Monday, April 10, 2017

Take Five with Debut Author Dena Netherton

 

I've got to tell you there is really little for a writer that is as exciting as publishing your first book.  Please welcome debut author Dena Netherton. 
She is as charming as she is an excellent writer. 

Welcome to An Indie Adventure, Dena.  Tell us, what inspired you to write your book, Haven’s Flight?

When I was twelve years old, this image of a young woman standing in a field of snow, surrounded by dark forest popped into my mind. She was looking over her shoulder nervously as if she were being pursued. The image was so compelling that it stayed in my mind for days, and finally, I sketched it on a sheet of paper. I kept the sketch in my desk drawer and every time I saw it I’d ask myself, “What is going on with this girl? What is she frightened of?” Over a period of weeks, a story started to unfold and develop. But I didn’t even try to write it down because I knew I wouldn’t do it justice until I learned how to be a writer. Forty years later, the girl in my sketch has found her name— Haven—and readers are about to find out who she’s running from.

Have you been a lifelong reader of suspense?  What are some the first books you remember reading?

I found my love of reading as a little kid when I discovered books like “Lad, A Dog” by Terhune, and the “Flicka” books about horses. In my teens, I loved Fantasy novels, such as Tolkien’s “the Lord of the Rings” trilogy and C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia.” I went through a dark phase in high school where I read everything I could get at the library (remember libraries?) about the last two world wars. Actually, I think reading about the horrors of war made me wonder what I would do if someone threatened my life. Which led to my fascination with how people survive and cope in times of great personal danger. I love Stephen King’s writing. His stories are way creepier than mine, but reading his books have helped me develop the ‘creep factor’ in my own bad characters.

What do you do to rev your creative juices?

When I’m stuck, I go for a drive and play classical music. Nothing makes the ideas flow faster.

To you what makes a great romance hero or heroine?

They’ve got to be complicated. When I read a good book, I want to love the hero or heroine in spite of their flaws. Sometimes, I even want to enjoy their flaws. When they do something stupid, I want to yell at them, “Don’t do that! Can’t you see what going to happen if you do?” But that makes me cheer them on when they finally make the right choices.

You’re having a dinner party.  What character from your novel do you hope doesn’t show up? Why?

I would certainly hope you don’t invite Judge Bartholomew Boone. Knowing how he treats his wife and little boy when no one’s looking—well, I don’t think I could be polite to him.



Give us a brief summary of Haven’s Flight:
Haven Ellingsen enrolled in Life Ventures Therapy Camp in the Cascade Mountains to help her heal from horrible memories of her mother’s violent death at the hands of an armed robber. But now, a greater fear dogs her steps. In the mountains, the rustle of leaves or the snap of a twig could be nothing. Or it might signal the presence of the man who won’t stop following her.

Buy:





Bio: Dena Netherton grew up in the San Francisco bay area, studied music in the Midwest, and eventually settled with her husband and three fantastic children in Colorado. After being a musician, singer, music theater director, and teacher for over three decades, Dena is now living another kind of dream as a writer of Christian Suspense and Romance. 

Find Dena:


11 comments:

  1. Great interview Dena. I know you had also said you had been stalked in San Fran. The definitely gives you some insight into the creep factor as well. Love the character name Bartholomew Boone; has the right amount of judge versus sinister balance. Hope your book does well.

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    1. Thanks, Brad! I wanted to write about my bad guy, but then the reader would know who he is. But his father is just as bad, so...

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  2. Hi Dena. I'm so excited for you. I'm looking forward to reading your book. My favorite book as a child was also "Lad, a dog." In fact my current dog is named after that dog. Jill

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    1. Jill, I loved collies because of the Lad books.,My first collie was named Jet. Loved him. I would have loved to put a dog in my Haven's Flight, but the story seemed too scary to put a dog into it. I just didn't have the heart!

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  3. Hi, Dena,
    Welcome to the blog. I'm so thrilled for you. Your newly published book is product the hard work, dreams and faith. Of never giving up.

    I can't wait to read your book.
    Hugs
    Leslie Ann w/a L.A. Sartor

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    1. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Leslie Ann. I appreciate you!

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  4. Dena, fun interview. I love the drive and classical music to blow out the cob webs and move into fresh thinking! Blessings on you and the book. Cheers

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  5. Hi Dena, I enjoyed your interview and can't wait to read Haven's Flight! Doing the sketch and keeping it 40 years is quite impressive! God bless. Karen

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  6. Dena -- I started reading your book last week and was hooked from the first page. Great job!

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  7. Dena, I never would have guessed you a fan of Stephen King! Now there's a man who can teach "creep." I can't wait to read it.

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  8. I've never been a fan o Stephen King because I don't like stories that scare me. After reading your comments, I'm going to read one of his books. I like his book on Writing.

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