Interview with Terri Wangard & a Giveaway

I’m thrilled to host, Terri Wangard, a fellow Scrivenings Press author and first-time guest on my blog! Terri writes Historical Romance and is sharing about her newest release, Listen For the Chickadees.

Be sure to comment below by March 24 for a chance to win a copy of Terri’s book! (eBook for an international winner; US winner’s choice of eBook or paperback)

Welcome to the blog, Terri! Let’s jump into our first question. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

In kindergarten, we had to draw a picture of our future. I drew a lady stirring something on a stove. More likely, I should have drawn her putting something in the oven. I wanted an Easy Bake Oven, but never received one. Being a baker would not have been a good career choice for me. My kitchen skills are mediocre at best.

I can totally relate to mediocre kitchen skills. Do you have any hobbies? Have you incorporated any of them into your books?

I enjoy reading, needlecrafts, genealogy, and bicycling. My characters tend to have skills I wish I had. The sewing machine and I never became friends; my debut main character was a seamstress. Another character was an artist. I do collect seashells, which influenced Seashells in My Pocket. In No Leaves in Autumn, Marie had a green thumb; mine is definitely black.

Sounds like you and I have a few things in common. I’ve tried sewing over the years and my projects usually lead to frustration, and I also have a black thumb. Do you have any pets? Do they find their way into any of your stories?

Due to allergies in the family, we never had furry pets. I had a goldfish and a turtle; neither were much fun. Like the hobbies, my characters tend to have what I lacked. Mostly dogs, but a cat is in my work in progress.

I don’t have pets, either, but added a family dog to my debut novel. What genre do you write and what inspired you to write that particular genre? 

I write historicals. My debut WWII novel was inspired by family history on the German side. My dad found letters written in the postwar years by distant cousins in Germany who were receiving care packages from American family members.

What I learned through those letters became the basis for the family in the book. After writing that novel, I started writing a contemporary story, but after an editor at a conference told me that I’d probably need a series to get a contract, I continued writing WWII stories.

Is Listen For the Chickadees inspired by true events or personal history? 

True events, yes. Personal history, definitely not. 

What is the setting of your current novel? Is it a real location or fictional? Tell us about it.

Listen For the Chickadees begins at Pearl Harbor, the evening before the attack. Gloria is a nurse who will serve on a hospital ship. She’s loved her cousin’s best friend since she was five years old, but to him, she’s just Daniel’s young cousin. 

John serves as a fighter pilot aboard the USS Enterprise and is frequently aboard the Serenity for painful reasons. The aircraft carrier was real, but the hospital ship is fictional, named by a Facebook follower.

Sounds intriguing! How did you select the names for your characters?

Many character names were plucked from my family tree for my earlier novels, but with this series, I chose names likely for the settings (Isabel in Brazil, French Canadian Marie). Gloria had been named in an earlier book as well as her cousin Daniel. John is common in my family. In one book, I used names from members of my ACFW chapter.

Very cool! How do you tackle research for your novels?

I was an undergraduate history major and a librarian. I love research. I’m a stickler for historical accuracy. As I wrote Listen For the Chickadees, I had timelines for the war and for the Enterprise’s movements alongside my computer to be sure of accuracy. My favorite sources are memoirs from the people who lived it. I usually find little incidents that I include in my books.

I always appreciate historical fiction authors who pour so much into their research and pay close attention to detail. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?

A year. I wrote for an hour before work some days, but mostly on weekends. Since retiring a few months ago, I have no constraints. How that will affect my writing will be interesting to see. I’m busy with volunteer work now and I’m still finding my groove, but I’m enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere.

Good for you! What does your writing space look like?

For eighteen long years, I wrote in a cramped space in my bedroom. With the closing of the family business last November, I’ve claimed an office and a computer from the business. The computer is important because my laptop is full of shenanigans. The office allows me to spread things out and leave them there rather than clearing off my bed at the end of the day.

I’m sure you’re enjoying that! Do you have a favorite drink or snack you indulge in while writing?

Only water. I don’t eat between meals.

I need to follow your example. Haha! What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Attending conferences. Most of my writer friends are scattered around the country. The only times we see each other are at conferences. Making connections is important. Writing is a solitary life and we need each other.

I’ll add my amen to that! How many unpublished and unfinished manuscripts do you have? Any plans to pursue publication for any of them?

Three, from my early days of writing. One was with a publisher for a year before they said no. They were all contemporaries. I did spend time revamping one a couple years ago, but two beta readers discouraged me from pursuing publication.

Thanks so much for sharing on my blog this week, Terri. I really enjoyed learning more about you, your writing, and your books. May God continue to bless your publishing journey!

Join the conversation. Are you a fan of WWII novels? Have you read any of Terri’s books? What’s your favorite? Do you have any questions or comments for Terri?

Be sure to comment below by March 24 for a chance to win Terri’s recent release! (eBook for an international winner; US winner’s choice of paperback or eBook)

Please share Terri’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her new release!

If you missed my spotlight on Janine Rosche last week, FIND IT HERE.