Interview with Dani Pettrey! {Giveaway!}

Hey everyone! I am very happy to bring to you this lovely interview with Dani! Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom, kay? ;)

Welcome, Dani, to Writings of Rosie! Could you give us a little bio please?
I’m a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. I feel blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things I love--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of my characters' faith, and plenty of romance. My husband and I reside in Maryland with our two daughters.

Oh, me too. Nail-biting suspense is my favorite to read. How hard was it writing Piper and Landon’s story? Did you have everything planned out from the beginning?
Each story is unique and different in approach, but I’m not a plotter. I typically begin with an idea of who my characters are, what crime has been committed and an overarching idea or premise for the story. Then I sit down and start writing. I really enjoy seeing the characters come to life in the first draft. In Piper and Landon’s case I already knew quite a bit about them since they were both secondary characters in my debut novel, Submerged. It was a lot of fun getting to spend time with them again.

I'm sure it was! :-) Is there anything unique or quirky that you do while you write? I always write out my first drafts long hand. I know it takes extra time having to then go back and type the entire draft in, but it’s the only way the words flow at the beginning of a story. Put me in front of a blank screen and I freeze.

Wow, I applaud you for that. My hand cramps if I write by hand for too long. Do you have a favorite place to write? I’ve turned the sunroom off my kitchen into my office. I love it because it’s in the center of our home and the entire back wall is made of windows. I’ve got a great view of the trees and neighborhood pond. And, I’m really close to the coffee pot and espresso machine. :)

Sounds gorgeous! How did you decide Alaska would be your main setting for the series? Once I knew the McKenna family owned and operated an adventure outfit company, I searched for the perfect location. I wanted someplace that offered a wide variety of adventures along with an inherent element of risk. I think Alaska fits perfectly. It’s a gorgeous state!

Can you share anything about Gage and Darcy’s story Stranded?
When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

Eek! I'm so excited for it to come out! Lastly, where can readers find you on the Internet?
 On my website www.danipettrey.com, Facebook Page www.facebook.com/danipettrey, and Twitter www.twitter.com/danipettrey

Thank you so much for stopping by, Dani! I’ve loved interviewing you.
Thank you so much for having me, Rosie. It was a pleasure.

All right, readers, here's your chance to win a copy of Shattered! And, because this week is all about celebrating Writings of Rosie's first birthday I'm not giving away one copy, but two! :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway not open internationally, sorry!!