Terri Reed Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I’m an empty nester now, but of my adult children live a few hours away. My husband has been working from home like many other people which at first was an adjustment, but we’re making it work. It’s actually nice to have him around. He makes sure I eat. I have an Australian shepherd who loves my attention and we have a good time together. We’ve been doing agility for three years now and some days I’m sure that is the only thing keeping me sane.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I was in seventh grade when I first declared I would become an author. It took until I was in my late twenties before I made the decision to actual pursue a writing career.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. I took a class through my local community college on how to write a romance. From there I discovered a writer’s organization and joined the local group. I realized I had a lot to learn. So, I rolled up my sleeves and dived in. Ten years and many rejections later, I met an editor at a conference. We chatted and she asked me to submit. Though she didn’t acquire for the inspirational line, she liked the story and walked it over to another editor. That editor called me and made me an offer! Since that time I’ve had nearly 50 books published with Harlequin Christian fiction lines. Some of those books have been contest finalists, appeared on bestseller lists and have been reprinted.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Explosive Situation?
A: This book is the fourth in the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn continuity series from Love Inspired Suspense. In my story, when K-9 officer Henry Roake is falsely accused, he must prove his innocence to Internal Affairs investigator Olive Vance. But there’s a complication, a bomber is targeting Henry and his bomb-sniffing dog, Cody. Olivia is determine to prove herself by discovering the truth, but she’ll have to work with Henry to stop the bomber before anyone is hurt.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Explosive Situation?
A: With a continuity, the editors come up with the basic storyline. Then the authors expound on the idea and make it their own. I really wanted to explore the conflict of how Henry would keep those he loved safe, prove his innocence and keep from falling in love with the woman sent to investigate him.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: To be true to yourself and discover your own path in life.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. I’m inspired by my faith and my family. I write to honor God’s call on my life and I write to show my kids that dreams can come true if you put in the work.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I just turned in the first book in a new continuity series slated to release in 2021. This series will be set in Alaska and feature an elite K-9 unit of state troopers and their faithful canine partners as they protect other while finding love along the way.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. As I mentioned, my Aussie girl and I go agility training and we’ve started doing some at home competitions. I also like to exercise and go for long walks. And I like to tend to my flowers in my garden.