Today my friend and fellow debut author, Danie Pattrey, shares a quote with us. Dani will be joining me, Katie Ganshert and Olivia Newport for an a-ma-zing launch party on May 15th! Mark your calendars & plan to join us.
“Pursuing adventure for a living, I get more than my fair share of knocks, but getting a backwards head-butt from a beautiful lady is nothing to complain about.” ~Cole McKenna from Submerged by Dani Pettrey
I am fascinated by adventurous people, even more fascinated by extreme athletes and those that purse adventure for a living. It’s why I write romantic suspense, and why the McKenna family of my Alaskan Courage series runs an adventure outfit company in Alaska. Their profession and the rugged landscape combine to provide a phenomenal canvas for adventure.
What draws me so strongly to adventure? I believe it’s because it’s exhilarating to live vicariously through someone who performs feats we would never attempt, to witness someone bolder than us stare straight into the face of fear and danger, and defy it. Journeying alongside characters of that substance makes me long to be bolder, braver, and to live more fully.
Isn’t all fiction like that? It doesn’t matter if the genre is historical romance, women’s fiction, or even the classics—adventure and suspense always exist in story. Will the hero overcome the obstacles marring his path? Will the heroine finally face her fears and return home? Every story poses a question and seeks to answer it in a way unique to each author, unique to each character. That’s why I love story so much. Having journeyed alongside a character over hills and valleys, struggled with them, rooted for them, maybe even cried with them, we come out the better for it. We learn to love deeper, forgive easier, maybe even to try something new. That’s the beauty of adventure and the power of story. It’s why I love to read and why I am stirred to write. My deepest wish is that my stories take you on an adventure and maybe, just maybe, have you discover something new and lasting.
In Your Words: Why do you love to read? If you’re a writer like Dani, Katie, Olivia and me: What stirs you to write?
What is Submerged about? A sabotaged flight. Two murdered divers. A single clue—a grainy image of sunken treasure.
Dive Rescue Captain Cole McKenna has never worked a case like this, but who he’s working with may prove more dangerous than the assignment. It’s been a lifetime since Bailey mangled his heart. Now she’s back in town and he needs her expertise to track down the illusive treasure.
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 her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.
Comments 34
Dani, I couldn’t get enough of this one documentary of folks hiking over crazy tall mountains in New Zealand about 10 yrs. ago. One guy contemplated quitting b/c his feet were rotting. The whole ordeal was excruciating and I couldn’t get enough of it!
Can’t wait to read your book! Am totally wrapped up in Beth’s now. 😉
I’m stirred to write whenever an idea or character attaches itself to me.
~ Wendy
Dani’s & Olivia’s books are next on my TBR list. Gotta be ready for our Launch celebration. New Zealand — that sounds fun, but without the rotting feet.
Wow! Rotting feet. Now that’s commitment.
Hope you’ll really enjoy Cole and Bailey’s adventure. I’m just finishing up Katie Ganshert’s Wildflowers from Winter and starting on Beth’s next–I’ve heard it’s fabulous 🙂
I never stopped to think about why I love to read. I just always have. Since I was about 5 years old, reading the comics on Sunday. Oddly, a really good movie stirs me to write. May be the music or the handsome hero…dunno…And a good book. Speaking of which, going now to check out Submerged!
Submerged got 4 1/2 stars from RT — and every time I read the premise, I am so, so intrigued!
Thanks, Pat. Hope you’ll enjoy Submerged 🙂
I’m the same way about movies–not sure what it is, but watching a really good movie stirs the desire to get writing in me.
Your book sounds intriguing and I love Alaskan settings. I write for the joy of the creative process plus the insights gained in helping characters face and surmount their biggest obstacles–usually some aspect of themselves–believing it will help readers face and surmount theirs as well.
Dee,
Having read your WIPs, I can say I love how your characters overcome both internal and external obstacles.
Hi Delores,
So glad Submerged sounds intriguing. I really loved setting it in Alaska. I discovered so much about the gorgeous State while researching it. It is truly breathtaking.
I love your reasons for writing. That’s awesome!
I think Alaska is the perfect adventure setting, and I’d love to go there someday myself! Your book sounds great–I love books that merge the internal and external problems seamlessly.
Thanks so much, Heather. That’s exactly why I chose Alaska—it’s just ripe for adventure 🙂
I enjoyed reading your thoughts, Dani. 🙂 I have always been an avid reader. My mom first kindled the craving for books when I was a girl. I remember seeing her laying on the couch, lost ina good book, so absorbed even we three girls couldn’t pull her from it. Short of WW3 of course. 🙂
As a writer, movies and good books spark ideas. Also, something said in a sermon or other sort of message have been known to start an idea in my mind. 🙂
Hi Jeanne,
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. It’s great that your mom fostered your love of reading. Isn’t it amazing how lost we can get in a story? I love that.
It’s always so neat to here where other writers get their ideas 🙂
What do you write?
*hear (oops :))
I’m working on my first women’s fiction wip. 🙂 Having fun with the learning and doing of writing. 🙂 Looking forward to reading your book.
Thanks, Jeanne. That’s great you are working on your first women’s fiction manuscript. So many people dream of writing. It’s great when you take that leap and start. Hope you enjoy the process 🙂
Nice to meet you, Dani! Your book sounds awesome!
I love to read for the reasons stated: because I love getting lost in another time, another place. To be someone different for a few hours…wow.
And I love to write because I love to create…I love the idea of creating something that will capture others’ imaginations.
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks so much! Really hope you enjoy Submerged. It was so much fun to write.
The creative aspect of writing is wonderful. What do you enjoy writing?
Right now I write inspirational women’s fiction with romantic elements. But I like to read everything! 🙂
Sounds fun. I love to read a little bit of everything too 🙂
Great post, Dani! I’m always inspired by people who push themselves past their limits. (P.S., I got your book in the mail this past week and just love your cover! It’s so exciting to see this adventure becoming a reality for you. :))
Thanks, Sarah. So glad you got Submerged. Hope you’ll really enjoy Cole and Bailey’s adventure. I love the cover too. Bethany House really outdid themselves 🙂
So nice to “meet” you, Dani! I loved your post – you encouraged me to get up and write better, which is why I love the written word so much, it stirs the soul. I love looking at a painting, hearing a song or reading a story that quickens the desire in my own heart to create. Accomplishing that for someone else with my words is the greatest desire of my heart. Looking forward to reading your book!
Thanks so much, Gabrielle. So glad you enjoyed the post. It really is amazing how powerful stories can be. There’s nothing better than a good book 🙂
Loved that one, Dani! Readers are going to love your book!
Thanks, Katie. Still can’t believe it was your first romantic suspense 🙂
Sounds like a great book!
~Debbie
Thanks, Debbie 🙂
I like the thrill of living vicariously via reading and writing.
Dani’s book sounds great! Thanks for sharing Beth 🙂
Thanks, Coleen. Reading is a great way to experience new adventures and journeys–all from our favorite reading spot.
Hi Dani! The book sounds amazing and I love, love, love the cover! I, too, write romanitc suspense and I love throwing my characters into situations I probably wouldn’t have the courage, or chutzpah, to navigate. I truly live vicariously through them from the comforts of my couch while the babies nap in the other room. Just because I am not called to scale mountains, fight fires, or solve murders, doesn’t mean I can’t. And I can still be home to change diapers and make dinner. 🙂 Can’t wait to read it! Congrats!
Thanks so much, Amy! That’s great you write romantic suspense too. I know exactly what you are saying… It’s so much fun living vicariously through our characters. I have the most fun researching all their adventures. And, being a mom is pretty adventurous too 🙂
Most days I would argue being a mom is more adventurous and challenging than just about anything. At least, it is when you have boys. Oh, to have nice quiet little girls. (sighs) 🙂
Enjoyed reading this post, Dani and Beth. I can highly recommend Submerged ~ great adventure, suspense and intrigue!
But what’s all this New Zealand talk ~ Australia is the place to be if you want adventure – hehehe!
I read to be entertained, challenged, encouraged and thrilled ~ if one book can do all of that it is pretty amazing 🙂