Welcome Mollie Rushmeyer

Posted by Penny Frost McGinnis

I got to read an early copy of Mollie Rushmeyer's debut novel, The Bookshop of Secrets. This is one of the best books I've read this year. Mollie is giving away an e-copy of her book. Please comment by October 19 to be entered to win. 

We'll start with 'what is your favorite' questions:

Coffee or Tea? Oh, man. You’re going to make me choose? I don’t think I can! I love coffee for my everyday morning caffeine pick-me-up. But tea is a great “treat” in the afternoon and reminds me of England. I’m a total Anglophile!

M&Ms or Reece’s Pieces? Reece’s, for sure. I love peanut butter!

Cat or Dog Person? Cat person, though I’ve come to enjoy dogs a lot more in the last several years. But we’re sticking with just our one sweet kitty boy, Brooks, at home.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? Fall. Hands down. I live in Minnesota where autumn means crisp air, vibrant foliage, apple and pumpkin picking, and all things glorious fall.

Let's get to know Mollie as a writer:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote little stories and poems as a child, but I first thought I wanted to be a writer while in college. I was reading voraciously (maybe a little escape from the stress of homework, tests, and essay writing), and I remember thinking I wanted to do for someone else what these beloved authors had done for me. Provide a safe place to escape, adventure, think and feel and explore in a way that we don’t always have space to do in the real world. I hoped to create stories and characters that would live on in the hearts of readers. The way I carry all of my favorites with me.

What is your favorite childhood book?

I’m sorry, I have to be the rebel once again because I can’t pick just one. The stories that had the most impact on me were all given/recommended to me by my book-loving grandpa. The Giver by Lois Lowry. A Wrinkle in Time (and really the whole Time Quintet) by Madeleine L’Engle. And The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. The all had characters I still think about and captures my imagination as a young person.

Do you have any upcoming projects, releases, or sales?

There’s my debut, The Bookshop of Secrets, releasing October 25^th, 2022.

It’s up for pre-order on all book-buying sites. It is on sale at Harlequin and you can read the first two chapters free! Here’s the link: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335426215_the-bookshop-of-secrets.html

I also have a second book coming out with Love Inspired Trade/Harlequin next August 2023 called The Lost Manuscript. It’s set in Northern England and is about an estranged married couple coming together to find a famed lost medieval manuscript. So stay tuned!

Tell us about your book:

Do you have a new release you'd like to tell us about?

Yes! My new release is actually my debut novel, The Bookshop of Secrets. It’ll be out in the world on October 25^th.

Here’s the back cover: A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family's legacy…and her future.

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family's history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope's last ties to her late mother—and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.

Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can’t remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she's lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all…

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of your book?

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in the time to come.” ~Proverbs 31:25

I chose this for my character Hope who has endured unspeakable tragedy and trauma in her past. For her, the idea of looking to the future with joy seems impossible, but her heart longs for this very thing.

Just for fun:

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?

This is easy! England and Scotland. My family and I were planning a trip back to these countries of my heart in 2020. We’d still like to make that happen in the next couple of years!

Bio:

Mollie Rushmeyer writes contemporary fiction with a heart for history. She loves to write inspirational fiction in contemporary settings with fascinating historical elements, people, and stories woven throughout.

A born and bred Midwestern gal, Mollie, makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband and two spunky, beautiful daughters. She is not only a bibliophile (the dustier the better, in her opinion), she’s a true anglophile at heart. Tea and coffee fuel her travels, by Google maps at least, and her passion for the written word.

Meet Mollie:

• https://www.facebook.com/mollie.rushmeyer and https://www.facebook.com/authormollierushmeyer
• www.molliejrushmeyer.com (newsletter sign-up here)
• https://www.instagram.com/molliejoyrushmeyer/
• https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21798490.Mollie_Rushmeyer
• https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-bookshop-of-secrets-by-mollie-rushmeyer

Universal pre-order link: https://books2read.com/b/3kP87L

Mollie is giving away an e-copy of her book. Please comment by October 19 to be entered to win. 

Sign up for her newsletter at: www.molliejrushmeyer.com

 Sandra Kay Vosburgh interview with GIVEAWAY 

 By Kathleen L. Maher

Hi Sandra and welcome to the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. We have some terrific readers here who would love to hear all about you and your new release.

Sackets Harbor Mysteries sounds like wonderful autumn reading. I mean, who doesn't love to curl up with a hot coffee or tea and a cozy mystery as the evening temperatures dip? Tell us a bit about the series and your latest release. 

 My cozy mystery series is set in Sackets Harbor, a small tourist town on the shore of Lake Ontario, amid the Thousand Islands of NYS.

In Book 1, Scandal at Stonecroft, twenty years after the disappearance of the treasurer of Stonecroft resort, an article appears in the Ontario Times, "Whatever happened to Harold Ramsey?" reigniting the town with rumors, whispers, and gossip. Retired spinster Ada Whittaker intends to find the answer with or without help from the sheriff.

 In Book 2, The Death Collector, Ada Whittaker thought it a good idea when her widowed sister moved to Willowdell, Sackets Harbor's premier senior living village. But the upsurge in unexplained deaths among the residents makes her ask, when do too many incidents stop being accidents, and is Frances in danger?   

 

What got you on the path to writing/publication?

I've always loved story and loved to read, but I never thought of writing until my children were grown, and my husband showed me an advertisement for The Christian Writers Guild course.  

Were there mentors, maybe a school teacher, an angelic visitor, or even a favorite book that sealed your literary fate?

Several, but the one who means the most to me is not even aware of her impact. Patti Souder directed Montrose Christian Writers Conference in 1998, the first conference I ever attended. I stepped through the door that first day, unsure of myself, not entirely convinced I belonged there. Patti came up and hugged me, and I just felt God was affirming this step of faith.

 What is your proudest moment so far in your writing calling? 

I've attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for years, but never entered their contest until this year. God overwhelmed me when my novel, Anchorless Summer, won the Foundation Award in women's contemporary fiction. 

 

Wow, congratulations on that auspicious win! 
Was there ever a moment when you wanted to give up on writing?

One moment will stand out forever. I can't put into words how "at the end of myself" I felt that day. I wanted to walk away from writing completely. I figuratively wanted to burn down my office. I can say this because I know other writers have been there. I remember that moment because within minutes, I received an email from Scrivenings Press informing me I had won the grand prize in the GetPubbed contest and was offered a contract. At that moment, I was glad I hadn't burned down my office. 

 

Now that is affirmation. Beautiful testimony.
What's next? What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on assignment with David C Cook for devotionals. I'm also working on Book 3 in the series. I recently asked my readers to offer suggestions as to where Miss Ada should travel to have her next misadventure. One suggestion almost gave me an instantaneous plotline.

 

Would you tell your younger Writing Self to do anything differently?

Yes, don't be in a hurry to publish your first novel. Take time to develop the craft. Be patient. You don't have to settle for the first publisher that offers you a contract anymore than you have to settle for the boy who gave you your first kiss. Pray about everything.

 

Sandra grew up on a dairy farm in western New York, giving her not only the ability to milk cows, bale hay, and drive a tractor but an appreciation of nature's beauty. Her story settings reflect this love of the woodlands, lakes, and mountains. She allows only her favorite characters to get lost in them. She is a speaker, Bible teacher, and pastor's wife. Sandra currently makes her home in the warmer state of South Carolina.

 Visit www.sandrakayvosburgh.com and signup for her monthly newsletter and check out her blogposts. 

You can follow Sandra on Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win your choice of a Sandra Kay Vosburgh ebook by sharing this post to your social media. Just mention in the comments how many shares, and where, ie Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, etc. For fuirther entries, follow the author on her social media pages, and let me know in teh comments how many extra entries you earned/which you followed. Drawing will be held and winner announced Tuesday, September 27th.

Thank you for reading! Good luck in the drawing.

Phyllis Wheeler: Author of Time Travel Adventures for Children

 

This week's author, Phyllis Wheeler, writes stories like I used to love to read as a child. Time travel adventures were always among my favorites. Let's get to know more about her and her writing!

Hello Phyllis. Thanks for joining us with a look into your work and life. To begin, tell us about your writing.

I write fiction for middle grade and young adult, especially speculative fictions such as time-travel, for example my award-winning novel for ages 12-14, THE LONG SHADOW. I'm a Christian, and my stories reflect that in a fairly subtle way. I'm also a veteran homeschooler and write for homeschooled families, including a study guide. I experimented with other genres but keep coming back to writing for kids.

I'm a former homeschool mom and love all the books written for that market now. Tell us more about what you're working on right now.

A time-travel adventure series, GUARDIANS of TIME, is in the works. Book 1 comes out November 1. In the meantime, get the prequel short story at my website, PhyllisWheeler.com. 

This sounds like an exciting book. Can you give us a behind the scenes in what your writing?

Writing teachers tell you to write what you know, so I set my time-traveling heroes in my own St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves, specifically the modest side of town where I live. In my book, Guardians of Time Book 1: The Dog Snatcher, I take the twins on a quick trip to Lyon, France, in 1680, to chase the guy who kidnapped their dog. Lyon is where I spent several days in 2019 and got a good feel for this unique city. For the next book, we're likely to head to someplace I've never been! It's a secret where it is, but I've been able to find a number of  videos online of people walking around there, sharing their experience. Hint: it has a mysterious history.

What is the hardest part of writing a book for you?

Having been a nonfiction journalist and technical writer for most of my career, story brainstorming comes hard for me. I make myself sit in my office chair for long periods, and count it a day's work if I solve one turning point. So, I'm a relatively slow writer.

Who has been the biggest influence on you in your writing?

My very first critique group, which was of course formed of other writers who knew more than I did. They patiently showed me all the ways a former nonfiction writer can be doing the wrong thing! I'm grateful to them, and I've continued with a variety of other critique groups over the years, passing on the same knowledge to others.

Who is your favorite author?

My favorite living author is Jill Williamson, author of the Blood of Kings, fantasy series. 

It's a common question, but what inspires you to write?

Newspaper stories, Internet research on the topic I'm looking at asking friends for suggestions. I'm interested in people's lives and the challenges they've faced.

I noticed you've won some awards! Tell us about those.

The Long Shadow is a winner of a Purple Dragonfly Award and a Moonbeam Children's Book Award. There's even a free unit study available! Details here.

In all of life's adventures, do you have anyone along for the ride with you?

My husband Steve! We have four grown children and, so far, no grandchildren. Not even grand-dogs or cats. However, we do have Meggie, a miniature poodle. She is the boss of the household!

Thanks Phyllis for allowing us to get to know you, and to learn about your wonderful stories. If anyone would like to get to know more about Phyllis visit her website at phylliswheeler.com. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Suzie Waltner, Writing Longhand, & a Giveaway

There is nothing I love more than getting to know other authors in the community, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you one of our own Diamond Mine bloggers, Susie Waltner and her newest release, Midnight Blue. 

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not at work or reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She currently serves as the president of the Middle Tennessee ACFW chapter.


You can keep up with Suzie by following her:  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter

Now, let's dive into my favorite Fast Five Questions:

CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
SW: Milk Chocolate

CC: I'll forgive you for that. ;-)

CC: Print or E-book?
SW: Either. I tend to read more e-books to keep the print copies more pristine.

CC: I can see the allure in that.

CC: Cat or Dog Person?
SW: Both. I have a cat but watch a few friends' dogs when they are out of town.

CC: That's super kind of you!

CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
SW: A fraction more on the morning person end but not much!

CC: LOL, I understand. I'm forced to by the mere fact I have children still in school. 

CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

SW: Spring and Fall

CC: Oh, those milder weather months!

Let's dive into a few personal questions before talking about your book. 

CC: What are you reading right now?

SW: I often am reading one book and listening to another. Right now I am reading The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker and I'm about to start listening to The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson.
CC: For a while, I was doing the same thing. The different formats makes it easier to bounce between books.


CC: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
SW: I write every first draft longhand. It's taken me a while to figure out why I can open a blank document and stare at it with nothing coming to me but the minute that pen hits the paper, the words flow. Because I work at a computer all day long, the action of writing out the scenes triggers my brain that I am switching from numbers and logic to something more creative.
CC: There is actual science behind this fact that supports why you are able to do that. It's incredibly fascinating to me, and something I need to spend more time doing.



CC: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
SW: I do most of my writing on the weekends where I can block of large chunks of time to get in the zone. Weeknights just tend to get too busy. I do like doing sprints and I've found a couple of people on YouTube who do sprints. Even if I can't be there live, I'll pull up the videos and play them so it feels like there are others in it with me.

CC: Sprints save me SOOOO much. For those of you who don't know, sprints are when writers get together, set a timer, and then try to get as many words down in that time frames as they can. I suppose you don't HAVE to have other writers around, but it is definitely more motivating.


Where would authors be without books? Suzie's latest book, Midnight Blue, released this week. 

Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner

A series of heartbreaking setbacks behind her, Scarlett Sykes is now focused on creating the best life possible for her daughter. One where innocence and joy is not colored by rejection or loss. While finances are tight and Scarlett’s job isn’t ideal for a single mother, her child will always know she’s loved. Especially since Harmony’s father wanted nothing to do with them. As lead singer and the face of a successful country band, Jake Turnquist’s closest friends depend on him, but life in the spotlight is quickly losing its appeal. At a party celebrating another accomplishment, he’s stunned to discover Scarlett assisting the caterer. Almost ten years have passed, but he’s never forgotten his first love. In the hours after a surprise revelation, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave her up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?

You can purchase your copy at Amazon. 



CC: Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
SW: Andi Buchanan. She's a secondary character in Midnight Blue and she's a tough nut to crack. The one band member who doesn't say much and keeps her emotions under wraps. I'm learning more about her as I continue to write this series, and I can't wait to really dive into her backstory.

CC: Oh, those side characters can be tricky, and I love how they end up developing into their own complicated stories.

CC: If you could be any of your characters, which one would it be? Why?
SW: Cassidy Cagle because she speaks her mind, takes no excuses, and is fiercely protective of the people she loves.
CC: She seems like a really strong, independent woman. 

CC: How do you select the names of your characters?
SW: Some character names are just there when I'm writing them, but others take a little while (and usually the help of a baby name book or website).
CC: Those baby name books and websites can be a lifesaver for sure!

CC: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
SW: That no matter how badly we mess up, God can redeem our mistakes and breathe new life into relationships we see as dead or broken.

CC: Amen, and such an important reminder to all of us.

CC: One last fun question: If you could have any superpower, which would it be?
SW: Time manipulation - I'd make my work week move faster and my writing weekends stretch longer (and also vacations and fun trips could last)
CC: Oh that is a good one that I would never have thought of, but now I want it. 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

Suzie had partnered with two other Anaiah Press authors to offer a giveaway. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.

Giveaway includes: Antiques Roadshow DVD, ebook copy of The Maritime Cure by Michelle S. Lowe, Jeremiah 29:11 adult coloring book, Nashville streets puzzle, Nashville magnet, 12-oz handmade Orange Spice candle (coconut wax candle), and a $50 Amazon gift card.

Physical prizes open to US mailing addresses only. Digital prizes open internationally where accepted. Giveaway ends at 11:59 EST on September 30, 2022.

a Rafflecopter giveaway