Interview and Giveaway: Amanda Forrester

Please join me in welcoming Amanda Forester to Debbie's Book Bag today! Amanda is here to talk about her latest release, The Highlander's Heart. The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for two copies of Amanda's book, see details at the end of the post.

DEB: Amanda, tell us a little bit about yourself?
AF: Thanks so much for inviting me to chat with you today.  I love talking about my favorite activity - reading!  No wait, writing!  No wait, BOTH reading and writing.  I consider myself a reader first because I would never have had the courage to write my own stories without the wonderful books I have read giving me the inspiration.


DEB: Tell us about your book, The Highlander’s Heart? Is this a single title or part of a series?
AF: I am so excited to be launching my second book, The Highlander's Heart.  This is the second book in the Highlander series, set in 14th century Scotland.



Lady Isabelle escapes her murderous English husband only to be abducted by a Highland warrior and held for ransom.  Her determination to break free from captivity is exceeded only by the passion growing between her and the Highland Laird.  David Campbell plans to hold Isabelle for ransom as an easy way to line his pockets and return her back where she belongs, but he is unprepared for a feisty English lass with a penchant for finding trouble.  Caught between rival clans bent on claiming the throne of Scotland, Campbell must choose a side, and a bride.  Standing on the brink of war, Isabelle may be his only hope to save his clan, and his heart.


DEB: What inspired to you write about the Highland’s and the men and women who lived there?
AF: I have always enjoyed reading historical romances, especially those set in Scotland.  The Highlander is to me the quintessential alpha male.  He is fiercely independent yet loyal to his clan.  He is rough around the edges, but is willing to risk his life to save the woman he loves.  In medieval Scotland there were no external forces keeping law and order, but rather clans required strong leaders who could protect and serve their people.  Put all these qualities in a hunky man wearing a kilt and you have my ideal hero!


DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have to have specific things in place to write comfortably?
AF: Normal?  First of all, I'm still waiting for that "normal" day.  There always seems to be a lot of chaos at my house.  Living with kids and animals will do that to you.  I try to write after everyone else has gone to sleep.  I do have an office and I wish I could say it is neat and organized, but the truth is it looks like it's been lived in by monkeys.  Ill-behaved monkeys.  Despite the mess, the one thing I need to write is good lighting, so I pay a bit more for lights that don't make my eyes hurt. 





DEB: Do you have advice for new writers?
AF: One of the best things I did as a beginning writer was to join professional organizations such as Romance Writers of America.  They have local chapters all over the country.  This information was invaluable to me, and continues to be helpful.  I would also recommend learning more about your craft by going to writer's workshops and conferences.  I met my editor and agent at pitch appointments at a conference, so I'm a big believer!


DEB: What was your reaction when you found out your first book would be published?
AF: Shock.  And it hasn't quite worn off yet.  I look at my wonderful books and I'm still amazed - in a very happy sort of way!


DEB: When you are not writing, what do you like to read? Do you have a favorite genre or author?
AF: I LOVE historical fiction, I just love it.  There are so many great books that capture my imagination and make me want to write more.  My favorite historicals are set in regency England and medieval Scotland- no surprise there!  Around this time of year, there comes my all time favorite book, the Christmas regencies.  I have soft spot for books with a holiday theme.  I'm reading a great one now, "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish" by Grace Burrowes.


DEB: What books coming out in the latter part of 2011 are you looking forward to? Yours and other authors?
AF: The third book in the series, True Highland Spirit, continues where Highlander's Heart leaves off and is due to be released in March.  I was just sent a sneak peak of the cover and it is gorgeous!


DEB: What are you currently working on?
AF: I am currently thinking of visiting regency England for a while and maybe see what comes of it.  I adore Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and I have a secret crush on Mr. Darcy - don't tell Elizabeth!


DEB: Tell us one thing that readers may not know about you?
AF: I wish I had a fascinating secret to share, like being a secret agent or a princess in hiding or something spectacular, but alas I am just a regular person.  I'll have to leave the exciting stuff to my heroes.  But when you think of it, maybe that is interesting.  If I, an ordinary person without any literary or royal connections of any sort, can live my dream of having a book (or three!) published, than why not you?  Live your dreams!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for two copies of The Highlander's Heart by Amanda Forester.


~ You must be a Google Friend Connect follower to participate.
~ US and Canadian Addresses only (Publisher Request).
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST December 5th.


1.  Fill out the RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET.