I write romantic suspense books where dogs have a prominent role.  I’ve written over a dozen books featuring K-9 working dogs both for the police and the military. The specialized training that goes into these highly intelligent dogs takes time, money and dedication. Doing the research for K-9 dogs has been extremely interesting and really sparked a passion in me to train a dog. Of course, joining the police department or the military and training a K-9 dog wasn’t a viable option.

But training an agility dog certainly was. In 2016, I brought home an Australian shepherd puppy. We named her Aubrey, as a variant of Auburn, because her coat is red and white. At eight months old, we started agility training.  At first it was very basic obedience work and bonding exercises. So much of agility is the bond between the dog and handler, just as it is between a police officer and his K-9.

I have to confess, learning the sport of agility was a huge learning curve for me.  Remembering the cues, the timing of the cues and staying mentally connected with my dog all were a challenge. I tend to be a bit scatter brained unless I’m knee deep in writing a book,  but agility has really taught me to focus.

And the training never stops. We train even when we’re not at the arena. Going on walks is a lesson to be used in the arena. Learning the command to sit and wait until released is a daily exercise done at feeding time. She has a beautiful start line stay.

This month, after nearly four years of training, I finally worked up the courage to enter agility trials.  I’m not going to lie, the first trial was overwhelming. I didn’t know how a trial ran, wasn’t sure I liked the idea of competing or that she’d listen to me in a strange environment.  Our first run was terrifying. She didn’t listen well, there were too many distractions-strange people and barking dogs.  We didn’t make it through the first course. Our second run was better, but she had three faults (faults are a dropped bar, a refusal to take an obstacle, a late cue or going off exploring).

The following week we went back for our second trial.  Now better prepared, we made it through the first run with a couple of faults, but she stayed with me and ignored the distractions. And the second run, we did great! She was attentive, I gave cues on time, no dropped bars and we finished the course. I was happy. And then I discovered we placed first in our grouping and we received our first qualifying ribbon. Apparently, we can move up to the next level after three qualifying ribbons.  I think I’m hooked.

For me, agility with my dog is my hobby, my passion and my stress reliever. And has helped me in my writing in was I hadn’t expected. Now, when I have my handler giving commands to their K-9, I have a feel for what it’s like to work with a dog and can add realism to my scenes.

I have an April release, Alaskan Rescue, book 1 of Alaskan K-9 Unit, a new continuity from Love Inspired Suspense. There are eight books and two novellas in this series.  I hope you’ll enjoy our books.

Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed, April 2021  https://amzn.to/3umsdni

Wilderness Defender by Maggie K. Black, May 2021

Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn, June 2021

Tracking Stolen Secrets by Laura Scott, July 2021

Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey, August 2021

Arctic Witness by Heather Woodhaven, September 2021

Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink, October 2021

Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy, November 2021

Christmas K-9 Protectors by Lenora Worth and Maggie K. Black, December 2021

Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publisher’s Weekly top twenty-five, Nielsen’s Bookscan top hundred, Amazon Bestseller and featured in USA Today. Her books have been finalists in Romance Writers of America RITA contest, National Readers’ Choice Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award and finalists three times in American Christian Fiction Writers The Carol Award contest. Contact Terri @ P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97224

http://www.terrireed.com https://www.instagram.com/authorterrireed/

https://www.facebook.com/terrireedauthorpage/

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions for Terri about agility dog training, or about any of her books with great dog characters, or this wonderful upcoming K-9 series from Love Inspired Suspense, leave it in the comments for her and she’ll be by today.

The post Extreme Hobbies with Author Terri Reed appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Today I’m happy to welcome back Darlene L. Turner, award-winning author for Love Inspired Suspense. Her latest book, Abducted in Alaska, is out March 1, 2021. Darlene, take it away!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog. It’s fun to share tidbits about my writing, ideas, etc. Here we go!

What was the inspiration behind Abducted in Alaska?

I visited both the Yukon and Alaska when my brother lived in Whitehorse, Yukon. When I started writing I thought it would be a great place to set a novel. I wanted to include a child in the story and that’s when the kidnapping / child labor ring came to mind.

Do you ever write a little bit of yourself in your books?

Yes, at times. Sometimes it’s little things from my childhood. Other times, it’s something I’ve struggled with. In Abducted in Alaska Hannah finds out she may not be able to have children and this crushes her. My hubby and I weren’t able to have children, so the feelings Hannah has to deal with were similar to what I wrestled with in my own experience.

Have you ever received a rejection?

Yes, of course. Many, but I learned from each one and pressed forward! They say that each rejection leads you to the “one.”

Have you ever won any awards for your writing?

Yes, three! Two Daphne awards and one ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Genesis award. So humbled and blessed.

 What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to tole paint. This is painting designs onto wood surfaces. It’s fun and relaxes me. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time to paint as I would like! I also love to watch movies and read.

 Tell us a bit about Abducted in Alaska?

Hannah Morgan and Layke (pronounced “lake”) Jackson have to join forces to solve a deadly child labor smuggling ring all while protecting Gabe, the boy who escaped. Their lives are in more danger the closer they get to solving the case.

What is your typical day like?

I’m now retired, so my days are devoted to writing, social media, etc! I start my day with devotions and then some exercise (oh…don’t forget the coffee!). Each day can be different, but I try and finish my day mid-late afternoon. Sometimes I get right back up to my office after supper. Sometimes I spend the evening reading, painting, or watching television. Depends on deadlines and how much I need to unwind! 😉

 When did you start writing?

When I was young, I loved to read Nancy Drew, so I started writing my own version – the “Mindy Dobson” series. I wish I’d kept them as it would be fun to go back and read it (and laugh). I always wanted to write but stopped until I was older. I got more serious about writing ten years ago.

What advice would you give to other writers trying to break into the Christian market?

I’ve dreamed that someone would ask me that someday. I would say keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you.

What do you hope your readers will glean from your Abducted in Alaska book? 

I want readers to learn what I learned when I went through hard times. That’s there’s JOY in forgiveness. If we hold on to our anger and resentment, it will lead to bitterness. Forgiveness will unlock it and bring Joy. I’m living proof of that.

What books are on your nightstand right now?

Anne of Green Gables and The Anne of Green Gables Devotional by Rachel Dodge. I’m having fun reading each chapter before the corresponding devotional.

 Fun Facts:

Go-to writing snack or drink: Coffee!

Something you must do or have to write: A Christmas suspense or a book or a Christmas Hallmark movie!  

If Abducted in Alaska was turned into a movie, who would you cast as the leads? My inspirations for these characters – Rachelle Lefevre and Henry Cavill

 Candy, cookies, or cake?

How about all three? If I had to choose…probably cookies.

Favorite TV show?

I have many (mostly suspense shows) but would have to say When Calls the Heart – it’s such a wholesome show and has a handsome Mountie in it (What more do you want?) It’s also based on books by a fellow Canadian author!  I’m a Heartie!

 Favorite Movie?

Lord of the Rings

Any hobbies? Pets? Activities?

I love to tole paint – this is painting on wood pieces. Of course, I love to read. No pets but if my husband wasn’t allergic, we’d have a cat (or two).

Cat or Dog

Cats!

 Paperback or e-book?

Definitely paperback. There’s just something about holding a book in your hands!

Here’s the gorgeous cover for Abducted in Alaska:

Protecting a child…

could cost them their lives.

Saving a boy who has escaped his captors puts Canadian border patrol officer Hannah Morgan right into the path of a ruthless child-smuggling ring. Now with help from police constable Layke Jackson, she must keep the child safe. But can they rescue the other abducted children and bring down the gang…all while protecting a little boy and keeping themselves alive?

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com: 

https://amzn.to/2KpcsKH

Amazon.ca:

https://amzn.to/36Tq4VQ

Chapters Indigo:

https://bit.ly/3fi3la6

Barnes & Noble:

https://bit.ly/35KZten

 Question for prize: Who is your favorite author and why?

Answer the question above in the comments below and one person will win an e-book copy of Abducted in Alaska!

Comment on the question and you’re automatically entered into the contest. Prize is open internationally. Here’s how it works. The number of entries are input into a Random Sequence Generator (i.e. 1 through 20). After I click the Generate button, whoever’s number corresponds with the number the random generator gives me wins! Note: If the winner is Canadian, they will be required to answer a skill-testing question before being awarded the prize.

The post Author Interview & Giveaway with Darlene L. Turner appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome to my blog, Barbara! Please, tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m a wife and a mom who enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. I also enjoy history. My first Historical released over the summer.

I live in Wisconsin, but my father was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. He met my mom when his flight squadron was in San Francisco doing joint maneuvers with the U.S. Air Force. My childhood vacations were spent on Vancouver Island with family.

Can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less?

Josephine is a seamstress extraordinaire devoted to her family and a complicated veteran.

Geoff is a wounded warrior who needs a delicate push to grab hold of life again.

Riley is an abandoned dog who finds a home in the making.

What is the inspiration behind your story?

For my twentieth wedding anniversary, my family took a cruise to Alaska. We traveled to the Taku Glacier Lodge outside of Juneau on a cruise ship excursion. While we ate lunch in the lodge, I heard how a WWI veteran and his caregiver had stayed in the lodge after the war. The pair was cut off from Juneau when the Taku River froze during winter. A man and a woman alone in a lodge? That is how the story of “Until June” began.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I have always enjoyed writing stories. I was the kid in class that when the teacher gave a writing assignment, my mind was off thinking of stories to write while my classmates groaned. Throughout my schooling, no one ever mentioned going into writing as a career. Many years later, I was teaching chapel to elementary students. I had kindergarten through fifth grade all at one time. I spent a lot of time modifying curriculum about Bible stories for the vast age range I taught. One day I prayed, “Lord, hit me with some creativity.” God did. I wrote my lessons and continued writing novels. I didn’t start writing Biblical Fiction until my fourth manuscript and that was the first book that received a publishing contract.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

I have worked on “Until June” for over ten years. It was the second novel that I finished, but I had a lot to learn about the craft of writing and the publishing business before the manuscript would be good enough to sell.  Through conversations with literary agents and writing friends, I learned my characters were too far apart in age, their stay at the lodge was too long (originally 3 years), and I had to end my chapters with conflict. All my chapters ended with my characters going to bed. Boring endings mean a reader can put your book down and never pick it up again.

The title also changed over the years. “Left for Dead Lodge” was the original title and makes one think of a horror movie. “War Torn Hearts” came next. My Mom loved this one. I finally settled on “Until June” because Josephine agrees to take care of Geoff at the lodge until June. Enough time for the pandemic of 1918 to pass.

Are you part of a writing group?

Yes, definitely. If you are an aspiring author, don’t be afraid to let other writers read your story. Trusted critique partners can offer insight and help with your plot or characters. You do not want an editor or agent to be the first person reading your manuscript.

I find writing groups through my professional organizations and contacts with other writers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my writing friends. They keep me motivated and give fantastic advice to help my story be the best it can be.

What’s next for you as an author?

A vacation—literally. I have had three books release in 2020 which has made life pretty busy. I am working on another Biblical story and doing promotion for my last release (Until June) since the print release was delayed due to Covid-19.

Here is the lovely cover of Until June, along with a short excerpt:

Josephine bunched up her pillow and tried not to think of anything. Not swears from an injured man. Not the ache from her injury. Not the confrontation with her stepfather. Nothing. Going home and getting back to work on her patterns was her responsibility.

“Water girl?”

She bolted into a sitting position and immediately regretted the sudden movement. She knew that haggard voice. Had she misunderstood the summons? She listened intently as if for the squeak of a mouse.

The man called to her again.

Oh, why did she listen? She knew why. Few were the nights her mother didn’t call out from pain.

Her hand trembled slightly as she poured a glass of water. For a few minutes, she stared at the glass. The last time she played nurse the man had shouted at her. She didn’t even know what some of the names meant. Looking at the ceiling, she said, “Remember this, Lord.”

A quick peek into the hallway showed no sign of a wayward Mrs. Prescott. She shuffled carefully toward the stranger’s door and positioned herself near the entrance to his dimly lit room.

“You came,” he said, his voice strangled and rough.

“I came to ease my conscience and to get some sleep.” She offered him the water glass. He took it from her but didn’t drink.

“I need two white pills.” He pointed to a metal box on top of a tall armoire. “My caretaker’s sick.”

“I can’t,” she said. “I’ll get in trouble.’’

“It’s just an aspirin, Runt. Read the label.”

How dare he insult her? Josephine crossed her arms, crushing all the mail-order bows on her gown, and drew to her full height—five feet nothing.

“I am not a runt.”

“Short hair, short body, short legs, you’re a runt. Now, get me that pill.” He pushed his body higher against the headboard. “Do it,” he demanded. “I hurt.” His tone softened.

An upholstered chair sat next to the armoire. Couldn’t he—? Her hand tingled with memory. I didn’t touch a long leg. She hesitated as her pulse hammered against her veins.

Do it. Don’t. Do it. Don’t. Do it. Don’t.

She met his gaunt-eyed gaze and carefully climbed onto the chair. The last thing she needed was to fall and hit her head again. She reached for the metal box and opened it. Rows of bottles and a stack of syringes filled the little chest. She picked up a copper tinted bottle from the left-hand side.

“It’s on the right,” he coached. “Don’t mess with that bottle. The doctor counts those narcotics. If you give me any more of that tonight, you may not get out of here alive.”

You can buy this book here: 

Purchase link on Amazon (Canada).

Where can readers find you online?

I have a website www.barbarambritton.com and I am active on Facebook and Twitter. I also have a Goodreads profile. I love to hear from readers.

Thanks so much for being here today, Barbara! A question for readers:

Have you been somewhere on vacation that would make a great story?

The post Author Interview with Barbara Britton appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.