Ruthie Madison Chats about Writing

Chatting with author Ruthie Madison today! (And of course we have a free book to give away this week!) She's a California girl with her heart firmly planted in Montana. Take a break from gardening, cleaning that garage, or whatever spring chore you're working hard at and sit back and relax a few minutes. Let's get to know this week's author!

PT: Hi Ruthie! Let all the reader know how  you become interested in being a writer?

RM: Writing is in my genes as my grandmother Ruth McCleod was one. I started writing as a young girl for fun, and it grew into my adulthood. Also writing stories helps me escape from my present circumstances and fills my time to keep me from being dissatisfied with life.

PT: Books are a great means of escape which is why we all adore them! What genre do you write in? 

RM: I write whatever I am inspired to write. Sometimes I like to write outside of my box and experiment with different genres. Most of my stories have romance and a few contain suspense. Other genres are fantasy, Christian horror, and what I am working on now,  women sleuthing mysteries.

PT: Let's talk location. Where is home and any other place that is dear to your heart?

RM: I live in central California, but home is where my heart is and that is Montana.

PT: Are you a full-time writer or do you do double duty for work?

RM: Haha. I wish I did have a full time job. Writing  is more like a hobby right now.  I’m a consultant for two companies: Tupperware and Norwex.

PT: What is your favorite color, place to write, snack, and hobby?

RM: I have more than one favorite color, but I would go with pink. I love to write on my desk and I enjoy eating fruits and nuts as a snack. I play apps on my Kindle to pass time and go for walks and if the mood hits, I read my books.

PT: So let's get to your books. Tell us a little about the setting of Baby Blues and how you started the series?

RM: Baby Blues is a sequel to The Past Hunter. It starts three years after Julie married her hero Eric Young. She is desperate to have a baby, but her inability to have a baby causes her to feel hopeless and she gets a little sad. At the same time, her husband’s half brother escaped prison and Eric is worried that he could be seeking to destroy him by taking away what is precious to Julie.  Baby Blues is full of suspense and inspiration. I didn’t originally plan to write a series. I just wanted to write The Past Hunter and move on to another story, but a reader  encouraged me to turn it into a series and thus I began.

PT: Interesting. Will there be another book in the Second Chance Series?

RM: I already have three other books in the series: The prequel Love in a Diner (free for subscribers), one I already mentioned, A Man For Beth, and Holly Christmas Wish. I have a fifth book coming out when my finances improve.

In case any readers need a Christmas book in April. :)

PT: What are you working on now? Writing? Editing? Other? More than one?

RM: I am working on a mystery called Who Killed Sylvia Moon.

PT: Tell 5 things about Ruthie Madison that have nothing to do with writing.

RM: 

1. I was once a substitute teacher.

2. I am big on faith

3. I have an empathetic sister

4. I want to live on a ranch in Montana

5. I am big on Norwex.

PT: And there you have it! You've just met another great author here at the Diamond Mine. And we're giving away a free copy of one Ruthie Madison's books. The winner can pick between Baby Blues and Holly's Christmas Wish! Sweet!

But the only way you can be entered is to leave a comment (and your email) for Ruthie or enter your info on our contact form. We'd love to give a free copy away! Tell your friends and let's load up the comments. 

Find Ruthie here: 

www.ruthiemadison.weebly.com

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Interview and GIVEAWAY with Author Carrie Walker!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with Author Carrie Walker!

Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, placed in the ACFW Crown Award, Monroe Walton Center for the Arts Award, and won the 2020 ACFW First Impressions Contest.

Connect with Carrie on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Coffee in the mornings and after dinner. Tea while I’m writing. Hot chocolate when it’s snowing :)

I like your thinking! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Ooo. That’s a toughie. When we were in France they had these amazing chocolate crepes. Today, one of those sound fabulous.

That does sound good! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

In an armchair in my living room, with a lap desk. It’s so cozy there. I have a heated blanket for the winter and I’m not too far from everyone in the house. But mostly, I think it’s because where I first started writing and no matter how many spaces I set up, by habit I gravitate there.

Sounds very cozy! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

I have a collection of bookmarks in my purse. And a notebook (you know in case an idea comes to me). And a book. Doesn’t everyone?

Absolutely they do! What inspired you to write Emma's Hero? 

A woman who my husband and I ministered to in high school as youth ministers gave birth to a baby with the same medical condition as Theo’s. When I went to visit them in the hospital I immediately imagined how many lives her baby had touched, probably without her knowing. That mother and daughter inspired the story that grew to be about Emma, Mason and Ben. 

That's amazing! What led you to write in this genre? 

It’s my preferred genre to read. I love contemporary fiction and feel any story is better with romance mixed in. I stumbled upon Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter series and her style of writing with multiple POVS, deep faith, and romance really inspired me to want to write stories like that.

So fun! What message do you hope to convey to your readers? 

That every life has a purpose and no matter how alone you might feel, you are never truly alone. 

Beautiful message! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

My next project, “Right Before Their Eyes” releases in February of 2025 and is the second book in this series. It follows Mason as he tries to decide on medical school, while grappling with a hidden love for Clare. Clare tries to balance caring for her grandma with dementia, working as a social worker in the foster care system, and her boyfriend seeking success. And Lucia, one of her foster teens who’s seeking love in all the wrong places. 

Love that! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Lamentations 3:22-24. No matter where we are at, or what struggles we face, the reminder that God will never tire of giving us mercy and love, that it renews fresh each morning, is so beautiful. 

So good! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

I am just starting “The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley” by Courtney Walsh. I’m looking forward to some smiles and laughs :)

Love! 

Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Carrie!

Giveaway ~

Carrie has generously offered to giveaway one e-copy of her new release, Emma's Hero!

“God won’t give me more than I can handle? I’m pretty sure He just did.”

After a year of loss and bad choices distance Emma Reynolds from her lifelong beliefs, she finds herself pregnant and alone at a twenty-week ultrasound, hearing the words “incompatible with life.” When her son, Theo, survives birth, she fights to give him the best care possible. As each day passes, Emma’s love for Theo grows—along with her fear of losing him. She can’t understand why God allows her son to suffer.

Seventeen-year-old blogger, Mason Hughes, feels lonely and worthless after his father left their family years ago. When he ignores his mother’s push to “contribute to society,” she volunteers him to help Emma each week. Wishing he’d applied for any other job, Mason has no choice but to grocery shop and practice his rusty social skills with a mother and son he doesn’t know.

Paramedic Ben Sullivan has earned himself the title of “most eligible” bachelor among his friends as they continually set him up on blind dates. While he’d love to avoid the uncomfortable events, his heart can’t help but seek the one thing missing in his life—a marriage like his parents have. If only he could find the woman himself.

As Theo’s tiny life connects them to each other, their loneliness breaks under the love of community, and they will never be the same.

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away one e-copy of Emma's Hero!

This giveaway will close on 4/25/24 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. The winner must respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, or their prize will be forfeit. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

A Visit with Author Kathy Cretsinger!

Happy Wednesday!

And welcome to the blog!

Are you enjoying Spring? Where I live, in Kentucky, we have a lot of false starts to the season, but the flowers and trees are promising us that warm weather is making a comeback. 

Today I'm so pleased to bring you one of my favorite people, and the reason I'm a published author today! Kathy Cretsinger!

Kathy and her husband, Jerry, moved to Western Kentucky from the hills of East Tennessee several years ago to be close to their children and grandchildren. This brought another change in their lives. Kathy began publishing her books and then decided to help other authors who were having a hard time in the publishing industry by starting Mantle Rock Publishing. Kathy loves being close to her family and enjoys growing orchids, which continue to multiply. Kathy is a board member at the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference and a member of ACFW. She has a bi-weekly blog on her website http://www.kathycretsingerauthor.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Kathy Cretsinger, and at Kathy Cretsinger, Author.

 When the writing bug bit me and I began hanging out with writers online, I was repeatedly told, “You’ve got to meet Kathy Cretsinger!” When I finally did, out-of-state at a conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she invited me to attend her writing group, and I discovered she lived less than 30 miles from me. She, Susan Page Davis, and the late Sandra Robbins, along with several other amazing writers, took me under their generous wings, keeping me going until I was ready.

 

In the years since I’ve known Kathy, she’s written a series of historical fiction novels and is in the middle of a romantic suspense series. Both are based on places or situations near and dear to her heart, and I love them. She and her husband, Jerry, as mentioned earlier, are the former owners of Mantle Rock Publishing, where my first books were published. When they decided to retire, the new owners renamed it Scrivenings Press, LLC, and it continues to grow. Kathy and Jerry built a publishing family that continues today.

 

So, I call Kathy my “Book Mama,” and I’m thrilled to bring you an interview! She has generously offered a signed paperback copy of the third book in her Shady Valley Series, Shady Connections, as a giveaway to one of our readers -- all you have to do is comment to be entered!

 

And now, the interview! 

 

Regina: Kathy, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you on the blog today! I know you’ve got a lot to share, so here goes!

 

Real-life stories make the best foundation for events in a novel, I think. What is one story from real life that you’ve included in one of your books?

 

Kathy: This is the first time I’ve put this in a book. When my daughter, Diane, was in first grade, she had to ride the bus. I had to drive about two miles to pick her up. When the bus came one day, the bus driver got out with her and walked to my car. He told me he couldn’t let her ride his bus anymore because she was fighting. When we were settled in the car, I asked her what happened. She said, “That boy kept pulling my pigtails and I told him to stop. He kept on. You always told me to treat other people like they wanted to be treated, so he wanted me to hit him, or he wouldn't keep on pulling my pigtails.” We had a talk that night about doing to others. 

 

Regina: I would love to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation! LOL!! I can see the serious expression on her face!

 

Now to something to satisfy our readers’ curiosity … ;) 

 

Salad or Sandwich?

 

Kathy: Salad. Bread does not agree with me, but I do eat a Reuben and Big Mac occasionally.  

 

Regina: Going gluten-free has been a life-changing habit for you, I know, and one you’ve used as a catalyst for the characters in your “Shady Valley” series!

 

Here’s one of my favorite questions: What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?

 

Kathy: Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  This has been my favorite verse since college. We have something to look forward to if we live according to God’s word. Nothing can harm us here on earth, we have a great reward in the end. 

 

Regina: Amen! Now let’s find out about what you like for entertainment!

 

What is your favorite movie and why?

 

Kathy: My favorite movie is “Dirty Dancing.” I like a movie that shows good in the end. This movie does. Two people are misunderstood, and they come to terms with themselves in the end. The movie is set in the mountains of North Carolina, cold creeks, beautiful scenes. You watch both main characters grow up in the movie.

 

Regina: Would you believe I’ve never watched it? I know. At 60, I have no excuse. I’ll try to watch it before we get together again! LOL! 

 

A lot of interviewers ask for your favorite book. That’s just not fair! What has been the most recent book you’ve read that excited you or moved you in some way? Why?

 

Kathy: The last book I read was The Songbird of Hop Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer. It releases in April. I’ve always loved reading Kim’s books. This one did not disappoint me. When I started reading it, I never thought I’d enjoy reading a book about a prostitute. She was so desperate with no family. It tells of faith, changes, love of others. I highly recommend it.

 

Regina: I’ll keep that one on my radar!

 

If you were on a deserted island with a laptop and no Wi-Fi what are two programs or apps you would have to have on your computer?

 

Kathy: The first one would be my Bible. If I’m stranded, I’m not going to be writing books, but I will be reading them. My Kindle app will have to be full. I may be there a while.

 

Regina: Bible apps are wonderful! I think, with the book count on my kindle at over a thousand, I’d be okay for a while. If we could be stranded together, we could SHARE! ;)

 

Thanks for the interview, Kathy! I love getting to share you with our readers!

 

Now, here’s some information about Shady Connections, the third in Kathy’s Shady Valley Series!

 

Nothing shady ever happens in Shady Valley, Tennessee, but shady things happen everywhere.

 

Bruce Howard and Grace Manis decide to elope in November, and they find they are expecting a baby soon after their marriage. They are in their 40s, and they never expected to have a family.

 

Bruce is having dreams of being abducted. A stranger suggests Bruce is a dead-ringer for his brother who was murdered and his son abducted. Can Bruce be that child?

 

An old acquaintance enters Shady Valley and memories flood back. Is he the abductor?

 

Daisy Greer is also expecting, and someone is trying to steal her baby and Grace’s. Can the perpetrator be found before the babies are born? Well, nothing shady ever happens in Shady Valley. Or does it?

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, and will comment below! Thanks to Kathy’s generosity, one commenting reader will receive a paperback copy of Shady Connections! I loved it, and I think you will, too!

If you can't wait until the drawing, you can purchase Shady Connections HERE!

 

Until next time, enjoy a good book – or ten! 😊

Visiting with Christian Author Suzie Waltner!

Welcome, readers! Today, we have the pleasure of getting to know the talented Christian author, Suzie Waltner. So, grab a cozy seat, your favorite beverage, and join us for this delightful conversation!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, Suzie?

Bio: Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and first and foremost, a reader. 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. After twenty-two years in the corporate world, Suzie now helps other authors finetune their work as an editor. She 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. Her book, Midnight Blue, is an Angel Award Winner as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and Maggie Award.

Let's start with a couple fun ice-breakers! Do you have a preferred writing implement?

I am particular about which pens I write with. My favorite are the Pilot G2 gels pens (in any color but black).

That IS very particular. Love it! How about your go-to writing snack or drink?

I alternate between water and diet coke during the day. I don't allow myself a diet coke until I've drank at least double the ounces of water.

Good girl. :) Okay, what is your most embarrassing or funny author moment that you're willing to share?

I'll go with embarrassing. When I started writing about twelve years ago, I did everything wrong. I hadn't heard about ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and didn't know there were rules to writing a good book. The first year I did NaNoWriMo, I was so excited I had finished a book, I put it out there. Y'all, that book is horrible. Point of view changes, most chapters are only a page or a page and a half long, there's even an incomplete sentence (like, the second half of the sentence is just missing incomplete) in the book.

Rewriting and republishing that book is on my to-do list (which gets fuller and fuller every year!)

I understand that! Aside from writing, do you have any other hobbies or creative outlets that you enjoy pursuing?

I get on creative kicks every now and then. I've taught myself to sew book cozies (because I can do straight lines but nothing more complicated), make candles (which gets expensive), and lip balm. The lip balm is the only one of those that I still make a few times a year.

Oh, fun! Sounds like something I'd enjoy trying myself. Can you share a specific instance where you felt God's guidance or provision in your writing journey?

While this isn't specific to my writing journey, it is adjacent to it. Last November, I learned that my division of a bank was shutting down and we were all being laid off. I have worked for this company for the past twenty-two years. I was stunned at first, but as I started praying about it, I realized this was something I needed. I hadn't been truly happy with my job for several years but because it was comfortable, I stuck around. When that job safety net was gone, I decided I didn't want to find another job in finance. I wanted to do something I was passionate about.

My editor for the Love in Color series was amazing and taught me so much through the four books we worked on together. I want to be able to do that for others. So, as of March 1 of this year, I have started a freelance editing business, and God has already been so faithful, connecting me with people and bringing me work and opportunities I couldn't have imagined when I got the news of losing my job last fall.

Awesome! Sounds like it's a NEW CHAPTER for you! ;) Do you have a favorite/life verse? Why is that one meaningful to you?

My favorite verse (one that has become my life verse in the past year) is Micah 7:7: But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Patience is not one of my virtues, so waiting is hard. This verse reminds me that even in the waiting, God hears me. He will answer my prayers and pleas in his perfect time.

I love that verse. It's a beautiful encouragement. Can you give any hints about what you're working on now?

On April 23, Ever Green, which is the last book in my current series, releases. Andi was the hardest character in this series for me to figure out, but once she started talking to me, I realized how much pain she carried with her. I don't have the cover for the book yet, but you can see some images of Andi and Noah and get a sneak peek at the opening scene here.

I am currently writing the first book in a new series about a woman who strives to be everything to everyone.

Oh, that's just a couple weeks away! How exciting! Tell us about your recent release, Yellow Roses!

Mia Mason has always strived to meet others' expectations. Her adoptive family, her fans, even her friends in the band. She works hard at pleasing everyone because she's never felt like she truly belongs. After connecting with a cousin through a DNA website, she plans a covert road trip, hoping to find her biological mother and the answers she desires. During a music awards ceremony, Levi Sinclair receives two messages that ruin his night. One is a breakup text from his girlfriend of six weeks. The other is from the father who abandoned his family seventeen years ago and wants to reconnect. Then Levi discovers Mia's secret mission and insists on going along to keep her safe. As the two friends pass the miles and see the sights, Levi's true feelings for Mia rise to the surface. And her journey to the past might open the door to their future. Family issues and a shared career are just two of the hurdles they'll have to jump if they want a shot at love. Could the end of the road lead these friends to a new beginning?

You can find Yellow Roses on Amazon and Goodreads.

It's been such a pleasure chatting with you, Suzie! Where can readers connect with you and find more of your work?

Website: https://suziewaltner.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzieWaltnerWrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suziewaltner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nashpredsfan
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzie-waltner

And don't forget to sign up for Suzie's newsletter and get a free novella: https://suziewaltner.com/join-my-newsletter/

Thanks for joining us today, friends! Until next time, happy reading!