Interview: Sandra Orchard ♦ Author of 'Deep Cover'

Sandra Orchard is the author of the newly released 'Love Inspired Suspense' novel 'Deep Cover'.  Here is a summary about the book:

Maintaining his cover cost undercover cop Rick Gray the woman he loved. Sweet Ginny Bryson never really knew Rick-he never gave her the chance. Not then, and not now, when he's back with a new alias to gather evidence against Ginny's uncle. The man's crimes led to Rick's partner's death, and Rick wants justice to be served. But his investigation is stirring up trouble, and Ginny is smack-dab in the middle. Someone wants Ginny to pay the price for what her uncle has done. But how can Rick protect her without blowing his cover, jeopardizing his assignment.and risking both their lives?

~♣~

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Sandra! I'm so happy to have you here!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Grade One when my story was printed in the yearbook. School kind of killed the creative writing side of me though, so I thought I’d be more of a non-fiction writer, until I discovered Christian fiction after my mom died. Seeing characters face and triumph over similar emotions I was experiencing helped me tremendously and over several years of reading novels, a yearning grew to write them.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Seven years ago at 37

Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?

Now, it takes me about four months to write a decent draft. It then goes through several stages of revisions based on editor feedback which can take another four to six months.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Good question. Have you ever noticed when people are being interviewed on TV and they don’t know how to answer, they say “good question”?

I even asked my daughter if I had any writing quirks, and she couldn’t think of anything. Of course…she’s a writer, too. Hmm. So non-writers probably think it’s strange that I start concocting story ideas every time I see an interesting person, or ominous setting, or unusual event.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Ideas come from everywhere at the most unexpected times. One day I was on my way to a doctor’s appointment and a bridge was closed so I had to take a long detour and over the course of that detour a whole scene idea developed in my mind. My daughter and I have fun coming up with plot ideas wherever we go, when we see something happen, or an interesting character, or something that seems out of place.

As for information, I do a lot of online research. Ask experts. And I even attended a Writers’ Police Academy.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written 7 manuscripts (although with rewrites it feels like a lot more). Two will never see the light of day. Three, counting Deep Cover, are contracted. And the other two will hopefully find a home one day. My favorite is Escape to Terror (former version was called No Turning Back), about an airplane crash in the Northern wilderness, and poachers, and a wild ride down the rapids. I learned so much writing and rewriting that story. Although it hasn’t yet sold, it won the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence for Mystery/Suspense in 2009 and really launched my writing career.

What do you think makes a good story?

I like a happily ever after, or at least the promise of one. I like lots of romantic tension, and a fast pace.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Play with my new grandbaby!!!

What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?

My Bible, my family … and food!

Are you currently working on any new novels?

I’m working on Dose of Deception, book 3 in my series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for Justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line. It will be scheduled for release in the last quarter of 2012. I just finished final edits on Shades of Truth, which releases next March.

Where can we find you on the web?

www.SandraOrchard.com; www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com and 
www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

To celebrate the launch of her debut novel, Sandra is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky fan selected randomly on September 30^th from her newsletter subscribers (http://bit.ly/OrchardNews), Facebook Fans (http://www.facebook.com/SandraOrchard), and blog commenters ( http://www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com)! 

Sandra is also having a book giveaway at a blog she's visiting this weekend - visit http://www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com today to get the scoop on how to enter! It sounds like it'll be a fun and interesting glimpse into her writing life.