Meet Author Dani Pettrey

On Tuesday, we introduced you to Dani's latest romantic suspense release, Shattered, from Bethany House. Today we learn more about Dani the author.

1) Have you always wanted to be an author? If not, what made you decide to write, and how long have you been at it?

I have always loved daydreaming and making up stories. I dabbled with creative writing growing up, but set it aside. It wasn’t until after the birth of my youngest daughter and a bout with a serious illness that I really felt God stirring me to start writing again.

I started slowly. I spent a lot of time simply reading novels, seeing how they worked, and analyzing why I fell in love with certain characters and not others. I attended writing conferences, joined a writer’s group and devoted regular time to writing. I was also blessed with an amazing mentor who really shepherded me in the craft and writing life. I wrote for close to seven years from the very initial thought of ‘I think I’ll try and write a novel’ to receiving my first contract. 

2) Have you ever had a funny experience connected with being an author? For instance, has someone ever overheard you discussing the merits of one murder weapon over another or caught you shooting at a can of gasoline to see if you could make it explode?

Absolutely. I was flying back from an ACFW conference with a fellow romantic suspense writer and friend. We were brainstorming about the best way to keep someone captive in your home without your neighbors becoming suspicious. We carried on for well over an hour before we noticed people were staring at us, and then it hit. We laughed and tried to assure everyone it was okay—we were writers brainstorming stories. They smiled, but I don’t think they all bought it. I think several were expecting to see us on the news.

That's funny! I wish I could have have been there to see their reactions!

3) What do you love about being a writer, and what do you like the least?

I love so many aspects of being a writer—developing characters, creating story worlds, brainstorming with my editors, seeing the stories turn into books on the shelves, and most especially, connecting with readers. What I like least are deadlines, but it’s good I have them or I’d tinker forever. 

4) Are you a plotter, a pantser, or a combination?

I always say I’m a panster, but I’m starting to believe I’m a combination. I have a general premise in mind, an idea of where I want the story to end, and who my main characters are before I sit down, but I don’t fill out an outline or scene-by-scene cards. I don’t fill out character sketches or interviews. I just let the ideas rumble around in my head a bit, do some research, let the story percolate and then sit down and start writing.

I work the same way.

5) What do your kids think about your being a writer?

I think they really enjoy that I write, but at the same time, it’s got to be a little strange being a romantic suspense author’s kid. My oldest is an adult and my “baby” is only months away from becoming an adult so the following won’t sound quite as horrific, hopefully J It’s not unusual for a topic of conversation around our house to be about the best way to dispose of a body, or how decomposed a body would be after a certain amount of time. My girls also help with proofreading, brainstorming, and everything in between. I’m very blessed!

6) Do you like to listen to music when you write?

I would love to listen to music while I write, but I find it too distracting. I end up typing the lyrics.

I'm exactly the same way. Whether or not it has lyrics, I listen to music too actively for it to stay in the background. I also like what you said in your Tuesday post -- I had no idea you'd be talking about music earlier when I asked this question -- but it definitely sets the mood and evokes emotion.

7) Writing is a sedentary occupation. What do you do for exercise?

My favorite form of exercise is hiking, but any type of walk outdoors is great. We have an elliptical and stationary bike for rainy and especially cold days.

That's where you and I differ. I just plain doing get enough exercise.

8) Do you have any pets? Do you own them, or they you?

We have a Black Labrador who thinks he’s a lap dog, a miniature dachshund who thinks she’s a lion and a goldfish named Freddie. Our Lab, Jack, definitely owns me. He’s the sweetest thing ever.

Thank you, Dani, for visiting us on The Borrowed Book!

Readers, make sure to stop by tomorrow and participate in our drawing. One lucky person will win a copy of Dani's new release, Shattered.

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The Sound of Music by Dani Pettrey

Do you remember where you were when you first heard “A Spoonful of Sugar” or “The Cha Cha Slide?” I bet both bring back a very distinctive memory. Do they remind you of a certain time in your life? Who you were with when you heard them? What you were doing at the time? A Spoonful of Sugar brings back two special memories for me. The first time I heard it was as a kid, watching Mary Poppins on my neighbor’s brand new VCR. The second time, I was watching the musical on Broadway with my young daughters. Both instances remind me of very different periods in my life—one of my childhood and the other of when my girls were younger. Music has the ability to trigger our memories, to transport us back in time, and to revive emotions with a simple melody or chorus. For example, every time I hear the theme music for Indiana Jones, I feel adventurous. 

How does this relate to writing? Many writers listen to music while writing. It helps get them in the mood and helps bring emotions to the surface. It’s a fantastic, creative tool for writers. Unfortunately, I can’t write with music playing or I end up typing lyrics rather than dialogue. However, I still love combining the power of story and the beauty of music. 

As I write, my stories play out like a movie in my head and songs spring to mind. While I don’t automatically match a specific song to a specific scene, I always know the tone and feel I’m going for. After the scene is written, I’ll go and search for a song that fits. Lyrics are most important to me when choosing a song, but melody is up there. Melody helps create mood and indicates the level intensity within a scene. 

With my latest release, Shattered, I went ahead and compiled a playlist of songs. As I listen to the soundtrack, I can feel the emotions Piper and Landon are experiencing at different points throughout the story. The really cool thing is that I’ve had readers email and ask if a particular song went with a particular scene because they felt it was the right fit. I love that!

As writers, we are always looking for ways to bring added depth and emotions to our stories. I believe music is one way to do this. Not only will it cement scenes in your mind, but hopefully will also be a fun extra for readers to resonate with. 

To see an example, you can visit the Fun page on my website and listen to Shattered’s soundtrack. www.danipettrey.com/fun/ 

Writing inspirational romantic suspense, most of the songs I choose reflect faith, romance and adventure. I hope you’ll enjoy the soundtrack and the story. Here’s a little glimpse at Shattered: 

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

Come on back Friday when Dani will be giving away a copy of her latest release, Shattered.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s fath and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

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