Healing Skye – Author Q & A

Title: Healing Skye

Series: Coastal Hearts 

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC

Release Date: December 16, 2021

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance

Animals always made more sense than humans did to marine biologist Skye Youngblood. After her mother’s suicide, she left Alabama and never looked back. These days, she pours her heart into protecting nature’s sea creatures. When she returns to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a temporary manatee migration study, her dark past is much too close. She can’t let her guard down. But how can she keep her heart hidden when a kind man with a genuine smile makes her want a fresh start?

Charter fishing pays the bills for widower Pete Thompson and his little girl, but like his father, a pastor, Pete can’t help but fish for men. Only, after growing up under constant scrutiny as a preacher’s kid, Pete’s ways are a bit more unconventional. And the bulk of his life revolves around raising his precious daughter.

When he witnesses the car wreck of a new marine biologist on the island, it doesn’t take a genius to see that more than just her physical pain needs tending. Pete feels called to help Skye find true healing, but he’s navigating dangerous waters. And he’s not at all sure he’ll walk away unscathed.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award-winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. ​Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

AUTHOR Q & A

Which of your Published or Unpublished books is your favorite, and why?

Probably, The Art of Rivers is my favorite. It was a bitter-sweet story that dealt with addition, but God provided me a character and an odd pet to add some humor.

How do you pick your character’s personalities or looks?

Usually, one of the character’s personalities forms in my mind before the story, usually the heroine. Sometimes I’m sitting on the beach or taking a nature walk in real life when I daydream about their lives. I often imagine the heroine having a deep-seated fear or a deep wound that she has to overcome. The story and the hero then begin to fall into place.

What is your favorite genre to read? What is your favorite genre to write? And why are they your favorites?

I love a variety of Christian fiction: historical, contemporary, Biblical, and even speculative or fantasy. I prefer not to read a lot of fiction outside of the Christian market, unless its clean 😊I write contemporary Christian romance simply because that’s how the stories come to me. Maybe someday I’ll imagine another type.

What inspires you the most?

I’m really inspired by Scripture and creation. My stories are heavy on the spiritual elements. Outside, in nature, my mind is free to imagine.

Once an idea takes root, how long does it take you to write it down? Do you use outlines?

Hmm, the idea percolates for months, often while I’m writing another novel. Then when I finish and publish that story, I begin. I’m a slow writer, and I’m also pretty much a punster, making the story as I go along. I occasionally try an outline but I usually end up not following it, ha! I write one novel a year.

Do you have a favorite author? Or someone whom you would say has influenced your writing style?

I love Francine Rivers! Her characters are so great. Lisa Wingate too!! I believe that Francine proves the power of story to touch hearts for the Lord, which is my goal.

What are your hobbies other than writing?

I love to travel and walk and eat! Often, those all go together. Oh, and I take pictures on my phone. Check out my Instagram.

Do you have a genre that you would never write?

I can’t imagine writing suspense murder mysteries simply because I’m not sure I could figure out to set up all the clues. I’d be terrible at writing fight scenes too.

What is one thing you would say has had the greatest impact on your writing?

My faith. I was a prodigal who came back to the Lord, so I tend to write stories where at least one character is struggling with their faith.

What was your favorite book growing up?

It’s hard to choose just one. I love Charlotte’s Web, A Wrinkle in Time, The Secret Garden, and Little House of the Prairie!

Where did your details come from?

I love research! For this novel, Healing Skye, I learned a lot about marine biology. I visited the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and interviewed the scientists. I watched tons of videos they produced. I also traveled to Florida and swam with manatees. They are so cool!

What did you do before becoming a writer?

My last position was as a high school librarian! I love books!!

THANK YOU for stopping by Janet! I apricate your time and am so thankful my readers and I got to know you better!
Sincerely,
Kimmie – The Travelers Wife

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Skye, a T-shirt supporting the Manatee Network, magnetic butterfly bookmarks, prayers to share, a creative Bible study journal, a magnet, and a seashell from the author!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 24, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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