Heroine Interview from Silent Night Standoff by Susan Sleeman with a Giveaway

This week I’m hosting  Susan Sleeman with Silent Night Standoff (US only) and Jan Watson with Buttermilk Sky. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on your post with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (Nov. 23rd) evening.

Interview with the heroine from Silent Night Standoff by Susan Sleeman:

1. Skyler Brennan, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m a negotiator on the First Response Squad, which means when the squad is called to a crisis situation, it’s my job to convince hostage takers or other threatening persons to surrender without violence. I love my job and feel a real sense of fulfillment through it. The stakes are so high and the stress unbelievable, but when I succeed in saving lives, the sense of accomplishment outweighs it all.

2. What do you do for fun?

Garden. I like nothing more than getting my hands dirty, smelling my flowers, and adding new ones to my wonderful garden space. I find the vibrant flower colors that God had put on this earth remind me of Him like no other place. Plus the quiet and solitude gives me time to communicate with and reflect on what He’s doing in my life. And, of course, when I’m frustrated, taking my pruning shears to stems that need to be snipped off, helps get rid of the frustration, too. J

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Laundry. Doesn’t everyone put that off? I mean, who wants to wash and fold clothes? Certainly not me.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

I have to say my fears revolve around not doing the best I can in a hostage situation. Others are depending on me and one false move could cost innocent people their lives. I have to trust that God will give me the words to say and the actions to perform. Otherwise, I suspect I might make a real mess in those situations.

5. What do you want out of life?

Peace. Simple as that. I grew up with parents who bickered and fought all the time. They were so focused on their careers and not on family. When you put all your focus on a job, you’re bound to place more importance on it that you should and when things don’t go according to plan, life can be bitter and frustrating. Growing up under that, all I wanted was peace, and I struggled for years to find it. Fortunately, I found God and my relationship with Him brings that peace I long for. Sure, I have my moments when I make a mess of things, but God is always waiting to help me regain my peace.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

Like I said, I respond to crisis situations day after day and my actions along with the coordinated efforts of the First Response Squad save lives. What a wonderful blessing to be able to step forward and help others at the very worst times in their lives. If I do my job well, it can make all the difference for other people and help them get back on the right track.

7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?

I do read and I like nothing better than a good romance novel. But no suspense or mystery in the books for me. I have enough of that in my life. I love pure, fun and simple romances. The guaranteed happy ending helps me to let go of my daily stresses.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’m kind of pushy. At times that’s good, but at other times, I need to learn to lean back and let others take control.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pet. Not yet anyway. I always wanted a pet growing up, but my parents wouldn’t go for it. I’ll eventually get that pet I’ve longed for. Specifically a dog. A white fluffy one, I hope, but not quite yet. I live on the upper floor of an amazing old firehouse that has been converted into condos for the FRS members. We have a garden in the back, but it’s not really pet friendly. I want to wait until I live in a house with a yard with lots of room for a dog to run before I find that perfect little dog.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I’d go back to my teenage years. Crazy, I know, but I’d like a second chance at helping my parents learn about God’s love and for a chance for the three of us to live as a strong family unit. I’m still encouraging them to explore a life of faith, but they’re pretty set in their ways now and I think it would’ve been easier back then. Of course, God can change their hearts at any age so I will keep praying and doing my best to set a good example.