Talkshow Thursday: Welcome, Lynne Lanning

 Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Lynne Lanning!

I would like to thank Linda for offering me this enlightening opportunity. “Enlightening?” Yes! She posed some intriguing questions that made me do some deep thinking about my “Who, What, Where, When…” and especially the “Why.” I always knew why I wrote my first book. It was to tell a fictionally enhanced story about my maternal grandmother’s life. She was the most wonderful Christian woman, and the most self-sacrificing, humble and loving person I have ever known. Anything good about me, is because of her. She raised me, and if she hadn’t stayed on her knees in prayer for me, I would probably never have trusted the Lord as my Savior and allowed Him to take control of my life.
But her book was supposed to be my ‘One and Done.’ So where is my ‘Why?’

I still attribute it to my grandmother, and in a minute, you will understand… But first a little about me.

I like people, and get along with almost everyone… Okay, I don’t do mornings, so please approach cautiously unless I’ve been awake for at least an hour and had plenty of coffee! LOL! But seriously, I have friends all over the world, thanks to the internet and social media, and plenty of personal face-to-face friends. They are a very diverse group – Black, White, and every other ethnic group; Republicans and Democrats; Confederate and Union enthusiasts; Young and Old; and the list goes on.

As we established these friendships, we found several things we had in common and built on those things. But more often than not, I was finding that most of these precious friends didn’t attend church…some had never been to church, yet they all claimed to love God and say things like, “Have a blessed day,” which is nice, but not enough.

I am friendly, and I’m chatty, but when I’m in a discussion – especially an important one, sometimes

my mind goes blank or my tongue gets twisted. But God was set on using me in some way to reach these people. That’s why He allowed them in my life in the first place. Suddenly, I realized how big this responsibility was. I needed to reach people who would never think about going to church, and some who thought they were ‘okay’ the way they were. But guess what? Most of these people would read one of my books when I asked them to, even though they refused my invitations to church. Hmm. Now I had to make sure I presented the gospel to them in the midst of an intriguing story that they couldn’t put down.

The results were AMAZING! I even had one reader contact me from Australia through FB messenger, while reading one of my books, asking me to lead her to the Lord online! I called my preacher immediately, and with his help (because I was so nervous about not saying everything just right), she became a Child of God right then and there!

Many readers have approached me saying they got their lives right with God after reading some of my books, and they appreciated the fact they could relate to my characters, and that I didn’t get too ‘preachy.’ One of my long-time friends, whom I love dearly, never would accept my invitations to church, sweetly declining, but was one of the best and funniest friends I ever had. She had nothing but wonderful things to say about my books, and finally…she called out to God and asked Him to forgive her and save her soul! The angels are rejoicing! With a sad heart, I will share that this particular friend is now in Hospice. I will miss her so much, but I rejoice that I WILL see her again in Heaven.

So, that is my ‘Why.’ How does my grandmother fit into all of this? She taught me to pray for others. She loved and cared for everyone she met. In attendance at her funeral, there were wealthy businessmen, leaders of the community, poor people, and even several motorcycle gang members – complete with dew rags on their heads and chains dangling from their leather vests. There are so many people that have absolutely no one praying for them. No one is concerned for their soul. Because she instilled Christian values in me, God has allowed me an outreach beyond my circle of friends, to be able to reach and pray for people I don’t even know. That is a responsibility I take seriously.

Not every book I write has the clear plan of salvation within its pages, but each has a strong thread of prayer, faith, trust in God, and changed lives weaving it together.

I don’t have a particular book I want to promote at this time. If possible, I would like to encourage everyone to follow me on Amazon and Facebook. Let’s stay in touch!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B6R33BXX/allbooks
Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/lynne.lanning.2025/
Facebook Groups – Book Talk: https://www.facebook.com/groups/929776898009348
Mountain Men: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643815660133778

And please sign up for my newsletter: (Prizes every month and loaded with news, info, and fun!)
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More from Lynne

When did you know you wanted to be an author? As far back as I can remember! I was always writing something; poetry ( that my grandmother always displayed proudly on her refrigerator), diaries and journals, essays, and letters (I had pen pals). As a young adult, I wrote a few pieces for the local newspaper, and even sent submissions to several magazines.

Do you hear from your readers? Yes! I have a very active newsletter group and I get some personal, very precious messages from readers I don’t know. It’s such a thrill!

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I have just finished #52. Picking a favorite book is like picking a favorite child! But I must say, there are a few that stand above the rest in my heart. A Kindness for Christmas and A Sheriff for Sophie are top runners for me, but my readers have a different opinion! They like Josie (Rescue Me Mail Order Brides) and A Journey for Keelie.

What does your writing space look like? A nice bright area with windows in front and to the left of me. Between clicking away on the keyboard, I look outside at all of God’s beautiful creation, thanking Him for it, and drawing inspiration from it.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing? There are so many. I have lived everything from betrayal and great loss, to happiness and being blessed beyond measure. When I write a book, I use my personal experiences at times, remembering the emotions that came with them. Sometimes, I get so deeply caught up in explaining and writing those emotions, I find myself crying and heartbroken all over again. I believe God allowed me to go through some of these times so that I could help someone else through them in the future. Although the readers will never know where fiction ends and reality begins, I truly believe, with God leading me, I wrote those words to help someone.

How are your characters like you? Different? My characters carry my emotions, my hopes, and dreams as well as the disappointments and tragedies I have suffered. They are different in the way they find solutions to problems and making their choices. I think back on situations similar to what my characters are experiencing and write what I wish I had done or said. I’m not near as brave and witty as most of my characters!

How do you come up with story lines? What draws you to the time period about which you write? Life.

Although I write in the 1800’s era, daily life was still carrying the same emotions and had to work toward their goals. It seems families were closer then, and I love to write about that bond. Life was hard back then, everything took so much more energy and time, but they seemed to be more grateful for what they had, and they relied on God more.

What is your process for writing? (Do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc) What is your favorite part of the process? I am a ‘pantser’! That means I fly by the seat of my pants and write as I think. I may know how I want a story to begin and end, but I never know how the characters are going to get there. Sometimes, they take on such a life and personality of their own, I write as they dictate! LOL! I like to write in silence, which means I usually write after my husband goes to bed. It’s a good thing I am naturally a night owl! My favorite part of the process is the research. I LOVE the research into what surrounded the lives of people back then – whether it’s the geography, the morals, the new inventions, the law (or lack of it) – it doesn’t matter. I love it all. I love to learn.

What books are on your nightstand right now? A book about Alaska (because that’s where my present book takes place), another filled with real wanted posters from the 1800’s along with the stories behind the outlaws, and another on the aftermath of the Civil War. I told you – I love research!

What writers or books have influenced you? This used to be much easier to answer…I love Janette Oke and Mary Higgins Clarke. I know, two very different writers and genres. Janette Oke influenced me with the era she wrote and the clean characters, even though troubles still came and God was there for them. Mary Higgins Clarke showed me how to be so descriptive, you could feel a chill as the cold, foggy air settled around you, leaving you feeling a dampness…all while you were sitting in the comfort of your own home! I have a long way to go to be as good as these women, but I keep trying!

Photo Credits:

Author image: Courtesy Lynne Lanning

Women with Coffee Cups: Pixabay/StockSnap  

Praying Hands with Bible: Pixabay/Reena Black

Typewriter: Pixabay/Tama66

Wagon: Pixabay

Alaskan glacier: Pixabay/NWImagesbySabrinaE

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Denise M. Colby

 Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Denise M. Colby

I’m pleased to welcome fellow Heroes, Heroines, & History blogger Denise M. Colby to my blog today. Read on to learn more about Denise and her books.

When did you know you wanted to be an author? I never planned on being an author, but after a school field trip to Sacramento with my oldest son, and visiting the one-room schoolhouse there, an idea for a story took root. It wasn’t until the same trip two years later with my second son did I attempt to actually write something. God put the desire on my heart, but it wasn’t anything I myself had thought of doing.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? I love different aspects. One of the best things is all the writer friends I’ve made throughout this journey. I also love creating a world my characters live in and writing them in that world. I’m just now writing my next book and there is something about creating the first draft and finding all the ways for the story to evolve and fit together. I have to thank God for that, and it’s so amazing when it all comes together.

How did you learn how to write? Funny you should ask. I took a creative writing class in high school and loved it because the grading was on the story aspect not the grammar (which is where I struggle the most). I earned a degree in Communications, work in marketing and write copy for literature, but that is very different from fiction writing. I didn’t know what I was doing at first, but I read a lot and followed what those writers did to start. Then I attended a local writers group, went to local conferences, and joined online classes. I feel as if I earned another degree with everything I’ve done. Slowly my skills grew and I figured out my own voice. I entered contests and received lots of feedback. When I wanted to quit, God would put what I needed in front of me, whether it was a person or a topic I needed more clarity on.

Do you hear from your readers? What do they say? What I do hear from readers is they love the

faith elements written within the story. I’m so grateful for that, as I love to write from my heart and share God’s truth. But I also whole-heartedly believe that is all from the Lord. I have done as He has asked and He does the rest.

Readers also love Bert, the rooster. Bert sort of stole the show in the first book and I try to include him anytime I can.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I’ve written four books and recently a novelette. I love them all for different reasons. In my mind it’s like a tv show where each book is a new episode and the story continues. The characters are all real to me, and so I root for all of them.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? Keeping track of specifics about characters can be challenging. I never realized that I thought of names that started with the same letter, till I had to change some (first and last) so that they didn’t all sound the same. When I picked the five names for the five teachers, same thing. They started with different letters, but they ended the same. When they are all in a scene together it can sound repetitive and I didn’t realize that until after the first book was printed. I had given Olivia the nickname Livvy, but then she’s in scenes with Jenny. But then there’s Lydia in this last book.

Other things too. Such as hair color, eye color, and age. I don’t usually pay attention to my friends eye color. I just know who they are. Sounds funny. I’m laughing right now. But it’s all true.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that strikes you about their work? I read Janette Oke as a girl, and her stories stayed with me. Those along with Little House on the Prairie, influence my writing as I picture my one-room schoolhouse in the same way. My reading time is more limited right now, but some of my favorite authors to read are Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Lacy Williams, Kimberly Keagan, and Susan May Warren. They all write stories that are filled with encouragement and make you laugh and cry. They are heartfelt and there’s growth in the characters. I feel like I grow right along with them.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing? In my first book, When Plans Go Awry, I mention the many-years long project of raising up Sacramento. Old-town Sacramento is a great piece of history showing how they built roads on top of itself and raising many of the buildings to keep the area from flooding. I grew up in the area and always thought this piece of history was fascinating. I wanted to include that in my first book.

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series? I love reading series! So I definitely wanted to write a series. I find every time I introduce a new character, I start finding pieces that connect them to the story world and then want to write their story. Which makes it all so much fun. I have different series ideas that will be a loose tie to the one I’ve currently built. Susan May Warren does this really well.

What draws you to the time period about which you write? Ha! I knew I wanted to be around later 1800s, but I had my characters coming from Cincinnati and didn’t want them coming via wagon train, so I timed it to be after the railroad joined. But since then I’ve written a prequel (where the train didn’t exist). I’m writing right now and 8-chapter free story and it’s set before as well and I had to do research on the travel and locations where it switched from train to stagecoaches.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I love history. And I love reading this genre. I do love regency England, but I was afraid to write that. The details you have to know scared me.

About A Whole New Plan:

Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected.

California, 1870. Pastor William Baker has built his life on faith, routine, and safe choices—until Lydia Spencer walks in and turns everything upside down.

Independent, outspoken, and guarded, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. She has no interest in church… and no intention of revealing the truth she’s hiding.

Because Lydia isn’t just a schoolteacher. She’s a Pinkerton detective, sent west to track a dangerous crime boss—and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means keeping her distance from the one man who sees straight through her defenses.

But when unexplained thefts shake their quiet small-town rural community, and a desperate boy appears with ties to a deeper mystery, Will and Lydia are forced into an uneasy partnership. As danger closes in, so do their hearts. What begins as a reluctant alliance soon becomes a forced proximity neither of them expected—and neither can ignore. Yet the very things that draw them together may be the ones that tear them apart.

Lydia’s life is built on secrets. Will’s is built on truth. And when her past catches up with her, they’ll have to decide what matters most—holding on to their own plans… or trusting the One who sees the bigger picture.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4vOorTP  

About Denise:
Denise M. Colby is passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels. She loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800s. An avid journal writer, Denise usually can be found with a pen and notepad whenever she’s reading God’s word. Each year, Denise chooses a word to focus on. She shares her learnings about that word throughout the year on the two blogs she writes for.

A wife for thirty years and mother to three boys and daughter-in-love, Denise loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80s and musical songs, dance, and spend date nights with her husband. Writing Historical Christian Romance novels combines her love of learning about history and reading. Visit Denise’s website to sign up for her newsletter or connect with her on her social media.

LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/denisemcolby
Website - https://denisemcolby.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/denisemcolbywrites
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/denisem.colby/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/denisemcolby
GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/denisemcolby
BookBub Author Page - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/denise-m-colby

Photo credits:

Author photo and book image: Courtesy Denise M. Colby

Rooster: Pixabay/JHenning

Old-Town Sacremento: Pixabay

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Susan Page Davis

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Susan Page Davis

I'm a big fan of Susan Page Davis's books, so I was thrilled when she signed up to be interviewed for my blog. She has written well over one hundred books on her own, and has now teamed up with her daughter and son. Read on!

How many books have you written, and what is your favorite? I’ve had about 110 books published. It would be impossible to pick a favorite, but my Maine Justice series is close to my heart. I grew up and lived most of my life in Maine, and I’ve written romance, historical novels, and suspense books set there.

How did publishing your first book change your writing? I learned a lot by going through the publishing process that first time. For one thing, I couldn’t write what I wanted and assume the editors would publish it exactly as I’d written it. We had several rounds of revisions to go through.

How do you deal with the pressure of deadlines? I started my professional writing as a correspondent for a daily newspaper. That job taught me in a hurry to respect deadlines! If possible, I start an assignment as soon as I get it, not at the last minute. I pace myself, allowing time for planning, research, writing, revising, and just plain thinking about it.

Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decided to write a series? Yes. At the time we came up with the series idea, the publisher we were targeting wanted three-book series. That particular line was discontinued, and we eventually went with a different publisher, but we had already planned three books.

How has your book changed since your first draft? When I first thought about this idea, I considered

having Cassie find some papers that were of interest to the government. We later decided it would be more believable to have a private group trying to recover the papers. 

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why? Maybe Josh, Adam’s younger brother. He’s adventurous and sometimes a bit foolhardy. But as he matures, I can see him learning how to get himself out of risky situations without having to be rescued.

What is your advice to fledgling writers? Read widely. Try to write something every day.

What is your next project? The Seafaring Women of the Faithful will release Sept. 22. It’s the third book in the Hearts of Oak series, about a sailing ship “manned” by women in the 1850s. It’s co-authored with my son Jim, and we just finished reading through the galley. We’re excited about the launch, and we hope you love it!

Book blurb: Dumpsters and Dragons draws garbage collector Cassie Willis into intrigue and danger. She’s used to hauling away other people’s trash. She’s not used to finding coded documents, being chased by a sinister biker, or getting tangled in a dangerous game with a very real killer. After she brings home a packet of strange papers she found in a dumpster, Cassie hopes someone at a local gamer café might recognize a mysterious symbol. Instead, her search draws the attention of adversaries who are clearly playing for keeps.

Before long, Cassie is working with police to uncover a dangerous scheme hidden behind game challenges. As the assignments escalate and someone close to her and her boyfriend Adam becomes caught up in the investigation, she realizes the case is far more perilous than she expected.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4f665I9  

Susan Page Davis and Page M. Davis are a mother-daughter team. Originally from Maine, they’ve

relocated father south. Susan is the author of more than 100 novels and has won the Carol Award, three Will Rogers Medallions, two Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Awards, and more. Page is a writer and kennel tech. She has published serial fiction and short stories. This is her second mystery novel.

Social media links:

Website: https://susanpagedavis.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Page-Davis/e/B001IR1CGA
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-page-davis
Twitter: @SusanPageDavis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanpagedavisauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/255473.Susan_Page_Davis

Photo credits:

Author photos and book image: courtesy of Susan Page Davis

Dumpster: Pixabay/drewplaysdrums

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Amanda Cabot!

 

Changing Times

by Amanda Cabot

First of all, thanks so much for inviting me to be part of Talkshow Thursday, Linda. I always enjoy my time with you and your followers.

When I first announced that I was writing a book set in the post-WWII era, a number of my readers wondered why I’d made what seemed like such a dramatic change. I suspect that others have the same questions, so I thought I’d conduct a mock interview with myself to answer them.

Most of your books take place in the nineteenth century, so why did you decide to set Beyond the Melody in 1946? As is true for many of my readers, Sweetwater Crossing holds a special place in my heart and I didn’t want to leave it. The problem was, I felt as if I’d exhausted the Vaughn sisters’ stories. At the same time, I kept thinking about them and wondering what their descendants’ lives would be like. I could have done what some authors do and write a story about their children, but that didn’t excite me. Instead, I felt drawn to the twentieth century and specifically to the World War II era.

Books set during that war are very popular now. Why did you choose 1946 rather than one of the war years? The answer to that is two-fold. First of all, I didn’t want to write a war story, because I knew I’d find the research painful. But, more importantly, I knew I couldn’t compete with the many outstanding authors, including Linda, who are writing WWII books.

What fascinated me was the adjustment both the soldiers and their families had to make in the aftermath of the war. It’s been decades since I’ve watched Best Years of Our Lives, and I’ve forgotten much of the plot, but what was indelibly etched on my memory is that both the returning soldiers and their families were faced with huge challenges. That was the kind of story I wanted to write. And when I started my research and learned that a well-respected magazine declared that it should take no more than three weeks for soldiers to put their war experiences behind them, I knew that debunking that ridiculous statement would be part of my story.

You mentioned research. What kinds of research did you do? I’m a huge fan of Time-Life’s This

Fabulous Century series, which has a volume dedicated to each of the first six decades of the twentieth century. The combination of pictures (and, yes, a picture is worth a thousand words) and articles about everything from world events to pastimes puts these books at the top of my research list. I learned so much about life before, during, and after the war from the volume on the forties and had a lot of fun incorporating some of the more interesting details in Melody.

In addition to books, I was fortunate to have had an aunt who, with her husband, had a jukebox route. When my husband and I would visit her, she would regale us with stories of the work they did on those jukeboxes. Those tales were the reason I gave my heroine her own jukebox route.

What were the most interesting aspects of the forties for you? In some respects, that era felt almost modern. Notice that I said “almost.” Families had phones and indoor plumbing. They no longer had to cook over wood-fired stoves. Women no longer wore floor-length dresses unless, of course, they were going out for a special evening. All that felt modern.

On the other hand, there were many aspects of life that made it clear that it was eighty years in the past. No air conditioning, no GPS for easy navigation, no internet for quick research. But, when all is said and done, although the outward trappings of daily life may differ, people are essentially the same. They face the same problems and they long for the same things. It doesn’t matter whether they’re living in the nineteenth century, immediately after the Second World War, or in 2026. Though their external circumstances are different, my characters seek the same things we all do: love, a place to call home, a purpose for our lives.

Will there be another post-war book? That depends. When I started writing Melody, I had no plans for a second book, but by the time I finished it, I realized I’d planted the seeds for one—maybe two—others. Whether or not they get written depends on how readers react to Anna and Jim’s story.

Have you abandoned the nineteenth century? Definitely not. I’m currently writing Blossoms at Twilight, the third of the Sisters of the Heart trilogy. And while that was supposed to be the final book in that series, several characters in it are demanding their own stories. I also have an idea for another Christmas story set in nineteenth century Sweetwater Crossing. The challenge now is which book to write first.

Thank you all for listening, or should I say reading? If there are other questions you’d like answered, please add them to the comments. I’ll check in frequently.

Beyond the Melody
Neither one is looking for love, but sometimes all it takes is one dance.

By the spring of 1946, life in Sweetwater Crossing is almost back to normal after the war. Not Anna Finley’s. She lost her chance at happily-ever-after when the man she loved was killed in France. Anna does her best to hide her sorrow—and a secret that haunts her—as she works on the jukeboxes she inherited when her brother died in combat. There’s no point in dreaming about what might have been.

Jim Smythe is also grieving a shattered life. His fiancée broke their engagement, reminding him that a respected magazine said it should take no more than three weeks for a veteran to forget the war. But Jim cannot forget the men in his platoon who didn’t return home, and he’s made it his mission to visit each of the fallen soldiers’ families, hoping to give them some small measure of comfort. Sweetwater Crossing is his final stop. After that, he’ll have to return to Boston and the life that holds no appeal. If only he could find an alternative, one where people saw him for himself, not his family’s name.

He’s given up hope that anyone will understand what his parents and fiancée did not, but everything changes when he enters a small café and sees a woman whose eyes reflect his own pain standing next to a jukebox. Jim knows he’ll never see her again, yet it somehow feels right to extend his hand and say, “May I have this dance?”

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for two wounded people unless they can overcome their fears and find the courage to love again.

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/4o1Y49R

About Amanda
From the age of seven, Amanda Cabot dreamed of becoming a published author, but it was only when she set herself the goal of selling a book by her thirtieth birthday that the dream came true. A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. She is now the bestselling author of more than forty novels and a variety of novellas. Her books have been honored with starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers’ Best. For her, a day is incomplete unless it includes books and at least one pot of tea.

Photo credits:

Author image, book cover, book page: courtesy Amanda Cabot

Jukebox: Pixabay/schubinger

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

Talkshow Thursday: A Guest Post by Ruth Wong

 God’s Son—One Claim, Two Cultures 

By Ruth Wong

Every one of my books touches upon the Christian faith. That thread continues in my latest book, Fire Between Two Skies (special $2.99 promo at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2YZZ8LG; watch the teaser video at https://youtu.be/UE9egV5VlUs). Set against the fiery upheaval of the Taiping movement, the story explores a question that has long gripped me: how can the same claim—“I am the Son of God”—ignite such different responses in different cultures?

In first-century Judea, monotheism was the heartbeat of Jewish identity. For a Jew to claim to be the Son of God was to tread on sacred ground with fire. Such a claim was against the social order and also against God Himself. The consequence was predictable: rejection, and ultimately, death. Now set that alongside nineteenth-century China. Traditional Chinese society, with its richly layered spiritual landscape, offered a different frame. When Hong Xiuquan announced he was God’s son and Jesus’ brother, his message found ready ears. The result was not isolation but the mobilization of multitudes to follow his vision.

That divergence fascinates me. Culture shapes plausibility. What sounds impossible in one context can appear inevitable in another. Yet even acknowledging that, I can’t stop thinking about Jesus’ claim and authority.

When I first read the Bible, I was stunned by how unapologetically Jesus spoke. As a Jew, He knew His

words that identified Himself with the very name of God would collide head-on with the traditions of His people. Was He crazy? Only someone unhinged would insist on such things—unless, of course, His claim was true.

I’m a PhD scientist and always keep an open mind. If someone can point me to ancient texts that foretold his coming, and if that person fulfilled those prophecies—particularly through a death in accordance with those texts—then I have to take the claim seriously.

This is where the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of archaeology’s greatest finds, enter my vision. Among the original seven scrolls discovered at Qumran is the Book of Isaiah, dated to around 125 BCE. Nearly complete, remarkably preserved, and consistent with later manuscripts, it stands as a witness to the integrity of the text across centuries. Within Isaiah are passages about Jesus from birth to death. For me, the existence of the Old Testament, centuries older than Jesus’ earthly life, adds weight to the belief that history is not random, that God speaks and then brings His word to fruition.

Fire Between Two Skies is not a theological treatise, but a story that stares at the juncture between faith and culture. Jesus’ claim was not aimed at regime change but at heart change. He refused the sword, embraced the cross, and fulfilled words spoken long before He walked the Galilean hills.

As a writer, I’m drawn to the tension between earth and heaven. As a scientist, I’m compelled by evidence that endures scrutiny. As a believer, I surrender to a story that is bigger than me, yet personal enough to answer my search.

If those themes resonate with you, I invite you to explore them with me in Fire Between Two Skies. And whether you come to the book as a skeptic, a seeker, or a fellow traveler in faith, I pray you’ll find, between the two skies of culture and conviction, a fire that illuminates more than it consumes.

About Ruth
Dr. Ruth Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city.

She currently runs a small biotech company (www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym.

In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.

Ruth was chosen as a featured author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library in 2025 and by the Suffolk Virginia Authors Festival in 2026.

Her book, Echoes over Stormy Sea, has won a few awards, including being chosen by readers as a winner in the HOLT Medallion Contest.

Fire Between Two Skies

Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds.

In 2022 Hong Kong, Jason Guan, after losing his job as an assistant supervisor for wetland conservation, joins his uncle’s real-estate business. A chance meeting with his high school classmate, Vivian Jiang, draws him into a web of secrecy, seduction, and moral compromise. Amid the chaos, he and his wife, Debra, read an unpublished manuscript by her father, a celebrated writer, about the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851–1864) and a man’s futile pursuit of justice and peace on earth.

In nineteenth-century China, Zhang Xin, an orphan saved from the streets by Missionary Issachar Jacox Roberts, is swept into the fiery rebellion of the Taiping movement. Torn between the dream of a just kingdom, his forbidden love for Miao Lan, and his loyalty to his ruthless brother, Xin reckons with doubt, conscience, and the cost of faith.

When greed and exploitation eclipse justice, both men must navigate their respective perils. Will they prevail or be consumed?

Action/Adventure; Dual-time Odyssey Book 3): new release in January 2026; special $2.99 promo at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2YZZ8LG. Series Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4LKXS2W By R. F. Whong, named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library. 

Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ruth.wuwong
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWuwong
Website: www.ruthforchrist.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-wu-wong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwuwong/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/love.respect.grace
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/42632055.R_F_Whong
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-f-whong

Photo Credits:

Author Photo and book image: Courtesy of Ruth Wong

Bible: Pixabay/James Chan

Nebula: Pixabay/Lumina Obscura

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Sherry Shindelar

 Talkshow Thursday: 

Meet Sherry Shindelar

I'm pleased to welcome fellow Heroes, Heroines, and History blogger Sherry Shindelar. Grab a "cuppa" and learn a bit about her and her books.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I have been in love with stories since I was a child. I’d swing for hours on my swing set, pumping my legs back and forth, dreaming up stories in my head. Even then, I had a flair for romance, creating new love interests and episodes for Star Trek’s Captain Kirk.

My favorite possession at age nine was a set of author playing cards (a matching game with photos of famous authors). I wanted to be an author when I grew up and bring stories to life on the written page, stories that would impact my readers.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

The best part is seeing readers get excited about something I’ve written, seeing it impact and capture their hearts.

How did publishing your first book change your writing?

The next book was the most difficult book I’d ever written. Now that I had a contract, I had a deadline, and I’d never written a novel on a deadline before. Even worse, I was stressed wondering if everyone would love book two as much as they loved book one. I came to an end of myself, and I told the Lord I couldn’t do it without Him. The Lord saw me through. I finished the story with an exciting ending that I didn’t even expect until about three weeks before the deadline. Book three was much easier. I knew that with the Lord’s help I could do it. I’m now writing book four. Stress and writer’s block flare up occasionally, but I pray about it and take one step at a time.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit

you knew you had to include?

I read a lot of books. I usually start out by contacting the library in the county were I plan to set the story. For Texas Reclaimed, that was Weatherford in Parker County, TX. I read about early settlers in the area and the development of the town in the mid-19th century. I discovered that it was a very dangerous place to live in the 1850’s and 60’s. There were lots of Comanche raids, and most of the men left the area for several years to fight in the Civil War. The line of settlement retreated more than one hundred miles in some areas. But one cool thing I learned was that to protect against the dangers of attack, some of the earlier settlers in Parker and Palo Pinto Counties built double log cabins: two cabins joined by a wide, enclosed hall. They also built heavy shutters for their doors and windows, and for their stables.

I also read diaries and accounts of Andersonville Prison Camp, where my hero spent the last year of the war, accounts of laudanum dependency in Civil War soldiers, and Charles Goodnight’s biography.

Finally, my favorite part of research is travelling to the area. I didn’t travel to Weatherford, but two years ago, I travelled to West Texas and Oklahoma visiting canyons and museums, including the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City and the Plains & Panhandle Historical Museum in Canyon, TX. Both of these had life-size replicas of a Western town, and these inspired my descriptions of some of the buildings in my story.

Tell us about your road to publication.

A visit to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, when my husband and I were newly married, spurred my love for history and planted the seed for a story. A few years later, I wrote the novel, then buried it in a box in my closet when it didn’t get published right away. I returned to college to earn a degree in creative writing and eventually a PhD in literature, wondering if I’d ever reconnect with the stories in my head, the ones buried deep in my heart.

Then, in the summer of 2019, the Lord opened my heart to fall in love with writing all over again. And it has been my daily passion ever since. I pulled out the box and unburied the past. My new writing life was born.

I rewrote my first novel from scratch, then I wrote another novel, Texas Forsaken, as I waited for a YES from an agent or editor/publisher. After no’s from several of the biggest publishers (no’s because it wasn’t the right timing for a Civil War story or an Indian captive story), I felt like I was moving toward my goals at turtle speed.

But God had a plan. In His perfect timing, He threw open the doors for me to receive my first book contract in June 2023, four years from the time I fell in love with writing all over again. And when it finally happened, the Lord answered my prayers beyond my expectations!

How are your characters like you? Different?

All of my heroines have parts of me in them. The traits are often magnified and perhaps exaggerated a bit in their storybook lives, but the roots of the personalities lay within me. My heroines are smart, hardworking, and determined. They are slow to trust, and a bit skeptical, but when they fall in love, it’s for keeps. They also prioritize the Lord first (after they come to fully know Him), then the hero/husband, and if they have children, the children come next. Their goal/calling is close behind. In their case, it might be holding on the family ranch, or something similar, while in my case, it’s my writing. Either way they pour their hearts into their calling. What most people who know me don’t know, is that I, like my characters, have a feisty and occasionally short-tempered side, except in my case, it’s usually only my husband sees this part of me.

Finally, unlike my characters, I am a bit reserved, and I’m not nearly as brave as they are when it comes to setting on adventures and taking risks. Also, definitely unlike them, I’m skittish about riding a horse, and I hold on to the reins for dear life.

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?

Texas Reclaimed is the third book in my Lone Star Redemption series. I wrote the first book, Texas Forsaken, as a stand-alone story (it was loosely inspired by the real-life narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker), but when my publisher offered me a contact, they asked for a three-book series. I wasn’t about to say no to a three-book contract! A missing sister that I briefly mentioned in the first book became the heroine of book two, Texas Divided, and book three focused on a nugget of a story idea I already had, but I connected to other characters in the series.

What draws you to the time period about which you write?

I love to write about the Civil war and I love to write about the Western frontier. The war ripped the land, families, and hearts apart. I enjoy creating stories about love that can’t be quenched by any battlefield. No matter the time period or the setting, I love romance. In addition, I’m also captivated by the Texas frontier, the wide open spaces, the horizons that seem to stretch on forever, and the canyons. I admire those who fought and sacrificed to make their homes there.

What is your next project?

I’m busy working on Book #4, starring Evelyn, who is a female newspaper reporter at a time when almost all reporters were male, and Jake, who is an Indian agent trying to keep peace between the Comanche and the settlers. Evelyn writes an article that gets Jake’s brother killed. Meanwhile, I have a novella coming out June 30th. It is part of a collection called Freed by the Frontier, and it is a prequel to my first book, Texas Forsaken. It is Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle’s love story.

About Texas Reclaimed:

Can love blossom between a woman haunted by her family's past and a man with a war-scarred heart?

 
Cora Scott is determined to hold onto her family's Texas ranch and provide a stable home for her young half brother, Charlie, despite the mounting challenges of post-Civil War frontier life. But when a scheming creditor threatens to seize their land, she must accept help from Ben McKenzie, a former Yankee soldier sent by her late brother. Though Ben's generosity and strength draw her, the man's private struggle she stumbles upon—too reminiscent of her father's alcoholism—makes her question whether she can trust her heart to him.

Ben McKenzie arrives in Texas intent on fulfilling his promise to his dying friend to protect Cora and Charlie. While using his inheritance to save their ranch, he battles not only the loss of their cattle but also his dependency on laudanum—a medicine that turned into a curse after his imprisonment at Andersonville. As his feelings for Cora deepen, he must choose between his promise to his father to take over their Philadelphia newspaper and his growing dream of a life with Cora in Texas.

When a Comanche warrior begins courting Cora and Ben's responsibilities in Philadelphia threaten to tear them apart, they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and forge a future together on the Texas frontier.

About Sherry:

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she isn’t busy writing, she is an English professor, working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2025 Maggie winner, 2023 ACFW Genesis finalist, 2023, & 2021 Maggie finalist, and 2022 Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty-one years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.

Buy link: https://amzn.to/46QlE2a

Connect with Sherry:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/sherryshindelar/
FB Author: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/134972322-sherry-shindelar
Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/527022753

Photo credits:

Author photo and book image: Courtesy Sherry Shindelar

Western town: Pixabay/ddzphoto

Barn: Pixabay

Talkshow Thursday: A Guest Post from Julie McDonald Zander

Talkshow Thursday: 

A Guest Post by Julie McDonald Zander

More than a dozen years ago, while guiding schoolchildren through our local historical museum, I spotted a small placard that mentioned the story of a woman who crossed the Oregon Trail in 1847 and suffered horrendous tragedy.

My heart broke at the sorrow she must have suffered, and I thought, “How did she survive?”

So, I decided to find out. Since 1999, when I launched my personal history business, Chapters of Life, I’ve helped dozens of individuals, families, organizations, and businesses capture and preserve their histories in book form. In between these projects, I dove into uncovering the story of Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson.

After five years of research, I wrote the early nonfiction draft. At Writers Weekend at the Beach in Southwest Washington, critique group members suggested I needed dialogue. But Matilda died in 1901, so if I put words into her mouth, I could no longer call it nonfiction. I debated whether to write it as fiction or nonfiction, but since her story had never been told, I finally published the nonfiction version, Washington Territory’s Grand Lady: The Story of Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson in 2019.

But her story deserved an even wider audience. So, after publishing more than 75 nonfiction memoirs

and history books, I spent five years in critique groups and conferences learning to write fiction. Then, in September 2024, St. Helens Press launched The Reluctant Pioneer, the fictional account of Matilda’s life, inspired by her true story.

I loved putting myself into Matilda’s viewpoint, experiencing the Oregon Trail as she might have, trying to entertain children while keeping them safe along a perilous journey. Instead of writing that she rode a canoe over Celilo Falls, I climbed into the craft with her, bouncing through the whitewater, striking boulders and freefalling over drop-offs, all the while praying for God’s protection and blessings on her family.

I’m honored that both the nonfiction and fiction books were finalists for the Western Writers of America Spur Award and won a Will Rogers Medallion. I call Matilda my favorite pioneer, but she was everything I’m not—a terrific housekeeper, a wonderful cook, a kind and gentle spirit who epitomized the fruits of the Spirit. She never would have sought the limelight or a book about her life, much less two, but she persevered through great struggles and losses, clinging to the promises of God in the Bible.

History offers many opportunities for inspirational fiction stories. In 2019, I served on a committee to commemorate the Centralia Tragedy, but even a century after the November 11, 1919, event that left four soldiers dead and a union activist lynched, people argued over what exactly transpired. I decided the best way to address this conflict between American Legion veterans of World War I and union activities in the Industrial Workers of the World is through fiction. Within the pages of a novel, I could explore the lives of the loggers who labored long hours in dangerous jobs for little pay as well as the veterans who fought for freedom in the trenches of France during World War II. In the spring of 2025, St. Helens Press launched Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence, a dual timeline novel exploring what some refer to as the Centralia Massacre.

I’ve always loved to write, and I pursued this passion first by studying journalism at the University of Washington, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science. I worked a decade as a newspaper reporter and nine years as an assistant city editor before starting Chapters of Life. I’m enjoying my newfound career as a fiction writer and love to hear from readers. Sign up for my newsletter at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/u9mvncauqy and receive a free pictorial ebook, Retracing the Oregon Trail.

Book blurbs:

The Reluctant Pioneer: Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, she balks.

But in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward. Fresh graves testify to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream.

With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive?

When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

This pioneer woman’s journey is inspired by a true story.

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence

A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town still haunted by its past.

When former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she sees it as a chance to escape her own ghosts and start anew. But as she peels back layers of history within the home’s walls, she unearths long-buried secrets tied to a dark chapter in the town’s history.

Hidden behind crumbling plaster, a faded diary and a bundle of love letters unveil the struggles of a soldier trapped in the trenches of France and the heartbreak of those left waiting at home. Yet the diary’s brittle pages hold more than just longing—they bear witness to the explosive events of November 11, 1919, when a parade meant to celebrate peace erupted into violence and bloodshed.

As Colleen pieces together the tragic choices that shattered lives and fractured a town, she realizes history is never truly buried. The wounds of yesterday still shape today, and the past is not done with her yet.

Inspired by true events, Shattered Peace is a gripping time-slip novel of love, loss, and the echoes of history that refuse to fade. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network and The Girl You Left Behind, this haunting tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of truth will linger long after the final page.

Author Bio:

Julie McDonald Zander, an award-winning journalist, earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from the University of Washington before working two decades as a newspaper reporter and editor. Through her personal history company, Chapters of Life, she has published more than 75 individual, family, and community histories. Her debut novel, The Reluctant Pioneer, won a Will Rogers Medallion and was a finalist for the Western was a finalist for the Western Writers of America’s Spur Award for Best Historical Novel. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, where they raised their two children.

Author Links

Website: https://maczander.com/
Twitter / X:
https://x.com/MacZanderAuthor
https://x.com/ChaptersofLife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563140294856
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliemcdonaldzander/?hl=en
Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/mczander.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gV_qYTDqMbPVbygc-lOXw
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maczanderauthor/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-mcdonald-zander
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maczanderauthor?lang=en
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4odeZ8h
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5856830.Julie_McDonald_Zander

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherri Stewart!

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherri Stewart!

I'm thrilled to welcome Sherri Stewart back to my blog. Listen in and learn more about Sherri's writing journey and her latest release.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

The first time I ever thought of writing a book was when an idea came to me while sitting in a hotel room in Phoenix waiting for my husband to finish with the trainers conference he was attending. I quickly typed a few paragraphs of a story line on my laptop and saved it into a file.

A few weeks later, I was talking to a student in a journalism class I taught, and I told her about my idea. She scoffed, “That book’s already been written.” Deflated, I put the idea of the book aside until three years later, when my husband lost his job and with it his health. I’d been volunteering at a law firm as a new attorney at the time, and ideas about cases I was working on reignited my desire to write a book about them. That led to my first book, and thirteen years later I’m writing my 24th.

How did you learn how to write?

I always hated writing when I was a kid. I was the ninth grader who spent more time counting my words to reach the minimum number required, rather than trying to write an original story. But I loved teaching English—I was one of those strange people who adored diagramming sentences. Looking back, it was law school that turned me around. Having to write hundreds of timed essays engendered in me the confidence to be creative. After writing my first book, I joined Word Weavers, a Christian writers organization. Through editing other writers’ works, I learned the conventions of fiction that weren’t taught in my high school or college.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

My favorite thing about writing is research. I love to visit the towns in my books, sample their food,

walk their streets, and listen to their sounds. For Secrets Dark and Deep, I visited Zürich, stayed at the same hotel my main male character stayed at, enjoyed fondue and Swiss chocolates, and visited the opera. Last spring, for my most recent novella called An Uncommon Gift, I took a transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, trying to imagine what it was like for a young woman to travel by ship back in 1910. Even when I can’t travel to my books’ locales, YouTube is a viable source of information.

Which of your books is your favorite?

My favorite book is A Song for Her Enemies, which I wrote in 2021. My hero has always been Corrie ten Boom, who hid Jews in her bedroom closet during the Holocaust. I wrote a fictional version of Corrie’s story from the point of view of one of the Jewish women who hid in her house. For the book, I traveled to Haarlem in the Netherlands, and even visited the concentration camp where Corrie was taken. Though loosely based on her story, my book took on a life of its own, and God gave me a sign that I was to write the book. I published the second book in the series in 2023—What Hides behind the Walls, and I’m writing the third and last book in the series at the present time—In the Presence of Her Enemies.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing?

In my book, Secrets Dark and Deep, Maddie has a secret she’s buried so deep she can’t remember it. Then a note appears on her desk at the news station from an anonymous person who calls himself Absalom. He warns her that he knows her secret and vows to exact revenge. Thus follows a race to discover her secret before he finds her. I also have a secret that I’ve blocked—something that happened in eleventh grade, but I have no desire to find out what it is.

What was the best money you spent as a writer?

Travel. I’ve always loved to visit new places. In my twenties I was a flight attendant, and I wrote the book, Très Chic, a fictional account of my own experiences. After my husband died five years ago, traveling helped me grieve. Since then my son and I have been to Paris, Amsterdam, Zürich, Maine, Texas, Rhode Island, Boston, and most recently Spain and Portugal. Everyone of those places have provided the settings for my books. How do I afford it with the meager royalties I make? I run an editing business, which keeps me busy.

How do you improve your writing?

It’s hard to believe but grammar changes often. I keep up-to-date by checking with the Chicago Manual of Style for my editing business. I also attend writers conferences and am part of an online writers group that meets once a month. You’d think that an editor could edit her own work. Not in the least. We writers are too close to our own work to see our mistakes. When I edit my books, my eyes autocorrect my mistakes, so I don’t see them. It takes other writers to hone my skills.

How does God inform your writing?

I am a pantser, which means I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t have an outline from which to write each day although I have a general idea how the book is going to end. I write 500 words a day six days a week, and I depend on God to lead my writing. I’m always amazed on where He takes me. Things I never thought about take shape before my eyes. My characters are believers but flawed, and the obstacles they encounter drive them to God again and again. Most of my readers are also believers, but many aren’t, and I hope they’re inspired to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ.

About Secrets Dark and Deep

TV anchor, Maddie Caldecott, has a secret so deeply buried within that she doesn’t remember it. But the man called Absalom knows her secret, and his threats to exact his revenge are becoming more and more intrusive. As an investigative reporter, Maddie can dig out the truth of any story, but she can’t unearth the secret she’s blocked until it’s too late. Police Detective, Brody Messner, is at his wits end. How can he protect Maddie if she resists his every suggestion? His need to protect her has become personal. From Orlando to Zürich, he follows her, trying to stay one step ahead of her assailant—all of his notes to her, and the song. 

Purchase link: https://bit.ly/3OYSFjM

About Sherri:

Sherri Stewart is a woman of faith who loves all things foreign—whether it’s food, culture, or language. A former French teacher, her passion is traveling to the settings of her books, sampling the food, and visiting the sites. She savored boterkoeken in Amsterdam for A Song for Her Enemies, and crème brûlée in Paris for its sequel, What Hides beyond the Walls, and raclette in Zürich for Secrets Dark and Deep. A widow, Sherri lives in the Orlando area with her dog, Lily, and her son, Joshua, who always has to fix her computer. As an author, editor, blogger, speaker, and Bible teacher, she hopes her books will entertain and challenge readers to live large and connect with their Savior. Join, chat, and share with her on social media. http://www.stewartwriting.com/blog

Photo Credits:

Fondue: Pixabay/Annette

Arc de Triomphe: Pixabay/Lagrange