Stories often begin long before they are written, and for Amy Hawk, that journey started in a small lakeside town in Missouri, shaped by nature, imagination, and a lifelong love for books. Today, balancing her role as a dedicated nurse practitioner with her growing identity as an author, Amy brings a refreshing blend of compassion, creativity, and real-world perspective to her storytelling.
Now based in Florida, Amy’s life reflects the same warmth and vibrancy found in her writing – rooted in meaningful connections, inspired by everyday moments, and driven by a desire to create characters that feel real and empowering. Her debut series, The Tales of Rumpus, is more than just a children’s story; it’s a reimagining of classic narratives where strength, growth, and individuality take center stage.
In this interview, Amy shares her journey from healthcare to storytelling, the inspiration behind her work, and the heartwarming experiences that continue to shape her voice as an author.
HELLO AMY HAWK, WELCOME TO WORLDAUTHORS.ORG! TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE ARE YOU FROM, AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I’m from a small town in Missouri called Osage Beach, located on the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. My family had a summer home there in the 1970s, and it became our permanent home in 1985. I had an idyllic childhood filled with outdoor activities like water skiing, boating, swimming, sand volleyball, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Today, I live near Fort Myers, Florida, which feels just as idyllic—with beaches, ocean views, and plenty of sunshine. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and work full-time as a nurse practitioner.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
In my free time, I love to travel, ride my bike, relax in the sun with a good book, go boating, play pickleball, and walk along the beach. I also enjoy working on my writing, especially developing books two and three in my series.
CAN YOU SHARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
My journey has been an interesting one. I initially earned a degree in psychology. After college, my parents opened a restaurant, which I helped manage while also handling the bookkeeping. Eventually, I returned to school to pursue nursing.
I earned my associate degree in nursing and began working in the emergency room right away. Later, I completed my Family Nurse Practitioner degree and continue to work in the ER. I’ve also started my own practice, where I provide both wellness and acute care visits.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS?
Adventurous, loyal, and funny.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR WORK AND LIFE?
People inspire me. I love being involved in my patients’ lives, even if only for a short time. I strive to bring positivity and joy into every interaction.
I’m also inspired by the many young people in my life—cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and even friends’ children. They bring constant joy, laughter, and inspiration.
HOW DID YOUR WRITING JOURNEY BEGIN?
My writing journey started at a very young age. I’ve always been an avid reader, and one of my greatest joys was going to the library each week to pick out books.
In early elementary school, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wrote that I wanted to be a novelist. I wrote several short stories over the years, but it wasn’t until my niece was born that The Tales of Rumpus truly began to take shape.
WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT READERS MIGHT NOT KNOW?
I’m adopted—and proud of it! I also love everything related to the Olympics.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON OR PROMOTING?
I’m currently promoting The Tales of Rumpus, Book 1 of what I hope will be a long series. I’m also working on the next two books.
Book 2 will tell the origin story of Queen Riley, and Book 3 will explore the story of Daniel the Dragon and his search for a family. Kat, the narrator and documentarian, will remain a central character throughout the series, along with new and returning friends. My goal is to deepen each character and weave meaningful, connected stories.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR BOOK?
The inspiration came from the birth of my niece. I grew up reading classic fairy tales, and while I loved them, I wanted to create something different—a story where the princess is the hero, not someone waiting to be saved.
I wanted to write about a relatable character—someone imperfect, who learns, grows, and builds her own community. My goal was to create a strong hero and a group of fun, meaningful characters that children can connect with and love.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS MOVING FORWARD?
My goals are to continue enjoying life, finding joy in the little things, and possibly stepping back a bit from the demands of working in the emergency room. Most importantly, I want to continue the journey of The Tales of Rumpus and see where the stories take us.
WHERE CAN READERS CONNECT WITH YOU?
They can connect on Instagram @amyhawk520 and website amy-hawk.com