Interview & Giveaway!! Amanda Tru ~ Author of The Random Acts of Cupid!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Amanda!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 


By day, I am a wife and a mommy to three little boys, ranging in age from 6 to 6 months.  By night, I write Christian Romance and Suspense.  I have a lot of different interests and enjoy writing plots with plenty of twists and surprises.  I live in a small town in Idaho where my nearest neighbors are a small but rowdy pack of coyotes.

What is your book, The Random Acts of Cupid, about? 

Elise Hutchins has a secret. She likes to anonymously play matchmaker for people she doesn’t really know. But when lawyer Ryan Jenkins discovers she’s Seattle’s Cupid, he thinks her methods are deceptive and she shouldn’t be interfering in the lives of others. Now Elise has 24 hours to present her case and prove her character to Ryan. Otherwise, he will reveal her secret and ruin her reputation along with possibly all of the good she’s done. Will following her around on her Cupid errands change his mind about her? And, in the end, will Elise sacrifice her own chance at love to make one final match for her best friend?

The story is based somewhat on one of my own experiences, which I fully, and with much embarrassment, confess in the Author’s Note at the end of the book.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

I am a certified Elementary school teacher.  I taught 5th grade and 3rd grade before deciding to stay home with my kiddos.  I used to make up stories for my students to go along with whatever we were studying at the time, and though teaching was a lot of work, I loved it.  I still miss it, but I’m very thankful I get to be both a full-time mommy and an author like I’ve always dreamed.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I don’t recall ever realizing that’s what I wanted to be.  It’s just a part of who I am.  It’s something I’ve known since I was a child.  I’ve always loved to read, and making up stories in my head has always been just about my favorite form of entertainment.  I officially wrote my first ‘book’ when I was about 13, and that was probably when my dream seemed possible.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite? 

‘The Random Acts of Cupid’ is my 7th book.  I don’t know that I have a favorite.  I like different aspects of each one.  If pressed, I might choose ‘The Locket.’ The storyline for that series has so many twists and is so interwoven; I like how seemingly unimportant details are revealed to have vital significance later.  I also like the underlying message of the series and the fact that it is very unique in being a Christian Time Travel Romance.  I also have a great fondness for ‘Mirage,’ which is Book 2 in my other Christian Romantic Suspense series.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 

I don’t know that any of my writing quirks could be labeled ‘interesting.’ J  I do, however, get my best ideas in the shower!  When my brain gets too foggy to work well or I’m struggling with the wording in a scene, I’ll take a shower.  Without fail, I’ll have it figured out by the time I’m done.  And then it’s a mad dash to get out and dry my hair before I forget it!

Where do you like to write? 

I have a very nice desk in my bedroom.  That I don’t use.  My husband usually uses it while I prop myself in bed with pillows for my back and my laptop in front of me.  I’ll occasionally use the desk or write in the recliner in the living room, but the vast majority of all of my books have been written in bed!

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 

The best part is being able to let other people in to my imagination.  And that’s the worst part too.  I’ve always loved inventing stories in my head, but they were always for my own enjoyment.  As a writer, I allow people access to my imagination, and that’s a bit scary!  What if people don’t like it?  What if people don’t like me?  Being a writer is not easy and is not for the faint of heart.  It’s an emotional journey that inevitably encounters others’ misunderstanding and rejection.  But it also has indescribable rewards.  There’s nothing like having your imagination and hard work appreciated and loved.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

Most of my time is spent with my boys.  We love camping, fishing, sports, blocks, legos, trains, riding bikes, and baking cookies.  Pretty much, we’re into anything boy.  I have a huge lineup of hobbies that I rarely get to indulge in.  When my boys go to bed, I clean (a little J  and then I work on writing.  IF I had time, I love reading, gardening, photography, acting, painting, crocheting, (and anything art).  I also play the violin.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet? 

I have an exceedingly long list of places to visit!  Okay, so realistically, it would be easier to give a list of the places I would NOT like to visit.  All of Europe is at the top of my must-sees, with the rest of the world falling a close second.  I haven’t gotten to do nearly as much travelling as I’d like, but someday . . .

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 

For me, picking a favorite Bible verse is like trying to choose the most exquisite rose in a beautiful rose garden.  My favorite depends almost daily on my need or study.  I love the Psalms, with Psalm 91 and 103 being at the top of my list.  I also love Ephesians 3:20, and since that one has been running through my head a lot lately, it might be my favorite for today. 20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie? 

I could never pick a favorite song.  I like too many and my favorites probably change on a daily basis.  The same could be said of my taste in movies, except I do consistently love the most recent version of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’

What is your favorite holiday? 

Christmas.  I love watching it through the eyes of my children.

A few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Love both, but probably Thunderstorms
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Call or Text? Definitely call.  I think my husband and I are the only people in the country who do not have smart phones or data plans on our cell phones.  Unfortunately, we don’t get reception at our house, so they would be wasted anyway.
Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl
Cats or Dogs? Depends on the dog or cat.  We currently have one beautiful and thoroughly psychotic Siamese cat.
Facebook or Twitter? Yes!  I just recently started figuring out Twitter, and I really like it.  But I still feel loyalty to Facebook as well!

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 

I am currently working on the Book 3 in my ‘Yesterday’ series.  It is the sequel to ‘The Locket’ and is titled ‘Today.’  The only hint I will give is to say that there are a lot of twists and surprises to come.  I’m a little nervous about this one though because after Book 3, I don’t know that readers will let me sleep until I finish Book 4.  No need to worry; I have a plan. J

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thank you, Melanie!  I absolutely love hearing from readers.  Feel free to ask questions or tell me want you liked or what you’d like to see more of.  I really try to listen to my readers, and it is very encouraging to know that people are reading and enjoying my writing!  I’m also always wanting to meet new friends!   You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or at my blog.

Website: http://amandatru.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  I have both an author page and a ‘friend’ page.
     Author page: https://www.facebook.com/amandatru.author?ref=hl
     ‘Friend’ page: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.tru
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/truamanda/

Giveaway!

Enter to win an eBook copy of The Random Acts of Cupid - Kindle or Nook format. Open Internationally! Ends 2/28.

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