Shattered
Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed—but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.
With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry—and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
- ISBN: 0764209833
- Publisher: Bethany House
Interview with Dani Pettrey
Shattered is the second book in Dani’s Alaskan Courage Series, the first being, Submerged.
Dani, from the great reviews for both books, it sounds like you’re accomplishing your goal. How much time do you spend in research, and how far have you travelled to get it.
For my Alaskan Courage series I have found myself researching Alaska, Russian history, cave diving, adventure companies, search and rescue teams, motorcycle gangs, extreme sports competitions and the list goes on. Unfortunately I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Alaska yet, so I spent a lot of time reading travel blogs, travel guides, history books, as well as watching movies filmed on location there. Fortunately, I love research. The hardest part for me is stopping so I can write the actual book.
Your website contains a Special Reader Extras & Bonus Materials Fun Page for Shattered and Submerged where you share a variety of information about your characters and their real-life location. Is this what you use when you write your story, or is it created after you finish the manuscript?
I’d say about half and half. I’m a very visual person, so I always make a collage to look at when I write. The story soundtrack (which is new for Shattered) develops naturally as the scenes come to life. The remaining extras such as the dive quiz, snow cam and underwater photographs came after the book was finished.
When did you post the fun page material - before or after the corresponding manuscript was sold?
After the manuscripts were sold, and just prior to their release dates. My hope was that readers would enjoy getting an even deeper glimpse into the McKennas’ world ☺
Will you be posting a Book Club Packet for Shattered similar to the one you have as a free download on your website for Submerged?
I will absolutely be posting a Book Club Packet for Shattered. Connecting with readers and book clubs is one of my favorite parts of being a writer. I love developing fun extras to bring along when I visit with readers in person, or for them to have while we’re chatting via Skype.
How did you create your professional-looking Book Club Packet?
It was a combined effort between my fabulous web designer and my amazing publisher. Have I mentioned how very blessed I feel? ☺
How do your faith and spiritual life affect your storytelling?
My faith plays a great role, but I like to think it’s in a natural way. Just as my love of adventure permeates the stories I write, so does my faith. My relationship with Jesus is part of every facet of my life; it’s seems only natural it would be part of the stories I tell.
Is there one part of your writing that you struggle with more than the rest?
Time. I’m always wishing I had more time to spend with my characters.
Finish this sentence... If I could visit any place in the world, it would be…
Alaska because I’d love to get to experience the gorgeous state firsthand.
Any parting words?
Thank you so much for having me. I’ve been a member of ACFW for many years and it was directly through an ACFW conference that I met both my editor and my agent. Really thrilled to be part of this organization!
Thanks for sharing with us, Dani.
Thank you ☺
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