Christian romance author, Amanda Stephan
is just a normal, everyday country girl. Residing in Middle, TN with her husband and children who closely resemble several of the seven dwarfs, (Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy/Happy), three cats, (only because hubby refuses to get one of his own so she must share,) one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.
She finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, her second novel, Lonely Hearts was released at the end of October, 2011.
Not quite a recluse, Amanda's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo.
You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once like her
Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan
her website http://www.booksbyamanda.com or http://www.thepriceoftrust.com
Praise for Lonely Hearts:
Lonely Hearts … tugged at my heart and made me laugh and cry ~ Ursula Gorman, Author of Old Acquaintances
Author Amanda Stephan does it again! She has a wonderful way of weaving faith in the Lord, everyday life, heartache and romance into terrific stories ~ Kelly Hagen, author of Jake & Jesus
Beautifully written story about second chances at love and life. The characters were genuine and seemed real to life. I was captivated at page one of the book, and read it in only one day! I will recommend this book to my friends and family
~ Anastasia Watson
I LOVED this story. From beginning to end it kept me totally enthralled and wondering how it would all work out. Loaded with zippy dialog and great characters made for a fun and very satisfying tale. I felt happy, sad, excited, angry, and frustrated. You know a story is good when it has that effect. The theme running though our story is 'things may not always be as they appear'. It's a great reminder that man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart. If you enjoy an easy-to-read, fun and entertaining story with a great message I highly recommend Lonely Hearts.
~ Sherry Kuhn ~ Avid reader and Reviewer
This book will capture your heart and like Becky’s kids, your heart will flip-flop as you embrace one bachelor then the other for Becky. Who will win Becky’s heart and how will the others handle her decision? This book is full of hope, anticipation, optimism, faith, and possibilities. If you have lost a love, this book will restore your faith that the possibility of true love has not withered as a flower in the hot summer sun. Amanda will capture your heart from the first page with this delightful story.
~ Theresa Franklin, author of Journey to Fulfillment
You’ll find yourself nodding with delight at Becky’s courageous reactions, cheering her on and sighing with her during her ups and downs of life. But even in the fresh humor that sprinkles through her experiences, you’ll admire her rare quality to uphold what’s important. Although romance wasn’t a priority, God’s ways usher Becky to unforeseen encounter with what often is inevitable when you trust in God’s lead, hold on to your convictions and are deliciously surprised in the end. ~ Janet Perez Eckles, author of Amazon #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, Judson Press, 2011
Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Ms. Stephan would throw in an unexpected twist, tossing a monkey wrench into her characters’ lives--and a rather large monkey wrench near the end of the story. If you like romance, a touch of sweet humor, and characters who face life head-on, this is the perfect book to curl up with! ~ Karin Kaufman, author of The Witch Tree
She finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, her second novel, Lonely Hearts was released at the end of October, 2011.
Not quite a recluse, Amanda's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo.
You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once like her
Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan
her website http://www.booksbyamanda.com or http://www.thepriceoftrust.com
Praise for Lonely Hearts:
Lonely Hearts … tugged at my heart and made me laugh and cry ~ Ursula Gorman, Author of Old Acquaintances
Author Amanda Stephan does it again! She has a wonderful way of weaving faith in the Lord, everyday life, heartache and romance into terrific stories ~ Kelly Hagen, author of Jake & Jesus
Beautifully written story about second chances at love and life. The characters were genuine and seemed real to life. I was captivated at page one of the book, and read it in only one day! I will recommend this book to my friends and family
~ Anastasia Watson
I LOVED this story. From beginning to end it kept me totally enthralled and wondering how it would all work out. Loaded with zippy dialog and great characters made for a fun and very satisfying tale. I felt happy, sad, excited, angry, and frustrated. You know a story is good when it has that effect. The theme running though our story is 'things may not always be as they appear'. It's a great reminder that man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart. If you enjoy an easy-to-read, fun and entertaining story with a great message I highly recommend Lonely Hearts.
~ Sherry Kuhn ~ Avid reader and Reviewer
This book will capture your heart and like Becky’s kids, your heart will flip-flop as you embrace one bachelor then the other for Becky. Who will win Becky’s heart and how will the others handle her decision? This book is full of hope, anticipation, optimism, faith, and possibilities. If you have lost a love, this book will restore your faith that the possibility of true love has not withered as a flower in the hot summer sun. Amanda will capture your heart from the first page with this delightful story.
~ Theresa Franklin, author of Journey to Fulfillment
You’ll find yourself nodding with delight at Becky’s courageous reactions, cheering her on and sighing with her during her ups and downs of life. But even in the fresh humor that sprinkles through her experiences, you’ll admire her rare quality to uphold what’s important. Although romance wasn’t a priority, God’s ways usher Becky to unforeseen encounter with what often is inevitable when you trust in God’s lead, hold on to your convictions and are deliciously surprised in the end. ~ Janet Perez Eckles, author of Amazon #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, Judson Press, 2011
Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Ms. Stephan would throw in an unexpected twist, tossing a monkey wrench into her characters’ lives--and a rather large monkey wrench near the end of the story. If you like romance, a touch of sweet humor, and characters who face life head-on, this is the perfect book to curl up with! ~ Karin Kaufman, author of The Witch Tree
The Advertiser News, Spring Hill, TN
by Angie Mayes
What is the name of your latest book?
My newest book is entitled Lonely Hearts and was published by TreasureLine Publishing in November, 2011.
What is it about?
This is a sweet Christian romance story about one lonely mother, two matchmaking kids, and three eligible bachelors--what could possibly go wrong? Included in every book is a free apple pie recipe that my main character used in one of the scenes. This book would be similar to Love Inspired books.
Why did you write it?
I was pondering one morning, that one day, my children are going to grow up and leave; starting their own lives and creating their own families. Have I taught them that life is precious? Have I, in my actions as their mother and teacher, let them know that they are a gift and I treasure them? I have no desire to find that when those days come, all I have are regrets upon regrets. I can't change the past. But I can change my future. This is the basis of Lonely Hearts. Not taking our families for granted and appreciating what we have right now, at this point in time.
Are you planning to write more?
I'm currently working on a three book Christian romantic suspense/family saga series. I had originally planned this to only be one book, but it has gotten so large that it was easier to break it down into three separate books. The first two are done, and I had an idea for a fourth a little while ago, so it may grow into a four part series. This is still going to be clean Christian fiction, but a little on the darker side as we follow a particular family around and watch as a deranged person creates havoc in their lives.
What did you find was the easiest thing about writing the book?
The easiest part of writing my books are the ideas. Sometimes they come from a song or watching someone in a public place, and then I write up an outline and work my way through it, fleshing out scenes and characters as I go along. However, the series I'm working on now, I found the easiest thing to do was figuring out why my villain was doing so many terrible things.
What was the hardest thing?
The hardest thing for me to do is finding the time to get my writing done. I have the ideas and the outlines, but I'm easily sidetracked. I've found, though, getting up at 4 a.m. has really helped in this area.
How many books have you penned?
I have two published books out now, The Price of Trust and Lonely Hearts, as well as several manuscripts/stories hidden away in my attic, and quite a few manuscripts on my computer. My newest novel, Lonely Hearts, is up for a Reader's Favorite award, so I'm pretty excited about that. I'll find out September 1st if it won or not.
What advice do you have for first time authors?
Find a writer's group and join it, whether it's online or not. Make your connections now and cultivate those relationships ~ not for what they can do for you in the future, but because that's where you're going to learn the most. Also, be willing to listen to constructive criticism. Take away the good information and learn from it, and leave the not so good behind you. Always be willing to learn something about your writing. When someone knows everything, they're done growing.
What is the name of your latest book?
My newest book is entitled Lonely Hearts and was published by TreasureLine Publishing in November, 2011.
What is it about?
This is a sweet Christian romance story about one lonely mother, two matchmaking kids, and three eligible bachelors--what could possibly go wrong? Included in every book is a free apple pie recipe that my main character used in one of the scenes. This book would be similar to Love Inspired books.
Why did you write it?
I was pondering one morning, that one day, my children are going to grow up and leave; starting their own lives and creating their own families. Have I taught them that life is precious? Have I, in my actions as their mother and teacher, let them know that they are a gift and I treasure them? I have no desire to find that when those days come, all I have are regrets upon regrets. I can't change the past. But I can change my future. This is the basis of Lonely Hearts. Not taking our families for granted and appreciating what we have right now, at this point in time.
Are you planning to write more?
I'm currently working on a three book Christian romantic suspense/family saga series. I had originally planned this to only be one book, but it has gotten so large that it was easier to break it down into three separate books. The first two are done, and I had an idea for a fourth a little while ago, so it may grow into a four part series. This is still going to be clean Christian fiction, but a little on the darker side as we follow a particular family around and watch as a deranged person creates havoc in their lives.
What did you find was the easiest thing about writing the book?
The easiest part of writing my books are the ideas. Sometimes they come from a song or watching someone in a public place, and then I write up an outline and work my way through it, fleshing out scenes and characters as I go along. However, the series I'm working on now, I found the easiest thing to do was figuring out why my villain was doing so many terrible things.
What was the hardest thing?
The hardest thing for me to do is finding the time to get my writing done. I have the ideas and the outlines, but I'm easily sidetracked. I've found, though, getting up at 4 a.m. has really helped in this area.
How many books have you penned?
I have two published books out now, The Price of Trust and Lonely Hearts, as well as several manuscripts/stories hidden away in my attic, and quite a few manuscripts on my computer. My newest novel, Lonely Hearts, is up for a Reader's Favorite award, so I'm pretty excited about that. I'll find out September 1st if it won or not.
What advice do you have for first time authors?
Find a writer's group and join it, whether it's online or not. Make your connections now and cultivate those relationships ~ not for what they can do for you in the future, but because that's where you're going to learn the most. Also, be willing to listen to constructive criticism. Take away the good information and learn from it, and leave the not so good behind you. Always be willing to learn something about your writing. When someone knows everything, they're done growing.
Interview 1:
Tell us about your upcoming book.
My new release, Lonely Hearts, is a sweet Christian romance about one lonely mother, two matchmaking kids, and three eligible bachelors. Oh yes. And apple pie!
When Becky Callis moves to a new town, she had no intention of becoming romantically involved. Her children, on the other hand, think she’s been lonely far too long, and decide to take matters into their own hands.
Choices range from handsome cowboy, Scott Boone; local preacher, Jack; or rough around the edges rancher, Pearce Morgan. It doesn’t take long before her children find that...True love is harder than it looks!
Have you published anything previously?
Lonely Hearts is my second romance novel. My first, The Price of Trust, was released in May 2010. You can get a sneak peek here.
When did you know you wanted to write?
To be one hundred percent honest, I’ve just always written. I never thought or even considered writing professionally as it was something I just loved to do. When I finished my first, full length book, The Price of Trust, I was excited and told my husband about it. He asked what I was planning on doing with it, and I said printing it out and hiding it away until our kids were older. He asked me to try to have it published, and the rest is history. Since then, I’ve been hooked!
What made you decide to write romance?
I am an incurable romantic. There’s just something about reading how a couple come together that makes me sigh and dream. But, with that said, I’m not one for edgy or graphic books. I’m super picky about what I read, so if it’s inappropriate for my children to read, it’s not in my house.
Do you keep a writing schedule?
I suppose I’m rather eclectic in that matter. I find my best writing comes when everyone is in bed and I can let my imagination run free.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m either homeschooling our children, sewing, or reading a book to review.
Name your three favorite books.
My three favorite books would have to be Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, and 101 Dalmatians. When I was growing up, I absolutely tore my paperback copy of 101 Dalmatians up.
Name your three favorite authors.
Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, and C.S. Lewis. Just to name a few…
What’s coming up in your writing future?
I'm working on a Christian romance/suspense series .The first book, Choosing to Love, is about a young woman that is tricked into marrying the wrong man. Book Two continues the saga in – Intent to Harm, and Book Three – Death by Obituary wraps up the story. But, while I was cooking dinner a little while ago, an idea for a fourth book hit me and has me super excited! Yep. It just morphed into a four book family saga series.
My new release, Lonely Hearts, is a sweet Christian romance about one lonely mother, two matchmaking kids, and three eligible bachelors. Oh yes. And apple pie!
When Becky Callis moves to a new town, she had no intention of becoming romantically involved. Her children, on the other hand, think she’s been lonely far too long, and decide to take matters into their own hands.
Choices range from handsome cowboy, Scott Boone; local preacher, Jack; or rough around the edges rancher, Pearce Morgan. It doesn’t take long before her children find that...True love is harder than it looks!
Have you published anything previously?
Lonely Hearts is my second romance novel. My first, The Price of Trust, was released in May 2010. You can get a sneak peek here.
When did you know you wanted to write?
To be one hundred percent honest, I’ve just always written. I never thought or even considered writing professionally as it was something I just loved to do. When I finished my first, full length book, The Price of Trust, I was excited and told my husband about it. He asked what I was planning on doing with it, and I said printing it out and hiding it away until our kids were older. He asked me to try to have it published, and the rest is history. Since then, I’ve been hooked!
What made you decide to write romance?
I am an incurable romantic. There’s just something about reading how a couple come together that makes me sigh and dream. But, with that said, I’m not one for edgy or graphic books. I’m super picky about what I read, so if it’s inappropriate for my children to read, it’s not in my house.
Do you keep a writing schedule?
I suppose I’m rather eclectic in that matter. I find my best writing comes when everyone is in bed and I can let my imagination run free.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m either homeschooling our children, sewing, or reading a book to review.
Name your three favorite books.
My three favorite books would have to be Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, and 101 Dalmatians. When I was growing up, I absolutely tore my paperback copy of 101 Dalmatians up.
Name your three favorite authors.
Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, and C.S. Lewis. Just to name a few…
What’s coming up in your writing future?
I'm working on a Christian romance/suspense series .The first book, Choosing to Love, is about a young woman that is tricked into marrying the wrong man. Book Two continues the saga in – Intent to Harm, and Book Three – Death by Obituary wraps up the story. But, while I was cooking dinner a little while ago, an idea for a fourth book hit me and has me super excited! Yep. It just morphed into a four book family saga series.
Interview 2:
Why did you become a writer…was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
I have always written. If I couldn’t find a book to read, I’d write my own and hide them away for later perusal. Writing is just something that I do because I love it and it’s therapeutic.
What was the inspiration for your latest work of fiction?
My latest work of fiction, Lonely Hearts was inspired by my love for, and the antics of, my children, as well as my husband. I’m a huge family person and I often wonder how people can completely miss the point of being a parent and being in love with their kids. I feel sorry for people like that!
Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
I guess it would be more like half real, half imagination.
What was the most interesting research you had to do for any of your books?
Lonely Hearts is a sweet Christian romance, so I drew from people and situations that surrounded me. There are a lot of things that I write down in my books that are actual happenings and I just didn’t want to forget the memory because it was too funny or too sad.
Where do you go to do your research?
Oooh, I guess this is bad, but people watching can be an awesome resource for writing works of fiction! ;) There’s a wide variety to choose from!
Are you currently working on any new book projects?
After Lonely Hearts is released, I'm going to work on my newest creation ~ the Slade Series. Book one of the Slade series is Choosing to Love. Next, will be Intent to Harm and the series finally ends with Death by Obituary. I'm slowly making my way over to the Dark Side because I've heard they have more cookies. And I *love* cookies! These books will be Christian romance/romantic suspense with a Christian worldview.
Do you have any advice for beginning writers on how to write a book? Do you have any advice for them regarding promoting that book once published?
Get to know other authors out there. Make friends, leave comments on blogs, become acquainted with readers so when it’s your turn to be published, you already have people who know you. AND! Don’t be friends with someone because of something they can do for you. Nothing turns people off more than users. Do unto others what you would want done to you.
What is your favorite work of literary fiction and why? Do you have a favorite literary author?
I am torn between two. Pride & Prejudice (of course) because I’m a hopeless romantic, and Jane Eyre because Ms. Bronte’s characters were so strong, it’s difficult to leave them behind when you’ve finished reading their story.
I have always written. If I couldn’t find a book to read, I’d write my own and hide them away for later perusal. Writing is just something that I do because I love it and it’s therapeutic.
What was the inspiration for your latest work of fiction?
My latest work of fiction, Lonely Hearts was inspired by my love for, and the antics of, my children, as well as my husband. I’m a huge family person and I often wonder how people can completely miss the point of being a parent and being in love with their kids. I feel sorry for people like that!
Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
I guess it would be more like half real, half imagination.
What was the most interesting research you had to do for any of your books?
Lonely Hearts is a sweet Christian romance, so I drew from people and situations that surrounded me. There are a lot of things that I write down in my books that are actual happenings and I just didn’t want to forget the memory because it was too funny or too sad.
Where do you go to do your research?
Oooh, I guess this is bad, but people watching can be an awesome resource for writing works of fiction! ;) There’s a wide variety to choose from!
Are you currently working on any new book projects?
After Lonely Hearts is released, I'm going to work on my newest creation ~ the Slade Series. Book one of the Slade series is Choosing to Love. Next, will be Intent to Harm and the series finally ends with Death by Obituary. I'm slowly making my way over to the Dark Side because I've heard they have more cookies. And I *love* cookies! These books will be Christian romance/romantic suspense with a Christian worldview.
Do you have any advice for beginning writers on how to write a book? Do you have any advice for them regarding promoting that book once published?
Get to know other authors out there. Make friends, leave comments on blogs, become acquainted with readers so when it’s your turn to be published, you already have people who know you. AND! Don’t be friends with someone because of something they can do for you. Nothing turns people off more than users. Do unto others what you would want done to you.
What is your favorite work of literary fiction and why? Do you have a favorite literary author?
I am torn between two. Pride & Prejudice (of course) because I’m a hopeless romantic, and Jane Eyre because Ms. Bronte’s characters were so strong, it’s difficult to leave them behind when you’ve finished reading their story.
Interview 3:
When and why did you begin writing?
I can honestly say that I’ve always written. Whether it was silly little tidbits that didn’t even resemble words, or full-length novellas in my teen years that I hid away, I wrote. I remember the first time I wrote an actual story was during my early teen years. I went to the library and all the books I wanted to read were checked out. I couldn’t stand it, so I wrote my own book. I wouldn’t consider it a great work of art, but I still have it to this day, hidden in our attic where no one can see it. I found writing to be a release for me. It was, and still is, a wonderful way to get my emotions under control as well as my thoughts. My family laughs because I’m always hopping around in a different direction or, as I like to call it, channel surfing when I talk. They find it comical that I can write a complete book, yet I get so sidetracked that I often forget where my keys are.
What inspired you to write Lonely Hearts?
My latest work of fiction was inspired by my love for, and the antics of, my children, as well as my husband. I’m a huge family person and I often wonder how people can completely miss the point of being a parent and being in love with their kids. You only have those children for a few short years before they fly the coop (or in our case; nuthouse!) ~ treasure it!
Why did you choose to write three male roles?
Ah, what an interesting question! I thought it would be appropriate to write different choices into male leads. Everyone has a choice. You may have been given a rotten deal at life, bad things may have happened to you, but you can choose to make the best of things. That would be Pearce. Next, you can mistake an overwhelming feeling of friendship or lust for the real deal ~ that is Jack. (Not saying that he was lustful, just misled.) Then, you have the wild oats sower. One day, you’ll reap what you grow out of those wild oats. That’s Scott.
In the book description, it says that Becky’s children pick a man for their single mom. Do you have children? How has this impacted how you wrote the children’s role in the novel?
Yes, I have two of the most adorable, wonderful, crazy, and sometimes annoying children God could have gifted me with. I patterned both children after mine, and more than one of those scenes were pulled out of our everyday lives. There’s never a dull day at our home!
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I’m working on a series of Christian romance/suspense books that I fondly call the Slade Saga. It’s a series of three novels, with a possibility of a fourth. I have the first two books finished, and am working on the third.
Do you have anything else you’d like to say to readers?
Don’t take today for granted. I heard someone say once that today is called the present because it is a gift, and it really put things into perspective. Love much and forgive often to keep your regrets as few as possible.
I can honestly say that I’ve always written. Whether it was silly little tidbits that didn’t even resemble words, or full-length novellas in my teen years that I hid away, I wrote. I remember the first time I wrote an actual story was during my early teen years. I went to the library and all the books I wanted to read were checked out. I couldn’t stand it, so I wrote my own book. I wouldn’t consider it a great work of art, but I still have it to this day, hidden in our attic where no one can see it. I found writing to be a release for me. It was, and still is, a wonderful way to get my emotions under control as well as my thoughts. My family laughs because I’m always hopping around in a different direction or, as I like to call it, channel surfing when I talk. They find it comical that I can write a complete book, yet I get so sidetracked that I often forget where my keys are.
What inspired you to write Lonely Hearts?
My latest work of fiction was inspired by my love for, and the antics of, my children, as well as my husband. I’m a huge family person and I often wonder how people can completely miss the point of being a parent and being in love with their kids. You only have those children for a few short years before they fly the coop (or in our case; nuthouse!) ~ treasure it!
Why did you choose to write three male roles?
Ah, what an interesting question! I thought it would be appropriate to write different choices into male leads. Everyone has a choice. You may have been given a rotten deal at life, bad things may have happened to you, but you can choose to make the best of things. That would be Pearce. Next, you can mistake an overwhelming feeling of friendship or lust for the real deal ~ that is Jack. (Not saying that he was lustful, just misled.) Then, you have the wild oats sower. One day, you’ll reap what you grow out of those wild oats. That’s Scott.
In the book description, it says that Becky’s children pick a man for their single mom. Do you have children? How has this impacted how you wrote the children’s role in the novel?
Yes, I have two of the most adorable, wonderful, crazy, and sometimes annoying children God could have gifted me with. I patterned both children after mine, and more than one of those scenes were pulled out of our everyday lives. There’s never a dull day at our home!
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I’m working on a series of Christian romance/suspense books that I fondly call the Slade Saga. It’s a series of three novels, with a possibility of a fourth. I have the first two books finished, and am working on the third.
Do you have anything else you’d like to say to readers?
Don’t take today for granted. I heard someone say once that today is called the present because it is a gift, and it really put things into perspective. Love much and forgive often to keep your regrets as few as possible.
