Author Interview- Jen Turano

Welcome to another wonderful author! 


Jen Turano is the critically acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction Series, published through Bethany House.  Her novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Romance for 2013. 

On to the questions!

1. What inspired you to become a writer?

It was rather odd, how I came to be a writer. My son was in third grade, and in order to get him to read on a regular basis, we would read together at night.  I would read a chapter out loud, then he’d do the same.  We were reading this horrible series about a bird and after we read The Endon book number six, he turned to me and said he was pretty sure we could write a better book, so that’s what we did.  We would talk about the storyline, and while he went off to school, I’d sit at the computer and write, and…it was a total blast.  I’d left my career in fashion behind after I had my son, and honestly, it was such a fabulousthing to use my brain again.  That book didn’t end up going anywhere, but the whole idea of pursuing writing intrigued me.  It was a few more years before I could devote a lot of time to pursuing writing since I was the head of the parent organization at my son’s elementary school, but…once he was in middle school and was never at home, nor did he want me to volunteer ever, ever again, I just began writing all the time.  

2. What books have influenced your life most?

Nancy Drew books in my youth because they were responsible for giving me a love of the written word.

3. What is the one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most?

The odds are never in your favor, so you’d better be willing to work really hard, write all the time, and grow a thick skin because your feelings will definitely get hurt.  

4. Do you have any preparation rituals before you begin to write?

I always clean the house – scrubbing the shower seems to really get those creative thoughts going, and the same with vacuuming.  

5. Which one of your books do you consider your “pride and joy”. Why?

After a Fashion – because it was chosen by Booklist as a top ten romance for 2015, was a top pick from RT, and was a RT reviewer choice nominee.  Plus, it was just really fun to write.

6. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share with us?

When I get stuck, I free-write in notebooks that normally have those revoltingly cute covers attached to them – you know, the ones with kittens and puppies – or…if I’m really stuck, I’ll resort to Hello Kitty notebooks because those just crack me right up.  If free-writing doesn’t work, I normally stretch out on the floor of my office and simply stare at the ceiling, bemoaning the life of a writer until I come to my senses and remember that I get to work from home, live in my imagination, and I get to interact with readers on a daily basis – that normally gets me back on track and reminds me that I really do have a pretty cool job.  

7. Do you pattern you heroes and heroines after people you know?

Occasionally, yes, I will pattern some of my characters after people I know, although what normally happens is this – I’ll figure out who I want a character to be and then start writing, but…the character always changes as I begin to write and rarely turns out to be the character I first imagined.  

8. What is your favorite time in History?

Gilded Age – from after the Civil War until the start of World War I.

9. We all have family, work and other obligations…how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project?

Unfortunately, when I’m in the midst of a first draft, I don’t embrace a very balanced lifestyle.  I have to write straight through or I forget the story – but since it doesn’t take me long to write a first draft if I’m determined, I make it up to my family during the editing process.  Although, since my son has abandoned us for the college life – it’s just me and my husband, and he enjoys golfing, so…it’s much easier to work and be guilt free these days, especially when I know Al (husband) is on the golf course while I’m pounding away at the computer keys.  

10. What is the next project you're working on?

I’m currently in the midst of a new series – Apart from the Crowd – which is a wallflower series.  I’ve recently turned in the prequel novella, - At Your Request, as well as turned in the first book, Behind the Scenes.  The novella will release Jan. 3, 2017 as a free download for e-book, followed by Behind the Scenes which will release in April 2017.  I’m now setting up the next book, one that revolves around Miss Gertrude Cadwallader, and a most delicious gentleman by the name of Mr. Harrison Sinclair.  

11. Where can we purchase your books? (provide link) and how can we keep up with you? (blog link, webpage, fan page)

Here is a link to my Baker Publishing page – it will take you to most retailer sites - http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/jen-turano/1761

My website may be found at jen@jenturano.com

And my author Facebook page is - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/

12. Last, but not least…..What and when is your next release? Provide a brief synopsis….

“Playing the Part,” the third and final book in A Class of Their Own series, releases March 1, 2016.  

 Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but must abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucetta's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, seizes the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to safety at her eligible grandson's estate. At first glance, Bram Haverstein appears to be a gentleman of means--albeit an eccentric one--but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows. While Lucetta has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, she can't ignore the strange things going on in Bram's house and the secrets he hides. As the hijinks and hilarity that Bram, Lucetta, and their friends are swept into take a more dangerous turn, can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

"Turano, known for her delightfully humorous tales, has done it again."--Booklist starred review of In Good Company 

Thank you so much, Jen, for participating in this questionnaire! It was interesting and fun! 

More Love and Laughter From Margaret Brownley

Hello my dear readers! I am pleased to welcome Margaret Brownley to my blog! 

First... A wee bit of introduction...

About Margaret:

New York Times best-selling author Margaret Brownley has penned more than thirty historical novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers' Choice Award of Excellence. She's a former Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap.  She is currently working on a new series.  Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English.  Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.

What inspired you to become a writer?

That’s really hard to say.  I suspect I might have been making up stories in the womb, but didn’t actually write my first “book” till fifth grade.

What books have influenced your life most?

As a child I read Little Women and pretended I was Jo, the writer.   I hated history in school—all those battles and dates.  It wasn’t until I read Gone with the Wind at age thirteen that I understood history was about people and how they reacted to the world around them.

What is the one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most?

I got some pretty bad advice in the beginning.  I was told to write what I know and not to quit my day job. If I wrote only what I knew, my stories would have been one-page long. I also quit my day job—not a very wise decision financially. It was either sink or swim and I was determined to swim.  Devoting myself full time to writing paid off, and I recently published my fortieth book.

Do you have any preparation rituals before you begin to write? 

I get up, grab a cup of coffee and write before anything else can interfere.

Which one of your books do you consider your “pride and joy”. Why?

This is like choosing a favorite child.  Actually, the book I’m the most emotionally involved in is always the one I’m currently working on.  Those are the characters I carry in my head and heart. Once a book is written, I usually put it out of my mind.

Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share with us?

When my first book was published, I spotted several copies in a drug store.  I was thrilled, of course, but a bit embarrassed to tell the manager I was the writer.  So I decided to quietly autograph them.  Someone saw me and thought I was defacing books. As I was leaving the store I was stopped by a policeman.  I told him who I was and he asked to see ID.  Unfortunately, the book came out under a pen name so it didn’t match the name on my license. Boy, did I have some explaining to do. 

Do you pattern you heroes and heroines after people you know?

Sometimes I use someone’s mannerisms, traits or speech patterns. Fortunately, no one recognizes themselves in print, which makes me laugh. I have a friend who has several unique traits that I used, and even he didn’t recognize himself.  

What is your favorite time in History?

Most of my historical novels take place in the latter part of the 1800s.  I’m fascinated by the similarities between the 19thcentury and current times. The 1800s saw its share of bank failures, recessions, depressions and wars. Technology changed the way people lived back then just as it does today. The railroad made a big impact and so did electricity and the telephone. The telegram has been called the Victorian Internet and for good reason.  

I especially like writing romance because you can explore every possible theme known to mankind through the relationship of two people falling in love. You don't need a cast of hundreds or even thousands.

We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project? 

It’s not easy.  What saves is me that I’m an early riser and am usually at my desk by 4 a.m.  By the time the world awakes and family calls, I’ve gotten in a day’s work.  Some people are grouchy before their coffee.  I’m grouchy if I don’t get my writing in.

What is the next project you're working on?

Right now I’m working on a new series, plus a novella for St. Martin’s Press.  The first book in my Match Made in Texas series, Left at the Altar will be released in November.

Where can we purchase your books?http://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Brownley/e/B002BLN5A8

and how can we keep up with you?  

Website: Margaret-brownley.com  

Facebook:https://business.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/timeline/?business_id=1570988766476777

Last, but not least.....What and when is your next release? Provide a brief synopsis....

The third book in my Undercover Ladies series, Calico Spy, was released in January.  I also have a story in the 12 Brides of Summer collection out in June.

Here’s the blurb for Calico Spy:

He never met a Pinkerton detective he liked; she never met a man so stubborn…

Pinkerton Detective Katie Madison makes a lousy Harvey House waitress, but it’s the only way she can get close enough to the scene of the murders of two of the restaurant’s servers to solve the mystery.

               Sheriff Branch Whitman knows there’s something fishy about the pretty new Harvey girl with the flaming red hair, but he never would’ve guessed her to be a Pinkerton! 

               Soon a tornado hits town, and a shadow from the past puts Branch’s eight-year-old son in danger. Now the sheriff has no choice but to work with Katie—or chance losing everything he holds dear. Tracking a murderer is dangerous even for a man, and he fears for Katie’s safety. But as they get closer to the killer one thing becomes abundantly clear. Protecting Katie is one thing; protecting his heart something else.

Thank you so much for participating and answering all my questions, Margaret! This was fun to read! 

Readers, feel free to comment or ask questions below!

Author Interview- Karen Witemeyer

Another professional author! Welcome, Karen! First, tell us a little bit about yourself.

1. What inspired you to become a writer?

I have always been an avid reader, and as I grew to adulthood, I toyed with the idea of putting my own stories to paper. I'd daydream romantic plot lines and jot down my ideas in a journal, but I never committed myself to writing. First, college kept me busy. Then kids entered the picture. But in 2003 when my husband learned his job was being cut, the urge to turn someday into this day became too strong to ignore. The busyness didn't disappear, of course. I started working full-time outside the
home, and the kids were still young and in need of my attention. However, the Lord sent me a wake-up call, and I knew I had to answer.

2. What books have influenced your life most?

I grew up adoring books like Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. There was just something about historical novels that brought my imagination to life. Later on, I discovered historical romance and fell in love with the genre. I love the wit of authors like Julia Quinn, the rugged western adventures of Jodi Thomas, and the fierce highland warriors of Julie Garwood. However, the two books that shaped my journey into Christian fiction were Christy by Catherin Marshall and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Beautiful stories with godly messages. I want to touch readers the way those authors touched me.

3. What is the one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most?

RUE – Resist the urge to explain. Maybe it's the cool acronym, but this one really stuck with me. As authors, we are often tempted to explain everything going through our heads to the reader, to make sure they see the characters and themes just like we do. But over-explaining can kill the momentum of a story and risks insulting the reader. We want the reader to experience the story on their own terms instead of forcing them to see it through the author's eyes. Only then can it touch them on a
personal level.

4. Do you have any preparation rituals before you begin to write?

This is a terrible ritual, but I seem to do it every time that I sit down to the computer to write. I check my e-mail. Ha! Not very inspiring, is it? I think it's a final act of procrastination. When my inbox is empty, the last barrio is down, so I make myself open the document and get to work.

5. Which one of your books do you consider your “pride and joy”. Why?

I often tell people that asking an author to pick her favorite book is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. It can't be done. If I had to pick, though, I'd say either To Win Her Heart or Short-Straw Bride. To Win Her Heart because of Levi Grant with his speech impediment, quiet faith, and hunky blacksmith physique, and because it's the book that has garnered the most awards. Short-Straw Bride because it was my break-out novel and introduced the Archer brothers who have become extremely popular with readers. I never know what is going to resonate with readers, so when these two books made an impact, all I could do was thank God for the blessing.

6. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share with us?

My editor recently shared some fun, behind-the-scenes, tidbits with me regarding the cover of my upcoming June release, A Worthy Pursuit. They usually hire models or actresses to pose during the cover shoots, but sometimes they use their own staff. My latest cover features Carissa Maki who works in the contracts department for Bethany House and her real life husband, Chad. How cool is that? To have a real married couple posing together on the cover of my romance. Love it! Unfortunately, in the final version, most of poor Chad is cut out of the picture, but at least he's getting a boot in the door. Ha!

7. Do you pattern you heroes and heroines after people you know?

No. At least not directly. All of the heroes have a touch of my husband in them. After all, he's my romantic inspiration. The heroines are usually inspired by wishful thinking. Who would I like to be if I could travel back in time? Every once in a while, if I need to have a character view the world through eyes vastly different than my own, I might lean on someone I know who sees the world through a different lens, but for the most part I have fun just dreaming up strong, heroic men and feisty, independent women to people my stories.

8. What is your favorite time in History?

My favorite time period to write about is the late 1800s. Usually 1880s or later. I have one book set in an earlier decade (1850s) which I enjoyed writing as well, but it was a little outside my wheelhouse. I love reading in many different time periods, though. My favorites are Regency England, Victorian-era America or England, and Medieval, especially in the Highlands.

9. We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project?

I work full-time and still have three kids at home, so I have learned to be extremely flexible with my writing time. I set weekly goals for myself of completing one polished chapter every week. This works better for me than daily word count goals because it affords me more flexibility. If I don't have time to write one day, I can write longer the next, etc. Sometimes when I'm on deadline, I have to bump the schedule up to three chapters every two weeks or even two chapters a week, but that's about my limit, and I can't sustain it for long. I'm one of those slow, edit-as-she-goes authors. My pace is slow, but when I finish my first draft, it's done and ready to turn in.

10. What is the next project you're working on?

I just started work on what I hope will turn into a new series. Emma Chandler was raised by her spinster aunts to believe a woman could accomplish anything a man could as long as she maintained well-managed finances and surrounded herself with a community of like-minded women. With a heart for the downtrodden and a passion for women's rights, Emma uses her inheritance to set up a women's colony in Harper's Station, TX. Any woman needing to make a fresh start is welcome as well as those who wish to practice trades normally associated with men. All goes well until one day Harper's Station comes under attack by an outlaw determined to run the women off their land. Emma has to admit that she needs help. A man's help. And there's only one man she could trust with the safety of her ladies – Malachi Shaw, the boy she'd taken in during a raging snowstorm when they'd been children. The boy who'd broken her heart two years later.

11. Where can we purchase your books? (provide link) and how can we keep up with you? (blog link, webpage, fan page)

The best place to find all my books in one place is on my website. I have links to all the
major retailers. You can find my books page here:
http://karenwitemeyer.com/books.html

I also blog regularly on two group blogs. Petticoats and Pistols is a western romance blog made up of authors from both the Christian and general markets. Inspired by Life and Fiction if a blog comprised of bestselling Inspirational authors of both historical and contemporary fiction. I would also love to have you sign up for my newsletter. I only send out a few communications a year, usually when I have a new release or a special contest to announce. Also, everyone on my newsletter list is automatically entered in my historical fiction drawing every month. I give away 2 copies of Christian historical novels every month to a luck winner. Could be you! Click here to subscribe:
http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/newsletter/?p=subscribe

12. Last, but not least.....What and when is your next release? Provide a brief synopsis....

My next release is actually an e-novella called Love on the Mend. It is has a carry-over character from my last novel, Full Steam Ahead. The young runaway Darius and Nicole take in is now a grown man who finally returns to the town he ran away from 17 years earlier. It can be read as a stand-alone, but those who got to know Jacob in Full Steam Ahead, will particularly enjoy seeing the rest of his story. Here's the blurb:

Love on the Mend

After serving as a doctor during the War Between the States, Jacob Sadler wants nothing more than to establish a quiet country practice in rural Texas. But he knows he'll never find peace until he buries the pain of his past. To that end, he accepts a job in Cold Spring, Texas--the town he's avoided for seventeen years--and discovers his past is definitely still alive and kicking.

When a new doctor arrives in town and saves her brother's leg, Mollie Tate quickly puts him on a hero's pedestal. But then the new doc insults her "Uncle" Curtis. Years ago, Curtis Sadler rescued Mollie when no one else cared. How could he possibly be the villain the new doctor believes him to be?

Jacob doesn't know what to make of the young woman who assists him like a seasoned nurse one minute only to take a strip out of his hide the next. Yet the sparks that fly between them make him feel more alive than he has in a long time. As respect for his young nurse turns into something deeper, can he set aside the pain from his past to embrace this new love, or are some sins too big to be forgiven?




Thank you for doing the interview with me, Karen!


Readers, feel free to comment or ask questions below!

Author Interview- Tracie Peterson

I am very pleased to announce we have a seasoned author among us! Welcome, Tracie Peterson! 

"Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.

Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..

For information on having Tracie speak at your event - contact Noelle Buss at Bethany Publishers/Baker Books." 

1. What inspired you to become a writer?

I've loved storytelling all of my life. When I was little, my mother would give me pencil and paper to keep me quiet in church. She'd tell me to draw or write a story and after church she'd take time out for me to tell her about my story.  I've always loved the power words have to change lives and storytelling seemed a natural way to offer entertainment, education and encouragement.  Those 3 E's are important to me.  I want the story to be entertaining of course, but I want to throw in history of the times and Spiritual truth, as well as encouragement for those going through hard times.

2. What books have influenced your life most?

Aside from the obvious answer of the Bible - I've been influenced by both non-fiction and fiction, but to name a few -  I love My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, A Closer Walk by Catherine Marshall, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.  However, it wasn't until after reading the Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenants by Bodie Thoene and the Russian series by Judith Pella and Michael Phillips that I realized historical Christian fiction with strong romantic elements was what I wanted to write.

3. What is the one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most?

Years ago another writer told me to 1. Write what you know, 2. Learn what you don't, 3.  Never give up on the dream.  That along with the first and most important - Pray about each project has been very valuable advice to me.  I also highly recommend today's writer get connected.  Network with other writers, writer organizations and social media outlets.  These are great for helping the new author to learn the publishing ropes and also for honing their skills.  I helped co-found American Christian Fiction Writer's with that in mind and today that organization has thousands of members.  You can check them out at acfw.com.

4. Do you have any preparation rituals before you begin to write? 

The one thing I have to have in place for writing my books is a detailed, chapter by chapter synopsis.  This acts as my road map and while I sometimes take a side road or two, I use these to make sure the pacing of the plot and character development is good, that I'm not leaving any issues unresolved and that the spiritual aspect of the story is woven in naturally and not forced.  Saves me from having any major rewrites.

5. Which one of your books do you consider your “pride and joy”. Why?

I can't say that there is just one.  All 106 that are currently written (the last three aren't yet out) are testaments to God's faithfulness and direction.  I'm amazed at what He's accomplished in me through writing, as well as what He accomplishes through the stories.

6. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share with us?

Hmmm, that's not a question I often see.  I will say this, I'm a very flexible writer.  I can write almost anywhere anytime.  I've written in planes, trains, cars, at conferences,in airports,  family reunions, while sitting in hospitals and in the dentist's parking lot.  It really doesn't matter, although the older I get the more I value writing where it's quiet.

7. Do you pattern you heroes and heroines after people you know?

Absolutely.  There are quite a few, however, who aren't really patterned after anyone.

8. What is your favorite time in History?

Post Civil War to 1900

9. We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project? 

It used to be that people didn't think I had a real job.  Sometimes that's still the case, but for the most part they finally "get it".  However, as I mentioned above I tend to be pretty flexible.  If I need to take care of something in the daytime then I write at night and so forth.  When I was younger and my children were small I tried to keep to a strict schedule so that I had evening time for them as well as weekends.  I also try to keep the Sabbath set aside for focusing on the Lord.

10. What is the next project you're working on?

I've been researching and plotting out a new series set in late 1800's Montana.  It deals with sapphire mining and the people and pieces that come from these beautiful stones.  Montana is famous for Yogo Sapphires that were discovered in the late 1890's at a time when the only really prized sapphires came from Ceylon and Burma.  The Yogo's shook things up and I thought it made a truly amazing foundation for a three book series that would show how these were obtained, cut and put into jewelry.

11. Where can we purchase your books? (provide link) and how can we keep up with you? (blog link, webpage, fan page)

The books can be bought through most bookstores. If they don't have them in stock, they will order them.  The books are also available at most any online site like christianbooks.com, amazon.com and so forth.  My readers can keep up with me at my website www.traciepeterson.com and at my facebook page facebook.com/AuthorTraciePeterson.

12. Last, but not least.....What and when is your next release? Provide a brief synopsis....

I have a brand new series debuting in December. It's a Seattle Brides series set in 1888-1890 that deals with three zany old ladies who along with their adopted ward Abrianna run a bridal finishing school in Seattle.  Abrianna is a feisty red-head who is always getting into one mess or another - much to the disappointment of her aunts who long only to properly "finish" her.  There are 3 books each dealing with a separate romance, as well as on-going relationships throughout the series.  It has more humor than my books usually have, but there's still intrigue and adventure and of course - romance.

Thank you Tracie! That was so much fun!

Author Interview- Amber Schamel

Bestselling author Amber Schamel writes stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft. Between ministry, family and working in their family businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. 

1. How did you discover your calling to be a writer? I have always had an active  imagination and even as a young girl I would make up stories and play them out in my make believe. I started writing those stories down when I was about fourteen. But the real calling came about the time I graduated from High School. I had been doing a lot of study on how media and books affect people's attitudes and worldview. It was astonishing how the subtle messages that have been worked into entertainment over the years has completely transformed our nation and our morals. I realized that someone needed to write stories that upheld morals, faith and godliness. The Lord then led me to Habakkuk 2:2 which says " And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." That became my commission. 

2. What books influenced your life the most? There are so many! The Bible of course. Also the writings of evangelist W. M. Branham and other heroes of the faith.

3. What is your favorite time in history? I totally fell in love with the Civil War Era. The hoop skirts, the balls, everything. In fact, during high school I practically lived in that era for months at a time. I sewed hoop skirts, and wore them every day. I washed them on a homemade washboard and hung them outside on the line to dry. I ironed with an old cast iron heated on the stove, I ate hard tack, cooked my johnny cakes over the fire and didn't use the electricity in my room for several months! (with the exception of my radio which I used to play Dixie, I'm a good ol Rebel, Somebody's Darlin and other period tunes)

4. Please tell us a little about your newest book. The Messiah's Sign is the second book in the Days of Messiah series. 

It follows the storyline of Book One, but from the husband's point of view. Here's what it's about:
Dreams...they shouldn’t bother him, but when Tyrus’ worst nightmare is vindicated, he has no choice but to face reality. His wife has been unfaithful, and God has punished her with the most feared disease in the land: leprosy. Banishing her to the leper colony, Tyrus struggles to raise their son alone and protect him from a merciless outlaw. But when Malon begins following the teacher from Nazareth, what remains of their business and reputation is at stake. Can Tyrus save his son from the beguiling lies of a false Messiah before he loses the only thing he has left?

5. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share? The background picture on the cover is a picture of the sun rising over the Sea of Galilee. We took the picture while visiting Israel. The Galilee area is BEAUTIFUL! Little did I know, I would write a series of stories based there.  In fact, the series began as a short story about Aaliyah, but I had people telling me I should expand it. The short story was set in Jerusalem, but as I started writing the first book, I realized I was in the wrong town!

6. What is the next project you're working on? I am finishing up a really fun series with three other historical authors on the signers of the Declaration of Independence. I'm also setting to work on a Christmas story set during the Civil War entitled The Christmas Pardon.
In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young lawyer battles with the U.S. Supreme court. In what seemed to be a Christmas miracle, he had secured a pardon for his friend from Lincoln himself. The army executed the boy anyway. On the fifteenth anniversary of his death, will the lawyer finally clear his friends name and bring justice to his memory? 

I'm running a giveaway for a fan to pick the name of my two main characters! You can enter the giveaway here: http://www.amberschamel.com/contests.html

7. Which one of your books do you consider your "pride and joy"? Why? That's a really tough question. The Messiah's Sign is the longest book I've written thus far, but I'd probably have to say The Swaddling Clothes is my pride and joy. It follows the Jewish history from the time of King David all the way to Jesus' birth. It was tough to write with such a large time span and so many characters! But it was also a TON of fun. 

8. We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project? Haha, don't I know it! I have a job as bookkeeper, volunteer about half my summer, family, church, writing. For me, the balancing act usually involves less sleep so that I have time to fit writing in around my other priorities. I only have a couple of hours a day to devote to it, so those hours are precious, and must be managed effectively. I don't always succeed, but I'm getting there. 

9. What is one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most? Be teachable and humble. And realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you're working on being a great writer, you will eventually find an agent/editor/publisher that will be a fit.

10. Where can we purchase your books? (Provide a link) and how can we keep updated on future works? The Messiah's Sign is now available on the following networks:

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/days-of-messiah-volume-2-the-messiahs-sign-amber-
schamel/1120555152?ean=2940150577046

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Days-Messiah-2-Messiahs-Signebook/dp/B00OJ93IB6/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413400281&sr=1-3&keywords=amber+schamel

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/days-of-messiah-volume-2-the-messiah-sign

HHP Store: http://shop.myhelpinghandspress.com/Days-of-Messiah-Volume-2-The-Messiahs-Sign-9788576.htm

You can keep up with me by liking my facebook page, friending me on Goodreads, or on my website. http://amberschamel.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel

11. Do you pattern your heroes/heroines after real people you know? Shhh....no one is supposed to know the answer to that question. LOL, Yes, I actually do. To an extent anyway. I usually blend traits from different people I know or observe.

This was a great experience and one I hope you all enjoyed as much as I did! Thank you, Amber for letting me interview you!