I am so excited to welcome award-winning multi-published author, Terri Reed, to my blog for my very first author interview! Before we get to the questions, though, here’s a little about her latest book:
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
A Family Under the Christmas Tree
by Terri Reed
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 340 pages
October 4th, 2016 by Howard Books
In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog—but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom.
David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, David is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy, who he’s only seen once a year since he was born. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious Bernese mountain dog—who leads him to Sophie.
Sophie Griffith has spent her life traveling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary. Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.
Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as they spend more time together, they start falling for each other even though they know it can’t go anywhere. Sophie will be gone after Christmas, and the last thing David needs is another distraction as he tries to comfort Troy. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they wonder whether it’s more than a holiday romance…and maybe Troy might finally get his Christmas wish for a family.
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
Now, on to the interview!
Thank you, Terri, for agreeing to chat with me and congratulations on the release of your latest book, A Family Under the Christmas Tree! I know everyone’s busy this time of year, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet with six fun questions.
I noticed in the bio on your website that you spent ten years working as a model in your life-before-writing. How did that experience help with developing the character of Sophie Griffith?
Having worked in front of the camera for many years afforded me an appreciation for photography. I was able to glean the art it takes, the time and patience as well as the technical know-how for a well-done photo shoot. I enjoyed putting my knowledge to work for Sophie.
I volunteer in the foster youth community so children in need are dear to my heart. What inspired you to write a story that included a boy who’d lost his family?
I knew I wanted a child in the story and I thought it would be interesting to explore how my very career driven hero would take on sudden parenthood. And David didn’t disappoint, he stepped up to the plate and changed his life for his nephew despite how little he knew of being a parent.
The mischievous Riggs plays an important role in your story. I’m curious, why a Bernese mountain dog?
Well, two things happened that led me to use a Bernese mountain dog in A Family Under the Christmas Tree. I was on Pinterest looking for inspiration and came across a graphic of an adorable Bernese wearing a Santa hat standing beside a downed Christmas tree. The caption read, “Mom, the tree fainted.” I thought that was too cute. Then a few days later we were out at a park and met a Bernese mountain dog pup that was absolutely adorable. I knew then I would use a Bernese mountain dog in the story.
What a great story! Also, I have to agree: Bernese mountain puppies are pretty much melt-your-heart adorable.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Oooh! That’s a favorite of mine, too.
Tell me something about you that might surprise your readers.
I have an extreme phobia of snakes. Doesn’t matter if they are on TV, behind a glass case or in the wild. They give me the creeps. Mostly because I had a few close run-ins with a variety of snakes when I was a child.
What other authors are you friends with and how did they help you become a better writer?
I belong to Romance Writers of America and know a great many authors. There’s a huge community of writers out there and everyone I have met has been so generous with their support and encouragement. There are several authors who have had an influence on my writing career. Most noteworthy was author Lenora Worth who mentored me when I was an unpublished author. She gave of her time and expertise to help me along my journey to becoming published.
It’s always great to hear about authors supporting each other. I’ve added a link to your answer in case readers want to learn more about Lenora.
Terri, thanks so much for sharing with us!
Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 25 Romance and Publishers Weekly top ten Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100 and featured in USA Today, Christian Fiction Magazine, More To Life Magazine and Romantic Times Magazine, finaled in RWA’s RITA contest, National Reader’s Choice Award contest, ACFW’s The Carol Award contest. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.
Be sure to check out the rest of the stops along the tour to learn more about Terri and her newest book, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, and stop back here to check out the Grand Finale on December 18th!
Tour Schedule
December 11th: Launch
December 12th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Falling Leaves
Zerina Blossom’s Books
December 13th:
i blog 4 books
Bookworm Lisa
Mommabears Book Blog
Rockin’ Book Reviews
December 14th:
Jessica and Gracie’s Tree
Mel’s Shelves
Kathleen Denly
December 15th:
Kindle and Me
Getting Your Read On
Paulette’s Papers
December 16th:
Christy’s Cozy Corners
Tell Tale Book Reviews
December 18th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
– 1 winner will receive a copy of Love Inspired Classic 2 in 1, Love Comes Home and A Sheltering Love, a light up angel ornament, a Santa bookmark, A Family Under the Christmas Tree bookmark, a manicure set, and a Tule Book Girl book bag (US only)
– 1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
– Ends December 22nd
Thanks for stopping by!
What did you think of my first author interview? Are there any other questions you’d like to ask Terri? Post them in the comments below!
TWEETABLES
Thank you Kathleen for the great interview. Merry Christmas!
It was so fun learning more about you and your story! Merry Christmas! 🙂
I fell so hard in love with Riggs….guess what? We just got a new pup! I wanted to name him Riggs, but i was overruled!!!
Oh man. Riggs is a great name! 🙂 What kind of pup did you get and what name won over Riggs?
Well, dh wanted to name him Buddy! He is German Shep/Border Collie mix. Took him to the vet today….good check up! He is very hyper!!
Buddy is a cute name and I love that mix! 🙂 I think all pups are hyper. Our new kitten gets hyper. I think it’s interesting to see how their personalities emerge as they mature. 🙂