Amy Lichtenhan first discovered her love of writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.
Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends, and with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel, Pulled.
Amy resides in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children, and feels blessed to have the freedom of working from home. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.
1- Tell us a little bit about your book, Take This Regret.
Take This Regret is a contemporary romance about a young man, Christian Davison, who abandons his girlfriend and their unborn child to pursue his goals of becoming an attorney.
Elizabeth spends five years struggling to provide for her daughter and willing to sacrifice anything to give her child a safe, comfortable life.
When Christian finally decides he wants a part in his daughter's life, Elizabeth is ready to fight him every step of the way.
Take This Regret follows Christian and Elizabeth as they struggle to come to terms for the sake of their little girl, Lizzie, who has been thrown into the midst of their turmoil. Christian is consumed by years of regret while Elizabeth has harbored a broken heart so great that she's been unable to move on with her life. The two are forced to face their past and through it uncover a love that has been buried beneath years of hurt.
Betrayal is something we've all experienced, whether we've been on the giving or receiving end of it. At some point in our lives, we've probably been on both. When writing Take This Regret, I wanted to explore how how two people might deal with a betrayal that most would think unforgivable.
2- How did the book come to be?
The plot for Take This Regret had been brewing in the back of my mind during the time I was writing Pulled, but I'd planned on shelving the idea to work on another project. By the time I was ready to start writing again after finishing Pulled, Christian and Elizabeth's voices were so loud in my head, I just started writing, unsure it it was something I'd even consider publishing. By the time I'd written a couple of chapters, the story had blossomed and I fell completely in love with the characters. I couldn't wait to share them with everyone!
3- Have you always been a writer? If not, what did you do?
In college I used writing as an emotional outlet, never having the intention of making it a career. There was just something cathartic about words flowing from my hand and onto the pages of my journal. As years passed and I had a new job and a growing family, I stopped writing. It wasn't really a conscious decision, but one of those things I just didn't do any more. I even stopped reading for several years because I couldn't seem to find the time.
It wasn't until three or four years ago that I began to feel the need to write again. I was so out of practice that I did it completely in secret. Finally, I shared the story I'd been writing with my two closest friends, and it became my first novel, Pulled.
4- What or who has had the biggest influence on your writing?
This is really hard to answer, but I am going to say Janet Mitchell. Her writing style is so unique, and she helped me to see I didn't have to put myself in a box as an author.
5- Who is your favorite author and why?
Do I have to pick just one? Right now I am into Erin Kellison's books. She writes dark fantasy and her words are incredibly beautiful- I couldn't help but fall in love with her Shadow Series. They're also adult, but not too graphic, and I love when an author can find that balance.
6- The journals that you filled with poems and short stories early on, did any of that writing come out in your books?
I would say only in that my writing has a bit of a poetic feel to it, but my style has definitely grown and changed over the years.
7- Do you have a particular schedule with your writing or do you write when the spirit takes you?
I have three days a week set aside to focus on writing, although my creativity and writing days don't always agree. I try not to stress about it. If I need to get up and walk away, then I do. It usually only takes removing myself from my office and doing something else with my hands for a scene to become clear, and then I can get back to work!
8- What do you do for fun and relaxation?
I have 8 and 11-year-old boys at home, so they keep me plenty busy when I'm not working. We love watching movies, playing board games, and I respond to a whole lot of, "Hey Mom, watch this!" They're wildly entertaining.
Of course I love a good book and a night out with the girls, but I can't think of a better way to relax than curling up with my husband at the end of the day.
Contact Info:
If anyone has any questions for Amy, please don't hesitate to ask. Just to sure to check back for her answers.
Review of Take This Regret
Take This Regret
Amy Lichtenhan
The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House 2011
ISBN 9781612130507
Christian and Elizabeth are inseparable in college. They are so much in love and have plans to be together forever. That is until the fateful day when Elizabeth finds out she is pregnant and decides she must tell Christian. All of his plans will be shattered with a baby. He makes the decision that he feels is the best for all concerned, or is it?
Elizabeth knows what she must do. She must get on with her life and do whatever it takes to protect her unborn child. Life will never be the same for her or anyone concerned. Life does move on and nothing can change what is to be.
This is one of the most fantastic books I have read in awhile and I have read many good ones. This is a book of love, betrayal, and hardship that is totally heart wrenching. It will take you on a roller coaster ride with your emotions, beyond belief. Some decisions in life can never be taken back. The big question is whether you can get past them and move on. Some love comes to us once in a life time and no matter how hard you try to move on, there is no way it can happen.
Christan and Elizabeth have both made mistakes. Some worse then others. There are moments that I wanted to smack Elizabeth silly; but then you never know how you will react to a situation until you are there yourself. Christian made mistakes. Some really big ones, but he tries his hardest to fix them. Both find that it is difficult to get beyond those mistakes. Near impossible at times. If you enjoy a good story, I cannot recommend this book enough. Beware, however, to have your emotions in turmoil. Get the kleenex ready and be prepared for a good cry. I doubt you will get to the end without shedding a tear or two.
I wish to thank The Writer's Coffe House Publishing House for providing me with an ebook copy to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to read and review.
I give Take This Regret 5 out of 5 stars
Nice interview, and nice to meet an author who is "new to me". thanks, Rae
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. The book sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rae & Sandy for taking the time to stop by and comment! It's been such an honor to be a part of Eva's Sanctuary!
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