January 16, 2019

Sharon K. Connell has visited 44 states and has also traveled to Canada and Mexico. Her novels reflect experiences she’s had during that time. Her genre, Christian romantic suspense, sometimes has a little mystery, but always humor. She also writes short stories in other genres.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
Sharon: Romantic suspense is one of the genres I’ve always enjoyed reading. It was a natural place to start when I realized I should be writing myself. I believe the Lord laid the desire on my heart.

What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
Sharon: The most difficult part would be blending the romantic scenes in with the suspense so it all flows together.

When do you find time to write?
Sharon: Finding time isn’t a problem being retired from the 9 to 5 world. Writing is now my full-time job. The problem I face is fitting my everyday chores into my writing time. LOL

What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
Sharon: Easy answer. When it comes to writing, my home office. For reading, my favorite spot is curled up on the couch.

How do you come up with titles for your books?
Sharon: My titles all come from Scripture. A verse that represents the story.

What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
Sharon: Coffee…of course. LOL Perhaps some dark chocolate. LOL

Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
Sharon: The ideas simply come to me as a story line, sometimes at the oddest moments. I may see something on TV that triggers an idea, or I might be reading another story, and something in that story starts me thinking about…what if?

How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
Sharon: The locations settings, so far, have been places where I’ve lived or visited. I know them well. If I pick a location I’m not personally familiar with, I do a lot of travelling via the Internet and books to learn about the place.

What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
Sharon: Most of my readers have contacted me either on Facebook or Twitter and have become close acquaintances through social media. I love staying connected with them and learn so much from them.

How do you ensure your books are accurate?
Sharon: When I’m finished with a first draft, I read it over myself to make sure everything sounds right and the words are correct. After that, I go over each chapter using my own editing program. That chapter is then sent to my critique group for their input. When I receive the critiques (can be from three to a dozen), I go over the chapter again for necessary changes. Once I’m satisfied with that chapter, I move on to the next. By the time I’m finished with the last chapter, it’s time to send it to my editor. Necessary changes from editing are then gone over, followed by reading through the story once more to check the flow of the story.

What has been most rewarding about writing romantic suspense?
Sharon: Hearing from my readers how they enjoyed and reacted to the story.

Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Sharon: My favorite book to date is Paths of Righteousness. It was the first story I wrote, although it was published second, and has now been rewritten in a better style. This story revolves around a young woman working in a doctor’s office. When I started writing it, I too was working in a doctor’s office, so I related with her problems and the relationship she had with her coworkers and doctors. Of course, the rest is made up.

Current book title: Paths of Righteousness
When a new doctor is hired, misunderstandings add to Kathryn’s already complicated emotions. Will she make the right choices in the end…or more mistakes?

Connect w/Sharon
Website: http://sharonkconnell.com/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sharonkconnell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averypresenthelpbook1
https://www.facebook.com/ChristianRomanceSuspense/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianWritersAndReadersGroupForum/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SharonKConnell
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkconnell
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosecastle1/