Today on The Diamond Mine, we welcome author Susan Spess. We're going to find out a bit about her and her new book: Jordan Valley Miss.
Sometimes it takes the loss of everything to gain the joys God has in store...
When Pastor Eli's wife and brother ran away together, he was the one who lost- his family, his church, and his faith. All he has left are his four-year-old daughter and a little church in the world's smallest town. But he still has his speaking talent, and with it, he's sure he can build up their numbers so he can catch the attention of another mega-church. He needs to be back in the big time where he belongs.
Glory Matthews voted against hiring the new minister. He's single and handsome and more charismatic than any man has the right to be. He'll draw every man-hunting woman around. And because he's used to the big time, he won't stay long. But when Eli is with his daughter, he's down-to-earth, loving and everything she could want, and Glory's heart melts like a forgotten candle burning in the night.
If it's one thing Eli Daniels doesn't need, it's Glory Matthews. She's head-strong, pretty, faithful and doesn't seem to be fazed by his "celebrity." But Glory is also everything he could ever want, and somehow this Jordan Valley miss just might help him find his faith and mend his heart.
Wow! This sounds like a great read to me! Now let's get to the interview.
Susan, what do you like best about this story?
I enjoy the characters and the setting. They're all composites of people and places I've known in my life. Writing it was kind of like going home.
How did you get the idea for the story?
I went to a Christian college when I graduated from high school, and I might have known a guy or two who were super talented like the hero of my story.
Do you have a favorite character, and if so, why are they your favorite?
Yes, my two favorite characters are the mother and aunt of the heroine. They write children's books and have a ball doing it.
I bet you had fun writing those two characters!
Do you have the whole story planned out before you write it, or do you write it as you go?
I don't have the entire story planned out, but I usually have my turning points before I start.
That sounds like a good method.
Do your characters ever surprise you?
Absolutely. Once I wrote a scene (not in this book) about a man who punched a wall and broke his hand. Later I had him getting into the shower when he waved his casted arm at me and said, "I can't get this wet." LOL!
I love that!! What a great glimpse into the sometimes wacky world of writing characters!
Speaking of characters, are yours based on yourself or people you know?
Yes, they are. Usually, they're a little bit of several people I know... with my emotional responses.
I often wonder if the people reading our books know which of their traits we've borrowed for a character!
What's the most difficult thing about writing?
Finding time to do it. I still work full time in the family business.
That must be stress-full for you at times.
What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
Actually putting the words on paper. I've always made up stories to entertain myself, and now that I write them down, I know where I left off.
I'm glad you write them down now!
So, how much of a role does your faith play in your writing process?
My faith is part of all of my life. I just pray I'm not too preachy when I write.
Yes. I think most Christian writers worry about that!
What would you like readers to take away from your stories?
That God is a loving father who'll never leave us or forsake us.
That is a most precious and vital understanding for everyone to know. I'm so glad you weave that into your books.
What are you writing now?
I have two more books finished in this series set in Jordan Valley, Oklahoma, and now I'm working on a series set in Purdy Water, Oklahoma.
I'm just an Okie at heart.
Thank you for having me. This was so much fun!
Yes, it was, and I'm so glad to have had a chance to showcase you and your book. Thanks for the lovely interview, Susan!
Okay, readers! If you'd like to be entered in the drawing for a copy of Susan's book, please leave a comment and your email address!
Also, here are some of Susan's links:
Twitter: @shaywriter
Purchase link: Amazon
5 comments:
Sounds like a great book.
"Jordan Valley Miss" sounds amazing! Just the cover would have me picking up this book to examine it further. The first line - Sometimes it takes the loss of everything to gain the joys God has in store - had me placing this book on my TBR list with a great desire to read it.
Enjoyed reading the interview and learning more about the author. The fact that she's an Okie earns brownie points to me. My Dad was an Okie born and raised at Henryetta, OK. :)
Thank you for the chance to win a copy! shared but hoping to be the very fortunate one selected.
Be safe, stay healthy and have a little adventure along the way - even if through the pages of a good book.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Kay Garrett,
Henryetta? Isn't that where Jim Shoulders was from? I'm a big rodeo fan, and he was a great all around cowboy. Did your dad know him or about him?
Something I didn't mention in this interview, but I'm really, really curious! (You might have guessed from my last question.)
Nice to meet you!
Susan Spess
Thanks! This is a new author for me.
Dianna
(dedezoomsalot at yahoo dot com)
Love all of her books and am so glad she is writing more books in this series. And, yes, I remember her making up stories even when we were young girls growing up together in Oklahoma.
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