Author Interview with KRISTEN HOGREFE PARNELL and a Giveaway!

Marji Laine, here. I LOVE new books, and Kristen Hogrefe Parnell has just released a brand new book, HOLD YOUR BREATH. I can’t wait to read it, and I’m delighted to visit with Kristen today! Yea! Welcome! 

So tell me about your new release. Is this a suspense or mystery or both?

Hold Your Breath is Christian romantic suspense, and I enjoy writing this genre because it is such an effective vehicle for showing how God can use the problems in our lives to draw us to Him. Plus, our own lives are full of suspense—just not usually to the degree we find in fiction!

LOL! I certainly hope my life is never full of suspense to that degree! So, what ignited this book? Was there a particular situation or place that gave it the first nudge?

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is a setting near and dear to my heart. My husband taught me to ski there when we were dating, he proposed near there, and we are now making new memories there with our young son (Pictured with Kristen at Fred's General Mercantile). This setting is stunning during any season, and so, I wanted to write a series that captured that beauty. Beech Mountain isn’t the only setting in the Crossroads Suspense series, but it features into every book. Characters not only face literal crossroads between Beech Mountain and another setting, but they but also face spiritual crossroads as they fight for truth, justice—and their lives.

Tell me about your characters at the beginning of your book.

At the beginning of the book, Jayna is outwardly a travel blogger wanting to bring awareness to the recovering communities of the Bahamas (post hurricane), but inwardly, she is a young woman desperate for love. Unfortunately, she once again seeks it in the wrong place, this time, with dangerous consequences.

 

Liam Bracken is a private investigator with a big heart that has been disappointed more than once. The last woman he liked chose his best friend over him, and now, he’s helping that same best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain during his church group’s trip there. His Irish red hair earns him the nickname Ginger Ale from the mysterious Jayna who joined the group at the last minute. He is not only a surprisingly good cook, but he also has a keen intuition about people—and he can tell Jayna is not only running from, but terrified of, something.

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, what advice would your main character give to readers for this holiday? How would she plan to celebrate tomorrow

After her harrowing ordeal, Jayna would tell the reader to savor time with family. She would celebrate with her sister Beatriz’s family and their parents. They would serve Puerto Rican dishes, including Pavochon (turkey seasoned to taste like pork), Mofongo stuffing, and tostones (twice fried plantains). A certain Ginger Ale might also be invited to the festivities.

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? What are you most thankful for in your family? In your writing career? In your relationships? In something else? 

This year, my immediate family is all traveling to visit my brother’s family. Their five children adore my adventurous one-year-old, and thankfully, they have the energy to keep up with him!

Ah, those one-year-olds! My grandson is the same age and has gone from barely toddling to running in what seems like a moment! So, what are you most thankful for this year?

I am most thankful for another year together, because this year has surprised us with some unexpected health challenges with my mom.

Treasure the moments! I’m so glad you are all able to be together! And thanks for joining us today! Kristen is offering one copy for free to one of you! Leave a comment below sharing what you are most thankful for in this season of gratitude!

Kristen has also shared a little tidbit of her story, this part told from Jayna’s perspective. I can’t wait to read it!

            Liam was just pulling his cinnamon rolls out of the oven when the rest of the crew arrived. TJ beelined for the coffee. Matt looked as though he had tumbled out of bed, but he perked up when he spotted Olivia. Reef reached for Kaley’s hand, and the girl literally glowed.
            Oh.
            Shoot.
            Mood music.
            A trip to the mountains. 
            With your girlfriend and her crazy friends.
            Reef was going to propose.
            Jayna’s stomach turned sour, and her perfect eggs didn’t look so appealing anymore. It wasn’t that Kaley didn’t deserve to be happy. She did. But Jayna couldn’t be at the epicenter of a perfect proposal when her own magical moment had ended so awfully days before.
            She fumbled for her empty coffee mug and got in line behind TJ. “So, what are we doing again today?”
            TJ chugged his black coffee. “Ask Reef. He planned everything.”
            The knot in her stomach only grew. Of course, he had.

 Get your own copy of HOLD YOUR BREATH at this LINK or by clicking the cover.

INTERVIEW with Suspense Author Jerusha Agen

I'm so glad to welcome a long-time writer-friend to Suspense Sisters this week! Jerusha Agen has a talent for spinning stories illuminated by hope in Christ. 

So how did you get your start writing fiction? 

I started writing fiction from before I can remember! I was one of those writers who grew up inventing my own stories as a young child, when I would often put those stories into a little book made of cardboard and construction paper, complete with my poorly executed illustrations. 

I completed my first novel when in high school, and that was a contemporary Christian romance novel that later became the work now published as If You Dance with Me (after undergoing several revisions and edits to become the book it is now). 

After starting my journey with contemporary romance, my imagination kept wanting to insert dangerous and suspenseful elements into the stories! So now I’ve moved to predominantly writing Christian romantic suspense and other books that are Christian suspense with a breath of romance.

What has being published taught you?

Publishing has taught me a great many important lessons. Among the most life-changing is the need to daily depend on God for everything. I need to trust Him to provide the ideas for my stories, then the words with which to tell them, the keen eye for editing, and the opportunities to publish my books. 

And then begins the part of a book’s journey where I need to trust God for the results with the publication, to get the book into the hands of the right readers, and to generate the sales I need to keep writing!

 What is your favorite part about writing? And what about the least favorite?

My favorite part of writing is having written! Seriously, I do find the most joy in completing a book. That’s a moment of great joy, relief, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the story to reach readers.

My least favorite parts are tied, I think, between the outlining phase and the writing phase. Both can be incredibly difficult and require a great deal of discipline—something I don’t always have in abundance! 😉

 Are you a panster or plotter when it comes to your writing process?

As you can probably guess from my previous answer, I am a plotter! Early on in my career, I was more of a panster, and then I experimented with hybrid approaches, trying to find the fastest, most efficient method that had the best results.

I learned that I could dramatically shorten my production process by taking the time to plot my entire novel first. And, perhaps best of all, plotting essentially eliminates writer’s block and the need for revisions!

Oh, I agree with you there! I'm so excited about your new book!
Would you tell us about Unseen Danger?

Unseen Danger is getting such a wonderful reception from readers! I think the romance in this romantic suspense novel really shines between two very likable leads, Nevaeh and Branson.

Though Nevaeh is a security specialist who works with a protection K-9 partner, she struggles with fear and PTSD. Branson, a celebrity bodyguard, is pretty much fearless, and he also triggers Nevaeh’s fear from the get-go.

But I’ll share a behind-the-scenes tidbit that Branson is probably one of the most likable, sweet, and swoon-worthy heroes I’ve written. And he’s exactly what Nevaeh needs. It takes her some time to realize that, but together, these two have a fun chemistry that I loved writing and am thrilled to see readers enjoying now.

 What’s next on your horizon?

Right now, I’m part of Holiday Menace, a special ebook collection of Christmas romantic suspense novellas with nine other authors. You can preorder the collection on Amazon now.

Then up next in early 2024 is Lethal Danger, Book Four in the Guardians Unleashed Series! I can’t wait for readers to enjoy the story of Jazz Lamont, her K-9 Flash, and the thriller-author hero, Hawthorne Emerson!

Both of those books sound amazing! Thanks so much for joining us today, Jerusha! 

UNSEEN DANGER description:

This woman and her K-9 protect others. 

        Now who will protect them?

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Interview with Julie B. Cosgrove - and a FREE BOOK! Woohoo!

Hi, y’all! Marji Laine here and I’m chatting today with award-winning, multi-published author Julie B. Cosgrove who has recently released her latest “Wordplay Mystery” book. Book 1 in the series is Word Has It and involves an eerie Scrabble® game that gives clues to more than one mystery that hovers over the small town of Scrub Oak, Texas. Book 2 of the series has just released Word Gets Around involving a missing person nightmare.

I’m so glad you were able to join us here at Suspense Sisters today. Now, I know you have a lot of things that you’re good at. Certainly writing. But what would you consider to be your passion?

For the past eleven years it has been to let people know that God is there and He cares. I try to show that in my writings, whether it in woven into my novels, the devotionals I am contracted to write, or on my blog Where Did You Find God Today.

That is why I write “Mysteries with a Message”, and why I love to read mysteries as well. Mysteries have a common theme―seeking justice through discovering the truth. That hopefully leads the way to repentance. As it says in Malachi, what God requires of us is that we seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord. Don’t we all want to do that?

So many people seem to need His presence but often cannot see the ways the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives. Their faith-eyes have installed blinders due to hurt, anger, guilt, or a myriad of other reasons. I pray the Holy Spirit uses my writing to help remove some of those obstacles as my readers follow my characters through the mystery.

Oh, I’m with you on that. I love how the Lord shows me things about Himself even through everyday events. Especially through what I read! But you have a unique niche in today’s market . . . sort of an Agatha Christie thing going on. Why do you write about senior sleuths?

I am a senior, so I relate to these characters more than mystery solvers in their thirties. But my main reason goes a bit deeper. There is so much worry out there about Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the elderly it is assumed all people over sixty are becoming feeble-brained. Not so at all. My mother was blessed to have life-long friends who had wit and charm well into their mid-eighties. I so admired those women. Therefore, to dispel that misnomer, I wanted to write about witty, savvy, and sharp senior women, all widowed friends like my mom and hers. They each have their quirks and personalities. They are hardly perfect but they love each other and forgive each other when snarkiness creeps up. These spirited fillies aren’t ready for the pasture yet.

You’re right about that. Wanda is anything but “ready for pasture.” She’s a hoot, and Word Gets Around shows some great examples of her character and the inter-workings of a small town. Tell us about the theme from your latest book?

Word Gets Around is the second of five, maybe six, planned books in the Wordplay Mysteries. Each book is based upon a word game, which is another love of mine. In this one, one-word notes are left on the windshield of cars around town and the women scramble to decipher the message thinking it to be a ransom note for a missing reporter. Underlying the story, the message in the mystery, is that jealousies can become destructive, especially when combined with ambition. When we start comparing ourselves to others in order to receive glory rather than striving to improve ourselves for God’s glory, we open the door for all sorts of negative decisions and reactions.

Yes, that creeps up throughout the story. Now every time we chat, you’re working on some new project. What’s next for you?

I am continuing the Wordplay Mysteries series. In Other Words is in edits, and I have recently turned in Hang on Every Word to my publisher, Write Integrity Press.  I plan to start writing the fifth one, Away with Words soon.

But I’m taking a detour and writing, along with six other mystery writers, The Visitor series. They are planning to release in 2023.

Yea! I’m getting to write on that series with you. I’m having so much fun with it.

Each novella involves a thirty-eight year-old woman who has inherited her parents’ non-profit foundation, and inevitably bumps into in a mysterious crime.

All seven of us have chosen people for our Visitor to visit along with fundraising plans for the foundation and a juicy mystery to solve. Your story idea is clever. I can’t wait for you to share that soon. Are you doing any other writing?

I continue to write devotionals for three publications, as I have since 2009, and produce my own blog as well. I’ve also recently become contracted with two publishing companies as an editor and continue to accept freelance editing for both fiction and nonfiction faith based works on the side.

One busy lady. Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Julie. We’ll have to chat with you again when your next puzzle hits the stands.

Here’s a little about Julie’s release: Word Gets Around

Random Notes,

One-Word Messages,

And a Puzzle that Might Be Too Hard to Solve.

Wanda Warner loves word games, but when she and her friends find random words stuck to their windshields, even her skills are challenged. A rising star reporter has disappeared and the newspaper office is trashed.

Could the words be clues as to why?

And can Wanda decipher the meaning of the complete message before it's too late to matter?

Get your copy of Word Gets Around at this HERE or click the cover image. And don’t forget to leave a comment. Got a question for Julie or Marji? By all means, ask! One commenting reader will receive a free e-copy of Word Gets Around. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments and make your comment by September 3, 2021.

Interview and Book Giveaway with a new Author!

Marji Laine chats with newly published author, Dena Netherton. And be the first to own Dena's hot new release, HAVEN'S FLIGHT, Book #1 of her The Hunted series. Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway for a free e-book copy of this riveting suspense.

Marji: I'm so excited you were able to join on this with me, Dena, and I'm excited about your story, HAVEN'S FLIGHT! This story has been a long time in the making. How did you begin this journey and what have been your greatest challenges?

Dena: Yes, I’ve had this story in my head for years. I thought about trying to write it when the kids were still in the house, but between raising children, working at the church, going back to school, and teaching a full load of piano and voice students at home, there wasn’t time to learn how to write. The nice thing about writing is, you only gain more experience—and hopefully, wisdom, too— with the passage of time. So, your writing isn’t going to suffer if you put off telling a story.

After my third and last child got married, my husband and I moved to Estes Park, Colorado. We lived in a gorgeous mountain home at an 8000 foot elevation, with wrap-around decks and huge windows that looked out on the mountains. It was the perfect atmosphere to start writing. My office looked out on the Twin Sisters Peaks. Herds of elk used to congregate just outside my window. An occasional bear or coyote wandered by, too.

Marji: Oh my gosh! Sounds heavenly!

Dena: I wrote a novel and took it to several agents who nicely told me I needed to work a bit on my writing craft. Well, writing’s a lot like learning to sing well or play the piano. At first you think, “No sweat, I can do that.” But the more you learn, the more you realize how much more you have to learn. So I joined three writers groups, got into a critique group, bought lots of books on the craft of writing, and practiced. The biggest challenge for me has been the temptation to be discouraged. It’s not easy to face rejection or receive less-than-steller critiques from judges. But I believed that I had a good story, so I pressed on.

Marji: Your story sounds a LOT like mine! Critiques and writing groups along with books on every element of the writing craft. But it was worth it for me, and definitely worth it for you with this first book of "The Hunted" series. HAVEN'S FLIGHT has a distinctively “creepy,” hair-tingly feel to it with the stalking issue. Did that layer of the story come from anything you experienced or just from your vivid imagination?

Dena: I was stalked briefly years ago when I lived and worked in San Francisco,

Marji: Yikes!

Dena: I’ve never forgotten the tension in my stomach each day as I left work. I took different routes back home and kept looking around to make sure the guy wasn’t following me. Somehow he found out where I worked and showed up at my office. Fortunately, it was my last day of work. The next day, I flew to Michigan to go to school.

Marji: Oh, how terrifying. Well, you certainly shared that tension you felt with your readers! While

you were writing Haven’s Flight, did you have any moments when the story elements seeped into reality? Like did you ever find yourself looking around to make sure no one was watching you?

Dena: The main thing I did whenever I went into town was look for people who looked like my characters. Once in a while I’d pass somebody and think, “He looks just like Jesse.” Or, “She’s almost blonde and petite enough to be Haven.”

Marji: That's fun. You really get to know your characters well when you're spinning their stories. What have you found to be the most fun part of today’s publishing environment or the writing process as a whole? Did you find anything that surprised you?

Dena: I love the friendships I’ve developed with other writers. Most people think a writer’s life is lonely, but it’s anything but. Probably because publishing has changed so much in the last few years, it nudges writers out of their offices and into social venues with readers and other writers. Which is a good thing.

Marji: I would certainly agree with that. I was sure surprised by that element. It’s obvious from your detailed descriptions that you love the Cascade Mountains. When did you move there, and what do you like most about the area in which you live?

Dena: I first visited the Cascade Mountains when I was a teenager. Something about the area resonated with me. It’s kind of like meeting your soul mate. I love the misty weather, the mountains, the cedars and Douglas firs. That’s when I knew I had to set some of my future books in the area. I visited the Seattle metro area several times. When I started writing Haven’s Flight, I came out three more times to take notes and photos and gather maps and cultural information. My husband and I moved to the Northwest two years ago, long after I’d written Haven’s Flight. The town I live in is north of Seattle, close to the Canadian border. It’s got the best of everything: the sea, the mountains, mild weather, beautiful trees, and fun cultural stuff going on all the time.

Marji: In addition to your writing, you also have other sides to your life. Tell us about the rest of Dena Netherton.

Dena: I love to hike and take photos. I love classical music, theater, opera, ballet. But I also appreciate good singers and musicians in other kinds of styles. I’m passionate about prayer, and when I pray it’s often out loud. I get a lot of praying done when I take my walks, which is why I like to walk by myself! I love people. I love to be in church. I love animals, too. I love a good story. I adore road trips. I’m left-handed, but I’m pretty much ambi-dextrous. I’m an insomniac, but that’s okay because late at night is when some of my best story ideas come.

Marji: I'm not an insomniac, but I do love to write late at night when my filters are down. So, what is Haven going up against next?

Dena: Haven is still determined to keep her father in the dark about what happened to her in the mountains. But when an old friend resurfaces with disturbing news, Haven realizes she must put distance between herself and those she wishes to protect. A new town, a new job, and a new romance hold the possibility of safety and a new life for Haven.

Marji: Ooo, romance! That'll be fun. So here are some "Quick Ques":

a. Beach or mountains? 

            Why choose? I have both where I live!
b. Dogs or cats? 

             I love them both, but I ‘d rather have a donkey.
c. LOL! Tea, coffee or soda? 

             Definitely dark, dark coffee. I’m Norwegian, after all.
d. Sweet or savory? 

             Sweeeeet.
e. Pizza, Burgers, Ribs, or Tacos? 

            When I’m really hungry, I crave a good burger.
f. Date night out or game night in? 

            Take me out to a fine seafood restaurant.
g. High heels or sneakers? 

            I love to don high heels and load up on the jewelry.

Marji: Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Dena's new book, HAVEN'S FLIGHT is discounted right now (as an e-book pre-order) for $2.99, a 40% discount, until it's release on April 4th. And she's giving away one of those copies to one of you who are reading right now. Please leave a short note to encourage this new author (and include your email address) in the comments to be entered in the giveaway. The random drawing will be held on April 7, 2017. Here's the short version of her riveting suspense:

How can you flee from an unseen enemy?

Haven Ellingsen enrolled in Life Ventures Therapy Camp in the Cascade Mountains to help her heal from horrible memories of her mother’s violent death at the hands of an armed robber. But now, a greater fear dogs her steps. The rustle of leaves or the snap of a twig could be nothing. Or it might signal the sinister presence of the stalker who won’t stop following her. It seems like a cruel trick from God to throw Haven into another dangerous situation only a year after her mom’s murder.

He hides near her tent and listens to the girl talk with the counselor. Mostly she talks about her father. She’s unhappy, and he can’t stand to listen and do nothing about it. He needs to rescue her. He needs to make sure she doesn’t ever go back to that man. His own father was the cause of his mother’s death. And Ruth’s. He can’t let that happen again. Not with this girl. When the time is right, he’ll take her away to his hidden cabin where she’ll be safe. And he will feel peace for the first time in years.

Can one month of survival training equip a girl to face all that the rugged wilderness and a madman can dish out?

Marji and Dena will be talking about the publishing atmosphere on Publishing Laine, 7PM on Blogtalk Radio. Join them live or listen after the fact at this link.

Oh, and take advantage of Write Integrity Press's April Fool's 99¢ Sale on Mystery and Suspense to celebrate the release of Dena's new book. Learn more at the Write Integrity Press website. 

INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH GODDARD by Marji Laine

Inspiration for
Grayson "Gray" Wilde

I have so enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth Goddard over the last several years and am delighted to get to share with her about her life and her newest book, UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR!

Marji: Okay, can I just say that the guy on your cover bears a striking resemblance to Chris Hemsworth in the Thor movies? Lol! Did you have him in mind when you crafted this hero?
Elizabeth: Ha! No, I sent them the picture of someone else, a different actor. Unfortunately, I didn’t put the name on my art file so I can’t tell you who  it is. But I wanted the shaggy hair and I got it. I have always loved the landscape covers but after seeing a guy on my cover, I think I’ve changed my mind. LOL!

Marji: I'd feel the same way! How did this hero come about? Was he a minor character in another book? What has been his evolution from minor character to main character?
Elizabeth: The reader is introduced to Grayson “Gray” Wilde as minor character in the first Wilderness, Inc. book. They learn he’s a federal agent—a special agent with the FWS (Fish and Wildlife Services). Honestly, I wasn’t aware these special agents existed until I started researching. Gray made a quick appearance at the beginning of Targeted for Murder. He and his brother, Cooper Wilde, have some conflict, of course, but they’re also brothers and have each other’s back. Since he’s one of the Wilde siblings he needed his own story.

Marji: When you craft characters, do you develop a full psychological mark-up or maybe use bits and pieces of people you already know?
Elizabeth: I don’t develop a full anything when I start. It all happens as I write. In fact, I might start out with the basics of their background but then as I’m writing the story more pieces to the character’s story emerge and help me to create that dark moment near the end. I think it’s impossible to not draw from your life experiences and people you know.

Marji: Wow! I'm in awe of authors that can develop everything as they go along. I have to plan like crazy. Speaking of planning, how has Grayson Wilde avoided marriage so far? Surely women don’t avoid him, so why is he still available? And what is it about Gemma Rollins that intrigues him?

Elizabeth: He has significant trust issues after an experience with a woman he loved—so he avoids getting romantically involved. But Gemma gets under his skin because she shares a passion with Gray. She’s working to save God’s creatures from those who would abuse them. He ends up not only investigating a wildlife trafficking ring but serving as her protector and given their shared interests and proximity, how could he not fall in love?

Marji: Totally understandable. Is there a character in this story that we should look for in a coming book?
Elizabeth: False Security is book three and we are introduced to two new characters—Olivia Kendricks and Zachary Long—but we’ll also spend a lot of time with the Wilde siblings in that story. Alice Wilde gets her story in Wilderness Reunion, which is book four.

Marji: So tell more about WILDERNESS, INC? Is there a set number of books for this series, or could there be more built on when the current works in progress end?
Elizabeth: I just turned in the fourth and last book, Wilderness Reunion. Initially I had planned for six but the editors have decided to limit the number of books in a series to four now for the Love Inspired lines. Personally, I could keep writing stories set in the wilderness forever. But I’ll be moving on to a new series—just as soon as my editor approves my proposal and I hope she does!

Marji: It's so satisfying to read a series from beginning to end but sad, too. Still, how exciting to get to start something brand new and fresh! Hope to hear of your new series soon! Now about you, personally ... winter in the deep north. How does a Texas girl survive? I’m sitting here in a tee shirt and jeans with my back door open to the porch and my dog running around. The only thing slightly cold are my bare toes. I’m guessing that wouldn’t fly where you are?
Elizabeth: Not at all. In fact, we had an ice storm last night. There are three cars stuck right in front of my house on the country road. Yes, I’m a Texas girl but I really got my fill of those three months of blazing Texas sun in the summer, and I crave cold and snow. So I’d say that the Lord has answered my prayer to see snow and plenty of it! Lol!

Marji: Ha! I'll say. And do you still home school? I thought I remembered we had that in common, though I'm about to graduate my final pair.
Elizabeth: My oldest child is about to turn 25. Yes, I have home schooled my four children all these years, but they are in high school now and about to start college. I am more of a resource manager when it comes to their schooling.

Marji: Yes, I've noticed that with my own. What does your day look like and how do you balance life and writing?
Elizabeth: I think I have finally figured out how to juggle writing and life. I just pace myself. I have a calendar and I know how much I need to get done on any day. If I have time, I will do more, but I just hit my mark and then I’m good to do everything else I need to do regarding my life outside of writing.

Marji: You churned out 4 or 5 books last year, right? How in the world do you keep such a demanding pace?
Elizabeth: Yeah. I also write mysteries for Annie’s Mysteries, which is a write-for-hire publisher. I refer back to my previous answer—I pace myself. That said, there are still many times when I feel utterly overwhelmed and sometimes I start to hyperventilate. I always seem to take on too many projects, but then I just take a deep breath and put it all on the calendar. I compartmentalize and work on one thing at a time. Sometimes that means working on one project in the morning and another at night, but I try to avoid that if I can.

Marji: Okay, now you've just proved to me that you're Super-Author! What accompanies you as you write? Snacks, music, pets, drinks? How do they help or hinder?
Elizabeth: I have found as I age that silence is my best writing buddy. So writing in the mornings when the house is quietest works best for me. When my youngest son gets moving and demands my attention, then if I haven’t achieved my goal already, I might be in trouble. When the kids were young and there was much more chaos going on, I could sit in the middle of that and write—not so much anymore.

Marji: I can certainly appreciate that. I couldn't have even tried to write when my kids were little, but then the Lord knew what He was doing to delay that career in my case! Thanks so much for joining me today!

Readers, one of you can win UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR. Leave a comment with your email address (must have an email address!) and share your favorite thing about winter. One comment will be chosen at random on January 26 and that reader will be contacted for his or her choice of a Kindle or print version of the book!

An interview with Roxanne Rustand

Award-winning author Roxanne Rustand has written over thirty-five traditionally published novels,  and is also writing for the indie market.  She writes sweet romance, inspirational romantic suspense and inspirational romance. Four of her novels have been nominees for RT Bookclub Magazine's Reviewer's Choice annual awards, and two have been winners.  She has also been nominated for RT's Career Achievement Award.

1. What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?

My office windows look out over our pasture--and the view constantly tempts me to go outside.  We used to raise quarter horses and thoroughbreds, but now we have three horses just for fun. I also love cooking and photography, and I'm trying to be more proficient with the Canon 5D Mark III I bought last year.  I enjoy having friends and family over for dinner, and reading.  My husband and I travel quite a bit, too.

2. How do you balance real life with writing life?

When our kids were growing up, that balance meant getting a lot less sleep.  Family came first and I had to stay up late and get up early to find extra hours for writing.  At least once with each deadline, I would go to an inexpensive hotel in town and stay from Friday afternoon through a late checkout on Sunday afternoon.  That uninterrupted time really helped me focus! Now, I just stay at home.

3. What is the biggest challenge you've faced as an author?

Writing through the family troubles, such as the illness and deaths of my parents, is hard. It's not only hard to focus during times like that, but it's hard to feel creative, even several years later.  But life happens to all of us--and I know all of us face family problems and loss sooner or later.  If writing is your dream, your passion, then you just have to soldier on.

4. What is the most enjoyable part of the writing process for you?

I love the excitement of starting a new book.  The research, too.  I've met some amazing people over the years and learned so much!  One of my favorite books to research was Comeback Cowboy.  I got to travel to rodeos with a contractor, watch the activities behind the scenes, and interview a variety of  people, from bullriders to clowns, to the people who supply those bulls and broncs.  Fascinating stuff!

5. Are you a plotter or pantser?

A bit of both.  I used to make endless charts and graphs and lists before I started writing. Now I just write a synopsis, then use a couple of "bookkeeping tools" to help me keep everything straight as I write.  A "Subplot tracker" form has been extremely helpful. After giving a number of online classes, I put examples of these tools on my website, in case anyone is interested (www.roxannerustand.com)

6. How has writing inspirational fiction  impacted you personally?

I wrote fifteen books for Superromance, plus several other lines, before moving to Christian fiction at Love Inspired in 2007.   The change to writing inspirational fiction has meant a lot to me, because it really falls in line with my own heart.  I love my editors, and love the added depth of having a faith element in addition the suspense.  I enjoy writing for both Love Inspired,and Love Inspired Suspense.

Tell us about your newest release!

The Single Dad's Redemption is a July, 2016  Love Inspired release. It's about second chances--for a cowboy who was wrongly incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit, and for a woman who no longer believes she will ever find someone to love.

I'll be giving away an ebook copy of this book, and also an ebook copy of Summer at Briar Lake in a drawing of names from those who leave a comment!

Roxanne Rustand

USA Today Bestselling Author

The Single Dad's Redemption, Love Inspired 7/2016

An Aspen Creek Christmas, Love Inspired 11/16

An Irish Christmas Blessing (Sweet Christmas Kisses Anthology 2015)

A Montana Legacy, 2014  

www.roxannerustand.com 

www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand 

http://www.SweetRomanceReads.com

https://www.pinterest.com/roxannerustand

Interview with Dr. Richard Mabry by Marji Laine

Richard L. Mabry, M.D. is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards. He and his wife live in Central Texas. You can follow Richard online at RMabry.com, as well as on Twitter (@RichardMabry), and Facebook at RMabryBooks.

He writes in his biography on his website:

In addition to the practice of medicine, my past includes a stint overseas in the US Air Force, several periods as an interim music minister, and an all-too-brief experience as a semi-pro baseball player. In other words, there’s more to me than “M.D.” covers.

          www.rmabry.com

I hope you had an excellent Christmas and New Year break, Dr. Mabry! What is your favorite thing to do for Christmas?

I’ve reached the stage in life where I can truly mean it when I tell my family, “I don’t need anything. I just want us all to be together.” I think my favorite thing is watching my grandchildren with their presents, and having family members around me.

One of your most recent books, Miracle Drug, delves into rare viruses. Did you have occasions during your practice to deal with such?

Fortunately, in the practice of otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) I didn’t encounter a lot of potentially fatal infections, and certainly none like this one. When I read about such severe viral or bacterial illnesses and the havoc they can create, I’m impressed with the research efforts required to stay one step ahead of such infections.

You are uniquely equipped to weave suspense through the hospital/medical environment. How did your training help you with this story?

I’m often asked if some of the aspects of my novels are taken from my experience. The answer is, “No.” But sometimes things I read, either in the professional journals or in the newspaper, act as a catalyst for my stories. And, since I’m trained to understand and interpret the language, I guess in that way I’m uniquely qualified to present these stories to people without a medical background.

I know you must have had an interesting research experience with this story. Care to share?

Because this book was written before Ebola became a household word, I found myself making up things right and left, yet wanted them to be believable. That required a good bit of research, and it was gratifying to see how close I came to the measures used in dealing with Ebola. I found myself saying, again and again, “Man, I’m glad this is all fiction.”

In addition, although I knew former presidents receive Secret Service protection, I had no details. I started out with what I could glean from commonly available sources, then let my novelist’s mind fill in some blanks. Of course, I wanted things to be authentic, so I tried to check my facts. At first, the Secret Service didn’t respond to my efforts to contact them. When I sent a letter to former president George Bush, who lives in the area, he was kind enough to ask the Secret Service to communicate with me, which they did, and told me I was pretty accurate.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

Along the way, I discovered that, although Bacillus decimus infections (as detailed in the novel) aren’t real, there are numerous infections—not just Ebola-— in various parts of the world that are just as dangerous, and there are brave men and women who risk their lives every day to combat them.

What can readers expect from the next Richard Mabry novel? 

My next published novel will be Medical Judgment, which is due out in May, 2016. It deals with a widowed doctor who is under attack from an unknown individual. Her sources of help are a family friend (who wants to be more than just a friend) and a detective who is a recovering alcoholic.
Since the publishing process is so slow, I’ve also recently self-published two novellas, Rx Murder and Silent Night, Deadly Night.

As you look forward, what is your focus – career-wise, spiritual, etc. – for 2016?

I really have no idea. I expected, by this stage of life, to be playing golf, traveling, and enjoying a quiet life. But about the time I planned to retire, my first wife died. Partly as therapy and partly to pass on my experience, I wrote a book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse, and I’m happy to say that it is still in print ten years later and continues to minister. After several years of trying my hand at fiction, with many rejections along the way, I’ve now had nine novels of medical suspense published, with the tenth coming next spring. I had no idea my life was going to take this turn…but God did. I have no idea what He has in mind for 2016, but I can hardly wait to see.

Thanks so much for sharing some of your time with us! If you want to connect with Dr. Richard Mabry, visit his Facebook page, Twitter profile, or Website! And check out all of Dr. Mabry's books on Amazon.

Do you want your own copy of Miracle Drug? Leave a comment for Dr. Mabry below with your email and one goal for 2016 and you'll be entered in a giveaway. And check this out! If you win, but you've already read Miracle Drug, name one of his books that you'd like and if he has a copy, he'll send that to you instead! Woohoo! Winner chosen on January 16th!