Meet Inspirational Romantic Suspense Author, Terri Reed

Terri Reed

Why did you decide to write Inspirational Romantic Suspense? 

I started writing romance back in the early 90’s.  I thought I wanted to write historical romances because that is my first true love of romance genre.  But I had small children and no computer and research wasn’t easy.  I did eventually sell one historical novella. However, I took the advice of a multi-published author who said, “Write what you know” and switched to contemporary romances, but couldn’t gain any traction. By this time I had discovered category romances and romantic suspense novels.  I had heard in a workshop that you should write what you like to read.  Since I devoured thrillers, mysteries and romantic suspense books, I decided to give the genre of romantic suspense a try.  I gained a bit of traction with some finals in contests, receiving positive feedback from editors but still no sale.  Then I discovered Dee Henderson’s books that combined romance, suspense and faith.  I knew I’d found the right genre for me.  When I rewrote my earlier stories to include faith, they sold.  The first few books were romances but I had a light thread of suspense (not necessarily action or adventure so much as carefully guarded secrets).  Then Love Inspired opened the suspense line and I migrated naturally into the genre.

You do such a wonderful job of braiding your stories together. Which story line is harder for you to write: the romance, the suspense, or the faith journey? 

For me weaving in the romance is the hardest part of writing romantic suspense.  I’m a plotter and I love the action, the adventure of suspense.  I love to build a story, layering in clues, red-herrings, scary moments and action scenes.  I write fast and tight plots with little emotion or romance in the first draft.  Invariably, my critique partners and/or editors will call me on the lack of romance development and I’ll need to go back and layer in the emotional landscape.  The faith element is more organic for me and comes in spits and spurts, intermingled with the plot and the romance.      

 Tell us about your latest release.

The Deputy’s Duty was a June release.  Book six in the Fitzgerald Bay continuity series. 

Fitzgerald Bay: Law enforcement siblings fight for justice and family.

Fitzgerald Family Secret

As the eldest of six siblings and deputy chief of the Fitzgerald Bay police department, Ryan Fitzgerald is a protector.  Of his family.  Of his community.  But staying in control means keeping his distance…until Meghan Henry comes to town.  Seeking justice for her murdered cousin, and safety for an orphaned—and missing—child, the daring journalist is not afraid to face danger head-on.  And when she uncovers a dark Fitzgerald secret, Ryan’s left with a devastating choice.  Which will he protect—his family, or the woman he’s started to love?

When can we order your next book?

I have an upcoming October release titled The Doctor’s Defender.  Book three of my own mini-series Protection Specialists.

Do No Harm

As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead.  It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes.  Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7.  At first, Brenda doesn’t think too-handsome Kyle Martin is the right man for the job.  Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe.  With every attempt on her life, she’s more drawn to the strong and silent man who risks his life for hers.  But their growing feelings could put them both in harm’s way.

What are you working on now?

I’m in the plotting stage of my next two Protection Specialists books.   

 

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