Multiple interview and book giveaway with Pelican authors!

Today on The Diamond Mine, I'll be interviewing more than one author, and offering a free copy of one of each of their books. To qualify for the drawing, please leave a comment on the link at the end of the interview, with your email, and you'll be entered!
First up is Kathy Neely!

Today we're focusing on her book, "Beauty For Ashes!"

How long can he hide the truth? 

His Secret was safe until he fell in 

love.

Nathan Drummond’s actions at the age of eighteen had devastating consequences. Writing became therapeutic, leading him into a successful career as a mystery writer. With seven novels to his credit, Nathan is rapidly becoming a household name. 

Family responsibilities force him to return to his home town , pushing him too close to painful memories. Although he’d intended the living situation to be temporary, Nathan didn’t count on falling in love. 
As guilt threatens a return of panic attacks, Nathan begins to write a novel paralleling the tragic event from his youthful folly. Will the novel be seen as a work of fiction, or will it expose his secret?

Hello Kathy! Welcome to the Mine. I have a few questions for you! When did you decide you wanted to write a book, and how did you get to that decision?

As an avid reader, I began writing at a time in my life when I didn’t have time to commit. I worked full time as a teacher, then later as an elementary principal while I was raising three sons. I would plug away at my manuscript then neglect it for months. Those months became years. Every now and then, I would pull it out and work on it. When retirement approached, I thought of that old, neglected manuscript. That’s when I began to take writing seriously. I joined a writing group, attended conferences, and met with two other writers weekly to critique and be critiqued. That manuscript is now my novel, The Least of These.

That's so interesting!My own pattern is similar. All my boys were grown when I started writing novels, even though I'd begun snippets of books many years earlier! 

What is your favorite genre to write, and why?

I write inspirational contemporary fiction. While I love historic fiction, and hope to write something in that genre someday, my mind continues to weave stories that are contemporary. I love to read about unconventional friendships, and that gave birth to The Street Singer. In that novel, you’ll read about the growing relationship between Trisha, a law student, and Adda, a 75 year-old street singer. I also love legal thrillers. While my novels are not that genre, you’ll find my fascination with law in The Street Singer and in Beauty for Ashes. While I wouldn’t label my novels as romance, you’ll find an element of that in each.

What do you want your readers to experience by reading your stories?

I read fiction for recreation. I want my readers to find an escape in the form of a story, one that they’ll remember long after they turn the final page. My stories reflect my Christian worldview without being preachy. My goal is to offer a clean, wholesome novel, yet one that remains authentic. 

Here’s a snippet of an e-mail from a reader regarding Beauty for Ashes. “I’m sitting in my car … Like sobbing. My. Eyes. Out!! This is a beautiful, well written story with so many layers. Guilt. Hate. Joy. Forgiveness. Wow! Very well done.” 

Authentic—that’s what I want my readers to experience.

That's wonderful! It's so gratifying to hear reader reactions like that! What do you experience when writing your stories?

I truly love writing. I can get lost in my own thoughts when planning a story. Characters become real and take on their own personality, sometimes different than I originally intended. Nathan, a novelist and the protagonist in Beauty for Ashes, describes this well. He’s explaining to Angie what writing is like for him.

Excerpt: “They are real people. I have to make myself become them. My mind lives out each scene. What would they feel? How would they react? I’m an actor playing a role, except that I have to play each role, each character. I immerse myself completely, then find words to capture it.”

Wow!! You nailed it. What a spot-on description!

So, what are you working on now?

I’m completing a novel titled True North. It’s a story about a mother’s love. After a teenage pregnancy, she gave her baby up. Twelve years later, she has another chance to be part of his life. Until the unthinkable happens. Throw in a little romance and a subtheme of astronomy.  That’s all you get. No spoiler alert.

Sounds like another great story from you! Kathy, thanks so much for being on The Diamond Mine. It's been a pleasure to host you! Okay readers, don't forget to leave a comment for Kathy at the end of the interview, using the comment link. Here's a bio, plus links for Kathy and her books:

Kathleen Neely is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, and The Least of These.  She is a former elementary teacher. Following her years in the classroom, she moved into administration, serving as an elementary principal. Kathleen is an alumnus of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and Regent University in Virginia. 

Among her writing accomplishments, Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions. She continues to speak to students about writing. Kathleen is a member of Association of Christian Fiction Writers.

She resides in Greenville, SC with her husband, two cats, and one dog. She enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading.

Beauty for Ashes purchase link: https://pbgrp.link/2Gvkr3e

Website – www.KathleenNeely.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/kathy.neely.98

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NeelyKneely3628