INTERVIEW with AUTHOR CAITLYN SMITH and a GIVEAWAY

Today Suspense Sisters welcomes inspirational author Caitlyn M. Smith who has a brand new romantic suspense. Please leave Caitlyn a comment for a change to win a copy of Love's Lost Star from Ambassador International. But first, the interview.

ME: If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

CS: I am a passionate Christ follower and smitten wife who enjoys encouraging others.

ME: When you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

CS: One of my favorite hobbies is exercise. I particularly enjoy lifting weights and CrossFit-style workouts. I’m also fond of crafting. I’ve collected a stack of scrapbook paper pads that I use to make all kinds of cards. If I can add a little sparkle to the project, all the better!

ME: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

CS: I have loved Jesus from a young age, and the Bible was by far my favorite book as a youth. In terms of fiction, I’ll go with The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain.

ME: Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

CS: (1) I like math, particularly algebra. To me, finding the value of “x” is similar to solving a mystery or completing a puzzle.

(2) I set a pull-up record at a CrossFit gym—perhaps the more shocking part is that I like pull-ups.

(3) I enjoy putting peanuts on my spaghetti. It adds a pleasant crunch to the dish.

ME: What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

CS: My first official genre was Romantic suspense. In fact, Love’s Lost Star is the very first manuscript I began writing years ago (although it had a different working title back then). I have since branched into other genres, wherever I felt led. I like to write stories about which I’m inspired and in which I see special purpose. The genre may come after the idea.

ME: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

CS: I think one of the toughest criticisms was regarding my narration style. I first wrote Love’s Lost Star from the voice of an omniscient narrator, but I was unaware of the practice known as “head hopping.” I drifted in and out of various characters’ thoughts. Correcting this was work, but in the long run, it was worth it. One of the best complements came recently. It was from a Love’s Lost Star advanced reader. She described the book as “a page turner.” She started reading one night and got to chapter 14, then stopped because she had to sleep. As a romantic suspense author, that was quite a complement.

ME: Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?

CS: I write in two other genres. The first is allegorical fantasy. I enjoy this genre because it presents an opportunity to teach about the Kingdom of God through parallels and symbolism, much like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. The second is inspirational non-fiction, which includes a customer-service project that’s soon to be published.

ME: If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

CS: I would probably research the particulars of 3rd-person narration before writing a full manuscript.

ME: What is the most important piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

CS: Two things: Write consistently, and objectively evaluate feedback. Literature is subjective, and you may encounter differences of opinion regarding your work. It’s easy to get defensive when someone offers feedback or criticism. If, however, you are willing to take a step back and contemplate the constructive criticism, you can use it to grow. Don’t make a final decision regarding feedback right away, especially if it prompts emotion. Take some time to think it over and consider how the suggestions will impact your work. Writing consistently, even if 200 words a day, results in progress. A mountain is climbed one step at a time. Keep taking those steps.

ME: Beautifully said! Here's a little about the book, Love's Lost Star: Cece Burbin thought she knew what love was—people using you to get what they wanted. Until she met Jason Porter. But on what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Cece wakes up on a riverbank cold, alone, and in pain. After realizing she lost her voice, Cece becomes desperate to find a way to communicate with someone that she needs help. Freeing herself, she sets off in search of the only man she has truly loved. But as she struggles to find her way back home, her past quickly begins to creep back. The gang she thought she had left behind was never that far away, and the crimes she has committed are coming back to haunt her. Can God truly love and forgive her for all she has done? Jason is just as frantic to find his missing bride. But when he receives a note saying she left him for another man, his world is shattered. How had he missed her change of heart? Jason struggles to trust God in this heartbreak, battling uncertainty about the future he thought he had. But when he meets a strange woman who claims to be a private investigator, he discovers a clue that could change everything. Unaware that time is running out, the abandoned bridegroom sets off in search of love’s lost star.

And here's a little bit about the author: Caitlin M. Smith graduated from Lock Haven University with a degree in Secondary Education—English. After working in schools, she took her passion for teaching to the fitness world, then to the dental industry, where she spent time training and mentoring new business team members. She traveled to various offices, coaching individuals on both technical and communication skills. In 2017, she shifted direction to focus on her career as an author. Caitlin’s writing includes inspirational romantic suspense, allegorical fantasy, and self-help. Through her books, she aims to inspire hope, provoke thought, and demonstrate the power of God’s unconditional love. When not rendezvousing with her fictional characters, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her husband, exercising, and playing laughter-filled games with loved ones.

Buy LOVE'S LOST STAR from Amazon HERE

Please leave a comment for Caitlyn M. Smith for a chance to win a copy of Love's Lost Star. Drawing in one week. Good luck and and thanks for being a reader of Suspense Sisters. ~ Mary Ellis