Welcome to Amanda Ward, who's here to answer my nosy questions and to tell us more about Without Saying A Word, which, yes, you guessed it, is a story about a male virgin.
Great to have you here, Manda!
Great to have you here, Manda!
Thank you Doris for having me here.
I'm Amanda Ward and I have a novel out with Books To Go Now titled
Without Saying A Word.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
A. Sure, lets see. I live in Bedfordshire in England. I'm a full time mum,
wife, reader, author, book addict and cat lover. Also a major procrastinator. I adore Doris Day films, have recently
discovered that I cannot guess the murderer in any Castle episode, and am a
huge fan of Gilmore Girls, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie and of
course Dr Who. Big all round geek
really. I also love to cook as Doris has
been on the receiving end of some rather expansive lunches.
Q. What made you write ‘this’ story?
A. I have always wanted to read a romance with the hero as a virgin. As I've been getting older (41), I find
myself straying away from books with 20 something year olds. I couldn't find any, so I decided to write
one myself. Here we are two years later
and Without Saying A Word is the type of novel I personally would like to
read. Just hope other readers like it
too.
Q. Tell us about your cover.
A. The cover is seriously beautiful. I
asked for the Cumbrian Moors with clouds swirling around, a few sheep and a
couple on a mound of earth. This is
exactly what the company sent me. I love
the expression on his face. As if she is
the only woman in the world. Laura's
face is directed to the sun, soaking in the warmth.
Q. Describe a typical day’s writing for us
A. There isn't one. I am in a routine
with the children. So until August I have 2 1/2 hours to myself Monday -
Friday. I think for me, when the mood
strikes, and the kids and hubby are quiet, then I can write like the
clappers. Weekends are spent with my
writing T-shirt on, upstairs in the bedroom.
Earplugs in and hubby downstairs with kids. That would be ideal,
however....that is a rare occurrence.…. Strangely enough as is peace and quiet
in the house.
Q. What inspires you?
A. Now that's a good question. Random
things I guess. Memories from the past,
films I've seen. Even a quip from my
husband or children can send a story running at a hundred miles an hour. Too fast for me to get to a notebook and
write it down.
Q. If you weren’t a writer what would you be?
A. I am restarting an Open University course in October with a view to a
History Degree. I have always loved
walking around stately homes and castles, so I would love to be an archivist,
historian or maybe a tour guide once the children are in their late teens which
gives me at least another decade to learn.
However raising children and trying to be a wife and mature adult is
more than enough vocation for me.
Q. Do your characters ever surprise you?
A. Yes they do. I do write out ideas
and the characters names. Then from
there I tend to let the characters speak for themselves.
Q. What could not do without when you’re writing?
A. Peace and quiet. No interruptions
and copious amounts of tea and shortbread biccies!
Q. What words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring authors out there?
A. Don't give up and for heaven's sake do not let yourself procrastinate.
Q. Where do you see yourself in ten year’s time?
A. Alive with a few more grandchildren and able to immerse myself in history
and romance without the cry of "Muuuuum" every so often.
Q. Do you have a favourite quote?
A. There are a few. However my favourite is from Anne of Green Gables the
Sequel. Anne is on the bridge with
Gilbert Blythe at the end of the film and she says to him.
"I went looking for my ideals outside of myself. Discovered it's not what the world holds for
you, it's what you bring to it. The
dreams dearest to my heart are right here"….
Q. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?
A. All the time....and I get so frustrated and angry with myself.
Q. What other books can your readers look forward to?
A. Secret Cravings Publishing are releasing The MisAdventures of Pann Haggerty
in late August this year. I am currently
working on a series for Books To Go Now and the second in the Pann Haggerty
novels. Currently in progress I have
written three chapters of a 20k novella called Seducing Seth.
Q. And finally can you share an excerpt with us?
“Ah, you found my family secret.” Rhean
nudged Laura’s arm in a playful manner.
Laura was confused, yet intrigued at the
same time.
“What family secret?”
“That Leightons marry for love and not
fortune,” he confided in a stage whisper and chuckled. “Can't you tell by the
way they are looking at each other?” Rhean put his arm around her under her
breasts and held her tight. “You have heard the story about how my parents
met?”
Laura shook her head.
“My grandparents own a small bed and
breakfast in Ireland. Dad was over there on business and, as he always said to
us, it was love at first sight. It just so happened to be when Mum served his
breakfast. He used all his Cumbrian charm to persuade her to join him and since
that day, they’ve always breakfasted together. Of course, the Irish influenced
our names too.” He smiled and pulled Laura closer into his embrace, and as he
gazed deep into her hazel eyes, his face became all seriousness.
“Laura, there is something I need to say,
and for me to tell you this, well, it's very difficult. But I need to be
straight with you.”
Laura shook her body, and stepped away
from him with a frown on her face.
“You are going to tell me you are gay,”
she blurted out wildly, pre-empting his speech.
“I had a feeling this was coming. How
could you do this to me now? Well, this is going to make life incredibly
awkward for us.” She wrung her hands in despair and humiliation.
Rhean pulled her back into his arms,
holding her tight despite her struggles
“What on earth are you talking about? I'm
not gay—far, far from it. Would I kiss you like this if I was interested in
men?” His mouth crushed hers, claiming her as his own, branding her.
So what is it you have to tell me then?”
she asked, still reeling from the dominance of his kiss.
“That I have never made love to anyone.”
His voice was calm, his gaze steady as his cheeks flushed crimson.
“Let me get this straight. You mean you
have never had sex? That you are a...?” Laura's voice trailed off and she was
at a loss for words. It was rather a bizarre statement to have made—especially
in the gallery with its echoing atmosphere. Anyone could have heard, and
especially the staff.
That he trusted her enough to tell her a
very intimate secret was flattering, but Laura now regarded Rhean in a whole
new light.
“Not at all, and yes, I am a virgin; a 34-year-old
virgin.”
Sounds great, Manda. Thanks for stopping by and sharing today.
I hope the readers like this excerpt.
If they want to read more, Without Saying A Word is available currently
at Amazon UK
and Amazon.com
Please contact me, I don't bite.
However I may offer you a cup of tea and a biscuit at
Facebook
Offical website on Weebly
Blogger under Kooks Nook
and email of course
mrsajward@hotmail.com
Congrats on your release Manda :)
ReplyDeleteDoris was gentle with me in her probing....winces :D. Thanks for having me here, hope your readers like the interview and extract
ReplyDeleteFantastic interview, Manda! I also have noise/children/animal issues to contend with!
ReplyDeleteGreat Interview Amanda. Congratulations on the book release!
ReplyDeleteJust a heads up, you got a mention in my latest blog post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. There is so much hype about men losing virginity early. It is refreshing to see someone with a different take. I am interested in the rare hook put out here! Thank you for sharing.