My oh my, it's been ages since I've done a "New Novel News" post so I thought I'd start with a bit of catch up. These LOVELY novels are out now--so no delay in gettin them (see what I did there?).
Showing posts with label Amanda G. Stevens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amanda G. Stevens. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2018
Novel News with Sara Ella and Amanda G. Stevens
My oh my, it's been ages since I've done a "New Novel News" post so I thought I'd start with a bit of catch up. These LOVELY novels are out now--so no delay in gettin them (see what I did there?).
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Amanda G. Stevens {Writer Wednesay}
A little bit about Amanda...
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Her debut, Seek and Hide, was a 2015 INSPY Award finalist.
Connect with Amanda...
Website: http://amandagstevensbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaGStevens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaGStevens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmandaGStevens
Purchase: Seek and Hide, Found and Lost, Take and Give, Far and Near
Get to know Amanda...
You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about you and writing...
Fiction is one of my great life-loves. I’ve been writing since first grade. It’s such a part of my identity, I can’t even answer the question “why do you write?” I just do. I couldn’t stop if I wanted. The characters are what keep me at it, the irresistible journey of unearthing their souls one big question or little quirk at a time. My goal is to capture them in such a way that the reader will feel a depth to them that draws him to walk alongside them as their stories unfold, the way he’d walk with a friend through shadow and sunshine.
Your Writing
Let's talk about your books...
Tell us a little bit about your book.
The Haven Seekers series is a four-book adult dystopian series (now complete!) in which the government has taken control of the church and retranslated the Bible. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment and starts a one-man resistance, helping others to hide or flee. Over the course of the series, God grabs hold of Marcus’s life in many ways he never expects, turning a loner into a leader.
What made you choose the setting for the book?
I like to call myself an “accidental” speculative fiction writer. I had no plans to write a dystopian series. I began with two characters (Marcus and Lee) who, in author vernacular, “wouldn’t shut up.” My mind kept unearthing new details of who they were: I knew the worst moment of Lee’s life (which happened when she was eighteen); I knew Marcus was an alcoholic (sober now but still wrestling). I knew a hundred things about them but had no plot. Over time I determined the best story to uncover their layers would be some sort of war or conflict in which they were resistance fighters. But now what—Underground Railroad? French Resistance in WW2? Historical fiction, are you kidding? That’s one genre I can’t write; I’d be terrified of committing an anachronism. My only option then was to create my own world.
What’s the theme? How did you come up with it?
Any theme in these books happened organically as the story was written. Typically, I finish a manuscript with no idea what my themes are, and I ask my critique group what they see in it. When someone identified Christian community as a theme of Haven Seekers, I was thrilled with that. The series has a lot to do with relationships among Christians—that we need to cultivate those, that they will never be perfect because we’re fallen people, but we need to deal with each other in our brokenness because we aren’t meant to walk through life alone. Marcus especially has a lot to learn about accepting help from others.
Emilie here: All I can say right now is, Oh Marcus... *happy sigh* just love that guy!
What’s your favorite snack while writing?
Dark chocolate and Gevalia iced coffee (the stuff in the carton). The caramel flavor is my favorite.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Writing
Let's talk about writing...
What does your writing process look like?
My writing process involves deep abiding hatred for the blank page and deep abiding delight for the editing process. I adore word economy and aspire to improve at it as long as I’m a writer (which will be as long as I’m alive), so one of the fun things about editing for me is seeing how many extraneous words I can cut.
How I create a character—I prevent stereotypes by creating contradictions in their souls. I dig deep into their pasts until I know not only what they do, but why. And I pepper them with unique individualities: what music and food does she enjoy, where does he feel most relaxed, what does she do with her body when she’s nervous, what would he rescue from his house if it was on fire? It’s an intuitive process that Stephen King says is like unearthing dinosaur bones. I would agree. I never really feel like I choose who the character is inside; it’s more like I discover what’s already there. As for plot, I’m neither “plotter” nor “pantser.” I know some of the signposts but never how I’m going to get there, and I’m sometimes surprised even by where the story chooses to end itself.
Emilie here: I think I kind of do the same thing for my characters - it's like I know them but have to get to know them better...
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? How do you grow in your writing craft?
I’ll try to be a little more original than “keep writing” and “read all the time” (though both these are necessary!). Getting a novel published requires creating unique, realistic characters. (tweet this) The reader needs to believe in these people and care about them. I’ve listed a few ways to do that above, but another important one is to listen to people around you. Dialogue voice is one of the most important things about writing individual characters. Train yourself not to hear voices but to see them. What does actual speech look like on the page? After you know that, you can mold it into fictional speech. You’ll also need to be able to edit yourself without pity, and the only resource you need to learn this skill is Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King. My advice is to read this book and do what it says. Without pity.
I guess I grow in my craft the same way now that I always have, namely by writing a lot and reading a lot (I know, I know…). A recent example—I read The Sun Also Rises this year for the first time. Hemingway is so subtle, it’s easy to miss not only what he’s doing but how he’s doing it. That book taught me about cultivating reader sympathy, because there were moments I cared but I had no idea why. I had to stop and study. When you discover a book is creating visceral reactions in you, study that author’s craft—not to imitate them, but to learn from them. Practice the skills they use until you can wield the same skills in your own way.
Emilie here: Great advice here Amanda! I've definitely becoming a convo-creeper (just made that up) and I love that "without pity" party because, it's rough but necessary to cut things out!
You
What is a favorite memory you have of your mother?
My mom was also my home-school teacher for twelve years, so our relationship as I grew up had an added dimension of teacher/student. Today I can honestly call her my friend. I can’t think of a single favorite memory, but my mom is a dedicated teacher, a lover of dogs and flowers and American history, a meticulous housekeeper, and an example of unselfishness and what can happen when a person allows God to work through difficulty to create beauty. I’m proud of her and privileged to have her.
If you had to choose one type of food, what kind would it be?
Only one? That’s impossible. I love Mexican. And Italian. And Panera—that counts as a type of food, right?
Emilie here: Ha! YES!
What are you currently reading?
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (I love Philip Marlowe). I just finished What’s Mine’s Mine by George MacDonald. I had read him before, but this book was something special, and I now consider myself an official George MacDonald fan. The fiction genres I read most are crime/noir, speculative, and literary; but I’ll read any genre if the characters and dialogue are believable.
Emilie here: Thanks so much for being my guest Amanda! Readers, I love this girl!!! We connected my first ACFW conference when I did headshots for her and our friendship has grown since then. I cannot recommend her books (and her amazing writing) enough! Make sure to enter the giveaway and know that the series is supposed to be read in order so if you win and haven't started it, I'd recommend book one (it's fantastic!).
Sandra was on the blog last week talking about From Bags to Riches and she offered a few copes! Our winners are:
Connie Hendryx & Meghan Gorecki
Congrats ladies! I know you'll enjoy this book!
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Her debut, Seek and Hide, was a 2015 INSPY Award finalist.
Connect with Amanda...
Website: http://amandagstevensbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaGStevens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaGStevens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmandaGStevens
Purchase: Seek and Hide, Found and Lost, Take and Give, Far and Near
Get to know Amanda...
Tell us a little bit about you and writing...
Fiction is one of my great life-loves. I’ve been writing since first grade. It’s such a part of my identity, I can’t even answer the question “why do you write?” I just do. I couldn’t stop if I wanted. The characters are what keep me at it, the irresistible journey of unearthing their souls one big question or little quirk at a time. My goal is to capture them in such a way that the reader will feel a depth to them that draws him to walk alongside them as their stories unfold, the way he’d walk with a friend through shadow and sunshine.
Your Writing
Let's talk about your books...
Tell us a little bit about your book.
The Haven Seekers series is a four-book adult dystopian series (now complete!) in which the government has taken control of the church and retranslated the Bible. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment and starts a one-man resistance, helping others to hide or flee. Over the course of the series, God grabs hold of Marcus’s life in many ways he never expects, turning a loner into a leader.
What made you choose the setting for the book?
I like to call myself an “accidental” speculative fiction writer. I had no plans to write a dystopian series. I began with two characters (Marcus and Lee) who, in author vernacular, “wouldn’t shut up.” My mind kept unearthing new details of who they were: I knew the worst moment of Lee’s life (which happened when she was eighteen); I knew Marcus was an alcoholic (sober now but still wrestling). I knew a hundred things about them but had no plot. Over time I determined the best story to uncover their layers would be some sort of war or conflict in which they were resistance fighters. But now what—Underground Railroad? French Resistance in WW2? Historical fiction, are you kidding? That’s one genre I can’t write; I’d be terrified of committing an anachronism. My only option then was to create my own world.
What’s the theme? How did you come up with it?
Any theme in these books happened organically as the story was written. Typically, I finish a manuscript with no idea what my themes are, and I ask my critique group what they see in it. When someone identified Christian community as a theme of Haven Seekers, I was thrilled with that. The series has a lot to do with relationships among Christians—that we need to cultivate those, that they will never be perfect because we’re fallen people, but we need to deal with each other in our brokenness because we aren’t meant to walk through life alone. Marcus especially has a lot to learn about accepting help from others.
Emilie here: All I can say right now is, Oh Marcus... *happy sigh* just love that guy!
What’s your favorite snack while writing?
Dark chocolate and Gevalia iced coffee (the stuff in the carton). The caramel flavor is my favorite.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Writing
Let's talk about writing...
What does your writing process look like?
My writing process involves deep abiding hatred for the blank page and deep abiding delight for the editing process. I adore word economy and aspire to improve at it as long as I’m a writer (which will be as long as I’m alive), so one of the fun things about editing for me is seeing how many extraneous words I can cut.
How I create a character—I prevent stereotypes by creating contradictions in their souls. I dig deep into their pasts until I know not only what they do, but why. And I pepper them with unique individualities: what music and food does she enjoy, where does he feel most relaxed, what does she do with her body when she’s nervous, what would he rescue from his house if it was on fire? It’s an intuitive process that Stephen King says is like unearthing dinosaur bones. I would agree. I never really feel like I choose who the character is inside; it’s more like I discover what’s already there. As for plot, I’m neither “plotter” nor “pantser.” I know some of the signposts but never how I’m going to get there, and I’m sometimes surprised even by where the story chooses to end itself.
Emilie here: I think I kind of do the same thing for my characters - it's like I know them but have to get to know them better...
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? How do you grow in your writing craft?
I’ll try to be a little more original than “keep writing” and “read all the time” (though both these are necessary!). Getting a novel published requires creating unique, realistic characters. (tweet this) The reader needs to believe in these people and care about them. I’ve listed a few ways to do that above, but another important one is to listen to people around you. Dialogue voice is one of the most important things about writing individual characters. Train yourself not to hear voices but to see them. What does actual speech look like on the page? After you know that, you can mold it into fictional speech. You’ll also need to be able to edit yourself without pity, and the only resource you need to learn this skill is Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King. My advice is to read this book and do what it says. Without pity.
I guess I grow in my craft the same way now that I always have, namely by writing a lot and reading a lot (I know, I know…). A recent example—I read The Sun Also Rises this year for the first time. Hemingway is so subtle, it’s easy to miss not only what he’s doing but how he’s doing it. That book taught me about cultivating reader sympathy, because there were moments I cared but I had no idea why. I had to stop and study. When you discover a book is creating visceral reactions in you, study that author’s craft—not to imitate them, but to learn from them. Practice the skills they use until you can wield the same skills in your own way.
Emilie here: Great advice here Amanda! I've definitely becoming a convo-creeper (just made that up) and I love that "without pity" party because, it's rough but necessary to cut things out!
You
What is a favorite memory you have of your mother?
My mom was also my home-school teacher for twelve years, so our relationship as I grew up had an added dimension of teacher/student. Today I can honestly call her my friend. I can’t think of a single favorite memory, but my mom is a dedicated teacher, a lover of dogs and flowers and American history, a meticulous housekeeper, and an example of unselfishness and what can happen when a person allows God to work through difficulty to create beauty. I’m proud of her and privileged to have her.
If you had to choose one type of food, what kind would it be?
Only one? That’s impossible. I love Mexican. And Italian. And Panera—that counts as a type of food, right?
Emilie here: Ha! YES!
What are you currently reading?
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (I love Philip Marlowe). I just finished What’s Mine’s Mine by George MacDonald. I had read him before, but this book was something special, and I now consider myself an official George MacDonald fan. The fiction genres I read most are crime/noir, speculative, and literary; but I’ll read any genre if the characters and dialogue are believable.
Emilie here: Thanks so much for being my guest Amanda! Readers, I love this girl!!! We connected my first ACFW conference when I did headshots for her and our friendship has grown since then. I cannot recommend her books (and her amazing writing) enough! Make sure to enter the giveaway and know that the series is supposed to be read in order so if you win and haven't started it, I'd recommend book one (it's fantastic!).
::WINNER::
Sandra was on the blog last week talking about From Bags to Riches and she offered a few copes! Our winners are:
Connie Hendryx & Meghan Gorecki
Congrats ladies! I know you'll enjoy this book!
Monday, February 15, 2016
Amanda G. Stevens, Melanie Dickerson & Terri Reed | New Novel News
by Amanda G. Stevens
February 15, 2016
David C. Cook
Purchase: Far and Near
Marcus, Lee, Austin, and Violet are starting over. Texas is supposed to be their sanctuary. But the Constabulary isn't ready to relinquish their worst offenders, legal jurisdiction or not. They've sent agents in undercover, and Marcus is the assigned target of one who has personal reasons to bring him back dead or alive.
Marcus and Lee are ready to be whole again, to secure a home here—together. But wholeness and home might not mean what they thought. Stopping the Constabulary hunters will require more than Marcus knows how to give, and God is about to use him again in a way he doesn't expect.
Enemies, emotions, the past, the future—everything must be faced in the quest for a true haven.
Get to know Amanda...
What prank would you want to play on your main character?
I’ve never thought about this before, but it would be great fun to throw a surprise birthday party for Marcus. Violet agrees with me; now I’m picturing her setting this up! She invites all their friends to the church, decorates folding tables in the gym with “manly” centerpieces, and has a sundae bar set up in one corner. To get Marcus there, they tell him someone needs help with a project at church. (Marcus is always willing to help with a project.) When he discovers the party, he asks what this is for. Someone reminds him his birthday is this week, and he gives a slowly growing smile and says, “Oh.” And then the party’s on.
Who is your favorite secondary character in the Haven Seekers series?
This is impossible; they’re all mine, even those who are unsympathetic most of the time. But … okay, I do love Heath. We meet him in Take and Give (Book 3). I love the friendship between him and Marcus; it’s still in its early stages at the end of the series, but (I hope) it’s clear it will keep growing for the rest of their lives. Heath is intellectual without snobbery, honest without rudeness, dedicated to the Word of God and his church and his wife and pecan pie. He’s also sometimes so far into his own head that he forgets little details like where he put his phone.
If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
If I could choose, I would want the power of teleportation. I have many friends who live states away from me, who I only get to see once or twice a year. If I could teleport, I could see them anytime I wanted, and I’d never have to buy a plane ticket again.
by Melanie Dickerson
February 9, 2016
Waterfall Press
Purchase: A Spy's Devotion
In England’s Regency era, manners and elegance reign in public life—but behind closed doors treason and deception thrive. Nicholas Langdon has suffered a battlefield injury and returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.
At the home of the Wilherns, Langdon attends a ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian. As Langdon traces an evil plot that could be the nation’s undoing. And when Julia realizes that England—and the man she is falling in love with—need her help, she finds herself caught in the fray.
Get to know Melanie...
If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
Armie Hammer is always going to be my answer to this question. And I’m not sure about my heroine. Someone pretty and very feminine, yet strong-willed.
Favorite season?
Spring!
What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie? Someone really awkward.
What are the names of your pets? If you don't have any, what would you name your pets? Cecily and Ellie. They are our guinea pigs.
What’s your favorite book?
Pride and Prejudice
by Terri Reed
February 9, 2016
Love Inspired Suspense
Purchase: Ransom
"WE HAVE YOUR SISTER."
Liz Cantrell is terrified when she receives a call from a man holding her newlywed sister captive—and she's convinced her sketchy brother-in-law's involved. Willing to pay any price for her sister's freedom, Liz flies to Niagara Falls with the ransom: an uncut diamond necklace worth millions. But the moment she lands, a handsome, world-weary
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent takes her into custody. Blake Fallon's determined to catch a ruthless diamond smuggler—and the pretty antiques dealer trying to save her sister could be just the break his case needs. But as they team up to rescue Liz's sister and trap the criminal mastermind, a desperate standoff will threaten everything they hold precious—including their lives.
Get to know Terri...
If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
I’d want to be able to heal people.
If your main characters were animals, what would they be?
Liz, the heroine, would be a beautiful Huskie and the hero, Blake, would be a Grey Wolf.
Name one song/artist you're embarrassed you like.
Story of My Life by One Direction.
*Leave a comment to enter to win one of these amazing books! Specify which book you'd like (if you have a preference). Amanda is offering winner's choice of book!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
14 Favorite Reads of 2015 + GIVEAWAY
As a kind of wrap-up I've compiled a list of my favorite 14 reads of 2015. These books...well, I can't recommend them highly enough! You can also check out my reviews of them (find them here). And make sure you scroll to the bottom for the GIVEAWAY!
by Paul E. Miller
Devotional/Prayer
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQSq45
Emissary
by Thomas Locke
Fantasy
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1loF3y5
by James Scott Bell
Writing Craft
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NG9buS
Golden Son
by Pierce Brown
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NG9Egx
by Zachary Bartels
Thriller
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQT9SQ
How to Catch A Prince
by Rachel Hauck
Romance
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQTvJ4
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
YA Lit/Dystopian/SciFi
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQTAN7
Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
YA Lit/Fantasy
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGaOZA
by Ronie Kendig
Military Suspense
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGaUQY
Unbroken
by Laura Hillenbrand
Biography/WWII
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGbEFJ
by Melissa Tagg
Romance
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUp8B
Seek and Hide
by Amanda G. Stevens
Dystopian/Suspense
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUEQT
by Nadine Brandes
YA/Dystopian
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUUiY
Embers
by Ronie Kendig
Fantasy
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQVfSC
To end the year with a BANG! I thought I'd offer up one last giveaway. I've got 12 books (that will remain a mystery) to giveaway. They are review books so they have been read once, but I thought I'd share the love and pass them along. The best part is that, should you win, you won't know WHAT you won...well, until you get it at least. I thought it could be fun - hey, they are all great books and, if you've read the book, you can pass it along to someone who will enjoy it!
Leave a comment below with your favorite genre - no guarantees, but as the winners are chosen (via Rafflecopter) I'll try and match up genres with winners.
Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Amanda G. Stevens | Spread the Christmas Joy
Face Time
Every year, my family (parents, siblings, and one sibling-in-law to date) pick a day to shop in Frankenmuth. (Michiganders need no explanation for this tradition; to all others, I suggest Google.) My memory is Christmas last year, two days before Christmas, and we are piled into my parents’ van. We pull out of the driveway and, no more than two hundred feet down the road from their house, my dad hands my mom his cell phone (he’s driving) and says, “Call Scott for me.”
Cue groaning from the entire van. “Seriously, Dad? It’s Christmas. Leave Scott and his family alone.”
Dad: “No, no, it’s fine, I’ve just got this one thing I want to tell him.”
All of us: “Dad, seriously. You don’t need to talk to Scott right now.”
Dad: “Call Scotty for me!”
So Mom does, and Dad takes the phone back. Neither Scott nor my father ever just talk on the phone; they yell at each other as if there is no phone and they are trying to be heard over the miles. Next heard is a joyful, boisterous “HEY SCOTTY!” from my dad, followed by an easily-heard-through-the-phone, equally happy, “HEY BILL!”
I don’t remember what my dad needed to tell Scott on December 23 while driving to Frankenmuth, and I’m sure he doesn’t, either. But they were brothers in the faith and brothers of the heart, and when one of them called, the other always answered.
Until this past July, when Scott left this world to go home to Jesus. Unexpected is an understatement. An undiagnosed heart defect and subsequent rupture of the aorta did more damage to his body than modern medicine could repair, yet Scott hung around here in that physical frame for six weeks while we all tried to imagine what our world would look like without him. None of us had figured it out by the time he departed to enter the presence of his Savior. And we still haven’t, not really.
For some reason, that moment two days before Christmas is personally my most vivid memory of the friendship between my dad and Scott. Maybe because, as ridiculous as it is, I was irritated with my dad for a few minutes. We often teased him and Scott that they talked on the phone as often as two teen girls. Our eye rolling was good-natured, but the consensus in the van was that Dad had plenty of time to talk to Scott later and that Christmas is not the time to bug people.
We were wrong.
Do you love someone? Do they fortify your soul as they come alongside you on the glorious narrow road marked Christian Life? Do they say, “Let’s walk together, let’s be brothers/sisters on this journey”?
That’s who Scott and my dad were to each other. I’m grateful for the spiritual sisters of my heart who do the same for me. I pray that whoever you are, reading these words, you can think of one person who is walking alongside you. If you can’t today, pray that God will bring him/her. And then be willing to invest over time.
Yes, for many, this is an inconvenient thought for December. It’s easy to decide we don’t have time left to spend with Jesus and then shake our heads at the innkeeper who had no room. It’s easy to put people off, to promise to “reconnect after the holidays” and then go through the motions of social interaction without ever glimpsing each other’s hearts. Hardly the meaning of Christmas. In fact, possibly the worst observation of Christmas we could practice.
Jesus came for people. Came to give Himself. His coming would change the world, but for now, only a few got face time with Him—shepherds interrupted from their sheep-tending, Magi interrupted from their stargazing, willing to change their plans. Intimate moments—throughout the Bible, that’s what Jesus is always about.
So this Christmas, let’s come alongside each other. Like my dad and like Scott, let’s be ready to pick up the phone when we’re called on. And let’s be unafraid to call and shout (or just calmly say), “Hey! You matter! Merry Christmas!”
______________________________________
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Seek and Hide by Amanda G. Stevens | RE:View
I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda G. Stevens at a conference a few
years ago and during that time I did some headshots for her. Then we
ended up at the same terminal for a flight and got to talking. I just
love this girl and was super excited when I saw on Facebook that she'd sold her series to David C. Cook! Now, a little late to the game, here I am reviewing that very book (the first in her Haven Seekers series). I cannot say enough good things about Amanda or her writing...but I'll try ;)
_______________________________
Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, is a fantastically complex and yet completely endearing character who is by far my favorite throughout the story. His motivations, emotions, and commitment to protect the ones he cares about propel him to set aside personal safety for the good of others.
Aubrey Weston just want's to protect her son, though that reality becomes more difficult than she would have expected. I appreciated Aubrey's growth throughout the book and the way that Amanda dealt with difficult faith issues that aren't localized to a fictional world but that stretch across to connect with readers in today's world.
I highly recommend this book to my readers! Amanda is a fantastic writer and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing to the end. She combines thrilling suspense and characters with depths to explore that go beyond the pages. I also love how she deals with difficult truths and doesn't shy away from emotions and subjects that we deal with today. Five starts to Seek and Hide...now on to book 2 Found and Lost ;)
Seek and Hide mixes complex yet relatable characters with riveting plot twists to provide a thrilling read that will force you to turn page after page until the very end.
Purchase: Seek and Hide
Book Description
(from Amanda's website)
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment—including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Winner of Amanda G. Steven's Found and Lost
//Last Week's Winner//
I had the lovely Amanda G. Stevens on the blog last Monday talking about her newest release, Found and Lost. She was gracious enough to do a giveaway of either one of her books (Seek and Hide being the first book in her Haven Seekers series).
Our winner is...
Deanne Patterson
Congratulations! You get your choice of books Deanne so make sure to contact me (using the form to the right) and I'll get you in touch with Amanda!
Hey, if you didn't win I'd still highly recommend you go and grab a copy: Found And Lost
And, for a bit of added fun, check out my Pinterest board of "Book Covers I Love"...you'll find this one an many more there!
Our winner is...
Deanne Patterson
Congratulations! You get your choice of books Deanne so make sure to contact me (using the form to the right) and I'll get you in touch with Amanda!
Hey, if you didn't win I'd still highly recommend you go and grab a copy: Found And Lost
And, for a bit of added fun, check out my Pinterest board of "Book Covers I Love"...you'll find this one an many more there!
Monday, February 16, 2015
Amanda G. Stevens | New Novel News
by Amanda G. Stevens
Haven Seekers (Book 2)
Published February 15, 2015
David C. Cook
Purchase: Found and Lost: A Novel (Haven Seekers Book 2)
What it's all about...
-->When Violet DuBay’s friend Khloe confides that her dad is a Christian, it’s the one secret Violet can’t keep. Turning in Khloe’s dad to the Constabulary is her duty. Her decision becomes an opportunity to infiltrate the Christian resistance; but as she gets to know Marcus, Lee, and the others, she’s compelled to question the things her society has taught her about God and His followers.
Clay Hansen persuades his family to join him at an underground church meeting and brings Violet, his teen daughter Khloe’s best friend. That night, the church is raided. He and his wife escape, but in the chaos, he loses Violet and Khloe. How can he find them with the Constabulary monitoring his every move? If the God who once spared Khloe won’t intervene, Clay will have to save her himself.
Get to know Amanda...-->If your main characters were animals, what would they be? For some reason, I picture Violet in Found and Lost as a rabbit. Something about the soft and cuddly combined with timid and twitchy. She wants to belong and be loved, but she’s not fully at ease with anyone. And a rabbit introduced to a new environment is very cautious, hopping from one new thing to another, taking its time. That’s Violet in this book, relearning so many things she thought she knew and gradually gaining more certainty as she goes. She’ll continue to grow in the third book as well.
Clay is most like a horse. He’s a runner. He spooks reflexively, and once he’s stampeding in any direction, he’s hard to stop. He’s also single-mindedly loyal to “his people,” namely his wife and daughter.
Who is your favorite secondary character in this book?
My favorite secondaries in this book are of course Marcus and Lee, who were primary in the last book. Six months have passed since Seek and Hide (Book One), and Marcus and Lee are now actively running a resistance movement to help fugitive Christians. This book gives glimpses (through Violet’s point of view) of their trust in each other and the ethical dilemmas they face in their resistance work.
What are you reading right now?
My most read genre is crime/noir, followed by speculative. My most recent reads have been The Third Man (Graham Greene), Black River (S.M. Hulse), and The Ryn (Serena Chase), all of which were lovely in unique ways. I’m about to start Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty.
***Leave a comment to win your choice of either Seek and Hide or Found and Lost***
(Winner chooses paper back (U.S.) or eBook option and will be announced next Monday Feb. 23)
_______________________________________________________________
//Last week's winners//
Excited to announce winners of two newly released novels from last week!
< Winner: Merry Z
Winner: Jing Li >
Thank you for entering!!! Make sure and leave a comment for the giveaway this week!
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
ACFW Bound + A Winner
 |
| My tired, excited face from last night |
I'll be smoozing with writers and authors from all over in just a few short hours. It's so fun to think that I'll be able to meet some of them face to face when we've only interacted via the internet. I'll try and update my Facebook page where possible (maybe a few "author crush" pictures?) so make sure you connect with me over there!
Until then, check out the giveaway winner...
If you remember last week I had the lovely Amanda G. Stevens on the blog talking about her first release, Seek and Hide. Well, one lucky person will get their choice of ebook or paper back.
And the winner is...Beth Bulow
Congratulations Beth! I've heard Seek and Hide is amazing and now you'll get to find out for yourself! Contact me via the contact form to the left.
Thanks for everyone that entered. Come back often - maybe you'll be the winner next time ;)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Amanda G. Stevens {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY
I am so exited to introduce you to the lovely Amanda G. Stevens. You'll probably recognize her from a previous post about headshots, but what you don't know is that she's a newly signed author with David C Cook and her book has just been released. Join with me in a little cheering *woohoo*!!!
Anyway, I'm honored to have her as a guest here on the blog today. PLUS (it just keeps getting better) she's offered a copy of her book as a giveaway. Yep, that's right! You could be reading Seek and Hide by next week (or now if you go and buy her book wink!).
To enter to win a copy, leave a comment for Amanda below and/or share your favorite fall drink.
A little bit about Amanda...
As a child, Amanda disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Her first novel, Seek and Hide, is now available.
How to connect with Amanda...
Website: http://amandagstevensbooks.com
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AmandaGStevens
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AmandaGStevens
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmandaGStevens
Purchase Seek and Hide: A Novel (Haven Seekers Book 1)
Author Interview | Amanda G. Stevens
You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...Story has been my deepest love since before I could read. I wrote my first story in first grade, and I’ve been writing ever since. It’s something I’ve always known I wanted to do and be. I guess I’m kept writing by the characters in my head—loving them and wanting others to love them, too.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Any work in progress is always my least favorite when I’m drafting and my favorite when I’m editing. But if I really had to choose, I guess it has to be Book Three. I waited years to write some of those scenes. They’d taken root inside my head, and when I could finally give them life on the page, it was an emotional experience. Hopefully, when Book Four is finished, it will be my new favorite, but I’m too mired in the first draft right now to believe myself about that.
What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...I haven’t been published long enough to comment on being published, but as for getting published … For me, the most difficult thing is networking. I’m extremely introverted. This doesn’t mean I have no use for people, but it does mean small talk with strangers takes effort. Mingling at writers’ conferences? Walking up to strangers and saying hi? The prospect of these things has made me short of breath a few times in my life. Usually (less dramatically), I just freeze. I’ve improved a lot with this, but I still have improving to do.
...The easiest thing for me is editing. Not that it’s easy, but I love to do it. Once that first draft is born, I love the process of molding it and polishing it into something I want other people to see.
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you write it?
...Seek and Hide, which has just released, is the first in a four-book series in which the government has taken control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations.
...This book is about Marcus Brenner, a new Christian who is in awe that, after years without family, he now has one in his Christian brothers and sisters. He vows not to let this new family down and plunges into a one-man war, helping Christians flee or hide. The book is also about Aubrey Weston, who recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. She was released back then, but now she’s targeted again, and her baby is taken into custody. Aubrey and Marcus collide in the cabinet aisle of a hardware store, one needing protection and the other determined to protect. God uses this encounter to grab hold of both of them and compel them to confront the lies they believe about themselves.
...I wrote Seek and Hide because of Marcus and Lee (who plays a secondary role in this book and whom Marcus is in love with). I’ve had these two characters in my head for ten years—their desires and fears but also the little individualizing details about them. I’ve always wanted, more than anything else, to introduce them to the world and to write them well.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Haha, see above. If it’s between my two series leads, I have to choose Marcus. I love the earnestness with which he approaches everything he does. I love the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles. He risks himself to save strangers. He fights so hard to stay sober and loses himself so easily in his woodworking. He’s a terrible communicator and he can’t quit anything he starts, good or bad. He loves ice cream sundaes and good movies and hard work and sky-gazing.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...This is a tough one, because I don’t write with themes in mind. Sometimes I can see them after the fact; sometimes readers point them out to me. I guess I hope Christian readers ask themselves what they’d do in a world like Marcus and Aubrey and Lee’s. Would they risk their freedom to tell the Gospel? Hopefully, Seek and Hide will cause Christians to examine the world around them and stop taking for granted the Bible in legally plain sight on their nightstand.
Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...My characters are never based on myself or people I know. Not deliberately, anyway. For example, Aubrey values books and literacy. Marcus has no use for books. I’m with Aubrey on this one, but I didn’t give her that trait because I agree with her. It just fit who she is and didn’t fit who Marcus is. Or for example, Marcus is a ridiculously stubborn person. I know stubborn people and pliable people and people in between (we all do, right?). But that doesn’t mean Marcus is supposed to resemble the stubborn people I know. Stephen King describes writing a story as “unearthing” it, and I feel that way about my characters. All I’m doing is discovering who they already are. And my plots unfold based on what these characters would naturally do.
...As for this particular storyworld, Marcus and Lee are the kind of characters who want to be fighting a war. The storyworld grew from that.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I want my reader to grow to love and worry about my characters. I want to provide artistic excellence; improving my craft is really important to me. I want to tell the truth about evil and bring glory to God as the only true good.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Well, if you can be a happy person writing sans publishing, do that. If you really want this, if you can’t stop wanting it, then read a lot and write a lot. Work on your craft and never stop working on it; always improve with the next book. Let the story lead you. As Steven James says, “If you’re starting with a message you want to get across, write nonfiction instead.” Also, if you’re a believer, then give everything to God. Pray a lot. Otherwise, priorities get murky.
You
When you get an idea for a novel, what is the first thing that you do?
...Either I scribble some thoughts into a notebook (depending on how clear the idea is), or more likely I think about it for awhile before I try to write anything down. I need at least one night’s sleep. For some reason, the idea is more vivid the next time I’m awake. This is true of my scenes as well. It’s easier to write something I came up with yesterday than something I came up with today.
September is Classical Music Month (who knew?). In keeping with that theme, do you have a favorite character from a classical novel?
...Oh, no. This is too hard. Um … Okay, a list? Classic characters I love, in no particular order: Rhett Butler, Fitzwilliam Darcy, John Thornton (I confess I haven’t read this one, only seen the wonderful BBC adaptation), Atticus Finch, Long John Silver, Bigwig the rabbit, Philip Marlowe, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Percy Blakeney, Shane, Aragorn, Aslan.
What is your favorite fall snack food?
...My favorite anytime snack food is white cheddar popcorn. It’s treacherous. I open the bag and suddenly it’s empty and I have no memory of how that happened, except there’s this white powder coating my fingers….
Thank you so much for being on the blog today Amanda! Folks, I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda at the ACFW Conference last year and we ended up waiting for a flight together. It was so fun getting to talk to her about her writing aspirations, to become Facebook friends (so, "real" friends - ha!) and then to see her dream to become published turn into a reality! And then I got to interview her. How fun is that?
Anyway, I say "amen and amen" to the difficulty of networking. Being an introvert myself, it's just tough to step out of your shell (or from behind your computer) to try and convince someone that the characters who talk to you are worth selling in book form. I also think it's great that you had such a hard time picking characters from a classical novel :D There are so many good ones...
Anyway, I'm honored to have her as a guest here on the blog today. PLUS (it just keeps getting better) she's offered a copy of her book as a giveaway. Yep, that's right! You could be reading Seek and Hide by next week (or now if you go and buy her book wink!).
To enter to win a copy, leave a comment for Amanda below and/or share your favorite fall drink.
A little bit about Amanda...
As a child, Amanda disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Her first novel, Seek and Hide, is now available.
How to connect with Amanda...
Website: http://amandagstevensbooks.com
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AmandaGStevens
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AmandaGStevens
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmandaGStevens
Purchase Seek and Hide: A Novel (Haven Seekers Book 1)
Author Interview | Amanda G. Stevens
You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...Story has been my deepest love since before I could read. I wrote my first story in first grade, and I’ve been writing ever since. It’s something I’ve always known I wanted to do and be. I guess I’m kept writing by the characters in my head—loving them and wanting others to love them, too.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Any work in progress is always my least favorite when I’m drafting and my favorite when I’m editing. But if I really had to choose, I guess it has to be Book Three. I waited years to write some of those scenes. They’d taken root inside my head, and when I could finally give them life on the page, it was an emotional experience. Hopefully, when Book Four is finished, it will be my new favorite, but I’m too mired in the first draft right now to believe myself about that.
What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...I haven’t been published long enough to comment on being published, but as for getting published … For me, the most difficult thing is networking. I’m extremely introverted. This doesn’t mean I have no use for people, but it does mean small talk with strangers takes effort. Mingling at writers’ conferences? Walking up to strangers and saying hi? The prospect of these things has made me short of breath a few times in my life. Usually (less dramatically), I just freeze. I’ve improved a lot with this, but I still have improving to do.
...The easiest thing for me is editing. Not that it’s easy, but I love to do it. Once that first draft is born, I love the process of molding it and polishing it into something I want other people to see.
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you write it?
...Seek and Hide, which has just released, is the first in a four-book series in which the government has taken control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations.
...This book is about Marcus Brenner, a new Christian who is in awe that, after years without family, he now has one in his Christian brothers and sisters. He vows not to let this new family down and plunges into a one-man war, helping Christians flee or hide. The book is also about Aubrey Weston, who recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. She was released back then, but now she’s targeted again, and her baby is taken into custody. Aubrey and Marcus collide in the cabinet aisle of a hardware store, one needing protection and the other determined to protect. God uses this encounter to grab hold of both of them and compel them to confront the lies they believe about themselves.
...I wrote Seek and Hide because of Marcus and Lee (who plays a secondary role in this book and whom Marcus is in love with). I’ve had these two characters in my head for ten years—their desires and fears but also the little individualizing details about them. I’ve always wanted, more than anything else, to introduce them to the world and to write them well.
Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Haha, see above. If it’s between my two series leads, I have to choose Marcus. I love the earnestness with which he approaches everything he does. I love the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles. He risks himself to save strangers. He fights so hard to stay sober and loses himself so easily in his woodworking. He’s a terrible communicator and he can’t quit anything he starts, good or bad. He loves ice cream sundaes and good movies and hard work and sky-gazing.
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...This is a tough one, because I don’t write with themes in mind. Sometimes I can see them after the fact; sometimes readers point them out to me. I guess I hope Christian readers ask themselves what they’d do in a world like Marcus and Aubrey and Lee’s. Would they risk their freedom to tell the Gospel? Hopefully, Seek and Hide will cause Christians to examine the world around them and stop taking for granted the Bible in legally plain sight on their nightstand.
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...My characters are never based on myself or people I know. Not deliberately, anyway. For example, Aubrey values books and literacy. Marcus has no use for books. I’m with Aubrey on this one, but I didn’t give her that trait because I agree with her. It just fit who she is and didn’t fit who Marcus is. Or for example, Marcus is a ridiculously stubborn person. I know stubborn people and pliable people and people in between (we all do, right?). But that doesn’t mean Marcus is supposed to resemble the stubborn people I know. Stephen King describes writing a story as “unearthing” it, and I feel that way about my characters. All I’m doing is discovering who they already are. And my plots unfold based on what these characters would naturally do.
...As for this particular storyworld, Marcus and Lee are the kind of characters who want to be fighting a war. The storyworld grew from that.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I want my reader to grow to love and worry about my characters. I want to provide artistic excellence; improving my craft is really important to me. I want to tell the truth about evil and bring glory to God as the only true good.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Well, if you can be a happy person writing sans publishing, do that. If you really want this, if you can’t stop wanting it, then read a lot and write a lot. Work on your craft and never stop working on it; always improve with the next book. Let the story lead you. As Steven James says, “If you’re starting with a message you want to get across, write nonfiction instead.” Also, if you’re a believer, then give everything to God. Pray a lot. Otherwise, priorities get murky.
You
When you get an idea for a novel, what is the first thing that you do?
...Either I scribble some thoughts into a notebook (depending on how clear the idea is), or more likely I think about it for awhile before I try to write anything down. I need at least one night’s sleep. For some reason, the idea is more vivid the next time I’m awake. This is true of my scenes as well. It’s easier to write something I came up with yesterday than something I came up with today.
September is Classical Music Month (who knew?). In keeping with that theme, do you have a favorite character from a classical novel?
...Oh, no. This is too hard. Um … Okay, a list? Classic characters I love, in no particular order: Rhett Butler, Fitzwilliam Darcy, John Thornton (I confess I haven’t read this one, only seen the wonderful BBC adaptation), Atticus Finch, Long John Silver, Bigwig the rabbit, Philip Marlowe, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Percy Blakeney, Shane, Aragorn, Aslan.
What is your favorite fall snack food?
...My favorite anytime snack food is white cheddar popcorn. It’s treacherous. I open the bag and suddenly it’s empty and I have no memory of how that happened, except there’s this white powder coating my fingers….
_____________________________
Thank you so much for being on the blog today Amanda! Folks, I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda at the ACFW Conference last year and we ended up waiting for a flight together. It was so fun getting to talk to her about her writing aspirations, to become Facebook friends (so, "real" friends - ha!) and then to see her dream to become published turn into a reality! And then I got to interview her. How fun is that?
Anyway, I say "amen and amen" to the difficulty of networking. Being an introvert myself, it's just tough to step out of your shell (or from behind your computer) to try and convince someone that the characters who talk to you are worth selling in book form. I also think it's great that you had such a hard time picking characters from a classical novel :D There are so many good ones...
**Readers, don't forget to leave a comment below so you can enter to win the GIVEAWAY! I expect we'll be seeing a lot more from Amanda (and her books) in the future.**
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