Amber Leigh Williams is a Harlequin romance writer who
lives on the US Gulf Coast. She lives for beach days, the smell of real
books, and spending time with her husband and their two
young children. When she’s not keeping up with
rambunctious little ones (and two large dogs), she can usually be
found reading a good book or indulging her inner foodie. Amber is represented
by the D4EO Literary Agency.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS
About the Book:
Wedding
planner Roxie Honeycutt can make happy-ever-after come true for anyone except
herself. Freshly divorced and done with love, she's okay with watching clients
walk down the aisle. What's not okay? Sharing a charming Victorian house with
accountant Byron Strong. He's frustratingly sexy and determined to keep her
confused.
Roxie thought Byron's expertise was
numbers, yet somehow he sees her for who she really is. Somehow he understands
the hurt she hides behind a trademark smile. Suddenly romance is tempting
again, even if it means risking another heartbreak.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Amazon
Before you started writing your book, what kind of research
did you do to prepare yourself?
For Wooing the Wedding
Planner, I focused on heavier subjects – what it takes to overcome grief,
depression…subjects I’ve been hesitant to approach in previous books. I knew
the emotional scope of these characters would dig a bit deeper so the research
was invaluable.
Did you pursue publishers or did you opt to self-pub?
Naturally, I went the same route as previous books. This was
my first three-book deal with Harlequin Superromance so I got to complete the
first leg of my series with the imprint as well as explore ideas for more.
Did you purposefully choose a distinct month to release your
book? Why?
When I send in the final manuscript, it falls into the
publication queue, which is anywhere from eight months to a year from
completion. However, if the book centers around holidays like Christmas or New
Years, it often gets released around that time period.
How did you choose your cover?
The Harlequin art department provides cover art for all
Superromance novels, but authors do get some input.
Did you write your book, then revise or revise as you went?
I wrote the first three chapters then discussed my vision
for the story with my editor. She helped me focus on the journey of the
characters and where they needed to go, romantically and individually, so the
original chapters and vision as well as her ideas became a springboard to get
the story where it needed to go and the book, thankfully, rounded out in a
satisfying way.
What’s your opinion on giving your book away to sell other
copies of your book?
I prefer to give away gift cards to readers. I’ve learned
that giving away a free book doesn’t draw people to buy pages. It’s more
beneficial, I think, to give away gift cards to book sites like Amazon or
Barnes & Noble while promoting a title sold online there.
What are three of the most important things you believe an
author should do before their book is released?
Explore promotional options and figure out which is best
suited to you. I’ve enjoyed my virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book very
much. It’s important also to build a website and a brand. Never stop
communicating with your readers through your e-newsletter, social networking
sites or blog and website.
What are three of the most important things you believe an
author should do after their book is released?
Keep drawing people to your website and buy pages. Find
creative ways to get them there. Reviews and social networking graphics are
great ways to do this. Build your readership.
Do you have a long term plan with your book?
My plan is to keep writing the series. I just wrapped up the
fifth book, which should be published sometime later this year, and I’ve
started researching the sixth. The main characters of Wooing the Wedding Planner, Byron and Roxie, will undoubtedly make
an appearance as the series arc expands.
What would you like to say to your readers and fans about
your book?
It’s an interesting clash between a tried and true skeptic
and the eternal optimist. It’s a heartwarming romance about two people who
struggle to move forward in a way that many people in real life do. It’s a
story of love, but it’s also about hope and overcoming and I hope readers find
some solace in that and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
GIVEAWAY!
Amber is giving away a $50 B&N Gift Card!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a $50 B&N Gift Card.
- This giveaway ends midnight April 28.
Good luck everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment