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Sunday, July 03, 2011

Monday Musings pre-empted for the next seven weeks to bring you...
Spotlights on Authors!

The first author I am spotlighting is Amanda Stephan, a fellow member of the John316MarketingNetwork and also ACFW. Amanda's first book, The Price of Trust, a Christian romance/suspense is available now, and she is offering a pdf copy of the book to one commenter so be sure to comment on this post and leave your email addy by Saturday night as she will draw at the end of this week.

Here are some questions I asked her followed by her answers. Be sure to keep reading for the book blurb and more info on Amanda and her new book out this fall.

Thank you, Rose for having me here today! I look forward to meeting your readers!

1. Tell us about your favorite book as a child and your favorite book as an adult. Can you see a connection between those books?
My favorite book as a child would have to be the Trixie Belden mystery series. I almost devoured those books, and at one time had the entire collection of hardbacks. As an adult, my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice with Jane Eyre at a very close second. I really can't see a connection through those books ~ I guess I just love a good story!

2. What is your favorite Scripture? Do you also have a favorite Scripture that encourages you in your writing?
My favorite Scripture is 3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. I look at my children, and realize they are a walking testament to what my husband and I have taught. If they serve the Lord, it doesn't matter what else I've ever done or will do ~ they will be my success. (Rose adds: that's one of my fave verses, too, and I have it three places in my house!) When I'm discouraged--yes, it happens--I turn immediately to the Psalms. To pick a favorite is almost impossible.

3. If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose? Scotland or Ireland, hands down!

4. I often wonder if I would write if I had to do it the old-fashioned way without computers and spell-checks and email. Is there anything about technology that you don't like? Or anything about it that you feel enhances your writing?
One thing I don't like about technology, is how easily it is to get sidetracked. You know it's bad when your husband has to email you to remind you to cook dinner! I actually have stories I wrote in college and high school the hard way. Pen and paper! Boy those were the days... ;)

5. As a writer how have you had to grow and stretch out of your comfort zone?
Wow, that's a very easy question! When I finished my book, The Price of Trust, I had initially intended it only to be a love letter to our children. A kind of encouragement during times when they thought they had to settle for abuse ~ and when I finished it, my husband asked me to at least try to have it published, and that's the rest of the story. It wasn't easy to let people--strangers, even--read it. Now, we're rounding the corner for my second novel, Lonely Hearts to be released in October, so I guess I could say I'm getting a little used to it! ;) By the way, if any of your readers would like to get a sneak peek and read the first three chapters of The Price of Trust and the first chapter of Lonely Hearts, they can do so by visiting HERE.

6. What advice would you give to a beginning writer that you wish someone had given you?
Research potential publishers. Check them out thoroughly, ask questions, ask authors that are with that publisher, and make a list of the pros and cons.

7. Do you want to add anything about your book such as how to order it?
You can purchase The Price of Trust on Amazon.com, ThePriceofTrust.com, Christianbook.com, or BooksByAmanda.com

The Price of Trust - Christian Romance/Suspense
Beaten and betrayed by the one who was supposed to love her...
Carly Richards is on the run.
Forced to live as a fugitive as her ex-fiance stalks her across country, she finds refuge in a small town in Montana. Her emotional scars are reluctant to heal, and Carly resists the friendliness of those around her ~ especially handsome farmer Joe Baird. Caught in the circumstances, the kind people around her begin to creep into her softening heart. God is at work, and she has to trust Him not only to take care of her, but care for the people she is learning to love.

EVERY purchase includes a FREE audio book download (mp3 format)

Lonely Hearts ~ releasing in October, 2011!
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors and VERY yummy apple pie!
Becky Callis is the widowed mother of two. When they move to a new town, she only intended it to be a safe haven where she didn't have to be reminded of her late husband. Her children had other plans, as well as a variety of men to choose from!
~*~ releases October 2011 ~*~

**follow Amanda's blog, Facebook, or Twitter for exciting release news as well as many opportunities to win great prizes*

Amanda Stephan
Author - The Price of Trust
Lonely Hearts - Coming Fall, 2011
Follow me on Twitter

14 comments:

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

Thank you, Rose! I appreciate you sharing your blog with me today, and I hope you have a fantastic Fourth!

Cheers :)

Amanda Stephan - Author

Tracy Krauss said...

Good job, Amanda and Rose. The tour looks fun so far. Check out my interview of Lisa Lickel - www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

Bernard said...

Happy 4th Rose. I love the scene on your blogsite. I always appreciate reading how other authors were led into the mission of publishing. Amanda gives us a interesting account of how she was published.

Karen Lange said...

Wonderful interview! Thanks, Rose and Amanda, for sharing with us. I loved the Trixie Belden books too! I think I may have my set in storage. I should check. :) Wonderful giveaway, too!

Blessings,
Karen
klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

@Tracy ~ love your blog! I just might have to snitch your calendar idea so I can become a little more organized... I used to be so good at organization.

@Bernard ~ thank you for stopping by! Looking forward to stopping by your blog to read about your guest :)

@Karen ~ Trixie Belden. Need I say more?! She was so cute! But even as a young girl, I always dreamed of her and Jim getting together. Besides Trixie, he was my favorite! Thank you for stopping by :)

Books By Amanda

Marcia Lee Laycock said...

Nice interview. I'll check out the book. Blessings, Marcia

Check out my interview of Cheryl Rogers at www.writer-lee.blogspot.com

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

Hi Marcia! I'm so glad you stopped by :) we're always looking to make new acquaintances and friends! I'll have a look-see at your site in a few minutes :)

Books By Amanda

Lisa Lickel said...

Tough subject, but very exciting for a read. Best wishes!

Sidney W. Frost said...

Enjoyed the interview.

Judi Chesshir- Author of "My Finny Fin Fin" said...

Wishing you the best with your book sales, Amanda!

Rose McCauley said...

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! Hope you will visit every Monday for the next six weeks to read about more great books by our John316 authors!

Anonymous said...

I loved The Price of Trust Amanda, very good book. Enjoyed your interview as well!

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

Thanks to all who stopped by ~ it is sincerely appreciated!

Amanda

Jessica R. Patch said...

Excellent interview! The book sounds amazing. Both of them do. Way to go, Amanda. Many blessings!