Danielle Grandinetti’s Plot Inspirations
Multi-published author Danielle Grandinetti recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her most recent romantic suspense, Relying on the Enemy.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense?
I love writing suspense because facing a life and death problem puts what really matters into perspective. All the fears and obstacles, especially to love, are stripped away to reveal true motivations, feelings, and faith.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I begin each of my historical novels by reading archived local newspapers from when and where the book is set. In Relying on the Enemy, the major snowstorm is a real-life event that caused havoc in the community.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
I love this question because I love connecting with readers! There are two ways readers and I connect the most.
- I send a weekly newsletter, and ask a question tied to a giveaway each week. Getting to email with readers is such a joy!! You can subscribe here: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/firesidenews/
- I have a Reader Group on Facebook. We chat books, play This or That, and I share a Psalm every Sunday. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/535168971322710
How do you ensure your books are accurate?
This is very important to me, especially as an author of historical romantic suspense. Besides searching old newspapers for what was actually happening around my characters, I also spend a lot of time studying medical treatments of the 1920s-30s. Because suspense always means a main character gets hurt, and I want to make sure they can survive! Many universities have research papers on these topics, and have proved a wealth of information.
For example, Marian’s mother-in-law suffers from what we now call a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which required viewing ischemic stroke through the lens of the 1930s, including the diagnosis and treatment. For example, the angiogram was first developed in 1927, but it would not have been available to someone in Elaine’s position.
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
This question is a difficult one, but I’m going to give answering it a try. Each of my books has something I love about it. In Relying on the Enemy, I love the connection to Anne of Green Gables. Not to mention it’s a marriage of convenience, which is my favorite trope.
However, thus far, I think As Silent as the Night is my favorite because it features Italian characters (and Christmas!). I love being able to share this part of my own heritage since I’m a second-generation Italian-American.
There’s a chance Gio and Lucia’s story could be usurped by my May release, Sheltered by the Doctor. In this story Nick—the Italian doctor readers have met in my Harbored in Crow’s Nest series—finally gets his chance at a happily ever after.
About Danielle
Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. An award-winning author and FHLCW Reader’s Choice finalist, her stories span from the Great Depression to present day. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.
Connect w/Danielle
Website: daniellegrandinetti.com.
Wisconsin, 1931—All widowed mother Marian Ward wants is to provide for her girls. However, she faces the dead of winter with no income and dwindling resources. Then she overhears a nefarious conversation, putting her life and that of her children in immediate danger.
Aiming to make amends to the Wards, Gilbert steps in when the threat to Marian escalates. It costs him dearly. Either lose his career or marry her, and be tied to his past until death do them part.
He leaves the decision to Marian, who will do anything to protect her girls, even marry the son of the man who ruined her family. How will their fledgling trust prove strong enough to fulfill their vows as winter tightens its grip and desperation stalks at the door?
