Tuesday, May 10, 2016

The Diamond Mine Goes Dystopian with Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman Takes the Mine into the Deep Shadows



Please welcome a very special person to the Diamond Mine! Vannetta Chapman released an awesome book, Deep Shadows

Don’t forget to answer the question at the end of the interview! If you do, you may just win a copy of this great book.

Let’s get started, shall we?

RB: Hello, Vannetta! Welcome to the Diamond Mine. I love Christian fiction as you can tell…LOL What’s special or unique about your book?
VC: There’s not a lot of Christian dystopian books out there. People wonder what we mean when we use that word “dystopian” but it basically means a markedly imperfect world. In this case, it can mean the end of modern civilization as we know it, but from a Christian perspective. So there’s plenty of hope to go along with the struggles, because we have hope in Christ.

Vannetta Chapman
RB: I love dystopian and it seems to be the new “craze” in the film industry. I think writing it from a Christian perspective can enlighten the world to a reality of a possible future both with and without Christ. But how do you keep your characters “three dimensional”?
VC: I use real people I know. Sadly I don’t always remember to change their names! I’m only sort of kidding. Most of my characters are based on people who are friends. In particular, the main character of this series, Shelby Sparks, is a good friend of mine. She’s as spunky and stubborn and kind as she is in the story.

RB: Is your setting unique and how did you select it?
VC: The setting is small town, central Texas after a solar flare has destroyed the power grid. I find it to be unique!

RB: Well, I’d call it unique. Small town and Texas? I used to live in central Texas. And Wyoming is nothing but small town life. I think I’d know exactly what you’re talking about. I like to ask a “thinker” question and here it is…what would you do if you couldn’t write anymore?
VC: I’d keep reading for sure. I’m an avid reader. I’d also probably go back to teaching in some aspect. I miss teaching, but can’t juggle it with the deadlines I currently have (4 books a year).

RB: Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do when you aren’t working?
VC: I have a lot of hobbies! I love to hike, camp, garden, quilt, crochet … and read!

Phoebe
RB: Not sure about the quilting and crocheting. I’m not much of a seamstress…of any type, but I love to hike and camp. My husband’s the green thumb in our house. But three out of six ain’t bad! We can hang out any time! What about pets?
VC: We have a white Labrador that was a shelter dog. Phoebe was 68 pounds when we adopted her and is now 108 (oops). We also have a medium sized beagle, 2 cats, and a herd of deer. (I know, the deer thing is kind of weird.)

RB: Okay, woman. What is it with us? Deer frequent my front yard on a regular basis as well, hence I have no flower beds or trees. We have a yellow Lab and Cocker Spaniel (old bugger too.) But I guess you do have one extra cat, but mine’s probably the size of both of yours.
On a more serious topic, how do you face life in this changing world today?
VC: Our world is constantly changing, and there are always things to worry about--whether it’s the economic situation or solar flares! But we have hope and confidence in Christ, and I think that’s so important to hold on to. Personally we have had some very challenging medical issues in our family the last few years, but through it all we fell on the hope and provision of Christ. My circumstances don’t always make sense, but Christ’s love does.

RB: That it does, Vannetta, and praise Him for it. In closing, what would you like to say to your reader if you could say one thing about yourself and your books?
VC: That whether they are Amish romance, Amish mystery or dystopian the theme is always the same--God’s grace is sufficient. We can always depend on Him.

RB: Thank you so much for being on the Diamond Mine today. I enjoyed it immensely!


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Hey, y’all, don’t leave yet!
Vannetta’s giving away her new book, Deep Shadows! All you have to do is either comment on the interview or answer this question in the comments below…

What’s your favorite small town?



One winner will be selected by random draw in one week following blogpost date.
Minimum of five comments required to validate contest. U.S. eligible only. Prize: one print or digital copy of Deep Shadows by Vannetta Chapman

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

About the Book:

All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe--until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology.

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority--to keep Shelby and her son safe--could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

* * *

In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos.


B&N

CBD


About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of several novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series and Anna’s Healing. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups.  She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.

25 comments:

Gail Kittleson said...

I knew very little about Dystopian lit, Vannetta, so thanks for enlightening one reader. Amazing how much you and Renee have in common!

Vannetta Chapman said...

Thanks for stopping by, Gail!

Melanie Backus said...

I so enjoy Vannetta's books...she is a great author! I have lived in small towns my whole life so any small town is dear to my heart. The little town I live in is Blossom, Texas and just a blink in the road, but living is easy here.

mauback55 at gmail dot com

joycegraves@heart"wings" said...

Renee, thank you for sharing this with your Heart"wings" sisters. I loved the opportunity to meet Vannetta and this book sounds both plausible and challenging if one would imagine themselves in a similar situation. We never know how we would handle something like this until we were forced to.

Vannetta, I am not an author but have many as friends. Ask Renee about Heart"wings" - a women's fellowship. We would be blessed to have you join this loving, supportive group of Christian women. j

Gail Pallotta said...

Thanks for the interesting interview. Vannetta's book sounds as though it would be a page turner, and I enjoyed reading about dystopian literature.

LiteOfTheNite said...

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! I love dystopian and can't wait to see who wins this book! :) As for small towns, I've lived in small towns most of my life (except for when I lived in Casper and Waco, except Waco is considered the biggest small town!). My favorite? I would have to say...Ranchester, WY. Does anyone have a favorite small town they've lived in or heard about?

Anonymous said...

Diana Foust (foust@iendeavor.com)
I enjoyed hearing about the plot of your new novel. I suppose the term is not new, but I had not heard "dystopian" novel until 3 or 4 years ago. I was not there long enough for it to be a favorite, but a recent visit to Alpine, TX had several positive aspects. We enjoyed a visit to the library plus I got excellent medical care at their hospital for a medical emergency.

Anne Rightler said...

My favorite small town is Boyertown, PA. It's where my daughter lives.
And lest my son in Ohio feels left out, Dublin, OH is a good one too.
Oh, and there's my daughter in Redford, MI.
Altho, I must say Dublin and Redford are more suburban than small town!

Anne Rightler
anne at rightler dot com

Vannetta Chapman said...

Waving wildly, Melanie. I've been to Blossom many times. My sister was born in Paris.

Vannetta Chapman said...

Sounds like an awesome group, Joyce!

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi Gail, thanks for stopping by.

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi Renee. Casper sounds awesome.

Vannetta Chapman said...

Oh no! I hate that you needed the hospital, but I'm glad they took. Are of you, Diane.

Vannetta Chapman said...

We have a Dunlin, TX. It's very small!

Unknown said...

I loved the interview and all of the questions. I know Gatlinburg isnt a small town, but it does have that perfect small town feel. As well I will always love the small town of Driedorf Germany that my mother and her family grew up in. We would visit there every year!

Vannetta Chapman said...

Both sounds wonderful, Kay. College Station is like that. It's grown but still FEELS like a small town.

Una said...

My favorite little town is Morris, MN

Teresa Kerr said...

My favorite small town is a tiny little town called Williamstown, MO, where I grew up. Everyone knows everyone else and it's just a small, friendly little community. Would love to win this book!

Teresa K

LiteOfTheNite said...

Missouri and Minnesota! I love those states. :) Small towns galore. Thanks for stopping by Teresa and Una, y'all are absolutely awesome. As I always say, America is great.

Vannetta Chapman said...

I,ve been to MN a few times. Beautiful state.

Vannetta Chapman said...

Teresa, I. Live small towns!

Terrill R. said...

I am always amazed at all of the different sub-genres within Christian fiction that Vannetta Chapman seems to delve into. Although I'm familiar with dystopian, I am intrigued by a Chapman penned book.

By the way, I live in a very conservative small town in Washington State.

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi Terrill. I've visited Washington state before, and loved it! Lots of nice, small towns. As far as my jumping into different genres, I'm really fortunate to have a publisher that allows me to do that! I hope you enjoy the story!

Unknown said...

I've never lived in a small town but have often wished I did. I've also never read a dystopian book and was a little afraid of it. Thanks for clearing things up for us. Now, I guess I'll have to win your book so I can really see what it's all about. Thanks Valetta!! Judy Fritz judyfritz@yahoo.com

LiteOfTheNite said...

And the winner of the giveaway is....Gail Pallotta! Congratulations, Gail! :)