Showing posts with label Where Trains Collide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Where Trains Collide. Show all posts

Monday, June 4, 2018

Where the Train Took Us on My Birthday

My new novella's birthday (Where Trains Collide released yesterday!) was also my birthday...and how perfect is it that my husband, Josh, surprised me with train tickets to celebrate? :)


On Friday, Josh and I checked the mail, only to find an odd letter addressed to me from the "Glacier National Park Birthday Club." I opened it, was a little leery of the potential scam, and then discovered the letter was actually from Josh. :) Enclosed was a boarding pass for a train trip on Saturday to and from East Glacier. So sweet!!


It was such a delightful day! We boarded the train in Whitefish, Montana, and enjoyed the morning sunshine and gorgeous views during the two-hour trip to East Glacier. The train winds along the river during much of the journey and skirts the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. And now that it's spring (going on summer), the tree-lined path is green as can be and so lovely!


Josh had arranged for us to pick up a rental car in East Glacier when we arrived, and we spent most of the day enjoying the incredible sights in the Many Glacier and St. Mary areas of the park...


The Many Glacier Hotel is beautiful and has the most amazing backdrop!



We saw so much wildlife! 
Josh is scoping out a moose and her baby across the lake.





One of my favorite memories from the day was our hike to Apikuni Falls. It was quite steep, uphill almost the whole way there...but the views and the waterfall (and the cute critters!) were the best. Then we got to hike downhill the whole way back. ;)





Josh was able to get a pic of both of us at the falls. ♥





We actually saw a grizzly bear and her cub!! 
Thankfully, we were able to safely view them from the car. :)

In the St. Mary Lake area, we got a view of Wild Goose Island (above), Sunrift Gorge, and Baring Falls.







I couldn't have asked for a better birthday adventure, and I'm so grateful to my thoughtful husband for planning it out and making this a weekend to remember. ♥

Sunday, June 3, 2018

The Blog Tour Begins... | Where Trains Collide


The day is here! It's been over two and a half years since I released a new book, but this little novella is finally available. :) Thank you so much for stopping by to celebrate the release of Where Trains Collide with me!

I'm honored and thrilled to have some wonderful bloggers helping to spread the word this week, and I hope you'll check out their posts (and maybe check out the novella, too, if you like sweet romance!). There's also a gift-card giveaway to add to the fun!


About the Book

Inspirational Contemporary Romance Novella 

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life’s best destination.

Purchase for $.99 on Amazon! | Add to Goodreads


Author Bio 

Amber Holcomb (Stokes) is an indie author and freelance editor living below the majestic mountains of Montana with her adventurous husband. Previously, she worked in marketing for a Christian publisher for nearly three years. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and now fuels her work with words in this new season of life.

You can learn more about Amber’s books at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway!

In celebration of this new novella, enter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon.com gift card! Giveaway is open internationally (to anyone age 18 or older who can receive an Amazon gift card via email). Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour Schedule

June 3
Book Spotlight | My Favorite Pastime
Book Spotlight | A Real Writer’s Life

June 4
Author Interview | My Favorite Pastime

June 5
Review + Travel Story | My Favorite Pastime
Review + Author Interview + Travel Story | Meagan Davenport

June 6
Review | Carissa’s Bookshelf
Review | The Green Mockingbird

June 7
Author Interview | Unicorn Quester
Review | Chosen Vessels
Review | Heidi Reads…
Review | Christian Bookshelf Reviews

June 8
Review + Deleted Scene | Flowers of Quiet Happiness
Review | Liv K. Fisher


Friday, April 13, 2018

Where Trains Collide | Blog Tour Invitation

I've shared the news on social media, but in case you haven't heard...I finally finished Where Trains Collide! You might recall that I revealed the cover back in February 2015, and I posted about some inspiration in September 2015 when I stayed at the Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed-and-Breakfast. It really shouldn't have taken three years to finish such a short novella, but perhaps the story needed me to gain some new experiences in the meantime. :)

In any case, I'm so excited to invite you to join the blog tour! If you don't have a blog but would still like to review the ebook on Amazon and/or Goodreads or share about the novella on social media, you're welcome to sign up too!

Thank you so much for your support, friends. ♥ More to come soon!



About the Book

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide. 

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life’s best destination.

Add to Goodreads

Thursday, November 19, 2015

For the Love of Pinterest (A Storyboard Party)

When I heard that author friend Elisabeth Grace Foley was planning a Pinterest Storyboard Party, I was all on board that train - no looking back!

You see, Pinterest has played such a large role in my story brainstorming process. At first, it was more of a way to try to convey visually what I had already created, but now the process has evolved to the point where I'm pinning visual inspiration before and during the writing process. It's a combination research and motivation tool, from pinning helpful articles and reference pictures to beautiful quotes and character look-alikes.

Today's event is sort of a "show-and-tell," as Elisabeth put it. :) Below you'll find glimpses of my projects that are already out there and ones that are to come. (Be sure to click the top/title of the widgets to see all the pins.) I'd absolutely love to hear if a certain board or pin intrigues you!

And if you're a writer with a storyboard(s) of your own, I hope you'll link to it/them in the comments section, so we can hop over to Pinterest and take a peek!

* * *

Amber's Storyboards (in Alphabetical Order)

Bellflower | Short Story

A retelling of Beauty and the Beast in an 1880 mining town

Highlights: Really love these actor picks for Annabelle and Jacob (Robin Wright and Randall Batinkoff). Also, some of the Beauty and the Beast images are so fitting!

Follow Amber Stokes's board Bellflower | Short Story on Pinterest.

Bleeding Heart | Novel

An inspirational Western romance about five bleeding hearts on a profound journey

Highlights: Lots of personal photos mixed into this board for my debut novel. And there are some absolutely perfect (and poignant) quotes that fit the theme of the story. (Bonus: You'll find a personality quiz tucked in there, too!)

Follow Amber Stokes's board Bleeding Heart | Novel on Pinterest.

Fairy Slippers | Short Story

A retelling of Cinderella in an 1888 redwood lumber town

Highlights: Lovely fairy-tale-esque pictures and some cool pins of the fairy slipper orchid.

Follow Amber Stokes's board Fairy Slippers | Short Story on Pinterest.

Forget Me Not | Novel

An inspirational Western romance about remembering the good amid heartbreak

Highlights: Gorgeous scenery shots - and a pic of a young John Cusack as Harry in The Journey of Natty Gann (that's definitely a highlight!).

Follow Amber Stokes's board Forget Me Not | Novel on Pinterest.

How a Star Falls | Novella

A new adult contemporary romance about a girl who claims to be a star (not the Hollywood kind!)

Highlights: Beach, stars, and romance - need I say more? I think the mood of this board really worked its way into the story.

Follow Amber Stokes's board How a Star Falls | Novella on Pinterest.

Morning Glory | WIP

An inspirational Western romance set in Oregon and featuring Myghal from previous books in the series

Highlights: This board feels like a reflection of different points in the brainstorming/writing process. It's a little all-over-the-place, showing the spurts of direction and the aimless wandering through inspiration. Hopefully this will all come together at some point!

Follow Amber Stokes's board Morning Glory | WIP on Pinterest.

When Frozen Days Melt | WIP

A young adult contemporary romance featuring younger sister Chloe (from How a Star Falls)

Highlights: The overall tone of the board - it's just so happy, dontcha think? I like the fashion pics, the yummy ice cream images, and the glimpses of home.

Follow Amber Stokes's board When Frozen Days Melt | WIP on Pinterest.

Where Trains Collide | WIP

A new adult contemporary romance featuring middle sister Trisha (from How a Star Falls)

Highlights: Autumn and trains - two of my favorite things! I want to hug this board. ;) Also, the scene from The Office (for some reason, it makes me happy every time I glance through the board) and the cool GIF pin at the bottom.

Follow Amber Stokes's board Where Trains Collide | WIP on Pinterest.

While You're Awake | Novelette

A contemporary re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty with a barista and a freelance editor

Highlights: Cute German shepherd pics and interesting facts about honey bees.

Follow Amber Stokes's board While You're Awake | Novelette on Pinterest.

Bonus!

I'm deeply inspired by music. To discover some of the musical inspiration behind these stories, check out the "soundtrack" boards:
(Note: The other stories have some music pins mixed in with the other pins on the main boards.)

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

My Night at a Lighthouse

If you ever wonder where my characters get their impulsiveness from...well, wonder no more!

A few weeks ago when my sister and I visited Heceta Head Lighthouse on the Oregon coast, the lighthouse tour guide told us about the bed and breakfast operating out of one of the former lightkeeper homes. I was delighted at this discovery and definitely intrigued at the possibility of staying the night in such a beautiful location.

My thought was to come back in winter sometime, when the rates are a little cheaper (being off-season). But then last week I saw that one of the smallest rooms remained unreserved for Labor Day. After double-checking to make sure I could get Tuesday off, I promptly booked it.

And I'm ever so glad I did. :)


My comfy bed. (And that pile of papers? That's what I have so far for Where Trains Collide. Per my dear friend Lena's suggestion, I printed it out and read it. I think perhaps Trisha and Paul's story isn't hopeless!)


The breakfast room. (Seven-course meal, friends. Seven. Courses.)


The grand porch, perfect for sunny-evening reading.


See what I mean? (I re-read Daddy-Long-Legs. Once again delightful!)


A peek at the lighthouse.


Sunset glory.


A view from above.




The bed and breakfast.


Last light.


Next morning.


Hello from Heceta Head!


A distant view of the lighthouse (left) and B&B (right).

Such an amazing, relaxing, unforgettable experience! (The lighthouse at night, surrounded by stars? A memory to cherish.) I totally recommend Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast - and even just a visit to the lighthouse. Light is such a magnificent thing, isn't it?

And now that I've finally finished another story (the first draft of Sting Me to Sleep - didn't I tell you? :)) and had a chance to look back on my poor neglected novella, I feel grateful and encouraged and motivated to tackle Where Trains Collide once again. Wish me luck!

(Don't you think that Heceta Head Lighthouse should appear in a future story? Me too!)

P.S. This post was not sponsored by Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B. I just wanted to share some pretty pictures and gush about the beauty of it all!

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Revealing the Cover of My Next Novella...Where Trains Collide



I enjoyed writing How a Star Falls so much - describing contemporary places I love, working through modern trials and joys that new adults face - that I wanted to try my hand at more of these novellas. While initially I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to write about all-new characters, the positive reader reaction to Derrick's family in How a Star Falls, along with my own fondness for them, prompted me to finally pursue the "train story" I've been wanting to tell through the eyes of Derrick's middle sister, Trisha.

"Train story?" you may ask.

Trains hold a special place in my heart, and it was, in fact, on a train that I wrote the poem that inspired the title I chose to use for this blog. It's on a similar train ride that my next heroine finds herself...


A Cover Story

The potential model(s) for this cover pinned to our secret board on Pinterest ranged from very young-looking to old-fashioned, from a guy wearing a leather jacket to a guy wearing no shirt (it was hard to tell from the angle of the models' embrace...but not quite the look we were going for, anyway!).

A girl sitting by herself near some tracks prompted the first round of actual cover comps, but it was the sweet couple holding autumn leaves that truly captured the right look and feel. Together with the train tracks leading off into the horizon, the fanciful cotton candy clouds behind them, and the little heart rushing toward them above the italicized font, the picture produces a stirring effect of romance and tender uncertainty.

My talented friend and designer Lena Goldfinch once again blessed me with a gorgeous cover - perhaps my favorite of all! (And my first cover with both the hero and heroine depicted on the front! Huzzah!)

And I have to add one thing Lena wrote when sharing this comp:

I love the fiery leaves in their hands. With the green tree way in the distance, it almost suggests two seasons, i.e. two places/destinations...

Knowing the poem that ties into my blog title and this story, as well as the title of my indie-publishing venture, you could see how that contrast beautifully captures the seasons theme so prominent in my writing. Love the way Lena worded it!

For now we hold tightly to autumn, but summer will come around the bend someday...

About the Book

New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure suddenly collapses into a nightmare when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s questions only complicate matters and spark a few of her own.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head-on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life's best destination.

Coming April 2015

Add to Goodreads | View on Pinterest

Giveaway!


Fall in love with gorgeous autumn earrings by Belle on a Budget (perfect to set aside as a gift for yourself or a friend later on!) and treat yourself now to a little something on Amazon.com with a $5 gift card. This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only, and you can enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cover Reveal Participants

I'm always grateful for the wonderful blogging friends who share my enthusiasm and help me spread the word about my books! If you're interested in joining my street team (Amber's Gems) so you can stay in the loop and opt into my future blog tours and cover reveals, please feel free to sign up HERE.

http://seasonsofastory.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_29.html 

Here's a list of the dear gems and fellow bloggers who are participating in today's cover reveal:
What are your thoughts on the new cover? Are you also a fan of trains?