Around the Fire Book & Author Blog with today's guest author and artist, Shelia Hansberger.

Happy October! Did I just say October?
Holy Moley, the summer went fast. Even though here in Northwest New Jersey, we had an extended one. September is usually transitional, but the days remained warm, though the evenings were cool. We enjoyed many fires. So many that my fire pit is now kaput. I have it propped up on bricks. And it’s been busy! I’m using a lot of exclamation points, aren’t I? Oh, well. We didn’t camp much this summer, but still spent time in nature. And I’m excited that next month I’ll be in one of my favorite places, Lancaster. My daughter-in-law got us tickets to see Noah at the Sight and Sound Theater. We’ve seen many productions there, and it’s always a treat. The poor camp host managed to fix my chaos about switching days and also storing the camper while we make a quick trip to West Virginia. For several years, our church has provided Thanksgiving meals to families who need a little bit of help. This year, over 200 families signed up. A group will go down and hand out baskets with all the fixings. It’s a blessing to spread the blessing. Sometimes it’s only a smile or a kind word that can make the difference in someone’s life. I’d love to hear how you all are blest while blessing others.
In the meantime, I’d love for you to meet today’s guest. She’s sharing how, as writers, the story can hijack itself and take you down a different path than the one you’ve outlined. as well as writing thoughts for her next story. 
Take it away, Sheila

​“People ask where I get my ideas. Usually, an image inspires me. Before writing The Gardener’s Secret, I watched a young woman walking a feisty, overactive dog. From my car’s window, I noticed she had trouble staying on the sidewalk and keeping him from wrapping his leash around her legs. It occurred to me if he tripped her, she might need help getting up. I visualized introducing a handsome hero into the scene, because writing a romance was my original plan. But the romance quickly turned into a suspense when I imagined him hiding a secret. To veer away from the romance angle, and to focus on his secret, I turned the hero into a retired gardener with a grandson.”
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“Although the Internet provides authors a way to research millions of topics, nothing beats drawing upon a stockpile of personal experiences. Since I’ve been a professional artist who’s dealt with clients and galleries for over forty years, I wanted to use my accumulated knowledge for the next book.”

Runaway Artist
by
Sheila Hansberger
 Small Town Romance 
 Suspense
Contemporary Romance

Backcover:
Talented artist Brooke Arnelletta knows she’s going places. She just never dreamed her journey would include running away. Behind the upscale gallery where she serves as a summer intern, she’s the lone witness to a stabbing. When police can’t find evidence to support the crime, Brooke begins to wonder if her creative imagination was working overtime. Days later, clues finally emerge, turning the alleged murder into a reality. Brooke must face a decision—risk the killer returning to silence her...or disappear into thin air. Can she remain hidden until an arrest is made? Or will evil find her first?
 
EXCERPT:
My mind kept replaying the previous night’s happenings on a continuous loop, urging me to re-examine the incident. As soon as I gathered enough courage to go home…a sketch pad would be my therapist, and I’d draw every detail. My sketches might not solve the murder, but they might point the police in the right direction.
 
BUY LINK for e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMGY5ZV6/
Review
“Mixed with the terror of evasion and constant alarms, our young artist finds a real warmth in her mountain hideaway community of supporting characters. Hansberger ratchets up the tension in this compelling setting of a life lived in elegant extravagance but now coping with basic survival.”--Nelda Stuck, retired Arts & Entertainment Editor, Redlands Daily Facts

About the Author
Sheila Hansberger, a Signature member of Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society, is an award-winning artist and author who resides in California. She worked as a graphic designer for a printing firm before beginning her fine art career. For the past 40+ years, Sheila’s watercolors have been in demand with galleries and clients. Her paintings can be found in private homes and public collections within corporations, museums, and various institutions across the USA.
Other than occasional magazine articles or press releases, Hansberger’s writings took a back seat to her artwork. A five-year stint as Newsletter Editor for the National Watercolor Society reminded her how much she loved the written word. She then joined two national writer’s groups and attended meetings, podcasts, and conferences to hone her skills. A First-Place win in a nationwide contest brought her to the attention of a publisher. In 2024, The Wild Rose Press published her debut suspense, The Gardener’s Secret. Her next novel, Runaway Artist, also a suspense, was released in August 2025, and is available in digital and paperback formats on Amazon. 
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​For more information
Website: www.s-hansberger.com
Facebook: Sheila Hansberger, Artist and Author
Instagram: Sheila Hansberger (@sheilahansberger) • Instagram photos and videos

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