Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Nancy Mehl is Elba! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week please welcome Dani Pettry in the spotlight! To win a copy her new book Shattered (Bethany House Publishing), leave a comment on this post!
Dani is also giving away a Nook HD and hosting a Facebook Party on March 14th. Click the below for details.
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester?
I am a wife, homeschooling mom and author. I am a huge fan of dark chocolate, am always in search of the best iced mocha, and would love to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. I live in Maryland with my husband and our two teenage daughters.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I feel so very blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things I love–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
I have always loved daydreaming and making up stories. I dabbled with creative writing growing up, but set it aside. It wasn’t until after the birth of my youngest daughter and a bout with a serious illness, that I really felt God stirring me to start writing again.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
From the first thought of “maybe I’ll try and write a book” to contract offer was seven years.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
I find spending time in God’s Word and in prayer each morning before I start the day to be an enormous help. When it’s time to write, I typically make a mocha, grab some homemade trail mix (almonds, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips), curl up on my office couch and get going. I typically write four hours a day.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
The biggest help to me has been my family’s constant support and encouragement, along with the enormous blessing of having a truly amazing mentor.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
It’s much busier than I imagined ☺
What are your biggest distractions?
Social media.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
As I’m only on my second novel…can’t say that I’ve had a worst moment yet, but the best was making the bestseller list with my debut novel.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
Least—Deadlines.
Most—First drafts.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I signed with an agent after my initial contract offer, so for me, my agent has been instrumental in every aspect from that point on. She guides me in long-term career goals, subsequent contract negotiations, marketing advice, etc. I wouldn’t want to be without her—she’s an absolute gem!
What advice would you give to new writers?
Keep writing. I know it sounds trite, but it’s true. Writing isn’t easy. It can be a lonely endeavor, but if you believe God has called you to write, if you have a passion for telling stories, keep at it. Never give up on that dream.
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
With All the Evidence Against Him, Only a Sister’s Trust Can Save Him Now
What’s on the book horizon for you?
Shattered released February 1st and Stranded, book three in my Alaskan Courage series, will be out in September.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Thank you so much for hosting me ☺ ~Da
Looking forward to reading her book! Love your words of wisdom and blog!
I would love this book.
I enjoyed this interview. Thanks for the chance to win Shattered!
I enjoyed the interview and am always looking for new authors. Thanks for your author spotlights!
I am looking forward to reading the Alaskan Courage series. =)
I’m looking forward to this. I love romantic suspense books, but with faith a must in the books. I will totally be looking for this book. 🙂
I enjoyed the interview and would like to win the book. I like getting to know new authors. Thanks and God bless.
I want to read this book! Just the cover alone grabs my attention.
I would love to win this book. It looks like a great book.
I love meeting new authors and the book sounds like one I would like. Thanks for the opportunity to win. God bless.
thanks for bringing a new author to me by way of an interview;
I’d love to win this book.
I have recently discovered Dani and her books and am seriously looking forward to reading them! Definitely on my TBR list!
Looking forward to reading this book.
Looks good!!!
This looks like a great book! Would love to win a copy!
makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
I would love to read Dani’s books “Shattered”
winterrose (at) comcast (dot) net
Please enter me in the contest to win Shattered.
Thanks!
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win and read this book
Sounds like a good book.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I love the Alaskan Courage Series! Looking forward to September when book 3 is out lol it will be the only good point of summer being over 🙂
Looks great! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Love suspense books and encouraging new writers!
I have been really wanting to read this book, thanks for the chance!
Jasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com
This is the first I’ve heard of this author but just downloaded her first book of this series. I would love the chance to win Shattered!! judyfritz@yahoo.com
thanks for the opportunity to read dani’s latest novel 😉
I enjoyed the interview. I would love to read this book. thank you for offering a chance to win a copy.
Looks like a good book! Good luck to all!
I would love to win this book. I know if Suzanne recommends it…it has to be good!
would love to win!!!!
I love Dani’s words of encouragement to new writers. I would love to read this book.