Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had? 
Q: Would you tell us about your current book release SHATTERED? |
Dani Pettrey interview with Susan Sleeman
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February 02, 2013
A. I decided I wanted to attempt writing a novel in 2003, so I suppose you could say my writing adventure began then. I’m also a homeschooling mom. Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why? A: Yes. I write only inspirational romantic suspense novels. I love writing in this genre because it incorporates so many aspects I adore–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. Q: How does your faith play into your writing? A. My faith is such an integral part of my life, of every aspect of my life that it feels only natural for it to be part of the stories I tell. Q: How do you choose your settings for your books? A. It really depends book by book. For example, in my Alaskan Courage series, I knew I wanted a home base location that would provide ample opportunity for adventure since the McKenna family owns an adventure outfitter company. Alaska provides an excellent landscape for adventure. As I approach each book within the series (Submerged, Shattered…), I choose any additional settings based on what location would best suit the story and ramp up the danger. Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up? A: I don’t base characters completely on people I know, but I will often weave personality traits (a person’s courage I admire, a great sense of humor, someone’s inquisitiveness) into my characters.
A: Piper McKenna couldn’t be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed. Despite the evidence, Reef swears he’s innocent. And Piper believes him. Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth, and he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, pursuing the truth in this case could mean the end of Landon’s career. As Piper wages her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but the search for answers is becoming deadlier with each step. Q: Where did you get your inspiration for SHATTERED? A: Actually, I can’t share where I got the inspiration for Shattered in any detail without giving away too much, but I can say it all stemmed from a comment a friend made to me about her son. Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story? A: That even in the difficult times, God is right there and He is in control. It’s easy to think that we can handle things on our own, but why would we want to when we have a Savior offering to carry our burdens? There are many places to look for solace, but there is only One who provides true rest . Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book. A: I love Piper’s inquisitiveness and her love of moose. Yes, moose. I love Landon’s fierce protectiveness of Piper, and also his hunger for justice. Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now? A. I’m currently working on revisions for the third book in my Alaskan Courage series. Stranded will be releasing September 1st. Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why? A. A European adventure. My mom had always wanted to see Europe and two years ago when we knew she was terminally ill, but was still able to travel fairly well, we went as a family on a Mediterranean cruise. It was wonderful getting to share that with my husband, our girls and my mom. It brings back fabulous memories every time I think on it. My mom told me before she went home to Heaven that she wanted us to take another European trip…this time visiting new places and that she’d be along with us in our hearts. If money were no object, we’d see it all. Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done? A. Wow. That’s a hard question. I do a lot of silly things—just ask my daughters. I suppose the silliest would be when I won an indoor mock rodeo competition. Instead of bulls, we rode hoppy balls. Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? A. I don’t know if this counts as the hardest thing, but this past year was definitely the hardest year I’ve had. I lost my mom to cancer in February and my grandmother in May. Losing two women who were so dear to me and influential in my life in a matter of months was extremely painful. Q: Where can readers find you on the internet? A. My website: www.danipettrey.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey Twitter: www.twitter.com/DaniPettrey Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/DaniPettrey Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/DaniPettrey/ Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us? A. Thank you for having me on the Suspense Zone. I hope readers enjoy this interview and enjoy getting to know Piper and Landon in Shattered.
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Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com.
Thanks, Ganise. Definitely feel God carrying me through. It’s been very difficult, but His grace and love are so amazing!
So glad you dropped by. Always a joy seeing you too 🙂 God bless!
The answer to the question about the silliest thing you’ve ever done was totally awesome. 😉 Bless you, dear Dani.
Hoping you felt – and are still feeling- God carrying you through your loss. So very sad. 🙁
Always a pleasure to see you, Dani. God Bless!
LOL, Stephanie. That’ makes perfect sense. Was actually out in MN for a couple days in January and it gives new meaning to the word COLD for me! Best 🙂
I loved Submerged, Dani, and can’t wait to get my hands on Shattered. I might have to wait until spring, though, because reading Submerged made me actually feel the cold of Alaska and I’m already cold enough here in a Minnesota winter 🙂
Thanks so much for having me again, Susan! God bless 🙂