We're happy to have Dan Walsh with us today talking about his book The Deepest Waters. To learn more about Dan and his book, read on!
Title: The Deepest Waters
Publisher: Revell (division of Baker Publishing Group)
Cover blurb:
For John and Laura Foster, what began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 aboard the steamship SS Vandervere soon becomes a nightmare. A terrible hurricane strikes and the grand ship is lost in the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura is rescued by a small ship sailing by, but there’s only room for the women and children. Believing her John is lost but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone in New York City with a family she has never met. Award-winning author Dan Walsh skillfully tells an epic story of hope, faith, and love through an intimate lens. Inspired by real events.
1) How did this story come to you?
I had just finished my second novel, The Homecoming, and was praying about what the third book should be. I watched this fascinating documentary on the History Channel about a paddlewheel steamship called the SS Central America, which sank after a hurricane in September, 1857. It was as big a news story as the Titanic at the time. Tons of gold went to the bottom of the sea, along with over 400 souls. Among the few survivors there was this honeymoon couple who thought they had been parted forever in the midst of the storm. How this couple survived and the way they were reunited was nothing short of miraculous. I thought, surely someone has written a novel about this. I checked. No one had.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After reading the manuscripts for my first two novels, my publisher (Revell) was interested in building more of a long-term relationship. They invited me to put together a 3-book proposal. The Deepest Waters is the first of those three books. The second is Remembering Christmas, coming out in September. At the time, I didn’t have a 5th book in mind, but they gave me the 3-book deal anyway. Since then, I did come up with another idea, which they loved. I’m just finishing that book now, called The Discovery. We’re also finishing up another 3-book deal (this time I had ideas for all 3 books and they loved all 3).
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
In high school, I was a long-haired surfer bum (actually wore a surfer shirt and baggies under my graduation robe on graduation day). I love the revival of the old standard love songs from the 40’s and 50’s (from guys like Michael Buble). I love dogs, especially our two mini-aussies. My son (20) says it’s a bit over-the-top.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m presently writing my 6th book, this one for Guideposts, part of a new book series they’re doing for their book club members. It’s called the Miracles of Marble Cove (fans of Jan Karon’s Mitford books would love this series). And I’m already beginning to research my 6th novel for Revell, which won’t come out until 2012.
5) Parting comments?
Thanks for the opportunity to connect with your readers. Look forward to hearing any comments from them (and feel free to ask other questions, if you’d like).
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.danwalshbooks.com/
http://danwalshbooks.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/danwalshauthor
