It’s much easier to conjure up fictional characters than write about myself, but for those who’d like to know more about the real life of Christian romantic suspense novelist, Sandra Orchard, … read on.

I live in rural Southern Ontario with my husband of over twenty years, two of our three college-age children, and a menagerie of animals. Our eldest daughter is married and has given us a beautiful grandchild! We (minus the animals) live in a hundred year old farmhouse (a.k.a. the money pit) that I was having great fun renovating until I blew a disk in my back. However, this unfortunate accident afforded me the time and motivation to pursue long-neglected aspirations.

From a young age, I dreamed of being a writer, even as I majored in math at university. When the children were young, I took a writing course and wrote numerous reviews and articles for our homeschooling newsletter, but never pursued publication beyond that. Then following my mom's death, I discovered Christian fiction. Seeing characters battle the same questions, yearnings and frustrations I battled, and triumph over them through God’s grace, restored my hope and rekindled my passion for writing.

So when my husband (out of desperation because of the books piling up around our house) suggested I write my own stories, little did he know where that off-handed remark would lead …

Six years and many much-revised novels later, my dreams have come true! The journey has been wonderful. I've had the privilege of working with many talented authors and aspiring writers who have enriched my stories and my life with their insights, suggestions, humor, and prayers. Oh, yes, and chocolate!

My husband and children continue to be my most enthusiastic encouragers. My youngest daughter Jennifer, a freelance writer and aspiring novelist herself, provides an understanding ear when writer's block sets in, or rejections pile up. My eldest daughter, Christine, designs my web pages. She and my son Paul have even joined me at writers’ conferences. Best of all, they cheerfully help with household chores so that I have more time to write! I feel truly blessed to have a husband and children so supportive of my dreams.

"There is no failure except in no longer trying."
- Elbert Hubbard