August 30, 2014

Interview with Sieni A.M., Author of SCAR OF THE BAMBOO LEAF



Sieni A.M. is a coffee addict, Instagram enthusiast, world traveler, and avid reader turned writer. She graduated as an English and History high school teacher from the University of Canterbury and is currently living in Israel with her husband and two daughters. 


*What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

 Probably continuing to read and read and read and admiring other authors for their brilliance and hard work. 

*5 years ago: what were you doing?

I was busy looking after my 2 year old and 4 month old. Those were some crazy times--potty training, sleep training, cooking, cleaning. I was burned out, sleep deprived, low on iron, and was suffering from mastitis too.

*Do you have a certain writing ritual?

Prayers. Coffee. Shut the door. Plug in my headphones. Escape. 

*What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

The toughest criticism are the ones I give myself--am I balancing work, motherhood, writing well? It's a constant juggle everyday. Would my daughters be proud to read my books when they become young adults? They're my gauge and compass. 

*Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it?

Lani Wendt Young. When I met her, my heart was pounding. She's brilliant, witty, extremely helpful with her writing experience, and downright funny. 

*Is there an author you'd like to meet?

Julianne Donaldson. I love her Proper Romance novels.

*Biggest writing pet peeve?

Getting interrupted. 

* Do you read others reviews of your books?

Yes! I read every review out there. 

Fun Five:

Fav Color: Every shade of blue because it reminds me of the Pacific Ocean, of my childhood home. 

Fictional Character you'd like to spend the day with? Josie Jensen from Amy Harmon's Running Barefoot. 

Fav food: Too many to name! Persian cuisine is definitely up there together with sushi and traditional Samoan food. 

Fav song and/or singer: Coldplay "A Sky Full of Stars".

Guilty pleasure: I just got into "Outlander", the TV series. 









“Her heart wept when she realized that the hardest part about loving him was the idea that his love was never meant for her.”


Walking with a pronounced limp all her life has never stopped fifteen-year-old Kiva Mau from doing what she loves. While most girls her age are playing sports and perfecting their traditional Samoan dance, Kiva finds serenity in her sketchbook and volunteering at the run-down art center her extended family owns.

When seventeen-year-old Ryler Cade steps into the art center for the first time, Kiva is drawn to the angry and misguided student sent from abroad to reform his violent ways. Scarred and tattooed, an unlikely friendship is formed when the gentle Kiva shows him kindness and beauty through art.

After a tragic accident leaves Kiva severely disfigured, she struggles to see the beauty she has been brought up to believe. Just when she thinks she’s found her place, Ryler begins to pull away, leaving her heartbroken and confused. The patriarch of the family then takes a turn for the worse and Kiva is forced to give up her dreams to help with familial obligations, until an old family secret surfaces that makes her question everything.

Immersed in the world of traditional art and culture, this is the story of self-sacrifice and discovery, of acceptance and forbearance, of overcoming adversity and finding one’s purpose. Spanning years, it is a story about an intuitive girl and a misunderstood boy and love that becomes real when tested.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Ynqf71 

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