Meghann Whistler writes inspirational romance novels about people finding victory over their troubled circumstances.
She is married to a real life rocket scientist, whom she met on a blind date. After working in marketing for several years, she quit her job to stay home with her three children. With the extra time and energy, she returned to creative writing.
Visit Meghann Whistler online
Falling for the Innkeeper
A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn… But what happens when romance checks in? Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from his client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?
- ISBN: 1335488340
- Publisher: Love Inspired
Interview with Meghann Whistler
Three years ago, Meghann Whistler picked up a romance novel for the first time in many years. Although she’d written since childhood, she had always had a low opinion of books that used raciness instead of character development. After reading her first Love Inspired novel, everything changed. She soon decided to try writing a romance that would inspire, encourage, and not make a grandmother blush. The result was Falling for the Innkeeper.
Congratulations on the publication of Falling for the Innkeeper! What do you see as most significant to your publication journey?
Thank you so much, Jody! I’ve always wanted to be a novelist, but for a long time I was focused on business writing rather than creative writing. After I quit my marketing job to stay home with my children, I finally had the time and energy to work on a creative project, which turned out to be Falling for the Innkeeper!
In terms of actually getting published, I’d say the most significant thing was attending the 2019 ACFW Conference, because that’s where I met my agent!
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Oh, goodness! I started writing stories when I was eight or nine, and I just never stopped! I got serious about my creative writing when I was a junior in high school, took a lot of writing classes in college, and then went on to get an M.F.A. in creative writing. After that, I had to put my dream of becoming a published novelist on hold for about fifteen years, so seeing Falling for the Innkeeper make its way into readers’ hands is a long-held dream come true!
What led you to write romance?
That’s a great question, because I actually wasn’t interested in romance novels at all until about three years ago! From the few I’d read when I was younger, I thought all romance novels were racy and low on character development.
After I stumbled across some Love Inspired books, though, I realized I was wrong! Love Inspired books are sweet and heartfelt, with engaging characters who learn and grow throughout the course of their stories. After I’d read a few of them, I decided to try my hand at writing one!
What part of a romance novel is your favorite to write?
It’s hard to pick a favorite! I enjoy writing the happily-ever-after ending, of course, but I also love writing dialogue and scenes with a lot of conflict. My absolute favorite scenes to write are the ones that make me laugh or cry.
Where do your story ideas come from?
Everywhere! I usually start with a specific character and think about what makes that person tick. For Falling for the Innkeeper, I started with the idea of a workaholic hero and went from there.
Did you have the opportunity to visit any Cape Cod inns to research your novel?
My grandparents owned a beachfront inn on Cape Cod, and I spent my summers there when I was a kid. I thought it would be fun to revisit their inn on paper, and it was!
What is your favorite part of writing? What is your least favorite?
My favorite part of the writing process is the feeling I get when I’m “in the zone” and the words are flowing. My least favorite part of the process is waiting to hear back from my agent, editor, and reviewers. I tend to get very anxious!
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a pantser. I have a rough idea of where my stories are going, but I enjoy the process of discovery as I write.
What message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers will come away from Falling for the Innkeeper with the sense that God can do for us what we could never do for ourselves. We might have an idea of what’s best for us, but God knows better!
_____________________
Jody Stinson believes every story deserves a happy ending—even if she has to write one herself. After an international upbringing, she continues to travel whenever she can. Her goal is to take her readers somewhere new, make them smile, and give them hope through Christ. She currently writes freelance including articles, devotionals, commercials, and even a client's wedding toast.
Congratulations on the publication of Falling for the Innkeeper! What do you see as most significant to your publication journey?
Thank you so much, Jody! I’ve always wanted to be a novelist, but for a long time I was focused on business writing rather than creative writing. After I quit my marketing job to stay home with my children, I finally had the time and energy to work on a creative project, which turned out to be Falling for the Innkeeper!
In terms of actually getting published, I’d say the most significant thing was attending the 2019 ACFW Conference, because that’s where I met my agent!
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Oh, goodness! I started writing stories when I was eight or nine, and I just never stopped! I got serious about my creative writing when I was a junior in high school, took a lot of writing classes in college, and then went on to get an M.F.A. in creative writing. After that, I had to put my dream of becoming a published novelist on hold for about fifteen years, so seeing Falling for the Innkeeper make its way into readers’ hands is a long-held dream come true!
What led you to write romance?
That’s a great question, because I actually wasn’t interested in romance novels at all until about three years ago! From the few I’d read when I was younger, I thought all romance novels were racy and low on character development.
After I stumbled across some Love Inspired books, though, I realized I was wrong! Love Inspired books are sweet and heartfelt, with engaging characters who learn and grow throughout the course of their stories. After I’d read a few of them, I decided to try my hand at writing one!
What part of a romance novel is your favorite to write?
It’s hard to pick a favorite! I enjoy writing the happily-ever-after ending, of course, but I also love writing dialogue and scenes with a lot of conflict. My absolute favorite scenes to write are the ones that make me laugh or cry.
Where do your story ideas come from?
Everywhere! I usually start with a specific character and think about what makes that person tick. For Falling for the Innkeeper, I started with the idea of a workaholic hero and went from there.
Did you have the opportunity to visit any Cape Cod inns to research your novel?
My grandparents owned a beachfront inn on Cape Cod, and I spent my summers there when I was a kid. I thought it would be fun to revisit their inn on paper, and it was!
What is your favorite part of writing? What is your least favorite?
My favorite part of the writing process is the feeling I get when I’m “in the zone” and the words are flowing. My least favorite part of the process is waiting to hear back from my agent, editor, and reviewers. I tend to get very anxious!
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a pantser. I have a rough idea of where my stories are going, but I enjoy the process of discovery as I write.
What message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers will come away from Falling for the Innkeeper with the sense that God can do for us what we could never do for ourselves. We might have an idea of what’s best for us, but God knows better!
_____________________
Jody Stinson believes every story deserves a happy ending—even if she has to write one herself. After an international upbringing, she continues to travel whenever she can. Her goal is to take her readers somewhere new, make them smile, and give them hope through Christ. She currently writes freelance including articles, devotionals, commercials, and even a client's wedding toast.
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