Back in 1999, I had come from a variety of jobs since graduating high school and getting married. From librarian to working in a local bookstore, from working in an Actuarial dept and Commissions of a large Insurance Corporation to volunteering and serving on the boards of a number of charitable organizations and then becoming a newspaper columnist/staunch defender of the importance of the Fine Arts in our schools. Amid all of this, I had my family, culminating in our twins born when I was 37.
That's when I found the internet. (Had previously dug my heels in the dirt that we DID NOT need one of those things in our house!) And there I discovered my love of reading and research. I joined online writing groups, took online writing classes, became a reviewer and member of the then Dorothy Parker Reviewers Group.
And the bug bit. A contest challenged me. I wrote (by hand) all through the night (my first draft book!) Didn't win. More classes. More reading. More learning the craft. My first book was published by a small press called Echelon Press.
That book "Unfinished Dreams" (inspired by Brad Paisley's, "She said Yes" was a small rural contemporary set in the back roads and small towns of my Midwestern roots. It is my first love, and remains so after some 40+ books.
I've been with a great number of small press over the years, experienced traditional publishing through Harlequin with my Historical work and have in the past few years delved into the world of self-publishing and participating with dozens of great authors through a number of anthology and series projects.
But my first published book remains special in many ways. Not only because its a story of second chances (which I love) it was recognized in Midwest Book Reviews as a featured book with a "Mesmerizing! Very highly recommend" and was slated as one of the books featured on 'syndicated show, BookTalk. It also garnered a lovely quote from one of my favorite authors which I shall always cherish,"A delightful story, full of charm and warmth!"~Holly Jacobs.
Unfinished Dreams has seen two editions. The most current published in 2015 with some updates to the story. It is close to my heart and the springboard of my small town and second chances romance books--the Kinnison Trilogy, Last Hope Ranch and End of the Line novellas.
Here is a brief overview:
BECAUSE LOVE IS...A WORK IN PROGRESS!
When fate give Tess Graham a second chance at finding happiness after an abusive relationship, will it come unknowingly at the expense of the handsome cowboy she's hired to do a few repairs on the farmhouse she's renting?
Gabe Russell knows the perky city girl isn't going to last long living the country life, but he doesn't expect that while he's helping make her dreams a reality, that he'll finding himself wanting more than getting his house back.
~MY THANKS TO READERS~
FREE NOVEMBER 15-18
#kindnessmatters
Amanda
I loved the blog today Amanda so interesting and moving. Peggy Clayton
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book!
ReplyDelete