Making new friends on the road is one of my favorite parts of my job. Today I want to introduce you to the talented/adorable/funny Amy E. Reichert. I’m so thrilled that she dropped by the Handbasket to answer a few questions and show off her latest novel, The Simplicity of Cider, which came out on Tuesday.
Wait–did I mention that her books are full of literary nourishment: complex and appealing characters, delicious food, and stories that just might have you feeling good about the world in the end? You will love…
Welcome, Amy!
You write so beautifully about food in all your books. What is the first food you remember making all by yourself?
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. That was my go to as a teen. There is something about that artificial orange powder. I would intentionally under-stir it so I could have chunks of powder. I thought it was delicious.
What was your worst cooking disaster? (We’ve all had them…)
I was searing salmon and the heat was too high. I’m still not sure how it happened, but the oil in the pan caught fire. I covered the pot and ran it outside. Tragically, the salmon was lost. It broke my heart, but there’s nothing like a good kitchen fire to get the heart racing.
What does your writing space look like? May we see a photo?
My writing space doubles as my library, so I’m surrounded by all my favorite books as well as piles of notes and nerdy things. It’s currently really messy because I’m busy with my next book and The Simplicity of Cider’s book launch. It’s a space I love to be in—which is good because I spend so much time there.
What does success as a writer look like to you?
Tricky question. My first instinct is to say being a NYT Bestseller, and while that would be lovely, I’m not sure that’s realistic or even a useful benchmark. Instead, if I can grow my readership a little with each book, then that would be amazing. I just want to keep telling stories as long as I can.
Which of your characters would you like to be best friends with, and why?
Lou and John from The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. Lou because she would always make the best food for get togethers and John because he is funny and has impeccable fashion sense.
What was your first car? Did you get to choose it, or was it a hand-me-down?
It was a white, 1992 Buick Skylark. I chose it because it was all I could afford at the time. The shocks were so awful that whenever I stopped, the car would keep rocking for a few seconds. But it was also built like a battering ram. That thing took a beating.
The three books and book-reading snacks you would stock in your apocalypse bunker?
Harry Potter (yes, I’m cheating and taking the entire series—it’s my bunker). Pride & Prejudice. I just love it so much. The next Game of Thrones novel if GRRM ever publishes the damn thing. And my go to reading snacks are Cheetos and popcorn with a lot of butter.
See, I told you Amy was fun. Now, do go check out her books!
Amy and me at last fall’s Book’s by the Banks festival in Cincinnati.
Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, Luck, Love & Lemon Pie, and The Simplicity of Cider, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her local library’s board of directors.
May 17th Words
Journal: 20 words
Long fiction: 0 words
Short fiction: 0 words
Non-fiction: 0 words
Blogging: 635 words
Exercise: Lots of driving!
Sounds like a lovely book!!
You would love Amy’s books, Kelli Jo. Thanks for coming by!💜