Terri Reed Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I grew up in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains. As a kid I didn’t appreciate the beauty of the area but I certainly do as an adult. I have still there and visit occasionally. I moved away when I was 18, bounced around the country a bit before settling in Oregon where I’ve raised two wonderful kids with my handsome husband.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. The first time I remember ever making the statement that I would be an author was in seventh grade. I had a fabulous English teacher who inspired and encouraged my imagination.

Q: What do you write and why this genre?

A. I write to get the stories out of my head and to entertain others. I chose Inspirational romantic suspense because I wanted to write from my viewpoint as a Christian, I believe in the power of love to overcome any obstacle and I enjoy the action and thrill of suspense.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A: I’m sure there are aspects of my characters that mimic real people in my life but for the most part I like to create my own characters that way I can make them be or do anything the story dictates.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Undercover Marriage?

A: This is book six of the Witness Protection continuity series from Love Inspired Suspense. My book wraps up several overarching mysteries and brings the bad guys to justice. My hero, Josh, and heroine, Serena, go undercover, posing as a married couple. A hard task considering Serena blames Josh for her brother’s death. But as they come to grips with the past, learning to forgive and allowing grace to soothe their souls, while at the same time dodging bullets, they fall in love.

Q: Where did the idea for this story come from?

A. The editors. In a continuity the editorial team comes up with the premises, the characters and the overarching story lines. Then the authors take all the information and piece it together like a big jigsaw puzzle. The result is a well developed six or more book series that readers enjoy.

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

A: Serena Summer was a tough cookie to get to know. She had all this angst and grief she was dealing with over her brother’s murder and yet had to stay professional and do her assigned job. Acting like a loving wife while hurting was difficult. I tried to balance her emotions so that she didn’t swing to far one way or another. I liked how complex she was and that in the end she listened to her heart.

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

A. Right now I’m working on book two of my own upcoming suspense series titled, Northern Border Patrol—keeping the U.S.-Canada border safe. The first book in the series, Danger at the Border, releases in September. The book I’m writing now will be out July 2015.

Q: What are some ways that readers of your books can help you as an author?

A.  1.)I always appreciate hearing from readers, whether to tell me they like the story or not. 2.) Writing reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and other book reviewing sites is a great way to help spread the word on a book a read likes.

Q: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

A. That when I’m talking to myself its not that I’m crazy, it’s that I’m working out a plot point.   And that no matter how many times the author/editor readers over a manuscript before it goes to print, mistakes and typos slip past our tired eyes.

Q: Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

A. Hmmm, this is a hard question. Not sure I can come up with much too surprising. I’m pretty boring.

• I absolutely loathe snakes.
• I lived in Italy when I was 18 and traveled around with some girlfriends
• I want to jump out of an airplane.

Q: Milk or dark chocolate? Coffee or tea?

A. Dark chocolate. I drink both coffee and tea.

Q: Favorite TV show or shows?

A. Well, my most recent shows are Once Upon A Time, Blacklist, NCIS, Castle

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

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

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. I’ll be signing Undercover Marriage at the Romance Writers of America book-signing event in San Antonio Texas on July 23 at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel ballroom. http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=564The signing is open to the public and all proceeds go to literacy. There will be over 500 authors signing books. It’s a great event and lots of fun. Everyone is welcome. Stop by and say hello!