A Shrimp Farm in Ohio? Teresa Slack Explains

Teresa Slack is an author friend who has a new book releasing today called Runaway Heart. When I found out it was set in Ohio and included a shrimp farm, I just had to ask. . .

I’ve never heard of shrimp farming in Ohio. What made you include it as a story element for Runaway Heart? 

Small family owned farms are shrinking or disappearing throughout Ohio. I wanted to explore viable options for farmers looking to create additional income. And of course, I’d never read a book about shrimp farming either. Investigating and learning about it was fun.

Where did you begin your research? 

When I decided on freshwater shrimp, it was just a quick Google search. I found a small shrimp farm in a neighboring county and gave the lady a call. She was the inspiration behind the shrimp sale and barbeque Kyla organizes in the book. It was a fun topic to include and hopefully one that will stand out in readers’ minds.

I see most of your books are set in small towns or on farms. Why are you drawn to those settings? 

Small towns are considered exotic locales to most of the world’s population. A small town setting appeals to more readers, myself included. When people say nothing ever happens in a small town, they’re just not paying attention. My grandparents owned a farm not far from the town where we lived and we kids spent much of our time there. Those memories have influenced all my writing.

What is your heroine like in the book? 

She never told anyone, but she always dreamed of being part of a big family. She’s afraid of making the same mistakes as her parents and hurting any children she might bring into the world. It easier to avoid the whole situation than figure out a way to break the cycle. Though she’ll never admit it, she’s not as courageous as she likes to think.

Thanks, Teresa! Shrimp farming in Ohio. Who would have guessed? You never know what you'll find even if you travel close to home.

Here's a little more information about Teresa and Runaway Heart:

Teresa Slack began creating stories and characters about the time she learned to hold a pencil. Her first novel, Streams of Mercy, won the Bay Area Independent Publishers’ Assn award for Best First Novel. The third book in her Jenna’s Creek Series, Evidence of Grace, debuted nationwide according to Christian Retailing Magazine. Her latest novel, Runaway Heart, is set for official release March 7, 2014.  She grew up in rural southern Ohio, which provides the background for much of her writing. Her down-to-earth characters and writing style have endeared her to readers and reviewers alike. Teresa believes people who think nothing ever happens in a small town just aren’t paying attention. She loves writing in many genres, especially suspense, mystery and romance with a touch of humor stirred in. Someday she even hopes to write a historical.  

Book Blurb:

Kyla Parrish yearns for love and security. But her heart can't be trusted. Can she find what she longs for in the most unlikely place--home? Running at the first sign of opposition is nothing new to Kyla Parrish. She’s never held onto a relationship for more than a few months, and she’s quit more jobs than most people apply for. Until Will Lachland. He’s the first man who ever made her think of getting serious about something, about putting down roots. But she can’t forget her mother’s ominous warning. Men are users. They take and take and leave nothing but a shell of who she wants to be. Fear of losing her heart to anyone or anything has kept Kyla running all her life. A new man and a new life seem like the answer to her prayers. But things are never as simple as they seem. Can she find the love she longs for even though she can’t forget Will? Or is something else, something greater, calling her heart toward home?

On the cover of the book it says, "The best journeys are the ones that bring you home." If you'd like a chance to get a free copy of Teresa's book, please leave a comment on this blog with your email (in robot-proof form: email at whatever dot com). Maybe you'll be tucking Runaway Heart into your suitcase for your next road trip.