Multi-published author Heidi Glick recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
When do you find time to write? This past year, I started homeschooling, so I write whenever I get free time—early morning, evenings, or here and there when not busy. Before kids, I worked full time outside the home for many years, and I would write after work or on my lunch break. I’ve found you have to make time to write.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? I like writing at one of the local library branches or at a local coffee shop. My favorite order is the iced Buckeye latte and an iced cinnamon roll.
What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels? I think the weirdest death in my stories has probably been an electrocution.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? I have one story set in California, where I spent most of my childhood. The rest of my stories have been set in Ohio, where I currently reside. For now, I plan to keep my stories set there because it’s easier for conducting research trips.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? At thirteen, I wanted to become a writer, but I wanted to write Christian screenplays. But God had other plans.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense? My husband is very supportive of my writing. He has traveled to conferences with me and taken the kids to museums so I could attend workshops. My mom and sisters have read my stories and given copies to others. They put copies on cruise ships and leave them here and there. My kids help me pick character names sometimes.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? I’ve attended Writers Police Academy and my local citizens sheriff’s academy. I watch videos on YouTube showing fight scenes and read books on writing about fighting. I read books on police procedure and investigation. I ask questions on crime scene forums. I have taken classes on writing crime and correspond with law enforcement and medical professionals. I believe writers should never stop learning, so I’ve made it a goal to keep reading books on writing and attending conferences.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? I need a laptop with power and a wireless mouse (also with power). I can work faster without using the laptop touchpad.
What has been most frustrating about writing romantic suspense? I think what’s most frustrating about romantic suspense is balancing the romance and suspense and also creating an exciting and believable story. Sometimes I have lofty ideas that get nixed upon further research.
About Heidi Heidi Glick writes romantic suspense. She has an eye for detail and includes law enforcement particulars in her stories. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Though she grew up in California, Heidi now considers rural Ohio her home.
Gazing Into Darkness Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.
On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.
The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Traci Summeril, who writes under Teresa Summers. Traci is a Colorado girl who loves the outdoor mountain life but leaves the jumping off cliffs and skiing down the backslopes to her much more adventurous characters. When not writing her next romance, she is a music teacher and mom to four amazing kids, who are also more adventurous than she is. Secrets Beneath the Snow is her first published work.
When Traci needs a pick-me-up, she phones a friend. “I have met the most wonderful people through my writing journey, and some of them have become such dear friends to me,” she says. “Writing can be pretty isolating, and when I can call another writing friend … to talk me through [whatever I’m struggling with], I’m really grateful.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Secrets Beneath the Snow by Teresa Summers. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Jack and the Red Giant by Amanda Cleary Eastep — Snowball wars are being waged against the Tree Street Kids, and Jack Finch is building his greatest invention yet–the Abominable Snowman-ator. But his biggest battle will be against his distrust of Buzz Rublatz, the neighborhood bully. (Children’s Middle Grade from Moody Publishers)
Children’s Picture Book:
Otto and Ollie by Penny Frost McGinnis and Hannah L Wickline — Otto and Ollie are best buddies. They live next door to each other and spend their days playing and pretending what they’ll be someday. When they have a disagreement, they discover it’s not what they’ll be, but who they’ll be that counts. (Children’s Picture Book from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)
Contemporary:
What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom — In the beautiful Pacific Northwest, a young woman’s discovery of her hidden past illuminates her present in this new novel from the award-winning author of Sugar Birds, “an engrossing tale” (Kirkus Reviews), and Leaning on Air, “an exquisitely nuanced love story” (BookTrib). (Contemporary General from Tyndale House)
Contemporary Romance:
A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter — Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Meant For Me by Betsy St Amant — He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)
A Matter of Trust by Rena Bell Yeager — Rachel Wilson is a divorcee who has devoted her life to her daughter and her career. But when her employer is shut down by the FBI for fraud, she is encouraged by her daughter to take a long-overdue vacation to Texas. Randall Hudson is a widowed resort ranch owner and corporate tycoon, as at home in his blue denim shirts as he is in the boardroom. When he meets Rachel, he is smitten. But when he begins manipulating things in her life to make her want to stay in Texas, her mistrust of men grows. When Rachel’s ex shows up demanding money, she has no choice but to turn to Randall for help. But can she trust him? Will they find a way to overcome their obstacles and forge a new path together? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)
Historical Romance:
A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin — A bitter and unconventional southern widow joins forces with a former enemy to battle accusations of murder . . . twelve years after taking lives in the War Between the States. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn — Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Crime Suspense:
Martha’s Veil by Urcelia Teixeira — In the fog-shrouded coastal town of Weyport, head baker Martha Porter lives a life of quiet control—perfect cakes, polite smiles, and a heart safely tucked behind emotional walls. But when a charming man begins messaging her through an online Christian forum, Martha dares to hope again… until she vanishes on the very night she agrees to meet him. The missing-person case falls to Sheriff Angus Reid, whose investigation takes a dark turn when another woman’s body washes ashore—another victim who’d been speaking to a mysterious online suitor. As Angus uncovers a chilling network of digital manipulation, stolen identities, and religious deceit, the race to find Martha becomes more urgent. Can Angus unmask the predator before Martha becomes his next victim? Or will the fog that shrouds Weyport’s coast hide another tragedy forever? (Crime Suspense, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Gazing into Darkness by Heidi Glick — Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation. On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)
Danger in the Wilderness by Darlene L Turner — Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Protecting the Texas Witness by Virginia Vaughan — Deputy Drake Shaw rescues single mom Isabelle Morris from an assailant’s attack, only to be mistaken for her late husband. After exposing the corruption at her health-care company, Isabelle fears danger has followed her and her daughter all the way to their remote cabin. Now Drake must keep them safe long enough for Isabelle to testify against her former boss. But when her child is taken, the stakes are raised. Can they survive to unravel the truth about the present…and the past? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
Dawn of the Elding by Demi Griffin — The new Age unfolds with the sight of crumbling foundations in Everlasting, echoing with the deafening sounds of conflict and upheaval. The air thickens with the smell of tension and fear as history is misunderstood and old grudges resurface, disintegrating the bond holding the Realms together. Only the Realm Keeper possesses the power to unite them once more and bring back harmony to Everlasting. However, he cannot accomplish this task single-handedly. His alliance with the Timebender grants them both access to the only weapon that can combat death. Restoring balance, ending the perpetual chill, and returning the Elding to Everlasting all depend on each fulfilling their destinies. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Chasing Time by Pamela G Baker — After embracing life in the 21st century, Lydia is catapulted to the 1870s of her youth to prevent unscrupulous scientists from disrupting the timeline—again. (Speculative Fiction/Time Travel)
On the Brink by Michael E Cafferky — A life-threatening illness leads corporate executive Gabriel Oliver to an epiphany about his faith; he adjusts the priorities of his life, but the change he makes increases his vulnerability by endangering his career and upsetting his relationship with his wife Sandra (Contemporary General)
Morning on the Mesa by Jenny Fulton — Navajo princess sisters Lillian and Zoe learn about God and Creation while herding sheep on their family’s mesa. (Children’s Picture Book)
Take The Sea by Jenny Powell — Follow modern-day Hope Gerard & 18th-century Anglican priest John Wesley as they battle their fears through their faith. (Contemporary General)
Forged by Fire by Melanie D Snitker — Firefighter Leslie Granger and Police Officer Clint Baker stumble upon a motive that will test their courage and force them to confront not only the danger, but also the unexpected attraction growing between them (Romantic Suspense)
BondKeeper by Colleen K Snyder — Canna and Gentry are running for their lives from dragon hunters, slave traders, renegade dragons, and the Widow Swansworth who wants Gentry as a bride for her son Brody. Can Gentry learn to trust the Master? Or will she go her own way, and lose the best friend she’ll ever have? (Young Adult)
What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells — Though Clarence Parker doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws in his former gang, he fears his future with Delia Truitt is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together. Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past? (Historical Romance)
Multi-published author Cindy Kay Stewart recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away signed print copy of her historical romantic suspense Unending Hope exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I write historical romances, but I love action/suspense stories, and WWII is full of both.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? From my research. I find many true stories from reading memoires, autobiographies, and biographies.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? I wanted to be a teacher who would have lots of opportunities to tell stories. Yes, I taught in K-12 for 32 years and retired to write full time.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? I turn to research to find new stories which inspire me. I also read suspense novels to refill my well of excitement.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I love writing stories that are exciting and filled with action.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? I have a strong background as a history teacher and avid reader of historical fiction. As I research deeper into WWII, I learn about new heroes and heroines from the era.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? I learned how to conduct primary research while earning my masters degree in Secondary Education/History. I research, research again, look for primary sources whenever possible, and consult reliable secondary resources.
What has been most rewarding about writing romantic suspense? I’m inspired when my readers tell me they couldn’t put my book down and they were encouraged by the characters’ responses to their difficult circumstances.
About Cindy Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school teacher, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history, Cindy loves to research until she uncovers hidden gems to share with her readers. She resides in North Georgia with her husband of forty-four years.
Unending Hope
April 1940. Nazi Germany carries out a devastating invasion, trapping Americans David Jensen and Natalie Thompson in Norway. Determined to use their medical skills to aid the Norwegians, David and Natalie embark on a harrowing journey to treat the injured and evade the Nazis.
Natalie, a dedicated Red Cross worker, values deep relationships. Fearful of settling for a shallow marriage, she broke off her engagement to David several years before. But she never stopped loving him and spending time working together in Norway plays havoc with her heart.
David, a personable Red Cross doctor, desires to advance his career and rekindle his relationship with Natalie. Even though she once rejected him, he believes she is the only woman for him. But years of keeping others at arms’ length guarantees that winning Natalie back will be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m talking with Rebecca Lake, who grew up in the rural West, where gold rush towns, remote caves, and the rugged Idaho mountains stirred her imagination. The stories remained unwritten until one day she decided she could no longer wait for tomorrow and began writing. Within a year, she penned Where Secrets Lie, His Last Text, and The Mistaken Witness. Her clean novels provide unique twists, white-knuckle suspense, and sweet romance. The characters inspire with their courage, grounded in hope.
“[My inspiration for plots] comes from everywhere,” Rebecca said. “I’ll start typing and something will pop into my head or I’ll here something and it’s interesting.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from His Last Text by Rebecca Lake. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
About Heidi
Connect w/Traci
About Cindy
