What Inspires a Contemporary Romance Author?

Do you enjoy reading a good story? Do you ever wonder where the author comes up with her ideas? Today, we’ll get to know a Christian romance author and find out what motivates her to write.

PLUS: You can have a chance to win a paperback copy of Hope’s book “Forever Home” by commenting at the end of this post.

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC. Her novels include Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts. Her Forever series includes Forever Music and Forever Home. Her novella “A Hatteras Surprise” was included in Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams.

She and her husband, Kevin, delight in visits with their two daughters and twin sons.

Hope is here today to tell us what inspires her. Let’s see what she has to say.

Jenny: Hello, Hope. I’m so glad you are here today. Can you tell us what inspired your current project?

Hope:  My current project is the last story in the Forever series. Heath is the last sibling in the Daniels family, and his story is supposed to be published next January. My inspiration for the four siblings are my own four children, although I have two daughters and twin sons. Their smack talk around board games and general bantering back and forth gave me much fodder when the Daniels clan was having fun together.

Jenny: I love that banter, too. My kids always make each other laugh, and it’s impossible not to join in. When you’re not busy writing, what other activities do you enjoy?

Hope:  I enjoy reading, cooking and baking, traveling, crocheting, and being with my family. I’m a chronic volunteer, so I help with several community and church committees, too.

Jenny: It sounds like you would never have a problem with being bored. What about music? Do you have a certain type of music playing while you write, or do you need silence?

Hope: I don’t play music. I need silence to think and hear my characters talking!

Jenny: I am the same way. I love music, but not while the story is rolling out. Tell us what your readers think of your work. What is your favorite feedback you have gotten from a reader?’

Hope: I don’t normally include long prayers in my stories, but my characters do send up quick, what some people call, arrow prayers throughout their day. Several readers have mentioned that those prayers have reminded them to pray throughout their day as well. Encouraging people to pray is cool.

Jenny: Yes, that is the best kind of influence to have on someone. Now, here is an off the wall question: What is the most amazing thing you have seen in the past few days?

Hope: A few afternoons ago, I looked out my upstairs window and saw a whole convention of cardinals, males and females, gathering in our side yard. It was a beautiful sight. We live in the country and see cardinals occasionally, but I’ve never seen that many at one time. As a daughter and granddaughter and great-granddaughter of farmers, I always see God’s hand in nature.

Jenny: A convention of cardinals? What a wonderful description. I have enjoyed talking to you so much. Do you have any other parting words for our readers?

Hope: I’m so grateful that God has me sharing His love through stories we write together, and I’m grateful for every reader who picks up those books and reads. Thank you!

Here’s how you can find out more about this fascinating author and her books:

Hope Toler Dougherty Readers Page | Facebook
Hope Toler Dougherty (@hopetolerdougherty) • Instagram photos and videos

Hope Toler Dougherty Books – BookBub

Hope Toler Dougherty (Author of Irish Encounter) | Goodreads

Check out Hope’s Website:

https://hopetolerdougherty.com/

Here’s your chance: What is so interesting about your life that it might make a good book? Comment below to win a copy of Hope’s book, Forever Home

With a fulfilling job and a home of her own, former foster child, Merritt Hastings, relishes her stable, respectable life. Dreaming for more is a sure way for heartache. When a contested will turns her world upside down, she must revaluate what’s important to her, what’s worth fighting for, and what’s worth sacrificing.

Patience has never been Sam Daniels’ strong suit with his history of acting quickly and asking questions later, and he’s ready for changes in his life…now. Too bad the plans for acquiring a radio station didn’t include a contract. Now he’s out of a job, out of a radio station, and out of prospects.

While his life is in flux, at least he can help Merritt steady hers, or will he rush in and overstep …again?

Will the sparks flying between these two opposites lead to a happily-ever-after or heartbreak for both?