Connie Mann Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A. I’ve wanted to write stories since I first cracked open a book as a young child and discovered the magic hidden within the pages. Stories take you to wonderful places and introduce you to fabulous people along the way. It took years and years for me to muster up the courage to submit my own writing for publication. And then many more years before I was finally published. (An advantage to being a stubborn German.) I write romantic suspense because, well… what could be more exciting than two people in danger and falling in love at the same time!

Q: What does your writing space look like?
A: Okay, full disclosure. In the midst of launching a new book, the sad state of my office is currently giving even me nightmares. However, I will show you this awesome Underwood typewriter that lives in my office. It was a gift from a volunteer where I work and belonged to his grandmother, a journalist. Every time I look at it, it inspires me to tell the best story I possibly can.

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A. Definitely promotion. I want to share my stories with people, but I’m always afraid of crossing the line into pushy, obnoxious salesperson. But my stories are always about hope and second chances, which is something worth talking about!

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release HIDDEN THREAT?
A: When Eve Jackson, passionate clean water advocate from DC, hears that a baby has been hospitalized from possible water contamination, she rushes back to her hometown of Safe Harbor, Florida, and starts flinging accusations around. Especially against local rancher Cole Sutton—who also happens to be her high school crush. But as she digs deeper and the danger around them escalates, she and Cole will have to work together to survive the investigation.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A: I loved watching Eve change. She starts out impetuous and impulsive, so focused on her clean-water agenda that she runs right over people. Seeing her temper her determination and start thinking more about those around her–and how her actions affect them–was a pleasure to watch.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A: The theme of second chances runs through all my books. In HIDDEN THREAT, Eve has to let go of the guilt she’s been carrying about her mother’s death. She’s spent most of her life blaming herself, even though it wasn’t her fault. She finally realizes she can’t move forward until she’s able to let that false guilt go. I hope it will encourage others to lay down burdens they were never intended to carry.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A: I am deep into the third (and final) book in the Safe Harbor series, which is foster sister Cat’s story. It will be out next Spring and I’m really excited about it. Readers have gotten little glimpses of Cat, but in this book, she’ll take center stage and we’ll find out what’s really going on with her –and whether she’ll be able to find her way back to the family who loves her.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
A. I’d love to talk with Queen Esther of the Bible and ask her about courage, and how she found the strength to do what she needed to do—knowing it could cost her life. And since I love anything to do with British royalty, I’d love to chat with Kate Middleton about life as a royal.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. If I’m on, in or near the water, I’m a happy girl. Even though I spend my workdays on the water as a boat captain, hubby and I get out in our own boat as often as we can. I tried paddleboarding recently and LOVED it, so I’m scheming to get my own and plan to make that my new hobby.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. Being a Mom. Our two children have grown into amazing adults, despite all our mistakes in raising them. I love the relationships we have today, but sometimes, I still long for the days they would crawl into my lap so I could read them, “Love you forever.”