Terri Reed Interview

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

A: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a child I would tell myself stories as a way of distancing myself from the chaos of my world. In grade school, high school and college I was encouraged by my teachers to pursue writing. It took me a long time to believe in myself and my writing enough to submit to a publisher. Though that first submission was rejected the editor hand wrote a lovely note that encouraged me to keep trying. It took ten years before I finally had an acceptance. That was over a decade ago now. I’m very happy to be a working writer.

Q: What was your biggest obstacle on the road to publication?

A: I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know craft; I didn’t understand point of view or story arc. My high school grammar skills were lacking. I had to learn everything and even now continue to learn because I don’t believe I’ll ever know it all.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Joint Investigation?

A: This book follows an FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer. She is aided in her investigation by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police inspector. Together they bring down the villain and of course, fall in love in the process. This book is darker than most of my others. And I had nightmare while writing it because of the research I was doing.

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

A:  The idea stemmed from a story I’d seen on television about a series of murders and disappearances in Canada. There is a stretch of road in British Columbia where many women have gone missing or been murdered. They call this area the Highway of Tears. I was moved by the story. Authorities linked some of the deaths to a US man but he was in prison during some of the crimes. The idea of a killer who would cross back and forth between Canada and the US appalled me and was the impetus for my story.

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

A:  The protagonist for Joint Investigation is Sami Bennett. She’s an FBI agent. When her best friend is murdered, she looks into the death and finds a clue that leads her on a chase for a serial killer across the Canadian border. Sami is tough yet vulnerable. She’s good at her job and that almost kills her. She has faith and at times that is the only thing she can cling to.

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

A: I’m working the first book in the new Love Inspired Suspense continuity involving the men and women of a Rookie K-9 Unit set in Arizona. Gina Perry is a trainer for the elite rookies and their canine partners. Officer Shane Weston is a rookie from the latest graduating training class. There’s been a murder in the small community of Desert Valley. All indications point to Gina’s twin brother, who has vowed to kill her. Shane and his canine partner, Bella, are determined to keep Gina safe and bring her brother to justice.

Q: What is a favorite memory from your childhood?

A: One of my favorite memories is of the summer my grandparents took me on a road trip all through the western states. I think that trip sparked my love of travel. Plus, I got to spend a month alone with my grandparents whom I adored.

Q: Where do you escape for some quiet time?

A: A hot bath.

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t writing?

A: That’s a good question. I don’t know.

Q: What is the craziest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done?

A:  Going to Europe as an exchange student. It wasn’t risky in a life-threatening way but it was scary stepping into a world where I didn’t understand or speak the language.

Q: What one thing have you always wanted to do but couldn’t afford to do?

A: Hmmmm. Well, this isn’t an exciting answer but I need (not sure that I can say want) to have orthodontics to correct my TMJ but its sooo much money. And I would rather spend the money on my family than on myself.

Q: I’m an avid gardener and have to ask what kind of flower you would be and why?

A: I think I’d be a Begonia because like the flower I’m low maintenance, adaptable, likes a little sun and a little shade.

From Better Home and Gardens: Talk about foolproof: Annual begonia is about as easy as it gets. It does well in a variety of conditions, but to keep it its most luxuriant best, give it light shade; rich, well-drained soil; and ample water. It also loves plenty of fertilizer, so be generous.

Plant annual begonias in spring after all danger of frost has passed. No need to deadhead this flower unless you want to, it’s “self-cleaning!”

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

1. terrireed.com
2. http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com
3. http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com
4. https://www.facebook.com/terrireedauthorpage

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

A: I want to thank readers of Love Inspired. The authors of all the lines appreciate our readers so much.