We chat with author A.M. Woody about Most Valuable Player, which is a sports romance with humour and heart, following a cocky star QB and the team’s sarcastic water boy.
Hi, Amanda! Welcome back! It’s been about 18 months since we last spoke for the release of Exes and Foes. How have you been and what have you been up to?
Honored to be back here! I’ve been up to my usual shenanigans – writing unapologetically queer books that are probably (usually) rivals to lovers. The only difference between then and now is that now, I have a cat that I get to harass when I’m bored. (Her name is Zuka and she’s my princess.)
Your latest novel, Most Valuable Player, is out October 21st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Healing, humorous, emotional, sarcastic, tear-jerker
What can readers expect?
It’s a “laughing through my sobs” experience. Or “sobbing through my laughter.” Not sure which people are going to do more, but hopefully my recurring readers have come to expect rom-com-traums from me by now. And for those who are new and feel like they’ve gotten drop-kicked by the cutesy cover…sorry lol.
Where did the inspiration for Most Valuable Player come from?
I’ve always wanted to write a book about an arrogant himbo who falls for someone who can put him in his place. And I’ve always wanted to write a book about a traumatized character who learns that he’s worthy of kind love. So I decided to smash them together, and voila. MOST VALUABLE PLAYER was born – a strange amalgamation of humor and anguish.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really love the scene after Cameron reads Mason’s journal entries and they kiss in the rain, when Mason finally allows himself to be cared for and Cameron tries to be a safe space for him. Mason struggles so deeply with his sense of self-worth in this book, and this is a breakthrough moment for him that was really satisfying to write.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Sometimes it was difficult for me to perfectly balance the humor with the emotional beats of the story. Since this deals with difficult subjects and conversations, I didn’t ever want to come across like I was making light of it, but I never wanted people to forget that it’s still romantic and comedic at its core. Kids with trauma are allowed to have their romcom moments, too, while also navigating the pain they’ve been through. Some people will say that I pulled it off, and some may say otherwise – it’s all subjective, and all I can hope is that people have a good time reading it!
This is your third novel in three years! What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned as a writer since your debut?
Something I learned recently is that if you’re not writing for yourself first and foremost, people will be able to tell. You’ll never satisfy everyone, so it’s important that you focus on writing what you want to read, and writing what makes you happy. Be self-indulgent, even if it’s unrealistic! Write the same tropes over and over in different flavors if they’re your favorite! Don’t pander to anyone but yourself. I’m still working on that.
What’s next for you?
My next queer romcom, FROM SQUARE ONE, comes out in 2026! 😊 It will be a much needed sigh of relief for the people drying their tear stains after MVP, haha.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
Some fabulous books I’ve read recently are AMERICA’S NOT SO SWEETHEART by Blair Hanson, THE LURE OF THEIR GRAVES by Laura Samotin, and THE GOLDEN BOY’S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR by Sonora Reyes. I’m so excited for Anahita Karthnik’s BETTER CATCH UP, KRISHNA KUMAR.
