Amanda Forester Interview
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
I never seriously considered being a writer until a few years ago when circumstances in my life led me to turn to reading books for comfort from that big bad ugly world. In reading I found solace, and I also discovered that perhaps those daydream storylines that had always floated around in my head might be there for a purpose.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration in life has been my grandma. She showed me through her life the courage to say no to the sure thing in order to pursue your dreams, and also how to persevere (she lived to be 102, so she knew a lot about how to keep on going!). She also believed I was much more talented and capable than I actually am – and I loved her for it!
How do you create the characters in your books? Are they based on people you know?
This may seem odd, but I don’t feel like I “create” characters. Instead I capture glimpses of this other person, and then attempt to capture his or her likeness on the page. Sometimes I feel like I’m watching a movie in my head and then I have to try to write it all down before it fades away.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
Only one? If forced to name just one, I would have to go with the Bible. There is of course the spiritual significance, but in addition I feel in order to understand Western history, politics, literature, customs, and culture, reading the Bible is a must.
If you weren’t a writer, what would be your profession?
Apart from my love of writing I do also have a “day job” where I work as a clinical research psychologist. I actually enjoy both psychology and writing for its common bond of trying to understand people and the human condition.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, past or present, real or fiction, who would it be and why?
Ok, who comes up with these tough questions?? I think I would like to be Elizabeth Bennet because I would love to be loved by Mr. Darcy. I think it would be fascinating to live in the Regency era (with enough money to make it enjoyable). I’d also like to know what Mr. Darcy is like in bed (can I say that?).
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have 3 things, what would they be?
A satellite phone to get off the desert island, some food, and my husband so I could pass the time while waiting to be rescued. Oh, and a good book to read for after my husband falls asleep. No wait, that’s four things. Rats, now I need to decide between food and books…
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Casablanca [sigh]
What is the one thing that you want all your fans to know?
God can take the nasty horrible stuff that life hucks at you and turn it into a blessing. That is what my writing is for me. I hope you all will find unexpected treasures in life too.
If you could invite 5 people to dinner, who would they be and why?
Myself, my husband, my two kids, and my grandma… because my greatest treasures are my family. Also, since grandma has been in heaven for the past few years I’d love to catch up, show her my book (she’d be so thrilled) and see what she’s been up to.
THE HIGHLANDER’S SWORD BY AMANDA FORESTER—IN STORES MARCH 2010
A quiet, flame-haired beauty with secrets of her own...
Lady Aila Graham is destined for the convent, until her brother's death leaves her an heiress. Soon she is caught between hastily arranged marriage with a Highland warrior, the Abbot's insistence that she take her vows, the Scottish Laird who kidnaps her, and the traitor from within who betrays them all.
She's nothing he expected and everything he really needs...
Padyn MacLaren, a battled-hardened knight, returns home to the Highlands after years of fighting the English in France. MacLaren bears the physical scars of battle, but it is the deeper wounds of betrayal that have rocked his faith. Arriving with only a band of war-weary knights, MacLaren finds his land pillaged and his clan scattered. Determined to restore his clan, he sees Aila's fortune as the answer to his problems...but maybe it's the woman herself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Forester holds a PhD in psychology and worked for many years in academia before discovering that writing historical romance novels was way more fun. She lives in the Pacific Northwest outside Tacoma, Washington with her husband, two energetic children, and one lazy dog. You can visit her at amandaforester.com.
You can read my review here.
Sourcebooks, Inc.
9781402229480
March 2, 2010
352 pages
$6.99 US
Sourcebooks is allowing me to giveaway two copies of this book to my readers
Open to residents of the US and Canada
The book(s) will be mailed out by the publisher
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