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 19^th 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.

You can read the first chapter on Amazon, here: http://www.amazon.com/Ellenvale-Gold-Amanda-Deed/dp/1921633530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322990399&sr=8-1

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.amandadeed.com.au

Blog: http://amanderings.wordpress.com

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


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