Amber is a young writer who will, I believe, prove an inspiration to many more aspiring novelists. She sets a fantastic example for others who might wish to follow in her footsteps. She has invested her time wisely by getting a solid education and working hard to grow her writing skills. She built a loyal blog following by creating a blog where readers know they can find thoughtful reviews, entertaining interviews, and the occasional "for fun" post about daily life and experiences. She has participated in writing contests, hosted giveaways, and invested in her reading audience. She has started her own editing business, Editing Through the Seasons, and used this as a way to help other writers on their publication journeys. She has networked with professionals by offering features and forming true friendships.
In short, she has, by virtue of being a lovely, hardworking, and friendly young woman, set herself up to make a splash with her debut novel! Young writers would do very well to follow her lead, whether they intend to pursue traditional or self-publishing.
Earlier this month, Amber's novel Bleeding Heart released, and the blogging world has been abuzz with news. And you may have seen the cover featured here a few months ago . . . but here it is again anyway, because it's so pretty!
_________
Summer 1886
Sally Clay’s livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before.
But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound the hearts of others – and hers isn’t the only heart that’s broken. Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way and a place to heal?
A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her.
All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.
Inspirational Historical Romance
Here is a little about the author herself too:
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in
English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry,
short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is
now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at
a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing
and self-publishing her debut novel, Bleeding
Heart
____________
INTERVIEW
1. Would you
mind telling us a little about yourself? Hobbies, personality . . . tea or
coffee?
Amber: My
name is Amber Stokes, and I am a book addict. *wink* Besides blogging about books, reading and
reviewing books,
writing books, and editing and publicizing books (and talking
about them more than my family and friends probably care to hear!), I love to
spend time with my family, quote movies, sing and dance (in the privacy of my
room, generally, although I love going to dances when I can!), and do touristy
things, even in my own home county.
As
for tea or coffee, I prefer tea – usually a fruity flavor, although peppermint
can be good! And if there’s a third option, hot chocolate is always nice.
*grin*
2. What led you into the writing life? Were
you always a storyteller?
Amber: I’m
not quite sure when it all began…perhaps with my mama reading me stories as a
little girl? I fell in love with reading at a young age, and I’m sure it was my
passion for reading that bled into my passion for writing. I had an affinity
for poetry in my younger years (which hasn’t completely gone away!), so I wrote
a lot of poems as gifts for my family and friends for birthdays and holidays. I
did try to write some “novels,” if you will (short stories or story beginnings
that should never see the light of day again), when I was in middle school, but
it was in high school that a story idea hit me that hasn’t let me go. That
story was Forget Me Not, my first
inspirational historical romance novel. I finished the first draft my first
year of college, and I have hopes of going back and editing it in order to
publish it as the prequel to Bleeding
Heart. I wasn’t ready to edit when I finished that first draft, but I think
maybe it’s about time.
3. Tell us a
little about your debut novel, Bleeding Heart. How long have you been working on it? Can you recall what inspired you
initially?
Amber: I’ve
been working on it for about two years, ever since I finished Forget Me Not. I wasn’t ready to face
edits for Forget Me Not then, so I
turned to writing a sequel, taking some of the feedback I had received for the
first book and applying it to the second. The story was inspired by some
secondary characters from the first book, some settings I love, the title I
chose, and some fears and questions I had about love that I wanted to work
through.
4. Can you pick
a favorite character from this novel?
Amber: As
I’m sure practically every author answers this, I love all of the characters
for various reasons. *grin* But I think one of my favorites – if not my
favorite – is Myghal, a redheaded Cornish man who is sort of the “best friend”
character in both Forget Me Not and Bleeding Heart. I wrote him into the
first book after visiting an archaeological dig in Virginia City one summer and
learning that the town’s highest street back in the day used to be where the
Cornish miners lived. I just thought it would be fun to include a Cornish
character after learning that, but ever since I introduced him, he’s been
stealing scenes and stealing little bits of my heart.
5. What inspires
your work? Where do you turn when you need a renewal of inspiration?
Amber: I
think one of my main sources of inspiration – beyond my own experiences and the
places I’ve visited – is music. For this series, that’s mainly bluegrass and
folk music. I actually compiled a “soundtrack” for Bleeding Heart of songs that seem to capture my characters’
emotions at various points in the story, which you can find HERE. The order of
the songs can be found on that page, and the Pinterest link will take you
to YouTube videos of the songs.
6. What are your
favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process?
Amber: After
my initial reaction to receiving feedback on Forget Me Not, I seriously thought editing would be my least
favorite aspect of the process. I mean, even with college papers I generally
just worked really hard on one draft (usually last-minute…) and didn’t go
through various drafts. (Not saying this is the best way to go – it’s just how
I approached them!) But once I finished Bleeding
Heart, I felt ready to polish it and to make it ready for publication. I
actually enjoyed editing (despite getting frustrated at times) and seeing the
story come together and become better than it had been.
I
guess it’s hard to pick a favorite part of the process now! I love daydreaming
about a story and discovering it as I write. Maybe my least favorite part is
the waiting – waiting for feedback, and then finding the courage to face the
edits, or even the strength to just sit down and write. And for Bleeding Heart, the formatting (for the
Kindle version) gave me some grief. Once I could see the goal so close to being
realized, it was hard to push through the finalizing process when I was ready
for the “fun part” (these interviews, working on the blog tour, having actual
readers, etc.). But I knew it was important to make sure it was polished,
especially since it would be my first impression on readers and the publishing
world!
7. Which authors
inspire you as you develop your own storytelling voice? Any historical romance
novelists you would consider a particular influence?
Amber: A
few of Tracie Peterson and Linda Lee Chaikin’s books hooked me on Christian
historical romance back in elementary school. I think the “Yukon Quest” series
and the “Buccaneers” series showed me how exciting and engaging stories from
that genre could be. More recently, I’ve been especially inspired by MaryLu
Tyndall, Laura Frantz, Karen Witemeyer, Tamera Alexander, Joanne Bischof, and
Elizabeth Camden – although I’m sure I could list many more who have made me
fall deeper in love with the genre through their books! I think just reading a
ton of books, writing my thoughts on them in reviews, and seeing how other
authors succeed in the genre has influenced me and my writing a great deal. Oh,
and I for sure have to mention author Elizabeth Ludwig and Rachelle Rea (not
yet published, but hopefully in the not-too-distant future!) – my editor and my
proofreader – as they certainly influenced my writing for the better in the
editing stages.
8. So what is
next on your publishing horizons? Can we look forward to more fiction from you
soon?
Amber I
sure hope so! (In answer to the second question.) My goal is to edit Forget Me Not and publish it as the
prequel Winter 2014. After that, I’d like to write another sequel and publish
it later in 2014 – maybe next August? I guess that depends on how fast I can
write now that I have a book out there and self-imposed deadlines, LOL.
I’m
also planning on writing a companion short story that I may or may not enter in
your Cinderella contest… *grin*
9. What are you
actively writing right now?
Amber: Sadly,
nothing at the moment. I’m writing these responses! I haven’t really had a
chance to start on a new writing project since I got Bleeding Heart up on Amazon… However, I
hope to start in on that companion short story very soon. An early reviewer
inspired me, and some ideas have been eager to get from my mind to the page!
10. Can you
share a short snippet from Bleeding Heart?
Amber: Of
course! This is from Chapter 2 – a little background on the heroine, and a
glimpse at why I love Myghal so much…
Excerpt from
BLEEDING HEART
Chapter 2
California looked like
gold as it sped by the window of the train. The summer-warmed hills of the
interior might seem dry and barren to some, but to Sally the tan interspersed
with some light green spoke of promise. A desire to begin anew rushed up from
her heart, but it was a foolish notion. She would never break free from the
sins of her past, nor would she be able to find peace until she confronted the
reason she was out here in this beautiful but savage land in the first place.
The admission caused an ache so deep she was sure she felt it in her bones.
“It’s nice to get out
of the Nevada desert, isn’t it?”
She glanced over at
Joe, but he just stared out the window, and she wondered if he had even uttered
the question. The words sounded hopeful, but she could tell they were hollow
inside, empty of life. For what reason, she could never guess. Nor did she want
to try.
“Here.” The man named
Myghal handed her his tattered coat.
She shook her head. “I
don’t need it. I’m not cold.”
“It’s not for the
cold.”
Her hand went to her
neck, then slid down to where her fingers brushed her collar bone. She squinted
up at him through her long lashes and smiled – a slow, seductive smirk that
came as naturally to her now as her girlish giggles used to do. “My dress
bother you, Myghal?”
He shrugged his bony
shoulders, unblinking. “No, ma’am, but I think it’s drawing unnecessary
attention.”
Not bothering to
acknowledge the leering gazes aimed her way, she tilted her head and chuckled.
“Maybe I like attention.” He would never know that she was once a shy, albeit
determined, girl who only craved the attention of one man.
“Well, humor me, will
ya?” He leaned forward and placed the coat around her shoulders.
His gentle touch and
the protective gesture confused her. This was the same miner who had dumped a pitcher
of water on her when she’d tried to comfort a dark-haired, lonely man in the
only way she knew how anymore. The man had appeared so lost as he downed his
whiskey, speaking angrily with her boss but obviously searching for a
distraction to whatever was causing his eyes to glisten in the low light of the
barroom. In that moment she had felt a kinship with him that she didn’t want to
let go. But Myghal had stopped them cold with a splash of water and taken the
dark-haired man away, leaving her in that awful room, drenched and alone. So
very, very alone.
Tears came to her eyes
unbidden. While she had learned long ago to cry whenever the act was needed,
this was different. She didn’t want to cry.
Amber: Thank you so much for
hosting me, Anne Elisabeth ! I’ve so appreciated your support during this time as I’ve
prepared to share Bleeding Heart with
readers.
*****
You are most welcome, Amber! It has been my pleasure! :)
Dear readers, if Bleeding Heart looks like the book for you, be certain to enter your name in this generous giveaway (US only). So many fun goodies listed here! Also, be certain to continue reading along the rest of the tour.
Tuesday, August 20th
Tuesday, August 20th
- Review at The Librarian's Bookshelf
- Interview at Tales of Goldstone Wood
Wednesday, August 21st
- Review at The Lore-Mistress
- Review at Inspiring Daring
- "Outside the Author's Studio" interview at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Thursday, August 22nd
- Interview at A Novel Reality
- Interview and review at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot
Friday, August 23rd
- Review at The Overweight Bookshelf
- Interview & e-book giveaway at Writing for Christ
Saturday, August 24th
- Review at labor not in vain
- Spotlight at Philosophy of Romance
Sunday, August 25th
- Review at Christian Novels
- Review at Christian Bookshelf Reviews
- Interview at Too Read or Not Too Read
Monday, August 26th
- Review at Sweet Treats & Inspiration
- Review at The Ramblings of Two Readers
- Interview & e-book giveaway at A Christian Writer's World
Tuesday, August 27th
- Review at The Other World
- Tuesday Tea interview & review at Sherida Stewart
- Interview (SPOILERS) & review at The Curried Nut
Wednesday, August 28th
- Review at Carissa's Bookshelf
- Review & giveaway at Best Reads (2010-2013)
- Interview & review at Literary and Lace
Thursday, August 29th
- Review at Writer Off the Leash
- Review at West of Newbury Street
- Interview & review at Fictionally
Friday, August 30th
- Review at Backing Books
- Review at The Wonderings of One Person
- Interview at Returning to Eden
Saturday, August 31st
- Conclusion of the tour at Seasons of Humility
Be sure to congratulate Amber on her debut release! Such an exciting time for a novelist!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/15cee38/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway
27 comments:
Bleeding Heart sounds so good. I absolutely cannot wait to check it out!
Oh my Amber! This sounds like such a wonderful book! It's hard to find Christian romance novels that are really GOOD and not just a bunch of fluff. I'm very much looking forward to reading this!
Question for you: Would you ever consider writing fantasy?
You are indeed an inspiration to writers everywhere, Amber! May all your future writing endeavors be blessed.
'Forget Me Not' is a wonderful title. I love how you're using flowers to communicated an inner truth about the story. :)
If I remember right, you went to Corban University. Do you feel your time there really helped you in your writing career?
Anne!! What an encouraging introduction! :D I'm truly touched by your words, as I am by your friendship. *You* inspire *me*, so to hear you call me an inspiration is such a gift!
Thank you so very much for hosting me here today! I know I said it in the interview, but please know how grateful I am for all of your help and support!
~Amber
CanjunHuntress,
I'm happy to hear you think so! :) Thank you for leaving a comment, and for your interest in Bleeding Heart!
~Amber
Clara,
Thank you so much! My stories lean more toward the serious side - emotionally driven - and Bleeding Heart is a "darker" read, albeit still hopeful. I truly hope you enjoy it. :)
As for your question... Maybe! :) I entered Anne's fan fiction contest last year, so that was a baby step into the world of fantasy. I also had an inkling of an idea for a star story (not along the same plot line as Stardust, but with a star in human form), but I haven't really pursued it at all. But who's to say? I'm good with keeping my options open for future writing endeavors. ;)
~Amber
That is so sweet, Hannah! Thank you very much for the kind words. :) You are quite talented yourself, you know! Your art is lovely. :)
And I'm so glad you like the flower titles! They are somewhat common as book titles, but I just couldn't change them because they've shaped my stories and they really do communicate the themes succinctly. :)
Regarding your question...yes, and yes. :) Interestingly enough, I've just had someone from Corban ask me some questions about that - how Corban prepared me, what classes were most helpful, etc. I think Corban really challenged me and helped me to grow in the way I think, which - in turn - has helped me to grow in the way I read and write. I feel like university really does broaden your horizons, and the nice thing about Corban is that the school did that for me in an environment where I could also grow in my faith. Corban offers a very well-rounded education, and I loved my time there.
~Amber
I love the snippet you shared! I'll definitely have to read it...
Anonymous,
I'm so happy to hear that - so glad it intrigued you! :) Thanks for leaving a comment!
If you left a comment as an entry in the Rafflecopter giveaway, would you mind sharing your name so I could verify your entry if you win? Thanks!
~Amber
I'm really inspired by this interview! Amber, I am getting really excited to read Bleeding Heart, it sounds like it will be so good!
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
-Shantelle
Shantelle,
Aww, I'm so glad that you enjoyed the interview and that you're interested in Bleeding Heart! Good luck in the giveaway! :)
~Amber
Ooooh yay! Amber! I saw a snippet and the plot of your book before and I fell in love! I literally tried looking it up at the library before I realized that it wasn't out yet...and now it is! Yahoo!
What intrigued you to write this book?
Molly,
That is awesome!! I'm so glad Bleeding Heart sounds good to you. :) The paperback version is still in the works, and I'm not quite sure yet if libraries will be able to order it...but it is available for Kindle (and they have free Kindle apps you can download if you don't have a Kindle), and the paperback version should be available soon! :)
As for your question... The answer would be various things. :) 1) Some secondary characters from the 1st book I wrote (currently unpublished, but hoping to publish next!), who wanted their own stories; 2) some painful & difficult things I wanted to explore and work through; 3) a desire to keep on writing, combined with a love for certain settings. :)
~Amber
I really really enjoyed this post. I have been working with Amber these past months. She has been editing and promoting my books. So it is wonderful to learn more about her. She has been such a joy to work with. smile.
Thank you for sharing this information.
Bleeding Heart has been on my "to read" list for months. I can't wait to read it!
Yay Amber Stokes! I've read the plot and a snippet from Bleeding Heart before, and I loved it! I literally tried looking it up at the library before I remembered that it wasn't out yet...
And now, it is! I am SO excited!
Out of curiosity, what made you think of the idea for this book?
Sandra,
Speaking of joys to work with... :D Thank you for the kind words - and for being such an awesome client! *Hugs*
~Amber
Stacy,
Oh, yay - that's wonderful! I so appreciate it. :) Hope you find it worth the wait!
~Amber
Molly,
I responded to your comment earlier - just so you don't think I forgot you! :) I know Blogger can be silly sometimes, but your first comment made it through just fine. :) Thanks for taking time to make sure it came through!
~Amber
Congratulations, Ms. Amber. I loved the excerpt from your book. I'm so proud for you!
Meredith,
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt, and I'm blessed by your kind words. :)
~Amber
This looks like a wonderful book! And the cover is so beautiful!! :)
When is your favorite time of day to write?
~Anna
Anna,
Thank you on both counts! :) I loved working with Lena Goldfinch - she did an amazing job on the cover!
I think my favorite time of day to write is any time I actually sit down and write, LOL. But maybe late morning or late afternoon?
~Amber
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