Mother-daughter authors share love of writing

The writing gene is strong in the family of mother Angela Gates and daughter J.H. Lehr, Hayden authors who pen novels across the realms of fiction and fantasy.

"My dad was the editor of a department magazine, but my daughter and I were the first in the family to dabble in fiction," Gates said Wednesday. "As a homeschooling family, we were avid readers and books were essential in our household. When we moved to Coeur d'Alene 22-plus years ago, J.H. and I began competing in the Julie Meier Writers Competition at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library. Several of our short stories were prize-winners, which encouraged us to pursue full-length novel writing."

Gates previously served as an Army medic, then completed registered nurse training as a civilian.

"My years in nursing were invaluable and extremely rewarding, but I gladly changed directions when I began my journey as a homeschooling mom," she said. "Now, I focus my time on writing and puttering around the farmstead."

After she was homeschooled for 16 years, Lehr dual-enrolled at North Idaho College to earn two associate degrees in education and communication. Now she uses those skills to work as the inbox manager at Christian Karate Coeur d'Alene, a local martial arts school. 

"I also serve as a sensei, teaching discipline, personal betterment and self-defense for the whole family," she said.

The authors share a deep love of the craft, relishing quiet moments when they can delve into their imaginations and create new worlds for readers to experience.

Aside from curling up at her desk with a cat and enjoying a snack, Lehr said she has always loved creating vivid characters.

"Exploring their motives, fears and pushing them to their breaking point — only to see them rise above and overcome," she said. "I’ve always believed stories are powerful, influencing our outlook on life and helping us grow. And developing characters with hope-filled stories is precisely how I aspire to impact others."

Gates quoted Jane Austen: “There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” 

"One of the things I love most about being an author is creating from home, exploring my own imagination," Gates said. "Sure, I have gypsy blood and I love to travel, but there’s nothing quite like settling in my cozy office for a day of writing here on our mountain in North Idaho."

The mother-daughter author duo writes stories of courage, romance, daring princesses and handsome strangers in kingdoms of the land and aboard ships on faraway seas.

Gates' debut novel, "The Water Horn," is a fantasy adventure tale of bravery in which readers can immerse their imaginations. Lehr's debut, "Rise of the Forgotten," centers on a discontented princess and her knight, who are thrown into an entourage of traitors and usurpers. 

Both authors' works can be found locally at EntertainMart and the Well-Read Moose. Lehr's can also be found at Sower Bookstore while Gates' can be found at It’s a Love Story Books and Cafe.

The mom-daughter duo agree they have a special connection through their craft. From collaborating on local events — Rennaissance fairs, the Taste of Rathdrum, holiday craft fairs, book signings — to designing promotional materials and providing editorial support for each other, they feel they make a great team.

"We often bring our husbands to events for tech support, so our authorly endeavors really are a family effort!" Gates and Lehr said.

Gates will be signing books at EntertainMart, 185 E. Appleway Ave., Saturday during business hours. Lehr will be on site Jan. 18 and both authors will sign books at EntertainMart during business hours Feb. 8.

Visit jhlehr.com and angelagatesauthor.com for details.