The 140-Character Me
Author & songwriter, lover of little notebooks, dark chocolate & creative energy; inspired by fans to write even on the hardest of days.
My first drafts are always horrible. My writing process is messy.
On Writing
When I was ten years old, my mom died, and a terrible silence descended over our house. My little journals helped me to survive. In the pages, I gave voice to all the things I couldn’t say out loud: my fears, sadness, confusion, and dreams. Writing made me feel better.
I wanted to be a writer but didn’t think I could because I didn’t have the chance to meet any real writers. Although I secretly wrote many poems, stories, songs, and more, I didn’t try to become a professional writer until I was already out of college and working as a teacher.
My first stories were rejected and rejected and rejected. It took me about ten years to learn my craft, but I didn’t give up.
Now, I write YA novels, fiction for younger ages, songs, articles, essays, poems, plays, postcards, letters to friends, and more.
I am still learning how to let go and just sing.
On Singing
My dad, mom, and sisters loved to sing, especially in the car, and we always played with harmony. Often our songs were silly, but sometimes, as we were driving home at night and singing a melancholy song, the moment was so intensely beautiful, our voices joining in harmony and spilling out of the unrolled windows into the moonlit sky, I would start to cry.
In school, I lived for chorus. School could be boring, other students hateful, rules unbearable, but as soon as I got to chorus, I would take a deep breath, wait for my cue, and let my voice commune with all the beautiful voices around me.
Now I sing to connect with joy. I can be having a very bad day; and, if I remember to sing, the vibrations of my song will push all my troubles away.
I remind myself: you have to sound bad for a long time in order to learn.
On Playing an Instrument
Can you tell what you’re looking at in this photo? Indentations across the tips of my fingers from pressing down on the guitar strings. I bear my calluses with pride.
As a kid, I tried piano lessons and violin lessons and grew quickly discouraged. I didn’t like the fact that reading music and playing an instrument wasn’t easy and that I wasn’t immediately good at it, and so I quit. As a teen, I tried and quit guitar, too.
In 2006, I picked up a guitar and made myself play for at least ten minutes every day. I was horrible at first, but I improved week by week. Now I’m hooked on both guitar and uke.
I often get ideas when I’m walking, so I carry my writer’s notebook with me everywhere I go.
On Songwriting
When I was in the eighth grade, my English teacher brought in Paul Simon’s song, “I am a Rock” and we analyzed the lyrics. I remember how the room changed when he put the music on. It was as if the ceiling had lifted off. That moment, I knew I wanted to write songs.
Now, I write songs for myself and songs for a lot of my books.
Connect
Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Soundcloud.
Workshops and Appearances
- See my Upcoming Appearances schedule.
- Learn more about my workshops in songwriting, fiction writing, and more.
- Schools and libraries: connect via Skype.
faras stywanch says
Im very interest. After read your book “guitar notes” menggugah bgt. Ceritanya unik. Seru dan menarik.
Sorry i cant speak english -_-
Mary Amato says
I wish I could speak Indonesian! I am glad you like Guitar Notes.
aidan hallinan says
ive read it 4 times its the best story out there for someone like me. 1 in a million.
Mary Amato says
Sorry for the late reply! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Audrey says
I love the book guitar notes and you and your books in spire me I am a teenager and love to sing and play saxophone
Mary Amato says
I wish I could play sax! Keep thrumming!
Marissa says
I literally just finished Guitar Notes five minutes ago! Amazing! I was so very excited when I found out those songs you wrote yourself and sing them! I am a teenager and write my own songs to and I love your song Lucky Me! Perfection!
Mary Amato says
Ooooh, so happy that you’re writing your own songs and that you liked “Lucky Me.” I’m starting a new songwriting project soon. Check back here to find out about it. Happy thrumming!
Marissa says
That is so cool! I have been learning how to play guitar for about 2 months now and don’t think I’m making progress. Do you have any advice for a new guitar player? And how did you get your songs out there in the world? I want to but I’m super nervous about it.
Mary Amato says
Two months isn’t long! Hang in. Leave your guitar out…get a stand if you don’t have one…so that you can easily grab it. Instead of playing a long time once or twice a week, try playing a little bit everyday. Play the chords or the strumming patterns that you find difficult. Keep doing it over and over. As for getting your songs out…I love soundcloud. Also playing at a local talent show or open mic is great. Yours, Mary Amato
Marissa says
Thanks a lot for the advice! I have been trying to play a little everyday but time has been getting away from me. I have heard great things from soundcloud and will check more into it! And maybe someday I will be able to perform in front of people but for now I’m too nervous.
Avery says
I loved Guitar Notes, finished it in two nights and obsessed about it relentlessly to my friends. I then posted a picture of the book and the ‘Are you Thrumming?” pic. on Instagram, followed by a review on Goodreads for my English class. I guess I just hadn’t read such a page-turner in awhile so I went a little crazy after too many meh stories, I’d almost forgotten the thrill of a really good book. I’m just learning the guitar and I still need to work on my chord transitions and strumming technique, I really want to just “thrum” but it doesn’t sound so pretty with my limited experience so I guess I’ll just take my hands on and off of the guitar to get the shape right. I’m all too familiar with the string’s imprint on my fingers. I’m an aspiring writer, 14 years old and one of my biggest pet peeve is un-capitalized I’s. Thanks again for Guitar Notes! ( I would mess with my unsatisfactory icon but I don’t really want to take the time to sign up for Gravatar, just pretend it’s something more elaborate… maybe I’m just picky.)
Mary Amato says
Hey, what a fantastic message. I love the fact that you thought Guitar Notes was a page turner because it means you loved the characters. I know what you mean about learning with the guitar. I’m still nowhere near where I’d love to be in terms of my ability to play. Make sure you practice what sounds bad…not just repeat the stuff that sounds good. It’s the only way to grow. Keep thrumming!
Peyton says
I just finished Guitar Notes. So beautiful! I was inspired to write song on my clarinet and perhaps piano
Mary Amato says
YAY!
Audrey says
OMG I read your book it is so heart felt and just so emotional and its just to great to put in words i almost cryed i haven’t felt like that about a book since the fault in are stars id invite you to my website but it isnt published yet…
Tie Hadley says
You’re books and characters speak to me in a way a lot of characters don’t I love songwriting and I wish I could play guitar, But in Get Happy and Guitar Notes, you’re main characters made me laugh, scowl and cry. Most of all the songs were absolutely amazing. ❤
Mary Amato says
Thanks so much. I’m working on a new project that I think you’ll love.
Katelyn says
Guitar notes is one of my favorite books of all time. I wished you could of seen my face, I was smiling so much!
Mary Amato says
Now I’m smiling!
Madi V says
‘Guitar Notes’ was a beautiful story that left me with tears glistening in my eyes as I read the last chapters. It first caught my eye because of the title, I happen to play guitar and songwrite myself. I fell in love with the characters and I laughed when they laughed and cried when they cried. Please keep up the good work. God bless you.
Mary Amato says
Thanks so much for your comment and encouragement! Excited to hear that you are playing the guitar and writing songs. Keep thrumming.
Becca Kruger says
Hey, so I saw your picture of your fingers after playing. I play both the Violin and the Ukelele and I feel the same way after playing. I am in the middle of reading your book “Guitar Notes” and it is one of the best books I have read, This is really saying something because I have read almost all of the Romance novels in our school library. I am so super interested in reading other works of yours and I am so glad that your an author and a musician because that is exactly what I want to be when I grow up. Thanks for taking the time to read my comment. -Becca the Potato Queen
Mary Amato says
I am always happy to meet a fellow thrummer even if it is only virtually. Being an author and musician is a great combo. They both feed each other. Sing on and write on, Becca.
Danielle says
I love your book “Guitar Notes.” I can connect so much with both Lyla and Tripp. I’m kind of known as perfect at my school. This book helped me see that I don’t have to be perfect. I love the song “Lucky Me.” It makes me thrum. I never quite realized what that feeling was when I played music or wrote stories/poems. Thank you for that.