WITHOUT PROOF - Janet Sketchley - One Free Book

Welcome, Janet. We’re glad to have you back. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Lena, Without Proof finishes my Redemption's Edge series, and as I'm exploring a new series, I'm praying that God will help me recognize key ingredients, situations, and themes that He'd like to use to touch my readers. I write suspense and romantic suspense, and first off, I believe the novels need to be entertaining. But I also believe the Lord can (and will) plant something in the words to make a difference in someone's life.

You are so right. Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I are now empty-nesters during the university year, with our youngest son studying out of province and our elder two sons out on their own. We're pet-free due to allergies, although I do have a small flock of stuffed sheep. My husband, because he's amazing and knew I might find the empty nest hard, suggested we institute a weekly date night. It's a double bonus during busy seasons like this one, because it keeps us from each being too wrapped up in our own activities to spend time together.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Because I've connected with a lot of writers, I read more outside my favourite genres (suspense and speculative). I like to see what my friends are writing. I've also wound up with a much larger to-read stash, and sometimes that starts to feel like work. That's often when I ignore what's next and read something totally random. One other thing that's changed is my understanding of the value of reviews. Even if I only have time for a few sentences, I'm more conscientious about posting a review on Goodreads or an online store, to support my fellow authors.

That’s wonderful. I wish more people would do that. I’m not as conscientious about it as I should be. What are you working on right now?

I'm at the beginning of discovering a new suspense series, which will be set in Nova Scotia (East Coast Canada) but not in the same location as Without Proof or Heaven's Prey. So far, the cast have introduced themselves, and the main character is beginning to define herself. A possible love interest is also taking shape. I love this stage!

What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy knitting and cross-stitch, and would love to learn to draw someday. Music is important to me, mostly worship music but some classic rock and instrumentals as well. My husband's a fitness instructor and he's shown me the value of regular group exercise classes at the gym. Surprising to both of us, I've also started jogging. Best part of that? I get to listen to my music J

How do you choose your settings for each book?

With Heaven's Prey, the plot required an isolated cottage setting, and I chose a spot I knew would work. The setting for Secrets and Lies grew logically from connected locations in that first book, and for Without Proof, I decided I wanted to write somewhat locally again. That may be because I didn't want to research my original, arbitrary choice of locale, but I think it's also because there aren't many books set in Nova Scotia and it's a lovely place with plenty of fiction potential.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Oooh... the good, Christian answer is Jesus, but He really transcends history. I'd choose Brother Lawrence, the monk whose letters were complied into the book, The Practice of the Presence of God. His simple faith and trust inspire me, and I'd like to listen to what he might have to say.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

To avoid "head-hopping"! Seriously. I had to rewrite the entire first draft to keep each scene's point of view inside a single character's head.

I think almost all authors start out “head-hopping.” I know I did, too. But my books are so much better since I learned to keep to one POV per scene. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

This has been a year of learning to rely more on His presence (hence my choice of historical person) and about believing that whatever "it" is in a particular situation, God's got it.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1. You're in this for the long haul, so persevere and enjoy the journey.

2. Cultivate supportive relationships with other writers and with non-writers.

3. Your identity is not in your books and/or sales.

Tell us about the featured book.

Two years after the plane crash that killed her fiancé, Amy Silver has fallen for his best friend, artist Michael Stratton. When a local reporter claims the small aircraft may have been sabotaged, it reopens Amy's grief.

Anonymous warnings and threats are Amy's only proof that the tragedy was deliberate, and she has nowhere to turn. The authorities don't believe her, God is not an option, and Michael's protection is starting to feel like a cage.

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

The doorbell echoed from the main floor. Amy dropped the square of sandpaper onto the frame she'd been finishing and flexed her aching fingers.

Overhead, light footsteps headed for the door. Michael's aunt could sign for the delivery, but Amy wanted to check the boxes. She rolled her shoulders to work out a kink, then slid from the stool and brushed a layer of dust from her clothing.

Aunt Bay's voice met her at the top of the basement stairs. "She may not want to talk to you."

Not the printer order after all. She, as in me? Amy took a few silent steps but stopped out of sight.

"Please, I'm on a deadline." A male voice, light and with a hint of a quiver.

Amy grinned. Aunt Bay had that effect when she wanted. It might be fun to let her soften this guy up a bit more, but Amy stepped into the hallway. "Is there a problem?"

Aunt Bay huffed at the man. "Come in, then. But if she says no, you'll be leaving."

The visitor took three quick steps inside before Michael's aunt could change her mind. "Amy Silver?"

"Yes?"

He wasn't much bigger than Aunt Bay, but closer to Amy's age. A bit older, maybe in his late 20s. Black, with tight-curled hair and black-framed glasses. Despite the passive voice, his gaze spoke determination. "I'm Troy Hicks, a friend of Michael's. I'm a journalist."

"Okay." Amy nodded, waiting. Did he want to write about the art studio? But why would Aunt Bay object?

Troy adjusted the laptop bag strap on his shoulder. "I know this is a sensitive topic for you, but I'd like to ask about your accident."

(Here's a link if readers want to see the rest of the scene: Without Proof Excerpt.)

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website: janetsketchley.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JanetSketchley

Twitter: twitter.com/JanetSketchley

Amazon Author Central: www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchley

Pinterest: pinterest.com/janetsketchley/

Goodreads: goodreads.com/janetsketchley

Thank you, Janet, for sharing this new book with us. I can hardly wait until mine arrives. And I know my readers are eager to read it, too.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Without Proof: A Redemption's Edge Novel (Volume 3) - Paperback
Without Proof: A Redemption's Edge Novel - Kindle

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