You have several genres weaving through this story–historical, crime, romance—how do you balance the elements as you go?
Michelle Griep
The first step is just to get the story down. Then I went back and wove in some romance and added in bits and pieces about the crime. The historical aspect is much easier to write on the first draft because I’ve done so much research on that era.
What would you like to be the reader’s takeaway after reading of House at the End of the Moor?
Hope—namely that God is working in everyone’s lives all the time in a million different ways whether we see it or not. Who’d have thought that two innocuous little words could change Barrow’s life so much? That befriending a sick convict would free a missing marquis? That saving a sheepdog would turn the dog into a savior in its own right?
These are the little things that only God can orchestrate, and He’s doing that right now in each of our lives, no matter how bleak things may look. How hopeful is that?!
How does your faith impact your storytelling?
It is my goal to seamlessly weave Biblical truth into my stories without beating the reader over the head with a Bible. Jesus told enormous truths in His little parables. I aim to do the same.
What do you consider the best way(s) for readers to support their favorite authors?
First off, spread the word. Let others know about your favorite reads. Word of mouth is the best way to get an author’s books into readers’ hands.
And tying into that theme, leave a review. Somewhere. Anywhere.
Last, but not least, feel free to drop your favorite author a note. Trust me, even the big names read all their emails, and hearing from a reader is always a boost of energy for a writer.
Visit Michelle Griep’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/michelle-griep/
House at the End of the Moor
Michelle Griep
Shiloh Run Press
What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?
Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity