Terri Reed, author of The Secret Heiress, is visiting The Life and Lies today!
About the book:
Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tully to her core. And to “qualify” for the inheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi home from Christmas to New Year’s. Adopted as a baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realize they can’t be trusted. When attempts are made on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her. Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonely heart want to love again. Posing as her fiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer. But will his protection-and his love-be enough to keep her safe?
1) Why and when did you begin writing?
I've always wanted to be a writer but it wasn't until 1993 that I took my dream of writing seriously and started down the path toward publication.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
This book developed from brainstorming ideas with another author. I knew I wanted to tell Don and Caroline's story. They both first appeared in my 2009 release Chasing Shadows.
3) How did you come up with the title?
The title reflect the nature of the story. Caroline didn't know she was an heiress, her very existence was a secret. A secret someone wanted to remain hidden.
4) What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence, or negative?
Wow, there are so many people, too many to list, who have positively influenced by writing. Most have come through Romance Writers of America. As for books, Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, edited by Jayne Anne Krantz, Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain, and The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.
5) How do you go about researching for your books?
I love the internet for research. I have also bought several books on various subjects, ie:Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures,and Forensic Techniques, 4th Edition by Vernon Geberth, Police Procedure and Investigation for Writers by Lee Lofland. http://www.leelofland.com/books.html
6)Did you base any of your characters on real people?
Yes and no. I tend to use character traits I observe in friends and family but I don't basis any one character solely on one person.
7) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author?
Opening the box of new books. The first time the box arrived I cried. Now I just get a bit giddy holding a new book.
What is the hardest part?
There are two hard parts--writing the books and social networking. Writing isn't easy and isn't for the faint of heart. Social networking is time consuming and I don't feel I do it very well.
8) Do you have any other books planned in the future?
Why yes I do. :-) Upcoming books: The Deputy's Duty June 2012, The Doctor's Defender Fall 2012, an as yet untitled book early in 2013 and a book with the working titled Cold Case Murder in May 2013.
9) Which of your characters is your favorite?
I think my favorite character has been Claire from my 2004 release A Sheltering Love. I think I poured more of myself into her than any other character. Do you dislike any of them? Hmmm, not sure I dislike any but I definitely have struggled with a few.
10) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?
Never stop learning, be persistent, believe in yourself and submit(and keep submitting).
Just for fun: 
1) What are your ten most favorite things?
In no particular order: roses, Christmas, my kids, my dogs, my husband, pizza, lattes, ice cream, junior mints, and hot tamales.
2) What do you do when you’re not writing?
I'm either volunteering at the kids school, visiting with friends/family, playing with my dogs or working out.
3) Do you have any pets?
I've two wonderful dogs. An Australian Shepherd and a Bichon/Llaso mix. They keep me company during the day when I'm working.
4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?
Favorites: Pizza(good pizza), anything Italian, angel food cake. Least favorite: fish
5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?
I have an office but I also write in bed or on the couch.
6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?
Depending on the time of day--sometimes little animal cookies, sometimes hot tamales.
7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?
I really want to visit Ireland and Scotland.
8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?
Favorite: Creative Writing/Literature Least favorite: Math
9) What book are you reading right now?
Miracle Cure by Harlan Coben
10) Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.
I love dance.
Thanks Terri!
At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.
http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com | http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com | http://www.eharlequin.com
Excerpt
Tears shimmered in her eyes. “Don, I need to hire you.”
Absorbing the announcement with surprise, Don was at her side in two strides.
“Come, sit down.” He took her by the arm and led her to one of the cushy sofas. “Tell me what’s happened so we can figure out what to do next.”
“I—” She took a shuddering breath. “Someone tried to kill me. My apartment door was wired with explosives. The police are investigating.”
Don sucked in a sharp breath of shock. A bomb. His right hand flexed, stretching the scar tissue along the outer edge. His gaze went to the bandage on her head. “Are you okay?”
She touched her fingertip to her forehead. “Yes. A mild concussion. My hearing still isn’t completely back and part of my front door hit me in the head.”
He sent up a silent prayer of thanksgiving that she hadn’t suffered worse injury. There was no mistaking the fear on her pretty face. He understood. He’d felt the same way the first time he’d faced a life-threatening situation during his military tour. Only time and repeated exposure to war had dulled the panic. His faith had kept him sane. But this wasn’t a war zone. Caroline shouldn’t have to be afraid in her own home.
Dubbed the best in the business of protection, Trent Associates employed ten operatives, all highly trained with either a background in military like Don or in law enforcement. “You did the right thing coming here. Start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”
Giveaway
Terri will be giving away a $10 Visa GC for both blog host with most comments and one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment here and on the other tour stops, the higher chance you have of winning! See the other tour stops here.
