Welcome back, Amber. Why
do you write the kind of books you do?
Historical fiction has always been my favorite genre. I love
to read it, so I also love to write it. I chose to write Christian books
because I saw a need for literature that promotes a biblical worldview and the
moral principles that are taught therein. Books can be so influential in a
person's life, so it is important that the influence is a good one.
How has being
published changed your life?
There are a lot of changes, but the biggest one is the
demand on my time. We are very busy with work, volunteering, church, and
family. I have to ration minutes and hours very carefully. I don't get to spend
as much time in leisure as I used to, and I don't get to sit down and do things
with my family as much because I have deadlines and responsibilities to
fulfill.
What are you reading
right now?
I'm reading some histories on Joan of Arc, which are very
interesting. I haven't known a lot about her up to this point, but her story is
captivating. I'm also starting The Christmas Shoppe by Melody
Carlson. I love to squeeze in a few Christmas reads during the season. :)
What is your current
work in progress?
I'm working on another Christmas story! It's set during the
civil war. The story is about Caleb, a young would-be lawyer, who flees his
failure by joining the Union army. But when his best friend is condemned for
desertion, he begs Caleb to plead his case. Caleb must face his failure and
greatest fear in an effort to save his friend's life and secure THE CHRISTMAS
PARDON.
What would be your
dream vacation?
Anything that involves history. I have had the blessing of
visiting a lot of historical places including Israel ,
Egypt , Rome ,
and Greece .
I would love to go back to any of those places. Oh, and I would LOVE to visit Scotland . :D
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
My stories are usually inspired around a plot, and the
setting usually comes with it. My biblical stories focused around Jesus, so of
course they are set in Israel
in the places where Jesus spent most of his time. The Christmas Pardon is really the first project where I've had a
chance to pick my setting, but it was fun to research different towns that
would fit. I look for settings that echo with the characters and their story.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
That's a tough one! There are so many people I would love to
have a chance to talk to. Right now, I would really like to sit down with Dr.
Ben Carson and talk to him about history and the current state of our nation.
I'd love to get his view on the Presidential race and what he predicts will
happen.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I love to go to church meetings. I also enjoy singing,
playing the piano, cooking, and talking with folks over a cup of coffee and
pie.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Lack of time and procrastination. I have to manage my time
very carefully, and when I do have time to sit down and work it just takes
discipline to get my head into the work. I diffuse peppermint essential oil,
which has helped my focus a lot.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
My advice is in two parts. First, be teachable and learn.
You need a tough skin and a willingness to be corrected to truly grow into the
best writer you can be. I know big authors that are still learning more about
the craft. If you have a know-it-all attitude, you probably won't succeed in
this industry. Second, don't give up. Keep writing and keep trying until you
find someone who will see the beauty in your work.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Swaddling Clothes is a unique tale that follows the Jewish
history from the time of King David through the Babylonian captivity and
finally to the stable in Bethlehem .
Through the ages, men have told many stories about Mary,
Joseph, and the birth of the Messiah. Stories of shepherds and sheep, kings,
angels, and stables. But one story no one has ever told. One story hidden in
the fabric of time. The story of The Swaddling Clothes.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Circa 980 B.C.
King David drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne. The
merchant’s monotone voice had been echoing off the cedar walls of the judgment
hall for more than an hour. If he whined the words unfair taxes one more time…
“So you see, your highness, these taxes are relatively
unfair when considering—”
“Enough!” David’s irritation boiled over.
The merchant stumbled backward. His scalded pride evidenced
by the scarlet flushing of his round face.
Something squeezed in David’s chest. The merchant wasn’t the
sole reason for his foul mood, and didn’t deserve to bear the worst of it. “I’m
sorry.”
He wiped his forehead. Being the king of Israel was not
what he’d hoped. He should be leading his army against the Philistines. Instead
here he was, in his luxurious palace, listening to the endless and petty
complaints. [1]
Ahithophel clapped his hands. “The king has heard enough of
your whining for today. Come back later.”
David stood and ran his hand through his hair. Loose curls
twisted around his fingers. He paced for a few moments before looking up.
Amnon, his oldest son, glared over his shoulder as the aide shooed him out of
the hall.
“Ahithophel, it’s all right. I can…”
“My lord, their prattle is irritating me as well. It can
wait until the morrow.”
David ducked out the side exit, into the corridor to the
private part of the palace. He stopped, inhaling the comforting scent of cedar,
and waited for his aide.
Ahithophel slipped through the door and closed it quietly.
His expression was tentative when he faced David.
“I am sorry, Ahithophel, but I am not cut of this pattern. I
am the type of king who leads armies into battle, who destroys enemies, a king
with a sword constantly by my side.” He motioned to the warrior’s blade hanging
from his belt. “I love my people, but I cannot bear sitting here listening to
their petty arguments while my army marches.”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I love to connect with readers on any of the social media
sites, but Goodreads and facebook are my favorite.
Newsletter & updates: http://www.amberschamel.com/newsletter-signup.html
Blogs - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
http://www.hhhistory.com/
http://amberschamel.blogspot.com/
Blogs - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
http://www.hhhistory.com/
http://amberschamel.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
Twitter - @AmberSchamel https://twitter.com/AmberSchamel
Pintrest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel
[1] 2 Sam 11:1
Thank you, Amber, for sharing this new book with. It sounds intriguing.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Swaddling Clothes
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
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18 comments:
Thanks so much for having me on your blog today, Lena! I'm so excited to be here!
I am excited to read this interview with Amber and I love the cover and the first page of The Swaddling Clothes.
Merry Christmas!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for stopping by, Connie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Best wishes in the giveaway.
This does sound marvellous!!
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Nice interview. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom NOrth Platte nebraska
I live in South Carolina.
bonnijean.marley@gmail.com
The Swaddling Clothes sounds like a book that I will enjoy. Enjoyed the interview. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Brenda in VA
Hi Mary! So good to see you here at CWW. :)
Kim, thank you for stopping by! I'll bet it's cold up where you are. Will ya'll have a White Christmas?
Hello BJM!
I just visited SC this fall. Very beautiful place. I especially enjoyed Beaufort. Thanks for stopping by, and best wishes in the giveaway.
Howdy Brenda,
I hope you'll get a chance to read it! Thanks for stopping by.
Enter me.
Blanch, NC
Enter me!!
Conway, SC.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abigail and Sharon!
This sounds like a really interesting book that I would enjoy reading.
Edward A in VA
Thank you for coming by, Edward! I hope you get the chance to do just that. :D
It sounds like a very interesting book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
-Melissa M. in TN
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melissa! Best wishes in the giveaway, and Happy New Year!
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