by Crystal Caudill | Jul 18, 2023 | Author Interviews
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?
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 7, 2023 | Author Interviews
I had the honor of meeting Shannon Redmon during an interview with the Suspense Squad, an awesome YouTube channel where a group of suspense authors for Love Inspired Suspense interviews other suspense authors. Not only was it fun to get to know her, I happen to enjoy her LIS stories. Allow me to introduce you to her properly:
Shannon Redmon remembers the first grown-up book she checked out from the neighborhood bookmobile. A Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen and ballroom parties captivated her attention. For her mother, the silence must have been a pleasant break from non-stop chatter, but for Shannon, those stories whipped up a desire and passion for writing.
Shannon is a Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author and her greatest hope is to immerse readers into a world of suspense and escape while encouraging faith, hope, and love in Christ. She has two books published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line—Cave of Secrets and Secrets Left Behind with a third and fourth on the way—Mistaken Mountain Abduction and Christmas Murder Coverup.
She is also one of the Managing Editors for Acquisitions of Spark Flash Fiction Magazine, where she received her first official published byline. She won first place in the Foundation awards, was a runner-up in the Genesis contest, and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
You can connect with her through:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Shannon with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
SR: Salty – I love a good potato chip!
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
SR: I prefer Print because I love beautiful covers but often I read ebooks on my phone because I can get more on there.
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
SR: Both – I love a morning coffee with creamer and then drink tea the rest of the day
Morning Person or Night Owl?
SR: Neither – I get up around 7am and often go to bed by 11pm
CC: Favorite Holiday?
SR: Thanksgiving – I love having a big meal with my loved ones without the stress of buying gifts!
I’m definitely a fan of Thanksgiving. I love cooking and baking, and yes to without the stress of buying gifts!!! Let’s move into some of the more in-depth questions.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
SR: I’ve always been a writer – writing poems, breakup letters for my schoolmates, and short stories that never got picked up by any teenage magazine. As I got older, I would start writing a story, get about ten chapters in and stop. In 2015, my husband told me I needed to finish one. I took his advice and finished my first book in 2016, which will never see the light of day. By the time I’d written my fourth book in 2020, I signed with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line.
CC: It’s amazing what perseverance will teach you, and what it can lead to!
What does your writing process look like from beginning to end?
SR: Typically, I come up with my characters first and flesh out who they are, what they look like, and what they do, then I create a plot around those characters with what I hope lines up with market needs.
CC: So you are definitely a character-first writer. Interesting to know!
What is your writing Kryptonite?
SR: I always go through a phase during my first draft of my books where I think the story is just stupid! LOL! I question if anyone will ever read anything I ever write again after this, but God always encourages me, and I keep going. Usually in the editing phase, I start to see the beauty in the story God gave me to write.
I’m so glad I am not the only one who faces this. It’s such a challenge to keep writing when the stories feel like they won’t be worth reading.
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
SR: I’ve had to learn to wait well. Not everything comes together according to my timetable and God has taught me many lessons through waiting even though I struggle to this day with waiting.
CC: Man, do you feel you on this one! Learning to wait well is so hard.
How have you seen God working through your writing journey?
SR: My readers and writer friends have been such a blessing to me since I started this journey. They keep me encouraged when I want to quit and provide so much love for the stories God gives me to write. I love coming up with new ideas to share with them.
CC:The people God has brought into our lives through writing is probably one of the greatest gifts we can receive. Truly, they are amazing.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
SR: Don’t write to be published. Write stories because you love to weave together a tale that entertains and takes readers on a fantastic journey. That passion will keep you moving forward when the road gets tough.
Wise advice. If your only goal is to get published, you’ll wonder why you wanted it eventually. It’s a hard road.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, Mistaken Mountain Abduction.
Tracking a kidnapper
leads to a deadly pursuit
After her twin is abducted and mistaken for her, former army helicopter pilot Aggie Newton must move fast. She has to find her sister and figure out why she’s become a target—even if it means working with her ex. But Detective Bronson Young knows these criminals will do anything to stop their investigation. Can they dodge deadly attacks long enough to save Aggie’s sister and expose the kidnappers?
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: Where did you get the idea for Mistaken Mountain Abduction?
SR: I read an article about a female Apache helicopter pilot and was completely intrigued. I wanted to write a story about a character who had these massive skills.
CC: I love finding out about something interesting and working a story around it. I bet researching it had to be fun!
In fact, what was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for Mistaken Mountain Abduction?
SR: I researched hostage extractions and how the military completes these, which was very different than what I expected. I was able to interview military personnel and get first hand knowledge (at least what they were allowed to share) about how army units and military operations work.
CC: Oh man, I bet that was super fascinating. I look forward to reading about what you learned in the story.
What was your favorite part about this story?
SR: This by far has been my favorite book so far to write. I love that the story drops the reader right in the action on the first page and carries through until the end.
I love a good, fast-paced story. That means it will probably be a binge read for me. As my final question, I have my usual “Fun Question”.
If you were a pirate, what would your nickname be?
SR: I actually played a pirate in one of our Vacation Bible School skits at church. I wore a large red pirate hat with a black feather and way too much eye makeup as well as a ton of costume jewelry. Unfortunately, I don’t remember my name!
CC: LOL, that is awesome. The things we do for Children’s ministry, right? I bet the kids loved it!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Mistaken Mountain Abduction 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 flown in a helicopter? If not, would you want to? Why or why not?
by Crystal Caudill | Oct 18, 2022 | Author Interviews
After several years of “knowing” Darlene L. Turner online, I FINALLY got to meet her at this years’s ACFW. She is a wonderful woman and one of the founders of the Facebook Group Blue Ridge Readers Connection. If you’re on Facebook you should check that group out. Readers and authors love to mingle there. Now allow me to introduce you to the woman herself.
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
You can connect with her through:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | BookBub | Goodreads | Amazon
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Darlene with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
DT: Milk
CC: Print or E-book?
DT: Print
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
DT: Cat
Morning Person or Night Owl?
DT: Morning
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
DT: Fall
CC: Since fall is your favorite, you must be in heaven right now. Let’s dive right in.
How can we pray for you?
DT: That God would use my books for HIS glory to touch lives.
CC: AMEN. That is a powerful prayer and you can be certain I’m at least praying it for you.
What is your favorite Bible Verse? Why?
DT: Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.” – I love that God protects us and keep us under His wings.
CC: That is definitely a beautiful image, especially in these difficult times.
What do you like to do when you aren’t reading or writing?
DT: Tole painting (painting on wood pieces), Lego-building, watching TV/movies
CC: Oh! I saw one of your recent projects! I BEAUTIFUL log cabin mailbox. Your skill is amazing.
When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
DT: When I picked up my first Nancy Drew book. 🙂
CC: Oh, I LOVED Nany Drew as a kid!
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
DT: I tend to write from around 9-3ish. Then work on social media in the evenings.
CC: There are definitely a lot of different hats that authors have to wear. It’s great that you have a set schedule.
Let’s talk about your newest release, Explosive Christmas Showdown.
A bomber brings terror to Christmas as the presents go tick…tick…boom. With criminal investigative analyst Olive Wells at the center of a bomber’s dangerous game, she’ll do anything to catch the culprit—even work with her ex-fiancé and his K-9 detector dog. But with the Christmas rampage drawing ever closer, Zac Turner’s convinced the attacks are personal. Can they piece together their ties to the bomber…before another gift explodes?
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Amazon.ca | Barnes & Noble | Chapters | Christianbook
CC: Which character was the most fun to create?
DT: Is it terrible to say I had the most fun creating the villain – the Jingle Bell Bomber? haha! It was fun to think up his game.
CC: I don’t think so! There is just something about creating a villain and figuring out how they tick . . . and then how to bring them down.
How do you select the name of your characters?
DT: Whenever I heard an interesting name, I add it to my “names database.” I also use baby name sites. I love naming my characters!
CC: Oh I love that you collect interesting names in a database. That is so organized of you.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
DT: That no matter what, God DOES work out everything for our good. His plan for us is perfect.
CC: Amen! It can be hard to see in the moment, but it is a truth we can stand on. Thank you so much for joining me today and providing an explosive distraction. As my final question, I have my usual “Fun Question”.
If you could have a super power, which would it be?
DT: FLY! I dream a lot that I can fly, so that would be amazing. haha!
CC: Flying would definitely make getting to different places a lot easier and faster!
Reader, what would YOUR superpower be?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 19, 2022 | Character Interview
It’s my joy and honor to bring to you a special character interview. Detection Detail is Terri Reed’s 50th book with Love Inspired, and to celebrate we get to meet Mia Turner, the book’s heroine.
Before we meet Mia, allow me to introduce you to her story.
Detection Detail by Terri Reed
An alleged arsonist. A deadly cover-up. Can this K-9 sniff out the truth? Evidence at a fiery car crash leads K-9 officer Nelson Rivers and his accelerant-detection dog, Diesel, to Mia Turner—a woman previously accused of arson. But when a gunman targets Mia during their first meeting, Nelson suspects she might actually be innocent. Only Mia’s hiding something, and Nelson’s been burned before. Can they trust each other to catch a killer…before the threat engulfs them both?
Purchase Links: Amazon
*Check out the special audiobook price of $3.99 at Chirpbooks*
CC: Hi Mia! It is so great to meet you. Would you please introduce yourself to my readers?
MT: Hi there, my name is Mia Turner, I live on a lake in Dillon, Colorado, where I run an outdoor adventure company I inherited from my great-uncle.
CC: Running a business can be hard, and it’s important to have a good public image. How do you think others view you?
MT: People in town are suspicious of me because of something horrible that happened in the past. It’s hard to always feel judged. And someone is trying to ruin my business and even trying to kill me.
CC: Yikes! Is there anyone who can help you?
MT: Well, I have to say I was leery of K-9 Officer Nelson Rivers when he first came to my house intent on questioning me about an arson case. He was handsome and very serious. And so determined to protect me, even though I could protect myself. I really fell in love with Nelson’s partner, Diesel, a yellow lab trained in accelerant detection. He’s a true hero.
CC: Dogs are a (wo)man’s best friend. But God also should be. How do you view God in your life?
MT: I rely heavily on God. I don’t think I would have survived with out my faith. Knowing that God has my back gives me hope.
CC: That is so good to know. He really helps us to get through those hard things. What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you?
MT: My best friend and I were accused of crimes we didn’t commit. She went to jail while I had to live with the stigma of guilt even though the charges against me were dropped. I’ve worked tirelessly to exonerate my friend and someone is trying to stop me.
CC: Wow. What a commitment to keep at exposing the truth.
When did you know that you were in love?
MT: Falling in love was gradual but I think the moment I realized that Nelson believed me, believed IN me, was when I lost my heart to him. It took awhile for me to let down my guard enough to let him in and to admit my feelings. But I’m really glad that he came to my cabin in the woods when he did and that he insisted on sticking around.
CC: It sounds like he’s a good guy. I really look forward to hearing your story unfold and watch your romance grow. Readers, you can order her book at Amazon above.
About Terri Reed:
Award winning multi-published author Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publisher’s Weekly top 10, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100 and featured in USA Today. Her 2016 book, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled, “Picture A Perfect Christmas.” You can write to Terri at P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97280 or visit her online at www.terrireed.com or email her at terrireed@sterling.net
Connect with Terri: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon
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. 
The firefighter rescued her once… 
