A Visit with Bestselling, Award-winning Author, Susan Page Davis

Happy Wednesday!

I’m so happy to bring you an interview with a good friend of mine and one of my favorite authors, Susan Page Davis! 

Living about 70 miles apart, Susan and I met when I was invited to join her and Kathy Cretsinger for lunch to discuss starting a writing group, which later became KenTen Writers Group, a mix of published and unpublished authors. We met for over ten years, learning, brainstorming, and critiquing our work, hosting writing retreats, and seeing several new authors (including myself) become published. It was a great learning experience. Susan is always willing to help out fellow writers, and I’ve been proud to work alongside her in some of these ventures! 

Susan is the author of more than one hundred novels and novellas in the mystery, romance, and historical genres. She has won many awards, including the Carol Award, three Will Rogers Medallions, and two Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Awards. A Maine native, she now resides in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.

Keep reading to the end—Susan is generously providing a giveaway of the winner’s choice of either paperback (US only) or eBook (anywhere) of Kate by the Book!

Regina: Hi Susan! Welcome to the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction! What inspired you to write, initially, and what encouraged you to continue?

 

Susan: I’ve always loved stories and reimagining them in different ways. And I’ve written stories since I was a child. When I’d written my first novel (not the first published, by the way), I sent it to several publishers. Rejections came back, but enough had encouraging words that I felt I should keep trying. I’ve been writing fiction ever since.

 

Regina: Sometimes those rejections are the most helpful advice we can get, and if you get someone willing to share their wisdom, all the better! What is one story from real life that you’ve included in one of your books?

 

Susan: My father was a game warden in Maine, and I’ve actually adapted several tales from his adventures. Once he was called out to tend to a deer that had jumped through a window into a church. In my book Off the Record, I made it just a little more exciting than the real life version. 

 

Regina: It’s fun to take a real event and spice it up in the name of fiction! I’ve done that at least once in every book I’ve written. What is your favorite Bible verse, and why? 

 

Susan: It’s hard to choose just one, but I do love John 6:39, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day.” It reminds me of God’s faithfulness. Things that are out of my control are His to take care of, and He will.

 

Regina: Amen. I often remind myself that we’re only here temporarily! I’m happy to not be in control! 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, and why?

Susan: I recently read and enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London, by Madeline Martin. It takes place in World War II and follows a young woman who moves to the city and soon finds herself amid the blitz and a terrifying time. I love historical novels, and this one touched me.

 

Regina: I love a book that I keep thinking about long after I’ve finished it—sometimes after I’ve started another book! I’ll have to look that one up! Is there someone, alive or dead, who had a major influence on your writing life, or on your life in general?

 

Susan: I have three sisters, and they are precious to me.  We try to get together for Sister Week yearly, or when we can. They are creative in other ways, and they always encourage me.

 

Regina: Sisters are the best! I only have one, but she’s precious to me, too. I like the idea of Sister Week!

Thank you for sharing with us today, Susan! 

 

Today's featured book:

 

From Susan: Kate by the Book is one of my newest releases. In it, Kate Pierce, a children’s librarian, meets police officer Charlie Abbot when he comes to conduct a fingerprinting clinic at the library. She is soon drawn to his four-year-old son, Alex, who has a big secret. Charlie’s attracted to Kate, but his job and his family situation make him keep his feelings in check. But a mystery keeps taking him back to the library, where Kate may be in danger. 

In the print version (the paperback and the just-released hardcover from Center Point Large Print), Kate by the Book is paired with my sweet, clean novella, The Mailboat, also set in Central Maine, where I grew up. 

 

Connect with Susan in the following places: 

SusanPageDavis.com

Amazon

BookBub

Twitter @SusanPageDavis

Facebook

BookCave

Goodreads

 

And, here’s how you can purchase Kate by the Book and The Mailboat, as well as the large print volume that contains both books!

Paperback (both titles in one book)

Ebook, Kate by the Book

Ebook, The Mailboat

Large print hardcover (both titles in one book)

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win either an ebook or paperback of Kate by the Book!

 

An Interview with Author Nancy J. Farrier

Welcome everyone! Come sit and have a chat with me and author Nacy J Farrier on this lovely Wednesday!

Michelle: Welcome, Nancy! Let's start with your writing process. What is your favorite way to write and place to write?

Nancy: I love writing on my laptop. My husband gave me a gaming monitor (my last birthday gift) which is hooked into my computer. The larger monitor allows for several screens to be open at once for writing and research, so everything is easy to access. I love it so much.

When writing, I'm not sitting at a desk or on a couch. Sitting down for any extended time is uncomfortable for me. Instead, I write while walking on my treadmill. It's set to a slow pace but keeps me moving. I spend several hours a day walking slowly and typing away. This helps me to keep fit as I'm working.

Michelle: Wow, that's quite an innovative setup! So smart. So what is your creative process like? Do you have an unusual place where you find inspiration for your writing?

Nancy: Okay, you're going to think I'm totally weird, but I'm being honest here. I often find inspiration in church during the message. The pastor will say something that sparks an idea to include in my current story, or for a brand new idea. I often wonder if people around me think I'm diligently taking notes, when in fact I'm jotting ideas before I forget them. Getting this flood of ideas can be both exciting and exasperating. It's exciting because new ideas are always fun, and exasperating because I really just want to listen to the pastor's message and take regular notes on the sermon so I can look them over during the week.

Usually, the ideas are quick to jot down, and I miss very little of the message. But if you even see me taking notes somewhere, now you'll have to ask if that was a new story idea. :) 

Michelle: I’ll definitely be curious if I see you with a notebook! Inspiration can strike at the most interesting times and carry us to some intriguing places. If you could live in any fictional world, what would you choose and why?

Nancy: There are so many books that have drawn me into the world and fascinated me. Still, I think the one I would choose is J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. I don't really like fireworks, but I'd love to see Gandalf's fireworks show for the hobbits. And the hobbits, so fun with their round door on the houses and their laid-back lifestyles.

Seeing the Ents, the trees that talk, would be amazing. And what about the trolls that Bilbo kept talking until the sun came up and they turned to stone? Or the elves walking through the woods, singing. I'm not sure I'd do well in the mines of Moria, but I might brave them just to see the wonders there.

Tolkien built one of the best fantasy worlds I've ever read. It would be a pleasure to see that world firsthand.

Michelle: Yes! His worldbuilding is...out of this world, lol. Middle Earth would be an amazing travel destination. And I love the way he wove elements of faith into his stories as well. Do you have a favorite verse? Why is it meaningful to you?

Nancy: There are many verses that are favorites, but the one I'm thinking of now is the verse God gave me when I started writing.

"…Write down the vision and write it on tablets distinctly, that the one who reads it may run." Habakkuk 2:2

I love this verse because I want my writing to be words or stories that encourage the reader in their faith. My hope is that the person who reads my books will feel lighter and refreshed after reading, will be encouraged in their walk with God, and will be able to run—or at least walk faster—spiritually.

Michelle: It's beautiful to see how deeply your faith influences your writing. I'd love to know more about you beyond your writing life. What do you enjoy doing besides writing?

Nancy: Spending time with my family or church family is at the top of this list. I love when the grandkids come to visit or we have a family vacation. Such fun.

Other than that, I love walking/hiking. I walk four or five miles every morning out in the desert. Hiking on the weekends, weather permitting, which in Southern Arizona means only in the winter months is my happy place.

Things I enjoy: playing music—piano and guitar, crocheting and knitting, and playing video games has become a fun pastime. I have a Nintendo Switch with some fun games that I play for an hour or so in the evenings. I am not a fanatic, but fighting those bad guys and exploring different worlds relaxes me.

And, of course, there's reading. Reading is my super power. I read all the time, mostly ebooks and audiobooks. I love story and am always looking for my next great read.

Michelle: Four or five miles every morning? Wow, that's impressive. And you certainly have a diverse range of interests! I love hearing hear how you balance your creative pursuits with outdoor activities and family time. Now, I'm sure our readers are eager to know - what are you working on now? Can you give us a hint about your current projects?

Nancy: I just finished the last book in my Driftwood Cove series. The Memory Quilt is now in the editing process. I feel like I'm at Crossroads with multiple choices of which road to take. It's exciting and a bit terrifying. lol

A friend invited me to submit a book for a collection they are putting together. The book will release in 2025 and is a suspense collection. My story is a romantic suspense that I've had in mind for a while. I'm so excited to put this story out in the world and to try my hand at suspense.

My passion is to write stories that resonate with readers and encourage their faith. I believe that is possible no matter the genre. I've written historical and contemporary, and now romantic suspense. They are all so fun to imagine and write.

Michelle: They sure sound fun! Nancy, it's been such a pleasure talking with you. Your eclectic interests, your passion for the written word, and your dedication to encouraging readers through your work is truly inspiring. Thank you for visiting and giving us a glimpse into your creative world. We'll certainly be looking forward to your upcoming projects!

Texan Carlene Havel: :"God Called Me to Write."

            Hello Miners!  I'm Gay N. Lewis, and my guest today is Carlene Havel.             

I am happy to introduce you to a fellow Texan, Carlene Havel. Carlene lives in San Antonio, and I’m in the Houston area. We’ve been friends for about twelve years, but we’ve yet to meet face to face. We visit on the phone, email and social media. Carlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels, often with a co-author. She has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US states. Before becoming an author, she worked in human resources and software development. The Havels make their home in Texas, surrounded by their extended family.

                  

                     Carlene, along with Sharon Faucheux, write historical Christain Fiction.

 Gay: “Carlene, please tell our readers when you became a Christian.”

Carlene: “Thanks, Gay. I love that question. I grew up in a Christian home and did my best to follow “the rules”. Inside, however, I never really got it. Later in life, I finally came to know a loving Savior. Jesus changed my life when I finally gave my heart to Him. That’s when I started writing.”

Gay: “I know you’ve been through painful situations. What was the hardest.”

Carlene: “One thing I’ve learned is that a broken arm hurts a lot less than a broken heart (and, yes, I’ve experienced both). My most difficult trials are those that go on and on, sometimes for years. For example, my father had Alzheimer’s for the last six or eight years of his life. It was hard to see Dad suffering, and equally difficult to watch my mother shed buckets of tears for him.”

Gay: “I understand the Alzheimer’s trial.  Our daughter has it.  On a lighter note, what is the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you?”

Carlene:  At a family gathering, I was pleased by the number of people who told me how good I looked. Then someone called me Billie, and I realized it was a case of mistaken identity. I suppose I was in pretty good shape for a woman my mother’s age! I shouldn’t have been surprised. Strangers routinely took Mom and me for sisters. One of her doctors even asked if we were twins. It’s no wonder I laugh when I hear someone say, “I’m becoming my mother,” because I’m already there.

Gay:  I’d love to hear how you came to write your first book.

Carlene: I was concentrating on the pastor’s sermon, when it was interrupted by an unexpected message. There was no sound, but I clearly “heard”, I want you to write a book. I resisted, offering the excuse that I didn’t know how to write anything but a lighthearted romance. Nevertheless, the understanding that I had an assignment persisted. So, I went home from church that day, sat down at my computer and began A Hero’s Homecoming, a Christian romance, my first published book.

Gay: I loved that book. You set your characters in Texas, and the hero was a military man with a huge problem. What is the hardest thing about writing?

Carlene: I used to say marketing was the hardest thing about writing. Now that I’ve (somewhat) unraveled that mystery, my biggest challenge is time management. Too often, after doing the “must” chores, there’s no time left over to get immersed in the story I’m working on. I lke to write a few hours in the morning and again for another hour before bedtime, but way too often there are competing priorities that cut into my planned schedule.

Gay: “Did you ever feel you should give up writing, and if so, what changed your mind?”

Carlene: I was diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID pandemic. In late 2021, after surgery, radiation, and a year of chemo, my energy level was at an all-time low. My publisher made a series of business decisions that made no sense to me, and sales of my books were dismal. I felt discouraged and defeated as an author. I wondered if writing was something I was supposed to do only for a season, which had ended. After a lot of prayer, with the encouragement of friends, I found the strength to self-publish my backlist and start writing again.

Gay:  I know readers are happy to hear you create books again. Are you self-published?

Carlene: “Yes, happily so. I enjoy the freedom of having control over pricing, book covers, and the timing of special sales.”

Gay: I love your Remarkable Women of the Bible Series. You and your writing partner, Sharon Faucheux must have spent hours researching details.

 

Gay: Tell us about your latest book. 

Carlene: The latest from Sharon and me is “Journey of the Shepherd Woman”. Although it’s a sequel to “Song of the Shepherd Woman”, either book can be read as a standalone. Here’s the blurb for Journey:

Saul of Tarsus instigates persecution against followers of the Way, forcing shepherds from Bethlehem to run for their lives. Taking only a few provisions, Channah and her family escape to the seaport of Joppa. From there, they hope to make their way to Ephesus where Channah’s husband grew up. However, travel is difficult and sometimes treacherous. When disaster strikes, Channah relies on the mercy of a kind woman named Dorcas. Through many trials, the little family cherishes their goal of finding a place where they can freely worship Jesus.

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Shepherd-Woman-Remarkable-Women-ebook/dp/B0C8FNWN8P 

Thank you Carlene Havel for visiting with us. You are an interesting author.

You are invited to connect with Carlene through her Face Book author page, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarleneHavel

Follow her on BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carlene-havel

And follow her on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008M9J8JA

 

 

Interview with Ifueko Ogbomo

I am excited to introduce The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction community to fellow independent author Ifueko Ogbomo! Ifueko took the time to answer some of my questions on her author journey. I am happy to share with you my interview with Ifueko. 

Here is a little bit about Ifueko:

Ifueko Fex Ogbomo is an award-winning novelist, prize-winning poet, performing artist, and sickle cell activist whose life’s mission is InspiroLogos - ‘to inspire with words.' A Nigerian immigrant, the USCIS awarded her permanent residency as an 'Alien of extraordinary ability in the Arts' for her internationally acclaimed work in the performing arts (2017). Ifueko's indie-published debut novel, A Divine Romance, won three American Book Fest awards (2023 & 2024). A bold believer, she enjoys sharing the gospel through the spoken word and storytelling.

Ifueko is proudly neurodivergent, INFJ on the Myers-Briggs scale, and professes poetry to be her "love language." She has visited four out of the world's seven continents and currently resides in Washington, DC.

Let's learn more about Ifueko!

Thank you for spending the time to chat with me Ifueko! I'm curious to know if you read the genre you write in?

Ifueko: Absolutely! Christian historical romances are my favorite read. Ever since I read the original edition of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers in the late ‘90s, I was hooked! (It’s still my all-time favorite novel, and it was a delight to watch the movie also!)

I love Francine Rivers' stories and I thought they did a great job bringing Redeeming Love to the "Big Screen!" So one thing we know all writer's go through at some point is writer's block. How do you overcome writer’s block?

Ifueko: I spend time worshiping (singing worship songs) and then I ask the Holy Spirit to help me and show me what to write next. Then I wait in silence, listening for His answer. As soon as it drops in my mind, my fingers return to flying across my keyboard. Never fails!

That's so important as Christian authors. When we are writing for the Lord, we need Him to guide our words and the messages we want to share through our works. What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey? 

Ifueko: Winning three awards for my debut novel, A Divine Romance. These have been especially gratifying since the traditional publishing route had left me disappointed, disillusioned, and doubtful about my writing abilities, and I almost gave up on the story. Thankfully, I shared the manuscript with a few Christian fiction authors who gave it glowing endorsements, imbuing me with the courage to indie publish, and the rest is herstory! (Thank you to endorsers: Toni Shiloh, Heidi Chiavaroli, and Jenna Van Mourik).

 

That's an enormous feat, especially for your debut novel! The independent publishing journey can have its challenges, but I've also found it so rewarding. Especially when you have great advocates by your side! Can you tell us about any key highlights or key challenges you faced when writing A Divine Romance?

Ifueko: A Divine Romance brought me two major highlights: 1. Discovering so many things about Ancient Egypt - fashions, cities, deities, customs and so forth; and, 2. Learning how to write short forms of poetry - haiku, cinquain, nonet, etc. Although I have been a prize-winning performance poet for many years, I had never previously studied any formal styles of poetry. But besides giving me the idea for the novel, the Lord gave me the idea to open each chapter with an original short poem, and it has turned out to be one of the unique things about the award-winning historical romance novel that readers compliment the most.

That's incredible that you've found a way to intertwine poetry into your historical romance novel! So since this is the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction and we have a lot of readers who are aspiring writers, what advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer? 

Ifueko: Study God’s word and let it drive your main character(s) - their lifestyle, choices, and habits - because your novel may be the only “Bible” that unbelievers/non-Christians ever read.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you? 

Ifueko: Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

I have a plaque of that verse in my home! I so enjoyed learning more about you and your writing journey Ifueko! One last question! What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your writing? 

Ifueko: A realization of just how unconditional, unlimited, and undying God’s love for humanity is. He is forever the God that will leave the ninety-nine saved to chase the one lost; the God that sacrificed one Son so that He could win an entire world of sons and daughters. His love for us is THE divine romance - the greatest love story of all time! #GOAT

Amen! Amen! Amen! Thank you for taking the time to share with our Christian readers a little about you and your work Ifueko! 

You can learn more about Ifueko and purchase A Divine Romance, (inspired by the life of Joseph), today on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub or on Ifueko's Website!