.  


 I can spit through the gap in my front teeth, I like eating leftover curry for breakfast and I can ride a horse.

What was the first thing you ever had published? 


 A short story in 2010. It was for an anthology to support Born Free. Because of this I ended up on a stage with Virginia McKenna. I read an extract of the story to over a thousand people at the Hay Festival. That was a thrill and no mistake!

Do you have a writing routine? 


 Not really. I binge write mostly. So I might write everyday for a few weeks, then have a break for a few more. I do get itchy fingers if I leave it too long between novels though.

Do you have any writing rituals?


Kind of. I like to treat myself after I have finished a book. I might have a bottle of Prosecco – not all of it at once- and/or go out for a meal with my husband.

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?


I was walking on Crantock beach, one of my favourite local beaches and looked over at one of the gorgeous houses on the hill across the Gannel river. I wondered what it must be like to live there and look out at the sea every day. I was drooling a bit to be honest. Then the nucleus of the idea just came to me, and I fleshed it out bit by bit over the next few days.  I often get ideas for books walking on the beach; the coast around here blows my socks off in terms of inspiration – not in the literal sense...

Who was the first person you shared your book with?


The idea I shared with my husband who has learned to say things like – Oh right, yes that sounds good, and rough synopsis was shared with my then agent – Imogen Howson. She thought it was a brilliant idea – in fact she said that it was genius!

Do you have a current work in progress?


I have a couple I’m playing with. I’ve not decided which to go with yet.

Do you have any advice for budding authors?


Yes. Never give up; even when you have been knocked down so often that you don’t think you can find the energy and self-belief any more. I have been knocked down and battered to a pulp over the years, but I have had reconstructive surgery and managed to keep finding publishers  who think I’m not such a bad writer after all, and lovely readers who seem to enjoy my books.

About the Author

Amanda James has written since she was a child, but never imagined that her words would be published. Then in 2010, after many twists and turns, the dream of becoming a writer came true.

Amanda has written many short stories and has five novels currently published. Her time travelling debut - A Stitch in Time was published in April of 2013 and has met with great success.

Amanda lives in Cornwall and is inspired every day by the beautiful coastline near her home. Three of her novels are set there, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, Summer in Tintagel and Behind the Lie - April 2017 pub - HQUK ( HarperCollins)

Amanda can usually be found playing on the beach with her family, or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.

Author links

 Amanda's blog - http://mandykjameswrites.blogspot.com/

Twitter - @akjames61

Facebook mandy.james.33