Write This Way: FIRST-HAND RESEARCH FOR PERIL WITH MIDWEST RACEWAY MINISTRIES

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

FIRST-HAND RESEARCH FOR PERIL WITH MIDWEST RACEWAY MINISTRIES

Whenever an author starts a novel, there will eventually come a point when he or she needs to do some research. Most of the time we search for information on-line or check books out from the library. Maybe an interview or two is in order. In the case of my novel, PERIL: Fast Track Thriller #1, I had a fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand experience through an organization called Midwest Raceway Ministries.

I have to admit, however, that this is an opportunity I almost missed. When I discovered Midwest Raceway Ministries, I was under the impression that they ministered to the families of the racecar drivers and their crews. So when I talked with Greg Doussard, the director of Midwest Raceway Ministries and found out that they mainly minister to fans when there are injuries at the track, I was disappointed.

I prayed over it and when I didn’t receive the information about the ministry that I requested, I figured that was God’s answer: this ministry wasn’t for me. But God had a different plan. I received a phone call a couple of months later. Normally I check caller ID before I answer the phone, but this particular time, the light glared on the display and I could only tell that it was a local call. Since it probably wasn’t a sales call, I picked it up. It was Greg and he asked me if I was still interested in volunteering with Midwest Raceway Ministries. Without even thinking about it, I hear myself tell him that I was.

And I’m very thankful that God orchestrated all of that. Not only did I gain first-hand experience working at NASCAR Nationwide and Truck races over the next four years, but I also discovered that I liked being out on pit road watching the cars take qualifying laps and running the race. Once I finished writing PERIL, Greg also volunteered to read it, then to endorse it! Here is his wonderful endorsement:

“Give Suzanne Hartmann the checkered flag for her new book, Peril: A Fast Track Thriller. This novel is like being on the race track, packed with fast-paced excitement and intrigue, and you never know what is going to happen next. Each new turn in the story also shows the importance of one’s relationship with God. This book is a great read for any racing fan and/or person of faith.”

To think of all that I would have missed if I had ignored God’s obvious attempt to connect me with this wonderful ministry.

Here’s a little about PERIL and how the NASCAR aspect fits into this Christian suspense novel:

PERIL: Fast Track Thriller #1

A top-secret agent.

A high-profile assignment.

Danger at a NASCAR track.

A top secret agent with enhanced strength, who must use her extraordinary abilities during several high-profile assignments, from the White House to NASCAR tracks, while escorting the first Muslim king to convert to Christianity. When unwanted publicity and the attention of a NASCAR champion threatens to expose her secrets, she becomes a terrorist target with danger surrounding her on all sides.

“Plenty of action and unexpected twists.”

Foreword by Jimmy Makar, GM of Joe Gibbs Racing