I met the woman I call my friend and twin on our first day of our freshman year of college. During our orientation class, we discovered how much we had in common. For one thing, we were the same height and weight. That was determined during a group exercise when the team was supposed to carry the lightest member of the team across a ravine.

As we got to know each other, we discovered we were a lot alike. We shared a love of books and strawberry shortcake among many other things.

We were together so much that we became known as the twins. When we were separate, someone would ask “where’s your twin?”

We had our differences, too. My friend was from the city of Detroit, and I was a farm girl.

Here is a photo of us taken in college:

We never cared about our differences, because they were outweighed by our similarities. We became best friends and did everything together. In our sophomore year we became roommates. We supported each other through the good times and the heartaches.

Before we left college at the end of our second year, we went to a pet store together and each got a kitten, which we kept hidden in our dorm room for the few days before we took them home with us.

Neither of us went back to the college after that summer. We lost touch with each other for a few years.

Then she called and asked me to be in her wedding. I got engaged and started planning a wedding, too. We stood up with each other in our weddings just a few weeks apart.

We didn’t keep in close touch after our weddings, except an occasional letter or photo. Then a few years ago, we reconnected on Facebook and our friendship picked up like we had never been apart.

We talked about getting our families together. We each have three children. She has a son-daughter-son, I have a son-daughter-son. We both married Christian men. Her marriage is 30 years strong, but I lost my husband after 20 years. My friend was very supportive of me during that time.

Our paths may have paralleled each other’s, but not everything about our lives is the same. When the tragic murder of George Floyd turned into protests, I sent my friend a message. I wanted to understand what was happening. We talked on the phone. She shared her fears for her family, and I became aware of the depth of racism in our country.

My friend lives in fear for her family’s safety. She prays every day that her children will not be racially profiled or even killed by the police just for the color of their skin. Her husband’s life is in danger every time he leaves the house. She lives in fear just for being the person God made her.

In contrast, my oldest son can drive anywhere and unless he is caught in a traffic violation, he won’t be stopped by the police. Her oldest son is repeatedly stopped and harassed by police. My daughter will never face job discrimination because of the color of her skin. My friend has herself been discriminated against and her daughter could be one day. My youngest son can walk around our neighborhood and not raise an eyebrow. Her son has to be careful where he goes on his bike.  

I am grateful for my friend. God brought us together and gave us a gift of lasting friendship. Racism can’t touch our friendship. I respect what she has been going through and want to be a part of the solution to end racial injustice.

I stand in support of my friend and her family. #BlackLivesMatter.

My guest today is Allison Pearl, author of the romantic suspense “Love and Danger in St. Claire” series. Allison, I’ve enjoyed reading Glazed Suspicion. I especially liked the characters you created and the small town setting. Thank you for joining me today. I’m excited to introduce you to my readers.

Let’s get started by telling us a little bit about yourself.

I’m way more boring than my books. I’m a bit of a country girl who has lived in a lot of different places. But no matter where I am, I tend to be doing the same things: reading and playing with my pets.

What is your series about?

My ‘Love and Danger in St. Claire’ series is a collection of stories about the folks living in a small Pennsylvania town that has a few secrets buried underneath its country charm.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

Well… I’m not much of a planner or brain-stormer. I think of an idea, sit down and see what happens. So, to me, even the next sentence is a surprise.

How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

When choosing names, I always focus on syllables and what names will sound kind of sing-song-ish together. Do I want a one to one syllable ratio, two to two, or a mix? Then, I just plug different names into the rhythm as I’m writing and hope they stick. 

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I wish I was a plotter, but the word ‘Outline’ is not in my vocabulary. The words ‘caffeine, deadline, and all-nighter’ replaced it a long time ago.

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished?

I reward myself when I finish a sentence. It’s a problem. Not for my books but for my waistline. I always snack when I write. My favorite writing snack is puppy chow. At least, that’s what I call it. I think in stores it’s called Muddy Buddies.

If you didn’t write books, what would you do for a living?

I’ve always wanted to own a used bookstore. I love recommending books to people and I love those cool little things about used books. Like notes in the margin, signatures on the front page, and old library stamps. All those little pieces of someone else’s history make the books so special.

Share your favorite excerpt from your book:

I love the back and forth between Josh and his sister, Lizzy, and this excerpt is a good example of that:

Nikki had disappeared upstairs. He thought he’d heard her crying as she fled. Lizzy stood by the staircase, gripping one of the white spindles. When she turned and glared at him, her jaw clenched. “Let me see. Nikki running upstairs upset after you say something stupid? Hmm… ” She tapped her bottom lip. “I think we’ve been here before, haven’t we, Joshie?”

What’s next for you as an author?

I think I’ll be living in this series for the near future. There’s still a lot of unanswered questions and hurtles the characters need to overcome. Look out for Book 3, Sprinkled with Sabotage, coming out in October.

Where can readers find you online?

To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow my Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/ or follow me on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.

Book three in the series, Sprinkled with Sabotage, will be released in October.

Today my guest is Julie Arnold, author of the Christian romantic suspense novel, Nothing Ventured. Her book is set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As a Michigander myself, it is one of my favorite vacation spots. I’m so glad to have you join me today, Julie.

Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.

I love indulging in romantic suspense whenever I get a chance. I’m a married mom of three, and I teach French in an all-girls private school. I’ve been a runner since I was thirteen, and Hallmark movies and milk chocolate are my guilty pleasures 🙂

What is Nothing Ventured about?

When Maizey’s fiancé dumps her one month before the wedding, she decides her life needs a reboot. But when mysterious threats put her life in danger, handsome business rival Jax Lawson runs to her rescue. Only trouble is…Sometimes your knight in shining armor is the one you can’t trust…

What was the inspiration behind the setting?

My grandparents, who are Canadian, retired in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I have great memories from my teenage years, romping around on their eighty acres and sleeping up in the loft bedroom with my sister and cousins. My character Maizey’s house is the exact replica of Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Writing this story gave me the chance to relive some great memories in the wilds of the U.P.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I love to get lost in a story, whether I’m reading it or writing it. Fiction has always been my favorite escape. Novels allow me to live inside the minds of fascinating characters, visit faraway places or charming hometowns, and rejoice in heartwarming happily-ever-afters. I’ve always known I wanted to be a part of that world, even since I wrote my first story at seven years old.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

I’m a full-time French teacher at an all-girls college preparatory school. I absolutely love my day job, because my students are the BEST and I love teaching them French, another passion of mine. I’m also the mother of three young children, so yes, writing time is scarce. I carve out time by avoiding other responsibilities, such as dusting my house, LOL. In all seriousness, I do sacrifice a great deal of down-time in order to write. I hardly watch TV, chat on the phone, or troll social media. My “me time” is dedicated to my writing.

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished?

My reward is hours of editing!

No, seriously, getting to spend time with my “imaginary friends” (my characters) is my reward. When I complete a manuscript, I always experience a twinge of sadness. Like I’m breaking up with a boyfriend I still really love. I feel accomplishment and loss simultaneously, because I get really attached to my characters. Thank goodness for book series!

Who was your favorite character to create?

Nothing Ventured‘s heroine, Maizey. She’s the perfect balance of strong and fragile, like so many of us women. She’s smart and talented, but doubts herself sometimes. I relate to her humanness, her insecurities, and I also admire her courage and pluck in tackling those insecurities. My favorite character is one I can both admire and relate to.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My husband, Daniel. He’s always my beta reader. He’s a lawyer and a bit of a gear head, so he lets me know if my work contains any legal or vehicular inaccuracies. He also helps me pick out my characters’ cars.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

I really admire Denise Hunter and Colleen Coble. Denise Hunter creates sweet, heart-melting romances that linger in your mind long after you’ve read the last page. And Colleen Coble finds that perfect balance between love and suspense that keeps your heart racing. Love all their books!

Share your favorite excerpt from your book:

“Dance with me,” Jax murmured, his lips brushing over her skin.

Dance with Jax? No, no, no! Her coordination was roughly on par with a swarm of mayflies blowing arbitrarily into people’s vinyl siding.

“Um…”

“C’mon, Maizey.” He chuckled at her gawkiness. “I promise I’ll return you just how I found you.”

“Thanks, but no.”

He gave her a look that could charm a grizzly bear. “Is it the dancing thing, or the ‘with me’ thing?”

She sighed. “I am the worst dancer on the planet. And with the added complication of high heels, I would be falling all over you.”

“Maizey, I’ve held on to twelve-foot trees in tree shakers with icy wind and snow pelting me in the face. I think I can handle a little slip of a girl in heels.”

Hoo, boy. She was jumpier than a crooked politician before a senate investigation committee. What if she danced with Jax and didn’t like it? What if she danced with Jax and liked it?

Where can readers find you online?

Website: https://jarnold793.wixsite.com/website

Facebook: @SylvaniaChristianAuthor

Twitter: @Jarnoldwriter

Blog: https://arnoldbooks.wordpress.com/

My guest today is Kara Leigh Miller, author of Young Adult fiction. She is joining me to talk about her new book, Perfectly Imperfect. Kara, thank you for being my guest today.

Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Kara Leigh Miller. I’m a wife and stay at home mom to 4 kids, 3 pit bulls, and 6 cats. I’m also the Editorial Director for Anaiah Press. When I’m not herding my family, I’m writing, reading, going to the gym, and playing Monster Busters on my phone. I write young adult books for both the Christian and secular market.

What is Perfectly Imperfect about?

As Isabelle Carson’s life spirals out of control and her carefully crafted, picture-perfect image begins to shatter, Grayson Alexander does what no one else can: he makes her laugh and allows her to be imperfect. With rekindled faith, Isabelle sets out to right all the wrongs in her life. But Grayson has been damaged by his own family secrets, and Isabelle will have to decide if the boy she’s falling for more and more each day is a right or a wrong.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I always used to be a night owl, but the older I get, the more I like mornings. When everyone is still asleep and the house is quiet, I tend to write the most words. It’s very peaceful, and I always feel more productive when I start my day early.

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Not when I finish writing a book, but when a book is published, I always celebrate, usually by going to dinner with my husband. I love a nice steak dinner from Texas Roadhouse, or alfredo from Olive Garden.

What book do you wish you would have written?

The Twilight Saga. This is my favorite series of all time because it’s just so simple, and despite its inherent problems, it’s an epic love story. I’m actually working on a young adult paranormal series right now that’s an homage to Twilight.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m a hardcore panster. I cannot plot a book, because once I do, I feel like I’ve already told the story, so I lose the ambition to write it. Not to mention, when I plot and then the story strays from what I have planned, I become extremely frustrated. I have to let the characters lead the story, and it’s so much fun to experience what happens as it’s happening.

What does your family think of your writing?

My husband doesn’t really care that much about it. LOL. He knows it brings me joy, so he’s supportive. But my kids love it. They’re always telling their friends that their mom is an author and sharing my website. Oh, and they love to direct people to my Twitter because they think it’s cool I have so many followers. 

Are you part of a writing group?

I used to be when I lived in New York—it was a small but really amazing group, and I miss them. There’s not much in the way of writing groups where I live now, unless I want to drive 45 minutes one way to get to a meeting. I do have a small group of friends online, though, that I trust to read and critique my work.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My close writing friend, Kat Daemon. She’s usually always the first person I send my work to. She’s honest in telling me what things I need to fix, but she’s always uplifting and gentle.

Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?

Sometimes, and when I do, I tend to work out. Exercise always gets my creative juices flowing. I also binge watch TV shows and read a lot. And when all that fails, I start throwing ideas out to my writing friends and try to talk through what’s blocking me.  

Please share your favorite excerpt from your book.

I have so many favorite scenes from this book, but the one that seems to really stand out to my beta readers—and my editor—is the scene where Isabelle and Grayson are in the arcade. Here’s a sneak peek at it…

Grayson…

I follow her into the arcade, and other than a couple of younger kids playing a basketball game, the place is empty. I pull a twenty out of my wallet and feed it into the token machine; then I divide the tokens equally between us.

“So, what game do you want to lose first?” I ask.

“Well, considering you’re going to be the loser, you pick.”

She’s smart, funny, beautiful, and she’s competitive, too? Is there anything about this girl that isn’t perfect for me?

“All right. That one.” I point to a motorcycle racing game.

“That’s not fair. I’ve never driven a motorcycle. You have.”

“I’ll give you a lesson before we start. Deal?”

Isabelle narrows her eyes as if trying to figure out if I’m lying or trying to trick her.

“Okay. Deal.”

The game is set up so there are two bikes contained within a dome structure. She climbs on one and drops two tokens into the slots to get the game started.

“Scoot forward.” I motion with my hands for her to move. When she does, I swing my leg over the seat and settle in behind her. These bikes are intended for only one person, so there’s not much room.

She chooses one player, and the game starts. I place my hands over hers on the handlebars. Her hands are softer than I expected.

“This button makes you go, and this one makes you stop,” I explain.

Nodding, she pushes the button to go, and on the screen, the bike lurches. She yelps and slams on the brake button.

I laugh. “It’s just a game, Belle. Relax.”

She twists her head to look at me. “I guess just Belle is better than Belle the Bible Thumper.”

“Then, from now on, you’re just Belle.” I grin.

Her gaze drops to my mouth, but then she quickly turns her attention back to the game. “All right, so what am I supposed to do on this stupid game?”

I blow out a breath, but my heart is still racing so hard and fast, I’m convinced she can feel it. “The trick is to find your center of gravity and use it. Sitting upright puts you off balance. Lean forward.” I gently push her forward until she’s in the right position.

“Good.” I once again cover her hands with mine. “Now, press the go button.”

She does, and the bike on the screen takes off quickly down the straight road. Ahead, a curve looms. I don’t say anything because I want to see what she’ll do. She cranks the handlebars to the right, and the bike wipes out. I laugh, and she playfully elbows me.

“What did I do wrong?” she asks.

“You’re driving like it’s a car. It’s not. You need to use your body.”

She continues the game, and this time, when she approaches the curve, I move my hands to her waist. I have no business touching her at all, let alone like this, but I can’t deny how nice it feels.

“Lean into the turn,” I say, guiding her body to the right. “And then straighten.”

She does exactly as I say, and she maneuvers the turn like a pro. I watch over her shoulder while she continues the race. This close, the scent of her floral perfume wraps around me, and I inhale deeply.

The race ends, and she comes in sixth place. She straightens, bringing her back flush to my chest. “Good job, just Belle.”

She gathers her hair and drapes it over her right shoulder then twists her head to the left so we’re face to face. “Thanks for the lesson.”

“You’re welcome.” My voice cracks, and I momentarily freeze at our proximity. My gaze lingers on her mouth, my thoughts consumed with kissing her. “You’re a fast learner.”

“Well, you’re a good teacher.” She smiles.

I feign shock. “Is that a compliment?”

“Nope.” She laughs.

“Of course not. Want another practice run?”

“No, I think I got it.”

“You sure?” I raise a brow.

She hesitates and rubs her palms on her jeans, grazing her hand over mine, and I instinctively tighten my grip on her. Her sharp intake of breath sets my heart racing.

“I got this,” she says.

“All right. Your loss.” Reluctantly, I get off her bike and climb onto the other one.

Isabelle scoots back and wiggles on the seat like she’s trying to get comfortable. She’s got a boyfriend. She’s got a boyfriend. She’s got a boyfriend… I focus on getting the game started. She beats me off the starting line, but I quickly and easily pass her. I’m in the zone, hyper focused and determined to win. But then there’s a tap on my rear wheel, and I spin out of control. Isabelle zooms past me.

I glance over, and she’s giggling like crazy.

“You’re such a cheater,” I say.

She laughs harder. A moment later, she crosses the finish line—in first place. She pumps her fists and lets out a victorious whoop. I shake my head, but I can’t stop smiling.

Even if she did cheat to win, I don’t care. Seeing her like this—face flushed, eyes sparkling, hair a mess, and happy—is so much better than winning any game.

Thanks again for joining me today, Kara. Where can readers go to find out more about your and your books?

Newsletter – https://eepurl.com/bn1wyD

Website: www.karaleighmillerauthor.com

Blog: www.karaleighmiller.blogspot.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kara-Leigh-Miller/e/B009L2V782

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3352132601

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraLeighMiller

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraLeighMille1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleighmiller/