Monday, March 29, 2010

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.

To Enter to Win Scattered Petals:
~You MUST leave an email address you won't win!

For Extra Entries:
~Be a follower
~Be an email subscriber

Only U.S. residents please.

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!!

62 comments:

  1. Great post. I just finished reading this one. I would recommend it highly. Great read. I enjoy your books.
    tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Please don't enter me in the giveaway Casey because I have this book waiting for me on hold at the library but, I just wanted to come by and say I cannot wait to read it!
    And that I think the cover is breathtaking!
    This Is your 100th post yay!! Great job Casey I always love your blog posts keep up the good work!:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. It looks like a wonderful book!
    motleyjm@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the cover and would love to read this book. Please enter me into your drawing & thank you for the opportunity.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am also a subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am also a follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a REALLY good book! I think your readers will really enjoy it Casey!

    XOXO~ Renee

    p.s. please don't enter me i already own a copy

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'd love to win this. Thanks for the chance.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book! I read your review, and the book sounds wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Blessings,
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am an email subscriber.

    Thank you,
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  11. Greetings,
    How wonderful that you are at 100 posts. I know it must have been fun all of the way. You do a great job.
    Anyway please enter me for this great giveaway.
    Have a blessed day,
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Casey,
    I am one of your followers.
    Blessings and thanks,
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am a follower.

    Thank you,
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations on your 100th post!!!


    I'd love to win this book. It looks so good!!

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm a follower

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. It sounds wonderful. Please count me in.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Email subscriber.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Follower via GFC.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Would love to win this, sounds like a great book!

    ~Lauri
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    l_meinhardt@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I enjoy reading Amanda Cabot's books and would love to win and review Scattered Petals. Also Congradulations to your 100th post. I love reading them.
    rbooth43(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Please enter me! I loved Paper Roses and am interested in reading the next book in the series!
    Carmen Sent me!
    Maureen
    alekee02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Would love to read this one...please enter me. Thanks!
    jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am a follower. Thanks!!
    jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am a follower. Thanks!!
    jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for all your wonderful giveaways!

    inspiredbyfiction at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Please enter me.

    Wendy
    ebeandebe at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I really hope I win :)

    glenda.a.silva(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm a follower now!

    glenda.a.silva(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. It is really cool that you got to interview the author. I would love to read the book.
    debp
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am a email subscriber to your blog.
    debp
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh, I'd love to win this book. Thanks. Love the cover.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm a follower

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Subscriber too

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I came over here from Winning Readings and I read Amanda Cabot's first book and thought it had a great plot line. Please include me in the giveaway. Thank you. gasweetheart211[at]netscape[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  35. What an honor to be featured on Casey's 100th posting! And, as if that weren't enough, so many of you have said kind things about both Paper Roses and Scattered Petals. Thank you all!

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is a new author for me. Thanks for offering the book.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  38. Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  39. E-mail subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm a follower!

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I enjoyed your interview and would love to be entered in the giveaway.
    Love the cover of Scattered Petals, and would like to read it.
    Thank you!

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for the great interview and giveaway! This definitely sounds like my kind of book. :)

    4mypersonalreview at gmail dot com

    [BTW, Carman from Christian Book Giveaways sent me here]

    ReplyDelete
  43. This book is on my wish list!

    pepsi324{at}yahoo{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Great interview, Please enter my name in your contest. Thanks

    true_sheila at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your book sounds great! Count me in for the drawing!
    plhouston@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  46. Please enter me! I love to read and can always use a new book!

    Doreen
    www.PriviesAndPRims.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm a follwer and an email suscriber:)

    parisakins@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I read the first book in the series some time ago and liked it. I am glad this one is finally out! gijanechosen[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Congrats to you on your 100th post and such a wonderful interview! I read the first book in the series and would love to be entered to win the second. I am also a follower.

    leesmithwriting{at}yahoo{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sounds like a wonderful book, and I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  51. Please enter me!

    ksmiley2[at]kent[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  52. Great post! I'd love a chance to win a copy of this book!! I am a follower of your blog!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    Katie M

    ReplyDelete
  53. Please enter me into the drawing.
    I heard good things about the book.
    Anna Labno
    annalabno2004@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. i'm a follower!!

    This cover looks awesome!!!

    please enter me!

    Rae
    http://c-romance.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Congrats on your 100th blog entry!

    I love your blog, first of all. I would really like to read this book Scattered Petals! Thank you for the great interview of the author.

    For extra entries I have done the following:


    I am a follower

    I joined your email letter


    I am also going to grab your blog button and post it on my blog...just because I have enjoyed your blog so much :-)

    Thank you!

    Blessings,
    Lucie

    lucieluvsca at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sounds wonderful. Please accept my entry. Thanks!

    gevin13{at}gmail;{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I follow your blog

    gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi! I just found out about your blog! The post was great and I would love to be entered in the drawing! Thanks so much!

    katiegalyean (@) yahoo (.) com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am a follower as well! :) Thanks again!

    katiegalyean (@) yahoo (.) com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'd be blessed to win this!

    Maria Delgado
    mariadelgado32302@yahoo.com
    http://mariasgiveawaylistings.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  61. I follow!

    Maria Delgado
    mariadelgado32302@yahoo.com
    http://mariasgiveawaylistings.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am an email subscriber.

    Maria Delgado
    mariadelgado32302@yahoo.com
    http://mariasgiveawaylistings.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by, I love to hear from those who traffic my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)

FTC Rules

According to new FTC rules I must let you, the reader know, that all views shared on this blog are strictly my own. Books to review are either provided for me by the author, publisher or ones I have purchased and I am under no obligation whatsoever to present anything, but my true opinion on any product. I receive no monetary compensation for anything written on this blog. Any giveaways on this blog are provided by the author/ publisher and I am not responsible for any views they express in their work or on this site. Giveaways are void were prohibited and chances of winnng are based on the number of applicants. A random winner is draw when a book is given away.

 
Blog Design by Imagination Designs all images from the Country Wildflowers kit by Laurie Ann