How Charlene Amsden’s Teaching Career Pushed Her Into Writing Romantic Suspense (Episode 153)

On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Charlene Amsden, who is a storyteller, coffee enthusiast, and devoted follower of Christ who calls a small island in the far Northwest home—where her neighbors include orca whales, bald eagles, and the occasional black fox. A former elementary school teacher of 18 years and children’s ministry leader for six, she now serves as an elder and newsletter editor for her local church.

Born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Charlene’s life has been as varied as the settings in her books—she has taught school in the desert and on the beach, crossed the country in the cab of an 18-wheeler, and gathered stories in all seven states she’s called home. She is a wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Her writing reflects the faith, hope, and deep sense of community that have shaped her journey.

When she’s not writing Christian fiction, you’ll likely find her sipping coffee, watching the tide roll in, or dreaming up new tales that weave together suspense, redemption, and God’s grace.

Charlene started writing romantic suspense “probably for the same reason I started to teach. I like action, I like tension,” she says. “You never walk into a classroom two days in a row and have the exact same thing happen. It’s always different. It’s always changing. [That’s what I like about writing romantic suspense.]”

Connect w/Charlene
Website: https://www.charlene-amsden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharleneAmsden.Author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amsden_charlene/

Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Kage by Charlene Amsden. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.