Monday, September 16, 2013

Interview with AMBER SCHAMEL and giveaway of HEALER'S TOUCH, ends Sept 20



Welcome AMBER! We are so happy to have you here this week, and that you have agreed to share a bit about yourself.

AMBER: Thanks Kathy! It's great to be here. I've been very excited about this interview, and I'm a big fan of your blog and your writing. ;)


Q: First of all, apple pie and ice cream, apple slices and caramel, or apple juice in your juicer J note the sliding scale from decadence to health?
A: I'll take the ice cream and the fresh apple juice. :) I try to keep everything in balance. My favorite thing from my juicer is celery and carrot juice.

Q: When did you first know you were a writer?
A: I have always had an active imagination and even as a young girl I would make up stories and play them out in my make believe. I started writing those stories down when I was about fourteen. But the real calling came about the time I graduated from High School. I had been doing a lot of study on how media and books affect people's attitudes and worldview. It was astonishing how the subtle messages that have been worked into entertainment over the years has completely transformed our nation and our morals. I realized that someone needed to write stories that upheld morals, faith and godliness. The Lord then led me to Habakkuk 2:2 which says " And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." That became my commission.

Q: How does your faith play into your writing?
A: My faith plays very strongly into my writing. All of my stories come from a distinctly Christian world view with a high moral standard. However I never want my reader to feel like they're being hit over the head with a Bible. :) That hurts.

Q: If you could sit down and interview any person, fictitious or real from any time, who would that be and what is the first question you would ask?
A: Wow, that's a hard question! I would want to interview Jesus. But everything I think about asking Him, He's already left an answer for. I thought about asking Him to explain how much God loves us, but the whole Bible is filled with examples, symbols and types. He would just say to me "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son." I thought about asking Him when the rapture would come, but He would answer "No man knows the day." So I would probably ask Him why I wasn't born during the time when He walked the earth. That's something I've wondered about a lot.

Q: Who have been your mentors, and how did they help you most?
A: The ladies over at Seekerville have been a great inspiration to me and have taught me so much by their blog posts etc. I have also learned a lot from Giovanni, my rep over at Helping Hands Press. He's taught me a lot about marketing and staying in touch with readers.

Q: What do you hope your readers will take away from your debut? And can you hint at any works to come?
A: I want my readers to come to the same realization that Aaliyah does, that bitterness is a terrible disease that is far worse than leprosy. And Jesus Christ is the only one that can heal us of that disease.
Next, I'm working on a Christmas story I'm calling The Swaddling Clothes. Many stories have been told down through the ages about Mary, Joseph and the birth of the Messiah. Stories of shepherds and sheep, kings, angels, and stables. But there is one story that has never been told. One story that has remained hidden in the fabric of time. The story of The Swaddling Clothes.

Q: Do you have a question you would like our blog readers to answer?
A: Have you ever struggled with bitterness? What helped you to overcome it?

Amber is offering a digital edition of The Healer's Touch to one lucky commenter this week. Leave an answer in the comments to her question (in green, above) to enter to win. If you share this post on facebook, twitter, Google+, and if you like or follow any of Amber's links below, let me know for extra entries!  

The Healer's Touch Synopsis:
Aaliyah's last chance at winning her husband's love is destroyed when she is banished from her home as an 'unclean' sinner, exiled to the leper colony. When a chance at being cured comes in the form of a rumor, she must risk her life to appear in public, or die a leper.

Amber Schamel was born in Littleton, CO and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Holy Land. She was raised in a family of 11 children, homeschooled through education and currently works with their 10 family businesses as bookkeeper and marketing director. She volunteers half of the summer at a non-profit Christian Family Bootcamp in rural MO helping and ministering to young girls and Christian families. Amber loves history, culture, reading and music. She has a musical ministry and travels throughout the United States ministering thru song. During her spare time she enjoys crafting Christ-honoring stories that will inspire and encourage her readers. Amber currently lives with her family outside of Colorado Springs, CO.

To learn more about Amber, visit her author website: http://visionwriter.weebly.com

Amber, thank you for being with us this week. I wish you every blessing as you write for His glory!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog this week, Kathy! I've enjoyed hanging out with all of you. I'd love it if ya'll would stop by and say hello. Here's where you can find me.

35 comments:

  1. I LOVE AMBER SCHAMEL!!! I saw this on Twitter and had to come over and say thanks to Kathleen (an upstate lover like myself!!!) and Amber for these lovely words of wisdom...

    Amber, your true heart simply shines for the world to see and I can't wait for the world to see and smile over the talent you've been given and the love you share... and "Swaddling Clothes".... Oh you had me at "Hello!". I think that's a great premise, like "The Crippled Lamb" of how everything has a time and a place of glory.

    God bless you both, and Kathleen you rock for chatting it up with this lovely lady!

    And Amber, thank you for the Seekerville shout-out!!! We love you guys right back!

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    1. Ruthy! So nice to have you visit. I am gearing up to have you and your fantastic upstate NY writing featured and it is just Kismet that you came by!
      I love Amber, too. Such a great hearted gal, who truly writes with a passion for the Lord and a gift with words. Thrilled to have her here this week.

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    2. Hey Ruthy! Awww, you're so sweet. Thanks so much for taking the time to say hi.

      :D I'm pretty excited about The Swaddling Clothes story. I'm working on chapter four right now. The idea actually came about from a veggie tales movie...but that's a different story for a different day.

      I've enjoyed being a part of the Seekerville community! God bless you all.

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  2. I think at some time or other we have all had bitterness. Struggled with it?? I don't think I have. I'm not trying to be a goody goody, but I learned long ago that bitterness can ruin your life. So when I feel I am bitter, I look to find the problem of it and then start working to make the situation right. Bitterness can stiffle a person if it is allowed to just simmer in the back of our lives.

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    1. You are very wise, QG. I love your outlook!

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    2. You're so right, Grannie. :) Bitterness is a vicious cycle that you don't want to get into. That's a very good attitude to have. :)
      Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us!

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  3. Oh, I like what Grannie said and I believe she's right. Bitterness is useless and tiring... I remember shunning it as a young girl, probably a middle-teen-age year, just consciously making the decision to put life's early hardships behind me and make the most of what God offered in the future. And since that day, I've really tried hard to do that.

    It's a glass-half-full/rainbow-studded world but it works for me, to keep me focused on God's blessings and not on the choices others make because I can't control those...

    But I have full control over how I react and behave.

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    1. More words of wisdom! So true--we have no control over how we are treated, only how we react. My mother used to tell a story about a monkey in an elevator who would randomly bite other passengers. Some people would grow quite upset they were bit, while one knew the monkey was just doing what it was prone to do. When the irate passengers questioned him why he could be so calm, he replied, "if a little bite gets you to react, you're the monkey."

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    2. That's exactly right, Ruthy. I think everyone has things happen to them that gives them an opportunity to hate or become bitter, and the only way to avoid it or overcome it is to look to Christ and trust Him.

      What a cute story, Kathy! I like that. :)

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    3. Hi, Amber. You're very young to be so wise. God bless you. And the book looks wonderful.

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    4. Aw, thank you Mary. That's very kind of you to say, but none of it is me, it all comes from the Word of God.

      Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  4. Hi Amber, So glad we have been of help to you at Seekerville. You all have helped us also. smile. We need support in this crazy business. Great interview. I always love to hear how writers became writers. Every story is so different.

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    1. Sandra, thanks so much for stopping by and for all the help and encouragement you offer on Seekerville. :D You ladies are amazing.
      <3

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  5. I use to hold bitterness in me years ago. I have learned bitterness made me feel ill. I was hurting myself by being bitter. I learned nothing is worth that. Hand it over to God and move on. I am very pleased with myself. I think God would want me to be a forgiver. Would love to read this.
    Blessins
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. You are so right, Diana. Some believe bitterness and unforgiveness can lead to cancer. I know it can hold us prisoner. I'm certain God is proud of you for releasing the offense. Not easy to do at all.

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    2. That is so true Diane! Science has actually proven that bitterness can cause diseases, especially digestive ailments.
      Isn't that interesting?

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Yes, I struggled with bitterness through some church trouble. I had to pray and fast for the Lord to give me a forgiving attitude and spirit. Once it was gone, it's gone. The Lord washed it away. Enjoyed the interview. Book sounds great. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Barbara, how interesting that so many of us have church stories. There is something about religious pride that does it to me every time. Powerful that you fasted and prayed to overcome. Good luck on the giveaway!

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    2. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with us Barbara! :)

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  7. Interesting interview, Amber! Loved hearing your writer's journey. Your book sounds fabulous! Thanks for having Amber, Kathleen! And thanks Amber for the lovely praise of Seekerville.

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    1. Thanks for coming by Janet. I can't tell you how many times Seekerville has had a great word for me, too. Honored to have you visit.

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    2. Hello Janet! Thanks for stopping by! I love seekerville. In fact, ya'll have helped me so much that you're mentioned in the acknowledgements of my book!

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  8. AMBER!!! Just got home from ACFW and found out you were over here on Kathleen's blog, so just had to say "hey"!! LOVE the premise for The Healer's Touch, so toss my hat in the ring, girls!!

    Kath, I hung out with your bud, Debbie Lynn, a lot this week and SO wished you could have joined us. Maybe next year in St. Loo???

    Hugs and MEGA BLESSINGS on both Amber and you!!

    Julie

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    1. Hi, Julie! I'm so touched that you came by after an exhilarating and no doubt exhausting weekend. Maybe we'll meet you in St. Louie next year. :)

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    2. Thanks so much for stopping by Julie! How was the conference? I so wanted to be there.

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  9. What a great interview, Kathleen! I'm so glad Ruthy let me know about it. The books sound wonderful, Amber. And your bio! Wow! You're one busy gal.

    I agree with what Diana said. It'll wear on us to no avail. We have to learn to let it go.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Missy! And thank you. :) I do keep pretty busy.

      You are so right, we have to learn to let it go, but that is easier said than done.

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  10. Hi, Amber & Kathleen!

    I struggled with bitterness towards someone for years, I had strayed from my Christian upbringing & made some bad choices. When my way of doing things didn't work, & I was at my lowest point - God used an unplanned visit to a passion play on the life of Christ (while I was on vacation), to get my attention & draw me back to him. I realized one day that I no longer felt the bitterness I once had - it was truly a "God thing".

    Enjoyed learning more about you & your writing, Amber! I love the idea of a book about The Swaddling Clothes!

    I follow Amber's blog, web site, & FB.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by!
      Wow, that is amazing. What play did you attend?
      Isn't it mind blowing how God works on us? It's so amazing that just one touch from Him can take away years of emotions, insecurity and anger. There is nothing like it. Once you've felt Him, you'll never be the same.

      Thanks for the follow! I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

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  11. Oh my, yes I have struggled with bitterness. In fact, I have been struggling just recently. I've been crying out to God and have turned this situation over to Him. When I find I'm leaning toward analyzing what has happened to me and why several people have done what they have done to me, bitterness wants to creep in again. I refuse to let it infiltrate me again and I immediately cry out to Jesus. Just yesterday I was devastated by someone's words through email. They cut deep and oh my goodness how they hurt. I felt myself wanting to strike back with harsh words but I went to the Lord in prayer instead. By the end of the day, I was still smarting from the hurtful words but I no longer felt the need to hurt that person back.

    Enjoyed the interview...by the way my choice would have been apple slices and caramel! LOL

    Blessings!

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    1. It's nice to meet you, Judy! Thanks for stopping by.

      Bitterness is an easy thing to get when people do or say hurtful things. That is so true though, if you dwell on the negative, it will fester bitterness. One way the Lord dealt with me when I was overcoming bitterness was to think about the good in that person, the blessings they have brought, etc. It really helps. Sometimes it's just something very small, and you have to dwell on that tiny thing for a long time before you can find something else good in that person, but it really does wonders.

      I'll keep you in my prayers, Judy. God bless you! Thanks for sharing with us today.

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  12. Hi Kathleen and Amber -

    I've read this story and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next installment. :)

    Someone once said that when we forgive others we're not letting them get away with anything. We're releasing them into God's hands, so He can deal with them.

    Blessings,
    Susan

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    1. Hey Susan!
      That is a really great thought. I like that. Very true.

      Susan also has a tremendous book out called The Moses Conspiracy, and rumor has it she's coming out with a sequel soon! :D

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  13. And the winner via random.org is Judy! Judy, I will hunt down your email addy and contact you for your snail mail. Congratulations!
    thank you everybody for coming by and adding this week to a terrific time with Amber. Great discussion, and I appreciate all of you and your honest, vulnerable answers.

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  14. I found it! I had to search the archives but i found Judy's contact info! LOL
    Blessings!
    Judy B
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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