Amanda McIntyre's Heart of the Story Spotlight

As an author, my passion is telling a story that transports the reader into my world. With an eclectic taste in books, music, and movies--I love delving into the 'HEART OF THE STORY'  As the new kid on the block here at GLIAS, I love to find the authors and artists who transcend the craft of writing to the level of storytelling. Fern Michaels once told me, "I would much rather be called a storyteller than an author."  I agree, and so my segment #HeartoftheStory will feature some of the best in storytelling!~Amanda McIntyre #StorytelleratHeart

My first interview my new feature I call-- "Heart of the Story " --is with the multi-genre author, KIRSTEN OSBOURNE. I fist met Kirsten at a conference after chatting with her online. Ever since, I have marveled at her energy, her humor, her kindness, and most especially--her ability to tell a story! Please welcome to GLIAS, USA bestselling author, KIRSTEN OSBOURNE!

USA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world. 

She writes contemporary and historical romance as well and also ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end

WEBSITE  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  TWITTER

Amanda: You recently made a trip to British Columbia. Can you tell us where you visited and why it was so exciting?

Kirsten: I was in Vancouver and a little town called Langley at the Jamestown Movie Set. In Vancouver, I met the cast of the show When Calls the Heart, my favorite television show. In Langley, I toured the set of the show. It was absolutely an amazing experience!

Amanda: That sounds absolutely amazing!! You are well known for your historical work and have recently added contemporary western to your writing. How do you find it similar /different to write?

Kirsten: I didn’t think I’d ever want to write a contemporary when I first started out, because I don’t much like the morals of our generation. When I realized I could put the old fashioned morals into modern works, it made it a lot more fun for me. I enjoy writing the historicals, but they’re harder, because of the research involved. I try very hard to stay true to the period I’m writing in. The contemporaries are more fun (at the moment…these things change for me) because I love adding in TV shows and cell phones and Twitter addictions. They are just fun!

Amanda: What’s coming up next for readers?

Kirsten: I’m currently working on my third book in the River’s End Ranch series I’m writing with four close friends. It’s a contemporary series set on a destination ranch in Idaho, and the people there are amazing! I love the series, and I especially love writing it with my friends.

Amanda: What is your latest release, and would you mind sharing an excerpt?

Kirsten: My latest release is called Penny-and it is the sixth book in my Orlan Orphans series--here's a little overview of the story...

Penny Sanders is happy with her life in Nowhere, Texas. She’s been adopted by a wonderful elderly couple who are determined to be good parents for her and her sisters, and she has a good job doing what she loves best. When a handsome stranger wanders into the mercantile where she works, she is immediately attracted to him, but she’s unsure if she can trust him beyond a business relationship. While his eyes make her heart beat faster, she is cautious, not wanting to ruin the good life she has.

Tom McClain is a man who believes very strongly in fate. The youngest of seven brothers, he has always known where he was going, if not when he’d arrive there. When he sees Penny sitting at her work table, he knows she’s the woman who will complete him, and he immediately sets to the task of convincing her. Will he be able to make her understand that they’re meant to be together? Or will her overwhelming family get the better of him?

Excerpt:
They all went over to Sarah Jane’s, because the parsonage was the perfect place for a bride to prepare herself. Once she was completely ready, and her hair up, Edna Petunia hurried in with a hat box. “This is my real gift to you, Penny.”

Penny took the box, praying the hat didn’t have a dead bird on it, because no matter what it looked like, she was going to wear it. Edna Petunia was decked out in her finest clothes, a hat with what looked like a decapitated squirrel atop her head. “Thank you, Edna Petunia,” Penny said sincerely. She opened the box to find a hat decorated with bluebonnets. “It’s beautiful!”

“The flowers are silk, so if you take care of it, it’ll last a very long time. I ordered them as soon as I knew you were marrying, because I knew you’d want bluebonnets.”

“I want to thank you for all the work you put into planning my wedding. I’m going to feel like a princess walking down that aisle today, and it’s thanks to you and the hard work you put in.”

Edna Petunia beamed, sticking her chest out. It was only then that Penny caught a glimpse of the peppermint stick she’d expected to see. “I love you, Penny, and I’d do it all again. I would grumble a lot more, but I’d do it.”

Snag a copy of PENNY at: AMAZON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Amanda: Okay, last but not least, a few questions just for fun...ready? What’s the first book you remember reading?

KIRSTEN: The Monster at the End of this Book. I still have it memorized and will read imaginary copies of it to children.

Amanda: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

KIRSTEN: Beauty and the Beast, hands down. I cannot wait for the live action coming out in March. Emma Watson as Belle should be amazing!

Amanda: I KNOW! I have been waiting almost a year for that live-action movie!! The music alone gives me chill-bumps!! Another question--What sound or noise do you most love?

KIRSTEN: I love to hear water. I think that’s why I go on so many cruises!

Amanda: What’s your favorite movie of all time? 

KIRSTEN: Princess Bride. I saw it at least ten times at the dollar movie, and can still quote most of it.

 My sincere thanks to Kirsten for stopping by today! We have a special giveaway today to make it possible to #feedyourkindle!! 

Leave a comment here, then sign into the rafflecopter to be entered to win a $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD!! WOOHOO!!

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