Today I’m interviewing Christian romantic suspense author Erin Unger about life, writing, and her new release, Desolate Paths. Welcome, Erin!
About You
First, please you tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?
Hi! Thanks for having me. I’m from the hills of Virginia, where farms flourish and people are kind.
It’s said that authors should write the kind of book they like to read. What is your favourite genre? Who are your favourite authors?
My favorite genre does happen to be the genre I write. There’s nothing like a great romantic suspense. And I love to read. My favorite authors are Harlan Coben, Irene Hannon, and Erynn Newman.
What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Why/why not?
I just finished Julie B Cosgrove’s book called Dumpster Dicing and it was such a fun cozy mystery. I would most definitely recommend it to others because it was well-written and had a neat perspective. The main characters were Bunco partners who lived in a retirement community. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I see Bunco mentioned often in novels, but had to look up what it is.
About your book
What kind of books do you write? Where and when are they set?
I write contemporary romantic suspense for the Christian market. Some of my novels are set in the Virginia mountains while others are in tight-knit urban communities.
Tell us about your latest book. Who will enjoy it?
My book, Desolate Paths, which is coming out on January 11, 2019, is for women who love suspense driven by real life issues, with a love story wrapped in too.
What was your motivation for writing Desolate Paths?
When I was growing up, a wagon caravan of teens came through my small town every summer. These teens were troubled and working through hard life issues most people never have to face. They had to survive the whole summer in tents with no electricity and no running water as they received counselling. I always wondered what it would be like to live the way they did. This spurred my imagination into action for years and led to the creation of Desolate Paths.
Where did the characters and story come from? What were your influences?
One summer, our church had a singing group from a rehab center visit. Once again, the same kind of treatment that the wagon caravan used was put into action with these girls. I began talking to one of them and I just knew she was meant to be my main character. I wish I could see how she’s doing today. And I hope I did her justice in my story.
Who is your favourite character and why? Do you have anything in common with him/her?
My favorite character is Kyle Reston. He is such a complex character who is still working his way through rehab. If only he could do right when he should… I’m not sure I have much in common with him but I do love the depth he adds to the story.
What are you working on at the moment? What other books do you plan to write?
I’m glad you asked! I am getting ready to start the second book in a series about a tight-knit urban community. This is an eight-book series where all of the characters will win my readers over, and they’ll have the hardest time deciding who’s their favorite.
I love a great series!
About your writing
What motivated you to start writing?
I’ve always had a story brewing in the back of my mind. But it wasn’t until I was in my late twenties before I actually started a writing. It’s been years of learning and waiting, but I’m so glad to finally be on the cusp of seeing my dreams of being a published author a reality.
What made you choose to write for the Christian market?
I’d never consider doing it any other way. I know this gift God gave me is meant to glorify Him and help others through my stories.
Amen! It’s important that some Christians write for the general market—but it’s even more important that we all use our gifts as God would have us use them.
Do your novels have an overt faith element?
Yes. My faith and how I can show God’s unfathomable love is most important to me.
About your publishing journey
This book is self-published, but you also have a book coming out from Pelican Book Group in March next year. What made you choose to self-publish this title and seek traditional publication for this next novel?
Pelican is such a great house to publish through, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to work with them, but I like the autonomy of self-publishing also. I think I get the best of both worlds by going both ways.
What advice do you have for someone seeking to write and publish a novel?
An author should take the time to learn how to write first! Be willing to make changes and be easy to work with. Seek the help of other writers and take their advice.
I agree! We can’t learn to write in a vacuum, and the best stories are brought to life by great writing. Thanks for joining us today, Erin!
About Erin Unger
Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her novel, Desolate Paths, releases January 11, 2019.
You can find Erin online at:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
About Desolate Paths
When rehab is Brooke Hollen’s only chance at redemption, she runs straight to it. But can she survive the serial killer who hides amongst the damaged and healing? And can she trust Kyle Reston, another rehab resident, who wants to take her under his wing? Or is he responsible for the residents who keep disappearing?
You can buy Desolate Paths at Amazon.
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