Terri Reed Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?

A.  I write predominantly in inspirational romantic suspense. I have always loved writing and dreamed of being a writer. In the early 90’s I took a class at the local community college on writing romances. I was hooked. From there I discovered and joined Romance Writers of America where I soaked in as much information as I could as I learned to write.

Q: What does your writing space look like? 

A: My space is filled with books, boxes and piles of papers. I’m messy yet I know where everything is

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?

A. I try to remember to pray every morning before I get out of bed and read my Bible every night and pray before I go to sleep. During the day I will ‘talk’ to God as if He’s sitting here with me. I think being close to God helps me keep focused on whatever task I’m doing whether that is writing or working out or making dinner. God quiets my mind and lets me think clearly.

Q: What’s part of a writing career do you find most difficult?

A. Self-promotion. Not only is it time consuming, but it’s very uncomfortable to me to self promote.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release The Doctor’s Defender?

A: As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead. It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes. Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7. At first, Brenda doesn’t think too-handsome Kyle Martin is right for the job. Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe. With every attempt on her life, she’s more drawn to the strong and silent man who risks his life for hers. But their growing feelings could put them both in harm’s way.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for The Doctor’s Defender?

A: The hero, Kyle Martin, had appeared in a couple of other Protection Specialists books and I knew I wanted to give him his own story. He needed someone to protect, someone who he’d have to work hard to impress and someone who would inspire and push him to become all that God had for him. I started playing around with different characters when Doctor Brenda Storm emerged out of the shadows of my mind. She was strong and capable, yet vulnerable and so in need of a hero. I set the story in Chicago because I lived there for a year a long time ago and grew to love the windy city.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her:

A: Kyle Martin was a secondary character in The Secret Heiress (Jan 2012) and in The Innocent Witness (July 2011). He was irreverent and larger than life. He captured my interest. As I became to develop his character I realized there were depths to him that I hadn’t realized were there and couldn’t wait to explore those depths.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?

A: What I liked most and least are one and the same for this book. Kyle and Brenda would not stop talking! I kept having to remind myself that bad things were happening and they couldn’t have these long conversations. I have to break up their talks and dole them out through out the story.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?

A: The main message is opening up ones heart and mind to all that God has in store for you. And sometimes that requires a leap of faith even though we are afraid or unsure

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. I just finished up a continuity book, part of the TEXAS K-9 Unit, which will be out in May 2013. Scent of Danger features a K-9 Beagle named Sherlock and his handsome handler Parker Adams who teams up with cold case Detective Melody Zachary to bring a killer to justice and stop a drug ring.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

A. Detective Jane Rizzoli and Doctor Maura Isles from Tess Gerritsens successful thriller series.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?

A. I don’t really have a hobby. I love to exercise, if that counts as a hobby. I’ve been into Pilates. I’ve found it has helped me so much in so many ways .

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?

A. The most rewarding thing I’ve ever done is raise my kids. My daughter just left for college and she’s a great person. I am pleased and thankful for having her and my son in my life. I was meant to be a mother and God blessed me greatly with my children.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A.www.loveinspiredauthors.com, http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com, http://terrireed.blogspot.com

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A.Available in November I have a release of a Christmas romantic suspense story titled Her Christmas Protector, that will be available for purchase from the Harlequin website. This is part of the Love Inspired Christmas Collection. The link is http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?cid=3236