Interview and Giveaway with author Miriam Thor

 

Today we welcome Miriam Thor to The Diamond Mine! She is offering an e-copy of her book, Listening to the Rain. 

To be entered in the drawing for the free copy, just leave a comment with your email and you will be entered!  Now, here's a little preview of her book. 

Even the worst storms can be beautiful if you learn how to listen.

During her freshman year of high school, Ally Griffin is determined to find her thing, a talent that will let her gain praise and recognition. Her cousins, Billy and James, have found theirs in sports and music, but Ally has yet to discover something that will make people cheer just for her.

At her best friend's suggestion, Ally tries ballet. When that doesn't turn out the way she hopes, she signs up to sing in the school talent show. Thanks to support from James, Ally's performance goes well, and she thinks she has found her thing at last.

But when James gets into an accident, Ally's whole world is turned upside down. As she tries to be there for her cousin, Ally wrestles with why God allows bad things to happen and whether she should keep doing her thing at all.

Sounds like a great read! Now let's get to the interview!

Hi Miriam! Can you tell us a little about your book?

Listening to the Rain is a contemporary young adult Christian fiction novel about faith and family with a splash of romance. It focuses on high school freshman, Ally Griffin, and her relationship with her two cousins, Billy and James.

At the beginning of the story, Ally is committed to finding her thing, something she’s good at that will help her stand out. She’s been searching for it for years, and when she finally finds it, she’s ecstatic. Then, James gets in an accident that has life-changing implications for her entire family. Ally has to figure out how to navigate her family’s new normal and how her newfound thing fits into that, if it does at all.

Sounds very engaging. How did you get your idea for this story?

I got the idea to write about three cousins living with their -grandfather from watching the TV show, The Dukes of Hazzard, while I was in high school. From there, I developed the three cousins’ characters in my head and got to know them, so to speak. As for the plot, I wanted the main problem the characters face to be something near and dear to my heart. I don’t want to give too much away, but the life-changing event the Griffin family faces relates closely to something I am passionate about.

Now you've got me mighty curious!

What made you decide to be a writer?

When I was in second grade, my teacher, Mrs. Chambliss, noticed how much I enjoyed my writing assignments, and she encouraged me to write as much as I wanted. That was when I really fell in love with writing. At that time (and still today), I loved to read. As I read book after book, I started dreaming about writing a book of my own that others would read and enjoy.

And what was your first story?

I first attempted to write a novel in middle school, although I only completed a few hand-written chapters. My first published short story was called “Simon Says,” a Biblical fiction story focusing on the apostle Peter’s wife. Listening to the Rain is the first complete book I ever wrote, although I had two novellas published before it was accepted for publication, and it’s gone through major changes since I finished the first draft almost a decade ago.

It must feel good to see it in print! 

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

These days, I always write from an outline. I’m working on two different novels right now, and I have fairly detailed outlines for both of them. My process for writing Listening to the Rain was a little different. I wrote the first couple of chapters while I was in college and had the plot more or less planned in my head. I suppose you could call that an outline, but I never wrote it down.

I think that fits as an outline!

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

Listening to the Rain has two main themes. The first is that we need to trust God, even when life is hard and we don’t understand what He is doing. The second is that our God-given gifts and talents are meant to be used for His glory, not our own.

Great Themes!!

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

Ally definitely shares my independent nature, although she is more outspoken about it than I am, most of the time. Billy, Ally’s oldest cousin, shares my brother’s sense of humor. I didn’t set out to model his sense of humor after my brother’s, but when I reread some of the scenes where Billy is joking, I can picture my brother saying similar things when we were younger.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes, they do, and it’s one of my favorite parts about writing. I remember writing a scene in Listening to the Rain that I thought would be entirely focused on Ally and Billy. The two of them were in the barn by themselves. Billy was so upset about James’s accident that he was punching a wall, and Ally was trying to get him to stop. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Grandpa showed up with first-aid supplies.

As I was writing the scene, I was surprised when I realized I was about to type that Grandpa was in the doorway behind them. I hadn’t planned for him to be there, but it just fit so well with his character that I ran with it. Of course, Grandpa knew Billy well enough to know how he’d react to the situation. It felt like I should have known he would do that all along.

That cracks me up! I love it when characters do that. Do you have a favorite character in your books?

I have a lot of trouble choosing a favorite character as an author because I get to know them all so well. I think I like different characters more at different times, depending on which scene I’m working on. While I was writing Listening to the Rain, Ally, Billy, and James were each my favorite character at one point or another. Now, I guess I’d say all three of them are my favorites.

It's definitely not easy to pick a favorite. We get so attached to our characters! 

So, what are you working on now?

I am working on a contemporary Christian Christmas novella. I’ve written eleven chapters so far, and I have either three or four more to go. I started working on it in October, and I’ve really enjoyed writing it. I’m hoping it will be ready to submit to a publisher in a few months.

I’m also in the middle of writing a young adult Christian fantasy series. I’ve completed the first book and have written a few chapters of the second one. I put that on hold to focus on the Christmas novella, but I plan to go back to it soon.

Sounds like you're a busy lady! Thanks so much for the interview, Miriam! 

Well, readers, I'm including an excerpt from Listening to the Rain here for your enjoyment: 

Unfortunately, it started raining a few minutes before the bus reached our stop. By unspoken consent, the two of us walked home as quickly as we could so that we could get warm and dry as soon as possible.

I wanted to talk to James as soon as I’d changed into dry clothes, but I knew better than to try. 

Grandpa insisted that we start on our homework as soon as we got home, and while I was willing to bend that rule from time to time, James definitely was not. Resigned to wait, I solved a page of equations and read the short story Mrs. Chamberlain had assigned.

When I was finished, I went in search of my cousin to see if he had completed his homework, too. I found him sitting in a rocking chair on the porch with his eyes closed.

“What are you doing?” I asked, puzzled.

He opened his eyes and looked at me. “Listening to the rain. God plays beautiful music, don’t you think?”

I wasn’t sure how to respond. James said stuff like that sometimes. Random, weird stuff. And I was never sure what to make of it.

“It’s not music, James,” I said. “It’s just water hitting the roof.”

He shrugged, unperturbed, and studied my face. “What’s wrong, Ally?”

“What makes you think something’s wrong?” I demanded.

“You’ve got that ‘I really want to ask you something, but I don’t know how you’ll take it’ look on your face.”

I smiled. He always could read me like an open book.

“Well…” I said slowly. “You heard about the talent show at school today, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah, Mr. Jenkins announced it in homeroom.”

I bit my lip and stared at my lap. I wanted to sing in the talent show so badly. What if James did, too?

“What about it?” James prompted when I didn’t continue.

“Do you want to enter?” I asked and held my breath.

“No,” he said. “Performing in front of all the kids at school and a panel of judges doesn’t sound like much fun to me.”

I heaved a sigh of relief and grinned at him.

“Good.”

“Does that smile mean you plan on entering?” he asked.

“Yep,” I said. “I didn’t want to compete against you, though.”

He smiled. “So, what will you sing?”

I didn’t even ask how he knew I planned to sing. We both knew my talents. Unless I wanted to bring our hens to roost on the stage and gather their eggs, singing was my only real option.

“I don’t know yet,” I said, “but I’ll figure it out.” I started to turn around. “You can go back to your…rain listening now.”

He rolled his eyes as I headed back inside.

There you go, readers! And now here's a short bio and some social and purchase links from Miriam. And don't forget to leave a comment and be entered into the drawing for the free copy of her book!

Bio:

Miriam Thor grew up in Louisiana. After high school, she attended Gardner-Webb University, where she earned a degree in American Sign Language and elementary education. Currently, she lives in Alabama with her husband and six cats. She is employed as a sign language interpreter at an elementary school.

Miriam discovered her love of writing in second grade and has been doing it ever since. Her first novel, Listening to the Rain, was published in September 2022. She has also had two novellas published: Her First Noel, a contemporary Christian romance, and Wish Granted, a young adult fantasy story.

To learn more about Miriam, visit her website: https://miriamthor17.wixsite.com/author.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Rain-Miriam-Thor-ebook/dp/B09VS27PHW

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/listening-to-the-rain-miriam-thor/1141235963

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=cupkEAAAQBAJ&gl=us

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/listening-to-the-rain-1

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/listening-to-the-rain/id1615814817

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738865282

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Miriam_Thor17

Instagram: @miriamthor17

TikTok: @miriamthor17_author

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Miriam-Thor/author/B0BB47Z88N

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18283324.Miriam_Thor

Blog: https://threecs.org/

Stepping Back in Time with Colleen Hall

 Welcome back to the Diamond Mine, friends and merry Christmas! This week, historical romance author Colleen Hall is stopping by for a visit.

About the Author

Colleen Hall wrote her first story in third grade and wrote as a hobby all during her growing-up years. She was born in New England but moved South to attend college. She married a Southerner and has lived half of her life in the South. This helped her to see both sides of the issues of the Civil War. In Her Traitor's Heart, she was able to combine her love of writing with her love of history. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, horseback riding, reading, and browsing antique stores. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and family, three horses, and two spoiled cats.

Connect with Colleen: Website | Instagram

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Colleen. We are delighted to have you with us this week. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

Would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors? 

Colleen: I would definitely prefer to write in a quiet studio with cows as my neighbors.

Suzie: A good place to write, for sure! Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers? 

Colleen: Hmm. . . I think I’d rather read a book with no page numbers. I’d need chapter numbers to let me know where I am in the plot.

Suzie: Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Colleen: Some things about me that’s not in my bio: I love chocolate; I’m a night owl; except for one cousin, I’m the shortest person on both sides of the family; I’m the oldest of three children; and yes, what people say about redheads is true—just ask me.

Suzie: What are three books on your current tbr?

Colleen: Three books on my TBR list are: Understanding Show, Don’t Tell—And Really Getting It by Janice Hardy, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhor, and Sudden Sea, The Great Hurricane of 1938 by R. A. Scotti.

Suzie: All of those look fantastic. I am adding to my tbr now, too :)

What does your writing space look like? 

Colleen: My writing space is a nook at the back of the house in the master suite. When I first set it up—complete with a “new to me” antique writing desk. After all, if I’m writing historicals, then I need an antique writing desk that will help set the mood. 

Suzie: Yes, an antique writing desk is a must! Would you share with us a little about your road to publication? 

Colleen: I’ve been writing almost as long as I can remember. My mother told me I wrote my first story in third grade. All through junior high and high school, I wrote as a hobby. I had to take a break from writing when I went to college. After I graduated from college and married, I picked up my hobby again. I wrote when the children went down for their naps and whenever I could find time. As the kids grew older and family life became more complicated, I had to once again put my writing away. Years later I had surgery and was out of work for several weeks. While I was at home recuperating, I pulled out a manuscript I’d written when the children were young. I reworked it, googled “Christian publishers that take new writers,” and Anaiah Press came up. I submitted to Anaiah, and as the saying goes, “the rest is history.”

Suzie: I love that God kept that writing dream alive despite the stops and starts. 

What are some of your favorite things about writing historical stories? 

Colleen: I love history, so writing historical novels seemed a natural thing for me to do. I love putting my characters in some of my favorite by-gone eras and creating worlds and challenges within those time periods. I even enjoy doing the necessary research.

Suzie: Tell us more about your newest release. 

Colleen: Wild Heart is the fourth book in my Frontier Hearts Saga series and takes the Slash L Ranch family to the next generation. The Wild Wind brothers—they’re featured in books 4 and 5—leave the ranch to pursue their own destinies in uranium mining during the early 1900s.

Suzie: What are you currently working on? 

Colleen: I’m currently working on a new Civil War series called Confederate Brides. I’ve just completed the first novel, Beloved Enemy.

Suzie: Oo, that title is intriguing.

Before we go, tell us how we can pray for you. 

Colleen: Thank you. I’d appreciate prayers that I’d continue to get fresh ideas for stories, that I’d stay focused on the task the Lord has given me, and that I wouldn’t be discouraged.

Thank you for taking some time out during the busy holiday season to chat with us, Colleen. I've enjoyed getting to know you a little more.

Readers, let us know in the comments what you enjoy most about reading historical fiction.

About Wild Heart

What should a New York heiress do when her domineering father arranges a marriage for her with his banker business partner? In 1911, the heyday of the Robber Barons, women have little power over their destinies, but feisty Garnet Morrison is determined to chart her own course. In Cole Wild Wind, a uranium mine owner in Colorado who seeks to make her father an investor in his mine, Garnet sees freedom from the future her father plans for her.

What does a confirmed bachelor do when he meets the beautiful daughter of an Eastern financier? When Cole was looking for a businessman to invest in his uranium mine, he hadn’t expected to meet Garnet Morrison. Garnet was an Eastern socialite unsuited to life in a Rocky Mountain mining camp, but when her father brings Garnet with him on his business trip, Cole’s vision of his future changes. Forces beyond their control conspire to keep them apart. Can Cole and Garnet overcome the challenges that stand in their way of a life together?

Amazon | Goodreads

Interview with Award-winning Author, Tricia Goyer.

Get ready, Diamond Miners. We've uncovered a true, multi-faceted diamond in our midst. As authors go, she's the equivalent of at least a two-carat gemstone; authentic and brilliant with such an incredible, bright shine. An absolute Rock Star. 

Please welcome my friend, Tricia Goyer. With over 90 books to her credit, she's launched many successful publishing endeavors in multiple genres, from fiction to non-fiction to children's books. By following the persistent leading of her God as well as her heart, she serves her readers with excellence and determination, regardless of which shelf a book may land with her name on the cover.  

I'm always intrigued to spend time with such a brilliant, talented, and experienced author. I secretly hope that whatever you call that trait that makes success look easy will rub off on me, but we all recognize there are no shortcuts.  

Success comes with diligence, perfecting your craft, and the obedience to sit in your chair and write until the job is finished. 

Tricia Goyer is one of the best I've ever seen at this, and her stellar career continues to build accolades as a result. Not only is she a writer, conference speaker, and podcast host, but she's also a health coach, homeschooling mom and mother of ten children. 

This brings up many questions about her astounding time management skills, which is another interview for another day, I hope. 

Frankly, Tricia is the writer we all hope to be. What I admire most is her own hero's journey of coming from humble beginnings with only a year or so of college. She's a former teen mom who invests her time, attention and effort into taking the grace she's been given and looking for ways to pay it forward. 

They say that diamonds reflect light in two ways. Reflection and Refraction. Refraction is described as the way 'light bounces around on the inside to create a sparkle." 

I like that. I think that's exactly what we find in Tricia Goyer. Her light bounces around so much on the inside, it can't help but spill out onto all the pages she can find. 

Thank you, Tricia, for stopping by the Diamond Mine to share some of what you've learned along the way. 

What were your writing and reading habits as a child? 

Tricia: I grew up in a home where no one in my family read. The only thing I saw being read was my grandpa reading his Bible. Then, when I was in about the 5th grade, we moved near a library. I soon spent every summer day there, taking home piles of books. I never thought about becoming a writer, but I did love to read. I also won an essay contest in high school. Still, I didn’t think of becoming a writer. Only years later, as I sat in a church nursery, the idea sparked that maybe I could write novels. When my friend Cindy told me she was working on a novel, as we sat there watching our kids play, I just knew it was something I wanted to do.

Your debut novel was historical fiction - published in 2003. How did this become your debut, and what led you to this genre?

Tricia: My first novel was From Dust and Ashes, which was set in World War Two. I remember vividly when my interest in the liberation of the Mauthausen camp in St. Georgen, Austria, was sparked. An Austrian historian, Marta, invited me and my friends to her home, sharing stories about the Gusen camps and their liberation by American GIs. I was particularly intrigued by a young Nazi wife who was among the first to help the prisoners. This encounter made me wonder about her beliefs and the experiences of those who suffered in the camps.

Later, during a dinner cruise in Prague, sitting next to a young Jewish girl and her brother, I realized the profound impact of WWII's horrors. This moment solidified my determination to write about these events. When my fellow fiction writers traveling with me showed no interest in this topic, I knew I had to tell this story.

I embarked on extensive research, attending the 59th reunion of the 11th Armored Division and returning to Austria for memorial services. Speaking with veterans and locals, including a man who was just a child during the war, deepened my understanding. Personal stories, memoirs, and oral histories were the foundation of my writing. As I wrote, the events of 1945 and the streets of St. Georgen came to life in my mind, driven by a desire to share this story of liberation. This was the first of my novels inspired by actual events and heroes.

What happened next? Did this become a series, or did you go into non-fiction or children's books?

Tricia: Around the same time I got this idea for From Dust and Ashes, I also helped start Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, Montana. I was mentoring young women in the Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) support group, and as I worked with them, I realized there needed to be books written specifically for them. I approached MOPS leadership, and I showed them the need. Since I had been a teen mom, I mentored teen moms and was an author, and they agreed I needed to write that book for them. Amazingly, I went from having no book contracts to having two book contracts, one in fiction and one in nonfiction. This started me down two paths that have continued to this day. I write an equal amount of fiction and nonfiction if you count the numerous magazine articles, blog posts, devotions, and other pieces I write in addition to books. The novels are just much longer! And, yes, From Dust and Ashes was part of a four-book series.

 

What makes you say 'yes' to a project?

Tricia: I have a lot of ideas, but I work on the ones that stick around like gum on the bottom of my shoe and won't leave me alone. I have novel ideas that have been tucked away in my brain for 20 years that I still want to write, but it's the idea that fills my mind over and over again that makes me sit down and put words to paper.

What makes you say 'no'?

Tricia: Time and family. I need to sleep, and I need to care for the family God’s given me.

Are your characters based on real people?

Tricia: Yes, some are based on real people. My biblical novels of Esther and Miriam are examples. Others are inspired by real people, such as my World War II novels. They are often composite characters from the dozens of veterans I’ve interviewed. My real-life friend, Miss Jan, recently appeared in one of my novels. She was my co-leader in our Teen Mom Support group for over a decade, and I put her in a book!

Tell us about your non-fiction journey. What pulls you in that direction?

Tricia: I also speak at conferences, and I pay attention to the questions I am asked. If multiple people ask me the same question, I know they believe I'm someone they can trust with the answer. Many of my books have come out of the need to answer these questions. If ten people ask the same question, 10,000 probably want to know the answer, too.

What is your preference between the two?

Tricia: I love all types of writing. It all makes me happy! But if I had to choose, it would be a historical fiction novel that I must research. I love going on research binges!

When you're not writing, what do you do for fun?

Tricia: Board games, road trips, and watercolor painting!

Tell us about your agent and how she's directed your journey over the past 20 years.

Tricia: I met my agent, Janet Grant, through my friend Robin Gunn. The funny thing is that she rejected me the first time I submitted anything to Janet. I was working on a teen series that needed a lot of help. Later, when I submitted something else to Janet, she signed it. Janet has been my agent since 1997. She probably knows me better than almost anyone except my family. We have talked through ideas; she has been there for my highest highs and swept with me during my lowest lows. She is my always cheerleader, a trusted advisor, and a dedicated companion to walk this publishing Journey with. I'm so thankful!

What advice would you give beginning authors in today's publishing culture?

Tricia: Oh, so much! Here’s the first tips that come to mind.

- Join Writing Communities: Join groups like the American Christian Fiction Writers or other online groups. These communities offer invaluable support and networking opportunities.

          - Educate Yourself: Reading various books on writing. There are books on everything from plot development to how to market your books. I also sign up for online courses and listen to podcasts. I’m always learning.

          - Find Your Unique Path: My journey involved aligning my writing with what God wanted me to write, including the things that matter most to my heart–in fiction and non-fiction. It's important to find what truly inspires you and follow that path.

           - Embrace New Opportunities: My experience starting a support group for young moms led to my book "Life Interrupted." I am a huge fan of The Voice, which led me to reach out to Todd Tilghman when he won. Be open to writing about topics that resonate with you, especially if they involve helping others.

           - Persistence and Adaptability: I faced challenges getting book proposals accepted early in my career. It's crucial to stay persistent and adapt to the changing publishing landscape. Attend writers' conferences and pay attention to the advice given.

           - Follow God’s Plan: I believe aligning your writing with a higher purpose can lead to greater success and fulfillment. I spiritually nourish myself through reading God’s Word and prayer so I can sense that God is calling me to something.

           Remember, writing is not just about crafting words. It's also about sharing your unique perspective and connecting with others through your stories.

What is the most satisfying part of writing/publishing?

Tricia: Writing The End and realizing that God allowed me to be creative while sharing truth and hope with readers.

 Tell us about your most recent release - Trust the Stars. 

Tricia: Trust the Stars intertwines the lives of two women from different eras. Olivia Garza, living a service-oriented life in Little Rock, becomes an unexpected viral sensation through a documentary series she creates to understand her mother's past decisions. Her journey leads her to Kenya, where she encounters Prince Louis, the heir to a European kingdom, who recognizes her from her series. Despite a connection, their potential romance is hindered by Olivia's aversion to what Louis represents.

Meanwhile, the story also delves into the life of Princess Alessandra Appiani in World War II Rome. Alessandra makes a life-altering decision to risk her safety within the Vatican to save Jewish children, showcasing immense courage and compassion.

Olivia, tasked with creating a documentary about Alessandra's sacrifices, is forced to confront challenging questions about her own path and whether to trust God for a future she never envisioned. This novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of making difficult choices.​

 What happens next in your career?

Tricia: I had to stop and count, but I currently have about two dozen books in the publishing process. These are either being edited, written, waiting to be edited, or contracted but waiting to be written. Also included are a few proposals I’m preparing before publishing committees. These include everything from children’s books to novels and parenting books. I’m also hosting the Daily Bible Podcast for the second year, and five of my novels are being written into screenplays. There’s never a quiet moment, and I love it!

And that, fellow Diamond Miners, is how you sparkle.