Meet the Author

Meet the Author: Suzie Waltner

/ Carol Underhill / 1 Comment

Good Morning. My guest today is Suzie Waltner, author of Midnight Blue, a Christian romance.

Suzie, thank you for being my guest today. Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

I am a busy single gal (although, I’m probably past the age where I can get away with “gal,” LOL!) who writes in her free time. During the day I work in the mortgage division of a large bank. I love my church and my group of friends, dog sit for a few people, and love watching my Predators (National Hockey League) play.

What is Midnight Blue about?

Ten years after Jake Turnquist broke up with his high school sweetheart in order to pursue his music career, he crosses paths with her again. Scarlett Sykes now has a daughter, but Jake is interested in renewing a friendship with her. What he doesn’t know is that Harmony is his daughter.

When he discovers the truth, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave Scarlett up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?

So tell us, Suzie, what was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I don’t have the typical story where I loved writing from a young age. I did write, but I didn’t really think much of it. In fact, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian up until my second year of college when I passed out during a sheep surgery. It was after that little episode I decided that I wasn’t cut out for the vet life.

Long story short, I ended up taking a lot of detours in college and ended up with an English degree, but I wanted to be an editor, not a writer (although I did take some creative writing classes).

Fast forward several years and a co-worker had posted something on Facebook about NaNoWriMo. When I saw her at work the next week, I told her I’d always wanted to give it a try, but it was usually halfway into November when I saw people talking about it. This particular year, I saw it in October. My co-worker encouraged me to do it, and I did. And then I kept writing and discovered I enjoyed it.

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

I do have a 40-hour-a-week day job, so most of my writing is done on the weekends when I can dedicate large chunks of time to my stories. I love writing sprints, but they’re usually not running when I am writing so I will find a pre-recorded video or two on YouTube because it makes me feel like I’m writing with others plus those sprints provide for short breaks. Isn’t it funny the mind games we can play with ourselves to get something done?

Who was your favorite character to create?

Harmony (Jake and Scarlett’s daughter) was a fun addition to the story. It’s through her we see how differently Jake and Scarlett react to their daughter. She also adds some fun elements because kids are unpredictable.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I am 100% a pantser. I’ve tried to plot a few times, but the characters refuse to follow my outline, so I’ve learned to let them steer the story. The one downside of being a pantser is that edits are more intense since I don’t have all the plot points worked out at the beginning of the book.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is extremely supportive of my writing. I am the only one of my siblings (one brother and one sister) who is a reader, but both of them order my books. And my parents are always recommending my books to others or picking up another copy to give away.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, I am part of several writing groups. I belong to a couple of the big organizations like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. I am also involved on more local levels as the current president of the ACFW Middle Tennessee chapter and I have two critique partners I work with weekly. I also love encouraging people who are interested in writing or new to it.

What’s next for you as an author?

I am currently writing book three in the Love in Color series while awaiting edits for book two. Readers are introduced to the entire band in Midnight Blue, and each member is getting their own story over the four-book series.

Thank you for being my guest today, Suzie.

Before we go, where can readers find you online?

Website: https://suziewaltner.com

Newsletter: https://suziewaltner.com/join-my-newsletter/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/suziewaltnerwrites

Instagram: https://instagram.com/suziewaltner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nashpredsfan

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzie-waltner

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Blue-Love-Color-Book-ebook/dp/B0B7Z43246/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?crid=5CKMYTPBIGPK&keywords=suzie+waltner&qid=1666078745&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjU3IiwicXNhIjoiMi4xOCIsInFzcCI6IjIuMTcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=suzie+waltne%2Caps%2C324&sr=8-2-fkmr0

Meet the Author: Rachelle Paige Campbell

/ Carol Underhill / 1 Comment

My guest today is Rachelle Paige Campbell, author of Her One in a Million, a Christian romance. Rachelle, thank you for joining me today. Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

I write contemporary romance novels filled with heart and hope. I believe love and laughter can change lives, and every story needs a happily ever after. I earned my masters’ degree in Fine and Decorative Arts from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. I love to include Art History elements in my novels so I have an excuse to research. This book was a great opportunity for that!

What is Her One in a Million about?

While renovating a historic mansion, Samantha Holt discovers three hidden vases. If she sells the pottery with her family’s auction business, she can bring in a commission for her parents and help get funds for the mansion’s restoration. She calls an expert from Chicago, Zach Reynolds, for his opinion and is shocked that he wants to take the pieces back to the city. They both need the pottery for professional reasons, but the situation is complicated by their growing admiration and feelings for each other.

That’s a great story, Rachelle. Now for some questions about you:

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I am a morning person through and through! I love to get up and get going every day. My kids are early risers, too. This was an added complication for getting words in when they were little. Now that they are both in school, however, it’s perfect. After they are out the door, I can focus on my projects for a few hours and get a lot of dedicated time for writing in during the week.

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

I don’t always reward myself when a book is finished because sometimes I don’t have time or opportunity. But my favorite treat is a nice manicure. It’s lovely to get a hand massage and a new coat of nail polish after my fingers have been hard at work typing a story.

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

I love historical romance and historical fiction. I have read a lot of both and really enjoy the genre. When I first started writing, I attempted a Regency era novel but the book fell flat. My writer voice is too modern. I had fun on this project creating a historical journal. I finally had a chance to incorporate a tribute to the genre but in a way that was genuine to the story. It was a wonderful surprise to me as I started crafting the novel.

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

The first people to read any of my completed books are my writing friends. Known as the Panera Supper Club, from the pre-Covid days when we would meet at Panera and write, I am blessed to be part of a very supportive group of incredibly talented, hard-working, and kind authors. We write different genres but are cheerleaders for each other’s work.

What book or author has inspired you the most?

I loved the Anne of Green Gables books so much as a kid. I continue to be inspired by Anne. I think I’ve been trying to be Anne Shirley my entire life. What I’ve always loved most is that she makes mistakes, takes responsibility, and learns from the experience.

What’s next for you as an author?

The fourth book in the Home to Harmony series is coming! I’m not sure when, yet, but it’s a Christmas book and ties the series together in an unexpected way. I’m really excited to share it with readers. I have loved writing these books and am so appreciative of the positive response.

Thank you for being my guest today, Rachelle. Before we go, where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3jKH9s0

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3KRvKCy

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

Newsletter: eepurl.com/dEjzZz

Website: https://rachellepaigecampbell.com/

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U9lqep

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3U7d6f7

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3qB2yr1

Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/3BF8xl7

Meet the Author: Sharon Rene

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

My guest today Is author Sharon Rene. She is here to tell us about her new release, a young adult dystopian novel entitled Defying Destiny. This is a prequel to her Divine Destiny Chronicles Series.

Sharon,, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Mississippi and have lived in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. I now live in Memphis, Tennessee. I’m an only child and have always been close to my parents. My father passed away years ago and my mother lives with me now.

I taught in the youth department at my church for over fifteen years. I’ve also participated in the drama, puppet and prison ministries as well as going on several mission trips.

What is your book, Defying Destiny, about?

In 2042, Twenty-year-old Sierra Stone leads a group of Irish rebels in an attempt to stop Hunter and River Wallis from conquering the planet. Country after country falls to the powerful brother and sister duo, but Ireland refuses to surrender. Until Sierra is captured by the enemy.

Imprisoned in an ancient castle, Sierra faces the biggest challenges of her life. River Wallis wants her dead, and Hunter wants to win her heart. She knows how to fight River, but her battle skills prove useless against Hunter’s charm. Now, Sierra must decide if she’s fighting for her personal freedom or for world peace. No matter what choice she makes, one thing is certain–For the first time ever, the Irish rebel may face defeat.

What is the inspiration behind your story?

Defying Destiny is a prequel to Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. Both of these books are dystopian young adult but without the unsavory elements found in some of the mainstream YA. The books have a Christian worldview.

When I was writing Relentless Rebels, I realized that the adults in the book had really exciting lives when they were younger. I decided to write the prequel.

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

I work as a legal assistant at a large corporation. It’s never easy to find time to write. The weekends are usually the best time for me to squeeze in some writing.

What book do you wish you would have written?

The Hunger Games.  That book got me interested in Dystopian Young Adult fiction. I wrote Hesitant Heroes after reading The Hunger Games series.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I love all the characters, but I had the most fun writing the villain, River Wallis. River is completely evil, but she doesn’t see it that way. She has reasons for every terrible thing she does, and it was really fun to create this type of character.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m a little bit of both but definitely lean more to panster. I didn’t have an outline when I began Hesitant Heroes and was still devising the plot in my head. It was a lot of fun.  I would just write and see what happened next. In Hesitant Heroes, Christian students start disappearing from the main characters high school.  I wrote at least half the book not knowing what had happened to these kids. I didn’t know if they were dead or alive. I had to write to find out what happened.

I did much more plotting for the sequel, Relentless Rebels. Defying Destiny is a prequel, so I already knew all the major events and plot points before I even started the book.

Are you part of a writing group?

I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers both national and local. I have learned so much from my local Memphis group. I was a member of the Scribes critique group online through ACFW and now I am in a smaller young adult critique group with ACFW. I can’t imagine being in this writing world without these wonderful groups.

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

Mom, of course.  Now my critique partners read my WIP as I go. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of a critique group but now I love it.  They have helped me develop as a writer and also become good friends.

Sharon, thank you for joining me today. Your book sounds very exciting. What’s next for you as an author? 

I have completed a Romantic Suspense set in New Orleans and I’m currently working on a middle-grade book about four seventh grade girls who want to be detectives.

Before you go, where can readers find you online?

Website:  www.sharonreneauthor.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sharonreneauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SharonRene4

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sharonrene2019

Buy Link:

Meet the Author: Michelle Lowe

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Today I’m interviewing author Michelle Lowe about her new book, The Autumn Keepsake. Michelle, I’m happy to have you here. Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I live in Asheboro, North Carolina with my husband, Brian, and our eighteen-year-old son, Jake. We have a very spoiled bluetick hound-mix named Daisy. I am a Registered Nurse as well as an author. I work part-time for a small company out of Raleigh completing nursing assessments during the week, and I enjoy writing whenever I have free time. I also enjoy cooking and searching for Native American arrowheads on our property.

What is The Autumn Keepsake about?

Tessa Stanley survives an unimaginable childhood tragedy. Her best friend, a sweet old hound dog named Laura, has been with her through thick and thin– even more recently during a broken engagement.

When Tessa befriends an eccentric neighbor, and accidentally calls the police on the woman’s great-nephew who also happens to be the local fire chief, she and Laura embark on a special journey reconnecting her with the past and the reason behind her dog’s personifying name. And most importantly, she learns the events in her life, good and bad, have all been a part of His greater plan.

What is the inspiration behind your story?

I love dogs, and as you have probably gathered, our sweet Daisy is partly the inspiration for this story. She has been a faithful friend to our entire family! The grandparents even love her and bring her special treats!

I also lost my mom to Multiple Sclerosis many years ago. And although this loss is still very painful, I can see many blessings in my life, too.

Are you a night owl or a morning person?

I am definitely a morning person. I got into the habit of going to bed early when my son was small, and I still go to bed before anyone else in our house, sometimes around 8:30 p.m. or so! I’m usually pretty tuckered out by then! I am much more creative and ready to go early in the morning.

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

I often look at lists of boy or girl names until I find something that fits with the character I have in mind. For example, the name Tessa just seemed to fit perfectly for the strong heroine in THE AUTUMN KEEPSAKE. When I chose this name, I could picture my character, with her chestnut-colored hair and her pretty brown lace dress, in one of the last scenes.

What are your favorite three books?

I have read almost every book by Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. I have my mom’s old hardbacks which I treasure. This is kind of funny, since these are historical romances, and I write contemporary romances. My favorite books by these authors are:

THE BLACK OPAL by Victoria Holt

THE INDIA FAN by Victoria Holt

DREAM OF ORCHIDS by Phyllis Whitney

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is very supportive of my writing, and I am grateful for this. My son, Jake, even read my first novella on his tablet. Being an eighteen-year-old, I’m not sure he’d want anyone to know this, but it sure meant the world to me!!

What’s next for you as an author?

I have a Christmas novella which will be released on November 4th by Anaiah Press, and another novella set to be released next summer in July. I am very excited!

Where can readers find you online?

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

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

Link to buy THE AUTUMN KEEPSAKE: https://amzn.to/3d1mhNE