Sandra Orchard—winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the National Readers’ Choice Award, among others—leaps off the garden trails of her herbal-medicine-researcher-turned-amateur-sleuth (Port Aster Secrets) series, to the museum corridors of her plucky FBI art crime agent Serena Jones. When not plotting crimes, Sandra plays make-believe with her young grandchildren or hikes with her hubby and husky near their home in Ontario, Canada.

Tell us about your newest book.

Over Maya Dead Body is third and final book in my Serena Jones Mysteries series from Revell Publishing, featuring a plucky FBI agent who specializes in art crime. In this novel, she’s supposed to be on vacation in the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, but instead stumbles onto an antiquities case, connected to the death of a close friend of the family. Each book in the series is a standalone mystery, with a fun, eclectic group of secondary characters who continue to reappear. But in the first book, A Fool and His Monet, I invited readers to vote for the man in Serena’s life with whom they’d like to see her eventually start a relationship. And Over Maya Dead Body fulfills my readers’ wishes…or at least the majority of them. For the rest, I’ve started a private FB group where they can commiserate over her choice without fear of spoilers.

What genre do you focus on and why?

Although I do write romantic suspense as well, these days I mostly write mysteries. I love puzzling out intricate plots that will keep readers guessing until the end.

Why do you write? What drives you?

Christian fiction had a tremendous impact on me at a low point in my life and awakened a long-buried dream of writing. I strive to write stories that will both entertain and inspire.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

FBI agent and art aficionado, Serena Jones, is my main character. Originally I named her Serena Honey, because I’d dreamt up fun titles that played off the name, but my editor didn’t like the name and the publishing team came up with even better titles—A Fool and His Monet, Another Day Another Dali. So I opted for Jones, because I needed a British name and wanted one that rolled easily off the tongue.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

If I have no other obligations or appointments, I might start writing (or avoiding writing by checking emails and answering blog interviews) soon after my morning exercise/devotions/breakfast routine, then break only for meals and an afternoon or early evening walk and then continue to write or edit until bedtime. Of course, I will break to spend time with my hubby or friends and I am very good at planning play dates with my young grandchildren, which of course isn’t procrastinating at all. In other words, most days aren’t nearly as productive writing-wise as my description might sound.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

Writing the last 10,000 words, because I tend to write the plot and then need to go back and fill in a lot of the characterizations, which tend to be tougher for me to flesh out. It’s that messy cutting open a vein and bleeding onto the page that gets me.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

There are so many great parts—the thrill of dreaming up and writing a story that people enjoy with characters they talk about and ask to see more stories about; the fun of research, like visiting FBI headquarters or Martha’s Vineyard or attending the Writer’s Police Academy, and the opportunity to connect with so many people (fellow writers and readers) that I otherwise wouldn’t likely ever meet.

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

There have been a few times I’ve been either brainstorming a story with a fellow writer or asking research questions of someone and been overheard by someone who has no idea I’m a writer and that I’m not really plotting a murder. One time my writer friend and were talking undetectable poisons in the produce aisle as we did our groceries and a police cruiser sped into the parking lot as we exited the door. Thankfully, he wasn’t gunning for us, but it gave me the idea for the opening of one of my novels. Another time, I shared a cab with a coroner and asked him if he’d be able to detect if I killed someone using insulin. The cabbie’s gaze kept zipping to the rearview mirror and we reached the airport in record time.

What are you most proud of?

Raising three wonderful children who love and serve the Lord.

What is your favorite pastime?

These days it is playing with my grandchildren.

Do you have other books?

Yes, I have a dozen other books. I have seven Christian romantic suspense with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint. I also have two mystery series with Revell Publishing—Port Aster Secrets, which includes Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust and Desperate Measures; and my Serena Jones Mysteries. Readers can learn more about all my books here: http://sandraorchard.com/my-books/

What are you working on now?

I am working on several cozy mysteries. Fans of my Serena Jones Mysteries are also urging me to write a spin-off series, so we’ll see.

Website: http://www.SandraOrchard.com

Link to book:

Social media links: Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorSOrchard/

Readers can also follow me on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sandra-orchard

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Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Tell us about your newest book.

A Christmas Surprise is the first book in my Love in the Cascades series. This book is not exactly new. It was originally published by Heartsong Presents back in 2013 as A Christmas Promise. I’ve received my rights back and am now re-publishing them with new titles and covers. Here is the back cover blurb:

Veterinarian Pete Harding doesn’t date single moms. After showing up to a blind date to find he left before she arrived, Keira is reminded why she doesn’t date. She had true love once but a tragic accident ripped him from her and their son, who’s now four and only wants a puppy for Christmas this year.

Although off limits since she’s a single mom, Pete determines to help Keira find the perfect puppy for her son. Keira wonders about Pete. He says he doesn’t date women with children, yet she can’t help but notice he behaves like a man who has more on mind than finding a puppy. Will love break down Pete’s walls and bring more than a puppy for Christmas?

What genre do you focus on and why?

I write contemporary Christian romance. I like to dub my books as sweet romance meets women’s fiction. When I first started to pursue publication I wrote romantic suspense, but my suspense wasn’t strong enough for publication. My agent at that time suggested I write contemporary romance without the suspense. I followed her advice and the first book I gave her sold. A Christmas Surprise is that book.

Why do you write?

I write because I really enjoy it. I continue to write because I would miss it if I stopped.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Keira Noble is my main character. I don’t recall why I chose her first name, but her last name reminded me of Christmas since nobles are a type Christmas tree. I enjoyed the play on words.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

My day starts early with exercise, then devotions. I find if I don’t start my day off right both physically and spiritually then things don’t go as smoothly in my writing. I generally spend about fifteen minutes each morning on marketing, then jump into writing. This summer has been odd since I’ve spent my days editing rather than writing. Unfortunately, when I sent my books to the book scanning company to have then converted into digital files they completely messed them up. It’s taken me about two months to find and fix all the errors caused in the scanning process—not my favorite thing to do, but it’s been so much fun re-visiting this series.

During the school year I work part time at a high school. My writing day begins when I get home from that job. I generally write between one and two thousand words a day five days a week. I take the weekends off.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

I’m seriously pondering this question. When I read it, three things immediately popped into my head—marketing, not allowing reviews to stifle my creativity, and the need to be seated while writing. Honestly all of these things are difficult for me. I solve the review issue by forcing myself to not read reviews because good or bad they can mess with my head. Marketing is tough because it doesn’t come naturally to me. Sitting is difficult because it hurts my back, and I like to be moving around. So forcing myself to sit long enough to accomplish my goals is often a big challenge.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

I love the connection with readers. I have a Facebook group for my readers and it’s a treat to visit with them. I also love the sense of accomplishment I get every time I write a new story. It’s a great feeling!

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

I hesitate to tell this story because I don’t want to give anyone ideas, but it truly is the craziest thing. Book four in this series is about a woman who wants to be a matchmaker. The problem is she’s not all that good at it, so she secretly signs up her client on a matchmaking site. This apparently inspired someone because they did it to me!

Someone actually opened an account in my name, and I was getting emails and everything. I’m not single. My husband and I celebrate our 27^th anniversary this year. I had to call the site and get them to remove the account.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my children. In regard to writing, I’m most proud of achieving my goal of being published. For a time there I wasn’t sure it would ever happen.

What is your favorite pastime?

I love to read and walk. LOL Not at the same time though.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Yes! I have several and one of them was a 2017 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice award finalist. You can check them out on Amazon. Here’s the link http://amzn.to/2jpZj1C

What are you working on now?

I am writing the fourth book in my Melodies of Love series. My goal is to release that book in January or February.

Social media links:

Website: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/

April McGowan loves to write stories of hope, courage, and inspiration. She, her husband, and two teens live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is an award-winning author and member of Oregon Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, reading down her book list, homeschooling her son, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she’s on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.

Tell us about your newest book.

My latest release is Hold the Light. To an artist, the light is everything. So what is Amber supposed to do when facing blindness? Amber spent her life adapting to everything. Being abandoned by her mother as a toddler, and her adoptive father’s death in her teens. But how will she ever accept this impending darkness? Even after her blindness counselor, Ethan, befriends herand opens her eyes to new opportunities and the possibility of a deeper relationship, one haunting question remains: How could the God she loved all her life turn everything upside down again?

What genre do you focus on and why?

I write contemporary fiction with characters who learn they are made for much more than they realize in the face of trials we all meet. My heart always cheers the underdog and the overcomer.

Why do you write? What drives you?

I write because I’ve got a longing in my heart to share stories of trial and joy and finding purpose in the Lord. I’m driven by my own obstacles of physical illness to rely on the Lord for every aspect of my day. He’s so good to provide what I need in the minute. I want to share those stories of His great provision with others in a way that connects to them and their circumstances.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

The main character in Hold the Light is Amber. Amber is the color of sunrise and the dawn of a new day, it’s the resin found in fossils and can be unearthed and shaped into a thing of beauty. That’s what God does for us if we’ll let Him. He can give us new hope and unearth our dreams, shaping them into things of worth and beauty.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

My writing life is sporadic because of illness. I try to write a few hours a day, but oftentimes my body disagrees with my ideal. I’ve learned to take the time I’m given and be grateful for those moments.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

Marketing my books. Not that I don’t believe in them, I do. My stories are near and dear to my heart. But spending hours chatting myself up feels weird! I find it much easier to write than to market! However, if you don’t get out there and reach and share, you might miss making a connection. SO chat I do!

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

Because I see writing as a ministry of sorts, I think of my writing time as time spent directly with the Lord. It’s out time. The best of those moments is when an idea comes and I learn something new about my character and in doing so, about my relationship with God. That is amazing.

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

I think my youth might have been crazy…but I suspect I’m a bit dull now. Except I like overly loud music…but I don’t think that has anything to do with being a writer. Or maybe that just drowns out the story voices? Maybe not crazy, so much, but awesome? I had a woman come up to me at a book signing and tell me my novel, Jasmine, was just like her life. THAT was wild.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of my kids. They are two of the most compassionate and loving people I know. I feel honored to know them. They amaze me.

What is your favorite pastime?

Writing, first and foremost. Also, I love playing Rock Band on my electronic drums with my family. Nothing gets my attention faster than an excellent drum riff. I love reading. And the beach. Binge watching Netflix on hard physical days. Sharing a good cup of coffee with friends. Playing board games. Oh, and drawing. I find joy in the small things.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

I do! Jasmine was my first novel and was nominated for a Carol Award for debut novel. Macy is my second “child.” They are both very excited for Hold the Light to release!

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on two novels. The first is Shine the Light, the second book in the Light Series. It tells the story of Shannon, Amber’s best friend, and her learning to heal from past betrayals. The other is called Sarah’s Song. It’s about Elenore Long and her journey to discover all the beginning threads of her life—and where they unraveled.

Website: http://aprilmcgowan.com

Link to book: http://bit.ly/HoldtheLight

Social media links:

Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/AprilKMcGowan

Join me on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/963wuej

Pin with me on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/aprilmcgowan/

Meet me on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AprilMcGowan

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Welcome, Davalynn!

When award-winning author Davalynn Spencer isn’t writing bestselling Western romance with rugged cowboys, she’s teaching creative writing at the local college. At home on Colorado’s Front Range, her rodeo and journalistic background inspires many of her stories. Her novel, Romancing the Widow, won the 2015 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award for inspirational Western fiction.

Tell us about your newest book.

Things don’t go as planned for mail order bride Mae Ann Remington. Not that she could plan much anyway, other than accepting Henry Reiker’s offer of marriage and the train ticket he sent for her trip to Colorado. But when someone else’s greed costs her everything—including her groom—she has no choice but to do the unthinkable and propose to a complete stranger.

Rancher Cade Parker goes to the bank to withdraw cash for his sister, not find himself a wife. But that’s exactly what he does when he carries a dead farmer to the undertaker and ends up accepting the desperate bride’s “business proposition.” What he didn’t figure on was falling in love.

Forced to live out her deceased mother’s mantra of “God works everything out for good,” Mae Ann ends up as a Colorado rancher’s wife facing snakes, scoundrels, and second chances.

What genre do you focus on and why?

Historical western romance has been my focus for the past five years, though I’ve written nearly as many contemporary stories. I guess it’s all part of God “working everything out for good.”

Why do you write? What drives you?

I have a compelling urge to put things into words—emotions, events, sunrises, smells, everything. I love combining all those things into a story where I can create the setting and people who live out struggles we face in our everyday lives.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Mae Ann Remington simply showed up “on scene” in my imagination one wintry morning while I sat in front of the woodstove with my laptop. I had to write down what I saw happening in her life. It was unthinkable, but I knew it was the beginning of a story.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

I’m up at 5:30 because I like to spend time alone with God before sunup and noise. I walk or exercise weekdays, fix breakfast, check email, and start writing as soon as possible. Afternoons are spent on lesson plans for the college class I teach, shopping, errands, household chores, and sometimes coffee with a friend. On days I don’t have any afternoon demands, I keep writing—living in my fictional world.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

I believe the hardest part of successful authorship in today’s world is marketing. Doing all those other things one must do that are not writing.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

The best part of an author’s life is hearing or reading a comment by a reader that shows how your words touched his or her life, opened eyes, healed a heart, inspired a dream.

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

As a Christian author who writes inspirational romance, the craziest moment for me came during a discussion with a secular author who believed “inspirational romance” was an oxymoron. Not that I expect everyone to prefer my genre, but it was a sad moment of realization that the person knew so little about real romance and our real God.

What are you most proud of?

Honestly? My children who all love God.

Career-wise? Winning the 2015 Will Rogers Gold Medallion because it is an award given for creative work in the Western world, presented by those who understand the nuances and history of the West.

What is your favorite pastime?

Reading a great book that takes me to another time and place historically, or watching a great Western movie. There’s also chocolate. And bacon.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

I have four other published novels with Harlequin and three novellas in Barbour collections. All are listed on my website, Amazon author page, and Goodreads.

What are you working on now?

I’ve recently finished a novel set in 1910 during the silent movie era of Western flicks filmed in Cañon City, Colorado, before Hollywood became the movie mecca. City girl meets cowboy—in a most unusual way.

Website: www.davalynnspencer.com

Link to book: LIVE ON JUNE 1, 2017

Social media links:

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDavalynnSpencer

http://twitter.com/davalynnspencer

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5051432.Davalynn_Spencer

http://pinterest.com/davalynnspencer/boards/

http://www.amazon.com/author/davalynnspencer