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Friday, November 22, 2013

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.
 

58 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very interesting read. Bonnie Traher momtr3@yahoo.com

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  2. Enjoyable and informative interview. Your novel sounds captivating and special. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview! Thanks for taking time to stop by :)

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  3. Great books. Awesome interview. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cynthia. Thrilled you enjoyed the books and the interview :)

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  4. Great interview!
    Martha T. at CRPrairie1(at)imonmail(dot)com

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

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  5. really enjoyed reading your blog, Dani. And I LOVE your book cover! Best wishes always,
    Roxanne

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    1. Thank you so much, Roxanne. Really appreciate it :)
      Blessings,
      Dani

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  6. I love the interview, its always good to get to know author's whose books I love. Thanks!

    Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview, Lourdes. Thanks for taking time stop by :)

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  7. I have been wanting to read Dani's book Stranded for quite a while now - hope I win!
    stimmer@familylife.com

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  8. Thanks so much for the interview. I would love to win this book!
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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  9. That was a great interview to read! I'm looking forward to checking out Stranded, it sounds like a great plot - I also have stumbled across those articles about missing cruise ship passengers! dsickles87@hotmail.com

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  10. love the interview, i too was a homeschool mom and loved it for 9 years, i have not read anything of yours yet so i would love to win this give away. i love mysteries and suspence
    Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. Hi Shirley,
      Thanks so much for stopping by. That's cool you homeschool too. It's been such a joy for our family. Best of luck in the drawing. Hope you enjoy Stranded when you get a chance to read it. Blessings.

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  11. Great interview, Dani! Thanks so much for joining us. :)

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  12. I have really been looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

    wpd_2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  13. Great interview! I have read the first 2 books Submerged and Shattered. I really enjoyed them. Looking forward to reading Stranded and also Silenced when it comes out next year. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Stranded.
    Karen G.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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    1. Hi Karen,
      So nice to see you here. Thanks so much for stopping by. Thrilled you're enjoying the Alaskan Courage series. Hope you enjoy Stranded too. Blessings :)

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  14. Love these books. Thereadmaster@me.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Virginia. That's awesome to hear.

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  15. I recently read your three books that are out and really enjoyed them. Looking forward to next year for your new book!

    pumpkinbabyjane(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thrilled you're enjoying the series, Lydia. That's great to hear. Hope you'll really enjoy Silenced when it releases. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  16. Your books are amazing!! My mom and I love them!! I have purchased an extra set for our church library!! I can't wait to read Kaiden and then Reef's story!

    Sharon Rudolph
    rudolph5@pacbell.net

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    1. Hi Sharon,
      That's awesome:) Thanks so much for sharing a set with your church library. Hope you and your mom have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  17. Great interview! I loved reading the first two books in this series. Can't wait to read this one and the one next year.

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

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  18. This sounds like an absolutely fantastic series! I've put them all on my To-Read list on Goodreads so that I can keep track!

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    1. So glad they sound interesting to you. Thanks so much for adding them to your Goodreads list. Hope you'll really enjoy them :)

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  19. Thanks for the interview! I loved the first two books in the series and can't wait to read Stranded! Thanks for the giveaway!

    mo1202007@yahoo.com



    reading Stranded. Thanks for
    the giveawa

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    Replies
    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview and the books. Hope you'll enjoy Stranded too. Blessings.

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  20. Nice interview. I'd love to win Stranded.
    godleyv [at] yahoo {dot}com

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  21. WOW! This sounds like a great book. I loved reading the whole interview. I already have a number of Dani's books in my TBR list. Then when I saw in this interview that Dee Henderson is her mentor my interest jumped to a much higher level. I love Dee's books. I would love to win this book by Dani Pettrey. Thanks for sharing this great interview with us.
    debbiewilder(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Hi Debbie,
      So glad you enjoyed the interview! Hope you'll enjoy the books. Blessings.

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  22. Thank you for the interview. I would love to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity.
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to stop by :)

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  23. Would love to win and review this book. I loved this interview.
    jrs362 at Hotmail dot com

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview. Best of luck in the drawing.

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  24. Your book sounds great
    God bless you
    Chris Granville
    granville@frontiernet.net

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  25. The mere title of this book has me intrigued. I would love to know about Gage and his story.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  26. Love these books. Can't wait to read. Thereadmaster@me.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Virginia :) Glad you're enjoying the Alaskan Courage series. Blessings.

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  27. Hi, Dani!

    Enjoyed your interview! Love the story line of 'Stranded" - the missing person, romance, etc.. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonineroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Bonnie,
      So glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Appreciate it :)

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  28. I loved the first two...would love a chance to read the third!
    pbmax101@yahoo.com

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    1. So glad you enjoyed Submerged and Shattered, Jen. Hope you'll really enjoy Stranded too. Blessings.

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  29. Nice interview

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  30. I've already commented on another blog, but I just love your books, and I can't wait to read this one!

    Annette
    sewbynette(at)yahoo(dot)com

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