Mountainside Novelist Retreat

Looking for a writing retreat? 

Consider attending Mountainside Novelist Retreat! 

https://www.blueridgeconference.com/mountainside-novelist-retreat/

Interview with Mary Pat Johns

Bio:

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from teaching speech and writing. She has written devotions for an online publication, had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, and wrote a column for the Victoria Advocate, a local newspaper.

Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023. Books 2 & 3 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red and Glitter and the Grouch released in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She writes Christian romance because when we view life through the hope of Christ’s sacrifice, we find that happily ever after is God’s idea.      

Mary Pat lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

Interview:

Which of your books was your favorite to write? Why?

My books are like my children. No such thing as a favorite, because each one is unique in its own way. That said, in the Romance in Valiant series, my favorite story to write was Glitter and the Grouch. It’s a novella, so it was half the word count, which was a blessing. Most of the book takes place on the river, and it was fun and challenging to get the plot lined up with the mandatory checkpoints that happen throughout the race. I also enjoyed the tropes—enemies to lovers and forced proximity. Those were new to me.  

·     What is your latest release?

Waitin’ On Paige was released this past July. It’s the fourth and final book of my Romance in Valiant series. Tavo and Paige were part of the close-knit friends group throughout the series, and I was happy for them to get their story, but mercy! It was a mega-rollercoaster ride.    

·    Do you have a daily writing schedule?

For the longest time, I wrote most afternoons, but lately, I’ve flip-flopped my schedule to write most mornings. I start at nine o’clock and take short gotta-move breaks and eat lunch, but around three, I can’t wait to leave my desk and do other things.      

·    What other hobbies do you enjoy besides writing?

Reading is probably my favorite, but I like to putter around in the kitchen and hang out with family too.

Blurb:

Tavo Morales has returned to Valiant, Texas, to stir the embers of a relationship with the woman he has never stopped loving, but hidden reefs from his past threaten to destroy his future.

Paige Muñoz wants her new event planning business to be a success and won’t let anything stand in her way. But the path she’s on to make her dreams come true proves dangerous.

Is the love Tavo and Paige once shared strong enough to survive his secrets and her stubbornness?

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.marypatjohns.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/marypatjohnsauthor/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/marypatjohnsauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marypatjohnspin/_saved/

Romance in Valiant series:  https://bit.ly/4hhJvLj  

Interview with Sara L. Jameson

 Bio:

Sara L. Jameson won Scrivenings Press’s grand prize publishing contract in January 2021. They released her debut romantic suspense novel, Cruise to Death, in June 2021. Death in High Places, (Book 2 in the Troubled Waters series), released February 2023, followed by Vengeance in Vienna, July 2024. She is currently working on books 4 and 5 of the Troubled Waters series for Scrivenings Press.

In real life, Sara is a multi-published former university professor who writes non-fiction under her real name and edits book manuscripts for other authors. She also pens WWII historical novels. When not at her computer, she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, and dog-sitting.

Interview: 

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I would suggest studying the craft to the point of mastery—as much as possible—before seeking publication, whether through agented/traditional houses or self-publishing. Once a writer is published, the pressure is on to produce more books under a tight deadline—whether it’s meeting the publishing house schedule or personally imposed ones via self-publishing. There is always room to grow, but if most craft techniques have largely become second nature, it simplifies the writing process.

Investing in professional edits is a wonderful way to grow through others’ perspectives. Enter writing contests for the same reason. Read, read, read multiple genres and study—dissect—the author’s method of story craft.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

I have many favorite verses, but I’d have to say Psalm 91:1 in the AMPC version is an all-time favorite with its promise to deliver the one who abides in the presence of the Lord. There have been numerous occasions in my life where I was in grave danger, and the Lord spared me from death.

If you had unlimited funds and free time, where would you choose to travel?

Okay, I’m tiptoeing out on a limb here, operating on the premise of unlimited funds, and dreaming BIG. At the moment, this sounds like fun: staying in five-star or historic hotels all over the world, as long as the location interests me. I’d include travel on every continent and country where being an American wasn’t a serious liability. And I’d fly business/first class. After all, as a novelist, I spend my days in imaginary situations and exotic locales. 

Did you always want to be a writer?

Secretly, yes. But I had this mental image that writers lived in dismal garret apartments, were chain smokers and alcoholics. To me, not an appealing lifestyle. And from a very early age, I dreamed of becoming an opera singer, a career I did pursue, which developed mastering technique and persevering through numerous setbacks and challenges. All of which are part of a novelist’s toolkit.

Blurb for Vengeance in Vienna:

A moonlight sail. A sniper on the shore. A terrorist financier determined to kill Jacob and all he holds dear.

Interpol Special Agent Jacob Coulter and his fiancée Riley Williams set out on a moonlight sail, but a sniper turns their idyllic Austrian vacation into a deadly nightmare.

On temporary assignment to the Vienna Interpol office, Jacob must apprehend a notorious terrorist financier and uncover his operations in Austria. But the financier is determined to destroy all Jacob holds dear. And that includes his kid sister and his fiancée, Riley Williams.

Opera singer Riley Williams is tired of dodging terrorist attempts on her life. When she insists on helping Jacob catch the financier and his henchmen, she gets into more trouble than she bargained for.

But the financier’s tentacles of evil reach far deeper into the Austrian economy than Jacob and Riley suspected. What they uncover appalls them. The clock is ticking. Can Jacob find them before it’s too late?

 

Social Media:

You can connect with Sara on:

Sara LJameson, Author (Facebook)

saraljamesonauthor (Instagram)

https://bit.ly/SLJGRPage (Goodreads)

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sara-l-jameson

 (Bookbub)

@saraljameson (X)

https://amzn.to/4jpSgmV (Amazon Author Page)

https://bit.ly/SLJCommunitySignup (Newsletter Signup)

www.saraljameson.com

Interview with Susan Page Davis

Bio: 

Susan Page Davis is the award-winning author of more than 100 novels and novellas. Born in Maine, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim, a retired news editor.

Interview:

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a child, but this is the first one I’ve written with my daughter Page. I’ve also enjoyed writing two historical novels with my son Jim and three cozy mysteries with my daughter Megan.

I have six grown children and twelve grandchildren. All of my kids were home schooled. Before becoming a fiction writer professionally, I held diverse jobs, including shoeing horses (I am a certified farrier) and writing news as a local correspondent for a daily newspaper.

Which of your books was your favorite to write? Why? 

It’s hard to pick one, but I think maybe The Lady’s Maid. I also made the journey to Oregon as a young woman, though not in a covered wagon. I loved writing this historical series (Prairie Dreams). This one combines British Aristocracy with the American frontier.

How many books have you written?

More than 100 novels and novellas, nearly all in the Christian genre. I write mysteries, historicals, romance, and romantic suspense.

What is your latest release?

Down in the Dumpster, co-authored with my daughter Page. We’re now nearly finished with the rough draft of the sequel, Dumpsters and Dragons.

·    Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I used to think I was a pantser, but I realized I was plotting stories out in my head in great detail, even if I wasn’t writing it down. After a publisher required me to submit a detailed synopsis before they would look at the book, I became a confirmed plotter.

Blurb:  

You never know what you’ll find in a Dumpster.

If Cassie had known the misadventures she’d get into on her stopgap job, she would have kept checking the help wanted ads. With her crabby dispatcher hounding her, she collects the rubbish from a senior citizens’ complex in her garbage truck.

When she empties the dumpster, a witness sees a body fall into her compactor. How will she explain this to Mac? And just as important, can rubbish and romance mix?

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8GJQTFX 

Social Media Links:

Website: https://susanpagedavis.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Page-Davis/e/B001IR1CGA

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-page-davis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanpagedavisauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/255473.Susan_Page_Davis

Interview with Jen Dodrill

Author bio:

Jen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad. 

Her family-focused novels depict her values of cooperation, connection, compassion, and community, demonstrating the importance of helping one another brave the waves of the world together. 

As a mother of five, family life and travels have left her with decades of stories to tell, and she cherishes the time she has now to tell them, in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee. 

Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery was released in 2024. Book #2 in the series, Where’s the Quetzal, was released February 25, 2025. Book #3, No Egrets, will be published in 2026. Jen has co-authored a novella collection, Trinity Sands Beach Club, with Deborah Sprinkle and Sharon H. Carpenter. It released June 17, 2025.

Interview:

What is your latest release?

Trinity Sands Beach Club novella collection, the first in the Second Chances: Romance & Mysteries series, just came out June 17^th! My writing friends Deborah Sprinkle, Sharon Carpenter, and I got together and “invented” an island just off the coast of Destin, Florida – Trinity Sands Island. Then, we each wrote a romantic suspense novella set on the island.

We had a lot of fun. We all live within 30 minutes of each other, so occasionally we met for lunch (more like 4-hour visits!), but usually we Zoomed. We critiqued each other's work and worked out details involving characters we all had in common – the grocery store owner, the police, and the lady who cleaned. Those little details matter to readers, and they mattered to us.

What’s really exciting to me is that our characters are all women and men of a certain age, 50+. We need more books written with older characters!

This was my first novella collection, but we’ve received the green light to write another one. It is scheduled for release in the fall of 2026, so be watching for Bedlam in Bridal Falls!

What do you enjoy most about writing books?

I love the creative aspect where I come up with an idea and then it morphs into a real book. That sounds like it’s easy, but it’s not. I love seeing God using my imagination in one part of the book, and then it ties into another part in a way I never saw coming.

Another favorite thing about writing books is meeting other writers and encouraging them. It’s such a reciprocal relationship!

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Definitely a pantser. I tried plotting for my 3^rd cozy mystery, and it just didn’t work out. I’ve listened to many plotters explain how to do it, and I understand that part. It just simply won’t work for me. I do use beat sheets to keep me on track of what should happen where. They’re very helpful, especially in the saggy middle part.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Seek out writers online or in your area. They don’t have to write the same thing as you do. Find some accountability with them, or even better, a critique group. Attend conferences – preferably in person. There is nothing like meeting other writers in person! You don’t have to start with the bigger, more expensive ones. Just look for some classes that will help you and dig in.

This spring, I was way behind on writing my 3^rd cozy. I mean, way behind! For a bit over two weeks, I committed to writing 2k words a day, and I did it! I told my husband and my kids, and then I made it happen. Sometimes I had to go back to the computer after dinner, but it got done. What I’m saying is you truly have to write your book. ;)

Blurb: 

What do a widow, a newly divorced woman, and a retired professor of art history have in common?

They all came to Trinity Sands Island to find a simple life without any entanglements. But instead, they are each confronted with a mystery and another chance at romance. Will they be brave enough to face the possible dangers of solving a mystery and losing their hearts?

This collection includes three novellas:

“Trinity Sands Treasure Hunt” by Sharon Carpenter—Retired art professor Claire Anderson inherited all of her uncle’s worldly goods. Arriving at his Trinity Sands Beach Club bungalow, she faces the daunting task of sorting through the boxes and bags that he left behind.

When someone tries to break in and steal seemingly worthless items, Claire calls Chief of Security, Ben Hastings and sparks fly. Claire and Ben realize all is not as it seems when they set out to discover who is targeting the house.

In their search for answers, will the attraction between Claire and Ben deepen into real treasure?

“SeaBreeze Obsession” by Jen Dodrill—Newly single Karah Halyard returns to her beach cottage and starts “SeaBreeze Designs,” a business specializing in beach decor. But beneath the tentative peace of her life, unresolved feelings stir as she considers reconciling with her ex-husband, Gage, who is in town doing research. When a secret admirer confronts her on the beach, Karah defends herself and runs. That night, he’s found dead. As she and Gage face a murder investigation, they must confront their past and unravel the mystery of the real killer.

Can they solve the crime and reconcile their fractured relationship?

“Searching for Serenity” by Deborah Sprinkle—Grace Caldwell hasn’t been to their beach house since her husband passed away three years ago. Her grief has kept her from moving forward with her life. But, when a letter arrives from her friend, Serenity James, saying something strange is going on at the Beach Club, Grace decides it’s time to head south. However, when she arrives, Serenity has disappeared, and no one knows where she is. Detective Peter Young gets involved and, as Grace and he work together, a mutual attraction blossoms—one that takes Grace by surprise.

Will Grace find love again while solving the mystery behind Serenity’s disappearance?

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Sands-Beach-Club-Dodrill-ebook/dp/B0F89NL3CT/ref=sr_1_1

Social media links:

For more information about Jen, her books, writing tips, and author interviews, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillwrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill

Interview with Ellen E. Withers--Show Me Skulduggery

I’m pleased to interview Ellen E. Withers for Sleuths and Suspects for a second time. Last time, Ellen shared about her latest nonfiction release. Today, I am spotlighting the latest book in Ellen’s Show Me Mysteries series. 

Interview:

·         What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

o   Learn everything you can and never give up. One of the many things I love about writing is that there is always something to learn. I attend writing conferences, both in person and online. I also take writing classes on zoom. The “never give up” part comes from the time (over twenty years) I spent learning the craft of writing. Then God placed a Christian publisher in my path and my dream became a reality.

·         How many books have you written?

o   Scrivenings Press has published three mystery novels, one Christmas novella, and one nonfiction book about how to win writing contests. I’m in the process of writing a new mystery series set in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and a romantic comedy novella, all to be published by Scrivenings Press within the year.

·         What do you enjoy most about writing books?

o   I love the process (in my head) of developing the storyline. This starts before I even begin to list my ideas. It’s fun to roll ideas around in my head and see if I like where they go.

·         What other hobbies do you enjoy besides writing?

o   For twenty-five years, I’ve been a member of Top of the Rock Chorus, a Sweet Adeline affiliate chorus. I also sing in a competitive quartet, too.

·         How much time do you spend in research before you write a story?

o   With this book, I spent many more hours than the previous books. Because the focus of this book was on the local area (and world famous) Saddlebred horse trainers spanning over 100 years, I had a lot of research to do. I enjoyed every moment of it.

·         What is the most interesting thing you have learned from your research?

o   Even though I grew up in a town filled with Saddlebred horse trainers, I didn’t know any of the processes to actually train the horses besides riding them. For example, some horses have a sway in their walk or trot. Trainers use carts to train the horses to keep their body straight. I found these things so fascinating and included a lot in my first draft. One of my editors had to tell me to remove some details because they were slowing down the storyline. She did it in a humorous way. She said, “You’ve done your homework. Good girl. Now take it out.”

Bio:

Ellen E. Withers is a fiction writer, freelance writer, and retired insurance fraud investigator. Her award-winning mystery dual-time series, Show Me Mysteries, published by Scrivenings Press, is set in her picturesque hometown of Mexico, Missouri. The third book in the series, Show Me Skulduggery, debuts May 2025.

Her nonfiction book about winning writing contests is Magic Words: How to Enchant Judges & Conjure Contest Wins, inspired by her writing contest column in the digital writing magazine Writers Monthly PDF.

Coming in 2026, Ellen will have a dual-time mystery series, Spa City Mysteries, set in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Contact her at www.ellenewithers.com.

 

Book Blurb:

Death comes knocking once again in Show Me Skulduggery, the captivating third book in the award-winning Show Me Mysteries series. These mysteries involve two eras, early 1900s, and contemporary times, featuring a famous Saddlebred horse stable in Mexico, Missouri. Intrigue, deception, underhanded behavior, and murder will keep you turning pages.

Present day: Because of her behavior, the disregard of the needs of her tenants, and her penny-pinching ways, everyone despises slumlord Katherine Mull. When a killer emerges and acts upon their desire to end Katherine’s life, Liesl, Kurt, and Nicole must race against time to identify the killer before this madman kills again. Can they track down the killer before someone else dies? Do they have the skills necessary to identify the killer before they become the target?

1920 through 1953: Mexico, Missouri is famous for being the “Saddlehorse Capital of the World” thanks to world-famous owner/trainers Tom Bass, C.F. Clark, Joseph Potts, George and William Lee, Robert Stewart, and Art Simmons. Each has built upon the solid, respected reputation of the previous trainer at these beloved stables until now. Who can discover and stop sabotage at the stables? Will the Saddlebred trainers be bankrupt if the breed’s sterling reputation is destroyed? Is murder the ultimate act of an evil man seeking revenge?

 

Social Media Links:

Website: https://ellenewithers.com/

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071728886831

Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BWZ1G7JS

Instagram profile: https://instagram.com/lnwithers?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33215146.Ellen_E_Withers

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ellen-e-withers?list=about

 

Interview with Cindy Bonds

Bio:

Growing up in Northwest Arkansas as a child, Cindy accompanied her father to visit a lot of men and women in nursing homes or their own homes, to offer company and to listen to stories of the good ole days. Most were former military, several having survived World War II.

Her father, both grandfathers and uncles were all former military, so as she grew up, she was inundated with stories of heroes, chaos, and the burden of war.

Having listened to stories her whole life, it was easy to put pen to paper and begin her own journey of storytelling. As God led her through grace and mercy in her own life, it was only natural to put it all down on paper and include the hero types she’d heard so much about growing up.

She currently lives in rural Arkansas with her husband and two children. Although she works for an aviation insurance broker, she has a passion for reading and writing. Presenting stories about God’s love, grace, and mercy are the reasons she writes and looks for ways to share the gospel through fiction.

 

Interview:

How many novels have you written?

This is my seventh published novel. I have several more finished novels that have yet to be published or have just not met the bar for publishing- yet!

How does your “real job” influence your writing?

I actually went to college to become a physical therapist. The university I went to informed me there were gaining a PTA (physical therapy assistant) program that would prepare me for PT school. They never gained that program and after I graduated, it would take another year or two of courses just to get where I could apply for the doctorate program at another school. But while I was getting my undergrad, I met my husband and after I graduated, I supported him until he got out of school and then we began our family. Being a stay-at-home mom led me to my writing journey!

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I’ve always been a panster writer. The first time I started writing, I had finished Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series. It was the inspiration that led me to start writing down all the stories in my head. I would free write for hours, having no idea how to format, edit or even collect everything into a readable story. That’s why I still have so many novels just sitting on my computer. They need a lot of work to become a put together novel for publishing!

I’ve tried endless times to plan and plot, format character evolutions and descriptions in order to create a maintained storyline. But it stresses me out and leaves me sitting there thinking, this isn’t an interesting story line and the connections feel forced.

Free writing allows me to get out the ideas rebounding in my mind, shaping a story and feeling for where and when the characters will arc or connect. As I write, I can see each character’s back story, flaws and goals shaping and changing, giving me a place to land as I get further into the novel.

Besides Dani Pettrey, I’ve really enjoyed Lynette Eason and Lynn Blackburn’s books. They are the ones I go to in order to study, see how they’re writing and making those suspenseful and tension filled transitions come alive on the page. They all inspire my writing and help me see what it takes to create novels that stand out in the Romantic Suspense community.

 

Will Kenton’s failure destroy everyone he cares about?

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Failed-Protocol-Cindy-Bonds/dp/1649174586

Excerpt:

The phone clicked in his ear as he hit the button on the elevator. Turning slightly, he pulled his weapon from his back and dropped his phone to aim at the SUV. Hitting the driver’s side back window, he shot four times, then paused.

A sudden barrage of bullets let loose, and he ducked behind another vehicle.

Straining, he sat up and fired his weapons several more times, ignoring the pain shooting into his side.

“Kenton!”

Olivia’s voice took his focus. She kneeled behind a car, gun aimed. With a nod, he fired as he sprinted across the garage, straight to Olivia, who gave him cover.

“What’re you doing here?” He collapsed beside her and release the empty clip, pushing a new one in.

“I was studying the security cameras and saw someone enter,” she grumbled as she returned fire. “The security guard never answered the phone. How many?”

“Just one, I think.”

He rose and fired at the back window, turning to see Marcus come off the elevator with a rifle aimed and blasting.

 

Social links:

www.facebook.com/cindybondsauthor

www.instagram.com/authorcindybonds

Website:

www.cindybonds.com 

For a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Failed Protocol, please leave a comment on this post for Cindy. A winner will be drawn at random and contacted via email on 5/7/25 (giveaway has been extended). Open to U.S. residents only. 

For a chance to win a Kindle copy of Remains, another novel by Cindy Bonds, click here. Open to U.S. residents only. 

Interview with Gina Holder

 

This month, I interviewed Gina Holder.

Bio: Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.             

 

How many books have you written?

I have written eleven books since 2015. One historical missionary drama, a romantic suspense trilogy, two cozy mysteries, one suspense novella, three children’s books, and the first book in a new romantic suspense series releasing in June with Scrivenings Press.

What do you enjoy most about writing books?

I’ve been creating imaginary worlds and telling stories as far back as I can remember. My favorite part of writing books has to be creating something that entertains readers and inspires them in their walk with God. The greatest blessing I have ever received is a note from a reader sharing how God used my book to touch their heart and change their life.

What is your latest release?

My latest release is Home Baked Bribery, book 2 of my Addie Masters Mysteries. Home Baked Bribery is a cozy mystery set in a coastal town in Massachusetts and centered on a local baking competition where a guest celebrity judge dies suddenly of what appears to be anaphylactic shock. Full of lovable pets and quirky characters,

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I am a 100% pantser. I have some general idea how I want a story to go—I’ve fleshed out my characters, and I see a few vital scenes in my head that I need to aim for, but otherwise, I just start typing and see what happens.

 

 

Blurb: The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction.

When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

 

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Baked-Bribery-Addie-Masters-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DJSJ3HC9

 

Gina’s social media links: 

http://amazon.com/author/ginaholder

http://storiesbygina.com (website and blog)

http://facebook.com/storiesbygina

http://twitter.com/storiesbygina

http://instagram.com/storiesbygina

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gina-holder

Interview with J.L. Burrows

 BIO:

Jennifer Burrows has a message in her heart about God's love, and she’s shared that when she was a musician in her father's church, as a missionary to underprivileged children in a third world country, and as a wife who stood by her husband through terminal brain cancer that God miraculously healed.

Now, she’s sharing God's powerful love through the art of fiction, pouring herself into edifying and helping other writers, and teaching others how to use faith in the face of adversity. Jennifer teaches in the greater Nashville area where she lives with her husband and their two children. Get to know Jennifer better at jlburrows.com, or connect with her on social media at www.facebook.com/jenniferlynnburrows or www.instagram.com/jlburrowsauthor . 

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. What is your latest release?

FreeFalling just released January 14th 2025, and it’s the first Christian Futuristic Fiction novel in The Reconditioned trilogy.

With threads of …

●      enemies-to-love interests romance

●      science fiction including a snarky but illegal AI embedded as a chip in the brain

●      a beautiful German Shepherd named Sasha

Serenity Knowles (Sere) is living one hundred and eighty years in the future. The Dome government banned history education because of its inflammatory nature, deeming it a source of violent ideas among its citizens. Religion disappeared after they declared it created division in community and judgement between people groups. Government controls most aspects of life under the Dome, placing citizens under constant surveillance. After a wild event at the school Sere teaches at, she finds herself and her ragtag group pitted against a government with cutting-edge technology and genetically modified bio-weapons. The odds are stacked against them, but the Truth needs to rise out of the deception. Will Sere find a hero within herself and face down a future on the brink of oblivion?

The first book in The Reconditioned Series explores the role of an absolute truth and God’s love for us even as we bumble about trying to make our way through this world. Serenity faces a lot of trials and tribulation, and often she doesn’t know what to do in the face of forging a very different path from the people around her. I pray her story of courage and seeking the truth encourages readers to embrace their journey on the path less traveled as each of us are called to grow and stand firm in the places God calls us to. 

For Serenity, her grandfather whispered sweet truths at night before bedtime when no one was listening, defying government mandates. He taught her that God exists and loves her more than she’d ever understand. Throughout the story, we discover with Serenity how God pursues her, cares for her even when she isn’t completely aware of who He is. He speaks to her heart and reminds her of the things she learned with her grandfather when she was so young, and He inspires her to do what is right even when it might cost her everything: her future, her security, her own sense of self. There are people in our lives who need for us to be the change, to stand out when everyone else is falling in line, and to make a way just like Serenity’s grandfather did.

Alongside her, I pray readers discover the power of our Almighty God who loves us more than we’ll ever understand and cares for the details we don’t even know to be worried about.

2. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I have a couple of pieces of advice for new authors. After writing and publishing seven books, six indie and one traditional, I’ve learned a ton about this writing journey. Network is so important! And a year ago I met a wonderful friend and sister in Christ who asked if there was a local Christian Writers Group. There were writers groups near us, but no local Smyrna Christian group, so together we started Charis, a local Christian author’s group in Smyrna, TN, and I’ve been blessed to walk alongside several new authors as they brought their short stories and books to publication.

Below are some paradigm shifts that helped me on my journey:

1. It’s a lifestyle, not a destination vacation. If you think you are writing to finish the book, you’ll find that there’s just another book, another revision, another edit, another something that you have to do for your book. Writing the book is simply the first step in a journey of steps. When I was younger and dieting, I used to hear all over the place. I’m changing my lifestyle–not dieting. Writing a book is much the same way. It’s a lifestyle, so create systems that support your writing consistently, while also leaving adequate time for life and family, giving you balance.
2. One step has more power than huge chunks. When my husband was going through brain cancer—an entire story in itself—I learned I had to just make the next step through life. I couldn’t think about the big picture or end results. I put on blinders and disciplined myself to take the next step, no matter how much it scared me. In that, I found the journey went more quickly, each step grew a touch easier, and I could accomplish incredible things in brief periods of time.
3. Work with yourself, not against yourself. If you are a morning person, write in the morning. But if you are a night person, write in the night. Don’t try to be something God didn’t create you to be. God made you on purpose the way you are. He loves you the way you are. There’s enough in this world to fight against. Don’t let your war be against yourself.
4. Learn! Learn! Learn! The minute you think you’ve arrived, you will grow stale. In my writer’s group, we try to study a book a year. This year’s book is Susan May Warren’s The Story Equation. Other books I’ve learned from and loved are Hawker’s 17 step method, unfortunately named “Take off your Pants” referring to pantsers learning to plan; Story Genius by Larry Brooks; John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story”; “Break into Fiction” by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love; “The Emotional Wound Thesaurus and that entire series by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi. And I have at least fifty more on my TBR that I can’t wait to dig into.
5. Work to the end. So many newer authors get lost in the spiral of starting a book, writing to chapter four or five, then having a new idea or learning something or any other distraction, and then they go back to the beginning and revise, cut, edit, get to chapter four or five, then have a … You get the idea. It’s essential to learn to persevere to the end of each phase of writing. So when you start a rough draft, work until you’ve finished that first rough draft. Allow yourself to make a note of things you want to revise, keep a notebook or an app with notes, but finish to the end.

If I had to pick the two most impactful of the above five, I would say “One Step” and “Work to the End.” I teach High School English at a local public school, and in that course we cover the writing process. Consider the following steps in the writing process: planning, rough draft, revision, critique & revision, developmental edit, line edit, proofread, publish. I encourage you to work to the end one step at a time through each of these steps. Blessings on your writing journey!

3. How does your “real job” influence your writing?

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32 (NIV)

As a public school teacher, I work with students who struggle with very real-world problems, but in that capacity, I can’t share with students the real solution and Truth that God loves them and has a plan for their lives—that they matter and are loved more than they’ll ever know. I can’t tell them about the scriptures that hold me together in my worst moments and drive me to do better in my best moments. So, I write.

FreeFalling was born straight out of my classrooms from over eighteen years of experience over nine schools, three districts, and two countries. I started asking what if questions and FreeFalling blossomed from that. What will come of schools and students if the teacher shortage continues? What is the long term impact on education as news segments continue to emphasize the “Crisis in the Classroom,” a segment on our local news that airs every night at ten pm. Just hearing that phrase has an impact on any local listener and especially any teacher or mother who has a child in a local classroom. What might be the far-reaching repercussions of the vast spreading of everyones thoughts toward education and teachers that are now propagated at will on social media? ​

FreeFalling is about the potential damage society might suffer if we continue in this direction. As it is, we are seeing incredible shortages in teaching, and I believe it’s because no one chooses to become the villain of the story. Teachers are heroes, but the longer our society labels them the villain, the longer we cry out how awful they are, the less young people will want to become a teacher.​ Our local state college used to graduate over six hundred teachers a year, feeding many local public schools. This number is now under one hundred.

Serenity isn’t a Christian and she is serving her four years of government-mandated community service as a teacher before she has access to the future pathways for her career under the Dome. Because, under the dome religions and history do not exist, weaving in scripture as the backbone of this story had to be done carefully through a still small whisper that speaks to Serenity, guiding and teaching her just as the Holy Spirit guides and teaches me. After a terrible fight between the girls, Serenity risks everything to try and save her two favorite students from reconditioning—a chemical brain washing procedure that rectifies the argumentative part of the brain. By stepping out and fighting for these two girls, Serenity risks everything: her future potential, her place in society, even her sense of self if she gets reconditioned.

I was recently asked if I’ve ever had to risk my life for a student. About four years ago, at the end of a tough school year at a school I wasn’t returning to, a student of mine brought a gun to school, and we were in code red, lockdown.

I turned the lights off, and the students cowered in the least visible corner of the room with textbooks covering their chest, and we waited. Would my student round the corner and fire on us?

My nerves were on fire.

I didn’t want to leave my family motherless.

But no matter what, I knew I would not let any of the students in my room get hurt if I had the power to stop it.

If the shooter came through that door, I would stand between him and the students.

Training didn’t touch the truth at that moment.

Nothing hits like knowing the kid carrying the gun.

What if I’d triggered him?

Swallowing back fear and choosing to stand in a courage that simply wasn’t there.

Time slowed.

It felt like hours had passed. I don’t know how long it took for them to apprehend the student, but I know I learned something about myself that day.

In the soul-searching, mettle-testing darkness of that classroom, I imagined myself between a bullet and my students.

I’ve thought about shootings, especially after those that happen close to home. I still held the firm belief that it would never happen to me, my classroom, or my students.

After that situation, I learned I’d fight for the students under my responsibility.

Since moving schools, I’ve had the honor of teaching Advanced Honors and Honors English II to sophomores at our local magnet school. So, God has blessed me to spend the daylight hours teaching others to write and exploring the writing of talented authors, and then I come home in the evenings, and tell the stories God writes on my heart.

The students love to have a teacher who’s actively using what she teaches. They are so curious about what I write and about how to become writers. I’m the Creative Writing Club Sponsor at the high school, and I’m a mentor to a couple of aspiring writers that are doing great. One of my students, Lynnea Mileusnich, published her first middle-grade, Christian Fantasy book, Heir of Promise. I’m so proud of her and excited to see where God takes her next.

God gave me a gift, and it is my responsibility as a member of God’s kingdom to give that gift back to God. For every book I write, I pray it reaches the readers that will be most impacted, edified, and encouraged by it. I pray readers feel seen and inspired to keep hoping when it seems all hope is lost, to keep walking when it seems all is futile, to keep loving when it seems the world is full of hate and loss.

There is a beautiful hope and joy despite the difficult world we live in, and we have a heavenly father that loves us more than we will ever be able to understand. I want to help others remain focused on God’s love for them. Use everything God has given me to share this truth and my experiences both in and out of school. God has an incredible plan for the books he gives us, and I’m thrilled to be writing the next part of The Reconditioned Series journey—Awakening.

And of course, I’d love to have readers join me in any of the following social places:

BOOK LINKS:

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222350373-freefalling

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPTFGM8S

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferlynnburrows

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferlynnburrows/freefalling-book-1-in-the-reconditioned-series/

 

Website: www.jlburrows.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/freefalling-the-reconditioned-book-1-by-j-l-burrows

 

LINK FOR NEWSLETTER JOINING:

https://BookHip.com/TTZQCBA - Includes a freebie Prequel Anthology - Invading Darkness the origin stories to my Balance Keepers main characters. 

BOOK BLURB:

One hundred and eighty years in the future, the U.S. government eradicates warfare and violence.

Serenity should feel safe, but she doesn’t.

Serenity Knowles knows two things for certain. Finishing her government assigned community service as a teacher is mandatory in order to start her adult life. And stopping those in power from reconditioning two of her favorite students will ruin her chances at a future and a life.

Everything she thought she once knew to be true, suddenly is now in question after her typically peaceful girls fight in plain view of everyone at school. The Federal Bureau of Acceptance storms in and collects them both for reconditioning—chemical brain washing. With no one to help, Serenity is driven into a wild rescue and escape plan. The girls can’t be made into shadow children, brainwashed and limited to a menial future.

All that stands between the overreaching government and her girls is Serenity’s budding faith, a furry beast companion, her modified illegal AI, and a ragtag group of men and women set against the use of cutting edge technology and genetically modified bio-weapons on citizens under the Dome. If any of them get caught, they will be reconditioned. If they don’t move fast enough, the girls will be lost. If she doesn’t become a hero, any hope of a real future will be forfeit.

In her transformation from a teacher with a broken family to a radical defector leading a team of rebels, Sere discovers America’s deadliest threat—its own government.