Rogue: What inspired you to start writing?
Amber: I read a book I didn't particularly care for and thought, "I can write better than that!" Of course, once I actually sat down to write, I learned it's not quite as easy as saying, "I'm going to write a book."
Rogue: How did you come up with the idea for your trilogy, Songs of the Heart, Feathers on the Floor, and Stars in Your Eyes?
Amber: Like most females, I had a crush or two on rock stars when I was a teenager. However, the stereotypical rock star is not known for being faithful to one woman. But I played one of my favorite writing exercises--What If. What If a rock star loves one woman enough to be faithful? What If that woman has a secret that won't let her trust his love? What If their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and the interference of well-meaning friends and family? Though I rewrote SONGS OF THE HEART many times over the fourteen years it took for the idea to develop into a publishable story, Geoff and Shannon were two characters who stayed in my mind until I gave them their happily-ever-after.
The idea for FEATHERS ON THE FLOOR developed as I was writing SONGS. A former bodyguard who handled physical confrontation every day and a studious psychiatrist who resolved conflict with calming words are pretty opposite personalities. However, as Julia faced a husband who turned abusive and Mitch's emotional trauma from the past surfaced, they were perfect to help each other heal.
STARS IN YOUR EYES was also born as I wrote SONGS OF THE HEART. Zach and Lauren had been in love for years but were too busy convincing themselves that their separate lives were perfect to admit they really wanted each other. When Zach suffers a heart attack, he and Lauren realize they've wasted a lot of time they could have been sharing.
Rogue: What expertise did you bring to your writing and these three books?
All three books deal with deeply emotional issues--including losing a child, domestic violence, facing death--and finding the courage to heal and open your heart to loving again. In the years I worked for a social service agency and in my personal life, I've seen people do this. It still amazes me!
Rogue: What would you like your readers to know about you that may not be in your bio?
Amber: I love dogs--all sizes and breeds and personalities. They are incredible teachers if only we pay attention to the lessons they offer.
Rogue: A little on the personal side, what can you tell us about your plans for your dog sanctuary?
Amber: I was just under a year old when a Collie came into my life. He was my pillow, my protector and my confidante. He started my life-long love affair with dogs. When I started working at the local animal shelter about three years ago, I realized many dogs who didn't do well in a shelter absolutely blossomed when they went home with a family. So my dream of a very special dog rescue and sanctuary took root. Animal communicators to greet new arrivals and explain what was happening. Healing hands to soothe and comfort. Soft beds to sleep on and people to cuddle with. Other dogs to play with and an ever-changing range of smells to explore. My goal is to sell my house in town and buy property where my current crew of dogs and I can settle in, then start welcoming new arrivals. You can read a bit about us at <http://www.quantumcanines.com/>.
Rogue: As far as writing goes, what are your future plans?
Amber: After three releases in less than twelve months, this year has slowed down as I focus on setting up a dog rescue and sanctuary. My next release will be a novella in an anthology from Rogue Phoenix Press in February 2010 with two authors I have known and respected for many years. After that novella is finished, I'll be working on a series of nine drama/action romance books that are impatiently waiting to be written.
Rogue: Anything else you might want to add?
Amber: I love to sponsor contests and give away prizes. We're running contests on the Rogue's Angels blog <http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/> and I'll also soon be announcing a new contest on my writing Web site at <genene@genenevalleau.com>. I hope you take the time to enter--and maybe win!
Thank you so much: Genene/Amber
Amber: I read a book I didn't particularly care for and thought, "I can write better than that!" Of course, once I actually sat down to write, I learned it's not quite as easy as saying, "I'm going to write a book."
Rogue: How did you come up with the idea for your trilogy, Songs of the Heart, Feathers on the Floor, and Stars in Your Eyes?
Amber: Like most females, I had a crush or two on rock stars when I was a teenager. However, the stereotypical rock star is not known for being faithful to one woman. But I played one of my favorite writing exercises--What If. What If a rock star loves one woman enough to be faithful? What If that woman has a secret that won't let her trust his love? What If their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and the interference of well-meaning friends and family? Though I rewrote SONGS OF THE HEART many times over the fourteen years it took for the idea to develop into a publishable story, Geoff and Shannon were two characters who stayed in my mind until I gave them their happily-ever-after.
The idea for FEATHERS ON THE FLOOR developed as I was writing SONGS. A former bodyguard who handled physical confrontation every day and a studious psychiatrist who resolved conflict with calming words are pretty opposite personalities. However, as Julia faced a husband who turned abusive and Mitch's emotional trauma from the past surfaced, they were perfect to help each other heal.
STARS IN YOUR EYES was also born as I wrote SONGS OF THE HEART. Zach and Lauren had been in love for years but were too busy convincing themselves that their separate lives were perfect to admit they really wanted each other. When Zach suffers a heart attack, he and Lauren realize they've wasted a lot of time they could have been sharing.
Rogue: What expertise did you bring to your writing and these three books?
All three books deal with deeply emotional issues--including losing a child, domestic violence, facing death--and finding the courage to heal and open your heart to loving again. In the years I worked for a social service agency and in my personal life, I've seen people do this. It still amazes me!
Rogue: What would you like your readers to know about you that may not be in your bio?
Amber: I love dogs--all sizes and breeds and personalities. They are incredible teachers if only we pay attention to the lessons they offer.
Rogue: A little on the personal side, what can you tell us about your plans for your dog sanctuary?
Amber: I was just under a year old when a Collie came into my life. He was my pillow, my protector and my confidante. He started my life-long love affair with dogs. When I started working at the local animal shelter about three years ago, I realized many dogs who didn't do well in a shelter absolutely blossomed when they went home with a family. So my dream of a very special dog rescue and sanctuary took root. Animal communicators to greet new arrivals and explain what was happening. Healing hands to soothe and comfort. Soft beds to sleep on and people to cuddle with. Other dogs to play with and an ever-changing range of smells to explore. My goal is to sell my house in town and buy property where my current crew of dogs and I can settle in, then start welcoming new arrivals. You can read a bit about us at <http://www.quantumcanines.com/>.
Rogue: As far as writing goes, what are your future plans?
Amber: After three releases in less than twelve months, this year has slowed down as I focus on setting up a dog rescue and sanctuary. My next release will be a novella in an anthology from Rogue Phoenix Press in February 2010 with two authors I have known and respected for many years. After that novella is finished, I'll be working on a series of nine drama/action romance books that are impatiently waiting to be written.
Rogue: Anything else you might want to add?
Amber: I love to sponsor contests and give away prizes. We're running contests on the Rogue's Angels blog <http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/> and I'll also soon be announcing a new contest on my writing Web site at <genene@genenevalleau.com>. I hope you take the time to enter--and maybe win!
Thank you so much: Genene/Amber
Hey, Genene, I enjoyed your blog!
ReplyDeleteNice interview. I love that you are working so hard toward getting a dog sanctuary set up. It's so kind of you. Good luck with it! I know it will be a blessing for you and the doggies. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Alice! Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment!
ReplyDeleteI've been outside much of the day--which felt so good! But am just now getting back to computer work, so my apologies for being slow to respond!
Hey, Piper! Thanks for the good wishes for the dog sanctuary. I love doggies so much that I think I will benefit as much as they will. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Genene, I checked out your doggie website. I love it. But I've heard so much about your feline friends, I wished for better pictures. It will be fun to follow your journey.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Chris! If pictures of my doggies start showing up all over, you may be sorry you asked for more! I do have more pages in the works for my Quantum Canines Web site--that project will just have to wait a bit longer until other things are finished!
ReplyDelete