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* Skye Warren: Author Override
* Narrator Lorelei King: Interview
* Stephanie Tyler: Interview
* Carolyn Crane: Author Override | UTC Review
* J.T. Geissinger: Interview | UTC Review
* Men and Women of the Military Giveaway Hop
* Keri Arthur: Interview | UTC Reviews

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Interview and Giveaway with Amanda Forester!

Hi Maidens! We've got a great author for you today! Her name is Amanda Forester and she writes Scottish Medievals and you know how much I love Highland stories! For more information on Amanda and her hot Highlanders, please visit her website. In the meantime, you can help me welcome Amanda to Under the Covers!

Amanda Forester
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Let's get started, shall we? Who is Amanda Forester? Tell us five things about yourself that readers wouldn't know.

Hmmm, interesting question. Five thing folks wouldn't know: 1) Even though my sleep habits would suggest it, I don't drink coffee; 2) I have been to England but despite my deep and abiding love for Scotland I have never set foot in the country; 3) I also have a deep and abiding love for chocolate (ok, maybe you already guessed that); 4) I enjoy travel by train; and 5) until relatively recently one of my greatest fears was that someone would actually read my writing!

Why did you decide to write Scottish historical romances?

To be honest I'm not entirely sure. I started off with the intention of writing a Regency and did a lot of research into that time period. Then for some unknown reason I sat down and wrote a Scottish medieval. Not sure what happened there, must be something to do with the kilts!

TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT is your latest release. Can you tell us a bit about this book?

Morrigan McNab learned to survive with a sword in her hand. Taking command, she is determined to protect her impoverished clan, no matter the cost. When an elusive French knight offers gold to fight against England, she joins the call to arms. Sparks fly on the battlefield as a forbidden passion smolders between Morrigan and Sir Dragonet. Yet Sir Dragonet holds a secret that will destroy the hope for a life together, and will make them rivals on a dangerous quest for a mysterious relic. As they fight beside each other against the English, and against each other to find the treasure, their love becomes a greater force than either can control.


What is Morrigan's greatest strength? What is her greatest weakness?

Morrigan is profoundly gifted with a sword, a skill not particularly prized in woman of her time. Her greatest strength is her loyalty to her clan to use this gift to support her people, even if they do not appreciate her sacrifice. Another strength is her ability to find the humor in situations and even laugh at herself at times. Her greatest weakness is her general attitude, which at least at the beginning of the book might be described as severely cranky.

Why did you decide to go with a French hero instead of a Scottish one?

A very good question, after all in a Scottish historical one does expect a burly Highlander hero in a kilt. The trouble was, Morrigan needed someone completely different from the men folk she was accustomed to. She needed someone who could surprise her, keep her off balance, and ultimately make her fall in love. Besides, I met Dragonet in The Highlander's Heart and kind of fell for him myself, so I needed to let him have a chance to be the hero.


If you could collaborate with another author, who would you pick and why?

There are so many fantastic authors I would be truly honored to work with, or just plain meet. If we are going to dip into the realm of fantasy, I would love work with Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer.

What book are you currently reading?

I just finished reading an ARC of a new Sourcebooks author Victoria Roberts. She will be coming out with a new Highland series this fall - definitely someone to look for!


What does a typical writing day look like for you?


Since I am still working the day job and have kids, my days are pretty much filled with working, childcare, and child activities. I don't usually get to sit down to my computer until about 10pm and then I generally work until much too late, and then get up and do it all again. Makes me tired just thinking of it!

My favourite book of yours is The Highlander's Heart. What is your all-time favourite book?

Each of my books when it is released becomes my new favorite. That way each of my children has a turn to be mommy's favorite! My all-time fave romance novel has got to be Pride and Prejudice. I know I am not alone with that choice - what can I say? It's a classic!

Quick-fire questions!

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Coffee or tea? Tea
Fave place to read? Anywhere, as long as I'm comfy and warm
Fave place to write? see above
If you could create a kilt, what color would choose? Sage green and black

Thank you so much for inviting me to guest blog today!


Amanda Forester is graciously giving away a copy of TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT, her latest release!

 

A steamy adventure set amidst the chaos of 14th century Scotland, where clans jockeyed for political prominence, and the French and English vied against each other in a never ending threat to Scottish autonomy. A feisty laird''s daughter, Morrigan McNab, holds the secret to the stolen relic sought by French knight Sir Dragonet. Attraction sparks between the unlikely pair as each loses their heart as they pursue the same prize.


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27 comments:

miki said...

Great interview, i thing i would love your book ^^

Andrea said...

Interesting that the book is based in Scotland yet the author has never been there, I've always wondered about that. The book sounds great.

Dani Harper, Author said...

Really enjoyed the interview. Wishing you every success!

Barbara said...

Congrats on your new release, Amanda...GREAT interview! I LOVE Highlanders, so this nabs my attention. It's nice to meet another 'new to me' author as well! Thx for the giveaway op! :)

barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

Filia Oktarina said...

Congrats on your new release, Amanda. That was great interview, make me want have it and i love cover to!! Thanks for giveaway!!

Sophia Rose said...

This really intrigues me that your heroine is the warrior and sword expert. Sounds like a wonderful read!

And I think your dream to collab with Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer a fab idea- you'll get those regencies written then. (-;

Dawn said...

mmmm...love me some Highlanders! And thanks UTC..I now have a SECOND TBR pile..it's full of all the books I keep finding here =)

Barbara E. said...

I loved the interview and the chance to learn more about True Highland Spirit. It sounds like a fantastic story and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Julianne said...

That was a fun and enjoyable interview. I always like reading the author interviews and learning something new and fun about an author.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

Lexi said...

Must have been the kilts, that is why you wrote a Scottish historical!

Chrisbails said...

Great interview. congrats on the new release. What a great cover. Would love to win and read this book, it looks fantastic. Thanks for the giveaway. Love men in kilts, so sexy. Thanks for the giveaway.
christinebails@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Great interview! I love a man in a kilt and a Scottish story is right up my alley!! Gotta get this one for sure!
MEl
bournmelissa AT hotmail DOT com

Jen B. said...

Wow, I can't imagine starting writing at 10 at night. I am shutting down at that point. Thanks for the giveaway.

Kimber said...

I would love to read any of your books. Wonderful interview. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books too!
Men in kilts, LOVE THEM.

Timitra said...

I really enjoyed reading this interview!!! The most interesting part to me is the fact that you did research on the Regency period yet wrote a Scottish romance, that is weird yet pretty cool...I look forward to reading your books!!!

Linda said...

I recently discovered Amanda's books & really enjoyed them. Looking forward to this latest release.

Who can resist them kilts? :P

Di said...

French accent + Scottish brogue - sounds like a fun mix!

Mary Preston said...

Thank you for a wonderful interview.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Patti said...

great interview

prettyunicorn78@yahoo.com

In Julie's Opinion said...

I love a good burly Highlander hero in a kilt, but I'm very interested in reading about your French hero! I can't wait to read your book! Thanks so much for the interview and giveaway:)

Terri said...

Great interview. I always like to read what authors have to say. Thanks

terrilee.byles@yahoo.com

GzNKz4evr said...

Fabulous interview and thanks so much for the giveaway! Nothing like a Highlander to keep you off balance. :) The book sounds great.

Kendra

Tammy said...

Great interview!
pademe_lee@yahoo.com

Jess said...

thanks

jessharrison78@yahoo.com

lisagkendall said...

sage green and black would make a lovely kilt and colors.

Phoenix Carvelli said...

Great interview and giveaway! Thank you!
Happy Writing!

Phoenix
PhoenixCarvelli(at)gmail(dot)com

Maureen said...

Thanks for the interview and the story looks like a good one.