Allie, it's great to have you visit my blog today! By the way, I love your tag line, "The Adventure Starts Right Where You Are." What are some of your favorite "adventures" from the novels you've written?
Thanks for the kudos on the tag line. I worked hard to find something that encompasses all my fiction, non-fiction, speaking ministry, and knitting blog. I see all of those--in fact I see all of life--as an adventure to be launched from the present circumstances. As for adventures, I certainly have had my share. “Live” (my term for non-book) research has a great appeal for me, and I’ve done all kinds of unusual things to get ready for books. Let’s see...I’ve taken tightrope walking lessons and been backstage at the circus for FACING EVERY MOM’S FEARS. I was taught to work the world’s most expensive espresso machine by a world-class barista, got a crash course in rugby, and experienced the Chinese Kung-Fu Cha Tea Ceremony for THE PERFECT BLEND. I took fencing lessons and learned to crack a bull-whip for MASKED BY MOONLIGHT. I learned to make soap (and acquired my passion for artisan soaps) for BLUEGRASS HERO. Those are just a few of the adventures I’ve had in the name of book research. My travel-knitting blog DestiKNITions is all about fun adventures in American cities. Writing is a great job for a naturally curious person like me. I find most people love to share their expertise if they know you’re trying to get it right for your book or are just genuinely interested.
Wow, exciting stuff, Allie! Your “live research” adventures are impressive! You've written both contemporary and historical fiction. Which do you find more challenging, and why?
I find them both challenging. It’s easier for me to dream up high-stakes stories in historical scenarios, but it’s harder to achieve the wit I want for my contemporaries. Still, the beauty of historical language is great fun to write. Contemporaries are slightly easier to research. I wouldn’t want to stop doing either. Each one has a particular appeal for me. Perhaps I should write a time travel so I can do both at the same time--although I’m not sure the inspirational market is ready for that, even from me.
What was the inspiration for your upcoming release, Falling for the Fireman? Did the story require any special research? Any interesting facts you discovered along the way?
The seed for the story came from my personal experience. My son was very sick in 2010 (he’s fine now, but that was an adventure of a whole different kind) and I needed some way to let all that maternal angst out in my writing. It would have been too close to home to write a medically threatened child, so I chose a child recovering from a trauma. The idea to write about firemen was a suggestion from my editor at the time. I did a lot of research on juvenile fire-starters and discovered some outstanding programs for kids in trouble. And just because I know you’ll ask...no, I didn’t ride a with a firefighting company for research. I spoke to several, but had no desire to climb in a truck. I have enormous respect for firefighters now, however. They put so much on the line and most people in a community never give it a second thought.
That’s so true. They’re on call day or night, ready to go from relative calm to high-stakes tension at a moment’s notice. According to your bio, you're an "enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two." What's your best advice for moms who aspire to a writing career?
Lots of really strong coffee? Actually, I think it’s hugely important for your children to watch you pursue a dream. I want my children to believe anything is possible for them. I do work hard to schedule my writing at unintrusive times--one of my rules when they were little was to try and never let the phrase “not now, Mommy’s writing” leave my lips. That meant a lot of late nights. It’s much easier now that they’re teenagers. They remain, however, completely unimpressed by what I do. Keeps a gal humble, you know?
Been there, done that! Now the juggling act for me is making sure I allow plenty of “grandparent time.” Anything else you'd like to add?
Just that I hope you’ll enjoy FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN and look for my next historical HOMEFRONT HERO in May.
Thanks so much for this peek into your writing life, Allie. Hoping your book is a huge success!
About Allie Pleiter:
An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, fourteen novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com or her knitting blog at www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com
About the book: 
Falling for the Fireman
Harlequin Love Inspired February 2012
ISBN #978-0-373-87725-6
There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes. Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog.
But the man who's all about safety and prevention keeps himself protected—from loving and losing again. Seems as if Jeannie will have to add his kind, guarded heart to her rebuilding efforts.
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