Brock Eastman
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Seek Adventure and Truth at Every Turn

Q&A with Vickie McDonough: Joline's Redemption

4/28/2017

0 Comments

 
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Interview by Brock Eastman

Featuring Joline’s Redemption


Joline has fallen as far as any woman can.
 
Jo’s lofty dreams of love and luxury evaporated when her ne’er-do-well husband left her pregnant and alone. After a series of increasingly bad decisions, Jo finds herself at a crossroads: swallow her pride and seek refuge at her sister’s home or risk losing her infant son.
           
She chooses the first option, even though she knows the man she’s running from will come after her, and she needs to move farther away. To earn money for the journey, she goes to work for her estranged husband’s brother, Baron. But Jo has a long list of secrets she’s keeping from Baron—namely her son, Jamie.
         
Jo intrigues Baron, and he finds himself falling in love with her. But when he discovers she’s his brother’s castoff, he closes his heart. Baron has been cleaning up his younger brother’s messes most of his life, and Jo is one mess he refuses to tackle.

All too soon, Jo’s past catches up with her, and she realizes the disaster she’s made of her life. Is it possible that God can redeem a woman who has fallen as far as she has and give her hope and peace for a happy future?


A historical romance that beckons to modern day issues. Vickie McDonough   

Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book? or What was your inspiration for writing this book?

Vickie: I was born and raised in Oklahoma and have long been fascinated with my state’s unique history. The part of Oklahoma that l live in was once the Creek Indian Nation. When the Indian lands in Oklahoma were opened for settlement by non-Indians, the government chose a series land runs as the means for deciding who got a homestead or town lot. The first person to the land won it. My series title is Land Rush Dreams, and it features the 1889 and 1893 land runs and the 1901 land lottery.

Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique?

Vickie: In book one of my series, Gabriel’s Atonement, the heroine has a rebellious, bratty younger sister name Joline aka Jo. Their parents died in a fire when the girls were young, and it really affected Jo. I knew the second book would feature her, and with all the bad choices she made, her life was bound to be difficult. She’s stubborn and tenacious, which is how she survives all dreadful things that come her way.

The hero is Baron Hillborne. He’s the oldest son of a wealthy businessman who owns a chain of mercantiles. He has often been tasked with cleaning up the messes his younger brother, Mark, has made. When he comes to Guthrie to reopen the store that Mark started and then abandoned, he sees it as just another mess to clean up. Baron is the good son, patient and dependable, respectful, honest, and trustworthy. He’s the kind of man Jo thinks would never be attracted to her, especially when he learns that she’s just another one of Mark’s mistakes.

Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.

Vickie: Okay. Um…let’s see. The last thing Jo would ever do is return to her sister’s home, but for the sake of her son—did you know she had one?—she’ll do even that.

Baron is partially colorblind, which can be challenging since he runs a store.

Brock: In three sentences, what is this book about?

Vickie: Joline has fallen as far as any woman can. She once had lofty dreams of love and luxury, but she made a series of dreadful decisions, leaving her bereft of all hope. Jo has a long list of secrets to keep and always has to look over her shoulder, as the man she’s running from may show up anywhere, anytime.

Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?

Vickie: People often feel that God can’t love them because of the things they’ve done. I hope to show them that isn’t true. God loves you no matter what you’ve done—no matter what bad choices you’ve made.

Brock: Any certain research required for the book?

Vickie: Yes, I had to research the Cherokee Strip land run. I knew quite a bit about the land runs, but when you write a book, there are many little details you need to know to make the book historically accurate and interesting.

Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series?

Vickie: Yes, I’m close to finishing Sarah’s Surrender. Readers first meet Sarah in Joline’s Redemption, when the half Cherokee/half Irish girl runs away with Jo from the place they are staying.

Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned?

Vickie: I did a lot of research, trying to find just the right Cherokee Indian name for Sarah. I settled on Chiyah, which means “in the shadows.” It was the perfect name for the quiet, little girl that Jo helps. During the editing process, my editor challenged me on whether the name was actually Cherokee. I looked it up again and was surprised to discover that the name is Cherokee after all, but a name from India. Somehow I missed that fact when researching. In the end, I deleted all references of Chiyah and settled on giving her a regular name. The Cherokees were part of the Five Civilized Tribes, and many had had English names for generations, so it wasn’t unbelievable for my character. I hated giving up the name that fit so well, but I had to be accurate. And besides, in Joline’s Redemption, Chiyah actually changed her name to Sarah when she became a Christian, so I just changed it sooner.

Brock: Baron is an odd name for a hero. How did you come to choose it?

Vickie: I’m kind of picky about my hero and heroine names. It has to be something I like and also one that was historically accurate. Baron is probably pushing the limits for that, but it seemed to fit my hero. How did I think of it? I had a friendly man come to my house to install a gas fireplace, and that was his name. I liked it and thought it would fit the hero in Joline’s Redemption. I even set up the story to show that Baron’s mother was fascinated with English aristocracy. Mark, Baron’s brother, was named Marquis, but he hated it and never used it.

Brock: Can you tell us about the land lottery that is featured in Sarah’s Surrender?

Vickie: After the craziness of the land runs where many people were injured and the many lawsuits concerning who owned certain homesteads, the government felt they needed a more organized and fairer way of deciding who won a homestead. They held a massive lottery in which tens of thousands of people signed up. Then there was a drawing for the homesteads. The officials numbered the envelopes as they were drawn, and on a later date, the winners, starting with the first name drawn, got to choose which section of land he/she wanted. It was much less hectic than the land runs and fairer for all who entered.


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Author Website: VickieMcdonough.com   

Author Facebook:
facebook.com/VickieMcDonough?fref=ts

Author Twitter: twitter.com/vickiemcdonough

Author Pinterest:
pinterest.com/VickieMcDonough/


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Q&A with Jody Hedlund: An Uncertain Choice

4/24/2017

1 Comment

 
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Interview by Brock Eastman

Featuring An Uncertain Choice


Brock: What was your inspiration for writing An Uncertain Choice?


Jody: I have three daughters.  My two oldest daughters (twins) are in high school. They're starting to notice boys. And boys are starting to notice them.

Okay, who am I kidding? My teen daughters have been paying attention to boys for quite a few years. Yes, they're human. But of course, up until now they've been a tad young to enter the world of dating. My husband would prefer that we have a family rule, "No dating until at least the age of 22." And he'll likely greet any boy that comes calling for them with a baseball bat in hand (wink!).

But because we know that we can't beat away the boys forever, we wanted to have a tool that we could use for our daughters to help prepare them for dating.

Let's face it, the dating world has become rather big and scary to many young people. And rightly so. Our modern culture, particularly social media, has changed the nature of dating.  Cell phones, texting, Facebook, online dating services, etc. have all impacted the how's, why's, what's, and when's of dating.

When I began to think about what kinds of dating experiences I wanted my daughters to have, I decided to write a book that models the purity, nobility, and courtly love that existed in the days of old, during the times of knights and their ladies, a time in history when chivalry was at its height. Thus, An Uncertain Choice was birthed.  (Plus I'm a sap for a good medieval fairy tale!)
 
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique?

Jody: The heroine is a beautiful and wealthy young woman named Lady Rosemarie. She's on the cusp of her eighteenth birthday and knows her destiny is to fulfill a vow made by her parents. In light of their infertility, her parents had promised to give their firstborn back to God for a life of service and celibacy when she turned eighteen. Now with only one month before her birthday, Lady Rosemarie receives the news that there is an exception to the Ancient Vow–if she finds true love and is married by her birthday, then she is exempt from having to become a nun.

Faced with a growing loneliness and the possibility of losing control over the people she rules with compassion, Lady Rosemarie questions whether life in a cloister is really the best choice for her life. She agrees to allow the three handsomest and noblest knights in the land the chance to win her heart in one month.

Enter on stage, the three heart throbs! Sir Collin, Sir Bennet, and Sir Derrick. Each one is completely honorable and noble in his own way. Lady Rosemarie will have a tough choice ahead of her. Now you'll have to read the book to find out who she chooses and why!

Brock: In three sentences what is An Uncertain Choice about?

Jody: One beautiful maiden. One month to decide her fate. The choice? Fall in love or become a nun. The prospects? The three of the handsomest and noble knights in all the land. As an unseen enemy threatens the competition, Lady Rosemarie's choices may be slimmer than she realizes.

Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?

Jody: I start out with a brainstormed list of plot ideas. I do my best to think of as many twists and turns as I can before I start writing the first draft. And I usually have a pretty good idea of how I want the plot to wrap up.

But inevitably the story develops even more as I get into the meat of writing. I think that’s what makes writing so fun and what gives me such a rush—to see what new aspects unfold and where the story actually leads as I get to know my characters more intimately.
 
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?

Jody: Young people today really enjoy reality TV shows, especially ones that involve contests. My teens love watching Survivor, The Amazing Race, and even American Idol. There's just something about real competition that attracts us.

An Uncertain Choice is a little bit like reality TV, especially a show like Bachlorette (although a much sweeter and cleaner version!) where a young woman is presented with three really fantastic men. In some ways, she can't go wrong if she chooses any of the men. But readers get to join the adventure as she must narrow down her choices even as the clock ticks away to the day of her eighteenth birthday.

Aside from the many issues related to dating and marriage, the book also tackles issues like chafing under too much supervision, learning to become a strong leader, and how to display courage in different ways.

Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?

Jody: I'm currently writing in three similar but distinct genres: Historical Romance, Young Adult Medieval Romance, and then Historicals that are based on the lives of real people. I actually love writing in all three of the genres and am thrilled that I have three books releasing this year (one in each of the genres).

In addition to An Uncertain Choice my YA medieval tale, readers can also look forward to a second historical romance in a lighthouse series that recently launched. And then in the fall I'm releasing a book called Luther & Katharina with Random House (Waterbrook) in October. It's a book based one of the greatest untold love stories: the courtship and marriage of the great reformer, Martin Luther to a runaway nun Katharina von Bora. He's a heretic wanted dead or alive, and she's a noblewoman without a family or home. Amidst the dangers of pope, princes, and revolting peasants, the two must wage war to find a love of their own.
 
Brock: How many books are planned for this series?

Jody: There are three total books planned in this series. As I mentioned, Lady Rosemarie, the heroine, is presented with three really fantastic men to choose to marry. In some ways, she can't go wrong with any of the men since they're all noble and swoon-worthy! But readers get to join the adventure as she must narrow down her choices even as the clock ticks away to the day of her eighteenth birthday when she must either marry or enter the convent and become a nun.

Luckily If Rosemarie doesn't choose YOUR personal favorite knight, don't despair! The other two knights will get books of their own. And you'll be able to take a journey with them as they begin their own quests to find their places in the world, overcome shortcomings, and along the way find the woman that God has planned for them.

Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?

Jody: Research is an integral part of my writing process. I usually spend approximately 4 weeks on initial research, reading biographies, getting a feel for the time period, and digging into the meat that will comprise the plot of my book.

Once I start writing the first draft, I have to stop from time to time to do a little more research, particularly if I switch settings within the story. But usually, if I don’t know something, I’ll highlight it and then do more research during my editing phase.

Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series?

Jody: Yes! I'm already excited about the second book in the series. It's already written and I'm in the process of getting ready to turn it in to my editor in order to get her expertise feedback. As I mentioned it will involve another one of the three knights. But of course, I won't give away which of the knights until closer to the release of the book! (How's that for a tease!)

Brock: How do you hope parents will use An Uncertain Choice with their kids?

Jody: While the book is an exciting and entertaining story that young women will enjoy reading, it's also a book that I hope facilitates discussion about dating, love, and marriage.

I've developed a downloadable discussion guide to correspond with the book chapter by chapter that will be available on my website. It's my desire that mothers (or grandmothers) will read the book as a disciplining tool with their daughters and then use the story and study guide as a way to talk about relationship issues that often get overlooked.

An Uncertain Choice would also be perfect for mentors, small groups, youth groups, or Bible studies, where girls to come together to read and discuss the book as a way to spur thoughts about God's plans for dating.

Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book?

Jody: It's my prayer that through An Uncertain Choice and its discussion guide readers will examine dating and be better prepared for the challenges that accompany it. Whether young women are brand new at dating or have been dating for a while, it's never too late to evaluate God's design and to set into place a solid foundation for relationships, particularly in preparing for marriage.

Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?

Jody: My writing pace varies from project to project. On average, however, I would say that a book takes me about 4-5 months including the research, first draft, and then self-editing. Obviously, once I'm done and turn it into my publisher, there's still a lot more work that goes into getting the book ready for publication. But my first draft process usually encompasses about five months.

Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

Jody: Like many writers, I’ve been writing since my childhood days. I always loved telling stories. When I was in junior high, I entered my first writing contest for a Biblical fiction story. And when I won, I realized God had indeed gifted me. I think that was when I became more serious about wanting to be a writer when I grew up. The passion followed me into adulthood. And after many twists and turns along the path, I’ve finally been able to channel that passion into a full time writing career.

Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing?

Jody: My mom was the most influential person in my writing career. When I was young, she helped facilitate my love of writing by reading aloud to me, giving me good books to read, and providing the kind of environment that fostered my creativity (in fact we didn’t have a TV for a number of years). She always believed in me, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and rode alongside me cheering me on.

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

Jody: Anne of Green Gables was one of my favorites as a child because it played a role in developing my creativity as a writer. Followed closely by A Little Princess and Little Women because they also featured strong, creative girls.
 
Brock: Coke or Pepsi?

Jody: Diet Pepsi

Brock: Soft shell or hard shell tacos?

Jody: Soft shell loaded with all the toppings

Brock: Favorite place to vacation?

Jody: Dream vacation: castles throughout Europe

Brock: Favorite season?

Jody: All of them in their own time

Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers?

Jody: Coffee. Coffee. And more coffee. :-)

Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Jody: One of the many verses I treasure is "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 That verse has held me in good stead through many trials.
 
Brock: Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?

Jody: Since I'm in the midst of raising a busy family of five children, I want to enjoy my family and raise my children to glorify God. That's a HUGE task right now and takes up most of my time and energy when I'm not writing.

Someday I hope to be able to take naps again. But until then, I dream about the day!

Brock: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

Jody: Spare time? What's that? *Grin*

No, seriously. When I have a minute or two to myself, I love to read! I've taken to using audio books as a way to squeeze in more reading, especially as I'm doing house chores or exercising.

Also, over the past couple of years I've taken up running. I've enjoyed getting in shape (even though it's been slightly painful for me!)


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Author website: JodyHedlund.com

Author Facebook:
facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund

Author Twitter: twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/

Author Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/3358829.Jody_Hedlund



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Q&A with Lisa Harris: Pursued

4/20/2017

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Interview by Ashley Eastman

Featuring Pursued


Praise for the Nikki Boyd Files

“Christy Award–winning and bestselling author Lisa Harris puts readers right into the action in this fast-paced thriller that will have them turning pages long into the night.”
—Fresh Fiction on Missing

“Lisa Harris has quickly become one of my favorite romantic suspense writers, and she has penned another winner in Missing.”
—Radiant Lit on Missing

“With this explosive first book in the Nikki Boyd Files, Lisa Harris takes readers on a fast-paced pursuit of justice that will have them holding their breath until the heart-stopping finish.”
—Christian Retailing on Vendetta

“A thrill ride from start to finish, the first book in Harris’s Nikki Boyd Files series is filled with twists and surprises. This is exactly the kind of suspense novel that readers are looking for—one to keep them involved and intrigued throughout.”
—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick on Vendetta

“The story is fueled with misleading dangers, and the character is so fascinating that fans will be waiting impatiently to see what adventure Nikki Boyd will have next.”
—Suspense Magazine on Vendetta

“Readers will try to figure out who’s behind the crimes as they get to know Nikki and root for her to heal from her painful past and open herself to love.”
—Booklist on Vendetta



Nikki Boyd's flight into Nashville was routine--up until the crash landing at the airport. When the dust settles, Nikki discovers that the woman who had been seated next to her on the plane is missing--and no one will admit she was ever there. Erika Hamilton had been flying to Nashville with an air marshal as a key witness in an upcoming grand jury trial. When she flees from the crash, is she running from trouble or straight into it? Before Nikki can even see her family, she and her team are pulled into a missing persons case where the motives are as unclear as the suspects.
 
Bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris has planted danger around every turn in this can't-put-it-down thrill ride that will leave readers stunned.
 
 
Ashley: What was your inspiration for writing the Nikki Boyd Files?
 
Lisa: Like with most of my stories, it began with a character that gripped my interest and whose story begged to be told. Nikki Boyd was one of those characters that I couldn’t stop thinking about. I always want to inspire with characters that are flawed and vulnerable and yet also show how God can use them. Giving Nikki her own series gave me the perfect combination.
 
Ashley: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique?

Lisa: Nikki’s personal reasons for working on a Missing Person Task force intrigued me the most. She not only cared about the victims and their families, but she was the sister of a victim. This makes her not only good at her job, but her motivation keeps her intent on finding those she’s searching for.
 
Tyler is the love interest in this series. To me he’s perfect for Nikki, though they don’t discover this right away. He’s been wounded—both physically in the military, and emotionally with the loss of his wife, and yet even as he struggles to get back on his feet, he becomes a source of strength for Nikki.
 
Ashley: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
 
Lisa: To be honest, I don’t interview my characters upfront like some authors do. I discover their likes, dislikes and quirks as I write. So all the facts I know about them I’ve already weaved into the series.
 
Ashley: In three sentences words, what is this book about?

 
Lisa: Pursued is a race against time to find a woman who disappears after a plane crash. When Nikki Boyd learns that Erika Hamilton is a key witness in a grand jury trial, she’s determined to do everything she can to ensure the woman is found. But someone will do anything to make sure she doesn’t testify.

Ashley: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
 
Lisa: I always start with a basic outline, then build on that as I write. With the twists and turns of romantic suspense, having a structure in place is extremely helpful for me as I write.
 
Ashley: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
 
Lisa: I believe that Nikki is a heroine we can all relate to. She’s vulnerable yet strong, and knows what it is to have to deal with a horrible loss.

Ashley: What is your favorite genre to write for?
 
Lisa: Definitely romantic suspense!

Ashley: How many books are planned for this series?
 
Lisa: Pursued is the third and last book in the Nikki Boyd Files, but I’m finishing up a book that is a tie-in to the series. Vanishing Point is the story of Sarah Boyd, Nikki’s sister who disappeared over a decade ago, and the Angel Abductor who readers will know about from the series.
 
Ashley: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?
 
Lisa: I always do a lot of research on a wide variety of subjects. I’ll research things like setting to add to the flavor of the book, police procedure, specific crimes that the case is dealing with, and much more.
 

Ashley: Why did you choose to focus on a male and female protagonist?
 
Lisa: Originally, I had planned for this series to highlight a different protagonist in each book. It was my publisher’s suggestion to make this Nikki’s series which I have ended up loving. The whole series takes place over a few short months, which allowed me to have a larger romance arc between Nikki and Tyler over the three books, as well as a second larger arc on Nikki’s search for her missing sister. For me it allowed me to bring a deeper depth to the series and make it very personal.
 
Ashley: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? 
 
Lisa: I’m a full-time author working part-time hours. Or at least that’s what it feels like sometimes. I have discovered that in reality, the workload never ends, and like most people, I have many other responsibilities. So I’m constantly re-evaluating my schedule and time as I balance life in general.
 
Ashley: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
 
Lisa: I’m comfortable with about six months, but I always end up with less time than that.
 
Ashley: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
 
Lisa: I always wanted to write, though I didn’t get serious about actually sitting down and finishing a book until I was in my late twenties.
 

Ashley: Coke or Pepsi?
 
Lisa: Neither
 
Ashley: Soft shell or hard shell tacos?
 
Lisa: Both
 
Ashley: Favorite place to vacation?
 
Lisa: Right now, I’d be happy to go anywhere on vacation!!

 
Ashley: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
 
Lisa: It’s been a difficult year personally for our family, so I love holding onto this verse. “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
 
Ashley: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
 
Lisa: One of my favorite things to do is head to a nearby game park and drive through the bush looking for animals. There’s something peaceful about no cell phone or computers and all I can see is God’s incredible creation. It’s the one place I’ve found I can really get away from it all and take a deep breath!
 

Ashley: Any hobbies?
 
Lisa: I love photography, especially people and animals. We’ve finally put up some of our favorite animal photos—lion, leopard, rhino and more—in our house which has been fun.



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Author Website:  LisaHarriswrites.com
 
Author Facebook: @AuthorLisaHarris
 
Author Twitter: @HeartofAfrica
 
Author Pinterest: lharriswrites


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Q&A with Patricia Bradley: Justice Delayed

4/16/2017

0 Comments

 
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Interview by Brock Eastman

Featuring Justice Delayed


It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincade of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.



“Patricia Bradley has everything you’re looking for in inspirational romantic suspense—the perfect blend of mystery and romance. Her characters leap off the page and will stay with you long after you finish the book. Justice Delayed is one book I couldn’t put down until the very last page.”

--Mary Ellis, bestselling author, Midnight on the Mississippi and the Secrets of the South series
 
 
Brock: What was your inspiration for writing Justice Delayed?


Patricia: I’ve wanted to write a book about cold cases for a long time, and since I grew up in Memphis, it was the perfect location, especially since I have an advisor who is part of the cold case team there.
 
As for this particular story, when I wake up every morning, I spend a few minutes letting thoughts run through my mind. If I were writing, it would be called free writing, so I guess it’s free thinking. One morning I wondered what if someone on death row received a letter stating he had not committed the murder he was convicted of? And what if the letter writer had proof. But then the letter is stolen and the writer is murdered. And Justice Delayed went from there.
 
Brock: Tell us about the main characters? Who are they, what makes them unique.


Patricia: Will Kincade wanted to be a policeman since he was a kid along with his best friend, Brad Hollister. Andi Hollister is a TV reporter who drives her family and friends crazy with the risks she takes to get a story.
 
Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.

Patricia: Will is ashamed that he and Brad locked Andi in the shed when she was 10 and they were 12 so she couldn’t tag along with them. Especially since she’s now terrified of being in enclosed places. Andi is driven to prove herself, but no one knows how afraid she is when she interviews a dangerous person like the gang member.
 
Brock: In three sentences words, what is this book about?

Patricia: Diamonds. Deception. Justice
 
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?

Patricia: I discover who my characters are, and then I usually plot out the end of Act 1 where something happens where the protagonist(s) is thrown into solving the crime, then in the middle of Act 2, my protagonist(s)learn something that changes everything. I also know what the black moment is and usually how the story ends. Of course, my characters may have other ideas about all this, and then I go with them. J I don’t always know who did it. I was writing this story one day and a character admitted to the murder. And I thought, so you’re the one who did it.
 
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?

Patricia: My heroine deals with trust issues and my hero deals with unforgiveness. My hope is that readers will identify with how they resolve these issues.
 
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?

Patricia: I love to write Romantic Suspense.

Brock: How many books are planned for this series?

Patricia: Four initially, but it is set up to continue indefinitely.

 
Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?

Patricia: I have the Memphis Cold Division on speed dial, and my detective there has been wonderful to answer questions. I also had to research maximum-security prisons in Tennessee. And how to cause a tie-rod to come loose. On that last note—I was in Gateway at 7 am one Saturday waiting for the mechanic to arrive so he could explain how to do that. I only wished I’d had a camera when I asked him.
 
Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book?


Patricia: I lay down the suspense line first, along with a little of the romance and faith lines, then I go back and fill in those last two until I have the right balance.

Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series?


Patricia: I am working on the second book, Justice Buried. It’s a story set at the Pink Palace Museum, a famous landmark in Memphis. I was privileged to tour the Palace from the attic to the basement, and there are a lot of places to hide bodies there!  I’m thinking about the third book that is about an Elvis impersonator killed fifteen years ago.
 
Brock:
Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series?


Patricia: Justice Buried is set at the Pink Palace in Memphis and is about a security specialist who is accused of murder. She has to clear her name or her career is over, but her investigation draws her into the path of a killer, and she finds herself fighting for her life.
 
Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination?


Patricia: I usually plot out the series, but then each book takes a life of its own and doesn’t even remotely resemble the outline and sometimes even has new protagonists.
 
Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned?


Patricia: Wait a minute and let me get up off the floor. J Something important always changes about my books. In Justice Delayed, I thought Andi was a newspaper reporter, but once I started writing, she let me know she was a TV reporter, and the murderer changed twice.
 
Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example?


Patricia: I am a very lean writer and scenes are rarely cut. If anything, I add scenes.

Brock: Where do you like to write?


Patricia: I love to write on my screened-in deck where I can listen to the birds sing.
 
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?


Patricia: I’m blessed to be a full-time author.
 
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?


Patricia: I like to have at least five months, but I have written one in four.
 
Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series?


Patricia: I want them to take away hope.

Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in the Justice Delayed.


Patricia: My books deal with problems Christians have in their lives—forgiveness, distance from God, guilt, trust issues, lack of faith—they’re all there. I hope the way my characters work out their problems will give hope to my readers.
 
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?


Patricia: When I was 35 and these people came to live in my head. They wouldn’t go away until I wrote their stories.
 
Brock:
What are some of the strongest influences on your writing?


Patricia: God first—sometimes I have to depend on Him for the next sentence, and He has been faithful to give it to me. Also, teaching I received from Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck—they have shared their knowledge and encouragement to so many, and I was blessed to be one of them. I learned how to craft a story from them.
 
Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution?


Patricia: I like e-books and believe they will encourage reading. As for Indie publishing, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it’s easier to get your book out there, but so many Indie authors don’t hire a good editor for their stories and a lot of badly written books end up getting published. But cream always rises to the top. I prefer to be traditionally published. Revell, a division of Baker Books, is the absolute best! They really invest in their authors, marketing their books and offering so much encouragement.
 
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?


Patricia: I read Exodus by Leon Uris when I was in the 10th grade and even now, that book impacts me.
 
Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book.


Patricia: Actually, my editor sent my first book to me, making sure I received it on Christmas Eve. It was heart stopping when I tore open the envelope and realized it was Shadows of the Past. And I cried when I held it in my hands. Nothing will ever top that, but I was excited when the box of books arrived later.
 
Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author?


Patricia: I have so many ideas for books in my head, and I hope I have a chance to write every one of them.
 
Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?


Patricia: I could not write a book without knowing God was there, giving me the gift of telling a story.
 
Brock: Coke or Pepsi?


Patricia: I rarely drink carbonated drinks, but usually buy Coke if I do.
 
Brock:
Favorite place to vacation?

Patricia: I love to cruise the Caribbean and will take my third cruise in March.
 
Brock:
Favorite season?

Patricia: I love the leaves and crispness in the air in the Fall.
 
Brock:
Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers?

Patricia: When I’m writing, I consume hazel nut coffee by the gallon
 
Brock:
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?


Patricia: I have 2 and I note them on each book I sign—Psalm 37:4, 7: 4:“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” 7: “Wait patiently for the Lord to act…”
 
Brock:
Favorite pasta dish?

Patricia: Anything Alfredo.
 
Brock:
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples?

Patricia: I listen to the light Classical Music channel except when I’m writing suspense, and then I listen to Batman Returns and The Phantom of the Opera.
 
Brock:
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Patricia: I’ve been bucked off a horse two times, and one of those times, the saddle came with me.
 
Brock: What was your day job before you quit to write full-time?


Patricia: I taught abstinence and how to have healthy relationships to junior and senior high school students. It was quite an experience. Maybe I should have put that in the one thing most people don’t know about me.



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Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, Gone without a Trace, and Silence in the Dark. Bradley received the 2016 Inspirational Readers Choice Award for the third Logan Point book, Gone without a Trace, and has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, a winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at ptbradley.com.
 
Author Facebook:
facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
 
Author Twitter: @ptbradley1
 
Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/ptbradley


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Adventures in Odyssey Podcast - Announcement

4/13/2017

1 Comment

 

#TQ4T readers, you'll want to look for yours truly.
--------------------------
Commander Bob, Commander Jesse, and Crewman John Doe beam down to an alien planet in search of another cast member for Get in the Show.

Star date 80995.2017. Adventures in Odyssey is about to celebrate its 30th Birthday with a spectacular live show on a four-night cruise to the Bahamas. However, we need one more person. Sensors indicate that person just might be on a strange, mysterious, enigmatic alien planet.

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Q&A with A. H. Gabhart: Murder Is No Accident

4/12/2017

2 Comments

 
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Interview by Brock Eastman

Featuring Murder Is No Accident


Young Maggie Greene may be trespassing in the old, empty Victorian mansion on a quiet street in Hidden Springs, but all she wants is some private time in the magnificent tower room to write her stories. Certain she’ll be in trouble if caught, she hides when a realtor shows up. But someone else is in the house too, someone even more worried about getting caught. When Maggie finds the realtor’s body at the bottom of a flight of stairs and the other person gone, Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is called in. He assumes the realtor’s death is a tragic accident–until a second person is found dead in the house. When Maggie is threatened, Michael must catch the murderer before anyone else dies.

Cozy mystery fans will love this third installment in The Hidden Springs Mysteries series from an author who knows how to make small-town America sweet, sentimental–and a little sinister.


“The plot will keep readers anxious for another story set in Hidden Springs.”
– RT Book Reviews about Murder Comes by Mail
 
 
Brock:
What was your inspiration for writing this book or series?

Ann: Since I’ve always enjoyed reading mysteries, I decided to try writing a mystery story. But I also like setting my stories in small towns. That’s what I know since I grew up on a farm near a small town. So mystery combined with a small town and a few eccentric characters and a cat or two turned that first Hidden Springs story into a cozy mystery.

For this book, my third Hidden Springs mystery, Murder Is No Accident, I decided to let the mystery take place in an old Victorian style house much like one I’ve always admired on my hometown’s Main Street. Then I introduced a new character, a young girl who dreams of being a writer. Hmm, something like me when I was fifteen. When she sneaks into the house to hide out and write in the tower room, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. And so the mystery begins.

Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique?

Ann: Michael Keane is the deputy sheriff of Hidden Springs. He loves his small town and has roots all the way to China. He tried working as a policeman in a big city, but hated it. He came back to Hidden Springs where he feels as though he actually has a chance to keep the peace. The problem is that he’s in love with a big city girl and while she loves him in return, they can’t quite figure out how to work out their different lifestyles.

Alexandria Sheridan is an attorney in Washington D.C. She loves Hidden Springs, but only as a place to visit. She can’t imagine actually living in such a small town. She’s used to being on the fast track to success but she's also sure Michael could never be happy living in a big city. That makes a dilemma for her since she wants what's best for Michael.

Fifteen-year-old Maggie Greene wants to be a writer. Her family has never had a lot of money, but after Maggie’s father gets laid off from his factory job, they struggle to pay their bills. Maggie doesn’t worry about not having the fancy clothes, cell phone, etc. that other girls her age have. She doesn’t mind helping her mother clean houses and taking care of her little brother while her mother is at work, but she does dreams of going to college. She’s afraid if she’s caught trespassing in the big house her mother sometimes cleans that will put a black mark on her record and keep her from getting the scholarships she needs to go on to school.

Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.

Ann: Michael Keane collects Civil War weapons and history books. He would like to have time to visit the historic battlefields and be more involved in Civil War re-enactments.

Alexandria Sheridan wanted to be a Jeopardy contestant when she was in college, but she never sent in the application. She worried she'd freeze up, but now she's sorry she didn't give it a try.

Maggie Greene dreams of someday going to England and touring a castle.

Brock: In three sentences words, what is this book about?
 
Ann: Murder. Secrets. Love.
 
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?

Ann: I don’t outline my stories. I come up with a what if question or two, write a few pages about my characters to get to know them better and then type “Chapter 1” and begin. I like it when the characters keep the story going, but sometimes I think writing the book would surely be way easier if I did have that detailed outline.

Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?

Ann: My characters are regular folks just like my readers. While the characters in my stories may be challenged with more dramatic happenings then most people might face, we do all have good and bad times in life. Sometimes it helps to lay aside your own troubles to escape into a story for a while. I hope readers will cheer for my characters and hope for their safety and eventual happiness.

Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?

Ann: I’ve enjoyed writing these cozy mysteries, but I also enjoy writing the family stories and the historical stories I’ve written. One thing that does seem to tie most of my stories together is the small town Kentucky settings. So maybe I can start a new genre. A small town genre. You think the readers would go for that? 

Brock: How many books are planned for this series?

Ann: Murder Is No Accident is the third Hidden Springs mystery following up Murder at the Courthouse and Murder Comes by Mail. At this time, I don’t have plans to visit Hidden Springs again, but who knows? Maybe someday mysterious happenings might again show up on the Main Street of Hidden Springs.

Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?

Ann: No special research was required for this story. I used an old house here in my town as inspiration for the setting, but the events of the story are all from my imagination.

Brock: What do your readers think about your latest series?

Ann: When my first Hidden Springs mystery, Murder at the Courthouse, was published I worried that my readers would be upset by my change in genre. The publishers worried about this too and that’s why they suggested I use a different form of my name, A. H. Gabhart instead of Ann H. Gabhart, as author of these cozy mysteries. I have been very pleasantly surprised that the majority of my readers, who had read my Shaker novels and my family series, gave my mysteries a try without hesitation. Even better, they all seemed to like the stories. I was especially on pins and needles with Murder Comes by Mail, because it is a more suspenseful story than most cozy mysteries. But again, I have the best readers in the world. They like my characters and my small town of Hidden Springs.

Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male protagonist?

Ann: With my main character a deputy sheriff, I decided a man might be the more believable character in a town the size of my fictional Hidden Springs. Besides, I enjoy writing from the male point of view. That sometimes gives me a fresh perspective on a story idea.

Brock: Where do you like to write?

Ann: I prefer working in my office with windows all around, but I wrote my first novel many years ago at a desk in my kitchen while my youngest son watched Captain Kangaroo. To prove how long ago that was, my son now has four children, two of them teenagers! I wrote a number of books at that kitchen desk, but then when my father died, I received a small inheritance we used to build an addition onto our house that included an office for me. It's great having my own office with those windows I love. I can look outside at the trees and birds when I'm not looking inward at whatever is happening in my story.

Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series?
 
Ann: I want my readers to be glad they took some time out of their busy lives to come visit Hidden Springs. I want them to come to think of my characters as family. I would like for them to realize good people, those willing to go the extra mile for their fellow citizens, abound in our world. That’s the kind of deputy sheriff Michael is in Hidden Springs. Last, but not least, I want them to be entertained by the story.
 
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
 
Ann: We have to go way back in time for that story. My first book, a historical romance, was published in the general market in 1978. Lots of ups and downs since then on my publishing road, but Murder Is No Accident is my thirty-first published book. When I wrote that first book back in the 1970’s, many things were different about how you went about submitting your work to publishers. I had to type all my manuscripts on a typewriter, prior to word processors, and mail those manuscripts to my agent who then sent them out to potential publishers, one at a time. If a rejection resulted, then the story was sent to another publisher. One thing was similar in that it was very helpful to have an agent. I searched through writing magazines for how to get an agent and then once I decided who to approach, I wrote a query letter telling about my story. Now we would call that a proposal and do most of the approaching agents or publishers via internet or at writers’ conferences. I do vividly remember reading that letter from my agent that told me my novel had been accepted for publication by Warner Books. One of those never to be forgotten moments.
 
Fast forward a few decades and I wrote a story about a preacher and his family that brought me into the Christian fiction world. I love it here. When I noticed mysteries were becoming more popular among Christian fiction readers, I started letting murder happen in my little town of Hidden Springs. I was pleased when my editor and publishers decided readers might enjoy my cozy mysteries.
 
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

Ann: I sometimes wonder if I wasn’t wired to be a writer when I was born. Okay, maybe not quite that soon, but I did start writing my first book when I was ten. At the time, I was reading a lot of Hardy Boy mysteries and I decided to write my own mystery starring a smarter, cuter and far less shy me. I’ve been writing ever since. I love putting words together and telling stories.

Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author?

Ann: I hope to write a few more books that will have readers telling me they couldn’t put my book down until they finished the story.
 
Brock: Coke or Pepsi?
 
Ann: Neither. I love my tea, hot or iced. Unsweetened, but I do mix lemonade with my iced tea when I go to one of those fast food restaurants.
 
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?

Ann: I love to walk on the beach at sunrise and let the waves lap up toward my feet. I like hearing the shore birds and seeing the little crabs dig down in the sand. But I also like being in the mountains or on a lake. So perhaps my favorite place to vacation is anywhere I can get out in the natural world the good Lord made so beautiful.

Brock: Favorite way to exercise?

Ann: Walking on my farm with my dog, Oscar.

Brock: Favorite season?
 
Ann: Spring in the spring and fall in the fall. That was cheating picking two, wasn’t it?
 
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Ann: So many favorite verses. I’ll decide one is a favorite and then I’ll see another I want to let settle down in my heart. I put a Scripture reference when I autograph any of my books. I’ve tried to come up with verses that match the story the way I did with Lamentations 3:22-23 for Murder at the Courthouse since that is a verse one of the characters considered during the story. In my recent Shaker book, The Innocent, I had a continual faith thread where my character, Carlyn, would remember how her mother was always saying “Pray anyway” no matter the circumstances. So I put 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when I sign that book. If I can’t come up with anything that matches the title or the theme of the book, I use 3 John 2 because that seems like a blessing I can pray for each and every reader.

Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples?

Ann: No, never. I like quiet. 

Brock: Why do you like to set your stories in small towns like Hidden Springs?

Ann: I’m a country girl who knows very little about big cities, so it just seems right that I keep my stories in familiar territory. Also, small towns have a certain charm while opening up the potential of introducing some interesting minor characters to add color to a story. We had a few of those kinds of characters in my own hometown. While I have never actually used any of the people in my hometown in my stories, many of my hometown readers think I have. They are always trying to figure out who this or that character “really” is. Sometimes what they come up with surprises me or it’s someone I didn’t even know well enough to write into my story. I do admit that, at times, I have been inspired to come up with this or that character by people I have known. Even then, my fictional people are a mishmash of characteristics from many people I’ve met through the years.

Brock: Why did you name your fictional town Hidden Springs?

Ann: I like to name my towns something that sounds great. I have my Hollyhill stories and then there’s my little community of Rosey Corner where my Merritt family live. I named my fictional Shaker village, Harmony Hill. You think I might like town names that start with h? But Hidden Springs seemed like the perfect name when I was writing the first of my Hidden Springs mysteries, Murder at the Courthouse, because the mystery involved truths about long hidden events in the town that spring to the surface.

Thank you so much for letting me come visit. I enjoy talking about my books and writing and love talking to my reading friends.



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Author Website: AnnHGabhart.com
 
Author Facebook:
facebook.com/anngabhart
 
Author Twitter: @AnnHGabhart

Author Pinterest: AnnHGabhart


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Q&A with Thomas Locke: Recruits

4/8/2017

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Interview by Brock Eastman

Featuring Recruits


It’s a world they’ve seen only in their dreams—until now.
 
Twins Sean and Dillon Kirrel have dreamed about a world beyond their own since they were children, but it has always been a fantasy. Not long before their eighteenth birthday, however, the arrival of a mysterious new neighbor and the revelations he shares bring that far-off world within reach.  
 
When Sean and Dillon learn they share a unique gift—the ability to transfer instantly between worlds—they are offered an opportunity to prove themselves as recruits to the planetary Assembly. But unlocking their abilities awakens an enemy beyond anything they ever imagined, thrusting them into an interplanetary conflict that could consume the entire human race.



“A truly awesome work. . . . Enormously engaging and thought provoking. The concept itself is remarkable, and the writing is absolutely beautiful.”
--Kim Neimi, former executive vice president, NBC Universal
 
“Recruits is mind-bending storytelling, part The Matrix and part I Am Number Four. . . . An adventurer’s feast of the most addictive sort.”
--Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Forbidden
 
“Wow! Recruits is a remarkable feat, combining adroit storytelling with a delicious mixture of the now and the fantastic. The story brings to mind the poignant beauty of Arthur C. Clarke’s best novels, as well as such modern works as Avatar."
--Phyllis Tickle, former senior editor, Publishers Weekly

 
Brock: How did you come up with the idea for Recruits?

Thomas: For the past several years I have grown increasingly concerned over the all-pervading darkness that nowadays forms the core of both character development and story within the fantasy and science fiction genres.

Three years ago, Publishers Weekly held a global forum on where science fiction and fantasy were headed. A panel that included some of the largest New York publishers and editors in these fields brought several key elements to light. Here are the four points I found of crucial importance.

First, in the six months leading up to that forum, not one book was released by any New York publisher in either fantasy or science fiction that hearkens back to the classical heroic structure of by-gone days.

Second, both of these genres have become redefined by the electronic game industry, which is soon expected to top Hollywood films in terms of both profit and revenue.

Third, the key impact of e-games on both character and story theme was described as “grey-scaling.” This means there is no longer room for either heroes or villains. This is important in e-games because the player is offered the chance to take on every role. None are deemed wrong, or bad. All are equally valid.

Fourth, the classical story structure has been deemed passé. This structure formed the basis for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and for C.S. Lewis and the Narnia series, and has its roots in the ancient Greek heroic structure, many of which were told as fantasies.

Do all readers want dark, hopeless stories?

Long before this conference confirmed my growing suspicions, I felt the question these NY publishers overlooked was, “What has happened to the readers of classical fantasy and science fiction? Are readers satisfied with the direction that these publishers have chosen to take?”

I do not disagree with the new direction as a concept. But I fundamentally dispute this mind-set of exclusively focusing on the new, the dark, and the hopeless.

Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?

Thomas: It really depends upon the story.  With Recruits, for example, the characters basically told me the story and I hung on for the ride.  This past week I completed work on the sequel, Renegades (Revell winter 2017).  For this story, I outlined heavily.

Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
 
Thomas: All of the Thomas Locke projects hold to the original Greek structure of inherent value, what Hollywood refers to as ‘leave-behind.” In Recruits, the principal characters rise from nothing to forge an alliance that has profound and far-reaching impact, simply by accepting the challenge of their own self-worth.

With Recruits, I returned to the stories that framed so much of my own early reading.  The characters are beset by impossible circumstances, and yet arrive at a point where they can not just survive, but achieve greatness.
 

Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
 

Thomas: When you pick up a Thomas Locke book, do not expect an evangelical story. Instead, these stories harken back to what J.R.R. Tolkien did with The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was a survivor of the trenches in World War I. When war returned with World War II, the darkness he saw was difficult for him, personally. He felt as if the world had not healed.

In The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he offered a new concept of lore that acknowledged the grip of war, the darkness people faced that had to be combatted, and the courage that was required.

That is precisely what I am trying to do with these series. I’m not putting forth a Christian message for believers. I’m creating a new kind of story that includes the positive aspects that come from our life walk: courage in the face of hardship. Growth. Change.  The meeting of life’s challenges.  The need for a greater vision.  Compassion.  And above all, hope.

 
Brock: How many books are planned for this series?

Thomas: Three.

Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book?

Thomas: The crucial element in writing speculative fiction is NOT the speculation. The key to these stories being successful is in anchoring them somehow to reality.  With most speculative fiction, this comes down to making the emotions of the characters, and the characters themselves, come alive so powerfully that their world and their adventures become real as well. 

Brock: What do your readers think about your latest series?

Thomas: The most recent Thomas Locke release was B2 in the Trial Run series, entitled Flash Point. Suspense Magazine recently awarded Trial Run their prestigious Best Book of 2015.

Brock: Where do you like to write?

Thomas: These days I travel a great deal, as it is required both for my teaching and for the service my wife and I are involved in. This year, for example,  I will be working in the United States, Europe, and the Far East.  As a result, it is necessary to hold to the discipline of writing wherever I am. 

Brock: Are you a full-time  or part-time author/writer?

Thomas: I like to think of myself as a full-time writer, though there are increasingly other non-writing projects that my wife and I are involved with.

Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?

Thomas: For the past eighteen years, I have written a minimum of four full-length projects every twelve months.

Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

Thomas: I came to faith at age twenty-eight and started writing two weeks later. Within days I knew this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  Before that time, I had never written anything longer than a business report.  I wrote for nine years and finished seven books before my first (The Presence, Bethany House) was accepted for publication. 

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

Thomas: Most definitely it was the works of positive visionaries writing speculative fiction.  It was a huge honor and delight when, the year after I started writing, Arthur C Clarke agreed to serve as my very first mentor.

Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why?

Thomas: There are a number of Christian teachers whose lessons and books have enriched me.  I would love to work with any of them in fashioning their teachings into a story.

Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book.

Thomas: I know you are looking for some expression of joy here.  And I was certainly happy.  But our lives at that point were undergoing some really seismic shifts.  The arrival of the book was great, and offered huge comfort at a difficult time.  But in truth we were a little too busy just then to be overwhelmed.  Now, when I look back, the day that happened really seemed more like, okay, I have now passed through this portal.  The book is great, but the spiritual lessons are even greater.  God is with us right now.  His ways are sure.  This is the key.

Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?

Thomas: My faith is center to all my works, both those intended for evangelical publishers and those aimed at the mainstream.  There is no difference except whether I openly express my devotion.

Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory?

Thomas: When I began writing, I needed a place where I could take a holiday from my day job, and time this to writing the climax of my story.  For this I wanted to focus totally on the work, without the normal outside pressures.  Because I surf, I looked for a place where there were waves.  I worked in Germany, which has no repeat no surf.  A dear friend suggested I visit the Basque country on the Atlantic coast, on the border of France and Spain.  I fell in love with the wild and rocky region, very similar to northern California.  I have worked on more than two dozen books there, and dedicated my first French release to the family with whom we stayed since the year after we were married.

Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Thomas: Just now I am studying the Psalms anew.  So many new favorites, so many old friends.  It is a delight to dwell in these pages.



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Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, an award-winning novelist with worldwide sales of seven million copies in twenty languages. Davis divides his time between Oxford and Florida and holds a lifelong passion for speculative stories. He is the author of Emissary and Merchant of Alyss in the Legends of the Realm series, as well as Trial Run and Flash Point in the Fault Lines series. Learn more at TLocke.com.
 
Author Website:  TLocke.com
 
Author Facebook:  THOMASLOCKE


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Q&A with Mary Weber: Siren's Fury

4/4/2017

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Interview with Brock Eastman

Featuring Siren's Fury

Brock:
Tell us about the main character’s development in Siren's Fury.


Mary: In Storm Siren (Book 1) Nym faced a storm raging around her in the form of Adora, Eogan, war, love and loss. Now, in Siren’s Fury, Nym is facing a storm inside of her, when, after losing her Elemental abilities, she compromises what she knows to be right and chooses to absorb a dark power in an effort to save someone. However, she quickly discovers that instead of being able to control the evil within like she had hoped, the darkness begins taking over her.


Brock: In three words, what is Siren's Fury about?

Mary:
Loss. Compromise. Surrender.


Brock: How do you believe this part of the story (in the series) relates to the lives of readers?

Mary: In Siren’s Fury, the issue I think readers will most identify with is that struggle regarding compromise and its consequences. Specifically when done with the right intentions (which is usually the case) as well as when “wrong” and “right” seem relative. But of course truth is invariable, and, while each compromise of that truth has consequences (often severe), there is also grace for redemption and overcoming.


Brock: Is there any biblical background or basis for the book?

Mary:
Faith is an integral part of my life and therefore biblical principles and struggles will always be a part of my stories. If I were going to make any biblical comparison, it’d be that Nym reminds me very much of King David – with a beautiful heart full of compassion, but making an unwise choice when faced with impossible-seeming circumstances.


Brock: What feedback have you received from readers in regards to the series?

Mary:
*laughs* Hands down the most often received comment is “WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU DOOOOOO?!”(in regards to Storm Siren). Which is almost always followed by kind words from readers about being able to relate to Nym and her internal struggles as well as her victories. I’ve been enormously touched by the amount of incredible people who take time to write notes about how they’ve been inspired.


Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? What is the title?

Mary: I’m currently doing edits on Book 3 (still untitled!) and I’ll be honest – they’re by far the hardest thus far. I think I’m feeling my own pressure of wanting to wrap Nym’s story up well and do my amazing readers justice. :0)


Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series?

Mary:
Ooh yes! We’ll get a glimpse into Cashlin (and all its weirdness), discover more of the Dark Army’s creepiness, learn about Nym’s birth and backstory, and encounter decisions that will equal life, love, loss, and death. As well as an epic finale (which I’m hoping readers won’t hate me for, ahem). ;0)


Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned?

Mary:
The characters have changed more than anything – their struggles and strengths have become clearer and more personal to what I see myself and others encounter.


Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example?

Mary:
*laughs* I seriously think I might be the most boring writer in the world! I write in a straight line from start to finish – and usually add a scene or two during edits, but there aren’t any I ever cut (weirdly enough). However, I can say my editors and I were so fond of a new boy named Kel that we enhanced his storyline. And he’ll be fully in Book 3.


Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids/teens?

Mary:
As a parent of 2 teen girls and a pre-teen boy, I’m always looking for stories to inspire a deeper love of reading in my kids. But even more so, I’m looking for stories to ignite their hunger for adventure and reflective truth at a soul level. I hope Siren’s Fury does that. :0)


Brock: What do you hope kids/teens take away from this book or series?

Mary:
(1) Courage to live their own incredible stories that God has written. (2) Understanding it’s both the beautiful and broken bits (the ups and downs) that make us who we are and our life stories come ALIVE. (3) Bravery to accept and embrace the unique individual God has created them to be (because he only creates glorious things). :0)


Brock: How long did it take you to write Siren's Fury?

Mary:
7 ½ months


Brock: Favorite book?

Mary: Gah – there are SO manyyyy!! But my current obsession is Marie Rutkoski’s incredibly brilliant WINNER’S TRILOGY (because off-the-chart FEELS). And Marissa Meyer’s LUNAR CHRONICLES (because Captain Thorne is Han Solo in book form).


Brock: Favorite sound?

Mary: My husband’s voice, my children’s laughter, and my steaming espresso machine.


Brock: Weirdest food you’ve tried? Hmm…probably rattlesnake (and yes, it tastes like chicken – stringy chicken :0)). Although my husband and daughter have me beat - last year in Cambodia they ate deep-fried tarantula. Apparently it takes like bacon.

Picture

Author website: MaryWeber.com

Author Facebook:
facebook.com/marychristineweber

Author Twitter: twitter.com/mchristineweber

Author Instagram:
instagram.com/maryweberauthor/


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