Meet Cozy Mystery Writer Julie B. Cosgrove

 

Our guest today is Julie B Cosgrove, author of the Word Play Mysteries, talking about her series and why she writes in the cozy genre.

Leaving a comment makes you eligible for  a paperback of your choice of any of Julie's thirteen cozy mysteries.  If the winner is not in the USA, Julie will email a $15 Amazon gift certificate to purchase one paperback or several eBooks (hopefully hers!).

A church member recently asked me why, as a Christian author, I wrote mysteries. Good question. At first glance it may seem faith and mystery are polar opposites. Good versus evil. Love versus crime. Saint versus sinner.

 

I write cozy mysteries for several reasons. First, it is my favorite genre. From an early age I would lie in front of our black and white TV totally absorbed in the Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan mysteries.  I did read some of the Nancy Drew books from my elementary school library but found them to be too predictable. I figured out I didn’t want to read about her, I wanted to be her! The late British author Mary Stewart hooked me on her novels.  Young, intelligent single women travel to exotic places, then find themselves in the midst of danger once they get too close to whodunnit. And of course, each ended with the dashing slightly older gentleman coming to the rescue. Sigh. It pumped my preteen heart!

 

I still prefer to read cozies, but many of the secular ones are not as innocent as they once were. Foul language, out of marriage relationships, paranormal, and witchcraft have inched into the plots. Hmmm, not for me. But there are still some clean, secular cozy writers out there. Mary Daheim has been my favorite since the late 1990’s. She still writes, by the way. I love her wit and her characters. To state I was thrilled when she endorsed my first cozy mystery novel, Dumpster Dicing, back in 2016 is an understatement.  

 

Secondly, cozy mysteries are less about the crime itself and more about achieving justice by solving the mystery and making sure the bad guys are caught. Micah 6:8 states, as the as the answer as to what a faith-living person should do: “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” As a Christian cozy writer, I try to show my characters live out the faith in their everyday lives and interactions. They are fallible but they keep trying to achieve all three. Thus, each mystery has a central message – God is there and He cares.

 

As one five star reviewer wrote – “What I didn’t expect was such an encouraging message to come in the middle of a cozy mystery. Sometimes authors shove a Christian message in between crime scenes and car chases. However, Cosgrove seamlessly threads her message throughout the book." 

 

So far, I have been contracted to write three mystery series. The first, The Bunco Biddies Mysteries, were four novels written between 2015-2018.  They feature Bunco playing ladies in a retirement community. The first won Best Cozy Mystery set in Texas by the Texas Association of Authors in 2017. Then Write Integrity Press took me on as an author but the editor in chief wanted a more “Hallmark” formula. So, I wrote The Relatively Seeking Mysteries involving three thirty-something church friends who sought out lost relatives and found themselves in danger as they unveiled family secrets. One Leaf Too Many (the ACFW book of the month in August 2019) and Fallen Leaf have the inklings of romance with the detectives on the case. The third, Leaf Me Alone, finalist in the Christian Literary Awards in 2021, showed the gal who was already married but whose marriage was being tested by hard times. Working through the mystery helped the couple realize the strength of their marriage and their faith.

 

Then I convinced Write Integrity Press to let me return to writing about senior sleuths. I combined my two loves—mystery and word games—and molded them into The Wordplay Mystery Series.  Wanda, the main character, is a widow raised in the small, fictitious town of Scrub Oak, Texas. Her almost life-long friend is a retired schoolteacher, also widowed, named Betty Sue.  Her next door neighbor is Evelyn, who devours cozy mysteries and even has them catalogued by sleuth, crime, and author. Wanda’s nephew, Todd—who the town recalls as the wayward teen whose parents went through the most scandalous divorce in Scrub Oak history—grew up, graduated from the police academy, and now has returned to Scrub Oak as a policeman.

 Wanda begins to realize her love for word games and puzzles make her a natural sleuth. In fact, various word game techniques help her discover valid clues. So, she sets out “helping” her nephew win the favor of the town by solving the crimes that are seeping into Scrub Oak along with the urban sprawl.

Word Has It involves a Scrabble game revealing clues to not only a current mystery but two previously hidden in the past. It won the Distinguished Cozy Mystery award in the Spring of 2021. In Word Gets Around, random words left on windshield may hold the answer as to why an up and coming reporter has gone missing.  In Other Words focuses on palindromes spray painted on local businesses when the vandalism soon explodes into organized crime. In Hang on Every Word, Wanda is assigned to create a weekly Hangman and a Find-Words-in-a-Word puzzle for the local newspaper, but the clues seem to spur robberies around downtown. People begin to think Wanda may be orchestrating it all to gain more glory. Now, though handcuffed, she must solve the mystery and her reputation!

 The fourth in the series has just released - Away With Words.  In this novel, Wanda and Evelyn reluctantly go on a women’s retreat with Betty Sue out of state to West Monroe, Louisiana.  The theme of the retreat is “Acting out Grace” and Wanda soon learns that this is something unnatural for her to do, especially after being wounded by the community who accused her of crime plotting. While there, a scavenger hunt leads them to discover a crime scene. Then one of the retreat attendees is whacked over the head. Plus, a teenage girl has gone missing. Of course, the trio feel obliged to investigate. Through it all, Wanda learns quite a few reasons why she needed to be on this retreat.

Unlike Scrub Oak, the setting for Away with Words is real. It is a wonderful cabin where I was invited by some local church ladies in West Monroe to lead a retreat several years ago. It was one of the most enjoyable retreats I have led.  Therefore, when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to set my next mystery there.

 I have been contracted to continue the series and am writing book six, Loss for Words now. Its planned release is next June.  In between writing the Word Play Mysteries, I was privileged to be asked to write, along with six other Christian cozy mystery writers, a novella series called The Visitor.  The seven were released monthly from February through August of 2023 and mine, The Visitor Makes a Retreat, debuted the series.

 Life is a mystery, and it has many twists and turns. We don’t always see what is coming. But we know in the end good will triumph over evil. God reigns, even though Satan prowls. My mysteries, I hope, reiterate that fact.

 You can preview each of the thirteen books published so far on my website, or on my Amazon author page.  And I would love it if you followed me on my Facebook page.

DIY Novel by Author Regina Rudd Merrick and Book Giveaway!

Throw those paint brushes in the water bucket, swipe the paint off your nose, and perch yourself on a metal stool while we get to know this week’s author, Regina Rudd Merrick. I’ve just started her book, Heart Restoration, since I’m such a DIYer, I couldn’t resist. So, let’s get to know her a little better.

 

PT: Hi, Regina! Let’s get the basics out of the way. Tell us what genre you write in and if there’s ever been another genre you’ve always wanted to write in and why?

RRM: I mainly write Contemporary Christian Romance, although I released a Christian Historical romance last spring. I would LOVE to write RomCom, but I always end up putting a serious plot in there, somehow!

PT: What region of the United States has most influenced you in your life? Midwest? Eastern seaboard? Rockies? Appalachian? West Coat? Southwest? Which region do you hail from?

RRM: I’m from what you’d call the mid-south, I guess—the western part of Kentucky. From Nashville, TN, go north for an hour and a half, then turn left! Most of my writing features either characters from my home area, or one who has relocated to the beaches of South Carolina, which is definitely my happy place!

PT: Ah, the beach. I am so with you there! Now, what directed your life toward writing? Do you have another job besides being an author?

RRM: I’ve always been a writer, although it’s just been in the last ten or so years that I’ve written with the goal of publication. I started with fanfiction online, and met some other writers there who were using fanfiction as a means to prepare for the “real” world of writing Christian fiction, and the die was cast. At the time, I was the library director at our local library. Now, I write full-time but just finished a season of caring for and losing elderly parents.

PT: Oh, my. So sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. But speaking of seasons, what season is your favorite and why?

RRM: If it’s winter, I’ll say spring, but when fall comes? Then it’s fall! LOL! Overall, though, I think it would be spring, primarily because the older I get, the more I hate winter weather, and daffodils!

PT: Are you and your family a rural-type or urban type? Any animals that grace your home?

RRM: Rural, definitely. My husband and I both grew up on farms, in small communities, and we now live on a 3-acre plot just outside the city limits of a small Kentucky town which is considered a “rural city!” LOL! Our only farm animal is Cedric, our 16-year-old dog!

PT: I’ve got to tell you I am really excited about your series, RenoVations, being a die-hard DIYer myself. I just finished painting one deck, staining another and freshening paint around the exterior of the house. Is there a reason why you chose this topic?

RRM: I love watching HGTV, and when I was younger, before HGTV was a thing, I watched This Old House faithfully. When I started thinking about a series featuring a family of contractors, the name Reno came up, and with my love of word-play, RenoVations was born! Being able to set up a fictional community in my home county has been so much fun!

PT: Are you a DIYer yourself? If so, what’s one of your current projects?

RRM: My dad could fix anything, and my mom was an expert homemaker, so let’s just say I grew up thinking everyone was supposed to be a DIYer! I do what I can, but I like to think I know my limitations—and my husband’s! 😉

PT: Give us some info your new book coming out in November and where it is set. Give us all the juicy details.

RRM: I’m very excited about 12 Days of Mandy Reno, RenoVations Inc., book 2, releasing November 14, 2023! It’s my first Christmas novella that’s not part of a collection.

In this contemporary romance, Mandy Reno, cousin of Lisa Reno from book 1, is back home in Clementville, KY, on break from law school for Christmas. Her parents, on a six-month mission assignment, are delayed departing Brazil because of a natural disaster that affects the people for whom they’ve come to minister, and won’t be home for the holidays. Working at the local café, Mandy finds herself telling young Sheriff Clay Lacey her frustrations, and he hatches a plan, secretly, to make sure Mandy has an amazing Christmas. He just hopes that when she finds out, their five-year age difference won’t be a factor in her enjoyment of the season—or her opinion of him.

If you want to get caught up on the storyline, Heart Restoration, book 1 of the RenoVations Inc. series, released in September!

PT: Tell us 3 things about Regina Rudd Merrick that have nothing to do with writing.

RRM:

1. At age 6, my first TV crush was Fess Parker on “Daniel Boone.” I’ve been fascinated with Daniel Boone ever since -good thing I’m from KY, right?

2. My husband was at my parents’ wedding – he was two, so …

3. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Library Science at the age of 33 after three majors, two children, and moving sixty miles away from our hometown.

PT: Is there a third book in the RenoVations Inc. series? If so, what direction are you going in next? If not, what’s the next project?

RRM: Yes! Rebuilding Joy, Book 3 in the RenoVations Inc. series releases in February, features Lisa Reno’s brother and Mandy Reno’s cousin, Del Reno. There’s a mystery at the Clementville Café, and Del is determined to keep widow Darcy and her twin preschoolers safe, if it kills him.

PT: Sounds like a great direction! Where can readers find you?

RRM: I can be found on Facebook and lurking on Instagram, and at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com – or at home watching all the Star Trek TV shows and movies in chronological order! 😊

So great to have you Regina. And now, the giveaway... Regina is giving away a reader's choice of an eBook OR sign print book (US only) of 12 Days of Mandy Reno! Click that link if you don't want to wait for your copy, otherwise, talk to us in the comments and leave a email. Or you can use our contact form.

Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published author, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things fun, beachy, and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 40 years, she is the mother of two grown daughters and lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com.

Purchase Link: https://scriveningspress.com/book/12-days-of-mandy-reno/

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regina-R-Merrick-512257938964888/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginamerrick/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rmerrick/

Website: https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com

Scrivenings Press, LLC Author Page: https://scriveningspress.com/regina-rudd-merrick/

Amazon Author Page: https://tinyurl.com/AmReginaRuddMerrick

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Join Regina and I with several other authors at Just Read Author Rendezvous in St. Louis on Nov. 17th! Find out more at JustRead Publicity Tours.

Interview and giveaway with author Jodie Wolfe!!

 

Today we welcome Author Jodie Wolfe to the Diamond Mine!! We will be talking about her and her new release, Wooing Gertrude.

Jodie is offering an e-copy of her book, Taming Julia, which is the first novel in her present series. To take part in the giveaway drawing, at the end of the interview, click on "leave a comment"and include your email to be entered in the free drawing! 

Now we'll get to the interview, after this short excerpt from her book:

The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn’t who the deputy envisioned...

Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.

Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.

Will either of them ever be able to find peace?

Sounds wonderful, Jodie!

How did you get your idea for this story?

Gertrude was first introduced as a minor character in Taming Julia. In my second book, Protecting Annie, Gertrude befriends Annie McPherson. I wanted Gertrude to find love and happiness too, which is why I wrote Wooing Gertrude. As for the initial premise, I once came across an article about a man arrested during the time I write, that had swindled women of their savings.

It's so interesting where we often get our ideas from! 

What made you decide to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl. In elementary school, I started writing little stories and illustrating them. I was hooked and knew that when I grew up, I wanted to become a writer.

What do you like best about writing?

I love the writing process. Coming up with characters. Researching a setting. Finding a time to place the story and then letting the characters go. They often surprise me along the way.

Yes! There are so many wonderful aspects to being a writer. What was your first story?

My first unpublished book I wrote when I was thirteen – Laura MacKenzie and the Mysterious Kidnapping. :) Can you tell I read a lot of mysteries at the time?

Yes, I can tell!  :) 

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

I have a rough idea where I’m going, but I don’t come up with a formal outline.

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

Each novel has a different underlying theme. It’s usually something either God has taught me or is in the process of teaching me.

That's so interesting! A great way to pass along encouragement.

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

Some do, but I’ll never tell what they are. :)

Smart girl!!

Do your characters ever surprise you?

All the time. I think I know which way the story is heading, and my characters decide to do something I didn’t expect.

I think it's pretty cool when that happens! And wonderfully surprising.  :)

What are you working on now?

I recently turned in the final book in this series to my publisher. Since then, I’ve been working on a new book/series set in Shippensburg, PA. The first book is set during the Civil War, which I’ve never done before, so I’ve been boning up on it. My husband and I even went to a Civil War ball recently. It was a lot of fun.

Well, this interview has been fun, too! Thanks, Jodie!!

Hey readers, I'm including a short bio of Jodie, as well as all her social and purchase links. And after that, Jodie has gifted us with a "First page peek" of Wooing Gertrude! Enjoy!

Bio:

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Wooing-Gertrude-Burrton-Springs-Brides-ebook/dp/B0CCXGB3GB?ref_=ast_author_dp

Ebook: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1635

Print:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636

First Page Peek

Burrton Springs, Kansas

August 4, 1877

Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.

She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live?

The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.

Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.

Motherhood, Writing, and a Split-Time Story with Sarah Hanks

Y'all, I'm late getting this post up but didn't want you to miss out on meeting the delightful Sarah Hanks. The delay is completely my fault since our guest sent me her interview weeks ago. Let me just say, if you have not ready anything by Sarah, you are missing out on some wonderful books. And Sarah is giving one of our readers an e-book of her latest release. Keep reading to learn more about the book as well as how to enter the giveaway.

 About Sarah Hanks

Sarah Hanks spent a decade delightfully merging her two main passions—writing and equipping children—by writing a variety of Sunday school curricula for churches in her community. She wrote her first novel when she was seventeen and continued to write fiction “on the side” until deciding to pursue writing professionally with Mercy Will Follow Me. She and her husband have nine children of their own, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives together in beautiful chaos in St. Charles, Missouri. She buys ear plugs in bulk.

Visit Sarah's website and learn 10 random facts about her (on the about page): https://sarah-hanks.com/ 

Follow Sarah via: Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Sarah. I’m so excited to introduce you and your books to our readers. 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? 

Sarah: I could probably write anywhere my children aren’t. Noise doesn’t bother me as long as it’s not coming from my dear ones screaming, fighting, crying, or saying “Mom! Mom! Mom!”. But I might get more words in with the cows. 

Suzie: The plight of motherhood. Your kids need you most (or think they do) when you are trying to concentrate on something else. 

Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers? 

Sarah: Chapter numbers. Chapter length varies drastically, so the chapter number doesn’t tell me much anyway.

Suzie: Agreed. Now, if there were no scene breaks, I might have a different opinion. 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. 

Sarah: I have nine children. That is in my bio, but what’s not is that the oldest is 18 and the youngest is 6 months. Eight of our nine children live at home. Two are adopted. Our 18-year-old son has Down syndrome. We adopted him when he was 7, and it was one of the best decisions we ever made for our family. He’s amazing. All my children are. They are my absolute favorite people in the world. They keep me busy. 

 No, I do not homeschool (though I did for years). I teach in children’s ministry at my church and work a few hours a week at a local preschool. I gravitate towards children and can’t seem to stay away.

Suzie: Wow, nine children!! Take that Mom! Mom! Mom! answer from earlier and multiply it by nine. I'm impressed you are able to write at all.

What are three books on your current tbr? 

Sarah: Positively Penelope by Pepper Basham (I loved Authentically Izzy) Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner (Can’t resist a good Rom-Com) Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel (One word: Steamboats!) 

Suzie: I've read Pepper's and Rachel's books. Both are wonderful.

What does your writing space look like? 

Sarah: A cluttered desk with a baby blanket on the floor next to it. My baby plays with his toys and “reads” while I write … when I’m not holding him and trying to type one handed and when he’s not spitting up on my shoulder. 

Suzie: Multi-tasking at its finest!

You write split time fiction. Is one timeline easier to write than the other? What do you like most about each genre? 

Sarah: The modern-day storyline is, in general, easier to write because there’s less research involved. The historical storyline always takes more time and fact checking, but it’s also more fun for me. I love how history informs the present. We don’t live in a vacuum. Choices made hundreds of years ago affect us now and choices we make now affect the future. It’s interesting to think how interconnected we all are. 

Suzie: That is the truth. 

Tell us more about Fall Back and Find Me. 

Sarah: Fall Back and Find Me is a fictionalized account of my journey with chronic illness. About eight years ago, I was diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). I went from thriving in a job I loved to becoming bedridden. Though Amber (the protagonist in the novel) differs from me in many ways, the emotions she goes through are very similar to my own. The journey of the heart is similar. Fall Back and Find Me is another Sister in Arms novel that features a secret female Civil War solider in the historical storyline. Willow’s body also betrays her with “irritable heart”, a diagnosis common in that time. Both women are on a journey to find their identity apart from their performance. I believe the message contained within the pages is imperative for women today to grab hold of. 

Suzie: Sounds amazing!! I need to move this book up on my to-read list!

What are you currently working on?

Sarah: I’m about to start writing a fictionalized story based on my grandfather’s life. It’s my way of honoring this man who has sown into me throughout my life and who has made a big difference in little ways. It will be a split-time with one storyline in the 1960s and another one in modern day. It will center around his barber shop New Creations. 

Suzie: Wow, another story that I want to read. Last but never least, how can we pray for you? 

Sarah: I always welcome prayers for wisdom and strength as I parent this troop of mighty warriors. They are my first and most important ministry. And, of course, that I would be faithful to tell the stories the Lord has for me to tell.

Suzie: Thank you so much for spending some time with us, Sarah. It has been a pleasure getting to know you more.

About Fall Back and Find Me

Two resilient women separated by over 150 years are linked forever by their challenges, values, and determination.

Amber Prichard is thriving in her role as pastor’s wife, mom, and indispensable church volunteer—until chronic illness threatens to upend everything. Now unable to prove her value, she is forced to reevaluate how she defines herself. Inspired by an ancestor’s faded journal and heirlooms, she must work with her arch-nemesis if she wants to accomplish what is now impossible on her own.

Faced with the turmoil of the civil war, Willow Forrester didn’t intend to illegally enlist in the Union army as a secret female soldier. She only wanted to escape her father’s tyranny and follow her brother into the throes of adventure. When she comes face to face with the leader of a guerilla army, her health and insecurities threaten to shatter her heroism and render her powerless.

As their opposition threatens to overtake them, these two women must find their strength and identity to defeat impossible odds.

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

One (1) winner will receive an e-book copy of Fall Back and Find Me. To enter, leave a comment below and tell us if you prefer country or city living. Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you if you win. Giveaway is open until Sunday, 10/22/23.

An Interview with Andrea Byrd

Happy October to you all! 

We're entering what I like to call the season of reading. Studies show that most books are purchased during these last few months of the year. As temperatures cool and nightfall arrives way too soon, we crave all that is cozy, which whets our appetite for escape and our favorite indoor activity - reading while drinking something warm and satisfying. 

What better way to start this season than by getting to know a new author?

Today, we're joined by historical fiction author, Andrea Byrd. Not only has Andrea released two books with Wild Heart Books in the past few months, but she visits the Diamond Mine of Fiction blog from her home in rural Kentucky with her precious one-month old nestled in her arms. 

That's quite an impressive thriple threat - celebrating two book birthdays along with the birth of her third child. Congratulations to you, Andrea, and thanks for taking the time to join us today. I'll jump right into our questions - recognizing that she is most likely sleep-deprived and her time is precious. 

Andrea Byrd, Author

First, meet Andrea. Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them. For more information, visit her Facebook page at: 

Andrea Byrd, Facebook

Janet: Let's start at the beginning - what were your writing and reading habits as a child?

Andrea: I have always been an avid reader, voraciously reading a ride range of books all through school. Writing, however, was something that I despised until middle school. I had a teacher at that time that helped me discover my love of writing.

Janet: When did you first know you wanted to become a writer?

Andrea: I started writing in middle school and have written off and on ever since. For the longest time, though, it was kept as a hobby with a "one-day" dream of publishing a single book. I only decided to truly pursue writing and publishing as a career a couple of years ago.

Janet: How did you choose your genre? Has it always been historical romance?

Andrea: For quite some time, my preferred genre to read has been historical romance. I've always been fascinated with that simpler way of life. My mother even joked that I was born in the wrong time. I particularly enjoyed reading books that filled my love of learning as well by included real historical people, places, and events. When I started writing, I wrote contemporary romance because I was intimidated by the research involved with historical novels. But the more I read, the more inspired I became and I decided to take the leap into historical.

Janet: You've recently signed with Wild Heart Books and already released the first two books in your series. Describe your writing journey so far, and how has it changed with this publisher?

Andrea: My writing journey began in 2021 with self-published contemporary Christian romance novellas. In 2022, I decided to pursue historical Christian romance and found Wild Heart Books. The change from self-publishing to traditional publishing has been wonderful because the WHB team handles everything for me from cover design to editing and marketing.

Rescue in the Wilderness

Janet: Do you know how your stories will end when you start them? Or are you as surprised as your readers?

Andrea: I used to be a total pantser, so there were definitely suprises. But after reading The Story Equation by Susan May Warren, I started doing more plotting andso I at least have a general idea of what will happen.

Janet: Are your characters based on real people?

Andrea: Yes. Though they may share nothing more than a name, the female characters of my Frontier Hearts series are inspired by my real-life ancestors who first settled in Kentucky.

Janet: Are your settings based on real places? If so, where?

Andrea: All of the settings are real! In Rescue In The Wilderness, the story follows the journey settlers would have taken along the Wilderness Road. All of the locations mentioned are real buildings or landmarks along the trail. And in Redemption In The Wilderness, the Forts and Stations are all real places that existed at the time. In fact, Martin's Station and Fort Harrod are both places that readers can still visit today. Then, the entire setting, located near the Green River in the Mammoth Cave area, is the real area in which my family settled and in which I live. The rich description of these hollers and hills comes from personal experience.

Redemption in the Wilderness

Janet: What do you wish you'd known - something that there was truly no way to have known - before you published.

Andrea: That is was possible. It seemed like such a far-fetched dream that I pursued a completely different path for my life. 10 years of my life went in another direction, only to come back to this same place of pursuing writing as a career.

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

Andrea: Spending time with my family. I enjoy cross-stitching, reading, and anything outdoors, especially walking and hiking.

Janet: What is the most satisfying part of writing?

Andrea: The reviews that show me I have truly made a connection with a reader.

Janet: What happens next?

Andrea: There will be two more books in the Frontier Hearts series. I am working on the third, Reverence In The Wilderness now, and the fourth will feature the sister from Redemption In The Wilderness as the main character. I am currently in the plotting and planning stages for it.