I first met this month’s guest on social media through our shared interest in reading and writing, and we quickly became friends. Amanda has written two books, “Rapid Eye Movement”, and “The Dreaming”. I have read and enjoyed the first book which is very unusual, and the second is waiting on my kindle. I am looking forward to reading it.
I know Amanda’s writing career keeps her busy, and I’m delighted she has found the time to stop and chat with me. So, without further ado, I’d like to welcome Amanda Sheridan to my blog.
Good morning, Amanda. I thought we might start by learning a bit more about you. Perhaps you could tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m 61, married and from Northern Ireland, having lived there all my life. I have a lot of interests, motorsport being the main one. I’ve been to many F1 races and I sponsor my cousin in British Superbikes. My two rough collies are an important part of my life and we tend to put them first before we would think of anything else. I read a lot but I also love a good TV series. I only began writing when the idea for Rapid Eye Movement popped into my head.
What is your earliest memory and how old were you at the time?
Almost crashing our tractor into a hedge when my dad was teaching me to drive and I forgot which side the brake was on. I was around eight or nine!
Now, I can relate to this because I too, was a farmer’s daughter and my dad saw nothing wrong in me turning a field of hay when I was about the same age. Not so much health and safety back then!
If you could meet one person from history, who would it be – and why?
Professor Sid Watkins who, in his 26-year role as the FIA Formula One Safety and Medical Delegate, head of the Formula One on-track medical team, and first responder in case of a crash, helped to save the lives of many drivers.
If you had to escape from a fire, what three things would you take with you?
My husband and our two collies first and foremost. But as for ‘things’, I guess my laptop, old family photo albums and one or two favourite ornaments that belonged to my late mother.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
Creating a world and the situations and characters in it.
How do you approach writing a new novel?
I let it simmer in my mind for a good while before I even consider writing anything down.
What do you think are common traps for aspiring writers?
Believing everyone will love their book and they will make a fortune.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kind of things do they ask?
One or two and the most asked question is, ‘How did you come up with this idea?’
What is your favourite place on earth and why?
Home. In front of the fire on a cold evening, with a book and the dogs asleep beside me.
That does sound good, though I might add a glass of wine!
How do you relax?
I’m retired so I suppose every day is relaxing but, in truth, Hugh and I tend to take everything at a speed at which we are comfortable. Be it gardening, or housework, or just going out.
What was your favourite subject at school – and which was the lesson you always wanted to avoid?
I loved geography and I hated maths with a vengeance because I was useless at it. I still feel that way today.
Do you like reading the same type of books that you write?
Similar ones, yes. I love thrillers and spy dramas, and I will read horror and crime dramas now and then.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Black Beauty.
Ah yes, me too. A lovely book.
Who is your favourite fictional character and why?
That’s a hard one because there are many characters I love from both TV and literature. I’ll go with Ross Poldark because he was a man ahead of his time.
I can’t argue with that either. I love the Poldark series and have read it all – twice.
And lastly, Amanda, what makes you happy?
I had a very stressful job and when I retired, I learned to enjoy the simple things in life. I love company in small doses and I really enjoy solitude. I love nature and the simple pleasure of watching a robin in the garden or a stunning sunset and I think that is something everyone needs to do.
Thank you, Amanda, for taking the time to talk to me. I wish you every success with both of your books and, of course, any future ones.
Readers, you can find Amanda on the following links:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Amanda-Sheridan-Author-104074121231229/
Book trailer link on youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2D-qdobbTY
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/amandasheridanauthor/
Rapid Eye Movement https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086H3HQ4M
The Dreaming https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08MB3Z785
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