Today’s interview is extra special for me because I had the joy and privilege of working with Megan to bring her debut novel to the world! I fell in love with Megan’s complex characters and unique setting, and I couldn’t wait to work with her! Today, I get to help introduce her to the rest of the world.

I’m so excited today because I can’t wait to learn more about you! We’ve talked a lot about your debut novel and writing, but let’s find out more about Megan. What was your favorite children’s book as a child? What did you love about it?
As early as I can remember my favorite bedtime story was The Monster at the End of This Book: Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover by Jon Stone. This book allows its young readers to be interactive by turning the pages and getting them closer to the “scary” monster at the end while Grover does everything he can think of to stop the reader from turning pages. It’s the perfect way to get young kids interested in the creative world of the written word.

I own a copy of that book! One of my favorites. 🙂 What about chapter books: what was the first chapter book you read? What did you like/not like about it?
I discovered the old Nancy Drew books when I was in the fourth grade, and I read every one our school library had, then spent all my allowance on the newer ones. Up to that point, I struggled with reading as I had undiagnosed dyslexia, but I couldn’t put these books down. I loved the mystery and every chapter ends with a cliff hanger so you have to just keep on reading. Carolyn Keene is the pen name for the various authors who write these mysteries.

No way — Nancy Drew was my favorite too! (This is getting weird.) What was the first book you read that you couldn’t put down?
In high school, my friend asked me to tape The BBC mini-series of Pride and Prejudice based on the classic novel by Jane Austen. I decided to watch it only to discover that I hadn’t recorded beyond the part where Miss Bennet comes to Pemberley. I was frantic to discover how it ended, so I had no choice but to read the book. I loved it from cover to cover. Jane Austen pulled me into the world of regency England with her fascinating characters. Not only did I finish the book in record time, but I went on to read all the rest of Jane Austen’s novels with the exception of Mansfield Park, which I started but haven’t finished…yet.  

Okay, you lost me there. I still haven’t read Pride and Prejudice. (We’ll talk about that later). If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?
I’d like to share a dinner with Hadassah from Francine Rivers’ book A Voice in the Wind and hear about her faith while being persecuted. I would love to know more about what her life was like after the series ended, living with the scars and the possible persecution of her new family. It was such a terrifying time for Christians to profess their faith and yet they did it anyway, and she did it with quiet strength.

That’s really an incredible book. I often wonder if/how modern Christians would survive back then.

If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go?
Hopefully this isn’t too cliché, but I would really love to travel through the wardrobe to Narnia. My family has been listening to the audio books in The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis as we travel. He paints such a vivid picture of an amazing land full of adventure and whimsical creatures.

You’re not alone! A lot of people mention Narnia.

When it comes to fiction in general, which do you prefer: character-driven or plot-driven fiction?
I like character-driven fiction. I want to be able to relate to the characters, even the antagonists. My favorite characters are the ones with complex personalities who rise above their fears and show amazing strength.

What’s your favorite genre?
I’m a history buff so I love to read historical novels as long as they aren’t too sad. I’ll read from anytime in history, but my favorite would be Biblical times. It’s like having a time machine and getting to experience different time periods from the comfort of my modern life.

Thank you so much for telling us more about yourself; now, here’s more about her debut novel Dakota Peace:

She went looking for peace, but trouble found her.

After a traumatic call, emergency dispatcher Natalia Brynner flees the city, desperate for some distance from her stressful life. Her peace is short lived when a flat tire strands her on the other side of South Dakota with nothing but her high heels and a speeding ticket.

State Trooper Travis Wilkins offers to keep her company while she waits for a new tire, but the quick fix turns into an overnight visit which turns into an extended stay. She soon finds herself in the middle of a foster child’s kidnapping case helping the handsome law man. His presence doesn’t quite settle her anxious heart. With the support of her new friends and her blossoming relationship, Natalia starts to believe she could finally experience a peaceful life … until an armed madman threatens it all.

Dakota Peace releases February 18 — pre-order your copy today!

Megan Kinney is a foster mom and police wife with four daughters. She enjoys exploring the neighboring Black Hills of South Dakota, whether it be hiking or kayaking.

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