Author Interview: Tricia Mingerink

Today I’m honored to interview Tricia Mingerink about her debut novel, Dare. Not only did I have the privilege of Tricia’s support and expertise during my own book release, but I also got the privilege of reading an early version of Dare. Even in its rough form, the story gripped me from the start with the conflicted assassin. Oops. Did I say assassin? Shhh, don’t tell!

In celebration of her new release, Tricia is having a giveaway (at the bottom of the page) and a Facebook Party! Be sure to check out both.

Welcome, Tricia! Even though I know you, I’m still curious about a few things. Tell us a little about yourself — how did you get into writing? What are your interests?

I began telling stories when I was two years old and drawing picture books with my crayons. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t telling stories or writing.

Besides writing, I love reading, camping, hiking, and horse-back riding. Basically, I love experiencing new things and enjoying adventures.

It sounds to me like you and I need to go on an adventure together. Maybe a horse-back ride? I notice you have a horse (a rather cold looking horse) on the cover of you book. Tell us a little about your debut novel, Dare. What inspired it? Is it part of a series

Dare is the first in a series called The Blades of Acktar. I originally envisioned it as a three-book series, but it might turn into a four-book series. I have a certain character who keeps bugging me with story ideas. Dare was inspired by many sources, including my great-grandparents’ experiences in World War II, my experiences as a Christian on a secular college campus, and events in the news. It wall came together into a book that, while I’m calling it fantasy, could easily have happened in our own world.

Oooh, sounds intriguing. Wait, it is intriguing! I know this because I’ve read it. Mwaha! (Readers…be jealous. Or just be proactive and go read it yourselves. 😉 ) Okay, now for a little fun stuff:

Flowers or Chocolate?

I’m good with either. Though, if the guy wanted to really get on my good side, he’d get me a book. 😉

Spoken like a true reader! Okay, you know I’m a tea drinker so I have to know…coffee or tea?

Neither! I apparently have really weird taste buds because even the sweetest coffee or tea tastes like horribly bitter hot water to me. If I need caffein, I reach for a Mountain Dew.

You’ve made my hubby cheer. He drinks Mt. Dew for breakfast. I still think I should make you a cup of my tea and then, if you don’t like it, we’ll really know there’s something odd about your tastebuds. 😉

Speaking of oddities, what are two or three things about yourself that would surprise your readers?

I’ve travelled to 47 of the 50 states. The three I need to visit yet are California, Alaska, and Hawaii. I was homeschooled until middle school, and my parents were big into traveling as a form of extended field trips. In college, I continued to travel with a group of my friends.

I’ve never been on a date in my life. Never even been asked out. I’m still happily single. Perhaps God has marriage in my future, but perhaps not. I’m not going to worry about it either way.

Wow! No wonder you like adventures! You’ve grown up seeing how addicting they can be. [grin] And I love your attitude about waiting on God’s timing. I’m especially glad that’s given you the extra time to write Dare. Hehe.

Okay, back to writing. What made you choose to self publish?

Short answer: Impatience and Research.

Long answer: A year after graduating from college, I had been submitting a non-fiction book I’d written and co-writing a book with my friend. I was researching publishing options for the future and wasn’t sure what route I wanted to pursue. At the time, I was leaning towards indie publishing, but I wasn’t sure. I decided to wait and see where God would lead if I really buckled down and pursued writing. A year later, I had written three full-length novels, had a professional edit, and did a whole lot more research. I submitted one of those novels, Dare, to a few contests and places. It didn’t win anything, and it was rejected because the publisher didn’t have any openings in their publishing schedule for at least a year. That’s where my impatience kicked in, and I made my final decision to indie publish. I’m a very fast writer, and the business end of things doesn’t scare me (owning a small business is just about a family tradition). So indie publishing made sense for where I wanted to take my writing.

Sounds like you were prepared early for the indie route. In closing, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Read. I know this is the advice that every author gives aspiring authors, but it is very true. That being said, be intentional with your reading. While I enjoy reading a variety of genres (everything from Westerns to thrillers to light romance), I focused on reading only Christian speculative fiction for the past few months while I was writing, then revising Dare. I wanted to know what others were doing in my genre, and the best way to do that was to read a lot of it.

Also read a lot of writing books and blogs. This helps with craft, but it also helps you learn about the industry. When you begin to be serious about publishing, it is best to have as much knowledge as you can, especially in today’s publishing world where there are so many options a writer can feel overwhelmed. Reading blogs from both indie and traditional published authors, editors, agents, etc. will keep you on top of what is happening. Even though I’m indie publishing, I still follow the blogs of several agents and publishing companies because it helps me stay on top of what is going on in the industry.

Thank you so much for answering my questions (and putting up with my silliness.) 

About the book

Courage could cost him everything.

Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed.

Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time.

Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades?

No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain.

Someone will die.

About the Author

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and her blog.

Giveaway!

Enter to win a Grand Prize giveaway to celebrate the release of Dare! Prize includes an autographed paperback of Dare, a necklace like the one Renna has in the book with a sterling silver cross pendant, a medieval dagger (not sharp) like the one Leith carries, and Dare-themed bookmarks! (Due to the difficulties in shipping weapons across international borders, this giveaway is open to US residents only).

The winner of the giveaway will be announce at the end of the Facebook party on June 10.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the rest of the blog tour through these blogs!

June 2

• Tricia Mingerink – Announce Release and Blog Tour
• Jaye L. Knight – Author Interview
• Kim Moss – Author Interview

June 3

• Jansina on River Shore Books – Author Interview
• Nadine Brandes – Author Interview

June 4

• Shantelle Hannu on A Writer’s Heart – Author Interview
• Jaye L. Knight – Character Spotlight (Leith Torren)
• Kim Moss – Character Spotlight (Renna Faythe)

June 5

• Alicia Ruggieri on A Brighter Destiny – Author Interview
• Faith Blum on Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – Character Spotlight (Shadrach Alistair)
• Nadine Brandes – Character Spotlight (Brandi Faythe)
• Tricia Mingerink – Q&A with characters

June 8

• Kathrese McKee – Author Interview
• Gillian Bronte Adams – Character Spotlight (Blizzard)
• Tricia Mingerink – Q&A with characters

June 9

• Jansina on Thilly Little Nothings – Character Spotlight (Harrison Vane)
• Claire Banschbach on Thoughts and Rants – Author Interview

June 10 

• Angie Brashear – Author Interview
• Tricia Mingerink – Blog Tour Wrap Up
• Facebook Party