In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle engages in a conversation with Amy Nielsen, a former librarian who is now an author, literary agent, and developmental editor. Amy’s inspiring journey from a homeless pregnant teen to a successful author and agent is the centerpiece of the dialogue. Amy shares how she used her traumatic experiences to create a fictionalized novel, providing hope and illustrating the power of resilience.
In This Episode, Michelle Talks About…
- Using personal trauma in fictionalized stories
- The power of encouragement and determination
- The role of reading in survival and personal development
Using personal trauma in fictionalized stories
Amy illuminates how she used her real-life experiences and traumas to write a novel rather than a memoir. The process allowed her to have creative liberties, decide the outcome, and distance herself from the fact that these events really happened to her. Fictionalizing also made the story more impactful and broadened her audience reach.
The power of encouragement and determination
Amy’s journey from being a homeless pregnant teen to becoming a successful librarian, author, and agent showcases her incredible determination. Throughout her life, she received encouragement from teachers, community members, and even random people at the grocery store. This encouragement, coupled with her determination, helped her break free from her circumstances and create a better life for herself and her daughter.
The role of reading in survival and personal development
Reading played a significant role in Amy’s survival during difficult times. She would read books to remind herself that things could be worse or that they could get better. This love for reading was passed on to her daughters and eventually led her to a career as a librarian, where she could get books into the hands of children, especially those more reluctant to read.
Links Mentioned
