In the latest episode of the Ampéritif Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of Amanda Lauer, an award-winning author, journalist, and screenwriter known for her passion for history, learning, and storytelling. Amanda’s journey to becoming a celebrated author is as inspiring as it is educational, and her insights offer a wealth of knowledge for aspiring writers and history enthusiasts alike.
A Love for History and Storytelling
Amanda Lauer’s love for history and storytelling has been a driving force in her life. She combined these passions to achieve a lifelong goal with the publication of her debut novel, A World Such As Heaven Intended. Her extensive experience as a proofreader in various fields, including insurance, newspapers, and collegiate publications, honed her technical writing skills. Over the past decade, she has published 1,200 articles in newspapers and magazines across the United States, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Crafting the Perfect Cocktail
The episode also featured a unique cocktail named “Heavenly Vista,” inspired by Amanda’s connection to her book Anything but Groovy. The drink required a few days of preparation, featuring a whipped pineapple punch that Amanda described as tasting like being on a Hawaiian beach. The ingredients included pineapple chunks, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon peel and juice, cloves, rooibos tea bags, and water, all infused overnight to create a delightful tropical flavor.
Ice Bucket Questions: Amanda’s Favorites and Research Insights
During the Ice Bucket segment, Amanda shared some of her personal favorites and insights into her writing process:
Favorite Production Company: Amanda expressed her admiration for CMax Media, a Christian movie production and streaming service based in Virginia. She signed a preliminary contract with them to adapt her book Anything but Groovy into a movie. This story, a blend of “Freaky Friday” and “Back to the Future,” is rich with nostalgia from the 70s and reflects Amanda’s own adolescent experiences.
Research in Writing: Amanda highlighted the extensive research required for her historical novels, such as those set during the Civil War or the reign of King Henry VIII. She noted the challenges of finding consistent historical data and the importance of critical analysis in historical research. Her books serve as educational tools, teaching teens about different historical eras.
Mike’s Reading Habits: In a fun twist, Amanda asked podcast host Mike about his experiences being related to a famous author. Mike shared that, although he isn’t an avid reader, he thoroughly enjoyed Amanda’s Heaven Intended series, which captivated him with its rich storytelling and historical accuracy. He loves being able to tell people that he is related to the famous author, ‘Amanda Lauer’.
The Path to Authorship
Amanda’s journey to becoming an author was driven by her love for historical fiction and clean, modest love stories. She started by trading chapters with a friend, which led to the publication of her first book. The success of this book inspired her to continue writing, and she now has 13 published books to her name. Her stories are inspired by various sources, including her own childhood, her grandchildren, and friends’ suggestions.
From Books to Screenplays
Amanda’s venture into screenwriting began serendipitously at a party, where she offered to edit a producer’s screenplay. Her significant contributions earned her a co-writer credit, leading to an award-winning script and a surreal experience at the movie’s Hawaii premiere. Amanda’s approach to new challenges is to say “yes” and figure things out along the way, a mindset that has brought her considerable success.
Future Aspirations and Advice
Currently, Amanda is focused on adapting one of her books into a screenplay, seeking investors for a family-friendly movie. She emphasizes the importance of following God’s guidance and being open to feedback. Her advice to aspiring writers is to accept criticism humbly and stay attuned to divine inspiration.
Amanda Lauer’s journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of storytelling. Her ability to transform historical research into engaging narratives and her openness to new opportunities continue to inspire and educate her readers.
