An Interview with Dani Pettrey

Hello everyone.

As the title states, we have that interview I mentioned I was trying to get with Dani Pettrey. She is an awesome author. She wrote the Alaskan Courage series. They include extreme sports and activities...keeping you on the edge of your seat as you read. Her stories pulled me in quickly and kept me reading until the end of each. I had to have them all. If I remember correctly at the time 3 were available with the 4th book about to be released. Of course I got it immediately and then had to wait for number 5 to come out. I pre-ordered, so I got it as soon as it was available. If you are looking for a GREAT read this summer, pick one of hers up or download them in your E-reader. Her interview is here for my readers and fellow writers to enjoy.

Before I add it, I want to update you on what is going on in my life as I normally do in my blogs.

I also hope you are having a wonderful summer!

My summer has been filled with writing and sunning with more of both to come. As I mentioned to you before, I sent in a completed manuscript to my publisher at the end of May, Hidden Secrets. Still waiting to hear back. They must be busy, busy as they are growing by leaps and bounds. Since then I've worked on the 4th book of the Samantha Cain series - Against Her Will. It was scheduled to release in 2014, but those who have been connected with me through my blogging know I lost my dear sweet husband March 2nd of 2014. We had taken a trip to the Caribbean earlier, where I made notes of the surroundings and the people to include in this novel, since my characters would be traveling down there. I had started the novel earlier on, but could not work on it after his passing. The memories hurt too bad. Of course they were beautiful memories, just hard to relive knowing Scott wouldn't be with me any more. Anyway, I've been working on its completion ever since the first of June, and now thanks to my critique partners jumping on it quickly, I'm working on the rewrites and edits now. I'm hoping to have it to my publisher by the end of July. I hope you all are still looking forward to the read.

In the mean time, I learned Thorndike Press republished Crime in The Big Easy that released July 1st (I mentioned this in June's blog), and they have scheduled Be Not Afraid to release August 1st, with Testimony of Innocence not far behind...September 1st. The specialty of Thorndike Press is they publish in hardback with large print. This was exciting news to me.

God has blessed my writing career, using Oak Tara Publishing. They connected my work to Barbour Publishing having that collection of Deborah Lynne novels released May 1st, 2015 and now this with Thorndike Press. In the meantime, my job is to keep writing while He does the heavy lifting...spreading my work...touching the hearts of my readers.

He also lead me to start writing that non-fiction book, Guidance from The Light, I mentioned to you. It is a two month devotion so far. Until I've written all 12 months, I show it as days 1 - whatever number I'm on. This devotion is free for the download off of my website. I'll be adding the third month by the end of July for those of you who have already downloaded the first two months. When it's completed, I will make it available as a book and carry it with me to the arts and craft shows I attend. I hope His Word and how He blessed me through His Word, will also be a blessing to you. Take time to look at Guidance from The Light on my web site at your convenience. click here for website

My husband's birthday is coming up next week. Last year my kids (minus 1 who lives in California but is working to get transferred back this way -- so maybe 2016's trip she will be a part of), grandkids, and his twin sister took a trip together to the beach, to the same place we had gone with Scott the year before his death. It made it easier on all of us to be together, missing him together, loving him together, yet celebrating his victory in Heaven with The Lord together. It made our loss of him easier to bear together. It's that time again. This time I believe it will be filled with more smiles and joy than last time. We still miss Scott tremendously, but know in our hearts he is rejoicing and is better off...and that one day we will be with him rejoicing with The Lord. Life goes on. So to the beach we are going together. More summer relaxing. Again, I hope you've been enjoying your summer as well.

NOW WHAT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR:

          The interview of Dani Pettrey. She is a jewel. Enjoy.

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I’m glad to say, the author I mentioned in the past few months of blogging, Dani Pettrey, has agreed to an interview by me. I know you will love her as much as I do. I hope by now, you’ve bought some of her books and found out how great she really is.

 *****

Thank you, Dani, for allowing me to spend a little time with you as I pick your brain. Some of my readers are people who read Deborah Lynne novels, and some are writers growing their craft. As a writer myself, I love getting to talk to fellow authors and find out more about them. Thank you for taking time to answer my questions below.

1.     What made you start writing? Tell us a little bit about your journey of writing and how you connected with your publisher for your first book?

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.

When I first began, I spent a lot of time simply reading novels, seeing how they worked, analyzing why I fell in love with certain characters and not others. I attended writing conferences, joined a writer’s group and devoted regular time to writing. I was also blessed with an amazing mentor who really shepherded me in the craft and writing life.

I finished Submerged just prior to the ACFW conference a number of years back. I hadn’t been in a couple years, but I really felt led to go. I signed up last minute and put in for appointments with the editor and agent I really hoped to meet with. Since I registered so late, I didn’t get appointments with either. But God has a way of working things out. My first night at the conference I attended a Late Night Chat for Bethany House. I spoke with Dave Long afterwards and he graciously allowed me to send him the first three chapters. A couple weeks later I got an email from him requesting the full manuscript. A few after that I received a contract offer. It was absolutely amazing to get an offer for the book of my heart.

2.     Was Submerged, Book 1 of the Alaskan Courage series, the first novel you ever wrote?

No. I had two ‘practice’ manuscripts, which will never see the light of day, and two submission manuscripts before I wrote Submerged. God knew I needed the practice and the timing. When I received my contract offer both of my girls were close to grown and it was just so abundantly clear that it was God’s timing and not mine. I’m so thankful I got published when I did and not with the earlier manuscripts, thought I may one day rewrite one of them as the story is still near and dear to my heart.

3.     I was wondering, in your series the family owns a store called, The Last Frontier Adventures, where they specialize in carrying gear for the extreme sports enthusiast as well as offer trips/tours that include the sport…are you writing from experience in these sports? If so, share a little…if not, tell us what made you go that route. By the way, every book had such excitement and fun wrapped into the story. Job well done!!

Thanks so much! We are a pretty adventurous family, but not to the extreme that the McKennas are. So while I’ve been white-water rafting, rock climbing, skiing, sailing, etc. I’ve never been heli-skiing or free climbing. I like to say I’m a moderate adventurer while the McKennas are most definitely on the extreme end of adventure.

I’ve always been fascinated and awed by extreme athletes so getting to write, to research various extreme adventures and to write about a family who pursues them for a living was absolutely fabulous.

4.     Which of the five is your most favorite book in the series?

This is such a hard one to answer. I really love different aspects about each book in the series. In Submerged, I love getting to meet all the characters and being introduced to Yancey, Alaska. Shattered has my favorite love story, Stranded my favorite adventure, Silenced my favorite mystery, and Sabotaged my favorite setting. If forced <smile> to pick one, I’d probably have to go with Submerged as it was the start of the series, I love the historical aspect, and I really identify with the heroine Bailey Craig.

5.     Of the couples who found, or re-found, one another in your storyline, which is your most favorite couple and why?

Again, such a hard question. I’m really partial to Cole and Bailey reuniting, but I truly think my favorite love story is Landon and Piper’s. I love the dynamic between the two, and Landon is my kind of guy. He’s hardworking, struggling to be more than his past lineage, loyal and he loves fiercely. He is a little rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold. I love the way he loves Piper.

6.     I was sorry to learn book 5 was the last of your series because I loved the family and friends you created. So tell us, where are you taking us next? And when should we be looking for your next release?

I just finished writing the first book (COLD SHOT) in a new four-book series entitled Chesapeake Valor. The series focuses on four adult friends who grew up together in the Chesapeake Bay area. I’m really enjoying getting to share the gorgeous and diverse area where I live with readers. Within the state of Maryland we have beaches, mountains, a major city (Baltimore), small towns, farms, and, of course, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. I hope readers who enjoy the Alaskan Courage series will enjoy the Chesapeake Valor series. COLD SHOT will be available February 2, 2016, but it is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

Can't wait!! I'm looking forward to the new series all ready. Thank you, Dani, for your time that you shared with us. Continue on your writing path. We love your books and look forward to the next one. (and truth be told, I couldn’t pick a favorite story, one over the other 4. I loved them all as far as the stories go. For the favorite couple, you picked mine. I loved Landon and Piper too!!!

Thank you so very much for having me.

Dani

  

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There you have it friends. Wasn't she great, taking time out to answer a few questions to share with other writers who are trying to write or sell their first book...to encourage them. Also I asked for this interview with her to help you who read my books find another author who I know you will love. Her stories inspire me. Go get you a copy and start reading. You won't regret it. 

Hello friends. I’m glad to see several of you still reading my monthly blog. Sorry it’s not put out consistently on the same date monthly. Life, as you know, leads you this way and that. I know I pray daily asking God to lead me, to do all He’s called me to do, each day. Therefore I believe it comes out at the time it is supposed to.

Lately He’s been encouraging me to write on my latest Samantha Cain novel. It’s Against Her Will. I believe it will be well worth the wait. As you all know it was expected out last year—but again, life got in the way. The Lord took my husband home to be with Him. So while Scott is up there dancing, praising, playing golf, visiting his family and mine, I’m down here on earth living one day at a time.

The last day of May I sent off a completed manuscript to my publisher, Ramona Tucker. I still haven’t heard back, but I feel I will at the right time. That one was Hidden Secrets. It too will be worth the wait. I feel the novels I am writing, God puts into my heart. The stories are fiction, but God is real in each and every one.

I mentioned in a previous blog about a non-fiction book God has me writing. You all know I stated over the last twenty plus years, I’d never write non-fiction. It’s too hard. But we all know who is in control. God has had me working on a devotional. When it’s completed it will be a yearly devotion, but as of right now the first 31 days have been posted on MY WEBSITE for you to pull up and download on your computer, to be read for free. It is my gift to you at your time of convenience. I just gave the next 28 days to my webmaster to add to the website. It will be there soon, The key to finding it on my website is to click on the LIGHTHOUSE, and you’ll see more. Until 12 sections have been added, you’ll only be able to add one at a time. When the book is completed I will have all 12 months combined into one…well my webmaster will.

I tried adding something today to my website, but kind of messed things up. She’ll fix it or help me fix it soon. On ORDER page I tried adding 3 places people could quickly click on and order the book or ebook of Bayou Secrets – a collection of 3 of my novels in one book published by Barbour Publishing and Oak Tara. I’ll go ahead and note it here on my blog:

        

 click here to order from Christianbook.com

click here to order from Barnes & Noble

click here to order through Amazon

For those of you who don’t already own Crime in The Big Easy, Be Not Afraid, & Testimony of Innocence, to click on any of the above will give you access to purchase the hard copy or eBook at a discounted rate. Enjoy!!!

Isn’t spring the best time of year? Look around your neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful flowers blooming. Oh how I love flowers. I took a quick glance back to make sure I won’t be duplicating this, but here is a picture of some of the flowers that were blooming in my yard and some I cut and brought inside to enjoy:

               

They bloomed in white, gold, and purple. They were so pretty. Just recently I cut them back in hopes to get more. The ones I’d left on the plants had died and of course the ones I brought inside slowly decayed. I kept them going as long as I could. I don’t have a green thumb so I am amazed that these and the impassions as well as the day lilies in the front yard are doing so well. Scott was the one who kept our garden flowers blooming. He and God that is.

The tip I’m going to share today for writers is something I learned through a course taught by  James R Callan , author of Over my Dead Body,  Cleansed by Fire, and more. He taught a course entitled – Dialog that Sells – He also has a book available on the subject– Write Great Dialog.

His first question to us was why do we care about how we write our dialogue? He let us know that a frequent reason for manuscripts to be turned down is for poor dialog. He went on to give an example of both.

Poor dialog for writing in book:

“Hi, Mary. How’s everything?”                                                               

“Good. And you?”

“Things are going pretty well.”

“Glad to hear that. Been to any good movies recently?”                    

“No. Too busy getting the kids ready for school.”

“Oh, I guess it is getting close to that time of year, isn’t it.”

“Too close; too fast.”

“I guess I’ll be into that next year.”

“Have you seen Joan lately? I’ve called and gone by many times for over   a week and I never catch her.”

Now the way it would work in a novel:

“Hi. How’s everything going?”

“Good.  Good”

“Have you seen Joan lately? I’ve called and gone by a bunch of times. She’s nowhere to be found.  I’m worried.”

Cut out the fat. Don’t waste the readers’ time. Dialog should do one of two things. Either further the plot, or enhance the reader’s understanding of the character. If it doesn’t, cut out that dialog.

As dialog moves your story forward, it can also intensify the conflict or add more conflict to it. It also can be used to describe a character so as not to bore the reader with too much narrative. Dialog can be used in foreshadowing as well. Dialog written well can be very powerful in writing a novel that will sell.

Another form of dialog is internal dialog. I know this as deep point of view, taught to me by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. Another good book to help grow your manuscript. Internal dialog reveals the true character of the character, the feeling of the character, and make the story more believable to the reader.

He taught us more in the on-line course I took through ACFW I believe. I just shared a few of the major points. The most important thing to know is your dialog is important to your book sells. A writer should fine-tune every part of writing a novel and make his/her be the best it can be before shopping it around to agents or editors, or publishing yourself. Your work follows you, so make it your best. Of course, as I writer I can tell you as you grow you can always make your older novels better, but that’s part of the growing experience of being a writer. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

God bless you all

Until next month,

Deb

We Will Not Be Shaken

As time goes on, we travel a lot of miles over a lot of roads. I don't know about you, but my last 18 months have been some newly traveled roads. Sure, I had experienced death before Scott's passing March 2, 2014, but it wasn't the same. I think Scott's death touched me deeper than any loss of a loved one I'd ever felt. The walk was so different...so different from the loss of Dad, Mom, Mr. and Mrs. Craft (Scott's mom and dad), and Sharon (my sister). I missed them. I hurt walking the empty days after they went on to be with the Lord. Praise God I can say that--All went on to be with the Lord. I felt their absence, but when the Lord took Scott home an bigger emptiness, more than I could ever imagine, surrounded me. Don't get me wrong. I was never alone. Never by myself. I was so blessed to have my kids, grandkids, and kids-in-law to love me and try to fill the emptiness. Praise God, He too was with me through it all...through all the above trails I was walking. But my flesh had to move through those days as well as my joyful spirit. It's so easy to give into temptation and wallow in your sorrow. I wanted to so many days, and some I did. I'm blessed God didn't let me stay there. He loves me and I know it. He has plans for me...Praise God for that. My life on earth is not over, so I move on, one day at a time. Some days Scott's absence still pierces my heart, but I keep moving forward through my trust and faith in the Lord.

He helped me start writing again. This is a gift He has given me. Those who knew me in school might remember -- I hated reading, English was not my best subject. Yet this is where He brought me. Writing and reading and writing some more. The dreams I had as a young person was to act...be the next Doris Day. God brought that dream to pass as well, but not in the way I'd expected. I thought I'd be acting in movies and on stage. Instead I fell in love, married, and had kids. As they grew He brought me to writing. My books are written through His guided hand. While I'm writing them, I get to play every character in my novel. Yippee! Now that's acting.

So know this. God has given each of us a road to travel, a dream to reach, a passion to follow, all from the time we are small. If we will use this dream, this passion, to His glory, if we listen and follow His direction He will fill our lives in abundance. God is good. God is love. God is truth. God is peace. Reach for Him and you can have it all!!

May 1st the book -- Bayou Secrets -- was released to chain stores across America. I'm sorry to say it wasn't at the one and only Costco we have here in Baton Rouge, nor did I find it at any Walmart in my area. I know that I was told it wouldn't be at every Costco or Walmart (and some other big chain stores that I don't know), but I hope you found it in your area. I ordered me one off the internet. I love the way they had Crime in The Big Easy, Be Not Afraid, and Testimony of Innocence all in one book. It is over 900 pages. My average book is 330 pages long when printed normal size. It was cool to read from it. And I loved the cover. Anyway, I hope you found your copy, or managed to buy one for a gift for a friend. I loved it and glad my books crossed from sea to sea. I was blessed.

For the record, I sent off my latest manuscript to my editor as I'd told you I was working toward in my last blog. It went off the evening of April 30th. Hidden Secrets is the title. I'll tell you more when I hear back from my publisher. In the meantime, I am working on Against Her Will, book 4 of the Samantha Cain Series. It's writing itself. I love when that happens and the words pour out onto the page. God has the perfect time for everything.

I know those who read my blog is either a writer or a reader of fiction...or both. I've got to share the latest book I'm reading. It's by one of my favorite authors (I admit to have a few). Dee Henderson's latest, released May 1st -- Taken. I've not quiet finished it yet, but it is proving to be a great read as usual. Her stories as well as her characters come to life before your eyes. To see her books CLICK HERE.

As most of you know by now, if you go to my website: http://www.author-deborahlynne.com/ you can click on the Lighthouse on the first page to read a devotional the Lord is leading me to write. I hope to have another month ready to add soon. It will always be available free for downloading off of my website. I pray you are blessed by it. Also on my website, blogs that have been posted since 2011 can still be found by clicking on ejournal on my website. Feel free to browse.


I try to include a writing tip for all of you writers who read my blog. I've been thinking on hard on what to share this time. I hope you find this helpful.

1.     You have to make time. I’m good at procrastinating…planning…thinking about writing…thinking about my story, my idea, and then saying I’ll start tomorrow. To become a better writer you have to set aside a time to do it and stick to it. Make your self sit down and start writing. Thinking about it will not make it happen. As I’ve said many times before – PERSEVERE!

2.     Write about something you care about. If you do, the reader will enjoy it more, and you as a writer will expose heart in it. If you are into politics but write medical journals, your reader won’t appreciate your writing. However, if you write a political novel with the depth and the heart you have for the subject, it will be a spell-bounder. Readers will love it. When you write from the heart, it shows.

3.     Make a list or an outline of what you plan to have happen (in a novel) or plan to say (an article). When I first started writing, I always wrote by the seat of my pants, but as I’ve grown I’ve found by taking time to outline my story first, build my character sheets before I begin, put faces to the names of my characters, my stories are easier to write. I’m not saying I always stick to my outlines. Remember, it’s your outline. You can change it. But I promise you this; if you have an outline, you’ll never get stuck wondering where do to go next. I’ve only recently started writing a full outline first. In the past 5-7 of my published novels, I’ve had notes, ideas, lists of scenes that I wanted to see happen, but with the past 2 novels, I’ve written an outline first. Like I said earlier, you don’t have to follow it. It’s there to keep you focused and moving forward, but it’s not set in stone. For me, it takes the pressure off. I’ve tried it, and I like it, so I’m sticking to it.

4.     Write your completed article or story before you start making changes. Let your creative juices flow. Don’t second-guess yourself. Get it all complete, and then reread it. Follow your instincts. Then let someone else read and make suggestions as well. But write it in its entirety first.

5.     Be consistent. Don’t quit. Stay after whatever you’ve planned to write until it is complete. Finish what you start!!

6.     Get help from critique partners. Listen to suggestions they make. It’s still your writing, so do what you feel led to do. A second or third pair of eyes always helps improve your writing. You as the author tend to read what you meant to say. Listen to your CP. Hear what they have to say. Then follow your heart.

7.     Keep reading help articles and books on writing to improve your craft.

8.     Keep reading novels or articles of they type you enjoy writing yourself.

9.     Never give up. Never quit.

I