Author Interview:
Janet Sketchley
Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
I wanted to be a writer as a child, the way some kids wanted to be doctors or firefighters, but I fell back into it as an adult when I joined a local writers' group to support a friend.
What inspired you to write your first book?
As a mom with an active toddler, I didn't have much time to read so I imagined stories. When one came along that made me uncomfortable, I started writing it to get it out of my head.
What have you written?
Novel-wise, I've written the Redemption's Edge suspense series. Book one, Heaven's Prey, is the story that started it all, about the redemption of a serial killer. Secrets and Lies (no connection with the television series) and the third book (title TBA, releasing November 2015) are lighter suspense with a romantic thread.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
I write Christian fiction, and there are elements of some characters' experiences that reflect their growing faith. I don't write to preach, but the underlying message my characters discover in this series is "whatever happens, Jesus will be there."
How do you conquer writer’s block?
Writer's block for me this year hasn't been lack of ideas, but a sort of paralysis that struck whenever I sat down to write. I knew what I wanted to say, but it was a perpetual struggle to craft the words. I'm glad I had a deadline that made me push through, and that's how I did it, by pushing through writing each day.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
Time management. There are so many legitimate things that can erode our time, not to mention all the nonessentials that lure us.
How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?
If I've pushed too long and too hard, I don't even want to think. Gentle instrumental jazz and a cup of tea are great ways to unwind.
What are you working on right now?
I'm in the final editing phase for Redemption's Edge #3, and preparing for its launch. This ends the series, so a large chunk of my imagination is on the alert for ideas that will help me discover a new series.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
Persistence, flexibility and being teachable are key. Remember to enjoy the journey, because otherwise it'll be too hard.
If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?
I'd like to visit New Zealand. It looks beautiful, and small enough to explore on a vacation. Australia would be amazing, too.
A single mother must protect her teenage son—from organized crime and from himself.
Carol Daniels thinks she out-ran her enemies, until a detective arrives at her door with a warning from her convict brother. Minor incidents take on a sinister meaning. An anonymous phone call warns her not to hide again.
Now she must cooperate with a drug lord while the police work to trap him. Carol has always handled crisis alone, but this one might break her. Late-night deejay Joey Hill offers friendship and moral support. Can she trust him? One thing's certain. She can't risk prayer.
Amazon Author Central:
Janet Sketchley is the author of the Redemption's Edge series: Heaven's Prey and Secrets and Lies are available now, and book 3 releases November 2015. Janet also blogs about faith and books at janetsketchley.ca. Fans of Christian suspense are invited to join Janet's writing journey through her monthly newsletter: bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews.
Author links:
Author website:
I wanted to be a writer as a child, the way some kids wanted to be doctors or firefighters, but I fell back into it as an adult when I joined a local writers' group to support a friend.
What inspired you to write your first book?
As a mom with an active toddler, I didn't have much time to read so I imagined stories. When one came along that made me uncomfortable, I started writing it to get it out of my head.
What have you written?
Novel-wise, I've written the Redemption's Edge suspense series. Book one, Heaven's Prey, is the story that started it all, about the redemption of a serial killer. Secrets and Lies (no connection with the television series) and the third book (title TBA, releasing November 2015) are lighter suspense with a romantic thread.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
I write Christian fiction, and there are elements of some characters' experiences that reflect their growing faith. I don't write to preach, but the underlying message my characters discover in this series is "whatever happens, Jesus will be there."
How do you conquer writer’s block?
Writer's block for me this year hasn't been lack of ideas, but a sort of paralysis that struck whenever I sat down to write. I knew what I wanted to say, but it was a perpetual struggle to craft the words. I'm glad I had a deadline that made me push through, and that's how I did it, by pushing through writing each day.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
Time management. There are so many legitimate things that can erode our time, not to mention all the nonessentials that lure us.
How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?
If I've pushed too long and too hard, I don't even want to think. Gentle instrumental jazz and a cup of tea are great ways to unwind.
What are you working on right now?
I'm in the final editing phase for Redemption's Edge #3, and preparing for its launch. This ends the series, so a large chunk of my imagination is on the alert for ideas that will help me discover a new series.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
Persistence, flexibility and being teachable are key. Remember to enjoy the journey, because otherwise it'll be too hard.
If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?
I'd like to visit New Zealand. It looks beautiful, and small enough to explore on a vacation. Australia would be amazing, too.
About the Book
Carol Daniels thinks she out-ran her enemies, until a detective arrives at her door with a warning from her convict brother. Minor incidents take on a sinister meaning. An anonymous phone call warns her not to hide again.
Now she must cooperate with a drug lord while the police work to trap him. Carol has always handled crisis alone, but this one might break her. Late-night deejay Joey Hill offers friendship and moral support. Can she trust him? One thing's certain. She can't risk prayer.
Amazon Author Central:
About the Author
Author links:
Author website:
http://janetsketchley.ca/
Secrets and Lies page (includes purchase links): http://janetsketchley.ca/books/secrets-and-lies/
Sample Chapter:
Secrets and Lies page (includes purchase links): http://janetsketchley.ca/books/secrets-and-lies/
Sample Chapter:
www.facebook.com/JanetSketchley
Twitter:
Twitter:
twitter.com/JanetSketchley
Amazon Author Central: www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchley
Pinterest:
Amazon Author Central: www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchley
Pinterest:
pinterest.com/janetsketchley/
Goodreads:
Goodreads:
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