Sit Down Saturday with Amie Denman

Today we’re celebrating the August release of Carousel Nights by Amie Denman

So, Amie Denman, where did you get the idea for this novel?

This is the second book in the series Starlight Point Stories. The amusement park that inspired the series is close to my house and I worked there for four summers back in college. I was also lucky enough to live in the employee housing, and I will probably never run out of stories from those four summers! 

How long did it take you to write?

After discussing the plot and conflict of the novel with my wonderful editor, I wrote Carousel Nights over a period of four months.

What is your favorite scene?

I love the scene where five-year-old Ross sits at the piano bench with June. He can use one finger and hit the right notes to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. June adds a robust harmony and they make music together. June begins to fall in love with Mel’s son that day and never stops.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Mel Preston because he’s good at his job—one of those men who can fix anything—and is also a single dad. His tenderness for and care of his son Ross will make you fall in love with him!

What music would match the mood of this novel?

I actually made my own “Starlight Point” soundtrack with songs that remind me of summer, beaches, and love. I listen to it while I continue writing the series which has a third book coming in December and a fourth next year. A few songs on that mix are Verdi Cries by Ten Thousand Maniacs, Under the Boardwalk (the classic!), When We Were Young by Adele, and some beautiful instrumental music from the movie A River Runs Through It. There may also be a Barry Manilow song on there because, frankly, I love him.

This is your eighth book. Exactly what does that mean to you?

I think (hope!) it means I’m just getting started. I just signed a contract with Harlequin for three more books, and I have plenty of other plans in the works! I've always wanted to be a writer, and I'm so happy to be published by Harlequin.

What do you plan to work on next?
 

I’m currently working on the fourth Starlight Point book, planning two other Heartwarming novels, and working on a series that takes place at a grand hotel on an island with my best friend and fellow author May Williams.

What are you reading for pleasure right now?

I love Kristan Higgins and Janet Evanovich. I’ve also been on a huge Sarah Addison Allen kick lately. I'm reading her novel The Sugar Queen right now.