Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Writer's Life: Dani Pettrey

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Today we have inspirational romantic suspense author, Dani Pettrey! I first met Dani last year at the ACFW annual conference. She's kind, warm, smart, and stunningly beautiful--I'm thrilled to have spent time getting to know her. Guess what? Her latest book in the Alaskan Courage series, Silenced, released this month! 

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing? 

I believe God knit the love of story in my heart from a very young age. I'm fascinated by the power of story--how it can transport you to another time and place. Stories (via novels or movies) have impacted me profoundly. They've helped me see things from a different perspective, introduced me to new cultures, inspired hope, and have even made me a better person. That's what makes my heart sing about writing, the humble hope that my stories may touch my readers' lives in a similar way.  

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Time management. Life is a juggling act and the writing life is no different. As a writer you have to balance your creative writing time with the business side of writing—deadlines, accounting, marketing, etc. I haven't quite figured out the balance yet, but I'm hoping one day I'll hit my groove :) 

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Read books that inspire me, watch good movies, go for a hike, or even simply sit on the beach and daydream. Taking a rest from writing and letting my mind wander is what works best for me. 

4. What are you working on now?

I just turned in the final book in my Alaskan Courage series. It was a bittersweet experience. I've spent the past five years with the McKenna family so saying goodbye was difficult, but, at the same time, I'm looking forward to beginning a new series. It'll be a four book series that will be set in the Chesapeake Bay area. I'm very excited to share my little corner of the world with my readers. 

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Dani, I agree with you on how stories inspire us. My life has been touched by countless stories. I'm so grateful for all the writers who shared their books with the world. Time management is a toughie. If you figure out the secret, please share it with us! And how exciting about your new series. I'd love to visit the Chesapeake Bay area, so reading your books will be a primer for me. Thanks so much for being my guest today! 

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Silenced ~


Jake Knew Something Was Wrong. 
But He Never Guessed How Wrong. 


A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.

Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine. 

***

About Dani ~


Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels, Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.

***

Have you ever been to Alaska? Do you want to go? I would love to see this beautiful state!!

Have a terrific day!

8 comments:

  1. Jill,
    Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog. Loved your interview questions!
    Blessings,
    Dani

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    1. Wish I could give you a big old hug right now, Dani! Thanks so much for being my guest!!

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  2. I have Silenced sitting on my shelf right now. Can't wait to read it! :) :) :)

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    1. Is your TBR pile as frightening as mine? I actually have piles around the house. We won't discuss the Kindle...

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  3. I have loved these books:) And I cannot wait for another series from you, Dani. I agree, balancing writing and other parts of life is hard...and I've yet to be published:)

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    1. I don't know how you do it, Susan. I can barely balance it all and I'm not homeschooling! I salute you!!

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  4. Loved Silenced!!! Another blog post for an aspired author!! thank you for this!!!

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  5. Wonderful!! I can't wait to read it, too, Debbie!! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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