Fab Firsts is my new regular Sunday feature, that is going to be highlighting books that are firsts. When interviewing authors, it will be about their first book, as well as other firsts in their lives. When reviewing books for this feature, there will be a mix of debuts, first books in a series, the first time I read an author, and possibly other firsts depending on what I can think of!
If you are an author wanting to take part in Fab Firsts then please do email on gilbster at gmail dot com and I'll whizz the questions over to you.
I hope you enjoy this look at a variety of hopefully fabulous firsts, while making some sort of dent in my review and paperback TBRs which are my current main focus!
Hi, my name is Amanda Vint, and I’m a new author. I’m married with three children and I live in the North West of England. I released my first book (Live and Learn) in October 2016. I’ve been writing stories since I was a child, and I have always loved using that overactive imagination of mine! It was just a pipedream at first, but this year something felt different and I knew that I had to bite the bullet and start publishing my own work. I’ve since gone on to release five books; Live and Learn, Twists and Turns, and Clarity (which are a three part series), Leaving it Late and Alpha, which are all available on Amazon Kindle. I am currently in the process of starting my new book which should be released at the start of 2017. I specialise in writing romance novels, but romances with a difference – as love is never straightforward!
1) Can you tell us a bit about your first book?
My first book ‘Live and Learn’ is about a young woman called Eleanor who, upon her multi-millionaire father’s death, inherits the family business. Eleanor goes on to meet someone at work and fall in love with him – but he is not all he seems. I can’t really say much more than that without giving anything away! It’s full of twists and turns though, and the story is far from over.
2) What was your original inspiration to become a writer, and to write your debut?
I have written stories ever since I was a child, so writing has always been a passion of mine. I was hit by inspiration one night as I was watching a documentary about billionaires! I just had the urge to pick up my laptop and start writing – and it went from there.
3) How long did it take you to write your first book?
It took me, on and off, about four weeks to write my first book. It was in the middle of the school holidays that I started writing, so I had to write around my children’s schedule.
4) If you could do anything differently in retrospect, what would you change about your debut, or how you went about writing it?
I now write when my children are at school, so I think I would have waited before starting the first book. But I suppose when the inspiration hits, you just have to go for it. The only thing that I would change about the first book is the ending – I’m not sure some people realise that the story continues for another two books afterwards!
5) Was your first book self or traditionally published, and how did you go about making that decision?
My first book was self published. It had always been a dream of mine to have a book published, so I looked up online how to go about doing it. I was very nervous at first, and it took a lot of courage to actually go through with the process. I wondered whether anyone would actually like what came out of my head!
6) Do you have any tips for other first time authors?
Just to go for it. Don’t hold back. It does leave you feeling nervous, but once the first book is out there, it’s a breeze to start releasing more work. Not everyone is going to like your style of books, but that’s okay. There are a lot of people around who will enjoy it, and if you can spread a little enjoyment to just one person, then it’s worth it.
Tell us about your first…
7) Book you bought
Friends and Brothers by Dick King-Smith. I bought it at a book fair in junior school, and I absolutely loved it.
8) Person you fell in love with
My husband, 12 and a half years ago. He’s my rock and my best friend.
9) Holiday you went on
Malta when I was seven years old. The place is gorgeous and will be a setting for one of my books one day!
10) Prize you won
An ‘Alf’ teddy when I was little. My grandmother used to write slogans for competitions, and she won it for me. I used to always enter colouring competitions as well. I won a few, but I can’t remember what prize I won off them.
11) Pet
Two budgies, named Polly and Joey (after ‘Polly put the kettle on’ and Joey from the sitcom Bread – going back many years with that one!)
12) Time you felt like an adult
When I got married. I was 21 (too young when I look back!), and I remember the strange thud of being an adult dawn upon me because I was someone’s wife!
Thank you for telling us all about Live and Learn.
After her multi-millionaire father's death, Eleanor's life was forced in a different direction.Whilst her mother and sister inherited money, Eleanor was given the business to run. Not wanting to let her beloved father down, she was determined to make it work...but life had other plans in store, including throwing love in her path. Ignoring her late-father's advice, Eleanor was about to learn the hard way...
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