So, on to the interview, :)
ME: What's one thing that inspired you to write How a Star Falls?
AMBER: Dancing. I’m not a professional dancer by any stretch of the imagination, but I will claim to be a passionate dancer—be it around the house or at a square dance. :) One of my initial concepts of the story involved stars personified, dancing something like the polka as they sparkled in the sky.
Well...the story grew and changed a bit from the first glimmers of ideas, but the dancing theme remained, taking center stage in several scenes throughout the novella. I love the freedom and emotion behind the activity. (In fact, readers of my historical romance stories have probably already caught on to my affinity for dancing, given the numerous times I include it in my plots!)
ME: That's so neat! I love dancing too; from square-dancing to ballet. I think I'm even more excited to read How a Star Falls now! :)
One great book you've read this year, and what made it great?
AMBER: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith. (You can read my review HERE.) It’s a really sweet YA contemporary romance, with a great small-town setting, a whimsical boy-meets-girl plot, and some deeper thoughts about life and relationships.
A bit like How a Star Falls, if I may presume to compare my style to Jennifer’s lovely writing! If readers enjoy my novella, I definitely recommend Jennifer’s stories, as they’re in pretty much the same genre (just featuring high-schoolers instead of new adults). I’ve read her first two books, and I’m looking forward to finishing her third sometime.
ME: Sounds sweet, :) I'll have to add Jennifer's books to my to-read shelf!
What's something you love about being an author?
AMBER: I love the opportunity to express my heart and to work through my thoughts in story format. To fall a little more in love with graces and places, and to burrow truths deeper within myself and hopefully help others who read the stories to do the same.
ME: Well said! :) I think that would sum up what I feel as a writer too, :) Thanks for sharing, Amber!!
Now let's take a look at Amber's lovely, new novella.
About the Book
Sweet NA Contemporary Romance Novella
How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.
Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.
Then Brielle falls into his world.
She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.
And his whole world falls apart.
A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.
Author Bio
Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home. Learn more about Amber’s books at http://www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com/.
Social Media Links
Twitter: @SeasonsHumility
Pinterest: pinterest.com/seasonshumility
Goodreads: Amber Stokes
Google +: +AmberStokes
Endorsements
"Perfect for when you want a whimsical, heartwarming read, How a Star Falls is more than an inspirational romance...it's a wink and a smile." - Joanne Bischof, award winning author of This Quiet Sky
"Amber Stokes has perfectly expressed the challenges of twenty-something life in her sweet contemporary new adult novella, How a Star Falls. Brielle and Derrick's journey reminds us all of the search to find ourselves in the midst of young adulthood. Their story is charming and wistful with emotions we can all relate to experiencing at some point in our lives. It is a tale about letting go in order to find yourself once again while never losing the importance of who you are...and who you can be." - Cerella Sechrist, author of Gentle Persuasion and The Paris Connection
"Though not typically a reader of contemporary fiction, I found How a Star Falls to be a wonderfully told story of both sweet romance and coming to terms with the fact that even though life doesn't always turn out exactly as we dreamed it would, even our undesirable circumstances can lead to a bright future." - Jaye L. Knight, author of Ilyon Chronicles
Rafflecopter Giveaway
Share in the excitement of Amber’s new release with a special starry giveaway! You can enter to win one of three prize packs using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to U.S. residents only.
(Please use the link above to get to the rafflecopter form; or visit one of the blogs below)
Tuesday, November 18th
- Interview at A Writer's Heart
- Review at Jaye L. Knight
Wednesday, November 19th
- Review at My Favorite Pastime
- Spotlight at A Northern Belle
Thursday, November 20th
- Interview at Crafty Booksheeps
- Review at The Wonderings of One Person
Friday, November 21st
- Interview at Buzzing about Books
- Review at Labor Not in Vain
Saturday, November 22nd
- Interview at The Curried Nut
- Review at To Be A Person
Sunday, November 23rd
- Review at Flowers of Quiet Happiness
- Review at Rachelle Rea
Monday, November 24th
- Interview & review at The Green Mockingbird
- Review at Carissa's Bookshelf
- Review at Dreaming Under the Same Moon
Tuesday, November 25th
- Interview at Thilly Little Nothings
- Review at i blog 4 books
Wednesday, November 26th
- Winners announced at Seasons of Humility
During the tour, you'll also find fun behind-the-scenes posts at The Heart's Spring.
Hope all enjoyed this post, :) Add How a Star Falls to your to-read list, and be sure to pick it up soon!! :) :)
A fellow square dancer! I think you're going to enjoy Chapter 4 then. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting me, Shantelle! The questions were fun to answer, and I appreciate the sweet welcome and support here on your lovely blog.
~Amber
Ooh, I'm excited! :) :) Yes, I've only done square dancing once, but I loved it! Also enjoy the Virginia reel and other such old-fashion dances.
DeleteYour welcome, it was a lot of fun! Thanks for including me! :)
Ah yes, you have to love the Virginia reel! That's the sort of dance I pictured happening in Falk toward the end of Bleeding Heart. :)
Delete~Amber
So much fun!! :) Ah, I have to read Forget Me Not and Bleeding Heart over again!! :)
DeleteIt blesses me so much to know you'd want to read them again! :D
DeleteA good story just pipes up to be read again. I would love to re-read them!! :) Keep writing, Amber! :) :)
Delete*Big hugs*
Delete:) :) *gesture returned*
DeleteI have always wanted to dance as my husband is an amazing dancer! Great interview! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! :)
DeleteYes, dancing is great. I can't claim to be a very good dancer, but it sure is a lot of fun! :) :)
Thanks for commenting!
Oh Laura, you simply must go out dancing then! It's a rare blessing to find a great guy who also dances. ;) And I agree with Shantelle - dancing is so much fun, no matter the skill level!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the interview, and I appreciate you checking it out. :)
~Amber