The award-winning author of more than 20 books, Cara Putman graduated college at 20 and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a full-time lecturer on business and employment law to undergraduate and graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Krannert and her J.D. from George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at: caraputman.com
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Welcome to the blog, Cara. I’m so honored to have you here today. Congratulations on your upcoming release, Beyond Justice.
While writing this story, what part did you enjoy researching the most?
I loved researching Old Town Alexandria. While we lived in that area for eight years, that was many moons ago, so it was really fun to hop on Google and research places we enjoyed and make sure they were still there. I love the Washington, D.C. area, so I loved getting back there in my mind. One of these future books will require a research trip, I’m certain. I love that those allow me to paint the setting in a very real way.
Which character from Beyond Justice are you most excited to introduce to your readers and why?
I can’t wait for them to meet Hayden McCarthy. She’s the heroine, and I truly enjoyed writing her. She’s got some spunk, but doesn’t quite see herself as everyone else does. There’s also a lot of me in her. She’s from Nebraska, went to George Mason Law School, and loves Old Town. She’s also very committed to fighting for what she believes is right in a situation.
How long does it typically take you to write a story?
This novel was 90,000 words, so it took three months. But if you add the research and coming up with the idea, it took six months. My shorter novels take two to four months to go from idea to finished draft I turn in.
Can you share with us a special memory from your very first writer’s conference?
My very first conference was the ACFW conference in Nashville in 2005. It was smaller than it is now with about 300 people total, so I loved getting to meet so many writers that I love to read. I also loved the way that God dropped the idea for Canteen Dreams in my mind and connected me with an editor who was immediately interested. I’d sworn I wouldn’t write historical romance. Famous last words, because I received the contract for that book at the 2006 ACFW conference. That was an incredible moment.
What is one of your favorite things about homeschooling your children? What’s one of your greatest challenges? ( I was homeschooled too and can’t wait to homeschool my little girl some day!)
I love the time I get to spend with them and watching them get excited about different aspects of learning. I treasure the time we spend together during read alouds. I love finding those books that my 16-year-old and 6-year-old can enjoy. I love knowing that my 8 and 6-year-old are learning along with the teens. I love knowing that we are a close-knit family, and if it’s anything like my siblings and me, the time homeschooling will keep us close long into the future.
Thanks for sharing with us today, Cara! Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
I’m so excited about the release of my next book Beyond Justice. It’s a legal romantic suspense that Library Journal said: “With its menacing mood, crisp dialog, and quick pace, Putman’s action-packed legal thriller highlights a complex political scene. Starring a determined female attorney who will stop at nothing to resolve her case, this title will please fans of Joel C. Rosenberg and John Grisham.”
Readers can preorder Beyond Justice for $4.99 in ebook formats prior to April 4. And the companion novella that launches the series, Dying for Love, is on ebook sale for 99 cents. I’m excited for readers to meet these strong women who are tackling different challenges in the law while also being surprised by love.
“The author’s expertise shines through and adds a tremendous amount of credibility to the story. Danger, adventure and intrigue pour from every chapter.”
RT BOOK REVIEWS, 4 Stars
These sound great, Cara. Excited for you and these new releases. Thanks so much for stopping by!
GIVEAWAY!!
Cara has graciously offered to give away a copy of Beyond Justice to one lucky reader! Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only and ends March 21, 2017. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
Enjoyed the interview and looking forward to reading this one.
Thanks, Ann!
We’re glad you could join us, Ann! 🙂
Enjoyed the interview and looking forward to reading this one.
I love suspense novels and read just about every one that I can get my hands on in the inspirational genre. Some of my favorite authors are Diann Mills, Patricia Bradley, Linda J. White, Robert Whitlow, Lynette Eason, Janice Cantore, Irene Hannon. . . . .I particularly love legal suspense and have enjoyed books by Randy Singer and Lis Weihl. This should be great series!
Believe it or not Randy has been after me for YEARS to write legal. It was a thrill to analyze a couple of his books and then chat on the phone about how he builds them. He is such a genuine, caring man.
You gave me so many new-to-me-authors to check out, Rebecca. Fun!! 🙂
I have a friend who loves suspense novels. I enjoyed the interview and thanks for the chance to win the book.
Thanks for stopping by, Julie!
I’m glad you enjoyed our chat, Julie. Good luck in the drawing!
With suspense writers like Irene Hannon and Lynette Eason, suspense novels are pretty hard to beat!
I’ve heard so much about their books. I need to add them to my list asap. 😉 Thanks for visiting, Melanie.
No, I really have read a suspense novel. I’ve read a couple of cozy mysteries. I’ve wondered what the book would be like. Your book sounds fascinating and I enjoyed your interview.
Thanks, Barbara. I’d love if my book was your first suspense 🙂
Hope you get to read Cara’s book soon, Barbara. Good luck in the giveaway!
I’ve read a lot of suspense novels. I really enjoy them, especially if there’s some romance thrown in. Ronie Kendig writes great suspense novels, as do Dee Henderson, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey, to name a few.
That is a great list of suspense authors. I really enjoy their books.
I agree, Winnie. A little bit of romance added in is always nice. 😉 Thanks for sharing some of your favorites!
I haven’t read any of Cara’s books yet, but they definitely sound like something I would love. Thanks for sharing!
I’m delighted you found the interview interesting, Jennifer.
Hi Jennifer! Yes, definitely check out Cara’s books. You won’t be disappointed. 🙂
I haven’t read a ton of suspense novels. I think maybe “Vendetta” by Lisa Harris could be counted as suspense, and I loved that one. 🙂
Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
I love Lisa Harris’ books. She’s on my definitely read list.
Hi Raechel! Well, maybe this giveaway will change that. 😉 Good luck and happy reading!
I’ve read many suspense books! I enjoy a variety of genres. Firethorn by Ronie Kendig was the most recent one.
Have you read her first Tox Files book yet? WOW!
I haven’t heard of that one by Ronie. I’ll have to look that one up. Thanks, Joan!
Happy First Day of Spring, btw. Isn’t it a beautiful day in Missouri? 🙂
I have read several suspense novels. Some of my favorite are from authors Terri Blackstock, Colleen Coble and Dee Henderson.
I love those ladies books — so good!
Thanks for sharing some of your favorites with us, Ellen. We’re glad you could join us. 🙂
I have read many suspense novels. Reading Murder fir the Time Being by Joanie Bruce at this moment.
Haven’t read anything by her. Need to look for one.
That one is new to me too. Thanks for the suggestion, Virginia. 😉
That sounds like such a great book! I can’t wait to read it! I normally read historical romance but I also enjoy suspense novels. Diann Mills, Lynette Eason, Carol Cox, Colleen Coble, they’re great!
Hi Megan! I mostly read Historical Romance too, but all of this talk about suspense has me wanting to pick up more of these authors now too. 😉
I started reading suspense novels about 5 years ago and love them. I am very intrigued by Beyond Justice, would love to read it.
Suspense is a fun genre…depending on the author 😉
Hope you get to read it soon, Amanda!
yes! Quite a few. I loved Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Thank you
There’s so many I haven’t heard of. I must check out this genre more often. 😉 Thanks for visiting, Linda!
Christian suspense is my favorite reading material!
Who do you love?
Awesome! Good luck in the drawing, Susanne. 😉
I don’t know it counts as suspense, but I’m working on finishing the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson. I’ve really enjoyed them and they’ve been suspenseful for me! 🙂
I love the concept for your books and appreciate what your expertise has to lend to them!
I love the O’malley series! I have reread it many times.
I want to read that series! I’ve heard so much about it. I’m so glad you could join us, Rachel. Good luck to you!
Suspense is one of my favorite genres to read so I am really excited about this series. The last suspense book I read was the novella collection Sins of the Past by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason, which I really enjoyed. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Loraine! That novella collection sounds soooo good. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I haven’t read any in quite awhile.
Joan
Well then, maybe this giveaway will change all of that. 😉 Good luck, Joan!
I love the legal knowledge and background Cara brings to her stories that add authenticity! It was a pleasure to meet her at my first ACFW conference in Nashville last August! She is quite the encourager!
Karen, thank you! I love ACFW and it was great to meet you, too!
Hi Karen! I’m so happy you stopped by. Yes, Cara is a wonderful encourager. I met her in St. Louis at ACFW in 2014. She is such a big help for new writers too. 🙂
I love suspense novels, particularly those written by Christians who live out their faith and let it show through their writing. I have read so many it is hard to name just one. Cara’s new book is definitely one I hope to read soon.
Oh, I totally agree, Edward. So glad you could join us. Good luck in the drawing. Have a great week too!
The first Christian suspense novel I read was by Diann Mills. I have read many others since then.
I haven’t read any of DiAnn’s books yet, but I did attend one of her writing classes a few years ago. SO good!
I am currently reading Without Warning, the second book in the Elite Guardian series by Lynette Eason. So good. I enjoy a good suspense novel. There is so much it offers. I have read authors Irene Hannon, Patricia Bradley, Dani Pettrey, Terri Blackstock, and others. A great escape.
Hi Cheryl! I’m seeing these names pop up a lot here. Looks like I better be adding several of them to my TBR list. 😉
Dee Henderson’s books!
Thanks for sharing, Barb! 😉
i read many suspense novels. I probably started with Nancy Drew then Agatha Christie. I read Love Inspired Suspense from the library and used books stores and found many good authors that way. High on my list are Dee Henderson books, especially the O’Malley series, and Susan May Warren’s Team Hope books.
A library is wonderful for trying out new-to-you authors. So glad you mentioned that, Charlyn. 🙂
Does the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson count?
Absolutely!
🙂 Sure! Thanks for stopping by!
I love suspense. Two come to mind that were real page turners – Deceived by Irene Hannon and The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stewart Parks
I love both those authors!
Those titles alone have me so intrigued! 😉 Thanks for visiting, Merry.
Yes.. just finished Desert Secrets by Lisa Harris
I love Lisa Harris’s books.
That’s a new one to me. I’ll have to look it up as well. Thanks, Deanna!
I have read Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Lynnette Eason, DiAnn Mills to name a few. I love suspense especially when you are so hooked that you need to finish it at 2 in the morning.
That’s my kind of book, too. Suck me in!
Aww, yes, I do too, Sonnetta! Those are the stories you don’t forget.
Wonderful interview! Mystery/suspense is my favorite genre! I’m so excited to read Cara’s series.
I’m currently reading the boxed set of Smoke and Mirrors: A Romantic Suspense collection
Yay, Caryl! So glad you could join us. I’m sure you’ll love Cara’s new series. 😉 Good luck in the drawing.
I love suspense stories. I just finished “Desert Secrets” by Lisa Harris
You’re the second one to mention that one, Kim. 🙂 How fun!
Thanks for the GREAT interview, Cara and Savanna! Suspense is one of my favorite genres to read. Some of my favorite suspense authors are Dee Henderson and Irene Hannon. Can’t wait to get reading your new suspense novels, Cara! Thanks so much for the opportunity of this giveaway!
Hi Alison! So glad you enjoyed our interview. We appreciate you stopping by. Good luck in the giveaway!