I love both types of Dan's books. Welcome back, Dan. Tell
us a little about yourself and your background.
Well, let’s see…I’ve been married for 40 years to the only
woman I’ve ever loved. We have 2 grown children, both married, and 3
grandchildren. Way back in high school, I thought I would be writing novels for
a living. Life took me in a different direction. I wound up experiencing a call
to ministry and, after years of study and preparation, became a pastor at age
28. I pastored the same church for the next 25 years, but never lost my love of
fiction (although I only read novels, didn’t write a thing). Around year 22, I
began writing a Christmas novel, called The
Unfinished Gift. It’s a long story, but that novel became the catalyst for
an eventual shift over the next few years from pastoring to writing fulltime. I
“made the leap” in 2010 and now, with my newest novel, have written 18 novels.
How did you become
interested in writing?
It happened in 11th Grade. After almost flunking Chemistry,
I took a semester of creative writing and discovered, not only did I really
like it, but I was pretty good at it. Every paper I turned in got an A+. After
the class was over, the teacher pulled me aside and said I was one of the most
gifted writers she’d ever had. Then she added, “You could be a writer if you
wanted to.”
What compelled you to
write a book on this subject?
Unintended Consequences is actually Book 3 in my Jack Turner
Suspense series. What compelled me to write it? Keeping the series going,
because I love writing it. It’s got all the things I love in a book series. Not
just as a writer but as a reader, too. Great characters, a multi-layered plot
that combines history with the present, romance, unexpected surprises, and a decades-old
family mystery.
What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book? Unlike my more inspirational novels (the ones I’m probably better known for writing), this series doesn’t really have a strong spiritual theme. I’d put it more under the heading of good, clean Christian entertainment. I love reading suspense/thriller stories but secular books in this genre, though often having great plots, also have immoral bedroom scenes and main characters who swear a lot. I wanted to write similar exciting stories but put credible, likable Christian characters in the lead roles.
Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
Maybe in an indirect way. Because the main characters are
credible believers, I’m sure people can learn lessons from the way they handle
the various levels of adversity they encounter throughout the story. Plus,
since I write relationally-driven books, there is a lot of give-and-take on the
relational side of things, as well.
How does the book
intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
I’m not sure it does, except in a general way. That is, to
write stories that, while entertaining, also encouraged clear Biblical values.
Do you have a
favorite Scripture verse?
That’s a hard one. I’d feel more comfortable saying, I have
a hundred favorites. Or else, several favorite verses for different situations.
When you are not
writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I like reading. We love spending time with our kids and
grandkids. Since we live in Florida ,
we really enjoy going to the beach. Recently, my wife and I are taking up metal
detecting as a hobby.
As we close, is there
anything else you would like to add?
Two things that I’d like my readers to know (and future
readers). First, even though Unintended Consequences is Book 3 of
a suspense series, I write all my series-novels so they can be easily read as a
stand-alone (don’t have to be read in order). And second, I really do enjoy
writing both kinds of books, suspense and inspirational (my more
“Nicholas-Sparks type” books). I plan to keep writing both, going forward. In
fact, I’m now going to start researching Book 3 in my Forever Home series (the
one where Rescuing Finley is Book 1).
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
Probably the easiest way is to go to my homepage at www.danwalshbooks.com. There you’ll
find buttons to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. They can
also sign up to get my Newsletter. I don’t send many out, but I always let my
Newsletter friends get the latest updates on new books or great book deals. People
can also email me at dwalsh@danwalshbooks.com.
Thank you, Dan, for sharing this book with us.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you
order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us
where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America . (Comments containing links may be subject
to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the
number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of
eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any
pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on
this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You
will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz,
Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave
your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
I haven't read any of this series, but love a story with a good family secret/mystery.
ReplyDeletePatty in SC
Have read most of Dan Walsh's books. Love them! And love mysteries!
ReplyDeleteRachel, from Roebuck, SC.
I think that my husband would like to read this series of books. We are both avid readers in Miami, Florida.
ReplyDeleteI love all of Dan Walsh's books! I live in South Carolina
ReplyDeleteI have read almost all of Dan's books because I was hooked after the first one I read and always look for them. Avid reader from Charleston, SC
ReplyDeletemy husband and I both love Dan's books. We have read the first 2 books of this series and would love to win the third installment. East Liverpool, Ohio
ReplyDeleteI own book one in this series. I'd love to have them all!
ReplyDeleteElly -Indiana-
Dan is a winner and so are his books!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
Thanks ladies for stopping by. I would add this note (for folks like Kaye)...your husband WILL like these books, but there's a good chance you will, too. There's a clear romantic thread in all my books, including this suspense series. I write all my books knowing that 70% of the fiction reading audience are women. So, I don't write "guy books."
ReplyDeleteLoved this blog! I need to read Dan's books!
ReplyDeleteBecky from Kansas City, Missouri
We have Dan's books in the church library and our readers love them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
I would love the chance to read this book. I have read several of his books and always enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteLinda in So Cal
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Ok now I'm going to read the first two thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLourdes Long Island, New York
I fell in love with The Unfinished Gift when it was first published. I haven't read these books in the Jack Turner Suspense Series. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteConnie from KY
cps1950(at)Gmail(dot)com
I've enjoyed some of Dan's novels before, but I am particularly interested in this series since suspense is my favorite genre. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLoraine in TX
my husband & i both especially enjoyed your "Restoration Series" ... looking forward to reading more of your books. we live in north central Idaho. :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE. It sounds very much like a book I wouldn't want to put down until finished and then I'd share with friends so they could enjoy it as well. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteLove your books! I have all of your books and love them! I have purchased your books for family and friends and have also highly recommended to many others. I plan to purchase your newest printed book. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteClaudia in Port Orange, FL
Have thoroughly enjoyed every one of your books -- have read most of them, but I still have a couple to go. I live in central Kentucky -- Lexington and the Bluegrass area. - Diane Stanko
ReplyDeleteEnter me!!
ReplyDeleteConway SC.
Love Dan's books! Shelia from Mississippi
ReplyDeleteBest of the Jack Turner series. Would love to have a print copy to share.
ReplyDeleteSan Diego