Brenda S. Anderson – Character Interview – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Brenda S. Anderson shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest Women’s Fiction title. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy. Deadline: Nove 16th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Brenda:

Interview with Erin Belden of A BEAUTIFUL MESS (The Mosaic Collection)

• Erin, are you open to your own romance?

Me? Romance? Sure, why not? I’ve got a thirteen-year old just hitting puberty, and now I’m temporary guardian for my ex-husband’s love child. What guy wouldn’t want to date me?

Sorry, sometimes my sarcasm gets the better of me. But honestly, would I like to date? Sure. If the right man came around, but I was burned badly before, so finding that right man won’t be easy.

• What’s the number one quality you’d require in a mate?

That’s easy. Honesty. Before he died, my ex-husband cheated on me and then divorced me. He spent months lying to me and our daughter, and in the end, I didn’t recognize him anymore. So, I value honesty above all else.

• What’s the number two quality you’d require in a mate?

A whole lot of patience. I have difficulty reading people’s body language. For me it’s not intuitive, but a process, so when someone tells me something, I have to process both their words and their non-verbal communication. I also am not an outwardly emotive person, so it can be difficult for others to read me as well.

A man has to be patient with me as I try to figure out what they’re telling me. I’ve made too many blunders when I react quickly. My ex tired of me quickly. Called me the Ice Queen. I’m not, but that’s often the way I come across to others.

• What type of character traits are you attracted to?

First off, he has to be a Christian. No exception. If he’s not a believer, I won’t take a second look.

Intelligence is at the top of the list. I need someone with whom I can have an intellectual conversation, maybe a debate. I also enjoy a good sense of humor—someone who gets my sarcasm and can give it back. Of course, they have to be good with children, but more so, they have to have the temperament to deal with psychological issues. My daughter, Michaela, is 13, and Clara, the child I have temporary guardianship of is 3-1/2. With both having lost their father—Michaela lost him twice. First to the divorce, then to his death—they’re both going to have emotional challenges. Not an easy role for a man to step into.

• What’s the one habit or lifestyle that would make you run the other way?

If he’s an artist, I’m running in the opposite direction as fast as I can go. And, yes, my ex was an artist. In the end, he didn’t understand me, and I guess I didn’t understand him.

• If you could order a carbon copy of an actor or actress with the perfect character traits and beliefs for your mate, who would it be?

LOVE this question! So much easier than the others! And a little fun, too. 😊 Do you remember the show, JAG? David James Elliot played Harmon Rabb, Jr. The man looked dreamy in uniform. He’s 6’4” which is the perfect height as I’m tall as well. He’s got dark hair, a strong chin, and a great smile. I could look at him all day long!

About Brenda: Brenda S. Anderson writes gritty and authentic, life-affirming fiction. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is Past-President of the ACFW Minnesota chapter, MN-NICE, the 2016 ACFW Chapter of the Year. When not reading or writing, she enjoys music, theater, roller coasters, and baseball (Go Twins!), and she loves watching movies with her family. She resides in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area with her husband of thirty-plus years and one sassy cat. Learn more and connect:

Brenda’s Website           Brenda’s Facebook          Brenda’s Instagram

Brenda’s E-mail                Subscribe to Brenda’s Newsletter

About the book – A Beautiful Mess (The Mosaic Collection): 

Can she love the child who broke up her marriage?

Nearly four years ago, Erin Belden’s happy life became a shattered mess. After her husband admitted to an affair and that a child had been conceived, he left her and their young daughter for his new family. Now, she’s finally ready to put the pieces of her life together. She’s set to launch her own business and even thinks her heart might be open to romance—should the right man come along.

But just when everything seems to be lining up, she receives a devastating call: her ex-husband and his wife have been killed in a car accident, and Erin is listed in their will as their daughter’s legal guardian.

How can she be a mother to the child—let alone love the child—who broke up her marriage? Does she have the courage to start over yet again and turn this mess into a mosaic of beauty?

A single mother’s journey from bitterness to forgiveness.

Can’t wait for the drawing or worried you won’t win?

Get your copy now!    A Beautiful Mess – Amazon

Question for Readers: My heroine, Erin Belden, loves Sixlets and Ice Cream. She’ll eat most any kind of ice cream! My personal favorite is Schwan’s chocolate. Do you like ice cream? If you do, what’s your favorite brand and flavor? If you don’t like ice cream, what’s your favorite dessert?

Come back Nov 8th for Kimberly Rose Johnson!