​1. Who or what inspired you to become an author?
I’ve always been a writer. It has just always been something I do. From my first short story at the age of 7, I’ve been writing stories. But it was my friend Kelly Blewett who convinced me I could be an author. We were co-workers about ten years ago, and one day I told her about this story idea I had. But then I said, “I’ll never finish it.” She said, “Yes, you will.” And so she proceeded to ask me every day if I’d written the night before. I got tired of telling her that I hadn’t, so I set up a calendar and set about writing my book. I finished that book in three months, and it became my first published novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, in 2009. I was so gratefully for Kelly’s support and help that I featured her puppy Henry in the book, and I’ll be forever grateful for her encouragement.

2. What top 5 books do you currently have on your TBR pile?
I want to read all the books! It’s so hard to narrow it down to only five, but the ones I’m most excited to pick up are:
1)The Story of With by Allen Arnold – A book about learning to create with the Creator
2)Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischoff – Because Joanne.
3)More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer – Because I love her books. They’re so fun yet filled with deep truths.
4)Once Upon a Laugh – This might be cheating because there are 8 novellas in this contemporary rom com collection, but with so many great authors like Pepper Basham, Jessica Patch, and Betsy St. Amant, how could I not love it?
5)Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson – I’ve heard wonderful things about this general market contemporary romance novel, so I’m so excited to get to dive into it.

3. What inspired the idea for A Sparkle of Silver?
A trip to Hearst Castle with my dad in 2010. It was his idea to tour the grand estate, but when we got there, my writer brain ate it up. It was such a fascinating place, and I immediately dreamed up an idea about a woman who played one of the period actors at a similar house.

4. What did you as an author take away from writing A Sparkle of Silver?
Every book I write is a reminder to myself that God is with me. I’d never get through a whole book without Him lifting me up and carrying me through, and He is so faithful. If I ever doubt, I need only look back at my writing seasons and to see that He is with me.

5. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?
I just finished writing A Glitter of Gold, book two in the Georgia Coast Romance series. It’ll release sometime next summer—probably August—and involves a shipwreck, a two hundred and fifty year old journal, and a woman who gives pirate tours in Savannah for a living. I adored writing it, especially the journal sections set in 1759, and soon I’ll get to work on the editing phases.

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER

​1. What inspired the idea for Love Sidelined? How does this story tie into Love on Pointe and Love Unscripted?  
You’re probably going to laugh, but it was a combination of my own experiences as a cheerleader and a song I heard while running on the treadmill at the gym—“Beneath Your Beautiful”. As I listened to this song, Allie and Jason came to life in my mind. Their story was so clear that I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day. I was so moved that I had to write the story down. Allie was the first character I ever wrote. In fact, I only intended to write her point of view, but then Jason Jennings had a lot to say . . . and then so did all his siblings.
 
All three of the books that I have written are part of what I like to call a “stand-alone series.” This means that each book can stand alone, or rather be read and enjoyed on its own. This series follows the Jennings family siblings, so while each book has recurring characters in the background every book highlights a new characters’ love story. I recommend readers begin by reading Love on Pointe, but this is not required to enjoy each book.

2. What did you as an author take away from writing Love Sidelined?  
Writing Love Sidelined was an incredible experience for SO many reasons, and I took away so many life lessons. The first has to do with patience. When I first submitted my manuscript (fun fact: it was originally titled Catching 22) to Covenant for evaluation, it was “not rejected, but not accepted.” Unfortunately, they had something too similar that was about to be published and my book needed to wait for the right time. The good news is, Covenant asked me if I would be willing to submit something else to them for consideration, and luckily, I was almost ready to submit Love on Pointe, which ended up being my first novel published.
 
The second takeaway has more to do with the content of the book. Readers may or may not know this, but I love to explore deep themes (in addition to love and romance, of course) in my novels. Both Jason and Allie have been through some incredibly traumatic experiences and both are healing. Walking through the steps of that healing process with Allie was so hard, and it gave me so much compassion for survivors of abuse. My hope is that readers will develop greater empathy and understanding by walking in both Jason and Allie’s shoes.

3. What writing tips do you have for an aspiring author?  
Just do it! No seriously, jump right in and get those words down. My mentor, Melanie Jacobson, gave me the most perfect advice when I first began writing and I’m going to pass it on to your readers now, it was this: The best way to learn how to write a novel is to write a novel. My second bit of advice is to read. Read everything you can get your hands on and take note of what does and does not work for you as reader.

4. What is your favorite fall activity?  
Fall is my absolute favorite season! Unfortunately, we don’t get too much fall weather here in Southern California, but we sure like to pretend. One of my favorite activities is to rake all the pretty, fall-colored leaves into piles and jump and play in them with me kids. I also enjoy decorating with fall colors and scenting the house with pumpkin candles. I wish I could say that I enjoy baking, but unfortunately, I’m not a very good baker. I blame my oven, but it’s probably just me being impatient and not following directions very well. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love writing so much—it’s okay to break the rules. ;)
 

5. What top books are currently on your TBR pile?  
I have so many great books in my TBR pile, but these five books are at the top:
1) Secrets and Suitors by Joanna Barker (I received an eBook ARC of this sweet regency romance from the publisher, and I am loving this one so far! It releases in October.)
2) E is for Engineer by Brenna Jacobs (it’s not out yet, but I’m getting excited!)
3) Roxy’s Song by Raneé Clark
4) Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum

​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER

1-What inspired the idea for The Witness Tree?
I enjoy writing historicals that take the reader to different locations and time periods in the history of my native Georgia. In looking for inspiration for a new story, I came across mention of the Moravian mission at Springplace, the school for children of Cherokee chiefs on the property of Chief James Vann. The Moravians in the early 1800s were a little-known sect of “plain people” born out of the resistance of Bohemian priest John Huss to the Catholic church. The focus that brought them to the New World was missions.  I had visited the Vann plantation as a child and even blogged about Moravian Christmas traditions, but I’d never realized the connection between the Moravians from Salem, North Carolina—like a cute, mini-Williamsburg—and the Vann house in Northwest Georgia. One of the things the Moravians wanted to do was to learn and record the Cherokee language. The Cherokees at this time were divided between embracing European ways and resisting change. Many opposed the writing down of their language. In this unusual intersection of cultures, I saw some great plot tension!

2-What did you as an author take away from writing The Witness Tree?
Haha, well, that ties into the last question, and the answer would probably be not to make it so hard on myself as a writer.  Properly and honorably depicting the two very different cultures, which could hardly communicate with one another at first contact, was extremely challenging. But to take that a step further, the story itself focuses on how we react when our dreams don’t flesh out as we’d hoped, and even when we fail. That’s something I’ve definitely walked through in my professional and personal life, but in the end, God always has a purpose and a redemption plan.

3-What top 5 books do you currently have on your TBR pile?
To be honest, I don’t actually have a physical TBR pile at the moment. I read a lot of books as I’m evaluating them for potential publication with Smitten Historical Romance and Heritage Beacon Historical Fiction, the imprints for which I serve as a managing editor. (Yes, The Witness Tree is releasing through Smitten, but it was actually contracted before I started as an ME. :)) I also read a number of novels for beta reading or author endorsements for my fellow writers. With four novels of my own releasing between now and March, plus a daughter becoming a high school senior and an older daughter getting married in December,  I don’t have much down time. But once I do, I have a whole list of Smitten back titles to choose from, as well as lots of novels by my dear author friends.

​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER

1. What inspired the idea for Fall Flip?
At the time I wrote Fall Flip, my agent had encouraged me to write some contemporary romance since it’s often easier to place for publication. I guess she was right--because three of my modern stories will be hitting the shelves between now and March. I wanted to do something “Hallmark-y” that would also interest HGTV fans. However, I’m happy to say we’re having success with my historical novels as well, and I have several of those pending. 

2. What did you as an author take away from writing Fall Flip?
I’ve never been much of a strict formula writer, but Fall Flip does offer the anticipated doses of meet cutes, pumpkin spice, dogs and toddlers, surprises, and reverses. I guess I’m convinced now that writing with percentages and formulas in mind can add to a romance--even while originality is maintained. One of the things that make this story original is that Shelby isn’t the typical young widowed heroine. Her first marriage brought a lot of good things into her life, but it wasn’t perfect. In fact, some things were downright hurtful. Admitting what didn’t work and allowing herself to seek something different without guilt is part of her struggle in the story.

3. What writing tips do you have for a beginning author?
Start with educating yourself. Read books or attend workshops on self-editing and writing in deep point of view. Surround yourself with a group of talented individuals--beta readers or critique partners plus more established authors--who can help you in your journey. Despite my background training and a strong work ethic, all of my open doors and great opportunities have come because someone else has been gracious to me. Finally, don’t be afraid to start with a smaller publisher or by self-publishing, but either way, you have to be prepared in today’s industry to market yourself. You must have an established online presence and sales numbers for increasingly larger publishers to take note.

​Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…mysteries and exotic adventures, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey filled with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

1-What inspired the idea for Fatal Memories?
I’m a full time RV’er and spend the winter months in southern Arizona near Nogales. A report of drug tunnels beneath the city sparked the idea for the story but I also wanted to capture this unique climate and location. I think I fell in love with it! 
2-What did you as an author take away from writing Fatal Memories?
I come from a loving family and I have four children and many grandchildren. I’ve always thought how difficult life would be if my family was stripped from me. So I spent a lot of time exploring Joss and Dylan’s emotions as they dealt with the loss of their family and support system. What I came away with was a reinforcement of how important it is to treat your family as you would yourself.
3-What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?
Well, the title of my current work in progress is set California’s central valley and is about a deadly pathogen that can kill the world’s crops. The heroine is searching for a cure but a terrorist group is trying to kidnap her. The hero must protect her and her baby. It’s called Killer Harvest.
4-What top 5 books are currently on your TBR pile?
Who had time to read? Just kidding. I always have books lined up but right now I’m only reading research books for my next WIP. But I have a Hannah Alexander book on my list when I finish.
5-What are some of your favorite summer activities?
Traveling. Since I live in an RV, we hit the road in the summer. I love staying in a location where we can dig into the history and the culture. I have some great story ideas from our traveling.