Cathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin, where the long winters are perfect for writing and reading books! Cathe enjoys writing stories with creative plots and eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Cathe: Keeping it realistic—or at least plausible. Sometimes, my imagination outruns my brain.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Cathe: In romantic suspense novels, I can explore a character’s entire personality. Romantic suspense plots provide opportunities to reveal not just a character’s strengths, but also their weaknesses, fears and—sometimes—the ugly parts of their human natures. Because I write from a Christian worldview, I have that aspect to develop too, showing how each person’s faith or lack of faith is a primary part of who they are and how they respond to everything in life.
Relationships in romantic suspense novels have an extra layer to them, as the characters interact in dangerous and extreme circumstances. They can be challenging to write, because I also need to bring them into a believable relationship once they resolve the problem and enter “normal life” as a couple.
In romantic suspense, I can create more complex plots. I like to include very funny scenes and eccentric characters, to balance the heartbreaking and scary bits, because that’s how real life is.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Cathe: I like to use places I am familiar with, but I often set up fictional micro-communities inside of those areas so I can be more creative. Fortunately, we have moved a lot. The Great Lakes collection is set in the Midwest, in a fictional Chicago neighborhood and in the western end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is not fictional at all. I lived there long enough—and it’s diverse enough—that I can use it without making changes to suit my plot.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? Cathe: In high school, I wanted to be an occupational therapist, but instead I got married and raised a family. When my interest in occupational therapy was revived 35 years after high school graduation, I went down to the community college. They told me I was too old to start and finish the program, so I went home and made the young hero of “Baggage Claim” an occupational therapy assistant. I live vicariously through my characters.
Current book: Baggage Claim Dangerous old and new secrets bind a young widower with four lively children, his highly-efficient nanny and a reclusive artist in the Upper Peninsula.
About 10 years ago, Kathy Harris returned to her childhood love of writing by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. She is published in women’s fiction, and now writes romantic suspense.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
Kathy: When I first made the switch from women’s fiction to romantic suspense, combining the three elements of romance, suspense and faith was my biggest challenge. Even though my women’s fiction stories often included the same three elements, romantic suspense has a unique way of balancing and intertwining them. I read a lot of romantic suspense books, including those my crit partner Rebecca Deel wrote, and redrafted a lot of pages. But once I settled into a rhythm, it became second nature. I love reading romantic suspense, and now I’m enjoying writing it!
When do you find time to write?
Kathy: That’s the big question, isn’t it? Especially for authors who also work, whether as a stay-at-home mom or in an office. My entertainment marketing career keeps me busy all day, so I write in the mornings before going into the office or in the evenings after supper. I’ve learned that I can write first drafts better in the morning when my mind is fresh and my internal editor is still sleeping (LOL). But I’m better at editing in the evenings when my analytical brain is warmed up.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
Kathy: Anywhere and everywhere. I’m not sure how a successful writer could live an exclusively reclusive life. For me, an active life, especially one that connects me with others—whether it’s working out at the gym or working at my desk in an office buzzing with co-workers—is a catalyst for creativity. A robust walk in the park or a hot shower are my go-to solutions for shaking loose a problem with a plot or a character who has a secret they haven’t yet divulged. A coffee shop is the best place for me to focus when I need to lose myself in a story.
Current book: The Road to Mercy Tragedy, love and secrets meet on a journey of faith.
Sara L. Foust writes inspirational romantic suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee. Her debut novel, Callum’s Compass, won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest. She has a story appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone.
When do you find time to write? Sara: We have five homeschooled children and a mini-farm, my husband is in online college to earn his bachelor’s degree, and we are very involved in our church, so finding time to write is a challenge. I love writing so much, though, that I am willing to fight for my writing time against the everyday busyness. I squeeze writing time in whenever I am sitting idle—in the car, in the parking lot before church, in the mornings while the kiddos watch cartoons.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Sara: I absolutely love my home in East Tennessee. The mountains, forests and wildlife are all so inspiring to me. I simply had to pick this location that I know and love so well for this first three-book series (and probably the next as well).
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? Sara: I love connecting with people, getting to know them, helping them pray and just finding things we have in common to chat about. I hope readers will feel free to email me or message me on social media or invite me to their book clubs or women’s groups (if they live nearby), so we can swap stories of what God has done in our lives.
Current book: Callum’s Compass Facing betrayal, wild animals, meth-addled drug makers, and their own fears, can Kat and Ryan discover the golden treasure and God’s love?
Sherri Wilson Johnson is a multi-published novelist, virtual assistant, self-publishing coach, and a Georgia peach to her core. She and her husband are empty-nesters, and her Chihuahua is her writing partner. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, going to the beach, researching her family tree, and swimming.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Sherri: I wanted to establish myself as a Georgia writer, so even though some of my novels take place in Florida, there are strong ties to Georgia in all my characters. I’ve never lived anywhere but Georgia and haven’t traveled much, so I know Georgia. In Grafted into Deceit, the opening scene takes place on a dark and scary road, which happens to be a few miles from my house. I travel this road every day, and on foggy or rainy nights, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic suspense.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? Sherri: I started writing stories when I was eight years old. I’m sure I was telling stories long before that. I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller, and I’m thankful God let that dream come true.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? Sherri: I love connecting with readers on my Facebook page, but connecting in person is even more fun!
Current book: Grafted into Deceit Disappearing business funds and a missing dead body have Marina Acres doubting everyone — including the detective who can’t solve his case without her help.
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner — Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
A Waltz for Amber by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Amber, a struggling dance teacher, is desperate to make a success of her studio. The quickly approaching Christmas recital should help except for one problem—the high school music teacher scheduled the holiday program on the same night, causing a conflict for her students. Will she be able to sustain her business or will she lose everything in the pursuit of her dream? Chris is thrilled to be back in his hometown. However, his past won’t stay in the past, and the pretty dance instructor is a constant reminder of his failings. He wants to make up for his youthful mistake directed at her, but how? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Secret Christmas Twins by Lee Tobin McClain — Christmas came early for Erica Lindholm! Suddenly a mom to adorable twin baby boys and part owner of a snowy small-town Pennsylvania farm, Erica is living her dream. Until the boys’ estranged uncle, Jason Stephanidis, comes home to celebrate the holidays. The handsome, brooding detective turns out to be a natural with the babies…and with Erica’s wounded heart. But if Jason knew the truth about their identities, her picture-perfect life could melt away. Will Erica’s secret cost her everything? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Fall Into Romance by Melanie D. Snitker Surround yourself in the romance of the autumn season with 10 heartwarming, sweet novellas from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors. Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town—its people—and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home.
Take a trip to Romance, Oregon, where falling in love has never been easier and happily-ever-after is guaranteed! (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Texas Holiday Reunion by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — With her foreman out of commission, Resa McCall needs horse trainer Colson Kincaid to run her family ranch through the holidays. But having the handsome single dad back in Bandera, Texas, is unsettling. Colson broke Resa’s heart years ago, and she can’t risk getting close again. Still, working with him and bonding with his sweet little girl is making the ranch feel merry and bright. Being at Resa’s side stirs up emotions Colson thought were long gone. But he has a powerful secret that could keep them apart forever. Can Colson give Resa the one Christmas present that might finally bring them back together—the truth? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall — Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them. Promises shattered. Lies spoken. She was arrested. He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.
Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire. Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family. Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all? (Contemporary Romance from Woodsmall Press)
General Contemporary (includes Women’s Fiction):
Piper’s Passion by Lee Carver — Piper Jordan, an American reared in Brazil, had her pilot’s license before she could drive and her aviation maintenance certificate before her business degree. Pulled between two countries, two career paths, and separated parents, she strives to determine what is significant and what to do with her life.
Kyle Chamberlain, pilot with Outreach for Christ, wears a wedding ring that says he’s not ready to date again after Rosanna’s death. Wielding a wrench with the cutest pilot/mechanic he’s ever seen turns his head. But would a dynamic woman with her talents and eventual inheritance accept his missionary life in the Amazon? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)
Grace in Strange Disguise by Christine Dillon — Physiotherapist Esther Macdonald is living the Australian dream, and it doesn’t surprise her. After all, her father has always said, “Follow Jesus and be blessed.” But at twenty-eight, her world shatters. Everyone assures her God will come through for her, but what happens when he doesn’t? Has she offended God? Is her faith too small? So many conflicting explanations. Will finding the truth cost her the people closest to her heart? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Historical:
Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano — When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies in debtor’s prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company. When Aurelie decides to complete her father’s unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother’s disappearance–and perhaps even her father’s death. (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia T Toney — In 1925, a thirteen-year-old boy witnesses a crime—the murder of a family friend—and must choose whether to remain silent as his father asks or defy mobsters and corrupt police to save his family. (Historical from Write Integrity Press)
Historical Romance:
Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander — In the midst of war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas, the cost of love . . . and of loving again. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
A Mountain Christmas Romance by Misty M. Beller — Stripped of the family so important to his Viking heritage, Matthias Bjork is now on the hunt for his sister. Despite combing the entire Wyoming Territory, he hasn’t found any substantial leads regarding his sister’s whereabouts, but he has discovered a most unusual woman.
Opal Boyd has finally found the haven she’s longed for all her life, in a most unlikely place—working for a German couple in this remote Wyoming mountain town. She learned long ago that most men couldn’t be trusted, but when a mountain man stops in the boarding house where she works, he seems to have the respect and affection of the two people she’s learned to trust implicitly.
But when Matthias’ search for his sister takes an unexpected twist, Opal is forced to make a choice that will alter the course of her life—no matter which answer she chooses. When Matthias’ decisions land Opal in danger, what must he sacrifice to rescue her? (Historical Romance, ACFW Qualified Independently Published)
Fool’s Notion by Lisa J. Flickinger — Feisty Alda Lealand braves fifteen hundred miles with a pack string of mules—and the help of an unexpected cowboy–to save the family farm. (Historical Romance from Forget Me Not Romances [Winged Publications])
Playing by Heart by Carmela A. Martino — Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent to a convent instead. Ironically, Emilia’s pious older sister, Maria, would gladly become a nun. But Father won’t allow it—her brilliant language skills are too important to his quest for noble status. Emilia’s only hope is to prove her musical talents are as indispensable as her sister’s skills. First, though, Emilia must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. Before she can carry out her plan, though, Emilia’s mother dies in childbirth. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside handsome violinist Antonio Bellini, the great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. The two begin as rivals, but Emilia gradually falls in love with him. (Historical Romance from Vinspire Publishing)
Historical Western:
Too Far Down by Mary Connealy — A citified mine operator and a tough western cowgirl are the most unlikely couple of all as they team up to fight the outlaws that want the Cimarron Ranch. (Historical Western from Bethany House [Baker])
Romantic Suspense:
Dangerous Ground by Gayla K. Hiss — Deputy Marshal Kate Phillips comes to the Great Smoky Mountains in search of answers concerning her uncle’s suspicious death, and finds herself in the middle of an ancient family feud and a land dispute with handsome first responder, David Jennings. (Romantic Suspense from Mountain Brook Ink)
Christmas Captive by Liz Johnson — On his cousin’s Christmas cruise wedding, navy SEAL Jordan Somerton anticipated having the typical best man duties—not facing down criminals boarding the ship. But when the luxury liner is infiltrated by men determined to kidnap the flower girl, he’s plunged into an unexpected mission. Maid of honor and DEA agent Amy Delgado hasn’t forgiven Jordan for a misunderstanding in their pasts. But with her young niece targeted, she must draw on Jordan’s skills as a protector. Signs point to an inside job. With a traitor in their midst, can they ensure that every passenger returns home safely for the holidays…even as they find love amid deepening danger? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative:
Transfusion by Victoria Buck — The world’s first transhuman must save the world, or save the woman he loves. (Speculative from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])
Suspense:
Kill Zone by Rick Acker, Christy Barritt, Patricia Bradley, Braxton DeGarmo, Luana Ehrlich, Heather Day Gilbert, Heather I. James, Robert Liparulo, Jordyn Redwood, and Jan Thompson — Espionage, hacking, police procedural, international crime and intrigue, covert action, spy, secret police, revenge, snipers…and so much more! Ten brand-new, never-before published novellas of suspense, intrigue, and thrills from ten bestselling Christian thriller authors, all packed into this one anthology. (Suspense from Georgia Press LLC)