BLESSED TO OFFER THIS DIAMOND MINE INTERVIEW WITH BilliJo Doll!

Good morning to the Diamond Mine. Terry Palmer here. Hope you are busy with shovel and pick, bringing to life the gem which God has given to you. Many years ago this ol’ author searched after and found many a fine rough agate. What a thrill to find that rough cob, knowing the beauty within, then to get that stone polished to a point of refined beauty – much like each of our books on the Diamond Mine.

I’m so pleased to introduce you to my friend and new Rough Diamond Mine author, BilliJo Doll! Our Montana high prairie gal offers us much insight into life on the high prairie as a conservation officer, but her heart is for serving the Lord in ministry. Where does she find the time to write and promote nine books? Find out as we travel deep into–The Diamond Mine!

TP: How about we start with a day in life on the high prairie, a place which few of us might recognize. Is it all dust and sparse grass?

BJD: Not even close. Dust does happen when it is dry–that is the same everywhere. I don't know what you mean by “sparse grass.” There are more species of grasses and forbs in the prairie than in the forest. In my book, My eMpTy Life, I write about Montana and the fullness of life on the prairie, both human life and plant life.

TP: As long as we are in the Diamond Mine and speaking of Montana, are you near some pinnacles where semi-precious stones are found?

BJD: There are sapphire mines in central Montana and there has been significant gold mining throughout the state. In fact, one of the names for Montana is The Treasure State. My newest book, Mara's Murder, addresses gold mining although not specifically in Montana.

TP: You also have youth ministry experience and accepted Jesus in Germany. Ausgezeichnet! (Excellent!) Can you share a definitive moment when the Spirit of God spoke, led, or placed you in a life-changing situation?

BJD: There has been so many. My mind is racing with example after example. I'll share the first and the most recent: when the Holy Spirit spoke audibly to me to go to Bible college was the first such experience. Most recent was to change housing and that hasn't fleshed out yet. I trust God that it will.

TP: You also travel more than a bit, plus have a ranch in Mexico. I’ll bet these lead to some interesting encounters? Can you share a few with us?

BJD: Recently I was in the Mexico City airport waiting for my flight to the US and I got an email from the airlines that my flight out was changed to the following day. Once I was at a banquet in Baltimore when a woman whom I did not know, approached me, after verifying who I was, she said her mother told her to tell me hello. I started to visit with a woman in the Denver airport once, and come to find out, she was my best friend from second grade's aunt. I met and visited with Ted Dekker in a California airport once (and I am not a huge fan of his books). Most of my travel is not noteworthy. However, I have met some interesting and wonderful people from around the world.

TP: Turning to writing and family, many of us are busy in other pursuits too, other than editing and writing, along with a balance of family. Do you also coach and do speaking? What are your sources for balance in life?

BJD: Yes, I am a writing coach/editor/ghostwriter as well as a trauma recovery coach. I have an active speaking ministry. To stay balanced in a very busy life, I start my day in prayer and Bible reading. I also take time mid-afternoon to pray. I eat healthily and make sure I rest. My days are usually 10-12 hour days with frequent 18 hour days so staying balanced is very important so that I do not get burned out. I take to heart Mark 6:31. In fact I want to get to a point where I can offer my home in Mexico as a sanctuary place for Christian workers to go to rest.

TP: In our day and time, our country is a mess and becoming dangerous for a Christian author. What advice would you give to a new author who is just beginning to write their perfect baby to help overcome for Jesus?

BJD: Follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Seek to stay in constant communication with God. No matter what a person says (it does not matter WHO the human is), try everything before Christ. Listen only to the voice of God. Whatever someone says, get that advice confirmed by at least two other Christians. What is most important? Your message or making money? If it is making money, do not write.

TP: Now I’m more than sure, our readers want to know about your writing journey—what genre? You’ll soon have a new book out? Can you give us sneak peak to what it is about? Do you offer other books? Where can we find them?

BJD: I started by writing Christian drama skits; that is how God first spoke to my heart about writing for Him. My first traditional publisher contract was for a young adult science-fiction series. My last book, My eMpTy Life, is a historical fiction. My upcoming book, Mara's Murder, is a mystery. The mystery is not so much a “whodunit” as it is the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of the main character. Most of my books are out of print. All of my books can be found on Amazon either under my name, BilliJo Doll, or under my pseudonym, Anna Schilke.

TP: And finally, do you have words of encouragement and hope for some of the new writers among us, like me? Words of wisdom from a Biblical Christian and student of the Word?

BJD: Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. My background and training is in natural resource conservation, not writing. Yet, God called me to write and to coach. Run to Him, cling to Him, listen to Him, follow Him.

Keep it simple. You don't need an expensive website. If you are in charge of pricing your books, keep them as low priced as possible. Getting the word out is more important than trying to make money. You need word-of-mouth support. My eighth book sold six copies in three years even though the publisher was highly recommended. Nearly 9,000 copies of My eMpTy Life were downloaded in three months. Make sure your manuscript/book is of the highest quality possible. No one likes a poorly written book.

TP: Do you have a special or favorite verse of scripture that carries you through the rough times, perhaps that remind you of a tough moment when faith in Jesus was your only answer?

BJD: Oh boy, I have many. II Cor 9:8-11 comes to mind, II Tim 1:9, and IS 50:4. A cool study is IS 51:1a, 2a, 7a, 12a, 16a . . .like a hidden code. :)

TP: Thanks so much for joining us on the Diamond Mine, BilliJo! She will be giving a free copy of Mara's Murder. Just leave your email in the comments section. Thanks for joining us today!