Lori DeJong’s Accidental Fall Into Romantic Suspense Writing
Award-winning author Lori DeJong recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
It was kind of by accident after my first three novels were straight-up contemporary romance. I needed to pitch something new to my publisher, and I had a manuscript I’d written many years ago that I’d kept coming back to over the years to tweak. What I didn’t consider was that it had a suspense element. I didn’t realize it was entirely different genre until I got the contract and it said it was a romantic suspense. That’s how I stumbled into the genre, I guess you could say. Looking back, though, I can understand why I wrote some of my old manuscripts with a suspense element. I’ve always loved mystery novels, and if there was some romance in them, all the better.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
The suspense thread. Which is probably why my books lean more into romance than high-octane suspense. I like to think I still keep my reader on the edge of their chair wondering what happens next, but for the romance as well as the suspense.
How do you connect with your characters?
I love character development. It’s my favorite thing to do. I first find inspiration photos of them. I usually make them in Canva AI so I’m not using any copyrighted photos. Then I identify their job, Enneagram, birth order, love language. What does their home and home décor look like, what do they drive. I determine how they like to dress and why, where they hang out, what their favorites are (food, color, songs/genre, etc.), if they have a strong faith, one in crisis, or none at all, in what environment they were raised. There’s a ton more than that but it would probably be a class instead of a short answer. Haha! Most of what I know about them never makes it onto the page. But it all helps me know how they would respond, speak, think, pray, etc.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense?
Ironically, for the suspense. Which sounds odd since I’ve already said that’s what I find the most difficult to write. But I love the tension it organically creates and gives my protagonists something to either work toward together, or something that keeps them apart. So fun!
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
Texas is my brand because I love the Lone Star State, my adopted home. For each series, I have a “main” home base – Arlington/Dallas/Ft Worth in the True Calling Series, Houston-based Petersen Security International in the Guarded Hearts Series. Then I do all the research I can about wherever that might be. The next series I hope to write is set in the country north of Texas, toward the Oklahoma border. I had to make up my own little town for that one, and that was a kick. I love world-building!
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
I absolutely love speaking events – book talks, book club appearances (in person or virtual), women’s ministries and events – anywhere I can share my love of God and writing and how they work together.
What do readers ask you when they meet you?
How do I come up with my ideas? How long have I been writing? Have I always wanted to write? I love it when folks feel free to ask me questions. It’s just another door to ministry.
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Usually the last one I wrote, until I fall in love with my work in progress. Right now, Sanctuary and Sabotage is my favorite because I adored Trevor from the moment he popped up in book one, Mistletoe and Malice. I knew long before that one was finished that Trevor would be my next. And Kinsley was the perfect romantic interest for him. I’m just starting Legacy and Lies, which comes out September 2027, and I’m sure before long, that one will be my favorite.
About Lori
Award-winning author Lori DeJong enjoys penning contemporary stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love. About romance with a touch of suspense, and a firm foundation of faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-law in DFW.
Connect w/Lori
Website: https://loridejongwrites.com/
Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future.
When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she’s in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down.
As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows.
