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Friday, June 13, 2014

INTERVIEW WITH DANI PETTREY






Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.



INTERVIEW WITH DANI PETTREY
  
S.S: How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for eleven years now. I spent seven years writing and learning the craft before receiving my first contract. I now have four books out and have just finished writing the fifth.

S.S: Do you write full time? If the answer is no, what else do you do? If you are a full time author, what other jobs did you have in the past? 
Up until now I’ve been a homeschooling mom and author. With my youngest daughter graduating I’ll no longer be homeschooling, which will be quite the transition. However, with the birth of my first grandson, I’ll be having a lot of Grammie time.

S.S: Do you write in any other genres? If so, what? 
I love writing inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things I love--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one's faith and plenty of romance so I don’t see myself changing styles anytime soon, but only God knows what He has in store for me :)

S.S: How does your faith play into your writing?
My faith plays a great role in my writing, but I hope in a natural way. Just as my love of adventure permeates the stories I write, so does my faith. My relationship with Jesus is part of every facet of my life; it’s only natural to be part of the stories I tell.

S.S: Tell us about your current release. 
Jake Knew Something Was Wrong.
But He Never Guessed How Wrong.

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him. Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.

S.S: Where did you get your inspiration for this book?Silenced is the story of deputy Jake Westin Cavanaugh and Kayden McKenna. The inspiration primarily came from the characters themselves as they grew and developed through the earlier books in the Alaskan Courage series. It’s been so much fun watching Kayden’s apprehension of Jake fade and be replaced by deep and abiding love. Unfortunately, a killer stands in the way of their happiness.

S.S: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from your story? I think Jake says it best:

 


S.S: Each of the books in your Alaskan Courage series focuses on a different adventure sport—in Submerged, it was cave diving, and in Shattered, it was heli-skiing. What adventure sport awaits readers in Silenced?
Rock climbing! Kayden is an expert free climber, meaning she doesn’t use any safety apparatus while making her darling climbs. While I love rock climbing, free climbing is far too extreme for me, but, of course, right up Kayden’s all-about-the-challenge alley.

S.S: What are you working on now?
I’m working on revisions for the fifth and final book in the Alaskan Courage series. SABOTAGED will be a February 2015 release.

S.S: Now let’s get a little personal. Name two things on your “bucket list” that you haven’t done yet.   
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and skiing the Alps.

S.S: What inspires you to write? 
I believe the love of story that God has placed in me. I truly love the power of story. How it can transport you to another time, another place. Books have been such a huge part of my life. There are many novels that have touched my life—helped me to see something in a different light, inspired hope, and made me a better person. I humbly hope that my stories touch my reader’s lives in a similar way.

S.S.: Where can readers find you on the internet?
Website: www.danipettrey.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DaniPettrey
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/DaniPettrey

S.S.: Anything else you’d like to share with us?  
I’ve got a lot of fun Extras on my website to really enhance the Alaskan Courage reading experience. I hope you’ll drop by and check out my story Pinterest boards, character dossiers, soundtracks, and, of course, say hi while you’re there. I love connecting with readers and fellow writers.

Thanks so much for having me!  

Leave a comment, along with your contact information, for a chance to win a copy of Dani's current release, SILENCED!

77 comments:

  1. I love this interview and would love to win one of Dani's books. Thanks!!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview! Thanks so much for stopping by :)

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  2. Looking forward to reading "SILENCED"! clkane58@gmail.com

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    1. Hope you really enjoy Jake and Kayden's adventure, Caryl!

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  3. I have read two of Dani's four releases and would love to "play catch up" by winning this one! Love romantic suspense! rmaney (at) firstarpchurch (dot) org.

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    1. So glad you're enjoying the Alaskan Courage series so far, Rebecca. Thanks for taking time to stop by :)

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  4. Thanks for the great interview. These books sound wonderful and I definitely will be checking them out. I love books series, too.

    thejorns at gmail dot com

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  5. I have read one of your books, and it was very good, hope to win this one, cause it looks good
    Shirley Blanchard
    jcisforme@aol.com

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  6. Thanks so much for hosting me on the Suspense Sisters again. Love being here! Would love to hear what's on everyone else's bucket list.

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  7. Thanks for great interview and the giveaway! rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for stopping by :) So glad you enjoyed the interview!

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  8. Thanks for sharing about yourself and your writing! Would love to add your books to my library. Continued blessings on your life and work.

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  9. Forgot to post my 2 bucket list items;
    1. Open a "lending library"/coffee shop
    2. Own a brand new cranberry red Volvo (Cross Country Model)

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    1. LOVE your bucket list items--particularly number 1. How cool!

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  10. Snorkeling would be something I would like to try as well but not the skiing although I would love to see the Alps and maybe stay at a bed and breakfast there sometime!

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    1. Hi Dawn,

      Yes a bed and breakfast in the Alps would be amazing!

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  11. I have read the first 3 books in this series and can't wait to read SIlenced - would love to win it!! My bucket list has one word - TRAVEL - on it, one day when the kids are bigger... rdschof(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. I LOVE the Alaskan Courage Series! Hope to win this book :)

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  13. Would love to win.
    stephaniej1984(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  14. Love hearing the behind the scenes info on your series! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing.

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  15. Loved this series! I'd like to take an Alaskan cruise someday.

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    1. An Alaskan cruise is definitely near the top of my list. It would be gorgeous I'm sure :)

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  16. Have loved all of the Alaskan series prior to this and would love to win to continue the McKenna's story! Thank you suspense sisters for the interview and giveaway! -Samantha
    pooh_1334(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Samantha,
      Thanks so much for stopping by. So glad you're enjoying the Alaskan Courage series.

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  17. I love this series. It will be sad to see it end.

    I would love to see the Great Barrier Reef but I can not swim.
    I have other adventures I would like to do like visiting all the continents. I am still praying about the cold ones because I am Caribbean born and love the warm weather. Sonnetta Jones

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    1. Sonnetta,
      We share a traveler's heart! I was born on the east coast which isn't particularly warm, but I too, LOVE warm weather :)

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  18. Love your books!
    1. I would love to see the red wood trees
    2. I would love to go see the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass

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    1. So glad you're enjoying the Alaskan Courage series, Alice! Great bucket list items.

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  19. I really enjoyed the interview. I have never had the pleasure of reading any of your books as this is the first time I came across your name. I would so love to win your book and become familiar with you as a new Christian author to me! Thanks for the contest! flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Mary Lou :)

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  20. What an awesome interview, Dani! A lady of many talents! Loved the short review of your book Silenced and I thank you for the opportunity to enter your contest and I sure do hope I am among your winners!! I LOVE the Alaskan Courage Series and hope to be able to read them all. Thanks so much and God's Blessings to you. ratsmith140(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by. Thrilled you enjoyed the interview!

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  21. I have truly enjoyed reading your Alaska series and so look forward to the next one. Thank you for using the talents God has given you to be a blessing to so many others.

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    1. Ah, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, Bonnie.

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  22. Love your books & would love to win this one! As a senior, I really don't have a bucket list anymore!

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    1. So glad you're enjoying the Alaskan Courage series!!!!

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  23. I would like to sky dive and go to Europe for two things on my bucket list. Would love to win your book for a third.
    Eatarock@hotmail.com

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  24. Great interview I have so enjoyed reading this series. Lourdes11743@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Lourdes,
      Thanks SO much for taking time to stop by!

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  25. Wonderful interview! It sounds like you will have more time to write - it is hard to imagine that you could write such great suspense seasoned with tremendous faith while homeschooling! Blessings to you! jeaniedannheim(at)ymail(dot)com

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    1. Waving hi Mama Cat,
      Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind and encouraging words :))

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  26. I LOVE your books! Your series has added an item to my bucket list...visit Alaska!!!

    mo1202007@yahoo.com

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    1. So glad you're enjoying the series, and how fun they've added an item to your bucket list. Too cool :)))

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  27. God and Challanges. Love to read this book! Ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com

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  28. Thank you for the interview with Dani Pettrey. I would love to win her new book, Silenced. I am a huge fan of Christian Suspense. rsuebell@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Rebecca. Thrilled you enjoyed the interview!

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  29. Fun interview and I love this series!
    Brendon8@bellsouth.net

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    1. Hey Brenda,
      So glad you enjoyed the interview and are enjoying the series. Thanks so much for taking time to drop by :)

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  30. Great interview, always like to learn about authors. Enjoy your Grammie time. It's always fun no matter how old the grandkids are! rttl@mosquitonet.com

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    1. Thanks so much. Definitely loving my Grammie time :)

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  31. This books sounds intriguing. Love to win a copy of this, if not will get it. juanitawickey@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks so much for taking time to stop by, Juanita :)

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  32. Hi Dani. This is a great series. Glad the Suspense Sisters invited you today. I would love to win one of your books. Thanks! Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  33. Looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the giveaway :)
    Lori P
    jlipayer(at)charter(dot)com

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    1. sorry the email is jlipayer(at)charter(dot)net

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    2. Thank you for stopping by, Lori :)

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  34. I would love to read this. I enjoy trying authors I have never read. TY for the chance.
    leliamae54(at) netscape(dot)net

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  35. Dani is such a delightful person. I have been dying to read her books.

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  36. Dani, I haven't read any if you books , yet. This series sounds really interesting.
    tissakay at aol dot com

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    1. Thanks so much, Tonja. Hope you'll enjoy the series when you get a chance to check it out :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  37. I have read the first 3 Alaskan Courage books, and I loved all of them! I'm really hoping to win "Silenced" since I have been waiting for Kayden and Jake's story for about 2 years now!!! :D I have already entered many, many giveaways for this novel without success, but I thought I'd give it another try! :)

    annalisalaudadio@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. Best of luck in the giveaway!

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  38. New to your books. I am adding them to my tbr quickly pile.

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  39. I really enjoy your books - the first one I had was a bit hard to follow initially but after I figured out who was who it was fabulous! I think it was because the book had so many twists and turns - I didn't really figure out what was happening until the end, which says a lot because most books are easy to figure out who is going to do what. I would love to add this book to my collection! :)
    jking23(at)kent(dot)edu

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  40. I am reading Submerged right now! Looking forward to what is next. Thanks, Kristie tklovnest (@) aol. com

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  41. Angie Mcminn (England uk)
    Im a brand new Dani fan!
    Im so excited...books look breathtaking!

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