INTERVIEW WITH DANI PETTREY

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. 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 with their daughters. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

 

INTERVIEW WITH DANI PETTREY

 

S.S: How long have you been writing?

 

I’ve been writing for ten years. Seven before I sold my first manuscript and three since J

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?

 

I’ve been a homeschool mom for the last fifteen years. My oldest is now a junior in college and my youngest is a senior in high school.

S.S: Tell us about the moment you finally felt like a “real author”?

For someone reason, it took me until I held my third book in my hand. Something about having experienced that a couple times before, it finally hit home. I’m actually an author.

S.S.: Who has been your greatest supporter as an author? 

My mentor and friend, Dee Henderson. Dee took my under her wing about seven years ago and has supported, encouraged, and inspired me greatly.

S.S: How does your faith play into your writing?

It plays a great role, but I’d like to think 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: If you couldn’t write, what else would you want to do?

I can’t imagine not writing. Even if I never got published, I’d continue to write. It’s just a part of me. If I had to do something else for a living…Hmmm…I’d probably work in a bookstore with a really great coffee shop.

S.S:  Tell us about your current release.

 

Stranded is the story of Darcy St. James and Gage McKenna. It opens when Darcy’s friend goes missing from a cruise ship.

When Her Friend Goes Missing,
Every Minute Counts



Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further. 

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she's digging up more trouble. 

He'd love to just forget her--but something won't let him. And he can't help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

 

S.S: Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

The inspiration for Stranded came while I was vacationing on a Mediterranean cruise with my family a couple summers ago. I enjoyed getting to talk with a few members of the crew each day as we ate breakfast and learning about their life aboard the ship. Add in a few news articles about people missing from cruise ships and my curiosity was piqued.

S.S: Stranded takes place primarily at sea. Were there any challenges writing a story set in one locale?

It was an interesting change from my last novel, Shattered, which took place in a number of states as well as British Columbia. I found it a challenge to keep the setting fresh and intriguing, as well as the pacing moving at a fast clip. I really enjoyed finding new ways to keep the tension high.

S.S: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from your story?

God can heal our hurts, no matter how old or deeply entrenched. He’s the only One who can.

S.S: Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

I love Gage. Something about him just tugs at my heart. I think it’s because of the hurts he’s been through and the amazing heart he has. He’s always looking out for others, always there to lend a hand, and, of course, he’s got my husband’s sense of humor.

S.S: What are you working on now?

I’ve just finished revisions on the fourth book in my Alaskan Courage series. Silenced will be a May 2014 release. Here’s a sneak peak:

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna’s route leads her to a face-to-face encounter with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake’s past now revealed, he’s ready to use his talent for investigation again-–but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to 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:  Now let’s get a little personal. Name two things on your “bucket list” that you haven’t done yet.  

 

Snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef or gone on an African photo safari.

S.S:  What is the silliest thing you have ever done? 

I won an indoor mock rodeo competition when I was twenty. Instead of bulls, we rode hoppy balls. Definitely the silliest thing I’ve ever done.

S.S.: Where can readers find you on the internet?

On my website: www.danipettrey.com

Facebook Page: 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? 

Just how much I admire this wonderful group of ladies. Thank you so much for having me.