Get ready to learn more about the book Binding Bricks in this discussion with sapphic author Ami Spencer.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Ami Spencer about Binding Bricks, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Divorced Character category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Binding Bricks?
This book was banging about in my head and my WIPs for a while in one form or another… a second chance when they MC’s barely had a first chance, friends to lovers when they have to rebuild the friendship first. Eventually it was time to take the leap, and with a few tweaks to mend the bits which were stumbling blocks on previous attempts, it all came together!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
It used to be Mica, and then Grace as she developed more but actually its Bobby. The kid is just something else, and I loved building all his little nuances and habits, all the little character traits which just make him so perfect!
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Oh this book went through as many titles as it did versions! The final title was just a lucky stumble though…after a random Google search about Lego facts, haha!
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
It’s not so much a sequel but this book has kicked off an entire universe of characters. The next book focuses on Debs and Sienna. I loved Debs as a side character and just thought there was so much more to her we could explore. And if that included a sapphic awakening for this perfectly put together, successful woman, then why not!
What is your writing process like?
I used to be a total pantser but I’ve come to embrace the plotting more now! Just having a really basic outline so I can aim and hit for key moments in the storyline helps drive me forward, otherwise I’m a slave to procrastination!
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
During the day, it’s a black coffee.
But then come night its a gin and tonic! With ice, lime and in a cup with a lid! Although I’m immensely clumsy this is actually not for me, just to prevent my furry writing buddy from trying to fish the ice cubes out!
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
I actually find writing the big, emotional scenes the easiest, because they tend to be ones which start the idea off in my head. Even when I plan, if I’m struggling with some other scenes I might skip ahead and write these scenes first. It sometimes helps me push forward and get the creative juices flowing!
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
Nate, in this book, was awful. I actually felt a little bad for making him so cruel, and he probably turned out worse than I had planned! I actually had a review where someone said they hoped Nate would get shingles and die from the itching, which was a little extreme, even in my opinion!
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
Anything angsty, or dark or which forces us to question our previous beliefs. I think I’ve always been like this; in school I loved studying Lord of the Flies, my favourite Shakespeare play was Macbeth… Anything dark and twisty I was there and delving far too far into the subtext!
What books have you read more than once in your life?
Contrary to my earlier answer… The Railway Children is my comfort blanket book. I’ve read it so many times, as a child and as an adult. I don’t know what it is about it, but I still have my copy from when I was a kid. The other one I re-read over and over is Fried Green Tomatoes.
