Tag Archives: Christian fiction

Review: The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, by Jeff Gerke

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The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction cover artThe Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, by Jeff Gerke (Marcher Lord Press, 2009)

This book is subtitled “The complete guide to finding your story, honing your skills, and glorifying God in your novel,” and it lives up to what it promises.

The material is divided into three sections: The Spiritual Heart of Writing Christian Fiction; Strategizing Yourself, Strategizing Your Fiction; and Writing Your Novel. The third section fills half the book and provides a comprehensive overview of the craft.

The writing and strategizing material is mostly aimed at beginners. These two sections cover characters, show and tell, point of view, description and dialogue. As we learn, we’ll want other books on the craft to give advanced teaching, but this is a great place to start, filled with practical instruction.

But this is not just a book for beginners. The first 40 pages offer something I don’t think I’ve seen anywhere else in writing-focused books.

Jeff Gerke asks some penetrating questions before getting into the “how” of writing. Whose approval are we writing for, at the deepest level? God’s or man’s? Will publication—or a best-seller—provide what we need for contentment? What’s our calling as Christian novelists?

This part of the book justified the purchase price, and it’s something I’ll come back to again and again. I think it applies to writers of all stages of experience.

For new writers, another key benefit in this opening section is Jeff’s up-front warning that not all writing teachers agree. Instead of trying to reinvent ourselves to match each one’s view, we need to listen, learn, and then discern what works best for our own stories. Knowing this can prevent severe confusion.

Jeff himself recommends taking up to the first half of a novel before moving into the second act of a three-act structure. Traditionally this mark is closer to the one-third mark, which fits better for me. But he likes prologues when many don’t, and I’m  happy to agree there!

The book’s spiritual grounding, big-picture strategizing and techniques will benefit Christians no matter what their fiction genre. For those writing for the Christian market, there are genre-specific tips and advice, including options on conveying profanity without being banned from the Christian bookstore.

The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction is an essential book for the Christian writer’s library. It’s clear, easy to understand and put into practice, and there’s enough humour to make it a fun read.

[Review copy from my personal library. Review originally appeared in FellowScript, August 2011.]

Interview: Amanda Deed

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Amanda Deed photo

Amanda Deed writes historical romances set in mid-1800’s Australia. Before publishing her first novel, the award-winning The Game, Amanda was heavily involved in music ministry. These days her focus is on her family, her writing, and involvement in her local church.

Janet: Welcome, Amanda, and thanks for taking time to join us. What got you started writing?

Amanda: I always loved writing – especially doing creative essays in English in school. However, I never received outstanding grades for my work, so I assumed I wasn’t very good. I kept writing only as a hobby for many years until I was encouraged to try and publish.

Janet: Balancing writing and family… tell us what a typical day looks like.

Amanda: I usually do most of my writing between 5 & 6am and on the days I’m not working at my accounting job. Afternoons/ evenings and weekends are usually tied up with being a mum (mom), a wife and church commitments. It is a difficult balance and takes lots of discipline (No, Amanda, you cannot sleep in!).

Janet: Now that’s dedication! Your new novel, Ellenvale Gold, released November 1. Please tell us a bit about it.

Amanda: Ellenvale Gold is set in the Victorian gold rush time of 1854. My story is about a young woman who finds herself alone on a large sheep-run. Her pride and the deception of those around her make it difficult for her to know where to turn. Will it be her handsome neighbour, or the mysterious trespasser she accidentally shoots?

Janet: I’m intrigued…. Where did the story idea come from?

Amanda: You know, I really can’t remember exactly where the idea came from. I began writing it in 2000. I know I had been looking for Australian Christian historical fiction and there wasn’t much around, so I figured I should write one myself. 🙂

Janet: What is it about this particular era in Australia’s past that intrigues you?

Amanda: Being from Victoria, the Eureka Stockade (a riot raised by gold diggers fighting for their rights, in which many men were killed) is known as an important part of our governmental development. I really wanted to use the building tension on the gold fields as a backdrop for a novel. It was also a time of great struggles between the squatters who claimed huge tracts of land as their own, and those leaving the gold fields wanting a small piece of land to live on.

Janet: In your research, what’s the weirdest bit of trivia you’ve picked up?

Amanda: I found out about this character they called “Tulip” Wright. He was first transported to Australia for poaching and served his time in a penal colony in Tasmania. He then worked as a District Constable in Hobart. He didn’t wear a uniform but dressed in an outlandish fashion – thus earning the nick-name “Tulip”. He then progressed to being Chief Constable in Melbourne before becoming a publican along one of the roads to the gold fields. He would charge travellers a large amount to be ferried across one of the rivers there. What a colourful life!

Janet: Does Tulip have a cameo appearance in Ellenvale Gold?

Amanda: No, Tulip doesn’t make an appearance in Ellenvale Gold as I would have had to search for his descendants and ask permission. However, I have created a character using part of what I learnt about him – I really liked the idea of his outlandish dress sense. My character is called “Pinky” Wallace. He is a big landowner and is mentioned in Ellenvale Gold, but will probably feature more in the third instalment of this series.

Janet: What one key thing do you want readers to take away when they’re done?

Amanda: More than anything, I would like people to have a deeper understanding of the grace of God. And, of course, a greater appreciation of Aussie history. 🙂

Janet: Is there another novel in the works?

Amanda: Yes. I am working on the sequel to Ellenvale Gold, tentatively called Black Forest Redemption. It continues with the backdrop of the Eureka Stockade, but involves the Black Forest – a favoured haunt for bush rangers (Australia’s version of Highwaymen or Outlaws) – need I say more?

Janet: People can read chapter one of your first novel, The Game, on your site. What was reader response like for this book?

Amanda: The most common response has been “I couldn’t put it down.” I couldn’t ask for more than that. But my favourite responses are those where the reader has found healing or a new understanding of grace through my work.

Janet: I’ve always wanted to visit Australia. What are some of the things you like best about living there?

Amanda: How much time do you have? J Golden beaches, lush rain forests, glorious outback, mountains, desert – I keep praying for an itinerant ministry here. Apparently, Melbourne (where I live) has just been voted the world’s most liveable city. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! (Ok can you tell I REALLY love it here?)

Janet: Your books are published by Australia’s Ark House Press. How can readers in Canada, the US etc get hold of them? And are they available as ebooks?

Amanda: The Game is available through Arkhouse, but my new novel, Ellenvale Gold, is being published by Even Before Publishing. It will be available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.

Janet: Accessible to North Americans… I’m glad! Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Amanda: Psalm 139 has always been my favourite. I struggled with self esteem as a young person and it blew my mind to realise how intimately God knew me and loved me.

Janet: I’m still realizing that. Psalm 139 is one of my favourites. What do you like best about the writing life?

Amanda: Creating. Escaping into another world.

Janet: What do you like least?

Amanda: Marketing. I’m still trying to get used to feeling like I’m selling myself. (shudder)

Janet: What do your family think of your writing?

Amanda: I am so blessed to have a supportive family. I have not received a single discouraging remark from any of them. My kids, hubby, parents, siblings – they all brag about me so much I get embarrassed. 🙂

Janet: Writers are told to read widely and voraciously. I think that’s one of the perks of the deal. What are you reading these days?

Amanda: Not enough! I wish there were more hours in the day – or that I didn’t need sleep. I mostly read fiction in my genre if I can. I’ve read a lot of great Aussie books this year. I also try to read a bit of non-fiction so I can learn something for my spiritual growth.

Janet: What are you listening to?

Amanda: Hillsong (worship), Brooke Fraser (Aussie/NZ), Iona (Irish) & Casting Crowns.

Janet: I’m a Newsboys and Peter Furler fan… love Australian exports! What do you like to do to get away from it all?

Amanda: Umm … read or watch movies … in a silent, empty house. 🙂

Janet: What’s the most surprising/fun/zany/scary thing you’ve ever done?

Amanda: I’m not really that adventurous in real life – I save it all for fiction where I can’t really get hurt or embarrassed. J Well, I did wear running shoes under my wedding dress, does that count? My hubby does enough zany/fun/scary for all of us.

Janet: One in a family is probably enough… someone has to operate the camera or call the ambulance! Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Amanda. May the Lord continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

===

You can visit Amanda Deed’s website and find her at her blog, Amanderings and on Facebook.

Ellenvale Gold cover art

Ellenvale Gold

It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled gold rush of the 1850’s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger. But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who co-incidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?

Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. But where and how will it all end? But…is it the end? Will vengeance return or will Penny’s faith prevail?

Australian orders (paperback) through Amanda Deed’s website or through Even Before Publishing.

International orders: paperback: Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk. At the time of this posting, the ebook order links weren’t available, but let’s keep watching!

Review: Rescued, by Donna Dawson

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Rescued, by Donna Dawson (Word Alive Press, 2010)

Daphne Barrie won’t survive her pregnancy—and she’d rather die with her baby than make a hurried choice she could regret for a lifetime. Desperate for another option, she pushes for a chance at a radical new procedure that would transfer her microscopic embryo into the womb of a healthy recipient, Charlene McTaggart.

Embryonic micromanipulation has been a reality in livestock for years. Rescued is Donna Dawson’s exploration of what it might mean if it were possible for humans.

This is clearly an “issue” novel, but Donna Dawson is too skilled a writer to let it slide into propaganda. And it’s a look at an alternative to abortion—not an argument for or against abortion itself. Both pro-life and pro-choice readers will find it interesting as long as they’re comfortable with a book where some of the characters talk about their faith.

Daphne and Charlene are thinking, feeling characters who draw reader empathy. The supporting doctors, the helpful reporter and the tabloid hack all have parts to play in exploring the ramifications of such a radical procedure. And the extremist villain whose goal is to eliminate the “abomination” that is Daphne’s/Charlene’s developing baby shows another side to the picture—and keeps the tension high.

In places the book is very technical as the doctors try to help the public and their patients (and readers) understand the procedure. It’s also a poignant look at a teen who knows she’ll never deliver a baby and a woman who had lost hope of ever being pregnant. The bond that grows between them is touching, and it strengthens them both.

Because the novel focuses on the one key issue, we don’t get much of a feel for the supporting characters, including Charlene’s husband. We do get to see pro-choice and pro-life activists working together for a common goal.

As the novel points out, human embryonic micromanipulation would need careful regulation to protect against things like black market embryo sales and inept surgery. I think it’s worth doing, and I’m a bit angry that the medical and research community hasn’t already been working for this.

Industry professionals have said that a procedure like this could work. “Possible but cost-prohibitive” is what one source told the author. The cost of research and development would be high, but what’s too high a price for an alternative to abortion?

The emotionally-volatile argument would continue, because some would still choose abortion and others would oppose that choice, but what if there really could be another option?

Rescued is an informative and thought-provoking novel. The first part is more human interest: the fight to save Daphne’s life. The second part is more suspenseful: the fight to protect Charlene’s life as the religious extremist increases his pressure. With short chapters and a fast pace, it’s hard to put down. The only negative is that it didn’t have enough copy-editing, and readers who notice these things will at times be jolted out of the story.

Canadian author Donna Dawson is an award-winning novelist, speaker, writing instructor and the creator of the popular writing advice blog with Duke the Chihuahua. She’s also a singer. Rescued is her fifth novel. You can watch a video interview with Donna at Talk On The Way. Here’s a link to the trailer for Rescued.

[Book provided by the author in exchange for an unbiased review. A shorter version of this review first appeared in Faith Today’s online July/August 2011 issue.]

Review: There You’ll Find Me, by Jenny B. Jones

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There You’ll Find Me, by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson, 2011)

Two years ago, Finley Sinclair’s older brother Will died in a terrorist attack while doing humanitarian work. She’s 18 now, and still broken. Her family hopes that a year as an exchange student in Ireland will bring her some closure, as she follows the steps Will recorded in his travel journal. Visiting the sites he loved will help her finish the music she’s composing in tribute, which will be her audition piece for entry into the New York Conservatory.

Teen actor Beckett Rush offers to be her driver—if she’ll work as his assistant. Beckett has charm, good looks, and a bad-boy reputation. She can’t finish her music without his truck, but can she resist his charms? And survive the venom of a jealous classmate?

Although Finley tries to talk to God, He’s been silent for a long time. Her music teacher, Sister Maria, is one safe place in the chaos around her. Her school community service project, visiting a hostile senior citizen, is not.

There You’ll Find Me is a young adult novel, and I’m hardly the target audience. But I’d heartily recommend it for teen girls and women of all ages. An unexpected bonus for me is that Finley is Alex’s younger sister from the author’s adult novel, Save the Date. I’d forgotten her name and was part way through the novel when I put the clues together, and I was so pleased to see her again and to get some news of the rest of the family.

Teens would enjoy Save the Date as well, but it’s not required. Each novel stands alone. Where one follows the other time-wise, reading There You’ll Find Me first would give away one or two key aspects of the first novel’s ending.

Jenny B. Jones is one of my favourite authors. Her characters come to life with a mix of spunk, sass and wit. There You’ll Find Me is funny, touching, and real. And the Ireland it portrays is beautiful. The Thomas Nelson product page has links to a sample chapter and to a discussion guide.

You can find Jenny at her website and her blog. While she’s best known for her young adults’ “Charmed Life” series, (which are good fun for adults as well) she’s also written two novels for adults (safe for teens too). I’ve reviewed them here: Just Between You and Me and Save the Date.

[Complimentary electronic review copy provided by the publisher through BookSneeze®]

Review: Deep Cover, by Sandra Orchard

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Deep Cover book coverDeep Cover, by Sandra Orchard (Love Inspired, 2011)

Ginny Bryson’s time—and salary—go to support her dying mother and her special-needs sister, Lori. When she takes on the public-relations role for her uncle’s new group home project that will house Lori, the last person she expects to meet is Rick Gray, the man who deceived her and broke her heart.

Rick isn’t even going by his own name now. He calls himself Duke Black and he’s the construction foreman at the group home building site.

What she doesn’t know is that Rick’s an undercover cop. He let her walk away before out of fear his enemies would try to reach him through her. Now he’s back in town to bring down her uncle for the murder of a police officer—Rick’s partner—as well as for insurance fraud.

How can he lie to Ginny and keep his cover? But she knows he lied before, and she thinks her uncle’s an upstanding citizen.

Deep Cover is Canadian author Sandra Orchard’s first novel, set in a small town in southern Ontario. Be warned, most chapters end with a hook that has you reading the next page before you know it. The pace is fast, the characters believably conflicted, and the writing strong with plenty of word pictures.

My favourite line: “Rick chewed on the inside of his cheek and Ginny could almost see the little mice racing inside his brain, trying to find a way out of this one.” (p.78)

Deep Cover is the first title in Sandra Orchard’s “Undercover Cops” series. The next book, Shades of Truth, releases in March 2012. Sandra blogs at Conversations About Characters, and you can learn more about her at her website. You might also want to check out my interview with Sandra Orchard.

[Book from my personal library.]

Review: Murder in Hum Harbour, by Jayne E. Self

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Murder in Hum Harbour book coverMurder in Hum Harbour, by Jayne E. Self (Harbourlight Books, 2011)

Part-time medical receptionist, part-time jewellery crafter, Gailynn MacDonald thinks she knows everything about everyone in Hum Harbour, Nova Scotia. That’s the way she likes it. But when her former employer Doc Campbell turns up dead aboard his beached yacht, and her sister-in-law becomes the prime suspect, quirky, over-excitable Gailynn vows to unmask the killer. With Geoff Grant, Doc’s handsome replacement, by her side Gailynn uncovers secrets and confronts childhood fears. And in the process she discovers that catching a killer is a lot like crafting her sea glass jewellery… it’s all in the details. (From the publisher’s website)

This is a short romantic suspense, perhaps a little longer than a Love Inspired book. As such, there’s not a lot of room for multiple plot lines. Both the mystery and the romance work well, and I like the author’s touches of humour (Cousin Mimi names her Daschunds Oscar, Meyer and Frank).

Canadian author Jayne E. Self does a fine job of bringing the characters of the small, coastal town of Hum Harbour to life, and she absolutely nails the feel of the setting.

The novel is told first-person from Gailynn’s point of view, and she’s an enjoyable narrator. She’s impulsive, independent, and in over her head with this mystery.

I look forward to reading the next novel in the Seaglass Mysteries series, to see what misadventures Gailynn gets herself into but also to see how things work out for some of the other inhabitants of the town.

Murder in Hum Harbour is Jayne Self’s first traditionally-published novel, available in print and ebook formats from the publisher and most online bookstores. Caught Dead: A Dean Constable Mystery appeared on the Presbyterian Record site in 2010 as a weekly serial. According to the author’s website there are sequels in the works for both stories. You can learn more about Jayne Self at her website, and see the novel’s trailer here.

PS… if you’ve never seen sea glass, it’s lovely, especially if you find it on the shore and it’s still wet from the ocean. For examples of how it can look as jewellery, see the Sea Glass Jewelry site.

[Review copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair review.]

 

Review: Vanished, by Barbara Ann Derksen

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Vanished: cover artVanished, by Barbara Ann Derksen (Smashwords Edition, 2010)

Vanished is book one in the Wilton-Strait Murder Mystery series from Canadian author Barbara Ann Derksen. The novel opens with the abduction of Trent and Diane Michner and their young son, Jeffrey.

Andrea Wilton and Brian Strait, each a good friend of the Michners but not well-acquainted with one another despite attending the same church, discover the empty house and the signs of struggle, and become the newest targets of their friends’ enemies.

A dying man warns them not to trust the police, and launches them on an investigation that leads from the US to Haiti. This is pre-2010-earthquake Haiti, and the author’s knowledge of the island and of diving add a feel of authenticity.

I’m used to a deeper, more immediate point of view, which raises the suspense and builds a stronger connection with the characters. But the story is intriguing, and those readers who prefer a gentler mystery will find the novel a satisfying read.

The search for the missing family is the main plot, with subplots following Andrea and Brian’s developing relationship and their friendship with a young Haitian orphan girl. Readers interested in orphanages that care for Haitian children will also find the book interesting.

Canadian author Barbara Ann Derksen is a multi-published author of fiction and non-fiction, including a series of devotional books for bikers. Book two in the Wilton-Strait series, Presumed Dead, delves into the biker world. You can learn more about the author, including her books and speaking ministry, at her website.

[Electronic review copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair review.]

Review: Over the Edge, by Brandilyn Collins

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Over the Edge coverOver the Edge, by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing Group, 2011)

What if a man who watched his wife die of Lyme disease decided his best revenge was to infect the wives and children of the doctors and researchers who’ve convinced the insurance companies that there’s no such thing as chronic Lyme?

He starts with Jannie McNeil, wife of Dr. Brock McNeil, who is one of the loudest voices denying chronic Lyme. Her symptoms hospitalize her, but the standard Lyme test comes back negative. Her husband accuses her of faking, as if she’d make this up to discredit him.

An anonymous phone call tells her to convince Brock to recant his position on Lyme—or her nine-year-old daughter will be the next victim. Brock pulls farther away and thinks she made up the mystery caller too.

Over the Edge is a fast, compelling read. Jannie is a likeable and multi-layered character who’s trying to find out what’s happening to her, keep her family together, and protect her daughter.

What she (and readers) learn about the “Lyme wars” screams of injustice and wilful blindness on the part of traditional medical experts who stand to lose both face and funds if the true extent of Lyme were acknowledged.

I’m thankful not to have Lyme, but I’ve read enough from people who’ve experienced it to place myself on their side of the controversy. The author herself is a Lyme survivor and knows what she’s talking about.

But this isn’t an in-your-face, prove-my-point, sensationalist novel. It’s excellent suspense fiction with a heart-catching subplot about Jannie’s crumbling family relationships.

Jannie’s troubles bring her to a major crisis of faith, and she realizes she has a choice: to turn away from God or to praise Him despite her pain. Her decision to praise—in defiance of the circumstances—resonated with me from the times I’ve made that same hard choice.

The scope of the novel doesn’t allow readers to see how some of the loose ends weave in after the end, specifically Jannie’s relationship with her mother, and any repercussions from Brock’s research.

To read more about Over the Edge and to view the trailer, click here. To read an excerpt, click here. The book includes a discussion guide as well as extra Lyme information and resources. There’s also an online community at Lyme Over the Edge, where Lyme sufferers can share their stories.

You can learn more about award-winning suspense novelist Brandilyn Collins, her other books, and her own Lyme experience at her website, Seatbelt Suspense®.

[Review copy from my personal library.]

Review: Shadowed in Silk, by Christine Lindsay

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Shadowed in Silk, by Christine Lindsay (WhiteFire Publishing, 2011)

It’s December, 1918. The war in Europe is over, and Abby Fraser sails from England to India to join her officer husband, Nick. She hasn’t seen him in four years, and he’s never met their son, Cam.

The ship docks in Bombay, but Nick isn’t there to meet them. Major Geoff Richards took a fancy to young Cam on the ship and his proper British chivalry insists he assist the stranded mother and son on the train ride to reach their home.

Geoff introduces Abby to Miriam, an Indian Christian whose loving ways make her an immediate friend.

Nick has been happily living the single life and his wife and child cramp his style. His military performance is slipping and his career is at risk. Geoff, himself a widower, keeps an eye on the family in concern but also in the line of duty: he’s been assigned to uncover the Russian spy said to be among the officers.

Shadowed in Silk is a richly evocative tale set in the closing days of British rule in India. We see the elegant lifestyles of the British officers and their wives (flirting is an unofficial sport, but don’t get caught), and the second-class treatment of the Indian nationals.

Geoff is one of the few officers who are not only troubled by the double standards but who see a revolution in the near future if things don’t change. It’s one of the attributes he shares with Abby, who considers all people equal no matter their ethnicity.

There are so many layers to this novel: romance, relationships, culture, faith, social justice, intrigue and danger. And it’s set at a point in history when Ghandi’s teaching of peaceful revolution was gaining influence but others wanted to light a fire.

I’m not familiar with historical novels from this time and place, but Christine Lindsay has done an excellent job of crafting a setting that comes alive to the novice. From what I’ve heard of her research, history buffs will find it accurate. The novel has been compared to M.M. Kaye’s Far Pavilions, which I may now have to check out.

Shadowed in Silk released earlier in 2011 as an ebook (eBookIt! and Amazon) and is now available in print through Amazon and your local bookstores. The unpublished manuscript was a Gold winner of  the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest for Historical. You can read the opening chapter or another sample scene from later in the book.

Christine Lindsay is a Canadian author of Irish descent. You can find her at her website and her blog. If you missed the interview with the characters from Shadowed in Silk, be sure to check it out. These are good fictional people to spend some time with. Here’s the book trailer for Shadowed in Silk.

[Review copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair review.]

Friday Friends: Author Sandra Orchard

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Sandra Orchard is a Canadian author whose debut novel, Deep Cover, releases in early September from Love Inspired Suspense.

Janet: Welcome, Sandra, and thanks for taking time to join us. Was it only last year you were a finalist in American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis contest for unpublished novels?

Sandra: That was actually in 2008. It led to a number of requests by editors, but no sale. 

Janet: It’s a pretty prestigious contest. Well done! And congratulations on your first novel! Tell us a bit about Deep Cover.

Sandra: Maintaining his cover cost undercover cop Rick Gray the woman he loved. Sweet Ginny Bryson never really knew Rick–he never gave her the chance. Not then, and not now, when he’s back with a new alias to gather evidence against Ginny’s uncle. The man’s crimes led to Rick’s partner’s death, and Rick wants justice to be served. But his investigation is stirring up trouble, and Ginny is in the middle of it. Someone wants Ginny to pay the price for what her uncle has done. But how can Rick protect her without blowing his cover, jeopardizing his assignment…and risking both their lives?

Janet: Where did the story idea come from?

Sandra: I wanted to explore the complexities of trying to make a relationship work while living a dual life, compounded by the dangers the undercover life poses to real relationships, as well as to explore the question: Is it possible to be a man of honour and live a life of lies? The Bible says, do not lie. Undercover cops play a vital role in bringing criminals to justice yet they’re faced with the need to lie day in and day out. How does a believer reconcile the two? The original title for the story was Shades of Gray, because Ginny is a black and white kind of person, while Rick lives in shades of gray. But if he’s going to win the girl, he has to realize that there’s no room for shades of gray in his heart.

Janet: The cover’s very attractive—looks like an ocean shoreline. What’s the setting?

Sandra: The series takes place in a fictional town called Miller’s Bay on the shores of Lake Erie in the heart of the Niagara Region of Ontario Canada. The view of the lake is used a number of times in the story to deepen the emotions of the characters. I love the mix of ominous looking clouds and rough waters, with rays of light reaching down. And if you look closely, you’ll see a dove. The dove is a recurring symbol in the book of God watching over them.

Janet: I see the dove now, and I’ll be watching for it when I read Deep Cover. The next title in your Undercover Cops series is Shades of Truth, due out in March 2012. Are you already hard at work on that?

Sandra: I handed in revisions on that manuscript June 1st and am now hard at work on revisions to the third book in the series. That one’s tentatively called Dose of Deception, and it will release later in 2012.

Janet: Good, more books to come…. The Novels page on your website gives sneak peeks at your upcoming Undercover Cops novels, but it also lists two unpublished manuscripts: Escape to Terror won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier (unpublished) award, and Murder by Marigolds which is looking for a publisher. They’re all intriguing, and I hope we’ll get the chance to read them some day.

I’m impressed by the endorsements you’ve received from respected writers in the Christian fiction field. What’s the path to publication been like for you?

Sandra: Writing is an emotional rollercoaster ride, from the thrills of editor requests and contest wins to the disappointment of rejections and criticisms from readers. But God always gave me just enough encouragement to persevere. I have met so many wonderful people, made dear friends, learned tons about writing, people, and life. While in the throes of wondering if I’d ever sell a manuscript, I longed for validation for the tremendous time and effort I was pouring into my novels. But I am so glad that God made me wait for that first coveted contract. I still have much to learn, but I am far better equipped to meet the challenges of writing to a deadline now than I would’ve been if I’d sold my first manuscript.

Janet: That encourages me as I continue waiting for a publisher. God’s timing is everything, and there’s definitely lots to learn. Back to Deep Cover, what do you want readers to take away when they’ve finished the book?

Sandra: Everyone is in a different place physically, emotionally and spiritually and what each of us get from any book we read will be as different as we each are. What drew me to inspirational fiction was the hope I felt in seeing characters grapple with a lot of the same kind of issues I was facing in my life and experience victory. Some stories cause me to rethink how I look at things, or give me hope that circumstances will improve, and some prompt me to make changes in my life, while some are simply a few hours of pleasant escape. I would be thrilled to know that in some small way my readers are touched by the experiences of Rick and Ginny.

Janet: Are you a writer who likes to immerse herself in details of the setting while incubating the story idea?

Sandra: Setting is one of the most difficult things for me to write so I probably don’t do this enough. But I did go sit by the lake to watch and listen and inhale the scents, while brainstorming metaphors that related the setting to the characters emotions. Restaurants are another great place where I find myself absorbing story ideas. People do a lot of quirky things in restaurants. <grin>

Janet: In your research, what’s the weirdest bit of trivia you’ve picked up?

Sandra: I’m not sure it qualifies as weird, but while doing research for my murder mysteries I discovered a lot of cool ways to kill people that are difficult to trace. Hee, hee, hee.

Janet: I’ll try to stay on your good side! Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Sandra: Hebrews 10:35-36 “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

Janet: Definitely a good verse for perseverance! What do you like best about the writing life?

Sandra: I don’t have to drive to work.

Janet: What do you like least?

Sandra: The criticisms.

Janet: What do your family think of your writing?

Sandra: They are incredibly supportive. My youngest daughter (18) is a writer, too, already published in magazine articles and short stories. She’s a wonderful critiquer. My eldest daughter helps me with my website. And my son and hubby don’t complain about the dust bunnies or late dinners when I get caught up writing a scene. In fact, when my hubby is home during the day, he’ll always make me lunch, and when I’m really caught up in writing, he’ll offer to order a pizza for supper. <grin>

Janet: Writers are told to read widely and voraciously. I think that’s one of the perks of the deal. What are you reading these days?

Sandra: I got a Kindle last year for Christmas and I love to read books on it. At 44 my eyes aren’t reading the small print in books as well as they used to. Every week I download the latest “free” offerings that appeal to me so I’ve found myself reading a much wider variety of novels than I used to. I do love the fast pace of Love Inspired Suspense, and am thoroughly enjoying the historical line. Generally, I like to read novels that have a little more going on than just a straight romance.

Janet: What are you listening to?

Sandra: I can’t write with music playing in the background so I don’t listen to much. The one exception is a Robert Alexander CD I picked up called Happiness. It has easy-to-listen-to piano solos that I don’t associate with any lyrics so they don’t distract me. I find them very soothing.

Janet: What do you like to do to get away from it all?

Sandra: I love to go to the lake. There’s something about the smell of the air and the sound of the waves lapping on the shore that soothes the soul.

Janet: What’s the most surprising/ zany thing you’ve ever done?

Sandra: At university, my roommate and I snuck into the room of one of the men in the same dorm as my now-husband and magic-markered tops on a poster he had on the wall of women riding bikes topless. He was so not impressed!

Janet: Not “deep cover” but cover of a sort! Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Sandra. May the LORD continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

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I caught up with Sandra for a chat at Write! Canada this June. Thank you to Ray Wiseman for taking our photo. Stop by Sandra Orchard’s website to learn more about the author. You can also find Sandra at her blog, Conversations About Characters, or on Facebook.