Meet author Terri Wangard

Terri Wangard is a new writing friend! She also writes for Scrivenings Press, and I’m excited to have her on my blog!

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Jen – Hi, Terri! Tell me a little about yourself.

Terri – I’ve lived in all four continental time zones. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Michigan for six years, Utah for a year of grad school, Southern California, and back to Wisconsin. Utah was my first time living in the mountains. The university has a huge whitewashed Y high on the mountain. My roommate and I decided to hike up to it. We went straight up. Arriving exhausted, we discovered a zig-zag trail for easy climbing. Yes, we took the trail going back down.

Jen – Sometimes we discover the easier path after doing the hardest! What have you written?

Terri – My new release is my sixth World War II novel, plus I have a WWII novella. I also have a Lusitania novel and a World War I novel with the same characters. Next year, the third book in the current series will release. All books are available on Amazon.

No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard

Marie Foubert grew up in an orphanage and struggles with feelings of rejection. As a Red Cross recreation worker, she interacts with the American men based in Iceland during World War II. Her growing attraction to seaplane pilot Stefan Dabrowski excites and concerns her. Won’t he disappear from her life like everyone else?

Stefan hears his commanding officer describe him as exciting as last night’s bathwater. One of his colleagues constantly berates him because of his Polish heritage and his superior flying skill. Despite being the squadron’s most productive pilot, he is threatened with court martial. A showdown approaches to prove who’s the better pilot and the better man.

Marie’s cousin, passing through Iceland, tries to see her after spotting her photo in Life magazine. She declines to meet him, but Stefan encourages her to do so and learn why no one wanted her. She may gain a family after all.

More about Terri Wangard

Jen – What are your habits when writing?

Terri – Most of my writing occurs on the weekends with a few early mornings before work. I’ve tried outlining, but that doesn’t work well for me. I usually have the arc of the story in mind and have notes scattered around. Of course, when I need those notes, I can’t find them.

Jen – I can relate! I’m not a plotter either. I’m sure you had to do research for your story. Tell us about that.

Terri – Historicals require research. Fortunately, and as a former librarian, I love research. My first WWII series centered on a B-17 air group. Lots of information exists on B-17s, which made it easy. My current series is based on unusual settings. Finding sources was difficult. Most of the sources are out-of-print, so I relied on secondhand book stores. The local library made an exception to borrow a book from outside the area, but they won’t do that again. I really needed a rare book through interlibrary loan for my next book.

Terri’s favorite books

Jen – What do you like to read?

Terri – Among my earliest favorites were Maj Lindman’s Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka series. My love of historical fiction may have come from Sally Watson’s The Hornet’s Nest. I’ve read most of Lori Wick’s books. Today’s favorite authors include Elizabeth Camden and Sarah Sundin. I read a lot of historical nonfiction and biographical works.

Jen – I highlighted the two books/series you liked as a child because I’ve never heard of them. They look wonderful!

Terri Wangard’s bio:

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her WWII research included going for a ride in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor. She also serves on the Genesis and First Impressions contest teams, will assume the job of Carol Contest coordinator next year, and is secretary of the Wisconsin Southeast ACFW chapter.

You can find Terri on Facebook and Instagram. You can subscribe to her newsletter here: Terri’s Newsletter

Fun facts

Jen – Share some fun facts your readers would love to know! (Tea or coffee? Favorite season? Favorite Bible verse? What do you do in your free time? Cat or dog person?)

Terri – I don’t drink tea or coffee; water is my preference. I love spring and autumn, the colorful seasons. Favorite Bible verses include Col. 3:1-2 (Set your hearts on things above. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.), Heb 12:2 (fixing our eyes on Jesus).

I bike ride every chance I get, including during winter as long as the temperature is above 40. Through bike riding I’ve met most of the neighborhood dogs. If there are any cats, they stay in their houses. Because of allergies, we couldn’t have furry pets.

Tip for new authors from Terri Wangard

Jen – What advice would you give to new authors?

Terri – Get involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but you need support.

Jen – I agree, support is crucial! ACFW has so many opportunities to learn. Readers can also check out my Resource Library. It has a list of writing conferences for ideas. Thanks for being on the blog, Terri!

Read Candy & Books, a Perfect Pairing, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024! And book #2 in the series – Where’s the Quetzal? – released Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)