Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. Her new romantic suspense title is Fatal Memories (Love Inspired Suspense): Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects—her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape? In this exclusive interview, Tanya shares the inspiration for the story, the challenges of balancing all the element of Christian romance suspense fiction, and how her faith impacts her fiction…
Tanya, what inspired the story in Fatal Memories?
A few years ago, my husband and I sold our home, bought a motorhome and hit the road full time. We found a place in Southern Arizona to spend our winters. I was amazed by the drenching monsoons falling on a thirsty desert, the rich history, the blends of Hispanic, Native American and cowboy cultures and the ongoing challenges of the area. I just knew I needed to write about this new, fascinating place.
Your leading characters are Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker and DEA agent Dylan Murphy. What about them compelled you to tell their story?
I live in Arizona near the border. I see the danger these agents and officers face daily. Also, faith and family are the two most important things in my life. I can’t imagine losing my memories of the people I love or memories of my relationship with my God. I wanted to explore all of those emotions, the sense of duty, the fear, the guilt and desolation. It was quite a journey.
When writing Christian romance suspense fiction—what are the challenges to finding the right balance? Which of these elements comes easiest for you to write?
It’s easiest for me to write the action and the mystery. I can do that all day! I do write the slower, romantic scenes but blending them, making them flow into each other seamlessly without losing the tension is the struggle! Fortunately, my fabulous editor, Shana Asaro, keeps me on track.
How does your faith impact how you approach storytelling?
I have a Christian worldview. It comes through in my writing. It’s that simple. I did write secular stories, but I had comments from people saying they didn’t understand why a character was willing to sacrifice their life for another. Or how they were willing to forgive. I realized I was trying to relate Christian values and morals in my stories without ever talking about God. I decided it was time to start talking about Him.
What do you hope readers take away after reading Fatal Memories?
I hope God’s boundless love for us comes through in Dylan and Joss’ story. Even if we have no knowledge of Him, not even memories, He is still there, seeking us out, wanting to love us. That’s the truth of my life. I didn’t accept the Lord until I was in my twenties. But when I did, I realized He had always been there, guiding me along…waiting for me to see Him. We are never alone.
Visit Tanya Stowe’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/tanya-stowe/
Fatal Memories
Tanya Stowe
Love inspired Suspense
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