Guest post: Amy O'Neill on writing her first novel

My name is Amy O’Neill and Krazy Book Lady has been so kind as to let me do a guest blog for my first novel, Finding Home from my California Dreaming Series. I’m really excited to finally release this contemporary romance. I’ve been working on it for almost three years, but have finally been able to self-publish it myself a few weeks ago.

Finding Home has a special place in my heart. Not just because it’s my first novel or that it signifies the first steps on my path to be a full-time romance writer. Finding Home holds my heart because, ironically, through writing it I found my own home, figurative and literally.

I started writing Finding Home one day while I was experiencing a moment of down time in my “regular” job. I was sitting, thinking about beautiful San Diego and how wonderful it was to vacation there on my honeymoon with my second husband. It was a great way to start a new marriage, full of vibrancy and life. As I thought about it all, I began typing and created Avery Scott. 

Interview with Amy O'Neill

 I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Amy O'Neill, the author of Finding Home. Amy is very personable, and I have really enjoyed chatting with her through email.

What made you decide to self publish?
 I decided to self-publish mostly because patience is not a virtue of mine.  Going the traditional publishing route can take years and a lot of rejections.  I was feeling intimidated by the whole publishing aspect and a friend suggested going it on my own.  Within a few short months, after finding my own editor and fixing mistakes, I was able to self-publish Finding Home in less time than it takes for a query response!

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was about 12 years old.  I started with my diary, which is where I learned to express myself from the heart.  I also began making up stories to help cope with a not-so pleasant home life since my parents divorced about that same time.

Review: Finding Home by Amy O'Neill

Finding Home
by Amy O'Neill
Available in ebook and paperback
(Find out how to get 30% off your purchase of Finding Home below.)

Summary from Amazon:
Avery is the quintessential Midwestern girl who relocates to San Diego after a nasty divorce. She’s done with letting fear (or a man) lead her life. But mysterious Damien has other plans for her heart. Damien's spent the last four years in a downward spiral. But the feisty Avery ignites something in him. Their happiness depends on believing in love more than fears that could destroy everything.