I had the honor of meeting Loretta when she and the Suspense Squad interviewed me for their YouTube Channel, and if you like suspense, I highly recommend you follow their channel. Lots of fun interviews can be found there. Now it’s my turn to get to interview Loretta. Allow me to introduce you to her officially:

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in realistic situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Loretta is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray and is published by Love Inspired Suspense. Loretta loves chocolate, caramel, iced tea, and coffee.

She lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.

You can connect with her through:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   Instagram  |  BookBub  |  GoodReads

Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Loretta with rapid-fire.

 

CC: Sweet or Salty?

LE: Salty

CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?

LE: Print

CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?

LE: Coffe & Tea

Morning Person or Night Owl?

LE: Morning 

CC: Favorite Holiday?

LE: Christmas

With the exception of salty and morning, I’m right there with you.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

LE: My first desire to write was while I worked at my church as the Administrative Assistant. It wasn’t uncommon for people to trickle into my office and unload their problems, difficulties, and pain while having coffee. The tug hit me after hearing people comment, “I don’t need anyone to preach to me.” I wanted to write stories people would enjoy reading that would share the love of God in a non-threatening way so they could see God has the answer and He IS the answer. He will make a way where there appears to be no way.

CC: Amen. Writing is such a special ministry that touches people in a way that other ministries don’t. It’s an honor to share that ministry with you. And I’m not saying that writing is a better ministry, just one that serves in a way different from others. EVERY ministry is important and needed. God reaches out to people in all the ways they need it, and some of us just need it through the non-threatening way of story.

How have you seen God work through your writing journey?

LE: I stand amazed at how God has been in every aspect of my writing journey. My first encounter was how He put the strong desire to write in my heart. I’m an introvert. Well, maybe a recovering introvert. I’m learning to put myself out there more. God gave me the longing to attend a writers conference. I did, and I traveled alone. That, in itself, is a miracle. I rarely travel alone.

Everyone talked about needing an agent. I was mortified by the thought of talking to a professional, so I prayed. Honestly, I prayed God would send me an agent I’d be compatible with and someone who loves Him as much as I do. Who knew I’d enter a contest and an agent would contact me through the contest coordinator? She didn’t know who I was, but she saw something in my writing that sparked her interest. I’m certain God opened that door. Now, Tamela Hancock Murray is my God-given agent.

Receiving a contract for publication was another story. Rejection after rejection didn’t stop me. It wasn’t all happy times, but I learned what it meant to have thick skin in the writing world. One day, eleven years later, I was offered the opportunity to write a proposal for a mountain rescue collection by Love Inspired and see how I do.

I now have two published novels, Pursued in the Wilderness and Blue Ridge Mountain Escape, and a third one, The Marine’s Deadly Reunion, releasing on December 26, 2023. God has blessed me beyond measure, and I remain humbled by Him.

CC: I love hearing how God orchestrates each person’s unique writing journey. And eleven years shows your commitment to wait for His timing and his promises. I am so glad to now get to read the fruits of your labor.

Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?

LE: I would advise aspiring writers to be themselves. Be authentic. Don’t try to be like another author. Write what you know, or at least do your research so your writing will be as accurate as possible. Put words on paper. You cannot edit what you haven’t written. It’s important to understand every story needs editing and is generally edited over and over again. Don’t take rejections personally. It’s hard and sometimes you’ll want to throw your hands up and quit. Don’t quit! Press forward. Pray. Trust God knows what He’s doing.

CC: Such sound advice. And I want to add just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. The hardness of this journey ensures that we have to lean into God to keep moving forward.

Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, Blue Ridge Mountain Escape.

The firefighter rescued her once…

But can they outrun the dangers?

A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?

Purchase your copy at  Amazon 

CC: What about this story drew you to it? Does this story have any special meaning to you?

LE: I was drawn to write this story through experiences I’ve heard my son and son-in-law share in their encounters as firefighters. Even though they work in the city, fires are dangerous wherever they break out. Blue Ridge Mountain Escape is a story about wildfires in the mountains. My heart goes out to all firefighters, regardless of their location. They put their lives on the line for others every time they run toward the flames. That’s why this book is dedicated to firefighters, including my son and son-in-law.
CC: That is wonderful. I have so much respect for those who put their life on the line for others. What a blessing to have two sons/sons-in-law who serve in such a manner. Please tell them thank you from me.
What readers do you think will enjoy this story?

LE: Anyone who loves reading suspense with a touch of romance will love this book. At least, that is my prayer. Kendall, the hero, is strong, determined, and knowledgeable about his firefighting profession as a forest service firefighter. He must rescue a lady from a burning cabin in the mountains and get her to safety, but the intensity of the fire pushes them in the opposite direction of his firefighting teammates. Most anyone who has an interest in fires and fire behavior would enjoy this book.

CC: I definitely think that should catch most readers’ attention. I love the concept behind it.
What was some of your favorite research while you prepared for Blue Ridge Moutain Escape?
LE: I loved researching details about wildfires. I interviewed a Forest Fire Management Officer and gathered a lot of information about fire behaviors and tools firefighters use in fighting forest fires. I was intrigued to learn that wildfires can make their own thunder and lightning, and they can develop a fire tornado or in my book’s setting, a fire whirl. 
CC: Holy moly! I had no idea about that. It really must have been fascinating to research.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
LE: It is my desire readers will grasp the fact that God is with them wherever they are and in whatever situation they find themselves in. Just as God leaves the flock of sheep and goes after the one who went astray, God pursues after us. In this story, Kendall leaves his co-workers and risks his life to save another.

CC: I love how Kendall mimicks God love in his actions for one. What a beautiful parallel.

As my last question, I always ask a fun, silly question: You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do and is anyone with you?

LE: If I were in the back of a police car on my way to jail, it was probably because I couldn’t wait until I got home to indulge in my chocolate selection, so I sat in the middle of the grocery store floor and stuffed my mouth before paying for my sweet treat. My sister would probably be with me since we are so much alike. Guess I’d have to call my daughter to post bail.
Oh man, the temptation of chocolate. I can totally understand! and LOL! Daughters are a blessing from God for more than one reason, it appears. 🙂 
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Blue Ridge Mountain Escape and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.  

Reader, have you ever had an experience with a forest fire, or fire of any sort? If not, what do you think would be the scariest thing for you in facing a fire?

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