Amanda in the Summer – Romance Lives Forever

Amanda in the Summer

Brenda Whiteside, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
about your book, Amanda in the Summer.

Genre: Mainstream Women’s Fiction, Historical

Buy links:

The Wild Rose Press: http://tinyurl.com/ltatmmf

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mb5cwly

Worldwide Release date: December 18, 2013

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Cover artist: Rae Monet

Length: 45,000 words

Heat rating: sweet

Tagline: Three generations of women…and the secret that strengthens
their love.

Blurb:

A line of women, all named Amanda, stretches back for generations.
Each with her hopes, her joys, her pain—each pouring out her heart in correspondence
with a dear family friend who shares their lives, understands their loves, and joins
in their sorrows.

But within the correspondence lies a secret. And as the youngest
of the Amandas retraces the journey through the years—beginning in post-war America
and following through to modern day—the letters reveal, layer by layer, the Amandas
who came before her. Soon, the truths and lies hidden in the letters lead her down
a path of self-discovery that forges a bond between her past and future.

What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?

Amanda is twenty-four in the opening letter written in 1947.The
letter is written to Tilly who is the same age. Subsequent letters are written by
Amanda’s daughter and granddaughter. All of the Amandas are main characters and
they all write letters to Tilly from 1947 until 2004.

Interview

How did you get your start in the industry?

My first book was published by The Wild Rose Press in 2010. Prior
to that, I had short stories published with some free press both in print and on-line.

What is the most important thing you do for your career now,
as compared to when you first started writing?

I write every day. There are days I get hours of writing in but
there are just as many I get twenty minutes for my craft. The most important thing
is to keep the creative juices flowing.

What websites do you visit daily?

That varies, but I’m on Facebook every day. There are several
blogs I check in on if the subject matter attracts me.

If you could change something about your first book, what
would it be?

I’d give it one more good edit to catch the things we missed.
And I might deepen the POV. All in all, it was meant to be a lighthearted suspense
for entertainment, and I still see it that way.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

When words come together I find amusing, or when a character
pops off the page I get excited. So often, creativity is spontaneous. I’m not the
only writer that says this. We all have those moments when characters run away with
the story, and we’re just a conduit to the page. It’s plain old fun!

If you could choose anyone to be your mentor who would it
be?

I’d have to have two – Maeve Binchy and Diana Gabaldon. I love
the ever day people feel to Binchy’s stories. I also think she’s a terrific storyteller.
Gabaldon is a master at deep POV. You can live through her characters. I’d like
to excel to their level in both those talents.

If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what
would it be?

My younger version didn’t know I wanted to be an author. I’d
have to tell myself my happiness would be greatest writing – and to get busy and
stop wasting time.

What is your work ethic when it comes to writing?

Like I said, I write every day, but I still get distracted by
life. You know? So I do have that daily work ethic to keep at it although I wish
I could ramp it up more.

How do you cope with stress as an author?

I work harder. And I complain and eat chocolate.

Do things your family or friends do ever end up in a book?

Often.

What are some jobs you’ve done before (or while) you were
a writer?

I managed a swimming pool company years ago. I’ve worked in a
library, flipped hamburgers at a goofy-golf course and trained child care providers
in nutrition.

Which of your books would you recommend to someone who doesn’t
normally read your genre, and why?

I’d recommend The Morning After because it’s short (so they wouldn’t
feel like they were getting roped in for a long read they might not like), sexy
(but not too sexy) and fun (if they get entertained they might come back for more).

What kind of books do you read when taking a break from your
own writing?

I’m on a suspense kick right now, probably because I’m writing
a romantic suspense.

What do you think is the future of traditional publishing?

There will always be a place for it, but not the monopoly of
the past.

What do you wish I had asked you? Please ask and answer it
now.

Do you have another book in the works for publication? As a matter
of fact, I do! The Art of Love and Murder is currently in the editing process at
The Wild Rose Press so the release date hasn’t been set. This is a romantic suspense
I had a great time writing. I’ve got at least two more novels spinning off from
characters in this book.

Imagine you get to go on a dream vacation, but you have only
one hour to pack and leave, and it starts as soon as you finish this interview.
What will you take with you and where will you go?

My cosmetics would be first, followed by a few sweaters, boots
and denim. Love my denim. Then I’d be off to Ireland. One of my grandfathers, a very
colorful man, was Irish and I’ve always wanted to go there.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite. The coming together
of family and friends for nothing more than to eat and talk is so enjoyable. No
stress of giving and getting in the material sense. It’s the one time each year
when I’ll get to enjoy people I might not see all year long.

What good book have you read recently?

I’m reading Sandford’s Prey series about Lucas Davenport. I’m
on book four.