This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose stories grab the reader from the first page forward—guest author Sheila Hansberger! If you love suspense, with a little romance on the side, you’re in for a treat. By the way, this book was recently named a finalist for N.N. Light’s 2025 Book of the Year in the suspense genre.
Hansberger is known for creating stories about strong, young heroines who ultimately learn they have the strength within themselves to defeat their enemies. Her latest release, Runaway Artist, is all that, plus a touch of romance that the reader will root for. Sheila, a professional artist for over forty years, has used her knowledge of the art world to write this tale about a young “wannabe” artist. “The experts say ‘write what you know,’ and that’s exactly what I did in Runaway Artist.”
In this spotlight, Sheila Hansberger shares a character interview using Brooke, the female lead in Runaway Artist. Although this was crafted for your enjoyment, the scene is not in the book but is meant to serve as a mini-preview of Runaway Artist.
Whether you write stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Sheila Hansberger! 💖
This scene is not in the book but is a mini-preview of Runaway Artist. The main character and an interviewer are settling into outdoor chairs at an unknown location after sunset.
The interviewer smiles. “We understand you’re a runaway, trying to stay out of sight, so we thank you for granting our readers this exclusive interview.”
Brooke folds stiff arms across her chest. “Don’t thank me. This wasn’t my idea.”
He raises an eyebrow. “No? Then whose?”
“The author of the book.”
“Oh…right. Well then, let’s get to it. For the record, tell us your name and occupation.”
“Brooke Arnelletta, intern at a Beverly Hills art gallery. College senior in the fall.”
“Arnelletta?” The interviewer cocks his head. “Any relation to the late Senator?”
“He was my grandfather.” A frustrated sigh passes her lips. “Is mentioning my family really necessary? The purpose of this interview was to plead with your readers. The police want help finding a killer. Can’t we just stick to that?”
“Of course, but shouldn’t we give the readers a little background information?”
Hands on her knees, Brooke stretches forward. “Look…they only need to know I witnessed a murder. Until the killer is arrested, I’ll remain a runaway with ties to no one.”
“Still, you must miss family members. Have new relationships filled that familial void?”
“No one could ever replace my sister. But I’ve had to form new bonds while in hiding.”
“What sort? Trusted confidants, motherly types…or perhaps a boyfriend?”
“All of the above. But you’ll get no names. I can’t expose them to the danger I face.”
“It must be difficult being on your own. Or is it second nature for you?”
She snorts. “Ha! My family always had the luxury of maids, gardeners, cooks, etcetera. I’d never lifted a finger. But suddenly having to care for myself meant getting my hands dirty. I found I can actually cook and do repairs when it’s up to me. Building a fire from scratch without an igniter is a snap. And I’ve learned to catch fish to make sure I don’t starve.”
“Are you saying this forced education has changed you?”
“Definitely. But forever? Only time will tell. I’m mentally stronger than before. That doesn’t mean I’m not afraid, it just means I’ve gained courage to face whatever comes my way.”
“Impressive. Tell our readers what led you to this.”
“As I said, I’m a gallery intern. The grunt work is left to me, like organizing the receptions and doing the cleanup. I was at the alleyway dumpster late one night, emptying trash from a reception, when a limousine screeched to a stop. The alley was dark, but the limo’s interior lights shone on three men as they exited. After opening the trunk lid, they got into a fierce argument and even exchanged blows. Finally, one man cried out, then fell against the open trunk. He never moved after that.” Brooke’s fingers dig into the chair arms as she bites her lip.
“And what did you do then?”
She inhales a ragged breath. “I did what any terrified person would do…I ran inside the building, locked the door, and called the police.”
“Did you see a weapon?”
“Well, no. But I did see the flash of something shiny…like the blade of a knife.”
He scribbles a sentence on his notepad. “So, the police later found the dead body?”
“Nope.” She shakes her head. “No body, no blood, no evidence.”
His brows gather. “Then what makes you think you saw someone murdered?”
“You’re just like the police. They didn’t believe me, either. I would have bet my life on what I saw that night. But by the next morning—” She folds her hands into her lap and stares at them. “—I wasn’t so sure. Everyone assumed my creative imagination had gotten the best of me. I began to think they were right.”
“Um…pardon me for not understanding.” He lifts a questioning palm. “But if the police didn’t find a body or any evidence, why did you run away?”
Brooke raises a pause finger. “Hold on. They didn’t find it that night, but they did find it a few days later. And because the killer saw me, he knows a witness exists. I had to run…or worry about becoming the next victim.”
“Understood. You seem to be safe. The police won’t reveal exactly where you’re hiding, but since you’ve shown up here today, does that mean your hideout is nearby?”
Brooke narrows her eyes. “You do realize you’re wasting your time asking, don’t you?”
“Ah, come on. Give a starving reporter the scoop. I won’t announce it until after the killer is arrested. With your family’s financial resources, you’re probably hiding at a luxury resort.”
She snorts. “Let’s just say I’m currently leading a simpler life. Sorry to be so vague, but my safety depends on it. You’re welcome to ask me anything about the crime, and I’ll—” She stiffens, then twists around to look over her shoulder. “What was that?”
“What was what?”
She bounds out of her chair and crouches low to whisper, “That sound!”
Tilting his ear, he listens. “Sorry, I don’t hear anything.”
“Shhh.” Panic registers in her eyes as she peers into the dark forest. “A twig breaking? I need to get away! Right now!”
“Now? But the interview—”
The reporter is left standing with a list of unresolved questions as Brooke escapes into the dark night…silence closing in behind her, and the trees vowing to keep her destination a mystery.
COVER BLURB:
Talented artist Brooke Arnelletta knows she’s going places. She just never dreamed her journey would include running away. Behind the upscale gallery where she serves as a summer intern, she’s the lone witness to a stabbing. When police can’t find evidence to support the crime, Brooke begins to wonder if her creative imagination was working overtime. Days later, clues finally emerge, turning the alleged murder into a reality. Brooke must face a decision—risk the killer returning to silence her…or disappear into thin air. Can she remain hidden until an arrest is made? Or will evil find her first?
EXCERPT:
My mind kept replaying the previous night’s happenings on a continuous loop, urging me to re-examine the incident. As soon as I gathered enough courage to go home…a sketch pad would be my therapist, and I’d draw every detail. My sketches might not solve the murder, but they might point the police in the right direction.
SHEILA’S BIO:
Sheila Hansberger, a Signature member of Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society, is an award-winning artist and author who resides in California. She worked as a graphic designer for a printing firm before beginning her fine art career. For the past 40+ years, Sheila’s watercolors have been in demand with galleries and clients. Her paintings can be found in private homes and public collections within corporations, museums, and various institutions across the USA.
Other than occasional magazine articles or press releases, Hansberger’s writings took a back seat to her artwork. A five-year stint as Newsletter Editor for the National Watercolor Society reminded her how much she loved the written word. She then joined two national writers’ groups and attended meetings, podcasts, and conferences to hone her skills. A First-Place win in a nationwide contest brought her to the attention of a publisher. In 2024, The Wild Rose Press published her debut suspense novel, The Gardener’s Secret. Her second novel, Runaway Artist, also a suspense, was released in August, 2025, and is available in digital and paperback formats on Amazon.
I hope you loved getting to know Sheila Hansberger and hearing from her main character in her latest release, Runaway Artist. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with Sheila Hansberger here:
🔗 Website: www.s-hansberger.com
📱 Socials: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sheila Hansberger, Artist and Author
Instagram: Sheila Hansberger (@sheilahansberger) • Instagram photos and videos
🛒 Grab her books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN48MJVH/
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talk, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖