Main Character Monday Interview with Trudy McNamara

Welcome to today’s Main Character Monday interview with our guest, Trudy McNamara. Trudy is the main character in Amy R. Anguish’s new release, Mama Dated Santa. And as a bonus for today’s interview, one commenter who answers the question at the end of this post or asks Trudy/Amy a question in the comments will receive an eBook copy of Love Delivered, one of Amy R. Anguish’s novella collections. Just comment by October 23rd to be entered in the drawing. US entrants only.

Now let’s get started with this Main Character Monday interview by welcoming Trudy McNamara. Trudy, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Austin, TX and I work with companies to help them market and grow.

Okay. Looks like you’re sticking with just the facts. So, let’s branch out here. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising.                                                                       I used to love Christmas, but my joy in the holidays basically died the same day my dad did, five years ago. It’s just too hard to get in the spirit without him.

Loss can really reshape our traditions and celebrations. I understand that. I like to get to know my guests through some of their favorite things. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?                                                                                                                                                  Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” I love the idea that God is an artist who created us to do good things. As an art-lover myself, it makes me feel closer to God.

Isn’t it great that we serve a God who let’s us know Him through the things we enjoy? Is there a person from the Bible that you relate to most?                                                                           For the last few years, Job. No one seems to understand me as I mourn the loss of my dad, not even the rest of my family. It makes me want to shout at God sometimes, like Job did.

I think most of us can probably relate to that feeling. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is there one of these characteristics you find is easier to show than the others?
Joy. I know that sounds funny considering everything I’ve said so far, but I really am a happy
person most of the time. I love seeing potential and delight in simple pleasures.

It’s not strange to hear that. Grief colors things for a while, but who we are at our core is still there. Is there one that is more challenging than the others?                                                   Patience. Isn’t that everyone’s weakness?

I tend to think so. You hear of people with the “patience of Job”, but I’ve run into relatively few of those in my life. If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?                                                                                                                                            Be careful what stores you go into at Christmas-time. They might just change your life.

Hmm. That is definitely advice we’ve not heard in my interviews before. But now, I’m intrigued at this concept of a life changing trip to the store. I can’t wait to read your story and find out how this happens. Before I let you go, I have a couple just for fun questions and some rapid fire questions to give readers a look into Trudy as a person. Ready? Here we go. If you could visit just one place your entire life, where would you go?                       I’ve always wanted to go explore the Smithsonian. Does that count as one place considering there are several different buildings?

I think we’ll count it. If you could choose one talent you don’t already have, what talent would you choose?                                                                                                                                        Music. I can sing okay, but I’ve always wanted to do something more. Not up on stage or anything. Just
for me.

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Dark
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Sweet Tea or Lemonade? Sweet Tea

And one final question I always like to leave my readers with. If you, Trudy McNamara, were asked to describe your author, Amy R. Anguish, in only three words, what words would you choose?
Pushy, Ironic,Creative

Thank you for joining me today. I’m sure readers are anxious to find out more about your story, Mama Dated Santa which releases tomorrow, October 16, 2023. Lucky for them, they can find out more. In addition to the description below, they can also click on the link to read the first three chapters of the book for free. And since I know they’ll want to get their own copy after reading those, I’ve also included a link to purchase the book. 

More about Mama Dated Santa:

Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even
take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the
same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her
mom … dated Santa.

Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When
Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down.
He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last
drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.

Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?

Read the first three chapters here

Purchase Mama Dated Santa here

More About Amy R. Anguish

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-
Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

Follow her at http://abitofanguish.weebly.com or http://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor

Learn more about her books at https://www.pinterest.com/msguish/my-books/

GIVEAWAY QUESTION (answer this question to enter the giveaway or ask Amy or Trudy a question for your entry into the drawing): How far are you in your Christmas shopping for this year?