Posts in Behind The Scenes
Writer and Reader Retreats
Writer and Reader Retreats

Hi friends, 

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by and spend a few minutes of your day with me. I really appreciate it! 

I just returned from a Writers retreat for aspiring authors who are fairly new along on their writing journey—many just completing their first manuscript. Finishing a book is a MAJOR accomplishment and I was so very proud of them all. 

I love partnering with writes on their journey towards publication. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Seeing their excitement fueled mine for the written word. 

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As I shared the importance of persistence, diligence and determination, it was a great reminder to me that God has called us to this path. He is the one paving the stones. He is the One walking beside us. And, our role is to be obedient. 

Showing up each morning and putting my rear in the chair. Typing or handwriting (most often in my case) or dictating (many of my friend take this approach) the words God supplies, even when we don’t feel like it, is an act of obedience to our Father. 

Here are some pictures of the amazingly beautiful home we stayed at in Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania. If you’re ever in the area, here’s the HomeAway listing: 

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There’s something so soothing about being surrounded by rolling hills, Amish buggies, and fresh clothes drying on the line. The retreat was a time of learning, fellowship (I haven’t belly-laughed like that in years) and beautiful rest. Being away from TVs and the busy world that often surrounds us, it gave me moments of stillness in the Lord. 

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Starting our day with worship and devotions really set our hearts in the right place to be open to the Lord’s leading and a time of learning. 

It was a privilege and an honor to lead these women who have now formed wonderful friendships and even our own private Facebook group dubbed by the ladies as Dan’s Darlings. I love it.


Question for you: 

What about you? Have you been to a writers, readers, or Bible retreat? What was your experience like? If not, which would you love to attend? 

As always, love hearing your answers. 

Let’s chat! 

Dani 

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Let’s Celebrate! My 10th Book is Here!
Let’s Celebrate! My 10th Book is Here!

I’m ecstatic to announce that my latest novel—The Killing Tide—is available now!!!! It hit stands today. It’s so hard to believe that my 10th full-length novel is on shelves. To celebrate and, to thank you all for your amazing support, I’m giving away an autographed copy to one lucky winner who comments to my Reader Question below. 

A Thrilling Time in NYC
A Thrilling Time in NYC

Last week I was in New York City for Thrillerfest. What is Thrillerfest you may ask? I’m happy to report it is not a conference for lovers of Michael Jackson’s song Thriller. Though I do admit thinking the song and the music video were pretty cool when I was in middle school. But, alas, not about Michael Jackson or his outfits that sparked red leather jackets and sparkly gloves onto the fashion scene. 

Summer Splash Adventure
Summer Splash Adventure

Exciting news! I’m joining fellow Bethany House author Amanda Dykes to celebrate the release of her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, and my upcoming novel, The Killing Tide. Since both of our new releases feature lighthouses and coastal settings, we decided to give readers a fun challenge.  

Meet Finn & Gabby
Meet Finn & Gabby

As you may know, my tenth full-length novel—The Killing Tide—is releasing August 6th. I’m so excited to share this new set of characters, a new setting, and a whole heap of mystery and adventure with you. Today, I’m going to give you a sneak peek by introducing Finn and Gabby! I hope you’ll come to love them.

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When I think of summer, I think of sunshine, flip-flops, long days, ice cream cones and relaxing. Summer is the best! Unfortunately, it’s also full of temptations to keep us from meeting our writing goals.


I used to look forward to summer with a mixture of excitement and dread. On the one hand, no more getting up at the crack of dawn to get the kids off to school. On the other hand, kids at home for three months did not equal writing bliss!

Friends Who Fall in Love
Friends Who Fall in Love

I've now published eight full-length Christian fiction romances.  But my new release, Sweet on You, is my first attempt at a story about two adult friends who fall in love.

My husband and I were friends for a year before we started dating!  I've known other women who ended up marrying men who were first their friends.  I've read a few books with this premise and thoroughly enjoyed them. Thus, when I sat down to write Britt and Zander's story, I imagined I had a good handle on my task.

Something Special
Something Special

Happy Wednesday! I’m super excited to share about something really fun that’s happening. For a limited time, when you pre-order The Killing Tide, you get some awesome goodies. The first two-hundred people will get an adorable anchor keychain and collapsible, Coastal Guardians, water bottled along with even more goodies. For everyone after the first two hundred there are still lots of goodies for you. And, the great part? Ten percent of my profits will be donated to the Coast Guard Foundation. 

How Christian Fiction Mirrors the Hope God Gives Us
How Christian Fiction Mirrors the Hope God Gives Us

Happy Wednesday! Thanks for taking time out of your day to stop by and spend a little time with me. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and pull up a seat. Today I’m continuing my series on The Power of Christian Fiction.

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Where Are They Now? Catch up with Griffin McCray

I thought we’d check in and find out Where Griffin McCray Is now. 

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Behind The ScenesDani PettreyComment