Wondering about what comes after a first draft? What about knowing when to “show” vs “tell” in your writing? Maybe you’ve read a book on craft but aren’t quite sure how to best implement what you’ve learned. Amber Logan is here to help you with your writing woes!
Amber A. Logan is a university professor, freelance editor, and author of speculative fiction living in Overland Park, KS with her husband and two children—Fox and Willow. In addition to her degrees in Psychology, Liberal Arts, and International Relations, Amber holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England. Amber’s debut novel, The Secret Garden Of Yanagi Inn, is an adult contemporary gothic retelling of the children's classic The Secret Garden set near Kyoto, Japan. When she’s not writing, Amber enjoys trips to Japan, exploring unusual vegetarian foods, and reading Haruki Murakami.
We are thrilled that Amber will be joining us at the Writers Conference this year to offer a class called “When to Show vs Tell.” She will also join Amy Leigh Harden for two presentations: “Why (and How) to Read Books on Craft” and “What Comes After the First Draft.” Amber and Amy led craft book discussions this past year at the Central Resource Library, and they were a total success. We can’t wait to have them back at the conference this year!
You can register for the 2023 Writers Conference here. Registration isn’t required but is appreciated, and your RSVP includes both days of the conference, Nov. 3 and 4. Sessions are available on a first-come first-serve basis. We will also be hosting a Writers Conference Kickoff on Thursday, Nov. 2.
Inspired by this year’s conference book, By the Book: Writers on Literature and the Literary Life from The New York Times Book Review, we asked Amber a few questions to get to know her better:
1. What's in your TBR pile?
My TBR pile is ever growing! Top of the pile right now are About Writing by Samuel R. Delany and Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan. I like to be reading at least one non-fiction and one fiction book at all times.
2. What are you reading right now?
Right now I am reading Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and absolutely loving it. I am a sucker for books about authors.
3. Do you have a favorite book you love to recommend?
I just finished reading an ARC of Caitlin Starling's Last To Leave The Room and was absolutely swept away by it. I can tell it is my new "everyone must read this book" book.
4. Do you have a favorite bookstore?
I live within walking distance of a Half Price Books, so they probably get most of my disposable income, but I really love Rainy Day Books and Monarch Books & Gifts for their cozy vibes and helpful staff members.
5. Answer the question you wish we had asked.
Q: Who is an underrated author more people should be reading? A: I discovered author An Yu awhile back, and she immediately became an "auto-buy" author for me. Her two novels are Braised Pork and Ghost Music, and if you love the kind of dreamlike slipstreamy vibes of Haruki Murakami, you will love them.