|
Hope White interview with Susan Sleeman
|
|
October 26, 2015
A: I’ve been writing fiction for 15 years. Before that I was a journalist and public relations manager. I worked mostly for associations and school districts. My favorite job was writing medical summaries and pitching stories to the media for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why? A: I write suspense under two names: Hope White and Pat White. Pat writes YA thrillers. I guess you could say I love the mystery angle of things, putting the pieces together and leaving readers clues along the way. I also like that added intensity of danger at every turn. Q: How does your faith play into your writing? A: I love telling stories of personal conflict and high emotional stakes, especially when it involves a character who carries around an emotional burden or guilt that can be lessened by bringing God into his or her life. Q: How do you choose your settings for your books? A: I choose settings based on what inspires me. I’m so lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by mountains, lakes and tons of Christmas trees <G>. Gorgeous green pine trees blanket our Cascade Mountain range and it’s so beautiful. Plus, there are amazing hikes within 10 – 15 minutes of my house. Getting out in nature gives me great peace and makes me feel closer to God. Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up? A: Mostly made up, although I suspect some of my heroes have certain traits of my husband. He’s the best man I know, so it’s makes sense he’d show up in my books.
A: Will Rankin is a widower and father of two young girls. He struggles with shame, feeling like he failed his wife because she shut him out during the last months of her battle with cancer. Will is also frustrated by her parents, who are critical of his parenting style. While out on a hike to clear his head, Will runs into… FBI agent Sara Vaughn who defied her boss’s order to take time off. Instead she goes rogue and pursues suspected criminals in the rugged Cascade Mountains. She witnesses two of the suspects shoot their business partner and she becomes a target. In her attempt to escape danger she falls down a mountainside and is found the next morning by Will. Injured and paranoid, Sara thinks he’s an assassin hired to kill her and she threatens him with a gun! Not a great way to start a relationship. Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story? A: Will Rankin has appeared in previous books so he was nudging me to tell his own story. 😉 The suspense plot was inspired by a thought I had one day about drugs that people take to help them sleep. I wondered, how does a drug make it to the shelves and how do we know it’s safe? Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story? A: Self-forgiveness is key. Sometimes we’re good at forgiving others, but can’t seem to forgive ourselves. We need to be as kind to ourselves as we are to others. Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book. A: I like Will’s gentle nature. He’s a strong man with a kind heart. These types of heroes are my favorite. And Sara is tough as nails, determined and focused. Together they create a kind of balance that really works! Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now? A: I’m writing the next book in the Echo Mountain series that features Police Chief Nate Walsh and Property Manager Cassie McBride. Cassie finds herself in a world of trouble when she discovers a dead body in a rental cabin she’s prepping for incoming guests. When she sees a stranger coming toward the house carrying a shovel, she thinks he’s the killer and runs for safety, but not before he spots her. Will Chief Walsh be able to protect Cassie from the mysterious threat, especially when it seems to be shadowing her every move? Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why? A: I’d visit the Isle of Skye, on the west coast of Scotland. It’s gorgeous, there are plenty of castles to explore, and there’s even a spot with purple trees! (Favorite color) Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done? A: Karaoke. I seriously need to stay away from a microphone. It was not pretty. Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? A: Moved away from friends and family. It was even harder for my boys, but we’ve all managed to thrive. It’s strange how the most difficult things can sometimes turn out to be the best for you. Q: Where can readers find you on the internet? A: Hopewhiteauthor.com Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us? A; I’m gluten and dairy free, so if anyone has a good recipe, I’d love to know about it! Email me at: hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com
|
Accused of being an eternal optimist, Hope began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when she was in grade school, and wrote her first book when she was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!
She started her career as a reporter for a small town newspaper before discovering her passion for writing fiction. Hope has been married to her college sweetheart for more than 20 years. When not dreaming up inspirational tales, you’ll find her out hiking one of many trails in the Pacific Northwest, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theater. Check out all of her titles for Love Inspired Suspense at: Hopewhiteauthor.com
