Monday, October 3, 2016

Meet the Blogger with Amber Schamel




I had the pleasure of meeting this month's guest, Amber Schamel, about 3 years ago. An historical and Biblical fiction writer, she's smart and dedicated, and committed to telling a good story. 

Her latest book, Dawn of Liberty, joins several others to her credit and promises to be a winner. If you have a minute, stop by Amber's website. It's a fun place to find excerpts of her books, giveaways, quizzes, and games. 




Welcome, Amber! Can you share a little about why you started blogging? How long have you had your current blog? 

I was first introduced to the blogging community around 2009. My first blog was a family blog where we shared some insights and stories about life in a large family. (I’m the 2nd born of 12.) I really enjoy getting to know folks through blogging. I moved on from the family blog to history and fiction blogging. I’ve been doing that since 2013. 

Blogging is a great way to meet people from all over the world, that's for sure. What else do you discuss on your blog? Are you part of any other blogging communities?

I have my own blog, but I’m also a part of two group blogs. My personal blog is more random and can contain anything from history tidbits to family stories, author updates and musings about life and faith. I'm a part of Stitches Thru Time, a group blog that brings together people who love history, books, and crafts. It’s a super fun group of people, and I enjoy hanging out there. 

I’m also a part of the Heroes, Heroines and History blog which features history tidbits every day. Since I’m a history nerd, I LOVE this. Not to mention many of the blog writers are also writers of Christian fiction, which I also love. ;) 

It seems history is in your DNA! :) I've visited the Stitches Thru Time blog. It's a great source of interesting and informative historical stories and tidbits.  What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

Blogging has helped mold my writing skills, as well as taught me to keep deadlines. My blog posts usually require a lot of research, so I learn all kinds of things that way as well. I find blogs to be a lot like virtual coffee shops. You can hang out there and talk to people, get to know them, and discuss interesting subjects. I love it. 

"Virtual coffee shops" - I like that term. It's true, isn't it? What  are you working on right now? 

I recently released a collection of short stories on Samuel Adams and the signing of the Declaration of Independence called DAWN OF LIBERTY. I’m so excited to see the reviews coming in with comments like “I now feel like I know Sam Adams.” and “It brought history to life.” As an author, that is my continual project, to bring HIStory to life for readers. Now that Dawn of Liberty is out for purchase, I’m working on a story about a would-be attorney who flees his failure by joining the Union army during the Civil War. His best friend gets in a bind, and Caleb has to decide to face his fear, or let his friend hang. 

Dawn of Liberty sounds like a good read, as does your WIP. Will look forward to learning more about that too. What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

Well, when people first meet me in person they are surprised at how old I am. I’m twenty-five, but I manage to still look 16. That’s because I found Eternal Life at 16 and haven’t aged since. ;) 

Maintaining age 16 sounds like a good idea. :) What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?  

Be specific, and be consistent. What I mean by that is find a topic or two that you want to blog on, and stick to those. Don’t be sporadic. The bottom-line is readers want to know what to expect, what type of post they will receive from you, and how often. 


Great advice, Amber. So glad you stopped by to see us!

Thank you, Karen! 

More About Amber 
 
Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen books. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on her website, at the Stitches Thru Time or Heroes, Heroines and History blogs, or on any of the major social media sites. Amber is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. 

Website 
Blog
Facebook 
Pinterest 
Goodreads
Amazon
Twitter

Do you enjoy history? Have any questions for Amber? What are you reading this week? 

Happy reading and writing,
Karen

24 comments :

  1. Enjoy the youthful appearance, Amber. It really pays off when you have several decades behind you.

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    1. Haha, so I am told. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It's nice to meet you.

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  2. That's great to see someone so young still excited about history.

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    1. Hello Alex,
      I do love history. I hope to spread my love of history to other folk's as well.
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Diane,
    I agree! It has its perks! :) Thanks for coming by.

    Alex,
    History is fascinating, isn't it? Appreciate you coming to see us! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  4. I love history. I'd prefer a museum to Disney World any day.

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    1. Oh, me too! I spend so much time in museums that my family is begging to leave. Lol
      Nice to meet you, Elizabeth.

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  5. Wonderful to meet Amber. The older I get the more I enjoy learning about history. Wishing Amber all the best!
    ~Jess

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    1. Hello Jess,
      So nice to meet you as well! Thanks for stopping by today.

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  6. Hi Karen and Amber! I really enjoy historical fiction, so Amber, you are writing for me! I much prefer it over dry, straight historical facts. I'll have to check out your books. What a pleasure to meet you today!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    Replies
    1. Hello Ceil,
      It's so nice to meet you! I'm always glad to meet another historical fiction lover. :)

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  7. Hello Karen. Thanks for the informative interview with Amber. Wow! The second of 12 children! That must have been a very busy household. How wonderful Amber writes about something she loves. Susan

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    1. Ha, yes. A very busy household! It affords lots of humor and inspiration. ;)

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  8. Elizabeth,
    Oh, I'm with you. History wins for sure! :) No comparison, right?

    Jess,
    Yes, I like history more now too. Guess we appreciate its depth more as we get older, maybe? Glad you met Amber! :)

    Ceil,
    I suspect you might like Amber's books. I too, am an historical fiction fan. Really helps bring things to light. Thanks for coming to see us! :)

    Susan,
    Hi back! :) I suspect Amber's home is still a bit busy. So glad you got to meet her.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  9. I really enjoy reading historical fiction. I'm looking forward to reading this.


    www.ficklemillennial.wordpress.com

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    1. Hello Gina!
      I hope you enjoy it! I had so much fun writing with Samuel Adams. He's a fantastic character.

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  10. Nice meeting you, Amber, and wishing you all the best in your writing! Your passions are inspiring, and speaking as a grandmother of homeschooled grandkids, quite a model :-) My 8-year old granddaughter is already hooked on writing--maybe she has books in her future, too.

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    1. Hello Kenda! So nice to meet you as well! Homeschooling was a great opportunity for me, as I am sure it is for your grandkids. We'll need a new generation of authors coming up!

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  11. Yay, Amber! Great to meet you. I love having friends all over the globe from blogging! I tell my husband we could go anywhere and I'd know someone nearby.

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    1. Haha, so true! Wouldn't it be fun to meet all those 'virtual' people sometime?
      Thanks for stopping by, it's nice to meet you.

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  12. Congratulations, Amber. Best of success with your new book. I really like the cover. Such a nice reprieve from seeing the usual bosom beauty. Thanks for introducing Amber, Karen. Happy IWSG Day.

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    1. Hello Joylene, I love your name, BTW. So pretty. :)
      Thanks for stopping by today. It's nice to meet you. My cover designer, Roseanna White did a fantastic job on the cover. I like it too! :D

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  13. Gina,
    Historical fiction is interesting, isn't it? Thanks for coming to see us! :)

    Kenda,
    Glad you got to meet Amber! Your granddaughter sounds like she is following in your steps. :)

    Crystal,
    Hey, this is true, right? Friends all over is a good thing! :) Happy Birthday to you!

    Joylene,
    The cover is nice, I agree. You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed the interview.:) Happy IWSG day to you too!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  14. I'm seriously late to this party, but I'm glad I made it. I've read all of Amber's books and enjoyed them. I don't know how you keep up with so many blogs. I'm impressed. :)

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!