PUYB Virtual Book Club Chats with Amber Leigh Williams

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:

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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!

ENTER TO WIN!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway