Welcome Christian Author, Stephanie Guerrero Q & A

Stephanie Guerrero has a passion both for living real-life adventures and for the power of writing a redemptive story. She specializes in adventure romance! When not writing, she enjoys hiking, travel, exploring, research, and all things chocolate. Christ is her inspiration in all things. Her husband and four children make "living the adventure" a joy.

On the side, she is co-founder of Sister 2 Sister Women's Ministries and has actively ministered to children or students for 30 years. A member of ACFW and a former educator of middle school reading & writing, she loves to continue to hear from her readers!

Follow her blog today!

https://shadesoftheorient.wordpress.com/

   Tell me about yourself. What got you started writing?

           I have always been an avid reader of Christian fiction and graduated with an education degree specializing in reading, but… When my husband and I got pregnant with our first child, he supported my decision to invest in being a stay-at-home mom. Best decision I’ve made, but my overactive mind needed more than playtime in the baby/toddler years.

          I woke up one day with an idea to start writing my own book. I promised myself I would finish and submit it whether I ever got published or not. Many other things took priority, so it took several years, but I finished it!

     How did you come up with your book idea? What inspired you?

        Promise of Gold was inspired by my great-grandfather who died during the Spanish Flu Epidemic after carrying the workload for all the farm families around his own. At age 37, he left behind seven children. My grandmother was the baby and nearly buried with him since she contracted the Spanish flu as well. This book uses the names of many of my relatives alive during the time period. 

    What was the most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?

         When my publisher asked for a book set in the Roaring Twenties, I was excited, anticipating a lively, exciting time. However, in my research, I discovered the root of the “carefree” lifestyles. Between WWI, mumps, measles, polio, and finally the Spanish Flu killing nearly 100,000,000, yes, you read correctly… the Flu ALONE (without the wars or other illnesses) killed nearly 1/5 of the global population. The lifespan of most individuals was 35-45 years! SO MUCH SORROW, that the U.S. developed an attitude of “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you may die!”

          It was difficult to study, but now I see it prepared me for the challenges of today. And there were great times as well… King Tut’s tomb discovery among them! I LOVE Promise of Gold because it showcases the hope!

    Who is your favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?

          I LOVE the character of Lillie-Mae because no matter how many times life knocks her down, she just gets back up and chooses to let God grow and lead her. She changes a lot.

         But I have to say that Web Dudley… the hero is truly my inspiration. He NEVER changes! He’s rock steady, always chooses right. He has one major moment when things get to him, and he can be a bit thick in understanding when God is trying to get his attention, (so can I); yet he always does chooses the right path.

      Do your characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda?

         Very much! Though in life I am a fairly organized, detailed person, I LOVE writing by the seat of my pants. It helps characters come to life and change the direction of the story in ways that surprise even me!

    How has writing this book impacted you personally?

          I’ve learned to endure… I’ve learned to look at setbacks as challenges, to have compassion for those less fortunate around me.

     How many books do you currently have published? What genres?

                Currently, I have ten books published with four more coming out in the next 6 months. 

              I’ve written: Historical, Contemporary, Suspense, intrigue, royal romances, billionaire romance, westerns, and more! 

Be watching for:

The Highlander’s Prize- 15^th century historical set in Scotland

Taken By Surprise- A 1900 historical suspense in The Old West

Nutcraker Cottage- A Christmas contemporary set in Colorado

    What is your favorite thing about writing? Your least favorite?
I
                   I get excited when the characters come to life, and I always put some sort of twist just for fun.

What authors in your genre inspire you most?

           Linda Windsor is an amazing author for Irish historical, but she writes great contemporary humor as well.

          Dee Henderson for suspense and personality details

What would you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has enough talent?

      Putting your writing out there for critique is like having someone tell you that your precious baby is ugly! It’s okay!

      Some of my favorite authors have been rejected by publishers even after they were published authors of dozens of books. Sometimes, it just takes the right publisher. Don’t be afraid to ask another author for helpful suggestions. Even the toughest ones can make you a better writer, but keep in mind… what one critic hates, another loves. Grow, Learn, Write. The biggest tip…JUST KEEP WRITING!

Thank you for allowing me to share today!

Thanks, Stephanie for sharing with everyone!

All that glitters is not gold’ in the Roaring Twenties, or is it…?

This romantic suspense swirls with glamor and intrigue in a world gone wild.

Amidst discoveries of a pharaoh’s untold riches and a mad rush to develop atomic weapons, Mae Simmons simply longs for someone to see beyond appearances to her heart. Neglected by family, society, and especially the fellas… she feels invisible!

Yet Webster Dudley, captain of the baseball team and heir to Dudley Industries is different. Mae catches his eye. Claiming her in front of his whole social set, he bestows his coveted gold class ring on the social outcast. Too soon, the War to End All Wars rips him far away into the world of industrial espionage, leaving Mae with nothing but his ring and golden promises.

Then her physicist father is murdered for his Atomic designs. 

Forced to enter the silence of protective custody, Mae is invisible again. Can Web see past appearances once more? Time is running out to discover where the promise of gold truly lies.

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