Meet My Friend: TRISH PERRY

I recently decided to incorporate my writing life a little more into my blog. With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine, and one of my favorite writers in the CBA: Trish Perry.

I've co-authored two devotionals with Trish, and she is one of the most amiable writers with whom I've ever collaborated. If you don't know her, or haven't read her ...

MEET TRISH PERRY

Trish is an award-winning, multi-published novelist. Before her novels, she published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media. Perry holds a B.A. in Psychology, was a 1980s stockbroker, and held positions at the Securities and Exchange Commission and in several Washington law firms. She serves on the Board of Directors of CCW and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

Trish, thank you so much for joining us here. Will you tell my readers a little about how you became an author?

I wasn't terribly aware of how much I enjoyed writing until I went back to school as an adult. While I worked on my Psych degree, I found myself looking forward to my various writing assignments in my classes. Then I started getting encouraging feedback from my professors about my writing, so I took as many creative writing courses as I could fit into my degree. By the time I graduated, I decided to take a few years to try to get published before going on for my grad degrees. But writing turned out to be God's will for me, so I never went back! It took several years before I got my first contract, but God truly has blessed me for hanging in there.

Trish, as you know, Tea for Two was one of my favorite reads this year. Would you give my readers a little blurb of the story?

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Sandie. Counselor Tina Milano has been visiting Milly’s Tea Shop regularly for the past several months. She has many friends but no steady man in her life. Zack Cooper is a local farmer who provides Milly with fresh fruit and vegetables. As a single parent, Zack is doing his best to raise his teenage son and daughter on his own. When the kids get in minor scrapes with the law, Milly gently encourages Zack and Tina to work together to draw the teens back before their rebellious natures land them in even hotter water. At first Tina sees the relationship in only a professional capacity, but soon her friends notice the luscious scent of romance in the air and decide to help things along. Tea for Two is a faith-filled novel that explores the delight of second chances, warm friendship, and unexpected romantic encounters.

Trish, what was your inspiration for your lovable heroine, Tina?

I didn't give this much thought before now, but she's actually the second of my heroines who is involved in counseling (Sonny Miller in Sunset Beach is a younger heroine, fresh out of college, who tries to counsel her family members--with less than spectacular success). I suppose these gals came to mind partially because of their desire to help people better enjoy life through healthier attitudes about themselves and others. I liked the idea of Tina being a little bit on the proper side, because Zack and his kids (not to mention the members of Tina's women's group) break her out of that protective shell some. Before I started writing, I let my imagination cook up why she had that protective shell, and once that happened, I just fell for her and wanted her to find happiness and strength through her faith and through trusting that Zack was one of the good ones out there.

I thought Zack was really yummy. Is he a picture-type of Trish Perry's ideal guy? If not, who is?

I try not to make my heroes unbelievably perfect, but they're always kind at heart, and they always respect women. I don't care how often a man blunders socially or privately, if he respects and admires women, he's miles ahead of many men in the "ideal guy" race. I love men, and I've met many wonderful ones, but so often, when problems persist in relationships, the core issue is that the man doesn't truly cherish the woman. Being cherished goes a long way in most women's hearts.

If Tea for Two is made into a movie, who will play the lead roles?

I pictured Viggo Mortensen and Linda Fiorentino.

Your contribution to two of the Summerside Press devotionals has been stellar. What do you like most about a multi-author project like His Grace is Sufficient...But Decaf is Not (due in bookstores this fall)?

So many things! I enjoyed the soul-searching and the faith-journey involved in coming up with a number of different applications for God's word. The closeness I felt with Him was so uplifting. And I absolutely loved reading my fellow authors' devos. I think these books are wonderful--the perfect amount of inspiration and introspection for the woman on the go. I enjoyed getting to know my sweet fellow authors better through working together, too. And thank you, by the way, for the compliment.

What are you working on these days?

A novella for Barbour Publishing called Labor of Love. It will be part of a four-story collection set in Oregon, titled The Midwife's Legacy. It will release in March 2012. Now I need to take a little break from contracts so I can concentrate of some real-world job training I need to do. But the moment I finished my novella, my imagination wheels started spinning again. I don't think I'm going to be able to avoid putting some story ideas together, even though that's not my plan. The possibilities wake me in the middle of the night!

How about we play a fun little game? I like to call it Quick Shots.

WHAT’S ON YOUR NIGHT STAND RIGHT NOW?
Eight inspirational novels, awaiting me. There are another ten on the floor, as well as the 900 (plus) novels in my bookshelf. Yes, I'm a book-a-holic.

WHAT ARE YOU READING?
The Shape of Mercy, by Susan Meissner. Wow, she writes beautifully.

COLOR SCHEMES IN YOUR HOME?
Deep rust and teal. Everywhere. Like northwestern, Native American colors. I just seem drawn to that combo.

DOG OR CAT?
Neither since I moved away from my more ranchy home. But I had dogs before. Definitely a dog person. Big 'uns.

WATER OR SODA?
Water.

CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
Chocolate ALL the way. But I'm into vanilla with chocolate all over it, like a hot fudge sundae. Or custard with chocolate sauce. Or warm bread pudding with vanilla and chocolate sauce. Please. Somebody stop me.

MICHAEL BUBLE OR AEROSMITH?
Oh, honey. Aerosmith.

SUSPENSE MOVIE OR ROMANTIC COMEDY?
RomCom. But I do like suspense films, as well.

LENO OR LETTERMAN?
Eesh. Neither. Give me Craig Ferguson and Jimmy Fallon any day.

RUNNING OR SWIMMING?
You mean watching them, right?

TROPICAL OR MOUNTAIN VACAY?
Tropical! I don't show much skin, but I do love the beach!

Trish, it's been so much fun to spend a little time with you, and I know my blog readers will enjoy it too.

Readers, if you'd like to be entered to win a copy of Tea for Two, just leave a comment dated before midnight on Saturday, and include your email address so I can contact you if you win!