Jerusha: I’m so thrilled to chat with bestselling romantic suspense author, Dani Pettrey! I’ve been able to meet Dani several times in person, and she’s a wonderful lady that I know you’ll love to hang out with today, too. To top off the excitement, Dani is giving away one free copy of her latest release, The Killing Tide, to a FW Blog reader! Leave a comment below for your chance to win.
Thanks for taking the time to visit with us today, Dani! I’m delighted to introduce you to our Fear Warrior community! Let’s start off by talking about some of your terrific novels. Do you deal with the topic of fear in any of your stories?
Absolutely. I think because stress, fear, anxiety and worry are so prevalent in our society and in our lives that it naturally weaves itself into my stories. Seeing how it affects our lives and how only Jesus can heal our fears. I think fear makes us dependent on Jesus. Without Him fear would erode our lives.
With Jesus we can have victory over it. Not always right away. Often, at least in my life, it’s a daily coming to Jesus and asking for Him to take our burdens—fear being one of them.
In my debut novel, Submerged, Bailey Craig fears what others will think of her because of her past. She’s scared to return to her hometown. Unfortunately, there are those that prey on that fear, but Christ brings the McKenna family, and Cole in particular, into her life to remind her that Christ died for her sins. They are gone, and she’s a new creation in Him.
In my latest novel, The Killing Tide, Gabby Rowley fears vulnerability. She’s been burned in the past and she struggles to trust another man, no matter how trustworthy he is. It takes God intervening in her heart to show her freedom from that fear.
Those are such important messages! I love how your stories deal with realistic characters who are going on a deep, spiritual journey, as well as fighting for their lives. It’s that depth that keeps me coming back to your books because they challenge and encourage me in my Christian walk, too. Speaking of encouragement, one form of fear all of us face at some point is stress. Have you found ways to battle stress in your own life?
I think daily bringing my stress and fears to God is vital. I try to start every day spending time with God through prayer, worship music, and Bible reading.
I’ll be honest, I still stress—a lot. I have depression and anxiety, so I think I’m more prone to it, but there are lots of active steps you can take to lower your stress level. I’m not the best about it, but exercise, time with friends and family, pursuing your God-given passion (mine would be writing), and filling your mind with God’s truth. Writing out scripture is a helpful reminder for me. I have verses on my walls at home.
It all comes down to whose voice I’ll listen to—fear or my Savior’s. Even when I don’t feel like a victor over fear, I know my Savior conquered fear on the cross, and I can trust Him despite my feelings.
Feelings lie. Faith does not.
Amen! You’re so right, it comes down to that choice, to listen to fear and our feelings or listen to Christ, the Word. When the voice of your fear gets too loud, what is your go-to weapon for fighting the fear and listening to the Lord instead?
Worship music. There are so many wonderful songs out there that remind me of Christ’s victorious love and the truth of His words.
Love that fear-fighting weapon! Worship music has such power to get both our feelings and thoughts back on God and truth. Do you find that certain fears plague you specifically as a writer?
I literally struggle with fear that every novel I write stinks at various points along the process. It takes me forever to write my first draft because I feel like it’s a story full of lots of potential in my head, but I worry I’ll mess it up putting it down on paper and I freeze up often.
I’ve discovered the beauty of fast drafting. It’s when you start writing and you don’t look back. You just keep going as fast as you can, getting down everything in your head as it comes to you until you reach the end. It short circuits my internal editor and lets me get the heart of the story down.
That’s a great tip, and not just for writers! Many of us who fear being inadequate for any task could try the same thing–giving yourself freedom to just try it, quickly, without critique or criticism. But while we’re on the subject of writing, as a suspense author, you write about some scary stuff. Do you ever frighten yourself with what you write?
I don’t frighten myself with what I write. I think God created me to be a suspense writer. My mind just works that way. From a young age, I’ve loved mysteries and suspense.
I grew up watching Scooby-Doo and reading Agatha Christie novels. I read Murder on the Orient Express when I was eight and I was sold on who-dun-it stories.
However, I’ve been frightened by some of the research material I’ve read. I have a limit I won’t cross and if things get too dark or specific in detail—I stop reading.
Those boundaries are so important to have! We need to be careful what we let in. Despite our efforts, though, we sometimes end up with fears we have trouble getting rid of, even ones that don’t seem rational. Do you have a secret or surprising fear?
Clowns. It started with the clown in Scooby–Doo when I was a kid, and to this day I can’t stand clowns.
Ooh. I totally get that. I’ve seen some clowns faces that are extremely frightening. Since you mentioned Scooby-Doo, I’m curious, what’s your favorite scary movie or book?
Secret Window with Johnny Depp. It’s based on a novella by Stephen King so that automatically makes it scary as all get-out. It’s really a psychological thriller that ends on a haunting note.
Yikes, I admit that one sounds too scary for me. So let’s say the movie scares you a little too much or you have more serious fears and anxiety you’re facing. What’s on your Fear Warrior Playlist of favorite songs that help calm your fears?
“Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams
“Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong Worship
“Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray
“No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music
“All My Hope” by David Crowder
Great picks! Thank you so much for stopping by the Fear Warrior Blog today, Dani. Hearing about your own struggle with fear and the ways God has shown you to fight the fear has been so encouraging!
Now it’s your turn, FW readers! What’s your favorite fear-fighting song or stress-fighting tip? How were you encouraged by what Dani shared today? Leave a comment to let us know! (See below for giveaway details.)
Photos by Aricka Lewis, Denys Nevozhai, and Paola Chaaya on Unsplash. Original graphics designed by Jerusha Agen.
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release.
Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
For more information, visit her at www.danipettrey.com.
Dani is giving away one print copy of The Killing Tide to one of you! Simply leave a comment below to enter the giveaway! (Winner to be randomly selected Sept. 30, 2019; winner must have continental U. S. mailing address.)
The Killing Tide
When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.
When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
Comments 54
I enjoyed finding out that Dani has fears just like I do. I read scary books, but if they are too dark or intense, I quit reading them. My favorite Fear Warrior song is Chris Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear?”
Hey Vickie,
Love seeing you here. Thanks so much for stopping by. I LOVE that song by Chris Tomlin. Great pick.
Danni!!! I’m a big fan of your books!!! Your characters are so real and relatable! And there’s always a deep message of faith and redemption! I read the Alaskan Courage series and LOVED them. I have yet to read the Cheasapeak Valor Series!
I loved your phrase about “feelings lie, faith does not” so true! Thanks for sharing and writing such thrilling-yet inspiring- books!!
Hi Paty,
Thanks so much for dropping by. Thrilled you’re enjoying the books! Thanks so much for the encouragement.
Wonderful interview. Worship music and hymns are such a blessing in so many ways. Your books are great reads. Thanks for sharing.
Anne,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I so glad you enjoyed the interview. I agree, worship songs and hymns are so powerful. So glad you’re enjoying the stories 🙂
I really enjoyed the reading.
Thanks so much, Jennifer. Appreciate you taking time out of your day to stop by.
That was a wonderful interview. When fear starts to get to me I listen to Gospel music. The books sounds great as well.
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Patricia. Amazing how God uses music to minister to us as we worship Him.
Awesome looking book. Thanks for sharing..
Thanks! Appreciate you taking time to stop by 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I’m going through a very stressful situation right now that is literally making me sick physically and emotionally. The only times I get a little relief are when I am reading.
Oh, Linda. I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll be keeping you in prayer. I’m so glad that God is using reading to comfort you.
sounds like a great read
Thanks so much. I hope if you get a chance to read it, you’ll really enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by the blog 🙂
🙂
Hi Dani, I’m to your books but would love to read them and review them. Sound like good reads. Always looking for new authors to try. I would love to win, read and review your book(s). Hope I win your giveaway.
Hi Crystal,
Thanks so much! Best of luck in the giveaway. Reviews are so appreciated 🙂
Such a fun interview and loved reading Dani’s answers! Thank you for the encouragement.
So glad you found it encouraging, Heidi 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. Appreciate it.
Dani, thanks for the encouragement. Praise through hymns and worship music keeps me centered and focused. Just being outside soaking in God’s creation helps with the fear and stress for me. Although, I have not taken advantage of the outside like I should lately. Love your books. I’ve got “Killing Tide” on my next list.
Hey Lisa,
Yes. Being outdoors is so calming. Just being around God’s creation fills me with peace. Glad you’ve found it to be so too.
Great interview! To answer the question about a fear and/or stress-fighting song, soaking in the tub and listening to worship music is my go-to. When our daughter was in missions and in Nepal during the big earthquake, the sound was It is Well With My Soul by Bethel. And, the next year she went back to the same country, the song became King Of My Heart by Steffany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle. The song, This Is How I Fight My Battles is also a great one!
Oh. All great songs. I love how God gives us different songs to minister to us at specific times. God bless her for her missionary heart.
My favorite song is be Selah, I Surrender (All of Me). I found when I gave EVERY LAST PIECE OF ME, that God can channel His blessings to me in such a way that uplifts my soul and draws me closer to Him.
Amen!
I recite this verse a lot: 2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I would enjoy reading Dani book, as I have heard good things about it. Thank you for the chance. Blessings
Hi Lucy,
Wonderful verse. Thanks so much for sharing!
Ahh…worship music. Yes. It is such a marvelous way to dispel fear. To worship the Problem Solver instead of focusing on the problem. I’m an ‘oldster’ so one of my favorite songs is Great is Thy Faithfulness…just to think how faithful He has been and is still, has such a calming effect. To know His mercies are new every morning. I Raise a Hallelujah has been a recent chorus favorite. I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me. I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar. Just to think that my weapon is a song and that Heaven comes to fight for me…God is so good.
Hi Anne,
LOVE this!!! Thanks so much for sharing.
To worship the Problem Solver instead of focusing on the problem
Dani, I’ve read all your books and just love them! I finished The Killing Tide yesterday, in fact, and now I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
I am with you on the clowns thing. One of my biggest fears. They are SO creepy!
I love your list of songs. I have many of those on my own list. Sometimes I’ll sing to myself or play the piano too, to help calm myself during a stressful time. I also have a little booklet of “fear fighting verses” I’ve written down whenever I come across a good one. I carry the booklet around with me when I need it, flipping through the pages and reading the verses over to myself.
Thank you for sharing. I’m definitely going to write down your quote: Feelings lie. Faith does not. Amen!
P.S. Don’t enter me in the contest as I already have the book. 🙂
Hi Hope,
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I’m so blessed hearing how much you’ve enjoyed the books!
I love the idea of creating a booklet of fear fighting verses. I’m going to do that!
Thank you for the Wonderful Interview Dani I love listening to Gospel Music it is so relaxing when I need a lift Thank you for the amazing giveaway would also love to read your book sounds like a great book!
Hi Sarah,
It really is amazing what a gift from God music is. Thanks so much for dropping by.
When I have fear, I start with the alphabet praising God. A – He is the Alpha and Omega, B= the Beloved, C=the Christ…
Hi Patricia,
What a wonderful way to praise God and combat fear! Thanks so much for sharing.
The songs that I listen to (and sing) when problems and/or fear arise, have changed from time to time, and often a song will just begin to play in my mind when I need its message. “Fear is a Liar” has sprung to mind a couple of times this past month. My current favorite song is “Home” by Chris Tomlin because it reminds me that no matter what is happening right now, some wonderful day we will being going Home!
“The Killing Tide” will be one of those books that I can’t put down and will keep reading past my bedtime.
Hi Roxanne,
Sounds like a great song by Chris Tomlin. I’ll have to check it out.
Awww. Thanks so much!
Dani, I love your books.
Thank you for sharing about dealing with fears and anxiety.
A scripture that I find helps me is Psalm 8: 2 about praise silences the enemy, foe and avenger.
At the moment one of my favourite songs is Raise a Hallelujah.
What a wonderful verse!
Hi Dani! I have read two of your series and they were very suspenseful! You have a great talent for writing! Keep up the great work!
Awww. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Christie.
Author
Congratulations, Christie! You’re the randomly selected winner of Dani Pettrey’s The Killing Tide! I’ll contact you via email with more details. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation!
Yeah! I am so excited and can’t wait to receive it! Thank you both Dani and Jerusha for this contest!
I grew up reading Agatha Christie novels, too! Thanks for sharing about your stories and yourself. I so much enjoyed your Alaskan Courage series and hope to dive into The Killing Tide later this year.
Aren’t they the best! My favorite with always be Murder on the Orient Express. I loved the recent movie adaptation with Johnny Depp.
For combating anxiety and fear, I like the song “Even If” – because it brings me through the things that might be hard, to the bigger picture. Even if God doesn’t “rescue” me from the things I face now, He’s still there and I can trust Him.
Cathe,
SO true. That’s a great song and reminder. Thanks for sharing.
Author
What a wonderful truth to remember, Cathe. Thanks for sharing that! I’ll have to check out this song!
Sounds like a great book!
Thanks so much, Beverly. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sounds like a good read! I am writing a book where the woman is averse to commitment as well, and I am interested to see how you approach it. I can’t decide if they actually get together in the end, but I am still in the plotting stage. Once I know them better and delve more into their relationship together, I think I will be able to see that better.
Hi Katrina,
Best wishes on your story!