Amanda Marquardt: Author Spotlight Interview
Meet this debut indie author who just released the first book in her small-town romantic suspense duet!
I’ve had the immense pleasure of getting to know this author over the last few months + beta reading her debut novel, When Sparks Fly. She is such a kind person + her book is SO good! I can’t wait to present her interview so, let’s get into it.
The Interview
Q: Starting with everyone’s favorite: tell us a little about yourself.
A: Well, I’m a thirty something mom of four, blue collar wife, and overall chaos coordinator. Aside from writing, I homeschool my school aged kiddos, and generally find myself too much to do.
Q: What has your writing + author journey been like?
A: As a child, I wrote constantly, starting around age eight. Short stories mainly, that were usually fantasy or romance based. I wanted to be an author but everyone around me convinced me that it wasn’t a lucrative job, that I’d never make a living that way. So like many in this field, I pushed it aside, coming back to it periodically but not really taking it seriously until this year.
Q: What has been the most difficult aspect of being an independent author? What has been the best?
A: When I decided to publish, I knew without a doubt that I would go the indie route. Personally I’m too type A to hand over control, and too ADHD to wait years for other people to get on board. So having autonomy over the timeline and finished project has been my favorite part. There’s a learning curve but I’ve always loved learning and so I started by joining writing groups and learning all I could on the process while I wrote my first draft. I’ve met some really helpful, amazing people along the way. I’ve also met some assholes. That’s just life. The journey can be lonely. Even with author groups, you’re often at a different point in the process and sometimes like strangers passing in the night.
Q: When Sparks Fly is a small-town cowboy romance with some suspense. What inspired you to write in this genre?
A: When Sparks Fly was inspired, in part, by an event that happened to me personally. It made me look at a seemingly small decision with “what if” lenses, and I wanted to explore that. Exploring this wouldn’t have the same effect in the city. There are aspects of the characters and story that needed to maintain the small town vibe. Also, I’m a Texas girl through and through, and lived on the cusp of city and small town frequently so the setting is natural to me.
Q: Maci + Sutton both have amazing, strong personalities. Was there a reason you wrote them this way?
A: Initially, Maci was conceptualized by looking at myself and then having her choose all the bold moves. Like the story, she is no longer what I originally imagined. She developed her own personality along the way. Sutton was taking the quintessential rancher and tipping him on his side. Maybe he’s quiet but not broody, maybe strong and chivalrous but also empowering. They really created themselves though!
Q: The family secrets + suspense storylines gave me multiple “WTF” + “OMG no way” moments! You’ve been pretty transparent about that leading to a cliffhanger. How long are you going to torture your readers until the second book (When the Smoke Clears) comes out?
A: Hah! When the Smoke Clears is scheduled to release in March and it is available for preorder. I anticipate the actual release date changing a little, and I’ll keep everyone posted through my newsletter and socials.
Q: What are some goals you have for yourself as an author or for your books?
A: This is such a loaded question, haha! My primary goal is to finish the duet. I think my goals are fluid and I’ll always be reevaluating where I am and what success looks like. For now, continue to grow and reach more readers. Eventually, I’d like to dip into fantasy and also write a children’s book. I’m trying not to over complicate it much for now!
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
A: Start writing. If you don’t have tough skin, develop it quickly. Art is subjective, and readers and authors have strong opinions. Learn to hang onto what you like and brush off what isn’t helpful. Just because you don’t write like someone else or want to achieve what they have, doesn’t mean they don’t have something to offer in the way of advice. Similarly, just because you hope to achieve what others have doesn’t mean they’re the best to give you advice. Be willing to fail and grow.
The Book
Blurb:
Death has a way of bringing family secrets and drama to the surface.
When my grandmother passes unexpectedly, neither are in short supply. That’s why I need to get to Bull Creek for Nana’s funeral and get out. Instead, my mother continues to bring up the past and now she’s sharing secrets I didn’t even know she had.
To make matters worse, a one-night stand to let off steam goes sideways, and a local cattle rancher seems set on wooing me. Every day spent in the small town threatens my resolve. And more. But when things finally seem to be coming to a close, I’m not sure what I even want anymore.
What’s the cost of making it out of town for good?
When Sparks Fly is perfect for lovers of small-town, cowboy romance who enjoy a side of suspense. While it will leave you on the edge of your seat, The Fallout Duet does have a guaranteed happily ever after.
I absolutely adored this book + can’t wait for the next one; you can see my review for When Sparks Fly here.
If you are ready to read it for yourself, make sure to grab it here!
That’s all for this one. Make sure you are following Amanda to get all the updates on her books. You can also sign up for her newsletter where she sends special stuff out for her subscribers sometimes!
Amanda also has Street Team applications open, so if you love small town romance, check it out!
If you have read When Sparks Fly already, I would love for you to tell me what you thought! You can let me know in the comments here or on my IG.
Thanks for reading this interview + I hope to see you again soon!
