John3:16 Network Blog Tour – Ashley Wintters

Today we are interviewing Ashley Wintters, who writes under the name of Ashley Dawn. Her latest novel is Shadows of Suspicion published by AuthorHouse, November 5, 2010.

Revenge is the agenda... "Find my sister." Rick Reiley's words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry. He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a criminal mastermind to get close to her. He is prepared to give his life for her, but what about his heart? "...I would like you to meet....My wife." Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days...and that was saying a lot! Kerry's simple life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a madman. She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart? As Luke fights to keep Kerry safe, the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer. Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort out his heart....and capture Kerry's?

Good morning, Ashley.

Good morning Sid!  Thank you for having me on your blog today.

How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

Honestly, I didn't have one of those moments where you just KNOW that is what you want to do.  Mine was a slow progression.  I have always written everything down....I have an endless number of lists and then it moved to poems, songs and eventually kids stories.  When I dreamed the story that became my first book, it was just natural to write it down and then voila, I was a writer!

Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?

I would love to!  Shadows of Suspicion is the second in my Shadows Series and focuses on Kerry Reiley.  Because of who her brothers are/what they've done, Kerry is kidnapped.  Her brothers get the best in the business, Luke Reeding, to rescue her.  Of course there is chemistry between Luke and Kerry but there is a lack of faith on Luke's part that puts the relationship on hold.  As they are working through that, they are still evading the kidnappers, trying to figure out who is behind the whole mess and trying desperately not to fall in love. 

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?

I hope they come away with the understanding that God is the center of it all.  He is the focal point of my books, but He should also be the focal point in our lives.  I just hope that comes across to everyone who reads my books.

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?

I've always wanted to go to Australia.  It has been my dream since I was quite young to go there and see the amazing wildlife, beautiful scenery and just everything there is to see.  I've always been interested in the variety of animals they have but also the vast differences in the landscapes captivates me as well.  I want to go and explore until my heart is content!  Hopefully I can talk my husband into a trip there soon, I think it would be the perfect place to write a book.

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

My late great-grandfather, Thurman Herring, and my late great-grandmother, Ima Mauldin. Both are big parts of my family stories and I've heard about them my whole life but never met them. He was a preacher and thought of very highly by everyone around and they all have such wonderful stories about him that I can't wait to meet him. I was fortunate enough to grow up with his wife, my great-grandmother still alive and she talked about him frequently and I would love to meet the man who married her! :)

My great-grandmother was from all accounts sweet and very down to earth.  I also was fortunate enough to know her husband (my great-grandfather) and listening to him talk about her was wonderful.  You could always tell he thought the world of her and I just wish I could have met her. I have so many questions for them both that it would be great just to sit down and chat with them!

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?

I would have loved to be at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is such major part of our history and everyone there was taking a huge risk. I would have loved to hear the debates and listen to how it was all 'hammered out', not to mention all the historical figures that were there signing it!

Do you have a favorite hobby?

Lol. Reading. I am a book fanatic.  I always have at least 2 books I'm reading at any time.  Since getting a e-reader, I think I've gotten worse.  I like pretty much any type of book so there is a huge variety just sitting at different spots in my house, at work, and in my car!  I keep one in my purse, just in case I need something to occupy my time. 

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

Only family/friends know that I'm deathly afraid of needles.  It all goes back to a childhood incident, but I am seriously terrified of them! 

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?

Always be passionate about your work.  If you are passionate about it, others will be too.

Any last thoughts for your readers?

Thank you for stopping by and getting to know me :)  I hope you've enjoyed yourself as much as I have!

And how can they connect with you?

I am on

facebook:  www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn

twitter: authorADawn

my blog: http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com

or email me: ashleywintters@gmail.com

Thank you so much for having me today Sid!  I have completely enjoyed myself :)