About Amalie
Photo credit: Kristoff Lutchman
SHORT BIO: AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling novelist. Always Be My Duchess was one of Cosmopolitan’s 30 Best Romance Books of 2022 and The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s 24 Best Historical Romance Novels to Read. She is also the author of several award-winning young adult novels. A Caribbean-born AAPI writer, her books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and Seventeen Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club, or power-napping. She lives in Colorado with her family.
LONG BIO: AMALIE HOWARD was born in Trinidad & Tobago where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees, and dreaming of travel and adventure. 25 countries later, she has traded in scuba-diving with barracudas in St. Lucia, white-water rafting in Bali, and bungee-jumping in Macau for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts.
An aspiring writer from a young age, Amalie’s poem “The Candle,” written at age twelve, was published by the University of Warwick press. At fifteen, she was the recipient of a prestigious Queen’s Commonwealth Essay award for her short story about an old man, a tree, and a violin, among thousands of international submissions. She received distinctions in English Literature, French, and General Paper (University of Cambridge A-levels) at St. Augustine Girls’ High School in Trinidad, ranking second in the entire country for Modern Studies. She also sang in the school choir, participated in the steel pan orchestra, and played four varsity sports as well as studied with the Caribbean School of Dancing for ballet and modern dance and the Trinity College of Music for piano.
In Maine, at Colby College, she completed dual honors theses for her Bachelor of Arts degree in French and International Studies with double concentrations in Economics and Western European History, graduating with Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. At Colby, she was cited for her research contribution to Professor Raffael Scheck’s article, “German Conservatism and Female Political Activism in the Early Weimar Republic,” and his subsequent book. While at college, she sang with the Colby College Chorale, played Junior Varsity Soccer, was part of the Colby Fencing Team, and stood on the Colby College Judicial Board.
She also received a post-graduate certificate toward a Maîtrise in French Literature from the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, France, centering her independent thesis study on female agency and desire in the works of 16th century feminist French poet, Louise Labé.
Traveling the globe, she has worked as a research assistant, account executive, branch manager, and global channel sales director on Wall Street for Fortune 500 companies.
She is the bestselling, award-winning author of several novels critically acclaimed by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, Booklist, and VOYA. Her books have been a USA Today bestseller, a Publishers Weekly bestseller, a Kid’s INDIE NEXT selection, a national IPPY silver medalist, and a Children’s Moonbeam award winner. They have also received multiple starred trade reviews and been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Oprah Daily, Fangirlish, BookPage Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine. As an author of color and a proud advocate of inclusivity in fiction, her interviews and articles on multicultural fiction have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, The Portland Book Review and Ravishly Magazine. Of multiracial descent, she grew up in the West Indies but currently lives in Colorado with her family.
FUN FACTS ABOUT AMALIE
1. She has traveled to 180 cities in 25 countries.
2. She did ballet, piano, soccer, cricket, swimming, netball, field hockey, choir, and the steel pan orchestra in high school all while maintaining an A average.
3. She bungee-jumped 765 feet off of the Macau Tower in China.
Amalie Mid-Bungee Jump Macau Tower
4. She’s a Padi-certified deep-water scuba diver.
5. She entered and won a beauty pageant when she was 16.
Amalie Diwali Queen at 16
6. She attended a Halloween Party at the Playboy Mansion.
7. She jumped out of a plane at 12,500 feet.
Amalie Sky Diving 2016
8. She once surfed near Phillip Island, Australia, and a 20-foot great white shark was spotted in the exact same area the next day.
9. She fenced competitively in college.
10. She rides a Harley Davidson “Nightster” motorcycle.
Amalie and her Harley Sportster
ABOUT THE BOOKS
ADULT HISTORICAL ROMANCE TITLES
NEVER MET A DUKE LIKE YOU, Grand Central Forever, October 2023
PRIDE NOT PREJUDICE, A Charity LGBTQIA+ Anthology, Oliver-Heber Books, June 2023
THE DUKE IN QUESTION, Sourcebooks Casablanca, November 2022
ALWAYS BE MY DUCHESS, Grand Central Forever, July 2022
THE WOLF OF WESTMORE, Big Duke Energy Anthology, March 2022 & Sunflower Season Charity Anthology, June 2022
RULES FOR HEIRESSES, Sourcebooks Casablanca, October 2021
THE PRINCESS STAKES, Sourcebooks Casablanca, June 2021
THE RAKEHELL OF ROTH, Entangled Publishing, February 2021
THE BEAST OF BESWICK, Entangled Publishing, November 2019
WHAT A SCOT WANTS, Entangled Publishing, August 2019
A LORD FOR THE LASS, Entangled Publishing, November 2018
SWEET HOME HIGHLANDER, Entangled Publishing, Spring 2018
MY SCOT, MY SURRENDER, Entangled Publishing, Fall 2017
MY HELLION, MY HEART, Entangled Publishing, Summer 2017
MY DARLING, MY DISASTER, Entangled Publishing, Spring 2017
MY ROGUE, MY RUIN, Entangled Publishing, October 2016
YOUNG ADULT TITLES
QUEEN BEE, Joy Revolution, Penguin Random House, February 2023
DARK GODDESS (Alpha Goddess, Book 2), Sky Pony Press, Spring 2018
BLOODBOUND (The Cruentus Curse series, novella, Book 3), RAH Media, February 2017
THE FALLEN PRINCE (The Riven Chronicles, Book 2), Sky Pony Press, April 2016
THE ALMOST GIRL (The Riven Chronicles), 2nd edition, Sky Pony Press, March, 2016
BLOODCRAFT (The Cruentus Curse series, Book 2), RAH Media, December 2015
SEAMONSTER: an Aquarathi novella (The Aquarathi), RAH Media, June 2014
OCEANBORN (The Aquarathi), Harlequin TEEN, August 2014
ALPHA GODDESS, Sky Pony Press, March, 2014
THE ALMOST GIRL, Strange Chemistry, 1st edition, January, 2014
WATERFELL (The Aquarathi), Harlequin TEEN, October, 2013
BLOODSPELL (The Cruentus Curse series), RAH Media, June 2011
MIDDLE GRADE TITLES
BUMPS IN THE NIGHT, Delacorte Press, Penguin Random House, February 2024
Readers can expect multi-layered, inclusive stories that will introduce them to completely different worlds, whether that’s across an ocean or beneath it, or in a different universe, or in a different era. In my novels, my characters face a range of conflicts like love, friendship, found family, loss, adversity, being true to who you are, and fighting for what you believe in. Most of all, I hope that my stories make my readers feel something or make them look at things in a different way.
Like my children, I love them all the same. Truth.
ABOUT ME
I grew up in Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean. My background is a racial mix of Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and French Creole. On a side note, I married an Australian man who is three quarters Scot and one quarter English so our kids are Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, French Creole, Scottish, English, Trinidadian, Australian Americans! Holy salad dish, Batman.
Yes, you can find me on all! Click on the “Connect With Me” icons on the right side of this page.
I wanted to travel the world, which I have. And I wanted to write, which I’m doing.
I read, and I indulge my love for good food. I also enjoy ocean surfing or any outdoor sports, and I’m addicted to movies. I also like spending time with my family.
Ghosts and clowns. They freak me out. If a ghost-clown haunted me, I would probably pee my pants.
ABOUT YOU
My local independent bookstore – Old Firehouse Books has you covered! Just order via their website and I will head over there to sign it with whatever inscription you like as well as cool swag.
Also, check out my Events page and see if I’ll be visiting a town near you!
I’m happy to do interviews as long as I am not on a deadline! Thank you for thinking of me. Check the Press Page for details on how to contact me with requests.
The best way to query any agent is to submit a well-written query letter, following all applicable agency guidelines, which are posted on most agency websites. If you are a debut author, having a completed, polished manuscript is a must. Be sure to check out my blog posts on querying for advice and suggestions:
Write a killer query letter: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Query submission to literary agents
Querying literary agents – do not give up
Best of luck!
I wish I could but can’t for legal reasons. However, I do wish you all the success in the world with your writing! Here are some helpful recommendations that I wrote, which got me going in the right direction:
So your WIP is done, what’s next?
Editing your manuscript – suggested reading
Write a killer query letter: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Query submission to literary agents
Querying literary agents – do not give up
What a Literary Agent Does and Why It Matters
The truth about writer’s conferences
ABOUT WRITING
I loved being able to create other worlds with interesting characters and being able to redefine myself in those characters. It was and still is a form of mental and emotional escapism for me.
I am capable of writing with a house full of screaming children.
Music, hands down. I create playlists as I’m writing each novel, which really helps to get the energy flowing.
A well-wrought combination of voice, plot, world-building, pacing, relatable characters, and an interesting hook. Remember, however, that even though an idea might not always be original, your voice is. So don’t be daunted if there’s a similar concept out there. Your story told by YOU will make all the difference. And if you’re from a marginalized community, the world absolutely needs your stories.
Letting the book go after it’s published. Then it belongs to the readers.
I cried like a baby. I threw some cushions. I ate some cupcakes. I felt better. And then I submitted five more queries (after, of course, incorporating any constructive feedback). Never give up, never surrender. Galaxy Quest, if you’re wondering.
Believe in yourself and your work, and never give up. This business is so subjective, and traditional publication depends on many factors … opportunity meeting talent with a hefty sprinkle of luck. Your time will come. Keep improving your craft. Keep writing. Keep the passion alive. Above all, don’t take no for an answer in terms of whether you “are good enough” to get agented or published. Carve your own path and make your own mark. There are many different, lucrative avenues to publication. Someone else doesn’t get to decide whether you’re good enough … you do.
A Few Do’s and Don’ts (and these are all 100% optional):
Do polish your manuscript.
Do read Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King.
Do read 7 FIGURE FICTION: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE by T. Taylor.
Do join a critique group (most writing organizations will have them) or form your own.
Do research for submissions to agents in your genre (word count, query letters, etiquette, etc. as well as sales track record and reputation of the agency) if you choose to find an agent for traditional publishing. In this scenario, money should always flow TO the author.
Do hire reputable cover designers, editors, formatters, and/or proof-readers if you choose the route of independent publishing. There are many scammers out there.
Do create a social media platform and build your brand (website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok).
Don’t get discouraged by rejections—they’re a part of the process. Keep your head up, use constructive feedback and try again.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, especially in online reader and writer groups.
Don’t give up. If this is what you love to do and want to do, stay your course. IT WILL HAPPEN.
Don’t listen to negative voices, externally or internally. You’ve got this.
FAVORITES
Everything you can imagine is real, Pablo Picasso. Fear is the mind-killer, Frank Herbert, Dune. Never give up. Never surrender, Commander Taggart, Galaxy Quest
Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Fifth Element, Aliens, Fight Club, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Top Gun Maverick
Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Anne of Green Gables, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Go Ask Alice, Tuesdays with Morrie, Queen of the Damned, Wide Sargasso Sea, The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice, Girl Interrupted, Fire, Hunger Games
Anne Rice, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, Lisa Kleypas, George R.R. Martin, Ilona Andrews
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, Self Pity by D.H. Lawrence
MOST EPIC MOMENT EVER AS AN AUTHOR?
Meeting some of my authorly inspirations and pop culture idols!
Amalie Howard and Anne Rice
Terry Brooks and Amalie Howard
Ian Somerhalder and Amalie Howard
Stan Lee and Amalie Howard
Jason Momoa and Amalie Howard