Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Scattered Petals

Hey everyone, before we get to today's giveaway, I wanted to say that today marks the milestone of my 100th post!!!! I really cannot believe it, but you guys are making it possible. Enjoy the celebration today with a giveaway with author, Amanda Cabot! :-)

Amanda Cabot has always nurtured a love for books. At an early age she taught herself to read and to this day can almost always be found with a good book. Loving to read naturally morphed into a love for the writing craft. She published more than twenty novels for the secular market as well as several nonfiction books before she turned to writing for the Christian market. Her first inspirational novel, Paper Roses, was published by Revell last year. Her second book, released this month and up for our giveaway, is Scattered Petals. I am pleased to share an interview I had with Amanda recently. She has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her latest book.




Amanda, thank you for taking being with us today! I appreciate you taking the time to answer these few questions, letting us get to know you better.

1: How long did you write before you were published?

I started writing when I was seven, but that doesn’t count. Or does it? Although I had dabbled with a number of books, it wasn’t until a month before my 29th birthday that I started writing seriously. You see, I had a goal of selling a book before I turned 30, and I figured I’d better get working if I was going to accomplish that. One week before my 30th birthday, an editor told me she loved the book and wanted to buy it. So, you could say it was either a little over a year or 23 years, depending on when you want to start counting.

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

I almost couldn’t believe that I’d written that book. It had been a dream for so long that it was hard to believe it had come true.

3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?

First drafts are the worst part for me. I refer to them as the skeleton of the story, and – like skeletons at Halloween – they’re not particularly pretty. But they are essential to hold the flesh and blood, which is what I add during the second draft.

4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?

I am extremely disciplined. Some would say excessively so, but it works for me. I have “office hours” in the morning, and that’s when I write. Other things, including shopping, cooking, you name it, happen in the afternoon or evening.

5: What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the first draft (sigh!) of Book One in the Wyoming Winds series. This is the trilogy that will be published after the third of the Texas Dreams books. Since I live in Wyoming, I’m enjoying introducing readers to my new home state, but – as always – I’m looking forward to having the first draft done. Second drafts are much more fun!

6: Where can readers find out more about your books?

I invite them to visit my web site, http://www.amandacabot.com/ . I also welcome email from readers and try to respond within a couple days.

7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

My books all deal with the healing power of love, both the love between a man and a woman, and especially God’s love for us.

8: Why did you choose this profession?

I’m not sure I did. I think it might have chosen me. Seriously. Another author who was the keynote speaker at a writers’ conference challenged us to answer the question, “Is writing what you do or who you are?” For me, it’s who I am, an integral and essential part of my life.



Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?

My most fervent prayer is that my books will touch your hearts and deepen your faith. And thank you, Casey, for hosting my interview. It’s been a pleasure.

Back copy blurb:

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her, ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows Priscilla deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes.



When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.



Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals weaves a tale of drama, love and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.

You can read my review here.

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This contest is void where prohibited and chances of winning are based on number of entries. Winner will be drawn from a non-biased third party sorce, Random.org and will have one week to reply upon learning they have won. I am not responsible for any damaged or misplaced goods upon shipping to the winner of said prize.

Thanks everyone for entering!!