Interview with Catherine Brusk

I am thrilled to introduce The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction community to fellow independent author Catherine Brusk! Catherine sat down with me and took the time to answer some of my questions on her author journey. I am excited to share with you my interview with Catherine. 

Here is a little bit about Catherine:

Catherine is a writer of realistic, gritty Christian fiction/romance. You can find her "Finding Faith" series and "A DGI Romance" Collection available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Catherine has a bachelor's degree in Communications with an emphasis on film. She loves everything that includes a story and thinks humor and dessert are some of God's best blessings in life.

Let's learn more about Catherine!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview you Catherine! When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

Catherine: That’s a hard question for me. Writing stories began for me in junior high as a source of entertainment. It changed in high school to writing in a journal to record goals, dreams, and prayers. Then I hit an incredibly painful part of my life during college. I can remember going to write in my journal what had happened and thinking, “I don’t want to remember this.” I put my pen down and I didn’t pick it up again for years. When I finally did, my writing had become a combined mess of entertainment, pain, questions, and, ultimately … hope. It wasn’t until a close friend read my work that even the thought of publishing entered my mind. So really, it was God speaking through her that finally pulled me into that thought process, and by then I was working on the third book in my first series. It’s been a journey of ups and downs and crazy spiral circles ever since! 

It's crazy how God can use our painful circumstances to lead us to his purpose. Is there anything you wish you did when you were younger to become a better writer as an adult? 

Catherine: To be flat out honest, I wish I had taken some graphic design classes in college. Marketing as an indie author is no joke! 

I feel this DEEPLY. I always say we have to be our own enterprise as indie authors ...meaning we own and lead EVERY DEPARTMENT. It can be exhausting! Is there any writing advice you've been given that stuck with you?

Catherine: Here’s the thing about writing advice: just because it works for some people, doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. We’re all different people who are layer after layer of complications and opinions and beliefs. So ultimately, I take it all with a grain of salt. I don’t write every day. I don’t read every day. I certainly don’t market my work every day. I do what I can and let God take care of the rest. The one unique thing that I do that I specifically think helped my writing immensely though, was actually taking acting classes in college. I learned all about body language and how to get into someone else’s head and how to ask questions to create characters. Those classes have been a Godsend in my life when it comes to my writing. So, that’s my own advice to give: if you get a chance, take some acting classes!

This will also be helpful If your books are ever turned into a series or film. You'll know what to look for in the lead actors! ;) Do you have a special place you like to write?

Catherine: I will write anywhere. In fact, my book What Hope Washed Up was written completely on my phone in the Google Docs app, due to the busyness of life at the time. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! However, my absolute favorite spot to write will probably always be the corner of a coffee shop. Caffeine, yummy snacks, earbuds so I’m not too distracted by the noise, and people-watching for when I get stuck are always a good thing. Plus, it means I won’t be distracted with chores at home. 

WOW. I am so impressed you wrote an entire book off your phone!! I'm curious what has been your favorite part of the independent publishing journey?

Catherine: Hearing from my readers. Hands down, that’s my favorite part. Second favorite part is working with my cover designers. They both have been great friends of mine and the process was so much fun and resulted in deeper friendships. 

I would have to agree, hearing from fans who have been touched by your work is really something special. And your covers are so beautiful! Okay let's throw a fun question out there. Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink (or both)?

Catherine: I am a Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi girl – especially out of an ice-cold two liter. I tend not to snack very much while actually writing since my fingers are busy typing, but I’ll never turn down good popcorn and a cheese stick, either.

I shamefully love white cheddar cheetos which is the ABSOLUTE WORSE snack for a writer. My keyboard becomes a disaster. Were there any challenges you faced when publishing your first book?

Catherine: Goodness, yes! I am not the most tech-savvy person in the world and, honestly, if it weren’t for my husband, I would have no books released! The formatting, though getting easier with each book, always presents some sort of issue which almost always requires a line-by-line indent check. I will say after having six books under my belt now, it has gone from something that had me in absolute panicked tears with the first book, to, with the most recent book, something that only made me grumble and roll my eyes before getting down to business. Yay, growth!

Yes! For my ebooks I always mess up the page breaks somehow when I upload to KDP. It is the most frustrating thing. Since this is the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction, what advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer? 

Catherine: I have a two-fold answer. First, study your Bible. Don’t just read it, study it. Research it. Second, remember that you’re writing for the masses. You’re writing for those who want to know the Greek and the Hebrew but also to the new baby Christians. One thing I do is I have an atheist read my work. Her responses are invaluable to making sure anything too “Christianese” is explained properly.

That's incredible. On that same note, do you have a favorite Bible verse that inspires you?

Catherine: I absolutely love the verses in 2 Corinithians 12:9-10 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

We have the same favorite verse!! Catherine thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today! What’s next for you? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about? 

Catherine: So many projects going and so many more in my head! I am in a busy season in my personal life, with the ages of my kids, so it’s extremely hard to make promises of the “wheres” and “whens” of the future, but eventually books two and three of A DGI Romance Collection will make their own Christmas debuts. Then I have two other standalone projects currently competing for attention on top of that. Slowly but surely, and of course the ultimate thanks to my readers for their understanding and patience! 

One last question! What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your books?

Catherine: I hope they take away questions that only God can answer for them. I hope they take away inspiration to care about the injustices of the world. I hope they take away a newfound courage to discuss topics rarely talked about in the church, and I hope they take away hope in a God who is always faithful, even when they can’t see it.

You can learn more about Catherine and find links to her books and to her social channels on her website: www.catherinebrusk.com

#interview with Becky Van Vleet about her book Unintended Hero. #Historical

I'd like to introduce to you Becky Van Vleet.   She writes devotions for my blog every month and I became acquainted with her.  Becky is graciously doing a giveaway of her book Unintended Hero.  Remember, we must have at least 5 entries for the giveaway to take effect.

Becky, tell us about your book:

Here is the back cover blurb for my book, Unintended Hero.

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How Can You Be A Hero When Everything Inside Says You Can’t?

When the first bomb drops on Pearl Harbor, December 7^th, 1941, Walter Troyan is a skinny seventeen-year-old California kid chock full of fear. But down deep he knows he must join the fight, so he drops out of high school and enlists. Almost overnight, Walter is submerged into a brutal training regime and schedule. He’s homesick. Outmatched by all the other newbies. Knows he’ll never live up to his heroic brothers. And his soul shudders every time an officer shouts, “What are you made of!” Because Walter knows. But then? Hope. He performs well on an aptitude test which sends him to Gunner’s Mate School. Upon graduation, Walter is sent to the USS Denver, docked in Philadelphia. He makes friends, gains a shred of courage. Then his ship enters the Pacific Theater and Walter enters the crucible of his life. His body, spirit, and soul are forced to fight against emotions and circumstances he’s never encountered, and he’s faced with choices that will bring life or death to men he’s come to love as brothers. Don’t miss this epic tale—inspired by a true story—of a boy facing head on, the courage it takes to become a man. 

.....................................................................................................................................................................

Why did I write the book?

As a baby boomer, I grew up with parents from The Greatest Generation. I heard their stories about the great depression and WWII. But I never really heard

much about what my father actually did in the war. So in 1990, married now and a mother of four children, I decided it was time to capture and preserve

my father's WWII experiences for our family history. I sat my father down at our kitchen table with a recorder and a couple of cassettes, and I asked him

to tell me all his war recollections.

For the next two hours, his stories tumbled out with pride and a remarkable remembrance. I sat spellbound, taking it all in. At the time, my plan was to simply

save the two cassettes as historical keepsakes for my family. But more than thirty years later, during Covid, the call to write a book to preserve those stories came 

loud and clear. My hope was for my father's story to honor him and all the young Americans who stopped what they were doing to enlist in the military to fight for America

in the spirit of patriotism and loyalty like no other.

Today, I use my father's book to give in-person presentations to students, grades seven and up, in schools all over my home state, Colorado, and out of state by zoom. I think

it is important for our young people to learn about the values of sacrifice, teamwork, and patriotism from The Greatest Generation. If you'd like to get in touch with me

for more information about my school presentations, please email me at beckyvanvleet9@gmail.com.

A recipe from my book:

My father's parents immigrated to America from Ukraine and Poland, so he was 100% Slavic. In my book, I write about how my father enjoyed Borscht (beet soup) his

Polish mother made for the family. Here is the recipe:

Borscht

Ingredients:

6 cups finely shredded cabbage (you can use coleslaw mis)

1 cup vegetable or beef broth

1 can great northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz)

1 can sliced beets, undrained (14.5 oz)

1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)

1 large onion, sliced, rings separated

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

6 tablespoons sour cream (optional)

Directions:

1. In a soup pot, mix together all ingredients except sour cream.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes.

3. Serve with sour cream  

Five favorite things I like to do

Spending time with my Heavenly Father through prayer and writing devotions and volunteering at my church

Spending time with my family, especially reading books to my grandchildren

Working in my garden

Power walking

Writing! I am passionate about writing and preserving family stories, mine and yours. Here is the link to my website: https://www.beckyvanvleet.com. Readers can go to 

my blog tab and read past family stories. They can contact me on the contact tab if they have a family story to share or send me an email

at beckyvanvleet9@gmail.com. I also have a "Donate a Book" I do every month on my "Just For Fun" tab, where I donate copies of my

children's books to school libraries.

Thanks for stopping by!

Becky's bio is below

Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal and award-winning multi-genre author. She has been published in Guideposts, The Country Register, and Christian Devotions Ministry. Her children’s picture books are the recipients of the 2020 Excellence in Editing award as well as the Purple Dragonfly award in 2020 and 2021. She and her husband make their home close to Colorado Springs where she enjoys gardening, hiking, oil painting, power walking, and spending time with her family, especially reading books to her grandchildren.

Becky is the author of Unintended Hero, a true story about her father’s battles, experiences, and adventures in WWII aboard the USS Denver. She is passionate about sharing the values from the Greatest Generation and enjoys speaking to high school classes about patriotism.

A member of ACFW and Allauthor, Becky has devoted her website to creating and preserving family memories and sharing family stories for the next generations through her monthly blogs. 

You can find her at: https://beckyvanvleet.com. She would love to hear from you, especially if you have a family story to share!

 

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckyvanvleet/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-van-vleet-ms-806055181/

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

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

Amazon Central Author Page: https://amzn.to/3INHIPB 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/125841473-becky-van-vleet

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beckyvanvleet9907

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Becky Van Vleet

Award Winning Multi-genre Author

The Traveling Series Children's Picture Books

Unintended Hero A WWII novel inspired by a true story

What's in Your Purse? A weekly women's devotional book 

www.beckyvanvleet.com 

"Where Creating and Preserving Memories Happen"

Interview and Giveaway with Gay N. Lewis!!

 

Hi there, readers!! Today we welcome author Gay N. Lewis to The Diamond Mine for an interview and a book giveaway. You can be entered in the drawing for the free book if you click on the "leave a comment" button at the end of the interview and social links, and leave a comment with your email address.

Her book is: Sarah's First Mission to Earth, which I know you will be delighted by! 

Sarah's motto is Faith, Humor and Red Stilettos!

Here we go with the interview! 

Please tell us about Sarah’s First Mission to Earth.

Sarah comes to Earth to help humans, but she’s lost and bumbles her way through adventures. God gifted me with a generous sense of humor, and Sarah makes my readers laugh aloud. My husband often hears me chuckle as I write of Sarah’s goofs and he says, “What’s Sarah done now?”

In her first mission to Earth, Sarah’s first assignment is to help Tom Shoemaker find a mate by valentine’s Day. Mercy me! How can an inexperienced angel do this in such a short time? Sarah accidentally dumps food on Tom in a restaurant, and the accident causes him to meet Marcy Montgomery. Marcy is a military widow with a five-year-old, precocious child. Hope, the daughter, wants a daddy, and Sarah decides Tom is the perfect candidate. But is Tom the wrong man for Marcy? Well, “Poopty doopty!” Sarah may have to go to Cloud Nine for a reprove.

Poopty doopty is one of Sarah’s favorite phrases. It’s a nicer phrase than a string of naughty expressions, don’t you think? I use it often.

I love it! I'm chuckling already! Sounds like a charming story.

What do you like best about writing?

The best part of writing for me is the creativity. I invent a man and woman, throw rocks at them, resolve their issues, and then they fall in love. Most of my books have been Christian romances with the genre of fantasy or historical as part of the mix. I have one book that is Christian, but not romance. It is historical Women’s Fiction. In the book, Mattie’s Choice, two women face abusive husbands and must decide how to handle their situations. This book is historical and was the hardest one I’ve ever written.

I know what you mean about writing historical books. Lots of research. I've grown to love the research part, though. I've learned a lot in that process.

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

I don’t write from an outline. I keep a general story-line in my head and go forth. Sometimes a chapter will surprise me and take me in a new direction. I love it when that happens.

Me, too!! I love it when the characters surprise me, too!

What do you want your readers to take away from your books?

I want my readers to learn something about Christ. I am not preachy in my stories, but I install appropriate tidbits of theology. I hope readers find them inspirational.

I'm sure they will. Any chance we can get to learn more about Christ is a great thing!

Now I'd like to hear more about you personally.

Thanks, Nancy for introducing me to your readers. I was born in Fort Worth, Texas. My parents later moved us about thirty miles east to Irving, TX. As a child, I thought it great fun to catch a bus and travel to Dallas. Shopping in beautiful stores like Sanger-Harris was a grand event. Times change, and now the cities in the DFW Metroplex blend into each other, and alas! Sanger-Harris no longer exists. As of today, I’m a pastor’s wife in a bi-vocational church and live west of Houston in Fulshear, TX. When I was eight years old, I knew God wanted me in special service. As I child, I thought assisting the Lord meant years as a missionary in an exotic country. Ten years after I decided to make this sacrifice of home and country, I married a Baptist minister. My husband felt called to ministry, but not to missions. Except for our first year in Oklahoma, we’ve served in Texas.

What was your childhood family like?

I’m the eldest of three, and I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy, born on the 4th of July. The doctor told my mom she’d have a firecracker before Sunday School, and she did. Friends say my birthday fits my exuberant personality. A sister and brother joined me later. My mom named me Gay Nell. When I started writing, I chose the name Gay N. Lewis. However, a group of people use the name Gay to describe a lifestyle. I now write as G. N. Lewis. You’ll find my books under either name. The newest books are G. N. Lewis.

What’s your favorite pastime?

I’m a big fan of baseball and the Astros. We watch every game and sometimes go to Minute Maid Park to see them play. I even wrote about them in my latest book, Sarah’s Mission to Earth. The hero, Tom in the story, lives in Houston but once played football for the University of Texas in Austin. While visiting his mom in the Texas Hill Country, he meets Marcy. He’s thrilled when he learns Marcy loves sports.

What's your home life like?

I married a minister and we have three grown daughters. I’m grateful for hubby’s easygoing nature. When I wreck the car, he responds in his unflappable manner. I sideswiped a vehicle recently, and he texted, “No worries. All is good.” In my first year in Houston, I had nine wrecks. Yes, you read correctly. Nine. They weren’t funny at the time, well, some were.

One morning I drove my car to the body shop with the passenger side caved in. The man fixed it. A few weeks later, I wheeled in with the identical scenario—the same passenger side crumpled again. The manager scratched his head, “Ma’am, may I ask you a question?” I nodded. “Where did you learn to drive?”

That's so funny!!

Then, a few years after the body shop incidents, my husband was called as senior pastor to a Baptist Church in Central Texas. We’d been in the county-seat town for two weeks when a group ten miles away invited me to teach a Bible study. I left early. I always give myself time to make wrong turns. Or have wrecks.

In the heart of town, I made a wrong turn.

Uh-oh! You’re not gonna believe this, but as a brand-new citizen, right then and there, I stranded my car on a railroad track in the middle of that city. Yep. I did. Well, it was dark. Does that count? I thought I saw a street and turned. Boy! Was I surprised? It wasn’t a road—it was a choo-choo track. I drove forward, backward, nothing, nada, zip. I was stuck. I jumped out, left the car, and ran to the police station. The officer said, “We could have a major fire if that coming engine plows into your car.” I bit my nails as I waited for him to notify officials. I imagined the newspapers across the country with the headline. “Pastor’s Wife Burns Down Texas Town.” I called my husband. He didn’t say much. He’s used to it.

Sarah’s chaotic episodes are oftentimes things I’ve done. Like most authors, I include personal experiences. The idea of a dyslexic, bumbling, chaotic, angel came to me out of the blue. Or was it a God thing? 

Oh, my goodness, you have had an interesting  time of it! You must appreciate your hubby for being so understanding. I'd say that's definitely a God thing, too!!

You remind me of a dear friend who often has similar experiences. I always chuckle  with her when we remember some of her humorous dilemmas. We all need some laughs! And you  and Sarah are so generously giving us some.

Thanks, Nancy, for asking about Sarah. She’s a heartwarming little angel, and her baubles give the reader insights. I look forward to hearing from your readers.

Now, one more question: What are you working on now?

I thought I’d try something different – a murder mystery. My female lead is researching ways to kill two men. They robbed her and she seeks revenge. I haven’t decided if she will succeed with murder or not. There’s a therapist involved, he loves her, but can he talk her out of murder? I’m not sure yet. At first, I wasn’t going to write this as a Christian novel, but this style didn’t fit me. I finally gave up and allowed God to make His way into a few sentences. I’m halfway through, and I don’t have a title. I’m into year four with work on this one. 

As most of my readers know, my daughter is in the last stages of dementia, and we take care of her. This emotional roller-coaster often zaps me. Finding energy and time to write is a challenge.

I'm so sorry to hear that you have such an intense challenge. May God continue to help you, strengthen you and give you His peace. He is very close when our hearts are hurting.

Thank you so much for this interview. It's been wonderful to get to know you.

Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate being on the Diamond Mine.

Well readers, here are Gay's links, and don't forget to leave a comment so you will have a chance to win the drawing for the free copy of her book!

Gay N. Lewis is a Texas best-selling author, and she writes under the names Gay N. Lewis and G. N. Lewis. Most of her books are about a dyslexic angel, and they are laugh-out-loud funny. Gay has also written two historical, women’s fiction novels. Visit her blog at http://gaynlewis.blogspot.com/ Gay’s daughter suffers from early-onset dementia, and she writes a blog about their journey. https://dementiadaybyday.blogspot.com/ You’ll find Gay N. Lewis novels on Amazon and other online booksellers. http://amzn.to/2hwc6nB A link to G.N. Lewis. https://amzn.to/3G3ZdZm Catch Gay on Facebook as Gay N. Lewis You’ll find her on YouTube. https://bit.ly/3SQhIXc