Let's Talk Historical Romance with Kelly Goshorn

Hey everyone! Erin, here. It's my first time on the Diamond Mine. I can't wait to get to know everyone and to talk books.

It's almost Valentine's Day and the perfect time to curl up and read a good romance. And what better novel to enjoy than Kelly Goshorn's book, A Love Restored? Let's see what she has to say about her writing and becoming a published author.

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith and family set in nineteenth century America. She earned a B.A. in Social Studies Education from Messiah College and an M.Ed. in History from Penn State. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Kelly has been enjoying her own happily-ever-after with her husband and best friend, Mike, for 28 years. Together they have raised three children, four cats, two dogs, a turtle, a guinea pig, a gecko, and countless hamsters. Thankfully, not all at the same time. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, scrapbooking with friends, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

Her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram , Goodreads, Bookbub

Hi Kelly. I can't wait to talk with you.

Hi Erin, Thank you for hosting me on the Diamond Mine today. I look forward to chatting with your readers.

It’s great to have you today. Give me one fact about you as an author that most people don’t know.

Writing can be a very solitary activity. But I have a little buddy that keeps me company, my six-year-old Welsh corgi, Levi. Levi is usually by my side, sometimes quite literally. I bought a cushion that sits on the side of my desk where Levi can lie and look out the window while I’m working. He joins me in my office, the recliner or on the back porch. When its time for some attention, he’s been known to lay across my keyboard and insist on a belly rub, giving me the opportunity to take a little break. He’s been such a good little companion, that I gave my heroine in A Love Restored a corgi as her little buddy, too.

As Christian writers, we long to share God’s love, goodness, and grace with others through our writing. But quite often our stories speak to us as much as our readers. How did God use this story to help you stretch and grow as a person?

Of course I’m thrilled that A Love Restored earned a publishing contract with Pelican Book Group but more than that, my faith has grown by leaps and bounds through this process. My writing journey began with a simple prayer for the Lord to give me a passion to serve Him in some way. But the path that lay ahead would not only prove to be challenging from a craft point of view, it would require me to face my biggest personal and spiritual obstacle—the fear of failure.  What I discovered is that God sees not only who we are, but who we can be when we place our trust in Him. He calls us to tackle our biggest obstacles so that we can rest in total dependence on Him. Wherever the writing journey takes me, I’ve been irrevocably changed. There’s no going back and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Ruth Ann is quite a character in A Love Restored! Was there a scene you had to edit out because she was showing a little too much of her personality?

Hahahaha! You’re right, Erin. Ruth Ann is quite a character! Actually, I can’t think of scene I had to edit because of her spirited nature but I did edit out a pretty hilarious scene where she tries to prove to Benjamin that she can live without hired help. He teaches her to milk a cow and gather eggs and let’s just say mayhem ensued.

I love strong male heroes, don’t you? What is the quality you like the most about Ruth Ann’s love interest, Benjamin Coulter? 

Oh wow, what a question. I do love a strong male hero. I think Benjamin Coulter’s strength comes through his humility. He is quick to recognize his own faults and take appropriate action to remedy his mistakes. When he foolishly breaks Ruth Ann’s heart, he goes to great lengths, including risking his life, to demonstrate his regret.

As writers, we love our book babies. If you had to pick one scene from A Love Restored that is your favorite, which one would it be and why?

This is a really tough question. There are so many scenes that I enjoyed writing—Ben and Ruth Ann’s first kiss, Ben cutting a whole in the center of the pie, and Ruth Ann opening the Montgomery Ward catalog to a page of women’s undergarments in front of male onlookers in the mercantile are just a few of my favorite scenes. But if I have to choose one, I think I would pick their meet at the creek. It really showcases their personalities and I think is a great deal of fun to read. 

Being a writer is a busy life, isn’t it? I’m sure you’re scheming new ideas to intrigue your readers with the next book. What’s in the works for you right now? 

Right now I’m working on a three book series also set in Hillsboro,Virginia during the Civil War. Surrendered Hearts, examines what happens when God requires us to surrender those things we hold most dear. Characters are called to sacrifice their dreams and ambitions, their pride, and for one, his life, as God recklessly pursues each of them. Readers can learn more about the books in this series at http://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/surrendered-hearts.

Here's a little about A Love Restored: 

With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect of other men. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality. 

When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first? 

Amazon buy link https://amzn.to/2IWHU1k

Well, we had a great time talking to you, Kelly.

Everyone who comments on the question below and leaves their email address will be entered to win an eBook of A Love Restored. What’s your favorite swag to get from an author?