Sunday, January 08, 2012

ELLENVALE GOLD - Amanda Deed - Free Book


I recently found out about this Australian Christian novelist, so I had to feature her book here. Welcome, Amanda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I think there is probably a bit of me in every character – as well as pieces of others I know and have met over the years.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I wore running shoes underneath my 19th century styled wedding dress. No dainty high-heels for me. Didn’t the guests get a surprise when they got a sneak peek?!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I’ve always loved to write. I especially loved writing “creative essays” in school. However, my marks were never much to go by – always average. So, I thought I’d just keep writing creatively as a hobby. It wasn’t until my adult years that I began to show others and their feedback made me believe I actually could do this seriously.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love fiction. Historical romance is my favorite, but I love any kind of romance. I also enjoy some fantasy and mystery/suspense.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Perhaps I haven’t kept it at all. ;) Perhaps I am completely insane. Sometimes I wonder why I have so many balls in the air and whether I should drop a few. But, I love what I do. End of story.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Sometimes they just come to me and sometimes I go through the phone book. Then, sometimes I go searching for a name that has a particular meaning if I want to be more symbolic than usual.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I was very excited to win the CALEB prize for fiction for my debut novel. Very proud of that, but also it scared me because it means I set the bar high for myself for future novels. I want them to be better every time and that is a huge challenge.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
An eagle. I love to fly and I often wish I had wings. The next best thing is sitting in an airplane.

What is your favorite food?
Potatoes. Every way they come except raw. Yummy.

Actually, I love raw potatoes as well as cooked potatoes. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I have decided that the writing is the easy part. The hardest part for me once being published has been marketing. I would rather hide at home with my computer for company. But I am learning to stand up and sell my product without feeling so awkward anymore. It has become easier with practice and a more self-confidence. I’ve really felt the Lord helping me through.

Tell us about the featured book.
Ellenvale Gold is the first in a trilogy set during the goldrush in Victoria in the 1850s. I have used the tensions on the goldfields and amongst land owners, or “squatters,” as a backdrop for an historical romance. Penny finds herself alone on a large sheep run and has to learn who she can trust in a gold-fevered community to help her survive. Is her handsome neighbor genuine in his interest? Or would she be safer to trust the mysterious trespasser she discovers on her land?

Please give us the first page of the book.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle.


Thank you, Amanda, for dropping by my my blog. By the way, I have a granddaughter whose name is Amanda.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Ellenvale Gold - paperback
Ellenvale Gold - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

30 comments:

Coolestmommy said...

Amanda, I love reading books set 'down under'. Coming to visit your country and New Zealand is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing--the book sounds wonderful.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Unknown said...

Thanks Lena and Amanda for a great interview and opportunity to win Ellenvale Gold. i love that it takes place down under. Lena... i love raw potatoes as well as potatoes any other way, too. Manage a way to find a reason to have Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole each time i have a meal there (and that's my #1 favorite restaurant).

Marianne from Arizona

mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Too funny about the running shoes! I'm sure the dress- and you!- were stunning. Looking forward to reading Ellenvale Gold!

Samantha
from Michigan

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds like a wonderful book, Australia has always interested me as a place I'd like to visit. Thank you for this interview!

I live in FL.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

scottsgal said...

I don't think I've read many books set in the Gold Rush - sounds intriguing.

I agree I'd be an eagle - so majestic and beautiful

cheryl in IL

msboatgal at aol.com

Rebecca said...

Great interview! I laughed when I read about the running shoes. Sor funny! (I totally agree about the dainty shoes, BTW!)

Your book sounds intriguing. That time period is fascinating, especially women's roles at the time. I'd love to read your vision of it.
Rebecca in North Carolina
rrgreene62(at)gmail.com

Amanda Deed said...

Hi Robyn, reading books set in countries you'd like to visit is the next best thing, I think - especially if the writer depicts them well. Hopefully I do this awesome country justice. :)

Hi Marianne, I don't know how you and Lena can like raw potatoes??? Hot potato chips are my very favourite - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. :)

Hi Samantha, I got the idea from a bridal magazine believe it or not - and that bride was wearing basketball shoes! I fell in love with the idea. :)

Hi 'wfnren', I think I've seen you comment on another Ellenvale Gold post - best of luck this time. :)

Hi Cheryl, yes eagles are amazing. I especially love our Australian Wedge Tailed Eagles. They are huge. It is awesome how they soar when they are so big! :)

Hi Rebecca, part of why I wrote Ellenvale Gold was as a tribute to some of our pioneer women. They did life pretty tough back then on the land. Blessings. :)

Jo said...

I enjoyed your interview. I have been wanting to visit "down under" for quite some time so would love to read books set from there.

Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book. Thank You for the chance.

Angela from KY

Alicia said...

This book looks very interesting would love to win a copy.
Alicia from Ny
Alibaby374@gmail.com

Kristie said...

I have never read a book set in Australia. Sounds great. Lots of romance and suspense and mystery. Glad you are spreading your wings as a writer. I guess that I also did not realize that there is so much to do as a writer besides writing. *LOL* I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you. Happy January!

Amanda Deed said...

Hi Jo, Australia is definitely worth a visit if you can ever get here. So much to see! :)

Hi Angela & Alicia, thanks for your interest. Good luck with the draw. :)

Hi Kristie, I didn't realise how much work is involved outside of writing either a couple of years ago. Now, I think it could all keep me going full time. :)

A.Jones said...

This sounds like an interesting book- whenever there are two love interests, the book is usually bound to be great! Please enter me!

I live in New York

Mary Preston said...

I love the idea of running shoes under your wedding gown. I wish I had thought of that. ELLENVALE GOLD will be an informative & wonderful read, I just know it.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Abigail Mitchell said...

Sounds very interesting! Please enter me in the drawing.
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful read. Please enter me.

Krista from Gresham, OR

Angie Adair said...

Sounds like a great book! angadair@nwcable.net

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Please enter me in the drawing!!
God Bless,
Sarah
Blanch,N.C.

Amanda Deed said...

Hi Aizess, I must admit I like the struggle with two men who want the same woman too. Hope you enjoy! :)

Hi Marybelle, I certainly didn't have to complain of sore feet or an aching back by the end of my wedding day with those runners on. :)

Hi Abigail, Krista, Angie and Sarah,thanks for your interest. All the best with the draw. :)

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Carol Preston said...

Great interview Amanda. Great to see another Aussie writer on the international stage. There's such a great community of Christian writers around the world. It's so encouraging. I'm sure Ellenvale Gold will be a great hit along with the sequen, which I'm really looking forward to reading.

EJ said...

My daughter is wearing dyed to match converse's under her prom dress - I think its important to be comfortable! The leader of my bible study was raised on a sheep ranch down under, so I would love to read this book. Elaine in Iowa

Faith said...

Fun interview! And Ms. Deed, congratulations on the CALEB Award.

Thank you for the lovely interveiw :)

Faye, from SD

apple blossom said...

please enter me thanks
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Amanda Deed said...

Hi Sharon, thanks for your interest. All the best in the draw! :)

Hi Carol, thanks for your support. Such an encouraging comment. :)

Hi Elaine, comfort was a big plus - no sore feet to distract me on the day. My mum's name is Elaine. :) Blessings!

Hi Faye, thanks for the encouragement. Blessings :)

Hi apple blossom, thanks for entering. All the best. :)

Nathanael Richmond said...

Enter me!
Nathanael
Blanch, NC.

Anonymous said...

I also enjoy historical fiction and romantic fiction. I would love to win this book and try to figure out what is particularly Australian about it. I have one delightful facebook friend from Australia.
Kaye Whitney
kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

Bakersdozen said...

I enjoyed the interview. I want to read this. I have never tried raw potatoes. I live in S. CA.

rubynreba said...

I have always enjoyed reading about Australia and would enjoy this.
Beth from Iowa

Mary Hawkins said...

I know I'm very late catching up on your blog, Lena. Lovely to see Amanda here, one of my favourite Aussie fiction writers. Hi, Amanda, loved your interview as I love your books.
And as I have your books please don't enter me in the draw, Lena. Just had to pop in and say "Thank you!"