Multi-published and bestselling author Patricia Bradley recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
It’s what I’ve always read, starting with Mary Stuart and Airs Above the Ground.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Writing the romance part. It’s much easier to kill a character off than to get two of them together.
When do you find time to write?
With deadlines there is no “find time to write.” I have a daily word count for five days a week that I do before I do anything else. Unless there is something else I can’t avoid, like a doctor’s appointment. If I don’t have my weekly count on Friday, I work Saturday.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
On my deck, weather permitting. Otherwise, in my recliner in my great room.
How do you connect with your characters?
I’ll work on them for around a month before I start writing the story. I have to know some of their back story and what made them the person they are when the walk on the page. But I don’t truly connect with them until I start writing the story and put them into hot water. Then I find out who they really are.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
Water. I drink lots of water. And an apple—it’s better than coffee to keep me alert.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
I’ve researched poisons, arsenic in particular, and insulin as well as the kind of gun to use. I hope no one around me ever dies a suspicious death…
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
It’s funny, but I can’t remember ever wanting to be anything in particular. I was too busy playing Cowboys and Indians or imagining myself as Daniel Boone. I certainly never thought about being a writer—I was a reader, have been all my life.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
The wonder how I can have these evil thoughts and look so normal.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? My blog. I have a Mystery Question on Tuesday for them to solve. It is usually three true dumb criminal stories and one I made up. My readers guess which one I made up.
About Patricia USA Today best-selling author Patricia Bradley has penned eighteen Inspirational Romantic Suspense books set in the South. She and her two rescue kitties call Corinth, Mississippi home, and when she’s not writing, she likes to throw mud on a wheel to see what comes out.
When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option—especially when he’s unofficially pulled into an investigation.
Tori Alexander is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a man from prison who was falsely convicted, making Tori an enemy of the killer. When her nephew is accused of murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.
Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which one of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori’s doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They’ll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.
I’m delighted to have a full slate of fall craft fairs this year. If you’re in the area, please stop by—I love meeting my readers! Plus, you can pick up gifts for the readers on your list or for yourself. I’ll have my popular Blind Date with a Book, plus an expanded version I’m calling A Cuppa Mystery. These are sure to delight readers of all ages!
November
Clover Hill Craft Fair
Date/Time: November 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Clover Hill HS, 13301 Kelly Green Ln, Midlothian, VA
Robinson Marketplace
Date/Time: November 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA
Special activities: Silent auction, free pictures with Santa (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
St. Paul VI Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Vendor Open House
Date/Time: November 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: St. Paul VI HS, 42341 Braddock Rd, Chantilly, VA
Special activities: Free wine and snacks
Woodbridge HS 2025 Holiday Craft Show and Vendor Fair
Date/Time: November 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Woodbridge HS, 3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA
December
Patriot HS PTSA’s Annual Holiday Market
Date/Time: December 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Patriot HS, 10504 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA
McLean High School Holiday Bazaar
Date/Time: December 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean, V
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting with Jennifer Pierce, who is a top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She lives in Arkansas where she’s busy raising two children and a husband. She’s a paralegal by trade and an author by free time. She’s fluent in sarcasm and Princess Bride quotes. Her love of books began with trips to the library with her grandmother. Please don’t ask her to name her favorite book—it’s like trying to pick her favorite child. And unicorns. She loved unicorns before they were cool.
When Jennifer wrote her first book, “I didn’t know what I was doing, but it kind of felt natural to me, this kind of storytelling. … I had a lot of crafting to learn, but the story was still there.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Trail of Suspicion by Jennifer Pierce. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
A Daughter’s Choice by Kelly S. Irvin — Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Biblical:
Loss and Loyalty – Moabites by Christine Dillon — What makes someone family—blood, love, or something more? Arielle believed she was an Israelite—until her brother confessed the truth: she was found as an infant on their doorstep in Moab. After tragedy strikes and the men of her household are snatched away, Arielle must leave the only land she’s ever known and any hope of finding her birth family to follow her adopted family to Bethlehem. (Biblical Fiction, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Clean Sweep by Julie Arduini — Sometimes the messiest moments lead to the most miraculous grace. A tender story of grace, second chances, and the kind of love that only grows when hearts surrender. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Royal Runaway’s Holiday by Mandy Boerma — Can the princess and the reporter overcome the ancient laws and royal protocol standing between them, or is heartbreak the only outcome? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Christmas in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — Set in the heart of small-town Arkansas, A Christmas in Shady Springs is a sweet Christian romance about love that holds fast, plans that fall apart, and grace that shines even brighter when everything else goes wrong. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Clearing the Cowboy’s Name by Elle E. Kay — Accused of stealing her first edition Austen. Guilty of stealing her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Logan’s Legacy by Susan Anne Mason — He ran from commitment for years – until he met the one woman who made him want to stay. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Home for the Ranger by Audrey Wick — Texas park ranger Shane Hutton must choose his future: the opportunity he’s always wanted or the family he’s always needed. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller — A small-town adventure, unexpected romance, and Christmas cheer. He’s a nerdy tourist needing a vacation. She’s a bed and breakfast employee with a broken heart. Love is the last thing they expect to find this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Crime Mystery:
Eight Days Anxious by Luana Ehrlich — When ex-con Jason Brennan takes a senator hostage, Mylas Grey has eight days to find Brennan’s missing wife and daughter. If Mylas fails, the senator will lose his life. But things are much more complicated than that. As the clock ticks down, Mylas must navigate his way through a maze of political ambition, moral corruption, and judicial misconduct, challenging his investigative skills and newfound faith, but ultimately drawing him closer to Whitney. (Crime/Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
Nearly Beloved by Kendra Broekhuis — Dylan Turner’s quiet life unravels on the day of her dad’s funeral—when she finds out he’s not her biological father. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a cross-country journey, confronting family secrets and her own identity. (General Contemporary from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])
Every Captive Freed by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, and Angela D. Shelton — Three Novellas about human trafficking. This collection is one of three dealing with “brave” topics Christians often face in the world today. (General Contemporary [Novella Collection], Independently Published)
General Historical:
Even If I Perish by Terrie Todd — Music teacher Mary Cornish volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain’s World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard the SS City of Benares until September 17, 1940. With a storm brewing in the North Atlantic, a German U-boat releases its torpedo and breaches the ship’s hull. Do the Nazis know ninety children are on board? Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds. (Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)
Historical Romance:
No Plan At All by Denise M. Colby — Two strangers. One journey. A love neither expected. Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned. A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher — When love feels reckless, faith can lead the way. A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay — Two federal agents with trust issues must infiltrate a charity masquerade ball to stop a human trafficking operation that funds terrorism. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Mac by Melanie D. Snitker — Fame has its price—and someone’s ready to collect. As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Mac must rely on every skill, instinct, and ounce of resolve he has to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
First Glow of Illumination by Demi Griffin — Every ending leads to a beginning. All hope seems lost when darkness pushes against the light and the Realms are in danger of being swallowed up by the Shadow Realm. Will the Realm Warriors and Realm Binders wake up from their cultural stupor to defend what has been given them? What will it take for them to recognize their King, trust in his plan, and crown him victorious in the end? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Young Adult:
The One You See by Melissa Knight — Seventeen-year-old Miranda’s world involves wealth and Paris vacations while Zac comes with a past she will never understand, yet in a single lapse of judgement their worlds collide, leading Miranda to faith in the God who truly sees her. (Young Adult, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Accident by Kenneth Bliss — A psi EMT responds to an accident which he discovers an “impossible” psi child and the dark agent sent to recover him. (Speculative Fiction)
To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown — When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother. (General Contemporary)
Riches Beyond Measure by Mary Connealy — When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead? (Western Romance)
My Heart’s for You by Jan Rae Johnson — Kaitlyn Monroe is driven by two desires—find a job and find a soul mate. (Contemporary Romance)
That Was Me by Rick Tester — When you look back on your life, realize it was God… then suddenly discover why. (Mystery)
Pretzels & Pirouettes: The Baby is the Gift by Lynn U. Watson — Meet Clara’s great-great-great-granddaughter, motorcycle-riding, ballet-dancing Lyydi Jager. She’ll pirouette straight into your heart, and you’ll ride right into this Christmas pageant at Our Savior Church. (Contemporary Romance)
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.]”
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.
About Patricia
On the Edge of Trust
Connect w/Jennifer
Connect w/Charlene
