Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop # 24

Patricia Bradley Inspirational Fiction 309 Comments

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 30 stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

  • The hunt BEGINS on 3/1 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.
  • Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
  • There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt–you have all weekend (until Sunday 3/4 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books.
  • Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at Stop #30. Many authors have additional prizes along the way!

It is such an honor for me to host the a-maz-ing Susan May Warren. If it were not for Susan, I would not be published. She and Rachel Hauck poured their experiences and knowledge into me, and I will forever be thankful.

Here’s a brief summary of her new release Troubled Waters:

He can have anything he wants…except the woman he loves. She says she wouldn’t date him if he was the only man on a deserted island. Her bluff is about to be called…

Susan is discussing one of my favorite subjects today. Let’s listen in…

Want to plot a story? Start with the What If?

Readers often ask me…how do you come up with your story idea?

It’s easy—I just ask: WHAT IF?

What If you were stuck on a deserted island with someone you hated (but secretly loved?)

Or, What If you asked someone to marry you…but they had a secret identity?

Or even…What If you thought someone you loved was dead…but the person closest to you know she wasn’t, and kept that from you?

Those are the what-ifs that seeded my latest novel, Troubled Waters.

Once I have the what-if, I start noodling on the idea:  

So…who gets stuck on the island, Susie?

Maybe it’s a billionaire. His yacht sinks and he’s cast ashore on a desert island with…whom?

Oh…how about his secretary. No, that won’t work. How about his former secretary, the one he’s had a massive crush on for a decade…but could never pursue.

Except now they’ve parted ways. And why…oh, SECRETS! Secrets are a great way to push people apart!

And maybe she refuses to date him because of a couple things he did to hurt her.

And she’s hurt him, too…like dating his best friend.

I’ll put a few other people on the boat to add tension…like a former love interest of the billionaire. And a guy who flirts with the former secretary. And a couple others who provide comic relief and truth nuggets.

Oh, I like it! So…now I come to the fun part.

CASTING.

I like to cast my stories early, so I get a look at the people I’m working with. Somehow their appearance helps me dig deeper to create a personality. It’s a technique I use called The Story Equation (I actually wrote a book about it), but the essence of the characterization is the Dark Moment Story of the past that defines the character—his lies, fears, wounds, flaws and desires.

I create a casting board for all my stories with the main characters, sub characters and essential locations.

Here’s the casting board for Troubled Waters.

Main Characters:

Sierra Rose (the former secretary)

Ian Shaw (the billionaire)

Dex (Ian’s best friend and hot guy who flirts with Sierra)

Noelly (Former love interest for Ian…of course she still wants him)

Vanessa & Hayes (Friends on the boat who further the plot)

 

The last thing I do before I write the story (after I figure out the characters and the plot) is to create the story summary. This is the What-if gelled into a nice marketing blurb. I tape it to the top of my computer screen (not literally, but you know what I mean) and use it to keep me on track in the story.

Here’s the blurb for Troubled Waters, (Montana Rescue series, out now!)

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants–except a happy ending. Or at least that’s what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra’s relationship.

So, if you’re crafting a book—start with the WHAT IF! Then, go write something brilliant!

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling, RITA award-winning author of over sixty novels.

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I’m a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I’m an adventurer — having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that’s why my characters can’t sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another — they’re too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

Here’s Stop #24

You can order Susan’s books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lifeway, and CBD or at your local bookstore!

Here is your CLUE to write down: Readers

Link to Stop #25, the next Stop on the Loop: Susan May Warren’s own site!

But WAIT, before you go there’s more! (does this remind you of those commercials? 🙂 ) I’m offering three books to three entrants — any one of my first Logan Point series or the Memphis Cold Case Novels (including the 3rd book that releases June 5)! All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter or blog (top right of my blog page here). Additional points to those who follow me as an author on Goodreads or Bookbub! (Print book Continental USA only; anywhere else, e-book). Enter in the Rafflecopter below.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Comments 309

  1. Delores E. Topliff

    I love seeing Susan’s casting board and her story summary that turns into a stellar blurb and then another great book. I’m a Susan groupie too who owes her a lot although I’m still learning and growing. Thanks for this great post. It’s just in time for me to utilize some of these key ideas, and I will!

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  2. Lee-Ann Brodeur

    I am thankful for Seekerville bloggers and authors. I wouldn’t have known about this hunt, nor be discovering new to me authors along thecway. I have Susan’s story equation book sitting in my kobo waiting to be read. I currently don’t have a favourite genre in fiction – just an apetite for solid writing.

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  3. Katie Seehusen

    I am new to your books, but they are right up my alley. I’m really excited to start reading, new authors are so much fun to experience. Thanks for writing!

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  4. Pingback: Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt–LIST & LINKS | Lisa Tawn Bergren

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  5. Anne L. Rightler

    I like suspense with a little romance and I also enjoy historical fiction. Thank you for being part of this fun hunt. Found a couple new to me authors. I enjoy your weekly mystery but usually have no clue to the answer.

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      Patricia Bradley

      Hi, Anne! Good to see you here. Glad you found a couple of new authors and don’t feel bad. If I didn’t have a cheat sheet, I doubt I’d ever get the answer right. lol

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  6. Caryl Kane

    Hello Pat, My go-to genre is mystery/suspense. Thank you for participating in this fun scavenger hunt! 🙂

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  7. Karen Klepsteen

    That is one very good looking story board! I like your choices for everyone. I was picturing someone beefier for Hayes, but I love Taye Diggs so no complaints from me! Lol

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      Patricia Bradley

      Rachel, I understand that about mood. 🙂 Sometimes I want something light like a rom-com and sometimes I want deeper, like women’s fiction. As long as I care about the characters, I’ll read almost anything…I can even remember reading the back of cereal boxes when I was a kid. 🙂

  8. Karen Klepsteen

    Oh, and my favorite genre is any type of Christian fiction. I don’t care for fantasy or speculative as much, but I really love anything that’s well written.

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      Patricia Bradley

      Karen, I don’t usually read fantasy or speculative, but there are a few authors who write them very well and I’ve read them. Jim Rubart writes great books. And I like the retelling of the fairy tales. 🙂 But I agree that it must be well written! Thanks for stopping by,

  9. Sarah K.

    I love your books, and I was super happy that you did a follow up novella to Justice Delayed. Romantic Suspense is probably my favorite genre with historical romance or rom com as backups. Actually, anything in the romance genre (minus Amish or fantasy/sci fi) or mystery/suspense (minus horror or paranormal) are my favorites.

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  10. Gail Hollingsworth

    I read all kinds, contemporary romance, historical romance, suspense, Amish, anything but sci fi or fantasy.

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  11. Colleen

    Favorite genre? You mean some people can pick just one? Romantic suspense, historical, biblical…I like variety 🙂

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  12. Patricia Lott

    I love teh castng board and more importantly to me was the “What If?” I think that little nugget has just helped me with my block on my book. We shall see.

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      Patricia Bradley

      Oh, Patricia, how well I know about that block. I write in Scrivener and I alway create a character sketch with a photo of an actress or actor who I thin looks like my character. Thanks for stopping by.

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  13. Pat Moore

    Christian Romantic Suspense, Biblical Historical Fiction and a more. Patricia Bradley is one of my top 5 favorite authors & always a 5 star review on her books. Page turning suspense.

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  14. Debora Wilder

    I have to admit that I have 3 favorite genres. Romantic suspense, historical fiction, and biblical fiction. Hand me a good book in any of these and I can get completely lost from what is going on around me.

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  15. Sarah Anderson

    I enjoy many genres. Some of which are historic fiction, mystery, Christian romance, and westerns.

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      Patricia Bradley

      Thanks, Betty! I hope you enjoy my writing. I’ve been told my books are page-turners. I hope so. By the time I turn one in, I’m not sure of anything. lol Thanks for stopping by.

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  16. desiree

    i like all and any book i will get book put in front of me and i read and then if it a novellla i do up to 5 in day and then i love to listen the audio books

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  17. Gloria

    Hi Pat, I am enjoying the hunt. You have quite a day every day. Wow! My favorite genre is suspense…romantic, contemporary, Christian.

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      Patricia Bradley

      Yep, Gloria, I do have quite a day every day. lol Remember that commercial…Grab the gusto? That’s me…except for the beer part. (I wish I could find the emoji with the eyes crossed and tongue stuck out) Thanks for stopping in.

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  18. Donna E H Durnell

    I favorite genre has to be associated with mysteries == romantic suspense, cozy mystery, women sleuths, other mysteries / suspense. And I like historicial fiction, but also prefer there to be a bit of a mystery involved. And inspirational. And Women’s fiction.

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  19. Mezza

    Hi Patricia! I am just loving the hunt! Thanks heaps for being apart of it, and helping to make it happen 🙂
    My favourite genre is historical Christian romance

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  20. Maria Dalmau

    It’s difficult to say what my favorite genre is because I read everything except non-fiction but I’ll say romantic suspense.

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      1. Susie May

        Hey! thank you all for reading, and Pat–for having me on the blog today!!! Keep following the scavenger hunt–more great readers and prizes ahead!!

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  21. Mikayla

    I absolutely love your books!! I often look to them when I am having a bit of Writer’s Block. This Scavenger hunt is so fun! I’m looking forward to checking out some new authors.

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  22. Alaina F

    Release the hounds, I’m on the hunt for Day 2!

    Thanks for hosting on this scavenger hunt, Patricia. And great post, Susan! I love the casting board. 🙂

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  23. MS Barb

    I enjoy Christian Suspense, with clean romance woven in. I also enjoy when an author includes some interesting facts about a location where the story is taking place. (Susan May Warren has written descriptions of northern Minnesota (my home state) & I can picture the scenery in my mind!) Thanks for the Scavenger Hunt!

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  24. Lisamarie Whiting

    All done!!!! And I like Christian Historical Romance and Historical Romance:) thank you for the opportunity! God bless!

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  25. Laura Glent

    I love Historical Fiction and most Christian Romance. I love reading books by good storytellers – life is too short to read predictable books!

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      Patricia Bradley

      Absolutely, Laura! I try to leave enough clues that if you’re paying attention you’ll guess the villain…when I know who the villain is. Sometimes I don’t know until the last chapter!

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  26. KimThompson

    This has been a fun way to learn about the authors and possibly discover new favorites! I haven’t read any of yours yet, but am looking forward to doing so! Thanks for being a part of this hunt!

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  27. Pam Lunsford

    My favorite genre is historical/wagon trains. But I also like suspense/mystery, contemporary books also.

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  28. Felicity Shepherd

    My favourite genre, would be romantic suspense /thriller that involves one of my loved such as medicine, science, and/or music. I read extensively in many genres but my favourite time setting is modern. And I prefer characters that are more relatable and normal human, such as Susan May Warren’s books.

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  29. Mallori

    My favorite genre is historical fiction, but occasionally I will venture out of that realm and into others. I read your first Logan Point book about a month ago and absolutely loved it! I had a hard time putting it down at night.

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  30. Rosalyn

    My favorite genre is Christian suspense/mystery. I look forward to reading Susan May Warren’s newest, as well as yours! Thanks for the opportunity to win

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  31. Mary Brannian

    Favorite genre? Love them all! Suspense thrillers/true crime/historical/fantasy/paranormal,sci fi; you name it, I read it!

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  32. Linda Orr

    My favorite genre is Historical Fiction, although I’ve found some new authors in Contemporary as well as Suspense.

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  33. Paula Shreckhise

    Wow Pat, I feel outnumbered this week!
    My favorite genres are Christian of course: historicals and mystery/suspense! Both in one book is nice, too! You are a top favorite, but I guess you know that! Blessings!

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  34. Betti

    My favorite genre would be historical fiction. I love the opportunity to learn more about history through a story. However, I thoroughly enjoy a good suspense novel with a little romance thrown in. Books that are set in real places are great. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  35. Winnie Thomas

    My favorites are historical fiction and contemporary fiction. I do enjoy romantic suspense, too.

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  36. Barbara Hamby

    Thanks for being a part of this scavenger hunt……..and thanks for giving us the chance to win…

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  37. Susan Johnson

    I like most genres, but my favorite is historical.
    Thank you for participating in this scavenger hunt. It is a lot of fun.

  38. Trixi

    Patricia, asking my favorite genre is like asking what’s my favorite book or author, lol! But I have two top favorite; Inspriational Romantic Suspense and Inspirational Historical. Then of course there are sub-categories within those, or themes/storylines ( if you will) that I love. See, it’s complicaed 😉 I will read contemporary, Amish, Dystopian as along as they are Christian authors.

    Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt, it’s something I look forward to every year. And for the extra giveaway!

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  39. Natalya Lakhno

    Patricia, thank you for hosting Susan! I love her books! I like different genres, as long as it is Christian.

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  40. Kelly

    I’m so grateful for the Scavenger Hunt. I’ve discovered new authors and look forward to new adventures in reading, including your work. I’ve signed up for everything. This is a day of email inundation.

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  41. Sabrina

    I like a lot of different types of books: History, historical fiction, Christian fiction, mystery, fiction/non-fiction about animals, etc.

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  42. Linda Horin

    I enjoy many genres – suspense, historical fiction, romance, mystery, biography, even non-fiction – as long as it is well written and interesting!

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  43. Sonora Slater

    The blog post is awesome! I love seeing the character board all laid out, and how you make up the little marketing blurb. I would say my favorite genre is either (though these are rather opposites) Historical Fiction OR Christian Romantic Comedy

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  44. Shaun

    I love hearing how authors come up their stories. Your casting board idea is very unique. I love it and I love your books.

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  45. Joan Arning

    I like to read a variety. I get bored with the same genre. Historical fiction may be my favorite.

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  46. Charlyn

    Romantic suspense and romantic comedy, of course, all with no explicit language, sex or violence. I think I will enjoy your books. Thank you for offering the giveaway opportunity.

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      1. Angela A.

        Thanks Patricia! I have enjoyed the hunt and look forward to reading your books.

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