Posts Categorized: Missing

Author Interview Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

09 Aug, 2010 by in Missing, ronda gibb hinrichsen, trapped, utah authors 11 comments

What things inspire you as a writer?

I’m assuming you’re talking about what sparks an idea? If so, the answer is anything. Scriptures, passing conversations, dreams, miscellaneous events—just anything.

Where did the idea for Trapped come from?

Actually, TRAPPED is the result of two vivid yet very different dreams I had a couple of years ago. The first involved a child caught in a deadly trap where her father had to sacrifice himself so she could live, and the second portrayed a fantastical scene of sacrifice, complete with character motivations, that ultimately became the basis for my finale.

What research did you do for the book and have you visited any of the locations?

My family and I went to Salzburg, Austria in 2006. We also traveled through the Alps to both Slovenia and Germany during that visit, and I loved it! It’s so gorgeous there. But to further answer your question, I used personal experiences and the settings from that event, but I also did a lot of book and online research.


Who are you mentors/ heroes?

My heroes include anyone who uses their talents to further goodness in this world, but I also look to an English professor from Ricks College, Dorla Jenkins, as the woman who most set me on my path.

Describe your favorite scene to write in Trapped.

That’s a toughie. There are so many scenes I really enjoyed writing, even some that weren’t fast-paced, because they were so important to Emi’s story. However, if I have to choose one, I’ll say the scene where Emi and Daniel reveal their love for each other, even while dangers, not to mention Lucas’s relationship with her, still threaten them.

Any new books in the works?

Yes. I’ve begun a historical, romantic suspense novel, but I’m also thinking strongly about writing a sequel to TRAPPED with new characters. Emi’s story—the Traugott and Tillman story—has really only just begun.

If you could recommend three books to us what would they be?

Besides the Book of Mormon, I’d advise you to read anything that YOU love. Go to the bookstore and find a book you want to read. Not your kids or your spouse or your neighbor. YOU. That way, you will find something that speaks to YOU, and you will be enriched.

What has been the most rewarding experience as an author thus far?

This is a toughie, too, because I feel I’m richly blessed to be doing what I’ve been working toward for so many years. But you know, even with my magazine articles, my greatest reward has always been hearing from readers that my writing has touched their heart or blessed their lives.

Ronda has generously offered us five author signed bookmarks. We have the FIRST ones out there! To Enter to Win: simply comment blow with your email address. Contest ends September 9, 2010 and is open internationally.

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Book Review- Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

07 Apr, 2010 by in book review, Missing, Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen, utah authors 4 comments

published October 5th 2009 by Brigham Distributing

details Paperback, 265 pages

isbn 1935217305

4.5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance. Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams. When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in the search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble. And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life – and a possible future with Matt – to save a stranger.

WOW, this is a thrilling ride and a page turner! It is one of those action packed novels with a great message that you won’t be able to put down. Told from multiple points of view, one feels like they are immersed in a suspenseful mystery that needs to be solved. Ronda does a wonderful job with the main character Stacie Cox as she struggles with the demons of her past and letting her guard down. She is learning step by step through the chapters to follow her heart and be persistent in her attempt to save the life of a young missing girl. There is even a touch of romance sprinkled in 🙂 This was a phenomenal debut novel and I am so excited her second book, Trapped is coming out this month. 4.5 stars to Missing, I would highly recommend it!

Utah Author Interview-Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

07 Apr, 2010 by in Missing, Ronda Gibb Hinrichson, utah authors 1 comment

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen’s numerous magazine and internet writing credits include fiction and nonfiction published by The Friend, New Era, Ensign, Guideposts for Kids, Class Act, and yourLDSneighborhood.com. She also enjoys teaching writing and speaking in various venues.

Ronda first knew she wanted to be a writer when she was in the 6th grade. Her English teacher had been reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders to the class, and when she reached the section where Johnny urged Ponyboy to stay “gold,” Ronda realized she wanted to write “golden” words just as Hinton had. More than that, she wanted those words to encourage the “golden” in others. That remains one of her goals.

Ronda loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com.

Where were you born?
As my husband says, I was born in Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg, Idaho.

Did you graduate from college, if so from where and in what major?
I graduated with my Associates from Ricks and also studied writing/English at Weber State and USU.

What are your hobbies?
Music. Singing in particular.

What are your favorite all-time books?
I love the English classics. Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, especially. But I also love Little Women. I read it over a dozen times when I was a young teen.

When did you start writing your book and how long did it take to get it published?
I don’t remember the exact year I started writing it, but it took about three years because it was the first novel I’d ever attempted to write, and I had a lot of learning about structure, etc. to do. Getting it published? Over a year before it was finally accepted, and it was published about 9 months after that.

Who is your hero/ mentor?
Dorla Jenkins, my Creative Writing teacher from Ricks College. She was amazing. I promised myself long ago that I’d dedicate my first book to her, and that’s what I did. MISSING is now dedicated to my husband and to Dorla Jenkins.

What suggestion would you give young writers?
If becoming an author is what you really, truly, no matter what happens want to do, then write, study the craft, and DON’T GIVE UP. You can do it.

What do you plan to do when you retire?
Retire from what? I’ve been writing since I was 12, so I don’t believe that will ever disappear from my life.

Do you have another day job?
I teach beginning piano in my home. I enjoy it, but someday I might “retire” from that. I’ll have to wait and see.

Favorite music? Does music or art inspire your writing?
I really like Josh Grobin and Il Divo. I also enjoy a lot of classical music. As far as inspiring me, some of the themes from popular lyrics have inspired the romance between some of my characters.

What are the names of your published works?
MISSING is my first novel, but I’ve had dozens of articles and short stories published in magazines and in online media.

Are you working on any books right now?
Yes. I’m in the beginning stages of writing my third novel.

What do you aspire to do before you die?
Become a national best seller. That’s my dream, anyway, but other than that, I just want a joy-filled life with my family.

Literary crush?
The same guy every girl loves—Fitzwilliam Darcy.

What is your all-time favorite children’s book?“I Love You Forever”

Independent booksellers and why?
I really appreciate independent booksellers because they can choose the books they like to sell and promote, and they can do it in the way they see fit. Chains have more stringent rules and a limited selection of books. Chains do, however, have their place in the market.

Do you have a writer’s group?
Yes! I completely rely on them and their wisdom. They have become some of my dearest friends.

Upcoming Events: April 23-24, 2010 LDS Storymaker’s Conference

May 12, 2010 Teaching with N.C. Allen at LUW–Absolutely Write

June 5th, 2010 Teaching at THE Teen Writer’s Conference