with Amber Stockton

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Welcome back to Patterings, Amber!
What verse is special to you right now?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. There are usually several at any given moment. But if I had to narrow it down to 1, I’d say it’s Matthew 6:25 (NASB): “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” This passage on worrying hits home at various times when the finances get tight, or the contracts don’t come, etc. But then God reminds me that He’s got it all under control, and I need to lean on my faith to get me through the tough times. He’s always been faithful, and I know He always will be. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

What do you do in your free time? OR What would you do if you had free time?
LOL! I like the second part of the question. Free time is definitely at a minimum these days with a writing career, at-home business and an infant at home. But, I do my best to make some down-time, and when I have it, I usually watch Dr. Quinn on DVD, play games on the computer, or read a book.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That I’d be more vulnerable and honest with others, more approachable. I struggle quite a lot with feelings of loneliness and isolation, wondering why people don’t seem to want to invest time in my life. But I can’t help but wonder if it’s something I’m doing that’s pushing them away and keeping them at arm’s length. I’d love to find someone or even 2-3 others who could become close, personal friends.

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote?
I’d have to say Shannon, primarily because of her desire to maintain the simple and basic life she led. There are times when I wish the same thing, especially when I think about all the modern “conveniences” we have that are supposed to make our lives easier, but only end up making them more complicated and impersonal. There is something to be said for keeping things simple, and I admired Shannon for the stand she took.

If this book is part of a series, tell us about the series.
Patterns and Progress is the third in my Michigan historical series which began with Copper and Candles, followed by Hearts and Harvest. The focus is on the Industrial Revolution and all the opportunities that are opened up as a result of the industry and technological developments taking place during this era in history. When I assembled this series, the financial recession and tough economic times were just starting to hit our country. So, as I discovered similar economic situations in the past, I thought it would be fun to pursue that theme and showcase the differences in how people responded over 100 years ago compared to how they’re responding today to the financial situations. Quite a difference…and unfortunately, not all good.

What part of writing do you enjoy the most?
I’d have to say the editing. I’m a fast writer and can often pump out a full novel in a month or two, but it’s the editing and revisions where the real meat of the story is created. It’s not easy cutting parts, but I know from that snipping will come an even better story.

What sparks a story for you?
It can be anything. A conversation, an article, a movie, another book, or even just seeing someone at an every day sort of place. My mind is always whirring with ideas and inspiration. It’s just a matter of singling out the stories that will work.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
As of right now, I am without a contract, but I have several circulating with editors and I’m praying for a contract before the end of the year. What a fantastic Christmas present that would be!

You can read an excerpt of each of Amber's books at her website, here.

Amber is giving away the winner's choice of any 1 of her 6 books. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment and check back on Sunday, December 20th to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on each post in this spotlight. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.

Don't forget we have Margaret Brownley in the author spotlight this week with a book giveaway that will end THIS Sunday.

8 comments:

  1. How cool, choice of book! Please count me in.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've really enjoyed this interview. Amber sounds like a lovely, talented lady!

    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Enjoyed day 2 of the interview. Please enter me in the drawing.

    cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. please enter me I will be so down after Christmas I will need something to read that will lift my spirit.

    Merry Christmas

    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous6:16 PM

    loved reading this interview.

    karenk
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Enjoyed the interview. Please enter me in the drawing. JoAnn

    joann4us(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. The interview was fun to read. Please enter me in the drawing. ~Abby

    abster dot rose at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Would love to read this:) Please enter me. Thanks!!
    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

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