Ask the Author: DeeDee Lake
Answered Questions (9)
DeeDee Lake
Mission: Matrimony — The Final Engagement is the fifth and final book in the Rules of Engagement inspirational military romance series I co-write with Susan M. Baganz.
The seeds of this series were planted more than thirty years ago while my family lived in Panama, where my husband was stationed at Fort Kobbe. I began dreaming up characters and storylines, and God never let me let them go.
People say to write what you know. I know Jesus. I know military life as a Navy brat and an Army wife. And I know a little about lasting romance after more than four decades with my husband, Seth!
When Susan and I became writing partners, those long-held ideas finally found their way onto the page. Together, we’ve woven stories of faith, friendship, service, and love into the military world that has shaped so much of my life.
The seeds of this series were planted more than thirty years ago while my family lived in Panama, where my husband was stationed at Fort Kobbe. I began dreaming up characters and storylines, and God never let me let them go.
People say to write what you know. I know Jesus. I know military life as a Navy brat and an Army wife. And I know a little about lasting romance after more than four decades with my husband, Seth!
When Susan and I became writing partners, those long-held ideas finally found their way onto the page. Together, we’ve woven stories of faith, friendship, service, and love into the military world that has shaped so much of my life.
DeeDee Lake
Inspiration often finds me in ordinary moments—a conversation, someone’s quirky mannerism, or a small act of kindness. I’m the Connection Expert, so naturally, people and relationships get my storytelling wheels turning!
Rainy, overcast days are some of my favorite writing days. The mountains and the beach also give my imagination room to wander.
Having called 51 houses home, I have plenty of places, people, and military-life adventures tucked away in my memory. Sometimes an idea begins with something I experienced. Other times, it starts with a simple question: “What if?”
Rainy, overcast days are some of my favorite writing days. The mountains and the beach also give my imagination room to wander.
Having called 51 houses home, I have plenty of places, people, and military-life adventures tucked away in my memory. Sometimes an idea begins with something I experienced. Other times, it starts with a simple question: “What if?”
DeeDee Lake
I’m pretty much an open book—pun intended! But the story of how we became adoptive parents just six weeks after arriving in Panama could certainly keep readers turning pages.
An overseas military assignment, an unexpected opportunity, and a baby girl who became our daughter—that’s quite a beginning. It’s a story from our family’s life that reminds me how quickly God can take us in a direction we never saw coming.
An overseas military assignment, an unexpected opportunity, and a baby girl who became our daughter—that’s quite a beginning. It’s a story from our family’s life that reminds me how quickly God can take us in a direction we never saw coming.
DeeDee Lake
Getting to do something I love—and using it to connect with people.
Growing up, I assumed writing came easily to everyone. It wasn’t until after I married that I began to recognize it as a gift from God, along with a skill I could develop.
Writing helps me give words to emotions, process life, and explore what makes relationships work. I love that a story written at my desk can reach someone I may never meet and offer a little hope, encouragement, or laughter.
And since painting and singing aren’t exactly my specialties, I’m thankful words are willing to cooperate. Most days!
Growing up, I assumed writing came easily to everyone. It wasn’t until after I married that I began to recognize it as a gift from God, along with a skill I could develop.
Writing helps me give words to emotions, process life, and explore what makes relationships work. I love that a story written at my desk can reach someone I may never meet and offer a little hope, encouragement, or laughter.
And since painting and singing aren’t exactly my specialties, I’m thankful words are willing to cooperate. Most days!
DeeDee Lake
I’m preparing to celebrate Mission: Matrimony — The Final Engagement, releasing November 6, 2026! It’s the fifth and final book in the Rules of Engagement inspirational military romance series I co-write with Susan M. Baganz.
I’m also developing The Field Guide to Extraordinary Relationships, exploring seven principles that strengthen marriages, families, and friendships: faith, friendship, respect, service, unity, encouragement, and intentionality.
Along the way, I write about faith and relationships, share behind-the-books conversations with Susan, and create practical resources to help authors navigate book marketing and the business of writing.
Apparently, my imagination didn’t get the memo about doing one thing at a time!
I’m also developing The Field Guide to Extraordinary Relationships, exploring seven principles that strengthen marriages, families, and friendships: faith, friendship, respect, service, unity, encouragement, and intentionality.
Along the way, I write about faith and relationships, share behind-the-books conversations with Susan, and create practical resources to help authors navigate book marketing and the business of writing.
Apparently, my imagination didn’t get the memo about doing one thing at a time!
DeeDee Lake
Bring a teachable spirit—and give yourself permission to be a beginner.
Learn both the craft of writing and the business of being an author. Join a critique group, attend a writers conference, and practice receiving feedback without letting it steal your enthusiasm. You don’t need a finished book to start learning or building connections.
As an author business coach and acquisition editor, I encourage writers to find a sustainable path that fits their strengths. You don’t have to do everything, everywhere, all at once.
And build friendships along the way. Publishing is a relationship-rich world. Be curious, encourage others, and follow through.
Your next step doesn’t have to be impressive. It just needs to move you forward.
Learn both the craft of writing and the business of being an author. Join a critique group, attend a writers conference, and practice receiving feedback without letting it steal your enthusiasm. You don’t need a finished book to start learning or building connections.
As an author business coach and acquisition editor, I encourage writers to find a sustainable path that fits their strengths. You don’t have to do everything, everywhere, all at once.
And build friendships along the way. Publishing is a relationship-rich world. Be curious, encourage others, and follow through.
Your next step doesn’t have to be impressive. It just needs to move you forward.
DeeDee Lake
I try to take the pressure off and give myself one small thing to write—a conversation, a scene, or even a wonderfully imperfect paragraph.
Some days the words come easily. Other days, they seem to have packed a suitcase and left without me! Showing up helps, but so does stepping away long enough to take a walk, pray, or think through what’s making me feel stuck.
Sometimes I need a clearer direction. Sometimes I need rest. And sometimes I simply need to stop editing a sentence I haven’t finished writing yet.
I love settling in at my desk with sunlight pouring through the windows and losing myself in a story. Getting there often starts with giving myself permission to write a messy first draft.
Some days the words come easily. Other days, they seem to have packed a suitcase and left without me! Showing up helps, but so does stepping away long enough to take a walk, pray, or think through what’s making me feel stuck.
Sometimes I need a clearer direction. Sometimes I need rest. And sometimes I simply need to stop editing a sentence I haven’t finished writing yet.
I love settling in at my desk with sunlight pouring through the windows and losing myself in a story. Getting there often starts with giving myself permission to write a messy first draft.
DeeDee Lake
I’d happily step into a cozy lakeside story with a beautiful house, a wraparound screened porch, and its own boat ramp. The screens are essential. Mosquitoes are not invited to this adventure!
After living on four continents and calling 51 houses home, I’d enjoy settling into a fictional retreat where people arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Someone else would handle the daily operations. I’d spend my time getting to know the guests, listening to their stories, and helping a few connections blossom.
Give me a good book, a cup of coffee, and a porch full of conversation, and I might need convincing to return to the real world.
After living on four continents and calling 51 houses home, I’d enjoy settling into a fictional retreat where people arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Someone else would handle the daily operations. I’d spend my time getting to know the guests, listening to their stories, and helping a few connections blossom.
Give me a good book, a cup of coffee, and a porch full of conversation, and I might need convincing to return to the real world.
DeeDee Lake
My reading list refuses to stay in one season—or fit neatly on one shelf!
I’m hooked on Freida McFadden, Francine Rivers, and John Grisham. Give me a twisty suspense story, a compelling courtroom drama, or a faith-filled novel with unforgettable characters, and “just one more chapter” becomes a questionable promise.
I also love biblical fiction—stories that take a small detail or person from Scripture and imagine an entire novel around it. I enjoy seeing how an author explores the human experiences surrounding a familiar Bible passage.
A good story gives me plenty to think about—and usually something to chat about afterward!
I’m hooked on Freida McFadden, Francine Rivers, and John Grisham. Give me a twisty suspense story, a compelling courtroom drama, or a faith-filled novel with unforgettable characters, and “just one more chapter” becomes a questionable promise.
I also love biblical fiction—stories that take a small detail or person from Scripture and imagine an entire novel around it. I enjoy seeing how an author explores the human experiences surrounding a familiar Bible passage.
A good story gives me plenty to think about—and usually something to chat about afterward!
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