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Heather Day Gilbert

Author

Guest Interview and Book Giveaway–DANI PETTREY, Author of SUBMERGED

Dani Pettrey

Today I feel very privileged to be interviewing romantic suspense author Dani Pettrey. She’s answering lots of writerly questions for us, AND she’s graciously offered to do a book giveaway drawing for a copy of her novel, Submerged. 

I first “met” Dani through her blog, http://danipettrey.com/, which led to an email conversation about our Nordic roots (we both could’ve had different maiden names!). Then I got to meet her at a book signing at a cute coffee shop in Virginia. Here’s a photo of us:

I personally love that Dani’s books are set in Alaska. I watch Yukon Men for fun, and for info on how to survive if things really get rough! Since I’m not the most urban kinda gal (Starbucks addiction notwithstanding), this rough and rugged setting appeals to me.

Here’s a little more background info on Dani: 
 

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.

And now, let’s jump right into our questions! Please comment below with your email address for a chance to win a copy of Submerged!

HG: It was so great to meet you in person, Dani! You are such a petite, cute gal! Tell me why you chose Alaska for your series setting. Have you ever been there?

DP: Thanks, Heather. It was a joy meeting you and your delightful daughter. Thanks again for coming out to say hi. 🙂 

Once I knew that Cole and his family owned an adventure outfitting company, I began searching for the perfect setting. I wanted some place where a wide variety of adventures could occur—everything from scuba diving to snowboarding. Alaska seemed the perfect location. It’s ripe for adventure and has an inherent risk of danger if you’re not properly prepared. 

HG: Did you have to do loads of research for the diving scenes? Also, did you base the Russian history aspects on any real events? I loved those details.
 
DP: Yes. I had to do a lot of research for both the diving scenes and the Russian history aspects. Fortunately I love research!

I did base quite a bit of the Russian background on real people and events. I love weaving fact into fiction, taking what existed and asking what if? It’s one of the great joys of being a write—letting my imagination run wild. 

HG: How did you meet your editor—querying, contest, or conference?

DP: I met my editor at the ACFW conference. All his appointment slots were booked so I went to a Spotlight session he gave on Bethany House and approached him afterwards. He was gracious enough to listen to my pitch and to request the first three chapters. 
HG: Tell us about the day Bethany House said they wanted to publish your book (or did they say yes to the entire series?). I can only imagine the emotions!

DP: My editor let me know the day that Submerged went to publishing committee. What an emotion-filled day. I decided the best way to get through the day was focused distraction so I took my girls rock climbing. When I returned there was an email from my editor making me an official offer for Submerged and two more books in the series. I literally dropped to my knees and thanked God. 

HG: How long did it take to get your book published, from that rough draft to the final publication?
 
DP: It took me a year to write Submerged, and then once I sold another year and a half before it hit shelves. 



HG: Your next book, Shattered, releases February 2013. Did you have it ready to go by the time Submerged hit shelves this year?


DP: I had already written and revised Shattered when Submerged released, but I wasn’t completely through the editorial process. I still had line edits to do this summer and just finished my first galley run through. 

HG: Finally, tell us a little about the main characters in this upcoming book!

DP: Shattered follows the journey of Piper McKenna and Landon Grainger as they seek to find a snowboarder’s killer. Here’s the back cover copy: 

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.
 



Thank you so much, Dani! Looking forward to reading Piper’s story. All the best to you, and thanks so much for doing this giveaway!



****Please comment below with questions for Dani or with something you enjoyed about this interview. Don’t forget to give your email address for a chance to win Submerged! (Or email me at heatherdaygilbert@gmail.com if you don’t want to give your email publicly).**** 

And I’ll choose the random winner this Monday, Sept. 18th! Will email you and post the name then!

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Alaska// Bethany House// Book Giveaway// Dani Pettrey// editors// guest interview// Romantic Suspense// Shattered// Submerged

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Comments

  1. Jessica R. Patch says

    September 14, 2012 at 11:18 am

    I'm itching to read Piper and Landon's story! I loved them in Submerged! Great interview, ladies! Have an awesome weekend!

  2. Carrie Fancett Pagels says

    September 14, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    Great interview and post! Thanks Heather and Dani for sharing with us! Many blessings! Am wondering if some of the reviewers on my blog might want to read her books–Marian loves adventure stories. Have a blessed day!!!

  3. Dani Pettrey says

    September 14, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Hi Jessica, Thanks so much for dropping by. So glad you enjoyed the interview :))

  4. Dani Pettrey says

    September 14, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Thanks so much for having me, Heather. It was such a pleasure meeting you. I really enjoyed the interview. Blessings :))

  5. Heather Day Gilbert says

    September 14, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Refer those readers on over here, Carrie! Maybe they'll win the book! At the very least, they can read more about it!

  6. BW says

    September 14, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    Good luck on the book Dani. I realyy enjoyed the interview. It's sounds interesting especially the scuba diving part. I have co-workers who scuba dive regularly. Mostly they look for boats that have sunked in Lake Erie. One went exploring the waters off Costa Rica for one boat.

  7. BW says

    September 14, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    I forgot my email. It's lmyost@roadrunner.com.

  8. Kate Dolan says

    September 14, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    Great interview, Dani! How do you keep the suspense going for a whole book? Do you plot everything in detail in advance or just see what happens?

  9. Dani Pettrey says

    September 14, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Hi Carrie,Thanks for dropping by. Let me know if any of the reviewers on your blog are interested and I'll send them a review copy 🙂

  10. ShannonStrader says

    September 14, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    Loved the relationship between the McKennas!! Can't wait to read more about them!!!servantofgod8203@yahoo.com

  11. Heather Day Gilbert says

    September 14, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    Great question, Kate–yes, are you a plotter or seat-of-the-pants writer, Dani?

  12. Lourdes says

    September 14, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    Great interview can't wait to read this book!!! Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

  13. Anonymous says

    September 14, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Loved the first book. Have the second boom preordered. Can't wait!teresa_snyder@comcast.net

  14. Dani Pettrey says

    September 15, 2012 at 12:38 am

    Hi BW, So glad you enjoyed the interview. Looking for sunken boats sounds like a lot of fun 🙂

  15. Dani Pettrey says

    September 15, 2012 at 12:39 am

    Hi Shannon,So glad you enjoyed the McKennas :)) It's been so much fun telling their stories.

  16. Dani Pettrey says

    September 15, 2012 at 12:39 am

    Thanks, Lourdes. Hope you'll enjoy Cole and Bailey's adventure. Best of luck in the drawing 🙂

  17. Dani Pettrey says

    September 15, 2012 at 12:40 am

    Thanks, Teresa. So glad you enjoyed Submerged. Hope you'll really enjoy Shattered too 🙂

  18. Dani Pettrey says

    September 15, 2012 at 12:41 am

    Hey Kate, To answer your question (and Heather's :)), I am a seat of the pants writer. I'll have a general premise in mind and then I just sit down and start writing.

  19. Bobman says

    September 15, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    This story sounds exciting! I've never read romantic suspense, so I'm eager to see how these two weave together.bobpaigeATgmailDOTcom

  20. Pat Trainum aka P. T. Bradley says

    September 15, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    Love this interview. It's so exciting to hear how someone goes from unpublished to published! Would love to win her book.pat at ptbradley dot com

  21. Gwendolyn Gage says

    September 15, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Great interview, Heather! Thanks for introducing Dani, and bringing "Submerged" to my attention. It sounds great, and I'd love to win a copy.gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

  22. Heather Day Gilbert says

    September 15, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    This is so fun! I love book giveaways! Can't wait to see who wins!

  23. NancyMehl says

    September 15, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    Just wanted to stop by and say what a great book Submerged is! I love Dani's writing. Whoever wins is in for a treat!

  24. Erynn says

    September 15, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    Loved the story of how you met your editor . . . kind of similar to how I met my agent. Praying for more of those divine appointments this year. Hope I'll get to meet you (both) too. ENewman(at)outlook(dot)comAlso, I'm stalking this book like crazy. I think this is the fourth or fifth contest I've entered. *fingers crossed*

  25. Nancy Kimball says

    September 15, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    Oh, I loved getting to see the back cover copy for Shattered. No need to enter me in the drawing, I read, loved, and shared Submerged. =)

  26. Heather Day Gilbert says

    September 15, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Hey Erynn, just became a follower @ your uber-cool blog! Are you on twitter? And I know all about that book-stalking. I'm stalking Jody Hedlund's book right now! I wish I could be @ ACFW this year, but next year is IN THE WORKS!And thank you all for your comments and entries! I hadn't read romantic suspense before SUBMERGED either, Bob. It's a nice mix!

  27. lollipops says

    September 16, 2012 at 1:26 am

    I would love to win a copy of this! Did you actually go diving for the research?vernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com

  28. Jennifer Major says

    September 16, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Great interview ladies!!! Submerged sounds awesome! Feel free to just mail it to me….

  29. Laura says

    September 28, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    It sounds like it was a very enjoyable book for Dani to write! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Hi, I’m Heather…

I write contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Born and brought up in the mountains of West Virginia, I enjoy writing about small towns, family relationships, and women who aren't afraid to protect those they love. Read More…

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