Author of the eleventh instalment of the Trinity Lakes Romance series, Blue Skies Dreaming, Amanda Deed, shares her inspiration and experience and love for connecting with her readers.

What do you love most about writing?

I love bringing ideas to life. Putting the pictures in my imagination into words actually gives me a huge adrenaline rush. I also love that it is a way to process real life situations through creativity.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write a story that explored the idea that people can know they have met ‘the one’ at first sight. I’ve heard many a couple’s story that began this way, so thought it would be cool to use it as a backdrop for a romance.

Did any personal experiences go into the making of this book?

Very much. Two men inspired the character of Nick Gordon, two men (a father and son) who stood out to me in the way they lived and the integrity they showed. I wanted to honour their memory and so used actual memories of them in the novel.

Blue Skies Dreaming is the eleventh book in the Trinity Lakes Romance series, which is written by multiple authors. What has it been like to expand on this series?

There was a lot less research involved since it is a contemporary novel. And keeping true to the details and characters in Trinity Lakes gave me a frame within which I needed to work. Other than that, I followed the same process I usually do: Idea, create characters, plan and plot, then write.

What was challenging in writing this story?

Probably the same thing that made it fun, working within the confines of an already created world. Not super hard really, but I don’t mind a bit of a challenge.

Have you had any favourite instalments of this series? Any favourite characters?

Definitely. Some of my favourites are #4 Always by My Side by Iola Goulton, #8 Over the Rainbow by Meredith Resce, #9 Tangled up in Love by Carolyn Miller, and #16 Like Stars that Shine by Jenny Glazebrook (releases in April this year). Favourite characters – I really like Luke McAffrey who’s a background character and you have to read several books of the series to see how his story unfolds.

What has been your favourite aspect of connecting with readers of this series?

I love when readers appreciate the characters and story I’ve created, when they connect with the story the way I did while writing it. It’s a very satisfying experience.

What do you hope readers take away from Blue Skies Dreaming?

Apart from enjoying an entertaining read which is always what I like to hear, I hope readers can find encouragement and growth in their faith journey.