Allow me to introduce you to the wonderful JJ Samie Myles and her debut novel, Riot!
Meet JJ,
JJ Samie Myles is always on the hunt for a thrilling adventure, be it in real life or the fictional realm. Having traveled the globe and interacted with people from all walks of life, she is equipped with an arsenal of story ideas. Her mission is to share the beauty of God’s light in a dark world and encourage her readers in their faith. JJ is fluent in savage banter, obsessed with the ocean, and loves to laugh.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to become a writer?
I started writing at a very young age, but after someone I looked up to criticized my work, I decided to make it a secret hobby. A few years ago, a chronic illness turned my life upside down and forced me into a lot of bed rest. That’s when God told me it was time to get more serious about writing. He opened doors I would’ve never dared to dream of.
How do you integrate Christian themes and values into your writing?
Faith is a big part of my life, so writing about it comes naturally. I weave spiritual threads into my stories, usually in the form of a topic or question a character is wrestling with. My goal is to always point to Jesus and show that He’s the ultimate solution to whatever problem the characters (or we) are dealing with.
Who are some of your favorite Christian authors, and how have they influenced your work?
I’m a huge Ronie Kendig fan. Her books are gritty, thrilling, and mind-blowing. I had the privilege to write Riot with her, and having her as my mentor was such an incredible experience! What she taught me went beyond writing.
Susan May Warren has always been a favorite, too. She manages to evoke emotions I can’t even name and has written some of my favorite characters. Most of what I know about story telling I learned from her while we plotted Riot together.
What challenges did you face while writing your book?
As mentioned above, I’m suffering from a chronic illness. While writing Riot I had massive flares and was in a lot of pain. Sometimes my body shut down completely—which isn’t exactly helpful when you have deadlines looming. God gave me the strength, grit, and focus to pull through. Believe me when I say He worked miracles so I could finish the book.
What role does research play in your writing, and how do you approach it?
Even though I write fiction, I like to stick close to reality. One of my stories has a courtroom scene, so I went to a trial to get a feel for the scenario, watch people’s reactions, and note other details. For the A Breed Apart: Legacy series, we got to see a military working dog in action (thank you, Ronie!). It was epic!
Of course, not everything can be researched in real life, so I read books, listen to podcasts, and talk with people who’ve been there, done that.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?
Absolutely. I’m working on a paramilitary thriller series about a team of Christian veterans, who protect persecuted believers all over the world. It’s inspired by true events that went down while I was on a mission trip in Indonesia. Expect exotic locations, lots of action, team banter, inspiring faith, and romance ;).
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?
Be willing to learn and take advice.
Writing a book is hard, but so rewarding. Never give up!
Read a lot in the genre you write.
Be bold and write about what God puts on your heart.
Now here is her thrilling book, Riot!
Navy SEAL K-9 handler Beau “Danger” Maddox is at the top of his game—until an op goes south, leaving him physically and mentally scarred. Separated from the Navy, he’s determined to requalify as operational and get back in the action so he can take down the deadly South American cartel that killed his team. The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of a beautiful new neighbor and her dog…
Trafficking survivor Paisley Reyna became a trauma counselor to help others after a harrowing captivity at the hands of the notorious Guerrero Cartel. When she unexpectedly inherits her cousin’s home and retired military working dog, Riot, she seizes the chance to eke out a quiet life in a small town in Texas. However, the Dutch shepherd upends her plans, destroys her belongings, and repeatedly escapes next door to the intense former SEAL, who poses a threat to her peace—and maybe even her heart.
When the local sheriff asks for Danger’s expertise and Paisley’s dog to intercept a trafficking deal, they’re quickly caught up in a battle against the very cartel that marked both their souls. Along with a paramilitary team, they plunge deeper and deeper into the Venezuelan jungle—all too aware that making it out alive a second time will take nothing short of a miracle.
Riot is out now! Make sure to check it out anywhere books are sold!
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