June Author of the Month
Someone’s after a deadly weapon…
and only she can stop them.
and only she can stop them.
It’s undercover ATF agent Randee Jareau’s job to make sure the government’s 3-D printed “ghost gun” doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. So when someone goes after scientist Ace Steele, she must protect him…before she loses the undetectable weapon and its creator. But with a mole inside Ace’s company and everyone a suspect, this assignment could become Randee’s last.
ISBN-13: 9781335402837
Interview with author Sharee Stover
and Randee & Ace
1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I’m always learning and taking in possible story ideas. So, in a one-day Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms writing conference I attended, I took copious notes. The compilation of that conference and a lot of research birthed my three-book ATF Heroes series releasing in May, November, and the spring of 2021.
I’m always learning and taking in possible story ideas. So, in a one-day Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms writing conference I attended, I took copious notes. The compilation of that conference and a lot of research birthed my three-book ATF Heroes series releasing in May, November, and the spring of 2021.
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The idea for the first book in the series, Untraceable Evidence, came as a result of research regarding 3D printer guns. An article in USA Today was especially helpful as it specifically named ATF agents using Cody Wilson’s online blueprint model for a 3D printer gun. They tested the prototypes using different grades of resin and found the better the quality of resin, the longer the gun held. The Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 specifically requires guns to have metal components because that makes them visible via metal detectors. Believe it or not, reading the Act triggered (no pun intended) my thinking.
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What would happen if a completely plastic gun with no metal parts was developed? How easily would the weapon be transported, smuggled into schools, airports, court rooms, etc.? Using the information gleaned in my research, I also learned frangible ammunition or disintegrating bullets exists and leaves no bullet casings. Thus, the WHAT IF began for Untraceable Evidence.
2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
The short answer is four months, but that’s only the first draft.
The long answer is that the idea for Untraceable Evidence came in July 2018 at the writer’s conference. However, it wasn’t until a month or two after the conference that I started fleshing out the characters and plot. Once the first draft is complete, the book goes through several rounds of editing, revisions, etc. until the final story is submitted which was September 2019.
The short answer is four months, but that’s only the first draft.
The long answer is that the idea for Untraceable Evidence came in July 2018 at the writer’s conference. However, it wasn’t until a month or two after the conference that I started fleshing out the characters and plot. Once the first draft is complete, the book goes through several rounds of editing, revisions, etc. until the final story is submitted which was September 2019.
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3. What made you choose some of the specific locations in this book?
I’ve heard it said, “write what you know” so for me that makes Nebraska an easy choice. My favorite part is northeastern Nebraska where we have lots of rolling hills and it’s very pretty. Randee and Ace travel a large area from Randolph (located in northeastern Nebraska) to Omaha (in the far southeastern part of the state). Additionally, there are a lot of small towns spaced out in rural areas which works well for car chases without traffic. |
Miranda “Randee” Jareau
4. What do you hope that people will learn from your story?
I’ve always had strong career ambitions and pursuing my dreams was number one in my life. Until Ace came along. He changed everything and although I still wanted big things, I wanted a future with him more, even if it meant giving up everything I’d worked so long to achieve. I knew risking my career to prove him innocent was worth it. I always thought I’d have to choose between being an ATF agent or having a family. Ace showed me that was incorrect. Life doesn’t have to be an either-or type of situation. It might take some adjustments, but dreams are possible with God beyond what our infinite minds conceive.
I’ve always had strong career ambitions and pursuing my dreams was number one in my life. Until Ace came along. He changed everything and although I still wanted big things, I wanted a future with him more, even if it meant giving up everything I’d worked so long to achieve. I knew risking my career to prove him innocent was worth it. I always thought I’d have to choose between being an ATF agent or having a family. Ace showed me that was incorrect. Life doesn’t have to be an either-or type of situation. It might take some adjustments, but dreams are possible with God beyond what our infinite minds conceive.
Ace Steele
5. What is your greatest strength and your greatest flaw?
As a scientist, I require quantifiable, measurable standards in order to make decisions. That’s a strength but doesn’t always work, especially when it comes to emotions. And emotions are my flaw…I’m terrible with them. I struggle to accept anything at face value, because I need to test it first. I have a heart to help people and make the world a better place, but I have a hard time accepting I deserve a better life too. Randee has shown me God will work in my life and give me His free gift of grace.
As a scientist, I require quantifiable, measurable standards in order to make decisions. That’s a strength but doesn’t always work, especially when it comes to emotions. And emotions are my flaw…I’m terrible with them. I struggle to accept anything at face value, because I need to test it first. I have a heart to help people and make the world a better place, but I have a hard time accepting I deserve a better life too. Randee has shown me God will work in my life and give me His free gift of grace.
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6. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
It kind of depends on the day. LOL. I think it’s safe to say the answer lies somewhere between editing and writing a synopsis. Editing is a double-edged sword because it’s the best part of tightening a story. However, there’s no rushing the process and that can make it super tedious. The synopsis is always a no-fun activity, but I rely on my synopsis to write the book, so it’s a necessary annoyance. |
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7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing. Whatever that has happened in your life as a writer.
Oh, the stories I could tell! I think one of the most memorable writing memories for me was my first book signing at Barnes and Noble. I was there with a dear friend of mine who is a multi-published author. She had tons of traffic while I was a brand-new author. I did get the opportunity to talk to several of the shoppers, which for an introvert like me, is HUGE!
I didn’t sell many books that day, and I was a little disheartened.
Until I received an email from one of those shoppers.
I never realized how powerful our short conversation had been. In her email, she explained she’d had no intention of buying my book, but she had and after reading it, she was assured God put her right where she was supposed to be, and my book was what she needed. I cannot tell you how that encouraged my heart!
That one email redefined how I viewed the precious gift of writing and attending book signings. It’s all about connecting with readers, whether there are a million or the one, God is always at work touching hearts.
Oh, the stories I could tell! I think one of the most memorable writing memories for me was my first book signing at Barnes and Noble. I was there with a dear friend of mine who is a multi-published author. She had tons of traffic while I was a brand-new author. I did get the opportunity to talk to several of the shoppers, which for an introvert like me, is HUGE!
I didn’t sell many books that day, and I was a little disheartened.
Until I received an email from one of those shoppers.
I never realized how powerful our short conversation had been. In her email, she explained she’d had no intention of buying my book, but she had and after reading it, she was assured God put her right where she was supposed to be, and my book was what she needed. I cannot tell you how that encouraged my heart!
That one email redefined how I viewed the precious gift of writing and attending book signings. It’s all about connecting with readers, whether there are a million or the one, God is always at work touching hearts.
Sharee Stover
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Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com.
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It's Time For A Giveaway!
Sharee is generously giving away a copy of Untraceable Evidence
USA ONLY
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