Author of the Week: Dani Pettrey

2013/November by Marji Laine 2 Comments

One of my all-time favorite authors, Dani Pettrey is fairly new on the scene of Christian fiction. Her debut book, Submerged, and her second book, Shattered, are both on my all-time favorites list. And I interviewed her latest book, Stranded, just Monday! You can also find my all-time favorite list in that review article. But meeting Dani has been a highlight of my whole year!

First, I got to meet her at the recent 2013 American Christian Fiction Writers conference. What a good sport. Our photographer had a little trouble with my camera and we had to mug three different times to get this shot.

Then I got to meet her online through this interview where I learned about the day-to-day aspects of her writing. I’m so glad you got to join us today on Faith~Driven Fiction, Dani!

Marji: Speaking of your daily grind, what is absolutely necessary to get you going in the mornings?
Dani: A strong cup of coffee J

Marji: LOL. I take mine bubbly and with ice, but I call it Diet Pepsi! What are the biggest (and sometimes most delightful) distractions of your day?
Dani: My children, but they are the best distraction, emails that need to be answered (from my editors, agent, etc.), and, of course, worst of all is the Internet.

Marji: If you could choose anyplace, where would you most like to spend time writing and why?
Dani: I love the beach. I would love to have a little place on the beach where my family and I could go for writing breaks. There’s just something about sand between your toes, the warmth of the sun on your face and the rhythmic sound of the waves. I think it would be a great place to get away to and write.

Marji: Sounds like heaven! Where/when do you normally write and why does it work for you?
Dani: I typically write during the day around my daughter’s homeschooling hours. I curl up on the couch in my sunroom office. It’s where I write the majority of the time so it helps me switch into ‘writer’ mode.

Marji: Do you prefer a computer or a pad and pen? Do you normally use what you prefer?
Dani: I write all my first drafts longhand. It takes a lot of extra time having to type it in later, but it’s just what works for me. Put me in front of a blank screen on the computer and I freeze.

Marji: Do you have a atmosphere preference? (Specific things to listen to, eat, drink, or wear?)
Dani: I always have dark chocolate and a coffee drink (mocha, Americano, etc.) on hand. I need quiet while I’m writing, but enjoy listening to music when I’m typing in, specifically music that is tied to the story.

Marji: I’m with you on the quiet. I’m very sensitive to any sounds, but music in particular. The worst thing my girls can do is start singing a worship song. It starts going through my head stopping my fingers and replacing the scenes that I worked on. What is the worst thing someone can do to you while you’re trying to write?
Dani: Ask me to go to Starbucks. LOL! Also if one of my daughters invites me to go someplace fun like hiking or shopping. Even if I don’t go along, I will have lost all concentration. 

Marji: Oh, and it’s so hard to get back in the groove once it’s passed! Well, I’m looking forward to books 4 and 5 of your Alaskan Courage Series. I LOVE it! And I’m so pleased that you got to share a little with us today! Here’s a little more about Dani:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.