Meet author Kathy Harris
Kathy Harris is an author by way of a divine detour into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote, as well as ghost wrote, news stories and columns for various music publications. She sold her first Christian nonfiction story in 2007. Her debut novel, The Road to Mercy, released in 2012.
Tell us about your newest book.
Deadly Commitment (Book 1 in the Deadly Secrets series) releases October 14 from New Hope Publishing/Iron Stream Media.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb? Danni Kemp fears she’s being stalked—but the truth is much more deadly. Her new fiancé́, Robert Evans, has a dangerous secret, and the homeless man who is stalking her, Caleb Samuels, may prove to be her only escape. Will Danni discover in time that neither Robert nor Caleb are what they appear to be, and that the one person she fears the most may be the person she needs to trust?
What genre do you focus on and why? My first novel, The Road to Mercy (Abingdon Press, September 2012), was a stand alone women’s fiction. Then, both my agent and my editor suggested I write romantic suspense. I was comfortable with the idea because I’d read a lot of romantic suspense. And my long-time critique partner, Rebecca Deel, writes romantic suspense. Subsequently, my first romantic suspense manuscript ultimately became Deadly Commitment.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I’ve dreamed of writing books since I was a little girl. With that in mind, I went to college for a communications journalism degree. But, after graduation, my life took a turn. I was offered a job nearly two hundred miles away in the Nashville music business. That job turned into a four-decade music marketing career. About fifteen years ago, I decided it was time to get back to writing. After a few false starts trying to write general market fiction, I realized that my calling was to write Christian fiction. Once I figured that out, I finished my first manuscript relatively quickly.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I still work full time, so writing has to be shoehorned into my day. Sometimes that’s early in the morning, but most often it’s at night. There have been many nights when I have literally fallen asleep at my computer. Funny enough, that works great for me, because my internal editor tends to go to sleep early, leaving me free to write without her. Ha!
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Having so many stories in my head but not enough time to get them all out. As Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” In the end, however, I’m grateful for all that I have been able to do so far.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Telling stories. And “meeting” new fictional characters and getting to know them. Writing has taught me a lot about myself, as well as others. I’ve learned that, no matter how different our experiences may be, we all deal with the same problems and emotions. Fear. Loss. Loneliness. Similarly, we all rejoice when we discover love. Or second chances. Most of all, I enjoy writing about the amazing grace and mercy of our Lord.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m an extroverted introvert. While I can be gregarious and outgoing, I’m essentially quite shy.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love spending time with my dog, my friends, and my family, not necessarily in that order. Ha! I enjoy cooking for special people in my life. I enjoy going on long walks, not only for health benefits, but because I like to explore new places, whether that’s a remote hiking trail or downtown Nashville. Nashville has grown exponentially in the past five-ten years, so quickly that even those of us who live here have a difficult time keeping up with the changes.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Deadly Secrets series, which is expected to release Fall 2020. The third book is set to release Fall 2021. If your readers would like to know more about the series, they can sign up for my newsletter on my website!
Website: https://kathyharrisbooks.com
Social media links:
FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/KathyHarrisAuthor
TWITTER https://twitter.com/divinedetour
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/kathyharris_author/
Thanks so much for having me as you guest, Susan! Blessings!
Linda J. White on “white-knuckle” fiction
Linda writes “White-knuckle fiction,” mystery/suspense novels designed to keep you up all night reading. Her books have won several awards, including the prestigious HOLT Medallion. She’s the mother of three grown children and grandmother of five. She also spent fourteen years as a journalist. For fun, she likes long walks with her dog in the woods around her Virginia home. Her late husband worked at the FBI Academy for twenty-seven years.
Tell us about your newest book.
All That I Dread is the story of Jessica Chamberlain, a young woman with trauma in her past. Jess adopts a rowdy German shepherd and starts training with a K9 search-and-rescue group. On their first big test, Luke finds the person he’s sent out to find, but then also finds the body of a young woman. Soon, Jess finds herself teaming up with the FBI in search of a murderer—a search which brings her face-to-face with the past she thought she’d left behind.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Mystery/suspense for two reasons: It’s what I like to read, and my husband made training films for the FBI for over twenty-seven years, so I have the inside scoop!
Why do you write? What drives you?
I think story is a powerful way to convey truth. Working out the threads of a novel is like completing a puzzle. It’s a lot of work, but writing intrigues me.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Jessica Chamberlain. My niece is named Jessica, and I’ve always liked that name. I have no idea where Chamberlain came from!
What does a day in your writing world look like?
I get up early, usually by six-thirty. I feed the dog, take her for a brisk walk, and then write for at least four hours. Later, I’ll come back to what I’ve written and edit it. Copious amounts of black coffee keep me going!
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. I really dislike the selling part of my job!
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I love meeting people who have been touched, informed, and/or entertained by my stories.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
Sometimes I’ll use my friends’ little quirks in my characters. Somehow, my friends never see themselves in my books.
What are you most proud of?
When my husband died two years ago, I wasn’t sure I wanted to write again. But six months later, the muse struck, and All That I Dread is the result. Many people say it’s my best book. I don’t know about that, but I’m thankful I chose to write it.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. Of course. Although I must say, I read an awful lot of non-fiction.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Dread is my seventh novel, so yes, there are six others.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to Dread, which incorporates equine therapy into the story. Fascinating!
Website: www.lindajwhite.net
Link to book: http://bit.ly/DreadSAR
Social media links:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/LJWBksFB
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rytn4hm
Jesse Florea on an apologetics Bible
Jesse Florea has worked at Focus on the Family for more than twenty-six years. He currently serves as the editorial director for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. He co-hosts the “Official Average Boy podcast” with Christian comedian Bob Smiley and “Official Adventures in Odyssey podcast.” He has writtenor co-written more than forty books, including the apologetics-based books Defend Your Faith children’s apologetics Bible, The Case for Grace for Kids and The Case for Miracles for Kids.
Tell us about your newest book.
The Defend Your Faith Bible is part of the Lifeway family of apologetics Bibles. This was the hardest and most humbling project I’ve ever worked on. After all, it’s the Bible. You have to get it right. My role as general editor was to put together hundreds of extra facts and bits of information designed to build up a kid’s belief in Jesus. These extra features included:
The Defend 100. One hundred specifically chosen Bible passages to memorize.
Digging into the Word takes readers to the Holy Lands so they can see that the people, places and events described in the Bible are real.
Science in the Bible shows God’s order and design in all of creation.
Untwisting Scripture helps readers discover the true meaning of “tricky” Scriptures and see the consistent truth of God’s Word.
Defenders of the Faith. From Bible times to modern days, these true stories of men and women, boys and girls will inspire readers to stand up for their faith.
Know Questions give answers about the world, the Bible and faith.Why is prayer important? Do miracles still happen today? How can Jesus be both God and man? Answers to these and about 70 more.
Good Words defines the meanings of specific words that can help God’s Word be more understandable.
That’s a Fact has lots of fun facts and statistics about the Bible.
Living for God is an exciting journey. And it’s important for kids—and adults—to understand what they believe and why they believe it. That’s the message that I wanted kids to get from the Defend Your Faith Bible.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I tend to write children’s nonfiction. I’ve done numerous devotional books and sports profiles. About seven years ago, I was asked to write a children’s 90-Day devotional around Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ. This led to writing children’s versions of The Case for Grace for Kids and The Case for Miracles for Kids. It was that connection that caused Lifeway to contact me about the Defend Your Faith Bible. I had to go through a couple interviews and a face-to-face meeting in Nashville. But we connected as a team and, after two years of work, ended up with a fantastic resource. Plus, it was really nice to have a theologian read through and approve everything. I was a Bible minor during my undergraduate and graduate years at Wheaton College. So it took a lot of pressure off knowing that an expert was chiming in with improvements, corrections and suggestions.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I want kids to have a thriving faith. I want to help them know, follow and love Jesus. And I find it amazing that God can use very flawed people, like myself, to share His truth. If I wasn’t writing for children, I’d be teaching them. That was my plan growing up. But then I took a journalism course in high school and fell in love with writing. God’s plan was way better then mine. Now through Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines, it’s like being a teacher or youth pastor for 150,000 kids every month. And with the books, it’s reaching even more and more kids.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Jesus. Ha! I mean, it’s the Bible. His is the name above all names. King of kings and Lord of lords. The whole Bible points to Him. I hope through some of the extra features that children realize this fact and see the Bible as a love letter to them written more than 2,000 years ago.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Pretty crazy. Because I work full-time at Focus on the Family as editor of the children’s magazines, co-host two podcasts and manage a team of six, it’s a 40-plus hour a week job. Taking time off is difficult, because we produce two, 32-page magazines a month. Those trains never stop. Finding time for freelance projects isn’t easy. I have a very understanding wife, who loves the Bible. She was very supportive of this project. She even chose nearly all of the words that were defined in the “Good Words” section. Basically, it’s late nights and weekends where I can find extra time to write.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Meeting the kids who read your work. We get numerous letters at Focus on the Family from kids about the impact that Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. have had on their lives. And through book reviews and other online sources, it’s cool to see how kids have grown closer to God through various book projects. Plus, sometimes when I’m speaking at writers conferences or home-school conventions, I’ll get to meet these kids face to face.
What is your favorite pastime?
I have several. Hanging out with my wife, kids and two grandchildren tops the list. I also enjoy playing basketball and disc golf. Getting into the mountains is also a must. When you’re in God’s creation, there’s no doubt that there’s a loving, caring, creative God.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
A bunch. Many are ghost written projects that I’ve done with athletes. One of these projects, A Walk in Our Cleatscame out in February. This book features the testimonies of 25 football players, most of which aren’t the bigger names. But their testimonies and faith in God blew me away. Lots of tears with this project, and I know it’ll have a big impact. When I first came to faith as a teenager, it was a book like this (Christian football players) that God used to really impact me. I pray this book will encourage and impact people the same way.
What are you working on now?
I’ll be starting work on a middle school version of The Case for Christ this fall.I love working with Lee Strobel. And it’s cool to be doing this book, because my wife and I attended Willow Creek when he was preaching the sermons that ultimately became The Case for Christ.
Website: https://christianauthorsnetwork.com/jesse-florea/
Link to book: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-defend-your-faith-bible-hardcover-P005790626
Other media links: https://www.apologeticsbible.com/
Meet author Anne Greene
Anne Greene loves writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer and about gutsy heroines. Her Women of Courage series spotlights heroic women of World War II. Blast off with her Holly Garden, Private Investigator series. Enjoy her award winning Scottish historical romances. Anne hopes her stories transport you to awesome new worlds and touch your heart.
Tell us about your newest book.
Shadow of the Dagger is about a secret map to priceless treasure. Three people are murdered and one kidnapped to find the solution to the map. As Nicole Phillips seeks to find her kidnapped brother, she doesn’t know whom to trust. No one is who they appear to be. All is deception.
A CIA analyst turns detective. To bring his brother’s murderer to justice, CIA Intel Analyst, Josh Baruch puts his life on the line. Can he walk the tightrope between obeying the killers’ instructions and bringing them to justice?
What inspired you to write Shadow of the Dagger?
I spent six months in Turkey and learned much about the history, culture, and life in Turkey and fell in love with the place. Shadow of the Dagger is set in Turkey.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A woman in jeopardy turns detective while used as bait to capture a killer/kidnapper.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I love writing Suspense novels because the tension and action hold my interest. I love foreign settings because I learn and write about things people are unfamiliar with. I love historical books because I find that an excellent way to share history with readers who might otherwise not care about what shaped our world. So, I write Suspense and Historical Romance. I like Mystery books because I enjoy figuring out who done it. So, I write Contemporary Mystery.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Nicole Phillips is a recently minted Archeologist. After a series of mysteries deaths, she travels to Turkey to assist her brother. She shares the limelight with Josh Baruch, a risk-taking CIA Analyst out to avenge the murder of his brother. Ian McKenzie, Nicole’s deaf brother who knows the secret of the map and is kidnapped by the murderer, completes the trilogy of main characters.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m by nature, very disciplined. I spend the morning with enjoying coffee on my patio, exercise, errands, and whatever needs to be done. After a relaxed lunch, I spend the next five to six hours on the computer either writing or promoting my books.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
The necessity to promote my books. I am an introvert and making TV and radio appearances, as well as speaking to local clubs, etc. is always outside my comfort zone.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
I don’t plot my books in advance. I have a vague idea where I want the book to go. The fun part, after creating the characters, is watching what they will do. Writing the first draft is like watching an internal movie as the characters play out the book. I also enjoy polishing a book which means writing sentences in a fresh way and painting pictures for the reader. So, the entire process of writing a book is the best part of my author life.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I think I’m pretty ordinary. I do enjoy creating oil paintings and singing in our church choir. I have loved two magnificent husbands. My first husband died quite young.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I certainly hope so.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to walk in the woods and enjoy nature. I love to spend time with friends. I love to play games. So many, many things I love to do, you don’t want me to mention all of them. I simply love to enjoy life.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
As of October this year, I will have 25 books published. Readers can find my books on my website, www.annegreeneauthor.com/home.html.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing a Christmas Novella, Hatteras Island Mystery. The book should release in September. A photographer discovers a body washed up on shore near her studio. She rescues the man. When he regains consciousness, he has no memory. Feeling responsible for the man she aids him in recovering his memory only to find he’s being stalked by paid assassins.
Website: www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Greene/e/B004ECUWMG
Social media links:
http://www.facebook.com/AnneWGreeneAuthor
http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com
https://twitter.com/TheAnneGreene
Denise Weimer on Moravian marriage
Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored over nine novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor at Smitten Historical Romance and Heritage Beacon Historical Fiction, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
How would you describe your newest novel, The Witness Tree, to someone in a 30-second blurb?
I have to do that a lot when I’m at a festival or book event! I tell them it’s about a Moravian marriage of convenience that leads to a dangerous mission in 1805 Cherokee Territory.
Tell us about your newest book.
Past betrayal has turned John Kliest’s passion to his work as a builder and surveyor in the Moravian town of Salem, North Carolina. Now, to satisfy the elders’ edict and fulfill his mission in Cherokee Territory, he needs a bride. But the one woman qualified to record the Cherokee language longs for a future with his younger brother.
Clarissa Vogler’s dream of a life with Daniel Kliest is shattered when she is chosen by lot to marry his older brother and venture into the uncharted frontier. Can she learn to love this stoic man who is now her husband? Her survival hinges on being able to trust him—but they both harbor secrets.
What inspired you to write The Witness Tree?
I’m always on the hunt for story ideas based on legend, lore, and unique facts from different eras and areas in my home state of Georgia. As a child, I’d visited the plantation of Chief James Vann in the northwest portion of the state. I’d also heard about the Moravians, a lesser-known sect of plain people who spread across America in the 1700s and 1800s, bringing the Gospel to the American Indians. The town of Old Salem in North Carolina looks like a little Williamsburg. When I found out that the Moravians had established a mission school on Vann’s plantation, I was immediately intrigued. Even more so when I learned that a couple of the male missionaries were required to marry before going there. The Moravians were intent on understanding—and possibly recording—the Cherokee language. Do you know what happened to Sequoyah (George Guess/Gist) when he tried to do that? It sounded like a perfect formula for an exciting period romance to me.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Clarissa Vogler’s name was chosen by looking at Moravian names of the time period, especially those from Salem, North Carolina, where The Witness Tree begins. She is a teacher at the girls’ boarding school who dreams of furthering her art. But it’s her skill with languages that extends an unexpected calling.
What genre do you focus on and why?
My primary passion is historical romance, but I also enjoy writing contemporary romance and romantic suspense and time slip stories where modern-day characters uncover mysteries and learn life lessons from the past.
Between now and March, I actually have three contemporaries releasing with different imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas: Fall Flip, an HGTV/Hallmark-style romance centered on the renovation of a 1920s bungalow (Fall Flip on Amazon); Spring Splash, in which an injured college swimmer falls for a special needs swim team and their coach during her practicum; and Traces, a techno-suspense about a reality TV show gone bad. But I do have several other historicals up my sleeve!
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Because I work from my kitchen island, I wait until my husband goes to the office and my girls go to school. After coffee and devotions, I check emails and social media, then devote the rest of the morning and the early afternoon to writing. I try to wrap up by mid-afternoon so I can start dinner before my daughter goes to swim practice.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Probably the marketing. Few authors anticipate how much time and effort is involved in getting the word out about their books, and most of us are more than a little shy about it. But in today’s flooded, highly competitive market, our publishers expect us to shoulder the publicity load. Thus, we divide our time between writing and promoting, whether it’s doing giveaways, Facebook parties, advertising, or engaging on social media or in person.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Not all stories flow easily. Sometimes getting inspired can be a monumental struggle. But there’s always that rare tale that just seems to flow from idea to the page. That heart-warming sensation that God’s given you that story, and you’re doing what He’s called you to do, is so satisfying.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
For a number of years, I led a mid-1800s dance group. We performed beautiful waltzes, reels, and polkas at historic sites and events across Northeast Georgia and Atlanta. You might notice special attention to detail in the ball scenes of my historical novels.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
The two areas I’ve grown the most have been socially and editing ability.
When I first started out, I tended to view writing as more of a solitary endeavor. Now, we’re able to connect with readers and other authors online. Other authors are my support team, and vice-versa. The most important open doors along my career path have come through the graciousness of others.
I’ve also been on an editing journey, learning from editors, publishers, and agents, and finally taking an in-depth class through the Pen Institute. After working as a general editor for LPC, I became a managing editor for its historical imprints. Now I get to help others reach their publishing dreams! And I’ve definitely learned how to self-edit better. In the twenty years I’ve been writing, I’ve witnessed a revolution in stylistic and editing trends. Because of that, my earlier writing style is different from my current style.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Across Three Autumns of The Backcountry Brides Collection – Barbour Publishing – May 2018
A Holiday Intruder of Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue – Celebrate Lit Publishing – November 2017
The Restoration Trilogy (White, Widow, and Witch) – Canterbury House Publishing – 2016-17
The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright asGold) – Canterbury House Publishing – 2013-14
Redeeming Grace (novella) – PublishAmerica, now self-published on KDP – 2006
Link to book: The Witness Tree on Amazon
Web site and social media links:
Janet W. Ferguson on addictions
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
Tell us about your newest book.
Set in St. Simons, Georgia, the novel delves into the various sides of addiction: from those ravaged by the agony of addiction, to those heartbroken over a loved one lost in addiction, to those who have been brutally scarred because of an addicted person’s actions, to those who have been healed from its clutches. Addiction was a tough issue to write about, but I believe the story offers healing through God’s grace. And I always add a fun pet along with a bit of humor where possible.
What inspired you to write The Art of Rivers?
In 2017, the year I started this novel, drug overdoses killed over 70,000 people in the United States. Drug addiction and alcoholism are devastating families and communities. I felt called to shine God’s hope into the dark places of pain and shame.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I write contemporary Christian romance because I feel led to write about issues that people are dealing with in a current setting. I write to offer the hope of Christ. And historical fiction would require way too much research, ha!
Why do you write? What drives you?
I wrote my first story Leaving Oxford to encourage other who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks like I’ve dealt with it for many years. It continued from there. I feel like God places an issue or a story in my mind.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Funny you should ask. The heroine is named Rivers, as in The Art of Rivers. I haven’t told anyone else because I was wondering if someone would figure it out. But there are several other characters with names that are actual names of rivers: Cooper, Jordan, Savannah, Brooklyn, Pearl, James.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m so unscheduled, and it’s not funny. I wish I had one. Maybe someday.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Discipline and creativity, especially after writing several novels.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Wearing a ponytail and yoga pants!
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’m deaf in one ear, and I circle people trying to get them on my good ear!
What is your favorite pastime?
Just one? I have a few! I eat out as often as possible or have my son cook (I generally avoid cooking), walk outdoors and take pictures of God’s beautiful creation, Bible study with my small group, travel as much as my husband lets me, provide constant compulsory petting to my cats and dog, and hang out with my family and friends. Oh, and I love music!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I do! My first book is Leaving Oxford which is currently free! There are three other books in that series, and two other novels in the Coastal Hearts series.