Love Inspired Suspense author Susan Sleeman dropped by Divine Detour today for a quick interview and to announce a contest on her website. Susan is giving away a copy of her new book, Behind the Badge, and a $50 Amazon gift card. See details below.

 

Susan, please tell us about your new book, Behind the Badge (Love Inspired Suspense, June 6, 2011).

Behind the Badge is a romantic suspense title from Love Inspired Suspense. In this book, a killer is threatening the life of rookie cop Sydney Tucker and her sister—unless Sydney turns over evidence from a drug bust. But she doesn’t have the evidence. Not that the thug believes her. She and the sibling in her care are under the watchful eye of Logan Lake police chief Russ Morgan…but will his protection be enough to keep them alive?

What inspired the story?

This book was inspired by some very difficult times in my life. Not the same struggles as I gave these characters but struggles with a chronic illness. During these times I’ve wondered if God knew what I was going through and if He did, why didn’t He rescue me from these hardships? But when I look back on my difficulties, I can see how God used those trials to make me a better person and to grow me in so many ways. I wanted to share this message through these characters.

Detours in life can be frustrating—kind of like plot twists in the stories we write—but the outcome is often even more intriguing than our original plan. Can you tell us about a recent “detour” in your life—or in one of your character’s lives—that taught you something?

My characters are always trying to teach me something. That’s because I write about spiritual messages that are impacting, or have impacted, my life. Specifically, I struggle with placing all of my trust in God and not taking things into my own hands. My father was an entrepreneur and business owner always looking for a better way of doing things. He encouraged us to be independent, set out on our own and not to rely on anyone else. He believed in God, but didn’t rely on Him. So growing up, I never learned to do this. As an adult, it has been difficult not to act quickly and decisively to solve all of my problems. So sometimes I fall back into my old ways and I take those detours you mentioned. And then I wonder why I am anxious and not at peace. Letting God be in charge of my life is so much more rewarding and peaceful. I just need to remember that and my characters often remind me of it.

For more information about Susan’s book—and to enter her contest, log on to her website.