Jordan Valley Miss – Available Today

Welcome Susan Spess What is your writing schedule like? I usually write early in the morning each day. Since my husband's death in May, I've gotten a little off track. Now I'm trying to get back to it. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I don't know…

Welcome Susan Spess

What is your writing schedule like?
I usually write early in the morning each day. Since my husband's death in May, I've gotten a little off track. Now I'm trying to get back to it.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't know how interesting it is, but I write in a recliner. I have an office and a big desk just about 20 feet away, but I love the snuggled down feel of this chair.
How did you come up with your title?
Jordan Valley is the historic name of the area where I live. After I tried a name like Skinner, Oklahoma, and Mayfield, Oklahoma, and got a thumbs down from my critique partners, I asked them about Jordan Valley. They all liked it.
The MISS is because Glory might have missed out on life.
Tell us about your hero and heroine. What makes them likeable?
Glory is in her thirties, and the people in Jordan Valley think she's missed her chance to marry. She loves children and thinks her best gift is building children up, so she does!
Eli was a minister at the largest church in Texas, but when his wife and brother are killed together in a car wreck, he is fired because the powers that be think they were having an affair. He takes a job in the smallest town in the world in order to support his daughter and find his way back to the limelight.
How much of the book is based in real life?
The setting is loosely based on my hometown of Cleveland, Oklahoma, and a couple of older women who lived here but are now deceased. Other than that, it's just my imagination working.
What makes this book special to you?
The young people in the book just stole my heart. The children remind me of my younger siblings when we were kids. I'm the oldest of 6, and my childhood was the stuff dreams are made of.
Are plots based on someone you know or events in your own life?
Twenty nine years ago, my mother, sister, paternal grandmother, paternal aunt, and two nieces were hit by a drunk driver one morning on their way to Tulsa, and they all died except my sister. The wreck in the book comes from that tragedyl
What books have most influenced your life?
Books I've read and reread all my life are children's books, such as the Little House series, Little Women, and childhood biographies of famous Americans, and of course, Scripture. All those books teach a lesson about living with honor, and correcting mistakes when you're less than perfect.
What makes this a "must read" and why?
Getting to know about the internal workings of a church, It also relates the fun of a daycare center, where the adults are trying to help a little girl who doesn't speak. When finding out why Brandi doesn't talk and how she gets helped is a surprise.
Do you have a person you consider a mentor?
My parents have always been my mentors. My father is 90 years old, but is still active in the family business and very helpful with his sage advice.
What book are you reading now?
TANGLED PROMISES, by Linda Trout and DANGEROUS REUNION by Marilyn Pappano. (I rarely read one book at a time.)
What do you do when you're not writing?
I work full time in the family business. And when I'm not at work, I knit, garden in the summer, work on photography, play with my beautiful grandchildren, enjoy my sons and their wives, or watch old movies.
What does your family think of your writing?
They're proud of me!
What is your next project?
I have a couple more books finished in this series. They need to see the light of day!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I don't think so. I really like the characters and the story.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging when it comes to your writing?
Grammar and punctuation is a little challenging, but I have great critique partners that help out a lot.
Who is your faviourte author and what is it that really strikes you abou their work?
Marilyn Pappano. Her characters are so real, you feel you could meet them on the street.
What is the hardest part about writing?
Marketing my books.
Did you learn anything from writing this book? What was it?
Writing a Christian Romance is a joy to experience.
Do you have advice for other writers?
Grow a thick skin and find a great critique group. Few people write perfectly right off the start, no matter how it sounds in your head.
Do you have anything specific you want to say to readers?
I'm a long way from perfect, but the Holy Spirit within me is a guide who'll always be there for me, and I'm so grateful.

How can readers connect with you?
I'm on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where my name is Susan Spess Shay. My email address is [email protected]. I'd love to hear from my readers!

 

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