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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Interview and Giveaway Stranded (Alaskan Courage #3) by Dani Pettrey

Published September 1st, 2013

Description:

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances. Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.


MB's INTERVIEW
Thank you, Mrs. Dani Pettrey
Which is, in your opinion, the winning proportion of suspense, mystery and romance in, of course, romance suspense genre?
I would say the winning proportion is 50% mystery/suspense and 50% romance. I don't set out with those proportions in mind. I just write, but in the end that's how it seems to turn out, and I think that's what readers are looking for when they pick up a romantic suspense novel. 

I admit that I didn’t read (yet) your books so I’m very curious (reading their description, some reviews, your blog) why are they classified as Christian Fiction and how/where/why did you entwine the inspirational elements with mystery, suspense and romance?
My faith is such a big part of my life, it naturally became part of my stories. Some of my characters are Christians, some aren't. I just try to show how faith is played out in various ways through various characters. We all deal with questions of faith, hope, loss, grief, anguish, etc. I like to see my characters wrestle with those questions and emotions and I never have a set answer in mind. It's fun seeing where the characters end up and how they grow. 

What has been your biggest struggle writing Stranded? Is harder to write a sequel after your latest works were successful?
Actually, it's become easier in some ways to write the subsequent books in my Alaskan Courage series. I already know the characters well when I start. On the other hand, there is pressure there….wondering if the next story will come out as strong and if readers will enjoy it as much as the earlier books. 

Do you write as you go or do you have the book all planned out from the beginning? What if a new, great idea will change most of your work done?
I generally have a premise in mind, but then write as I go. If a great idea comes along, I'll trash everything I've done and start afresh. Writing the way I do gives me a lot of freedom and it makes the journey fun, but it does mean a lot of revisions. 

What makes a satisfying ending for you?
When every thread (romance, suspense, etc.) in the story is wrapped up in a way that makes senses and feels complete. 

Why Alaska?
I wanted a setting that worked well for a wide variety of adventures—everything from cave diving to heli-skiing. I also wanted a setting that had an inherent element of ruggedness and danger. Alaska seemed a perfect fit.

Books in series:
About the author:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/10/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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