Diamond Mine's Renee Blare Releases a New Novella!

No, you're not experiencing déjà vu. You read that title correctly! Our own Renee Blare has sent out another release! Crazy Woman Christmas is just what you need to usher in a the holiday spirit. Stick around and I'll tell you how you can be part of a Renee's giveaway!

PT:  Hi, Renee. As always, absolutely love your new release! What catches my eye is the title. What inspired that?

RB: Believe it or not, Crazy Woman Creek is a real live place! The title of my Christmas novella was taken from a sliver of water that cuts a deep ravine through the rock of the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. The canyon left behind is named after the creek, Crazy Woman Canyon. As for who this canyon was named after, that is a mystery. A couple of theories float about. One is that an Indian woman went insane in the canyon and the other is about an old settler woman. Either way, nobody really knows the origin of the name.

PT:  So I know this is part of Prism's Cowboy Christmas series. So what Bible verse did you base this on?

RB:  2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Bianca and Devon are at a crossroads in their lives. They have decisions to make. Do they stay mired in the past or do they move forward into the unknown future? Bianca has a past of pain and hurt with her parents which hangs like an anchor around her neck. It keep her from moving forward even though the Lord has promised that all of her sins have been forgiven. Devon clings to the past, clinging to his parent’s ranch as his reason for living. He pushes all things aside including his own dreams until Bianca’s presence reminds him of what he’s missing.

PT: So what inspired this story?

RB: I love Christmas but many people have a hard time celebrating this amazing holiday, even Christians. I wanted to explore some of those reasons and Crazy Woman Christmas does that. (You’ll have to read the story if you want to see how!) Grief is a major component but other things are discussed as well. I celebrate Christmas to honor my Savior’s birthday, and to me, that’s the only reason to do so. The day we take Jesus Christ out of Christmas is the day it no longer is Christmas.

PT: Since we're in the midst of the Christmas season, I can resist asking this question. What is the best Christmas gift you've ever received?

RB: My best Christmas gift? Wow, do you know how old I am? I’ve been given so many awesome gifts! How do I choose? My Kindle? Tablet? I guess I’d have to say my best gift would have to be the camera my husband gave me a couple of Christmases ago. I love it! I’m still figuring it out though.

PT: Renee, I can't tell you how proud we all are here at the Diamond Mine! You're getting quite a list of titles under your belt now! And of course, you fans want to know the answer to the million dollar question. What's Renee Blare's next writing direction?

RB: I’m actually working on two manuscripts right now. The next book in my Snowy Range Chronicles and a story that my husband and I are putting together about the end-times. I’m excited about what the Lord is doing as I work with James to brainstorm on the one and write the other. I can’t wait to start writing on the collaboration book. I should begin doing that any day.

PT:  And here it is! What a great cover! Thanks Renee, for joining us today. Here's how you can win a copy of Renee's newest book. Leave your name and email and one will be chosen! Best of luck!