Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Megan Short

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Megan Short

Yes, I’m a writer, but I’m also a voracious reader, and finding new-to-me authors is one of my favorite things. I’m pleased to introduce you to Megan Short author of inspirational romantic suspense. Her latest book just came out two days ago!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? Working with God to create stories that have a purpose beyond myself. Before I became a Christian, I was writing for myself. While I’ve loved writing since I wrote my first story at age three, it was not the same as writing for God’s glory. Knowing that when I write He is guiding the story is a gift.

How did you learn how to write? My mum taught me how to write my first words—she was a pre-school teacher, and as the firstborn I had her full attention. But I learned my writing craft through practice, self-study, and later at UCLA via their Professional Screenwriting program. I feel like I’m still learning to write every time a start a new book!

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I have written more books than I

can remember—my first one when I was a teenager. But if I count published (or soon to be published) that is five. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but my current release Alaskan Abduction Target has a special place in my heart because of the message. It’s based upon the parable of the lost sheep, and I feel this is a message that will resonate with all readers during different seasons of their lives. Hopefully it will encourage anyone who’s feeling like they’ve lost their way to have that reassurance that Jesus is the good shepherd who has already laid down his life for His sheep. He’s always interceding for us, and we can trust in Him to come rescue us.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? I learned so much about the US Coast Guards because they’re forever rescuing my characters. Wow. What those brave men and women do on a daily basis is remarkable. I had no idea that they were the ones going out to the remote Aleutian chain to rescue fishermen in all weather.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include? I rely heavily on research and have to make sure I’m not spending too much time going down rabbit holes! The latest interesting tidbit was about genealogical DNA testing. I ended up tracking down an FBI agent who’s helped me in the past, who put me onto come contacts at the lab the FBI uses. I thought the FBI had their own labs, but they do outsource the specialized testing, which was news to me.

How has your book changed since your first draft? Alaskan Abduction Target is the biggest rewrite I’ve ever done. Out of the 55,000 words, I replaced around 40,000. This was mostly because in the original draft I had written a Christmas story with a pregnant heroine, and my editors wanted to change those elements and add a child in danger. It opened up a lot of other scenes and depth to Jock and Phoebe and helped me to know them really well by the end. Thankfully, it was also obvious to me that God was in charge of this rewrite. Although it was challenging, I could see the message becoming clearer and clearer with every change. I’m very pleased with how it’s turned out and am so thankful to my amazing editor Besarta who always makes my books way better.

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you

choose and why? I use my secondary characters to inspire my future books every single time. In fact with my latest book, the coast guard, Cody Hannigan who’d appeared in Alaskan Police Protector made an appearance in Alaskan Abduction Target. He was such a fun character—my editor says he has a golden retriever vibe, haha—that I just had to explore why he was like that. What had made him so ridiculously cheerful. From that I made him the hero of Alaskan Survival Threat.

What is your next project? I’m writing a story that’s been on my mind for a while—a second chance romance with a very reluctant hero. Set on Kodiak Island, in a fictional remote village, it’s a lot of fun. My hero reminds me a little of Judge Dredd, so pairing him with this dramatic free spirited former fiancé who broke his heart creates a lot of drama. I hope that readers will enjoy it!

About Alaskan Abduction Target

A pursuit for the truth turns into a fight for survival.

When Phoebe Tait suspects her husband’s death was no accident, she heads to Alaska searching for answers—only for her young son to narrowly escape a kidnapping. Officer Jock O’Halloran intervenes just in time, but it soon becomes clear that Phoebe’s investigation has made them a target. Now, with danger closing in, Jock must protect Phoebe and her son while they race to uncover a deadly truth. But can he keep them safe from a threat that will stop at nothing to bury the past—no matter the cost?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Links
Website: https://www.meganshort.net
Newsletter signup: https://meganshortau.kit.com/3679e8e43f
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/meganshortau
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1491386579
X: https://x.com/MeganShortAU
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MeganShortAU
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DSW6JM1D

Photo credits:

Author photo and book image: Courtesy Megan Short

Sheep: Pixabay/Manfred Richter

Coast Guard Helicopter: Pixabay/Mattia Verga