I first met Sharon Dunn about four years ago at a writers’ retreat. Sharon is the author of the award winning Ruby Taylor mysteries. Her books can be summed up as: A little mystery, a little romance, a whole lotta fun. The first book, Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves was a finalist in the Inspirational Novel of the Year and book two, Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante, won the Book of the Year award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her newest release Death of a Garage Sale Newbie is the first in the Bargain Hunters mysteries. Sharon lives in Montana with her husband of 20 years, three children, three cats. When she isn’t writing, she is taking kids to activities, making pets out of the dust bunnies under her furniture, and working part time at a college.

Nikki: When did you first feel “called” to write and how did that evolve into the writing life?

Sharon: I can’t honestly say that I ever felt called. I have always written to express myself. After my kids were born, writing became a creative outlet, the thing I did to keep growing as person. I never thought I would write a novel. I just kind of picked away at my first book which became Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves and eventually I had a completed book that I felt like I could show an editor.

Nikki: How has writing deepened your spiritual journey?

Sharon: If I never publish another book or article, writing would have been worth it for the spiritual growth that I have experienced. Writing is such an up and down business emotionally. Early on, I realized that I was still getting my value from what I did as opposed to how much Christ loved me. I also realized that if I didn’t change, I wouldn’t survive in this business. My identity comes from being loved by the Savior of the universe, not from my success or failure as a writer.

Nikki: Tell us something most people don’t know about you and would be surprised to learn.

Sharon: I looked pretty pulled together when I leave the house for work or a speaking engagement, so I suppose I give people the impression that my house is pulled together too. The truth is I am the worst the housekeeper ever and organizationally challenged. Once, I bought one of those shoe trees in an effort to “get organized.” I just kept tossing the shoes in the general direction of the shoe tree.

Nikki: You write comedy. What is it about your writing style that readers tell you draws them to your books?

Sharon: I hear two things from readers. First that they laughed when they read my books, but also that they appreciate the honesty of my character’s Christian walk. My characters are far from perfect and their spiritual journeys often mirror my own. I write what I like to read. I sure haven’t always made right choices and sometimes my walk becomes a crawl. I am so glad I serve a God of infinite patience.

Nikki: Tell us one of the high points of your career and what it meant to you?

Sharon: Winning the Book of Year from ACFW was a nice surprise. I had forgotten that I entered Sassy Cinderella and I didn’t go to the conference where it was announced. I was on the way out the door for my daughter’s bowling birthday party, when the phone rang and a writer friend of mine who was at the conference said, “Guess what I am holding in my hand?” So much fun. Two celebrations in one day.

Nikki: If people want to follow your writing journey, where are you on the Internet?

Sharon: I have a website www.sharondunnbooks.com, I am a regular blogger on www.faithchick.com.

About the Author: Nikki Arana is an award-winning author living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She is the recipient of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for Women’s Fiction, The Beacon Award, nd the Jessie Cameron Alison Writer of the Year Award.