Lin Stepp has enjoyed “imagining” stories since early childhood, but she found it necessary to delay her dream of writing until after college, marriage, raising a family, and establishing a career as an educator and businesswoman.

Since setting out to pursue her long-held passion for storytelling, she has written prolifically. The Foster Girls and Tell Me About Orchard Hollow are the first two of her twelve contemporary Southern romances.

Writing is a second career for you. How do you manage your time?

One of my favorite quotes is: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” I am a big example of that since I didn’t start writing fiction until midlife and have to coordinate it around several other career responsibilities.

In my non-writing life, I am on faculty at Tusculum College. I teach a research writing sequel and a variety of psychology courses, and I work part-time as the Educational Coordinator for Huntington Learning Center, doing PR and marketing to K-12 schools. In addition, I still help my husband in several aspects of our twenty-two year business, S & S Communications—that publishes a monthly fishing and hunting guide magazine and sells sports sales products in a side subsidiary. As you can imagine, I had to do some major life shuffling to manage to write around all these commitments.

When my heart drew me to write my fiction series…I made a strong decision to view writing as a serious part-time job with a minimal commitment of 20 hours a week. In my day journal I pencil in my writing “work blocks” in advance for each month, shifting the hours around as needed to accommodate my schedule. Generally, what works best for me is scheduling five-hour work blocks four times a week.

Admittedly, I am rigid with myself. If I fail to put in my scheduled time in a week, I do make it up later. I read once that ‘if you don’t manage your time, your time manages you.’ That is true for me…and when you work at home independently, all sorts of things try to disrupt you and take your writing time.

When it comes right down to it…I think if you want something bad enough, you will try to find a way to make it happen. I have been writing approximately two books a year since 2006…which should encourage anyone reading this that you can do it too. I love fellow writer Carolyn Jourdan’s advice about how to write a book:  (1) Start your book, (2) Write a whole lot, (3) Finish your book. That’s the biggest secret to it all—even more than motivation and inspiration.

Did you begin writing as a child? What draws you to writing as a creative outlet?

From the earliest years I remember, I loved words in print. To this day, I love the sights, smells, and feel of a library or bookstore. I read extensively as a child and doodled at writing in fun ways for pleasure as I grew up. Writing has always called to me like a misty siren and tangled me up in its embrace.

On my Facebook recently I wrote: “Something I love about writing novels—unlike life—you can determine what happens.” That’s a happy truth. It’s a joyous creative outlet for me to construct worlds, characters, stories and conflicts, and make everything in that world turn out as I want.

How does your faith play into your writing?

My faith plays into my writing in two ways. First, I feel strongly that we are each meant to use the talents God gave us—and in ways that bring honor to Him. Johann Goethe wrote: “The person with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it.”

Second, writers are more powerful leaders than they may realize. They can touch and influence lives by what they write. I plant “seeds of faith” in my novels, simple examples of how people of faith live their lives by what they believe mixed with a wholesome, entertaining, and engaging story.

In truth, I can’t really separate my writing, my life, and my works from my faith. As Dolly Parton says: “God is in everything I do and all my work glorifies Him.”

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

My life has been more full of “detours” and problems than straight paths.

In speaking to a book club last week, I told them a shaping event that led me to start writing at midlife was a critical illness. I had pneumonia four times and developed pleurisy one year, when I’m ordinarily a very healthy person. In this time period, I really thought I might not recover—and as I lay in bed, I realized I hadn’t accomplished the one thing I most wanted to do in my life, which was to write books. So perhaps that “unexpected detour” proved to be like an epiphany and pivotal in shaping my life in a different direction—although I do not believe any illness, sorrow, or hardship comes from God.

Let’s talk about the Smoky Mountain Series (Canterbury House Publishing). Please tell us a little about the first two books.

I write warm, contemporary romances with a dash of suspense, a touch of inspiration, and a big dollop of Appalachian flavor.  The Smoky Mountain novels are a series of twelve linked books all set in different areas around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee.

The Smokies is listed as the most visited National Park in America—and yet, as my husband I explored and hiked the Smokies and poked into regional bookstores and shops, I found few contemporary novels set in the area. When I go to the beach, I like to take a stack of ocean-set romances to add to the ambience. Now as I explored the Smokies, I kept asking:  ‘Where are your contemporary novels set in the Smokies—you know, with a little romance and a little suspense?” A bookseller sighed and said:  “People ask for those all the time. I wish someone would write some; we could surely sell them.” Obviously, he planted a seed in my mind…and one day, while working my Huntington job on the road, the idea for the Smoky Mountain series simply came walking into my mind and thoughts. Eventually, I had twelve novels tentatively mapped out. Right now, I am working on book nine—while marketing and signing for the first novels already in publication.

The Foster Girls, published in 2009, is set in the rural Wear’s Valley near Pigeon Forge, and Tell Me About Orchard Hollow, released in 2010, is set in the Townsend, Tennessee area of the Smokies. For Six Good Reasons, the third book in the series, comes out soon in the spring of 2011. One of my college students said to me:  “Oh, Dr. Stepp, I thought you’d write dark novels being a psychologist.” But, no, I write warm, charming, happy novels with a good, satisfying ending.

Because the books are a linked series, versus a continuing series following the same players and ongoing drama, each of my books has its own complete story, with its own unique set of characters and plot. However, for readers who follow the whole series, I do sometimes let book characters pop back into a future book, like meeting an old friend for readers who follow the whole series.

As one of my publisher fact sheets reads, each novel in my series is “an upbeat, sentimental, contemporary romance set in a different area of the Smoky Mountains so that the reader gets to experience a visit to a new area of the Smokies along with the rich pleasure of a good Southern story about memorable characters with each book. Familiar characters and places tie the stories together in an enjoyable way for readers who like a series they can settle into.”

Earlier, you asked me about “detours” and how they can impact lives. In my novels “detour events” cause dramatic changes in many different characters’ lives—and I like showing how my characters work through and past those events to create a richer and stronger future.

To read a synopsis about each book, you can go to my website at: www.linstepp.com. You’ll also find a wide array of beautiful pictures from my hikes in the Smokies by moving through all the links on the website.

Besides providing entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from your books?

I hope, in each book, that my readers will feel like they have slipped away to another world, visited and made new friends they hate to say goodbye to. For me, reading is a pleasure and an escape—and I also learn and grow from the books I read. From these excerpts from my fan mail, I find readers are experiencing exactly the pleasure I hoped for, and more:

“I just read The Foster Girls in two days, not the norm for me. What a wonderful book. I loved the plot. I loved the dialogue. Your characters quickly became real people for me and you kept me guessing about what would happen next with them. I can’t wait for the next book, and I was thrilled to read on your website that there will be twelve books in the series. I will be buying every one! T. H., Texas

“Dr. Stepp…Just a note from a 60-year-old man who simply adores reading your books. I picked up The Foster Girls while vacationing in Pigeon Forge…and began reading it immediately. The only thing was it put me into somewhat of a quandary—I wanted to read it all in one sitting but then again, I wanted to read it very, very slowly, savoring each line. Sadly, I finished it and longed for yet another dose.…Guess what? My wife and I loaded the car and drove eight hours back to Pigeon Forge to secure the second book in the series, which I again find myself in the same quandary.… Thank you for making the mountains come alive even way down in the flatlands of Eastern NC. I totally enjoy the characters, the settings, the story flow and the scenic descriptions. You are without doubt East Tennessee’s best ambassador for tourism (don’t tell Dolly though!) that I know of. I look forward to reading each book…. Thanks again from someone who now has ‘let Smoky Mountain smoke get in his eyes’ and Lin Stepp novels get in his heart and soul.” J.F., North Carolina

What is your current writing project?

Right now, I am working on two main writing projects. The first is book nine in the Smoky Mountain romance series, called Welcome Back, set in the Maggie Valley area on the North Carolina side of the mountains. The second is a hiking book my husband and I just completed—which we are beginning to shop to publishers. It includes our descriptions and memories of 112 trails in the Smoky Mountains we’ve hiked together, enhanced by over 300 photographs and some unique illustrations.

I understand that the artwork for your covers comes from a very special source. Can you share more about that?

Early in negotiations, my publisher asked me to bring any ideas I had for book covers to a marketing meeting. Since J.L. and I have publication and art production background, we mocked up our idea of what we’d like the book covers to look like. I hoped the covers might include beautiful Smoky Mountains paintings—and regional artist Jim Gray’s art seemed to best suit my stories.

I wrote Jim a letter with all my ideas and thoughts…and the Gray family have now become wonderful supporters of my novels, allowing me to use Jim’s stunning Smokies paintings on every cover of my Smoky Mountain books. The Grays also carry my books in their Gatlinburg gallery. To see more of Jim’s work, you can go to his website at: www.jimgraygallery.com.

I was also blessed that another special source, Dolly Parton, read my first book, loved it, and sent me a personal letter containing an endorsement to use on my novels. She asked, too, that I send her a copy of every one of my Smokies set books. I really treasure her comments and support. She wrote: “Well, I’ve finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do…love, family, faith, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, romance, and a great love for our beloved Smoky Mountains. Dr. Lin Stepp, I salute you.”

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Probably ice cream. I have wonderful childhood memories of homemade ice cream in the summer evenings after croquet games in the Ferrell’s yard, of drippy, cold ice cream treats after special occasions growing up, and of ice cream scoops melting over mother’s homemade cakes and pies.

This website features writers as well as musicians, so I like to mix it up a bit. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

One of my early piano teachers kindly told me she always “so much enjoyed my company and visits in her home”—her nice way of saying I wasn’t a stellar piano student. I did take lessons growing up, sang in chorus, and enjoyed music of many kinds—but I just didn’t have the gifting in music as in other arts.

My gifts were always in writing and fine art, and I still enjoy drawing and painting. I went to college, originally, on an art scholarship but soon realized I would probably never be the next Rembrandt—and changed my major to education. I especially like watercolor painting, belong to a Watercolor Group, and do charming, detailed watercolors of houses, flowers, birds, and trees that look like sweet greeting cards.

Many people with artistic gifts do have multiple creative talents. Deborah Smith, a favorite Southern author of mine, who endorsed my first book, also paints. And many children’s authors write and illustrate their own books.

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re relaxing with the radio or an mp3 player? Does music help you write?

My husband, J.L., and I both enjoy easy listening music—music only, no voice—with nature sounds in the background. We are always popping in one of these CDs or tapes while we eat dinner, play games, or work around the house. We also like classical, bluegrass, and 50s-60s music.

When I write, I don’t listen to music. Although I am a multi-tasker and can often do two things at once…when writing, I close myself off with only quiet and my own thoughts.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Probably something sappy—like a tune from a classic musical. I know so many of those songs by memory.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

I think I’d be defined as a mid-range major chord—normal, harmonious, not discordant—a little light, not heavy in sound.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Definitely the girl next door. I grew up in a softer, gentler time and had a warm Happy Days childhood. Except for having “stories running in my mind”—I am a pretty normal, ordinary type of person. I wear classics, have long hair tied up in a pony-tail, cook and keep my own house, go to church and circle meetings, take walks with my neighbors, shop the Goodwill and thrift stores for fun, haunt the library and read extensively, and work hard at all my jobs. I was a Girl Scout, led scout troops—and enjoyed every minute of raising my kids.

I am just a really regular person.

I’m a dog lover. Do you have pets?

I like dogs, but I am definitely a cat person. Mother tells me a kitten showed up at our house when I was a baby, climbed up in the crib with me, and that I drew cats like a magnet from then on. Right now, J.L. and I have two cats—a black-and-white tuxedo named Tucker and a tortoise-shell named Sophie.

Thank you, Lin! It’s nice to have you at DivineDetour!

~ ~ ~

For more information about Lin and her books, logon to her website at www.linstepp.com.

To purchase The Foster Girls and/or Tell Me About Orchard Hollow from Amazon, logon to http://www.amazon.com/Lin-Stepp/e/B0028OJMPA/ref=sr_tc_img_2?qid=1290360342&sr=1-2-ent.

To purchase The Foster Girls and/or Tell Me About Orchard Hollow from Barnes & Noble, logon to http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&ATH=Lin+Stepp.

An American citizen, Elaine Poggi has resided in Florence, Italy, for many years. But, when her mother was admitted to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2001, Elaine returned to the states to assist in her caregiving.

Out of desperation to bring life and color back into her mother’s life, Elaine decorated her hospital room with photographs of underwater scenes and landscapes of Florence. The photos had the effect of boosting her mother’s morale, and quickly became a topic of conversation for the hospital staff, other patients, and visitors.

After Elaine’s return to Florence, while mourning her mother’s passing, her personal mission became clear. If her photos had such a positive effect on her mother, perhaps they could offer comfort to other patients and families.

You are both a musician and a photographer. Your first career was as a concert pianist. When did photography become a passion for you?

Photography has always been a part of my life. Although I have no formal training in photography, I feel that one of my God-given talents is an “eye” for seeing beauty all around me, which I try to capture with my camera.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

The detour came when my mother was hospitalized with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I left my family in Florence, Italy to be with her in St. Louis for the last three months of her life. I was almost overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for her and making difficult medical decisions all by myself (my sister and brother had died a few years before this). I tried everything to bring joy into her hospital room—I played music by Mozart and songs sung by Pavarotti, I sprayed perfume to kill the hospital odor, and I taped my beautiful nature photos to her walls, which was the inspiration that led later to the founding of The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals.

How does your faith play into your work?

I feel that I have a God given talent to view beauty and then photograph it. I have been blessed in my life with good health and a wonderful family. Placing my photos in hospitals to give color and hope to patients all over the world is one way that I can “give back.” This is one of my purposes in life!

Let’s talk about The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. Please tell us about the foundation.

I founded it in 2002, in response to my mother’s hospital experience. It is a non-profit publicly supported organization dedicated to placing colorful, soothing photographs of nature in hospitals to give comfort and hope to patients and their families, visitors, and caregivers.

Where in the world have you placed photos?

I have placed over 2500 photos in more than 150 hospitals on six continents!  Just this past year I sent photos to India, Sri Lanka, Croatia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Trinidad, Guatemala, Italy, Norway, and Virginia, Missouri, and Pennsylvania in the United States.

Photo: Elaine Poggi

I understand that the foundation is involved with research studies, investigating art as therapy. Please tell us a little about that.

In March 2009 we presented the results of a six year Italian research project, “Beyond traditional treatment… Establishing art as therapy.” Three hundred forty-five cancer patients in three cancer centers in Italy were tested while receiving treatment. The patients who participated in the research were divided into two groups:  a control group and an experimental group that answered a questionnaire on their perception of the hospital environment before and after the display of photographic images on the walls of their treatment rooms and hallways. Results were that the great majority of patients prefer art on the walls of hospitals, instead of white, sterile walls. Only three percent of the patients tested preferred hospital rooms with nude walls. The art preferred, in order, was 1. Nature landscapes (most popular), 2. Animals, 3. Scenes of everyday life, 4. Portraits, 5. Urban landscapes, and 6. Abstract (least popular).

The control group’s “fiducia” (trust, confidence, faith) decreased from viewing only white, sterile walls, whereas the experimental group, who viewed nature photos for several months, had an increase in “fiducia.”

The results of the research confirm the great power of images, especially those of nature that seem to help patients regain faith and trust in life.

How can others contribute photos and/or make a donation to the foundation?

Until 2008 only my photos were used for our projects. Since there was great interest by other photographers who wanted to participate in our mission by donating a photo to our collection, I created the Contributing Photographers Program. We now have 53 professional and amateur photographers in our program. Interested photographers or others who would like to coordinate projects in local hospitals can contact me directly at epoggi (at) healingphotoart (dot) org.

Donations can be made through our website, www.HealingPhotoArt.org, or on our Facebook page. Since we have no paid staff, all donations are used for printing, framing, and shipping photos to hospitals and for promoting our cause.

Photo: Elaine Poggi

A few fun questions…

You grew up in the United States but have been a resident of Italy for many years—what is your favorite comfort food from your childhood? Do you also have a favorite Italian comfort food?

My mother’s homemade coffee cake was the best! My favorite Italian comfort food would have to be pizza!

You have been involved in music and photography. Do you also have literary aspirations? Any plans to publish your photos as a coffee table book?

I am so involved in placing photos in hospitals around the world that there is no time to aspire to publishing my photos. Maybe later!

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A love song!

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Definitely major, optimistic, positive!!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I’d say that I am the independent woman who follows her heart and is very, very enthusiastic about life and living it!

I’m a dog lover, and I know you are too. Please tell us about your pets. Have any of your pets appeared in official foundation photos?

I love my dogs—Samba, Dave, and Kimba! My wonderful Yorkie, Niki, who passed away last December at 15, was in many of my photos taken while hiking in the Dolomites. She loved to pose for my photos!

Thank you, Elaine! It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour!

~ ~ ~

For more information about Elaine and her work, visit The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals website at www.HealingPhotoArt.org

Friend The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Foundation-for-PhotoArt-in-Hospitals/139862948933?ref=ts.

Follow The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals on Twitter at http://twitter.com/healingphotoart.

John Robinson has one of the most interesting “first sale” stories in the business. Yet he somehow manages to trump it with the stories he writes. No doubt his unique plots and off-center characters have sprung from his own distinctive sense of humor—he calls himself an anomaly in the CBA.

A popular speaker and teacher, John also serves as acquisitions editor for Narrow Road Press, the “edgier” division of Sheaf House Publishers.

Writing is your second career. Was it always your first love?

I’d always liked to write, even from my early teen years, and when I was in college I was student affairs editor for the school paper. Years passed though, and that love seemed to fade.

But a decade ago it came roaring back, and in an unexpected way. It was New Years Day, 1999, and I was watching one of the bowl games on TV when suddenly I started seeing something different on the screen. Don’t laugh, but it was almost like watching a movie. During that I was unaware of the passing of time.

When I roused myself I found only a few minutes had passed, but amazingly I had the entire plot of Heading Home completely lined up in my head; it was then just a matter of writing it down and editing it. That process took about a year. Finding a house that would take such a controversial novel proved to be a challenge, though, and it wasn’t until 2008 that it was sold to Sheaf House Publishers. During those intervening years I wrote and sold the Joe Box novels, and began the Mac Ryan series, as well as The Radiance, all of which we’ll speak more of in a minute.

You credit a number of friends in the publishing business—Karen Ball, Alton Gansky, Brandilyn Collins, and James Scott Bells—as mentors. How did you get your first break as a writer?

Okay, you’re gonna love this, because it sounds almost unbelievable. Starting in late 2001 my then-agent began shopping my Joe Box novel Until the Last Dog Dies tirelessly, but kept coming to me back to me with stuff like “they love your writing, John, but the character of Joe scares them to death; they’re afraid women won’t buy it.” To which I would respond, “but my wife’s a woman, and she loves it!”

More unfruitful months ground by, and at last my agent said they’d done all they could but couldn’t place it with anybody. That was in December of 2002.

Flash forward to July of 2003.

The CBA trade show was in Orlando that year, and my agent was attending. As the story was told to me, one night at the show the head buyer of one of the largest Christian bookstore chains was speaking with one of the marketing directors for Cook Communications, which owns RiverOak Publishing. They were talking about this and that when the buyer said in an off-hand way, “Say, I heard you’ve bought a novel featuring a Christian private investigator; that sounds intriguing.”

The Cook guy frowned and said no, he’d heard wrong, they took a pass on it. To which the buyer said, “that’s too bad; we could probably move a lot of units of that.” Not needing a board upside his head—as we Southern crackers say—the Cook guy took that info to his people, and they told him, “okay, see if it’s still available.” The Cook guy found my agent and asked if Until the Last Dog Dies was still on the table. Stunned, my agent said yes, and they proceeded to verbally cut the deal on the floor of the CBA.

True story, and I understand that had never happened before!

How does your faith play into your writing?

I’m a bit of an anomaly in the CBA: there’s not a bonnet to be found in my works, or on the covers. That decision has made my journey in a distaff-ruled industry rather hard, and without knowing God had His hand firmly on the tiller, I would have given up long ago. Maybe that’s why the stories I write—tales featuring regular people taking on nearly hopeless tasks—seemed to almost demand they be told. For some reason those stories picked me.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Yes. In 2001 I acquired my first agent, a man I’d met at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, which at the time was held just outside Santa Fe. He really liked my work and seemed eager to represent it, but unfortunately a couple of months after signing me he had to retire unexpectedly due to family issues. I was devastated, but his departure led to my locating my next agent, who did in fact sell that novel, Until the Last Dog Dies, and the other two in the series.

Let’s talk about your latest book, Heading Home (Sheaf House, August 2010). Please tell us about it.

One reviewer calls it “Left Behind on steroids,” and that’s about as good a take on it as I can imagine (oddly enough, its original title was Gravity Fades, a handle which I still prefer). I guess the easiest way for people to understand the story is simply to quote the back cover copy:

The Bible makes it clear no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return. But it doesn’t say we won’t know the month.

Or the week.

When every Christian simultaneously receives a message that Christ will return sometime in the coming week, the world is thrown into stark panic. Two old friends, hardened combat veterans from the closing days of the Vietnam War, set out on a suspenseful quest to redeem that time.

What they don’t know is they and their entire church have been targeted for satanic annihilation.

Where did you get the idea for the book?

Two sources, really. The first is from an evangelist I’d heard on the radio many years ago (it might have been Bill Bright, but don’t hold me to that). Anyway, he quoted the familiar scripture about no one knowing the day or the hour of the rapture. But then he went on to say something that really grabbed me, stating the verse doesn’t say we wouldn’t know the year, or the month, or the week. He challenged his listeners to consider what we would do if we knew—without a doubt—Jesus was returning for His people sometime in the next one hundred and sixty-eight hours. How would we redeem that time? How far would we go to reach the lost? What risks would we take? How bold would we be?

That man’s words planted the original seed, and then many years later when I read Davis Bunn’s novel The Warning, a tale where a nondescript banker is given a prophetic word from God, I finally put them both together. The result was Heading Home. So far the reviews have been nothing short of incredible, given the controversial nature of its plot; frankly I’m amazed at that.

Three of your books in the Joe Box Series were recently released on Kindle (Until the Last Dog Dies, When Skylarks Fall, and To Skin a Cat). Please tell us a bit about the series.

Private eye novels have always been a guilty pleasure of mine, and a few years ago I started noodling around with an idea: what if I took a rough-around-the-edges PI with a lot of personal baggage, and somehow got him saved? How would he reconcile his sometimes dark vocation with his new, untested walk of faith? What new challenges would this put in his path? I got cranked up about the idea, and thus Joe Box was born.

Short and sweet, Joe’s a Vietnam vet, a former street cop, and for the past thirty years a Cincinnati resident. Having lost his wife and unborn child in a horrific accident many years earlier, he’s an unwillingly transplanted Southerner with a strong code of honor, a man who doesn’t suffer fools gladly and who possesses an almost pathological need to right wrongs. Given his life issues Joe also battles a volcanic temper, which isn’t helped by a sarcastic mouth.

In the first work, Until the Last Dog Dies, Joe’s just recently come to the Lord, and the story features him trying to locate—and stop—a serial killer who’s murdering each of the surviving members of Joe’s old combat platoon from Vietnam. The catch is the killer is using as a murder weapon whatever scared each man the most: drowning, crushing, falling, what have you. To help him navigate these uncharted waters Joe calls upon his old mentor from his cop days, a solid but gruff Christian named Tim Mulrooney, and a lady friend, Angela Swain, a woman Joe met at his church. Angela has taken on Joe as a project, trying to help him find his way as a new believer, but reluctantly finds herself drawn to him romantically.

In When Skylarks Fall, Joe is asked to investigate the stalking of country music star Kitty Clark—one of the richest women in America. Although Joe wonders why this famous music legend would have her personal manager ask him to take the case, he accepts it for two reasons—one, he feels sorry for her and, two, he needs the money. The investigation leads Joe to discover not only the shocking identity of the stalker, but a heartbreaking revelation about himself…and Kitty Clark.

Finally, in To Skin a Cat, Joe attempts to settle a personal score, and ends up battling pornography mogul Cyrus Alan “Cat” Tate. Joe sides with the family-values groups that have been trying to shut down Tate’s cankerous world of video and printed porn, but Tate has other ideas when he offers Joe a lucrative position as head of corporate security. The stakes grow even higher with the introduction of “virtual porn,” a type of pornography with more allure than anything Joe ever imagined—and the onslaught of a personal attack he thought he’d never have to face.

To my knowledge Joe’s an anomaly in the CBA, and was a real kick to write!

What’s next for you?

First up is Relentless, the beginning of my Mac Ryan Series. With Mac I’ve taken a man who’ s a little like Joe, but then I’ve given him a darker past and sent him in different direction. The backstory is Mac’s a former Army Ranger whose entire command is wiped out in the early days of the Iraq War due to a disastrous intel error. Later he finds out just how bad that error was. As he’s laid out flat on his back in a Walter Reed Army hospital bed, his fire-scorched back bandaged like Lon Chaney and tranked to the gills, he’s visited by a small, well-dressed, soft-spoken, balding man with hard black eyes. The guy is a G-5 government spook, and bluntly tells Mac the communications lieutenant who’d passed on that bad info is connected. Highly connected. As in United States senator’s son connected.

Mac is given a choice: go public and find his life ruined, or take a medical retirement with a generous—very generous, as in the high five figures—monthly stipend. Not being an idiot, he accepts the deal.

But then he double-crosses the government. Rather than spending the rest of his days getting fat while slurping mai tais with brown-skinned women on a Costa Rican beach, he assuages his guilt by unofficially taking on hopeless tasks that just skirt the edge of the law.

For free.

As Relentless begins Mac is asked to find industrialist Jacob Cohen’s missing teenage daughter Sarah and bring her home. But as usual, nothing ever goes quite as planned. In searching for the girl he uncovers an unimaginable corruption hiding beneath a corporate façade…and comes face to face with a ruthless killer known to his victims only by a macabre appellation: Boneless Chuck.

What begins as a simple disappearance morphs into something far more insidious as Mac finds himself plunged into a horrifying world of illegal organ harvesting, at the core of which throbs a devastating nightmare of kidnapping, torture, and madness.

Every dark trick Mac learned in his former trade of dealing death to the deserving will be brought to bear as he tries to keep his promise of bringing Sarah Cohen back home; alive, preferably. In doing so not only will his skills and his fragile new faith be tested to the breaking point, but his very sanity as he battles a grasping evil that stretches across the globe.

But darkness has met its match. The right man is on the job. Because sometimes it takes a fellow who’s spent quality time in the realms of the damned…to send someone else there.

With that one done, I’m putting the finishing touches on my first science fiction novel, The Radiance. Here’s the skinny: Former Special Forces combat officer and now disillusioned pastor Travis Walker discovers hope for his shattered life coming from an unexpected source. A force of mysterious origin, dubbed the Radiance, is causing worldwide intelligence, both human and animal, to advance at a horrifying rate. Worse, no one knows when the effect will stop…or if it can be stopped. The Radiant Project, a crack team of scientists, clerics and military leaders—and headed by Travis’s wealthy industrialist brother Cale—is hastily assembled to combat the phenomenon. Against his better judgment Travis is drafted into this group to give his “everyman” take on things. There he finds himself running on an inside track, battling not only worldwide hopelessness, terrorism and greed, but his own dark and cynical passions as well. And it’s here, in this strange new battlefield at the brink of Armageddon, the wounded warrior finds his hard-won skills being called upon one last time.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Dark chocolate…in any form. I ain’t proud. Failing that, a plate full of country ham, green beans with fatback and new potatoes, and spoonbread.

And as long as we’re at it—and in the interests of full disclosure—I’ve been married for thirty-seven years to my lovely and longsuffering wife Barb. We have two grown sons (one of them married, a missionary in India with a family of his own), and a little daughter waiting for us in heaven—and in the meantime probably driving Saint Peter to distraction. For the conspiracy theorists among us (and you know who you are), I’m director of business development for a large company that does medical contracting work for the military and the federal government.

My favorite movie is Open Range, my favorite musical is The Phantom of the Opera, and my favorite color is blue. Due to a brain injury when I was nine I’m dyslexic, and can only type with my thumbs and index fingers. I also have syndactyly, giving me webbed toes.

Now, aren’t you glad you’ve read this far? I know I am.

This website features writers as well as musicians, so I like to mix it up a bit. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Yes, I play trumpet (badly). I’m also a baritone, and sing in our church choir…far in the back, so as not to offend those who appreciate good music.

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re relaxing with the radio or an mp3 player? Does music help you write?

For relaxing I like listening to old 70’s progressive rock (ex-hippie, don’t you know) by bands like Yes, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and others. I also like listening to country bluegrass, with my favorite groups being the Oak Ridge Boys and the Isaacs.

Oddly, when I write I have to have silence; I don’t really know why that is.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A ballad, without question. By their nature ballads tell stories, and those stories speak to me. The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Big Bad John, even Charlie Daniels’ Uneasy Rider…I love ‘em all.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Major, trending toward minor; given my lineage I have to fight the “dour Scot” syndrome nearly every day. Thankfully I have a warped sense of humor which helps keep that mindset under control

In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?

The latter, without a doubt. Even at my age I find water balloons, joy buzzers, and the like the height of humor. I enjoy simple pleasures: the crunch of fall leaves under my feet, a good book, the handclasp of a friend. I strive to have a childlike wonder underpinning all my writing, and while that means my stories will never be high classics to the literary intelligentsia, I hope regular people like them.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets.

We love cats, and we’ve owned (or vice-versa) over fifty cats through the past thirty-five years. Our favorite was Middy, a big black brute whose mother was a blue-point Siamese and father a traveling man. With his Siamese heritage Middy had a distinctive meow, and when it was suppertime he’d rub around our feet with a plaintive “naow?” To which we’d answer, “in a minute, we have to open the can first.” Our cats have always given us pleasure, especially when they were little and we watched them do their version of WWE wrestling (I wanted to name one of the white ones Ric Flair, but my wife, with her cooler head, said no).

Thank you, John. It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour.

It’s been my pleasure, Kathy!

~ ~ ~

For more information about John and his books, visit his website at http://www.johnrobinsonbooks.com/index.htm

To purchase Heading Home follow these links:

To purchase John’s Joe Box series on Kindle:

It’s hard to believe that DivineDetour.com has been online for six months—today.

Perhaps it’s a fitting time to admit how that first post took a huge step of faith. A belief that God would provide, not only my time but guests who were willing to give up theirs to be interviewed. Thank you, Lord! And thanks to everyone who has stopped by to visit. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

I’m certainly not the only one who has been writing! Here are four new books released by previous DivineDetour guests since their interview earlier this year. Please check them out! (Click on book covers for additional information)

Kaye Dacus

LOVE REMAINS

Book One in The Matchmakers Series

August 2010

Barbour Publishing

Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission. Zarah Mitchell, who’s worked at the Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she’s built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson—her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago. When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother’s not-so-subtle setups as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud. Zarah, at her grandmother’s suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he’s been investigating her, will she be be able to forgive him a second time?

Rachel Hauck

DINING WITH JOY

A Lowcountry Romance

November 2010

Thomas Nelson

Joy Ballard has a secret: she’s a cooking show host who can’t really cook.

When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard’s world heats up like a lowcountry boil.
Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he’s paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.
Luke and Joy mix like oil and water…until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they’ll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God’s love and dine with joy?

Carie Lawson

BEYOND SUMMER

Twisted Roots Book Two

August 2010

Desert Breeze Publishing

Zane has a theory in life: Beautiful women are more trouble than they’re worth. So when he’s coerced into spending the summer with the very beautiful Carly as his nanny, he expects the worst. But she changes his opinion, one good deed at a time. Until he gets a little too close and finds out his beauty queen is nothing more than a liar and a thief. Theory proven.
But the pretty liar has two little girls who’ve stolen Zane’s heart. He’s going to have to wade in and untangle the mess Carly’s made of her life for her daughters. Can Zane ignore the theory Carly’s proven, forgive her, and accept that beauty is sometimes more than skin deep?

Sandra Robbins

YULETIDE DEFENDER

Releases December 1, 2010

Steeple Hill

Is a vigilante responsible for the murders of Lake City gang members? According to reporter Rachel Long’s anonymous source, yes. The goal is to trigger a gang war—and her investigations lead Rachel to the heart of the battlegrounds. Which is where she finds handsome officer Matthew Franklin. The protective cop wants her out of harm’s way. But she needs the raise from a big story to secure care for her special-needs sister. Rachel won’t walk away, even though the vigilante is now aiming at a determined reporter—and a tailing cop—for a showdown just in time for Christmas.

Angela Breidenbach, Mrs. Montana International 2009, spends much of her time helping others achieve their personal best.

She is a writer, a teacher, a wife and mother—with a combined family of six grown children and one grandson, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker, and the Publicity Officer for American Christian Fiction Writers. Angela also works with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation.

You have a number of outlets for your creativity. Which came first for you, writing, speaking, or coaching?

I’d have to say writing, but my teachers would all say speaking…let’s just say I was a chatty child. :  )   I caught the writing bug very early. By twelve, I won my first writing contest. It was a simple story about a photo. The entire school district saw the same photo and had to write a story. I think that experience alone proves every writer has a unique story inside them. None are alike. I formalized my coaching certification because I found myself mentoring/coaching on a continual basis.

How does your faith play into your work?

My faith infuses throughout every area of my life. But it’s in what I won’t do as well. I won’t write certain genres because I believe I am going to stand accountable for the influence I have as a writer, speaker, and coach. I choose what I do because I will stand accountable for the gifts and purpose given to me. So my faith in Jesus acts as a beacon for my choices, activities, and the intentional goals I set in my work life. I refuse to get to the end of my life and regret what I did not achieve with the opportunities I was blessed with or to ignore who I was made to be. Some people call me driven. I think God chose the desire to achieve as one of my giftings. I hope no one will wonder what I believed when I’m gone.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Have you ever played with an etch-a-sketch? At first I thought all those jagged corners were horrible mistakes that needed to be shaken out and erased. But now I see the criss-cross patterns were God’s way of weaving me into who He needed me to be in order to have the experience, wisdom, and voice to help others.

Just in time for the holidays…let’s talk about your latest book, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance (WestBow Press, October 2010). Please tell us about it.

Full color photos! The most important part of the book to me. I absolutely hate trying a new recipe when I can’t see it. Every recipe in Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance: How to create simple, elegant, and inexpensive meals has full color photos and many have a series of assembling photos.

I had a blast making each recipe and experimenting as I learned food photography. But my main goal was to make food everyone could eat together, enjoy (rather than be boring subsistence), affordable, and appealing all year long. So there are recipes for every holiday and great every day dishes.

Here’s the blurb:

Creative, gorgeous, elegant recipes to make inexpensive meals by a Weight Watcher Leader/Ambassador. Includes notations for Celiac, IBD (Colitis, Crohn’s, IBD), and Weight Loss. Full color photos for each dish including some step-by-step photos. Luscious uses for left overs, special Christmas treats, international flavors mixed with great American style made with easily found ingredients. Food that tastes like it’s been handed down for generations (well, some recipes have.) Try Swedish Pancakes, Quick & Easy Eggdrop Soup, Bruchetta Ensalada, Sweet Potato & Apple Streusel, Mexican Lasagna, Blooming Chicken Savories, and Grandma Bigelow’s Orange Rolls. Just don’t forget to make the Caramel Corn for your Christmas gifts, if you can get it out of the house!

Where did you get the idea for this book and your previous e-book, Creative Cooking for Colitis?

The Creative Cooking for Colitis e-cookbook came first because I was diagnosed with two forms of severe colitis. After six months of desperation, and prayer with a friend, I started a short fast to rest my system. Then by following what we called the Addition Plan, I was able to start eating again. Basically, build your diet one food at a time until you have a large variety of foods you can eat. We’ve done this for centuries for our children. It’s a proven system. I’ve written down how it works for adults and included other tips, a difficult food list, and websites for more research.

I regained my health and found joy in eating! I’d been hungry, depressed, and devastated by the disease. Everything hurt. Everything. The results were so astonishing for me that I wanted to share that with other people. Once the colitis cookbook hit the shelf I kept hearing people who wanted the recipes, didn’t have colitis or IBD, and wanted to learn cooking tips for simple, elegant, and inexpensive meals. I already had the recipes in the first cookbook, and they were great for the general market too. So I rewrote the tips to teach simplicity and added two more recipes.

Then I heard people wanted more than e-books. By combining the two cookbooks, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance could go to print form with a bonus section on IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease), Celiac, and weight loss hints.

Long story short: I wanted to help people find hope and joy and be able to eat with their families again. All three books are great for bringing people together to enjoy bonding over mealtimes. But the print version combines the first two into one book.

If you, a friend, or loved one has IBD, Crohn’s, Colitis, Celiac, or want to watch your weight, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance will blend to meet all your needs and let you eat the same foods together. It’s great to have on hand for guests with these conditions and great to give as a gift. It’s perfect for the general cook too.

Helping others seems to be a passion for you. You are a certified Life Coach. What is the most important thing you feel you can share with your students?

It’s crucial to understand that the difficulties in life produce gems of wisdom. When we can embrace that concept, we can fill our treasure chest and overflow it out onto others. The richness in wisdom nourishes every soul and changes a person’s life. If you can give anything away, give wisdom that you’ve earned to help someone else through. Your gems of wisdom have priceless value.

The “gems” concept is the centerpiece for your upcoming book, Gem’s of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life (Journey Press, May 2011). Please tell us about it.

Everyone has life experiences and difficulties. They’re a mother lode to mine and share with others. When I began to understand that people didn’t ask me to share the happy things, I started looking at those hard times in a different paradigm. Like looking at the alexandrite in different light—it changes color. I was helping people get through their hardships based on gems I’d already mined. I was mentoring/coaching from wisdom that had immense value—not mine. Wisdom is given as a gift from God. In Proverbs we’re told to ask for wisdom and that it will be given. Search for wisdom and it will be found.

By helping other people to do that too, we change the world through love and generosity of spirit. This generosity is, again, precious because of the transparency it requires. Transparency feels like a sacrifice. But once you begin to practice transparency with discretion, it becomes a very joyful way of living. The amethyst stands for self-care. One we begin to take care of ourselves, we understand how to care for others. The Gems of Wisdom Companion Guide will be really helpful in digging out those gems too.

By revealing the connections between life concepts and the beautiful gems God created for us, I help people recognize their unique gems of wisdom that fill their treasure chests to overflow out onto others as well.

I don’t see past mistakes or hardships as negative now. I look for people I can help with what I’ve learned. I have incredible gems of wisdom to give away and so does everyone else. Fill your treasure chest so the treasure you leave behind is a massive legacy rather than an empty chest of regret.

Please tell us about the Gems of Wisdom line of jewelry.

Each gem of wisdom has a significant meaning in the book, Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life. There are sixteen gems and a treasure chest in the book and so the jewelry matches those gems chapter by chapter.

The goal isn’t about a pretty bauble, but about embracing the significant change a woman wants to make in her life and giving her a way to focus on each concept much like prayer beads or Aaron’s breastplate in Exodus 28. Aaron was told to wear the gems to help him remember the people he prayed for. As I studied the Bible, I found gems and rocks were used regularly by God to teach, create an historic memory, and even set boundaries.

I’m passionate about supporting Hope’s Promise and the Sanctuary of Hope Homes in Kenya. The line of jewelry specifically helps support those orphan homes bringing children out of the Methare Slums and permanently placing them with an indigenous family. To me, I can deepen my ministry by attaching missions I believe in to my work and when someone buys a piece, their dollar goes so much farther than they can imagine. It’s not only about personal growth with the Gems of Wisdom line of jewelry, but also about providing life and love for orphans. Christians are charged with the responsibility for orphans and widows. I love that this jewelry actually does that and fills a deeper, more significant purpose.

A few fun questions…

What is your favorite comfort food and why?

Oh this is funny. You want me to name one? I love Swedish pancakes, homemade honey wheat bread, homemade noodles…. Hmm, I see the correlation here. Evidently it’s carbs. But when I don’t feel well, it’s homemade chicken noodle soup all the way (with those noodles of course.) I think I feel connected to my heritage and family when eating these foods. Odd thing is that I’m not a stress eater. I’m a joy eater. So I eat more when I’m happy and have a hard time eating when I’m stressed or sad. It’s easier for me to drink a shake or broth at those times. I really do get that “lump in the throat” and can’t swallow food when stressed or sad.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A jazz ballad. I get lost in music like My Funny Valentine. It evokes emotion and transports me right out of the moment. Magic. I’m so amazed that Zechariah’s Song wrote a theme song for Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life. I can’t wait to share the rich, emotional, and gorgeous music. It’s a jazz ballad.  ; -)  I hear they’re going into studio to record within the week.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Definitely a minor. Minor chords reach the heart and intensify the musical experience. They create very rich music. I want to make an impact and help others leave a memorable legacy too. The music swells when we change chords. I hope I leave a legacy that swells to a crescendo and inspires people to intensify their life experience.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I would love to hear what other people think I am. I think I’ve been all these at different times. But I get told I’m very confident so that makes me lean toward the strong, female lead at the moment. What people don’t realize is that confidence is the result of surviving both mistakes and successes. The other thing I hear is that I’m an “earth mother.” I think it has to do with all my kids.  ; -)

You have an unusual pet. Please tell us about him—and any other pets.

Spanky! He’s the cutest, most fun little pet I’ve ever had. Spanky is a class B miniature horse. He’s four years old and 36” tall. Being very sociable, we play a lot. One of his favorites is tag. He also likes to play King of the Hill with our standard sized horse, Chief. He climbs a little hill in our pasture and goes nose to nose with Chief. But we’ve found out that he’s afraid of wild turkeys. He tried to chase them out of his yard. They had the gall to all turn as a flock. Spanky spun and ran to hide behind Chief like a little kid who eggs on a bully and then scampers behind his dad. He also likes bonfires with s’mores. He steals graham crackers!

One interesting thing we didn’t expect is Spanky’s constantly changing color. He came buff with a more palomino look. Now he’s rusty with dappled white spots. Our vet says he will always be changing, never the same. Spanky, the chameleon.

We also have the last of the indoor animals since the kids are all grown. Louie, a border collie/lab cross and a little gray and white stray kitty, Adi, that adopted us several years ago.

What a beautiful photo! Thanks, Angie! It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour!

I’m appreciative and honored to be here. Thank you so much.

~ ~ ~

To learn more about Angie, visit her websites:

http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com and http://www.mygemofwisdom.com

To purchase Angie’s books at Amazon.com, logon to http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Breidenbach/e/B00460W4F4/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0.

To pre-order Angie’s books at Christianbook.com, logon to http://tinyurl.com/33oy9do.

Olaf “Bud” Veath joined the USCG in June 1940, and received boot camp training at Ellis Island, New York. From August of that year until May of 1944, he served onboard the USCGC Ingham.

During WWII, the 327-ft. cutter escorted 17 U.S. convoys across the Atlantic Ocean, and in December 1942, sank a German U-boat (U-626) in the North Atlantic—the last U-boat loss to an American warship during the war. At the time of her decommissioning, the Ingham was the most decorated ship in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Treasures in the Darkness

By Linda Cox

There was no question about it. That “little voice” confirmed Isaiah 45:3 as my 2004 verse for the year. “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord.” My accompanying prayer was for the Lord to teach me how to find those treasures in the darkness, but I had no idea how He would answer that request as I journeyed through that year.

My mother and I had learned that my father had Alzheimer’s disease only a few months before I found that Bible verse. As a member of “The Greatest Generation” and a World War II Coast Guard veteran, Daddy was proud to have served his country for six years on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. He devoted much of his spare time to the American Legion, VFW, and INGHAM Association (his shipmates’ organization).

Daddy was strong, yet gentle; independent, but always concerned for others. He had an engaging smile, a great sense of humor, and a booming laugh. He was a rock for both my mother and me, and there was never any doubt how much he loved us. When Daddy developed Alzheimer’s, our world was shaken to its foundation. Thankfully, that foundation had always been Jesus Christ, and He gave us the grace, the strength, and the love to help Daddy fight the biggest battle of his life.

By the time a name had been placed on Daddy’s condition, he was beginning to show moderate signs of the disease. It affected his motor skills first. We would call him to come to the table at mealtime. He would smile and say “okay,” but just continue sitting in his recliner. Eventually, he would get up and come to the table. His response time became slower and slower as the days passed.

In January of 2004, the symptoms worsened, and Daddy could no longer get up on his own. Still, we counted our blessings. Neighbors came at a moment’s notice, people brought food or just stopped by to visit, and a friend who was a caregiver became available to help unexpectedly. I was able to rest in the assurance that others were helping my parents when I was unable to be there. And, since Daddy could barely walk, we did not worry about his wandering off, something many Alzheimer’s families fear.

Daddy finally reached the point where Mom could no longer care for him at home. And, in early March of that year, we made the painful decision to move him to the nursing home – a little over a year from the time we first heard “Alzheimer’s.” By this time, he didn’t fully comprehend what was going on around him. But Mom and I did, and it broke my heart as we drove him away from the home and farm he loved so dearly. Because Daddy had to leave his dog behind when he moved to the care center, I gave him a stuffed dog to be his companion. Arte comforted him when Mom and I could not.

As summer wore on, Daddy slipped further into the darkness of Alzheimer’s, continuing to lose more of his motor skills and gradually becoming more confused. We celebrated his 83rd birthday in September with a party at the care center attended by family, friends, residents, and staff, and of course his “pet dog” Artie. Daddy was “on” that day and had a grand time. However, by mid-October, he could no longer feed himself, and by early November he had to be reminded to chew and swallow. Watching Daddy disappear before our very eyes was painful for both Mom and me, but we were sustained by the Lord’s blessings each day.

Sunday, November 7, 2004, was like most Sundays. Mom and I visited with Daddy in the care center. He seemed so distant, yet when I asked him if he wanted me to read his Bible to him, he said “yes.” And as we prayed the Lord’s Prayer together, he was able to join in parts of it. And as Mom and I were leaving, we moved him into the hallway in his wheel chair so he could be with the other residents. I hugged him goodbye, and he said, “I love you, sweetie.” As I walked away, I turned and looked at him one more time. He raised his arm, gave me a beauty-queen wave with his hand, winked, and with a big grin on his face said, “Bye, honey.”

That evening a WWII buddy of Daddy’s who lived in another state called to ask about him. When I told Ted about our day, he asked me if I were prepared to give my father up. I told him, “If the nursing home would call me in the middle of the night and tell me Daddy had died in his sleep, I would be thankful because he would no longer be suffering the indignities of Alzheimer’s.” Ten hours later, at 5:15 a.m. November 8, 2004, I got the call. My father had gone home to be with the Lord in his sleep, just nine days before his and Mom’s 59th wedding anniversary.

My mother and I walked through the dark shadows of Daddy’s Alzheimer’s—and eventually the valley of the shadow of his death—hurting at our loss and shedding many tears. But our blessings were many, our memories precious, and our loving Lord walked with us through those dark days, enabling Mom and me to rejoice in the midst of our tears as we discovered all the treasures God had given us along the way.

One of those treasures was Daddy’s memorial service, held on Veteran’s Day. A beautiful and fitting tribute to a proud veteran who loved his family, his country, and, most of all, his God.

It seems like ages ago that I prayed for God to teach me how to find treasures in the darkness. His answer was the light of Christ shining in that darkness, revealing all the treasures waiting for my family and me. And now it is my prayer that families coping with Alzheimer’s and the loss of loved ones will find treasures in the darkness too, especially the greatest treasure of all—Jesus Christ.

John C. Burnam’s story began in 1967, yet it won’t be complete until 2012. His heroes are not just characters in a book. They are real. They are loyal. And they are man’s best friend.

For many years Burnam has been on a personal journey to honor U.S. Military Working Dog Teams. It has been a long road with many unexpected turns. But the end is now in sight.

Let’s talk about A Soldier’s Best Friend (Union Square Press, 2008). What prompted you to write the book? Please tell us a little about it.

I left Vietnam in March 1968 and went on with my life. Twenty-five years later, by chance, I reunited with Kenny Mook, my first best friend in Vietnam. I was a 19-year-old volunteer from Littleton, Colorado, and Kenny was a 21-year-old draftee from Meadville, Pennsylvania.

As U.S. Army infantry foot soldiers, we saw our first bloody combat in Bong Son valley on May 5-6, 1966. Our platoon was trapped and engaged by the enemy at close range. Kenny was severely wounded by a burst of machinegun bullets ripping through his stomach and tearing off half his forearm muscle. I scrambled to his aid and dragged him to safety. He was evacuated from the battlefield and medically discharged from military service.

We reunited on Memorial Day Sunday 1991 at his dairy farm in Saegertown, Pennsylvania. The bullets they took out of his body in 1966 were hanging from a string of leather around his neck. Kenny was my inspiration to write our story and what turned out to be a bunch more stories about my K9 partners; Timber and Clipper in Vietnam.

A Soldier’s Best Friend is written in my own words and in first person. The book covers my two combat tours as an infantryman in South Vietnam (1966-1968). The first few chapters cover my missions with Kenny Mook and the 7th Cavalry. The majority of the book is about my combat missions with the 44th Scout Dog Platoon, handling German Shepherd dogs to hunt and track the enemy in places and spaces only a dog could find.

The story begins with my arrival in South Vietnam as a bewildered 19-year-old recruit. I knew little to nothing about the war, the enemy, or the country of people I was sent there to defend. I tried to put the reader in my boots to understand just how inexperienced I really was; my fears and emotions, death on the battlefield, Timber being wounded, and the exhilaration of saving American lives with Clipper leading the way.

The reader will laugh, get angry, and even shed a tear as each chapter builds on the previous one. Saying goodbye to my scout dogs was a heartbreaking experience. Timber and Clipper were classified as equipment. Timber’s scouting days were over and Clipper continued his mission of saving American lives with another dog handler until he died in Vietnam. I will carry their memories in my heart until it’s time to meet again.

“General David H. Petraeus says the capability they (Military Working Dogs) bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory. Our Army (and military) would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource.”

“U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael L. Oates, in charge of defeating roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan, says the most effective tool is ‘two men and a dog,’ even though the military has spent nearly $10 billion on new detection and clearing technologies.”

Are dogs currently serving overseas in military operations?

Today, the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force deploy military working dog teams throughout the world. The primary dog breeds used are the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Belgian Malinois. They are highly trained to sniff out explosives, scout and track the enemy, search buildings, and detect narcotics. The U.S. President even has his own military explosive detection dog teams.

A point of interest is that there were no female dog handlers that served in the wars of Vietnam, Korea, or WWII. Today, women dog handlers, trainers, and kennel masters are deployed to war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq just like their male counterpart. Some have served multiple combat tours and some have even been wounded in action. I’ve had the honor of meeting many of them in my travels.

The U.S. military trains and deploys more military working dog teams than any other country in the world. The U.S. also has the largest and most sophisticated dog and handler training complex, and the finest veterinary services and treatment facilities in the world. I’ve recently toured them and they are impressive.

For many years, war dogs were classified as “equipment,” and thus deemed disposable, a heart wrenching reality. Approximately how many military working dogs have served the U.S. since World War I and when did their status change?

The U.S. military did not have a military working dog program until WWII. It was started by the “Dogs for Defense” program in 1942. There were many breeds recruited for jobs such as Scout, Sentry, Messenger, Sled Pulling, Search and Rescue, Mine Detection, and Equipment and Medical Supply Carrier. Many dogs were rejected for reasons such as health, size, agility, durability, temperament, intelligence, and trainability.

The primary breeds used most were the Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd dogs. Hundreds were deployed and served heroically in the Pacific and European theaters of World War II. After the war ended, the surviving dogs were returned to the U.S. and discharged to their handlers or the families that donated them.

From 1942 to present day the overall number of service dogs has reached well into the thousands. During the Korean War (1951-1953) the German Shepherd was the primary dog used for sentry and scouting. The dogs were classified as military equipment and no longer returned to domestic life. Their fate remained under military control.

Clipper, scout dog, Vietnam 1967

During the Vietnam War about 4,000 dogs served. By comparison, about 2,600,000 military personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam (1965 – 1973). The success of the dog teams on the battlefield was immeasurable. The primary breeds were the German Shepherd dog and the Labrador Retriever dog. Classified as equipment, most of the survivors were left behind and either given to the South Vietnamese Army or euthanized after the U.S. ground war ended in 1973. A few hundred made it out of Vietnam to serve in other duty stations, but none were returned to an American domestic life.

In the year 2000, Dr. William “Bill” Putney, WWII Marine Corps Officer, Veterinarian, and War Dog Platoon Leader got together with U.S. Congressman Rosco Bartlett of Maryland. Together, they drafted a congressional bill of resolution to authorize American civilians to adopt military working dogs upon their retirement.

President Bill Clinton signed that bill into law on November 6, 2000. To date the U.S. military has discharged hundreds of dogs to loving homes across the America. Dr. Putney passed away in 2003 after his book, Always Faithful, was published.

John Burnam and Clipper, Vietnam 1967

Due to your efforts, and those working with you, a “Military Working Dog Teams National Monument” will be constructed in 2011 or 2012. It will be the first time in American history that Congress has elevated an animal to national monument status by law. How did all of this come about?

The congressional legislation for the national monument, sponsored by U.S. Congressman Walter B. Jones, was signed into public law by President Obama on October 29, 2009. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The law authorizes the John Burnam Monument Foundation (JBMF, Inc.) to build and maintain a National Monument for the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams of all wars. The legislation also states that it must be funded by public donations and grants. The estimated cost is $850,000.

I am the founder of the national monument project and spent years trying to organize and promote a national effort to get it done. I’ve always stated that this monument belongs to the American people, not the government, and that it would take time and effort to get legislation approved by the U.S. Congress. Then it would take a huge public involvement to raise the $850,000 needed to build and maintain it.

I keep in mind that those war dogs NEVER gave up on the battlefield. Retreat was not in their nature and many sacrificed their lives to save American lives. Dogs can’t speak for themselves, so I’m honored to be their voice. And I can’t give up on their national monument just because it’s hard volunteer work, long hours, and takes years to accomplish.

I’ve met with many congressmen and senators on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., asking for their support. When I met with Congressman Walter Jones, he was eager to sponsor the legislation, so we teamed up to figure out how to get it done. I was honored to be the only Veteran Dog Handler officially invited to give oral testimony before several U.S. Congressional subcommittees in Washington D.C. The subcommittees approved the need for a national monument and moved the legislation into the U.S. House and Senate for a vote, and now its public law.

I remember a reporter once asked me, “Mr. Burnam, what if Congress rejects the legislation?”

I thought about it and then replied, “I would organize the Million Dog March on Washington D.C.” Imagine that scene marching down Constitution Avenue and the headline in the Washington Post.

Scale model of future Military Working Dog Teams National Monument

Where are you in the process of designing and building the monument? How can others help with the project?

JBMF, Inc. has a terrific team of professional volunteers to help get the job done. Our commitment and passion is driven from our hearts for these animals. Our monument design concept has met the standards and engineering requirements of the Department of Defense Military Working Dog officials and other Pentagon executives. This is a huge endorsement.

The next official step in the process is acquiring the land to place the monument at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Don’t worry! The site will be totally accessible to the public and is only 30-minutes from downtown Washington DC. Dogs are also welcome to visit, by public law, because we placed it in the legislative language of the bill.

Thanks to public donations, we were able to cast the approved miniature silicone bronze statue of the monument’s pedestal figures (four dogs and a dog handler). As we continue to raise public donations, we will build full size components, incrementally, until we have completed the full design. Our goal is to dedicate the monument in 2012 if we can raise the $850,000 by end of 2011.

To help raise funds, JBMF (www.jbmf.us) will be selling miniature 18-inch Bronze, 12-inch Bronze, and 12-inch Resin models of the monument’s pedestal. Hats and t-shirts are already available for sale. Other items will be added as we receive more donations.

Everyone can help! We need volunteers to hold fundraisers in their areas of residence or business. Let your imagination run wild with an idea of how you can raise funds. JBMF will provide supporting materials and even speak at your event, so please contact us. This is a national project and we can’t do it alone!

JBMF, Inc. is a tax exempt charity, so all donations are tax deductible.

John C. Burnam, Vietnam 1967

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

There have been several times throughout my life that I believe God has impacted my decisions that changed the direction of my life for the good. I especially felt God’s spiritual presence in Vietnam, because there is no way I should have survived the horror I experienced on the battlefield. I often wonder why I lived and those next to me did not. I also believe that the heavenly spirits of those young men and dogs give me the strength, energy and focus that direct my passion on the right path to accomplish my mission for them.

Please share one particularly poignant story about Timber and/or Clipper, two of your canine partners in Vietnam.

When I first arrived for duty with the 44th Scout Dog Platoon in March 1967, I was assigned a German Shepherd scout dog named Timber. He was always in a foul mood and aggressive. He’d only calm down after we started working. He was smart and performed very well through the scouting scenarios and obstacle course drills we had set up in base camp. Mission ready training was very important.

The job of a scout dog team is to lead combat infantry patrols into enemy territory and provide an early silent warning of danger. My job was to follow Timber, connected to his leather body harness by a short leather leash. I had to learn to trust Timber’s natural instincts and trained ability to alert me of danger. While following behind at his pace, my job was to keep my eyes on his body language as we slowly navigated through various terrain, jungle, and weather conditions in search of a lethal and well-hidden enemy.

Timber was wounded in an ambush. Although I was okay to continue missions, Timber was never the same. He had had enough of the war and shied away from being handled. I learned first hand that dogs suffered wounds, combat fatigue, and emotional problems just like soldiers. We treated our injured dogs with the utmost of respect and consideration.

I was assigned my second scout dog, Clipper. He and I got along great. Clipper was a lovable dog who enjoyed being around people. Clipper was also extremely bright and easy to command in any situation, as I quickly found out when we were put to the test of combat.

The majority of the dog stories in my book are about my partner Clipper. We scouted together for ten months and I was never wounded again. Clipper saved many lives, including my own by alerting on trip wired booby traps, enemy ambushes, hidden tunnel complexes and caches of buried enemy combat supplies, weapons, and munitions. I loved that dog and we were inseparable.

The enemy had placed a price tag on the scout dog teams and hunted them down with extreme prejudice, because the dog teams were getting too good at finding them.

During one mission Clipper alerted on the enemy and then we got trapped in crossfire between the enemy and American lines in a remote area of thick jungle near the Cambodian border. The shooting and explosions from both sides was so intense that the sounds of the vegetation splintering around us got me so tensed up that I thought we were going to die at any second. I prayed to God for our survival as I lay there with my arm around my dog’s body. I could feel his thumping heartbeat and I’m sure he felt mine too. No doubt Clipper knew if we made any sudden moves, it could be lights out for both of us. Clipper was unbelievably calm throughout that death trap and we survived without a single scratch, and I never fired a single shot.

Not far from where we were trapped, fellow 44th scout dog handler, Edward C. Hughes and his scout dog, Sergeant were killed in action. The date was November 27, 1967, four days after we all celebrated Thanksgiving in base camp.

A film company has optioned your book, which chronicles your experiences in the Vietnam War. What can you tell us about the movie and/or screenplay?

Crooked Door Entertainment screenwriter and author, Marnie Wooding, has written a terrific screenplay titled, “MOE,” which was inspired by my book, A Soldier’s Best Friend. I worked with Marnie throughout the process as the technical advisor.

The following is a statement written by film director, Sturla Gunnarsson about his vision for the film, MOE:

Set in the days of the forgotten war in a distant land, this is a film that explores timeless themes of faith, loyalty and betrayal, pitting one young man against traditions and institutions that he thought defined his very being. At its core though, MOE is a simple “boy and his dog” story. It will be visually lush and poetic, utilizing the Southeast Asian locations to full effect and putting the viewer right inside Simon Delmar’s (main character) experience as he struggles to reconcile his family’s proud military tradition and own ideals with the chaos and disillusionments he encounters in Vietnam.

The first part of the film has the intimacy of a love story as he discovers his own true self and the inner strength through the patience, discipline and sacrifice of helping another being recover from grief. That other being is MOE, a war dog recovering from the loss of his handler. This part of the film will have the quiet simplicity of The Black Stallion, focusing on the behavior, rituals and growing bond between Simon and Moe.

The second part becomes an odyssey; Simon and Moe in a dramatic, dynamic run for freedom across an exotic landscape with danger at every turn and only one another to depend on. This part of the film gets to the very heart of the bond between dog and handler, a love, trust and courage that is only ever truly experienced by soldiers in the crucible of battle. The bond they share transcends all others and becomes part of the very essence of their being, defining and setting the course for the rest of their lives.

The Crooked Door Entertainment producers are currently marketing the film in Hollywood for investment funding. The producers hope to premiere the film at the time the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument is being dedicated.

Personally, I’m very satisfied with the screenplay and the many characters are well thought out. I’d rate the screenplay a PG13 because it is not a blood and guts war story.

Do you have plans to write another book?

First of all, I never envisioned writing any book, especially one about my life in Vietnam. This book has placed me in a public situation that I never anticipated or expected. My story has evolved into several major TV documentaries, a feature film project, many TV and print interviews, over a hundred speaking engagements, and launching a national monument project. This is on top of having a fulltime daytime job that has nothing to do with any of this.

That being said, I’ve gathered plenty of material to write another non-fiction book about the many interesting people, places, and dogs I have met as a result of all this. My next book will just have to wait until after we get this national monument funded and built, and the feature film is released to the theaters. It’s an exciting life.

A few fun questions:

If you could choose anyone, who would you chose to play your part in the movie?

A 21-year-old Tom Hanks would work for me. Although I can’t come up with any comparable young actor’s name, my hope is that the film director selects a popular young star with big screen gravitas that can pull off a 19-year-old lead character who truly loves working with dogs. As the technical consultant for the film, I’m excited to have an opportunity to work directly with all the actors selected to be scout dog handlers. That should be an interesting and entertaining assignment. Can’t wait!

If you could pick the soundtrack theme song for the movie, what would it be?

I’m sorry to say I don’t have one to offer. The movie script really captures the incredible bond developed between young dogs and young dog handlers during a controversial war, and leaving the dogs behind breaks everyone’s heart. I can’t think of a song that would encapsulate that theme. Maybe some of the readers here can help me out.

Do you have a dog companion now? If so, please tell us about him/her.

No, I do not have a dog at this time in my life. My current schedule makes it too difficult with a daytime job, the monument project, movie project, and intermittent travel throughout the year. It just wouldn’t be fair to the dog to be left alone a lot. What is fun about most of my travels is that they are dog related, so I get to meet a lot of dogs, both pets and military working dogs. So, I plan to get another dog after my work is done in a few years. Then I’ll take my dog to visit the national monument and tell him stories about Timber, Clipper, Alex, Princess, Troubles, Shadow, Geisha, Cracker, Ringo, and other hero dogs.

Thanks, John. It’s an honor to have you as a guest at DivineDetour—and a fitting tribute as our nation prepares to remember its veterans, as well as those currently serving, on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010.

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For more information about the War Dog Monument, visit http://www.jbmf.us/.

To donate to the National War Dog Monument project fund, visit http://www.jbmf.us/Ucan-Donation.asp.

To purchase A Soldier’s Best Friend, logon to one of these online booksellers:

-       Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/A-Soldiers-Best-Friend/John-C-Burnam/e/9781402754470/?itm=1&USRI=a+soldier%27s+best+friend

-       Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Best-Friend-Handlers-Vietnam/dp/1402754477/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286688832&sr=1-1

Read a recent news feature about John and the National War Dog Monument at http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/entertainment/entertainment-features/2010/05/23/war-dogs-remembered.

Tammy Genovese grew up in a small town, moved to the big city, and then, subsequently, did very well for herself. For many years she headed up the Country Music Association. In April 2010, she took on the task of establishing a new television network.

Hard work ethic? No doubt. But it’s her “can do” philosophy and love of family that will inspire you.

Did you always know you wanted to work in the entertainment business?

I always loved music. I grew up in Corinth, Mississippi, a small town in North Mississippi. My family was big in the church, and they all sang, played instruments, and my mom even sang in a group that played around the community. I also woke up every morning listening to the radio—and, yes, it was country music. I enjoyed watching the CMA Awards and was a huge Barbara Mandrell fan. But I did not know that I was destined for the entertainment business at that young age.

What was you first job in the industry and how did it come about?

My first job was at CMA, starting in 1985. I was working as a corporate auditor and accountant at Genesco Inc. in Nashville. I was also at MTSU working on an accounting degree. But I did not enjoy the daily accounting work, so I began to look around for some other opportunities. Through word of mouth, I learned of an administrative services position open at CMA. I interviewed with Jo Walker Meador and Ed Benson and within a couple of weeks I was working there overseeing the accounting, office management, front office responsibilities, etc. And of course the rest is history. I was there until December 2009.

You worked your way up from administrative service coordinator to CEO of the Country Music Association, a tremendous achievement. In your 24 years with the CMA, what was your most significant challenge?

I loved the work at CMA and when you enjoy what you do, the challenges are less significant. I am a doer and a maker and I don’t typically sit around and wait on things to happen. My motto is don’t expect great things to happen—make great things happen. So when I make up my mind to do something, I do it. And that was my approach at CMA. Yes, climbing the corporate ladder while being a female, having and raising children, etc. was always a challenge. And, as I have said many times, a female will typically need to go the extra mile to prove herself and her commitment to her career. I did this by getting my MBA at age 31. I felt I had to have an extra edge to move up so, while I was pregnant with my first child, I was also working on my MBA through the University of Phoenix. Thank God for technology and distance learning opportunities.

Let’s talk about your latest challenge. You left the CMA to head up The Country Network (TCN), a 24-hour country music video network. What most influenced that decision and what have you learned from the new challenges you have faced?

I actually left CMA in December of 2009, and officially started at The Country Network on April 15, 2010. I left CMA just because it was time and I was ready for a break. CMA was amazing and I would not take anything for the experience and opportunity to meet so many great people. But it was time for a change. So when I left I was not aware of The Country Network position. However, they did call me the day my resignation was announced, but they did not offer me the position until late January, early February.

Working for a high-profile trade association and working for a start-up network, obviously—two different worlds. The transition has been somewhat challenging just in my thought process and understanding of the business model and broadcast world. But I have loved the opportunity to learn new things and broaden the scope of my experience. I am very motivated by the flexibility and independence of working for The Country Network. We are positioned to partner with the music community and the artists in a way that currently is non-existent—the sky is the limit for us. If we can dream it, we can do it. That is really fun!!

How does TCN differ from CMT and GAC, and what are your first year goals for the new network?

We are different in many ways.

First and foremost we play country music videos 24/7/365. We are a network designed to facilitate the interaction between artists and fans. We build our programming around new artists, current and top 20 artists, and the legends. We create themed blocks of time to allow different programming aspects of our day and we use Artists VJ’s as our hosts.

Additionally, our distribution is significantly different from GAC and CMT. Our first distribution agreement is with Sinclair Broadcast Group, allowing us to roll out our launch market by market, providing a local presence opportunity. This allows for partnerships with the music community by customized promotion and programming. We can also partner with country radio in each market. We are scheduled to be on the air in 25 million homes by first quarter of 2011.

How can country fans learn more about The Country Network (TCN) and its availability in their area?

Please visit www.tcncountry.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences in the entertainment industry? If so… what would you title it?

Yes, maybe one day… not sure about the title. I am thinking that would develop as I wrote the book.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

I am grateful every day for the life that I have been given. And I would like to say that many of the great moments were all planned out by me and executed beautifully—but we would all know that is not true. My belief is that we have to prepare ourselves for all opportunities. I believe that is the definition of luck, opportunity meets preparation. So, to answer your question—yes! I never imagined such joy of bringing children into this world and watching them grow into teenagers and young adults. I have two beautiful kids—Nolan is 18 and a senior this year at Christ Presbyterian Academy, and Callie is 14 and a freshman at CPA. I love my work and being a part of the music and business community, but my kids are my life, and I would not take anything in the world for that experience. They have probably taught me as much as I have taught them through their passion and zeal for life and all that it brings.

A few fun questions…

This website features writers as well as musicians, so I like to mix it up a bit. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I love news and gossip magazines. I do not find a lot of time to just sit and read a book. But, for example, the last book I read was Eat, Pray, Love. Great book and movie!!!

After a tough day at the office, what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Spaghetti (our favorite dinner food at my house) and a good glass of wine (obvious reasons after tough day at work).

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Happy – upbeat!!!

Are you a major or a minor chord?

I would like to think major!!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Ha – I love this question and I am sure you want me to be truthful… probably the little girl trying to walk in high heels. I am always trying something new and love a challenge.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets.

I have an 11-year old Red Bone Blood Hound named Sadie. She is a sweetheart. And I have a four-year-old white Lab named Dixie. Dixie thinks she is the queen around our house, but Sadie really rules the roost.

Thank you, Tammy! It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour!

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For more information about The Country Network (TCN), logon to www.tcncountry.com.

Follow TCN on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TCNCOUNTRY.

Connect with TCN on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheCountryNetwork.

Andrea Boeshaar is a speaker, life coach, and former literary agent. She is also a prolific author, who has been down the path of detours and dues paid. Andrea began submitting for publication in 1984, but it was ten years before her first novel was published.

A co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers and former Advisory Board member and CEO of the organization, Andrea has written or contributed to more than 30 published books—some fiction, some non-fiction. Her latest fiction work, Uncertain Heart, is the first in her Seasons of Redemption series.

You began writing as a child but didn’t pursue it seriously until many years later. What was your impetus to begin writing again?

I started reading secular romance novels and thought, “Hey, I can write one of these.” LOL. Little did I know all the hard work and time that writing a book involved. I went back to school, studied creative writing and then in 1991, I asked Jesus into my heart. After that, I felt led to write Christian romance and my very first novel was published a short time later. It seemed like affirmation from above.

How does your faith play into your writing?

My faith is the very fabric on which I create my stories. I’ve considered writing secular romances, those which don’t publish explicit sex scenes, and I can’t seem to write a novel without the Lord in there somewhere. I admire writers who can so subtly share their faith to a general audience.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Many times. I’ve learned that when God says “no” to one thing it’s because He’s got a greater plan in mind. He can do exceeding, abundantly, and above all we ask or even think! What a marvelous God and Savior we have!!

Let’s talk about your latest book, Uncertain Heart (Realms, October 2010). Please tell us about it.

Uncertain Heart is book two in my series called Seasons of Redemption. It’s set in 1866 and takes place in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI. It was fun to research the city in which I’d grown up. Many buildings from that time period still stand in Milwaukee’s downtown area.

Here’s the blurb off the back cover:

The year is 1866, and Sarah McCabe has wanderlust. In an effort to become independent of her family back in Missouri, she accepts a governess position in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, giving her a firsthand taste of the life she has always desired—a life of luxury, culture, and social privilege.

Richard Navis is a man determined to finish his indentureship to Captain Brian Sinclair and take over his family’s farm. But when he falls in love with Sarah, his homesteading goals blur. She doesn’t seem interested in settling down. What’s more, Richard fears she’s fallen victim to the captain’s charm and persuasion.

When Sarah’s reputation is questioned, Richard devises a bold plan in hopes of protecting her. But is he too late? Has Sarah already made her choice?

In Uncertain Heart, Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar continues the dramatic saga of the MaCabe family that she began in Unwilling Warrior.

Where did you get the idea for this book and the Seasons of Redemption series?

I love various eras in American History. My first book Unwilling Warrior is set during the Civil War. My father passed his interest in the CW to me. This new release, Uncertain Heart, is set just after the war ended. Our country was healing from all the terrible battles, while at the same time great fortunes could be made in businesses like shipping on the Great Lakes.

I so enjoyed researching both the cities of Milwaukee and Chicago for books two and three (Unexpected Love) in my Seasons of Redemption series.

The third book in the series will be released in January. Can you also tell us a bit about it?

I’m happy to.

Lorenna Fields has always taken her job at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital seriously, determined never to become personally involved with her patients. But when a mysterious man with eyes like onyx is admitted after a shipwreck on Lake Michigan, she develops a connection with him that she can’t deny.

Slowly her patient regains consciousness, but to Renna’s dismay he has lost both his sight and his memory. Dubbed “Mr. Blackeyes” by her, the two build a strong, trusting friendship as they search for clues to his past. But part of her dreads the day of his recovery, convinced that his memories will take him away from her and his regained sight will reveal a secret about herself that Renna has been trying hard to hide.

In Unexpected Love, Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar continues the dramatic saga of the McCabe family that she began in Unwilling Warrior and Uncertain Heart.

By the way, book four (Undaunted Faith) will be released next spring. I’ll give readers a hint here: If you enjoyed meeting the McCabe brothers in book two, you’ll love book four!

You’re a prolific writer, a speaker, a Christian Life Coach, and at one time you were a literary agent. Either you have more time in your day than the rest of us or you’re really good at making the most of your time. How do you organize you life so everything fits in? What’s the most difficult part?

Well, honestly, as I mature, I find it harder and harder to juggle. So for now I am concentrating on my writing deadlines, being faithful at church, and spending time with my family. My coaching skills come in handy so many times in situations and I’m blessed to have earned that certification. However, I feel it’s not enough, and I’m taking courses toward earning a certificate in biblical counseling also. But that will be a few years out.

In the meantime, I plan to finish writing my Seasons of Redemption series and then I’m contracted by Realms for a brand new second series called Fabric of Time, which is about a Norwegian family that migrates to America and settles in Wisconsin.

A few fun questions…

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

I would be my all time favorite song. Things I’d Like To Say by New Colony Six. An oldie but a goodie—maybe even a classic.   :  )

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Most days I’m a major, but I have my minor moments.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I’m the strong female lead and the super heroine…just ask my husband Daniel. I wear my cape almost everyday.  LOL  :  )

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets.

Daniel and I have a six-month-old yellow Lab. Her name is Miley. We just love her and she’s a very good dog. We got her when she was a tiny baby puppy and we’d snuggle her and allow her to sleep on our laps. But now that she’s 55 lbs. it’s not so easy. However, Miley doesn’t seem to get that she’s a big girl now.

Thank you, Andrea! It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour!

The pleasure has been mine. Thank you!

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For more information about Andrea, logon to her website at http://www.andreaboeshaar.com/

To stay up-to-date with Andrea, visit her blog, Everything Writerly, at http://everythingwriterly.blogspot.com/

To purchase Andrea’s books from her website, logon to http://andreaboeshaar.com/cgi-bin/books.pl

To purchase Uncertain Heart and other books by Andrea at Amazon logon to http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Boeshaar/e/B001JPCEJK/ref=sr_tc_img_2_0?qid=1287974078&sr=1-2-ent

To purchase Uncertain Heart and other books by Andrea at Barnes & Noble logon to http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&R=1&IF=N&WRD=Andrea%20Boeshaar&SRT=P&SZE=10&CM_MMC=Andrea%20Boeshaar%20-%20author,%20speaker%20and%20Certified%20Christian%20Life%20Coach-_-k232337-_-j28975687k232337-_-Andrea

To purchase books by Andrea at Christianbook.com visit http://tinyurl.com/2wu3ah7