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Author Interview,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Interview with Terri Wangard & a Giveaway

March 18, 2026 /

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!

Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Terri Wangard’s author interview by 3/24 for a chance to win her latest release, Listen For the Chickadees! #giveaway #historicalfiction

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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)

Listen for the Chickadees book cover

Listen For the Chickadees by Terri Wangard

Click the book cover for Amazon link

She’s loved him forever.
He’s never seen her as more than a memory from home.
Then Pearl Harbor changes everything.

John Walsh is shot down over Pearl Harbor by American sailors. Taken to an aid station, he comes face to face with … Gloria Bloch? His friend’s cousin? She’s all grown up.

Gloria’s thrilled to see John. She’s loved him her whole life. As a nurse aboard the USS Serenity, she sees him often. He’s always pleased to see her, but is she more than just a memory from home?

Perfect for readers who enjoy WWII historical fiction, Christian wartime love stories, and emotionally rich fiction set in America and the Pacific theater.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she is back in Wisconsin after several years in Michigan, Utah, and California.

Her WWII research included going for a ride in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. She serves as the ACFW Carol contest coordinator and is secretary of the Wisconsin ACFW Southeast chapter.

Connect with Terri: Website / Newsletter Signup / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Goodreads / Amazon

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.

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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30 Comments

  • Cherie J
    March 23, 2026 at 2:54 pm

    I love World War II novels. I haven’t read anything by Terri. This sounds like a great story.

  • Lual Krautter
    March 22, 2026 at 8:36 am

    Sounds like an intriguing story! Would love to win a paperback copy! Thanks for the opportunity!

  • Lakeisha Heeringa
    March 19, 2026 at 10:43 am

    Congratulations on the new release, Terri!

    You used the names of chapter members for a novel?!?!?!? Did my name make the list or was it before I joined ACFW WISE?🤣
    To be fair, Lakeisha probably isn’t a historically accurate WW2 era name.
    (I have only seen my name in a book once… as a murder victim.)

    • Jessica
      March 19, 2026 at 8:46 pm

      I love that you research your timeline so well. I’m also a historical purist. 😏
      I am looking forward to reading this one.

    • Deena Adams
      March 19, 2026 at 10:10 pm

      Hi, Lakeisha. I’ve never seen my name in a book before until a friend I’m on vacation with this week showed me the book she’s reading and the main character’s name is Deena! And spelled the same as mine. 🙂

    • Terri Wangard
      March 23, 2026 at 12:11 pm

      No, Lakeisha, you haven’t been named in any of my books, yet. But you gave me an idea….😄

  • Paty Hinojosa
    March 19, 2026 at 1:07 am

    I haven’t read any of Terri’s novels yet, but I’m a huge fan of WWII novels so this book sounds just like my cup of tea! Absolutely a black thumb too! My friend left me a cactus to care for while she was gone and I overwatered it and it died!… My mom and sister are great at sewing, but I’m unfortunately not. My sister’s name is Gloria btw! Loved this interview, Terri sounds like an author I need to try very soon!

    • Terri Wangard
      March 23, 2026 at 12:14 pm

      Party, I hope you do find a chance to read my books.
      Garden-wise, I’m feeling proud of myself for keeping my dad’s two aloe vera plants alive, over a year since his death.

  • Kelly V.
    March 19, 2026 at 12:22 am

    I love all sorts of historical novels including WWII. I haven’t read any of Terri’s novels yet but would like to.

  • Roxanne C.
    March 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm

    I enjoy WWII novels, especially when romance is included. Historical details make the stories come to life. I giggled at Terri’s comment about her black thumb because that is how I describe my way with plants.

    • Terri Wangard
      March 23, 2026 at 12:17 pm

      Roxanne, I hope you have a chance to read my books. My latest challenge: my brother bought a discounted orchid from the grocery store. I’ve been reading up on orchid care. We’ll see how long it lasts.

    • Deena Adams
      March 18, 2026 at 9:59 am

      Thanks for your comment, Kera! I enjoy historical fiction too. When I was in my 20s I did embroidery, crocheting, and knitting but haven’t for many years.