Q: First tell us something about yourself.
I’m Amy Winfield. My journey as an author has had several twists and turns that have brought me enjoyment and led me to what I love doing today: writing books.
Professionally, my career started as a licensed commercial Interior Designer. I spent most of my career coordinating the construction of Federal Office space while working within several different agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and Customs and Border Protection. I’m now retired and am pursuing a wonderful full time career of writing
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
My writing journey, as the most wonderful thing in my life, started with laughter. My husband and children would be hanging out having fun and someone would tell a joke or start the beginning of a story. Everyone would join in and add to the story or in the corner rolling on the floor laughing. With so much laughter and joy going on, I wanted to share this with others.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
My first book, Mama, Why Do Babies Cry, was published in 2015. I thought this would be great first book because it was a multicultural picture book that answered that age old question – Mama, why is my baby brother or baby sister crying?
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
My books are written for the young and the young at heart. Our stories are designed to entertain and empower.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
I get my inspiration from anything and anywhere. For instance, I was walking through a Myers store while visiting my family in Michigan and came across this huge cheese display. I immediately thought of this wonderful idea for a book, Not-Yo-Cheeze.
The characters would be named after the names of the cheeses and their personalities and characteristics would resemble the taste and texture of the cheese names. One of the main characters, Cheddar Cheeseman’s personality is like cheddar cheese which is both mild and sharp. Cheddar’s best friend, Tone Provolone’s personality comes across as hard and sharp but inside he is actually mild and sweet.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
When I was growing up, I remember the PSA Reading is Fundamental. That always stuck with me. Reading is a building block for all of us to use and to build from. Everyone has the ability to learn and grow, just by reading a book.
