Dear Readers, Good morning (or whatever time of day you're reading this.:) Please help me welcome my good friend and chapter member, Laurie Larsen.   Introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice when they meet you. Hi!  I’m so happy to join you here and I thank Christina for reaching out to me.  My name is Laurie Larsen and I am a writer in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina – specifically the “Grand Strand” area of Murrells Inlet.  I grew up landlocked in the center of the USA – Illinois, specifically.  But I was always an ocean lover and vowed that as soon as I could, I would relocate to my favorite place in the world – right on a beach! 

They say, “All good things come to those who wait.”  And that’s exactly what happened to me.  I finally got my chance to move here when I had completed a 34-year career with the “big day job.”  By this time I’d been writing books for close to twenty years and I fulfilled my dream of moving to the beach to write novels.  Which brings me to your question about what people notice when they meet me – probably my big happy smile because I’m living the life I always dreamed of!   Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb. My latest book is my foray into writing nonfiction.  It’s called The Year I Read the Bible.  Here’s the blurb:

A life-long Christian, I've read the Bible several times. But this time was different. My goal wasn't to just journey from cover to cover and consider it done. You know, cross it off my list and move on. I wanted to actually learn something that would impact my life. So for a year, I read my chronological Bible. And when something confused me or interested me or I wanted to learn more, I jotted it down. During Year 2, I went back and did just that -- I researched, asked questions, strived to reach understanding. And I shared what I learned, hoping that someone out there would want to learn it too. I started a weekly blog called The Year I Read the Bible. I started a video channel on which I read the weekly blogs. And as this book goes to print, my next project is to start a podcast -- all to share what I learned. 40 essays. Forty opportunities to learn more about that big book on your shelf. Maybe you'll be inspired to follow me into a year when you read your own Bible. If you do, I'd love to see what grabbed at your own curiosity. Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing this book. The challenge came because it was so completely different than what I normally write!  I’m a writer of inspirational romance novels.  I tell heartwarming love stories that take place on the beach and end up sharing faithful messages of God’s love for the love-struck couple. But after writing over twenty novels, I was starting to run out of creative ideas.  My next book idea wasn’t another romance novel.  It was this!  I feel strongly that God reached out and tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I have a new idea for you.” This multi-year project has been so fun and rejuvenating to my muse and my enthusiasm.  But it’s also been hard!  I’m NOT a Bible scholar.  I can read a chapter and shrug and nod and move on, but a knowledgeable Bible teacher can dig so much insight and clarification out of that same passage. I admired those teachers – and I’m lucky to have several of them in my life right now!  I wanted to dig deeper into this big book that sits on all of our shelves and we pull out occasionally.  I wanted to learn and understand – and maybe God would begin to speak to me through those ancient words that are still so relevant today! It wasn’t easy but I stuck with it, and I’m not done. I’m continuing on to read additional Bible translations, to return to my list of questions of topics I want to research.  In other words, The Year I Read the Bible project is continuing despite publishing the book! Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two.? Okay I’m feeling a little quirky so here are some questions for you, dear reader: If you could travel anywhere in the world, (cost and availability of time being NO issue), where would you go, and why did you choose it? – My answer:  Bora Bora.  Why? Because my grandparents were huge travelers, going all over the world and they seemed to love beaches as much as I do.  I had a treasured weekend with my grandma about a year before she died and I asked her which beach she would recommend I not miss.  And she replied without hesitation:  Bora Bora.  If she was that sure about it, then I know it’s a “Do Not Miss!” Give me two truths and a lie about yourself and make ‘em good! – My answer: 1) I’ve lived in five states and two different countries.  2) My grandfather was the inventor of the solar battery.  and 3) I love cats and currently have three. True.  I’ve lived in Ohio, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.  I’ve lived in Mexico and of course, the US. True!  My grandfather was Gerald Lee Pearson who worked on a team of physicists at Bell Labs and together, they invented the solar cell in 1954.  Check him out on Wikipedia!  (And no, I did not get ANY of his scientific genius!) False.  I’m much more of a dog person than a cat person. I’ve had two cats in my life and they were both stand-offish and grumpy.   Share your social media and buy links! It’s been a pleasure visiting with you today!  If you’d like to learn more about me or follow me, you may do so here: Website/newsletter subscription:  Author Laurie Larsen | heartwarming Christian fiction Facebook: Facebook Amazon: Amazon.com: Laurie Larsen: books, biography, latest update Bookbub: Laurie Larsen Books - BookBub Goodreads:  Laurie Larsen (Author of Sanctuary) | Goodreads Purchase links for The Year I Read the Bible: https://books2read.com/u/b60650  Thank you, Laurie, for being our guest!

 Join me in welcoming award-winning author, Karin Beery to the Diamond mine! I’ve had the pleasure of learning from Karin and she has so much wisdom to share in the world of writing, and it shows in her stories. If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy “Practically Married” or “Finally Forever” yet, definitely treat yourself.. The second book in the Novak series will be releasing soon and I can’t wait. Without further ado, here’s Karin!

A writer and reader of hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance, Karin Beery can find the hope (and humor) in most any situation, including her marriage, her career, and her menagerie of fur babies who all insist on sleeping on her side of the bed. She’s a multi-published award-winning author and editor with experience in traditional and self-publishing, freelance editing, and editing for publishers. When she’s not writing, she runs Write Now Editing, helping authors turn good manuscripts into great books.

Welcome Karin! First let’s learn a little bit about you. Can you share a few things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing?

I never had a pet until after I graduated from college. Since then, I’ve had five cats and four dogs. I also never went canoeing or kayaking until college. Now my husband and I own three kayaks (two for us and one for a guest).

Wow! That’s a lot of changes after college. At one point my husband and I had three siberian huskies. That was an adventure haha. What drew you to write?

Fiction has always been an escape for me, be it TV shows, movies, or books. I started writing as a kid to have stories I wanted to read. 20+ years later, I started writing again for the same reason—I wanted romance novels that teens, their parents, and their grandparents could all read without embarrassment. 

Those are some of my favorite kind of stories to read. What’s your writing process? 

I do best in bursts—I pick a month (usually March and/or October) and do writing sprints several times a day, five days a week. By the end, I have 50,000-60,000 words written, which I consider my first draft (even if I don’t write the final chapter). Then I go back and start the revision process.

Those sprints are so helpful! I credit them for the completion of some of my own stories. How do you come up with your story ideas?

Literally anything. Dreams. Real people and events. People I’d like to know or events I’d like to see happen. For Practically Married, I asked myself if I could make the marriage of convenience trope (one of my favorites!) work in a contemporary setting instead of in the past.

That is the trickiest trope in modern stories. And you made it work! We all loved “Practically Married” and “Finally Forever”  Tell us about your release coming up this fall. 

In October, I’m releasing the second book of the Novak sisters’ series, Curveball on the Dance Floor. In Finally Forever, we met Christine and Tony. In Curveball, we get to see what happened between them behind the scenes and where they go after the dance off.

Are there certain themes explored in the story?

Unlike my other books, this book includes a storyline in which the solution isn’t as black and white as some of the other books. I wanted to include it because it’s something that people I know have dealt with, and I wanted to make sure my main characters’ actions honored biblical principles while also creating a captivating story. And, of course, there’s a lot of hope and love.

Oh, now you have us so curious! Do you have any favorite characters in your books?

Vanessa is a secondary character who pops up in this book, and the more I tried to figure her out, the more I liked her. She’s not a Novak sister, but I think she might need her own book eventually (even if it’s a novella).

Sometimes I feel like it’s those secondary characters that are so easy to get attached to. What are you working on now?

Book three! Caroline and Chris have a third sister—Carmen. She’s been in Germany for three years, but some unexpected events and outcomes have inspired her to move home, even though she considers it a sign of failure. 

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Reading (shocker!). I’m a raging extrovert, but also shy, so I enjoy hanging out with people I already know. 😊 I love the water, which is fortunate, since I live in Michigan. I love to kayak, swim, or just sit on the shoreline and look at the water.

Thanks for joining us, Karin!

Check out the first book in the Novak Series, "Finally Forever" as you wait for the October Release.

Winning the dance competition could land Caroline her dream job but at the cost of her heart.

Former competitive dancer Caroline Novak dreams of leaving the corporate world to work with special needs women at the Pathways non-profit, but the organization can’t afford a full-time director. All-American defensive end Ben Allen was on his way to the NFL when a knee injury sent him home and into the same office as Caroline, his best friend’s older sister. When Pathways participates in a Dancing with the Stars-inspired fundraiser, Caroline quickly volunteers, and Ben joins her as the local “star.”
 
It doesn’t take long for Ben to realize it’s more than a dance competition, and Caroline is more than his best friend’s sister, but after two failed engagements, she’s hesitant to trust her heart with another man. When the NFL calls Ben, it looks like his dream might finally come true—but it could cost them the championship and Caroline her heart.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/iJZXAwQ

Want to Connect with Karin?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinbeery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinbeery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karinbeery

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2666258-karin
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karin-beery

Interview with Carly L. Carlson, Author of These Wild Dreams of Ours!

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 Carly L. Carlson, author of These Wild Dreams of Ours!

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. Every time :)

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

I’ve always wanted to try one of those super expensive Wagyu steaks :)

Yum! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

Currently: outside in my yard. I can watch the kids play and get a tan while still getting some writing in.

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

I have been known to mispronounce many words because I’ve only ever read them.

You are not alone! What inspired you to write These Wild Dreams of Ours? 

Check out These Wild Dreams of Ours HERE!

They say if you can’t find the book you want to read on the shelves, you need to write it. I’ve often had a hard time connecting with the female main characters in Christian Historical Fiction, and I really wanted to write a character who was both strong and soft, tomboyish but still inherently feminine, a little wild but still kind and tender. That’s where Kate McGrath came into being, and the story grew from there.

Love a multifaceted character! What led you to write in this genre?

Christian Historical Fiction has always been my favourite genre, and this time period and setting in particular (1800s American frontier) has had my heart since I read Little House on the Prairie as a kid. I have often said I was born in the wrong century :)

I know that feeling! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

A main theme in my book is the question: where is God when we encounter suffering? My characters struggle and face many trials, and I wanted to express the unwavering goodness of God despite the valleys that we walk through. I pray that readers will walk away encouraged in their faith knowing that the Lord is with them through whatever they may be facing in their lives.

Love that! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

I am part of a multi-author series of twelve novellas coming out this winter inspired by Christmas Carols, and my novella will feature a side character from These Wild Dreams of Ours! We’ll get to see them have a happily ever after, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it on December 1st! After that I have plans for four more books in the series and have two other standalone novels, all in various stages of development. I am so excited to bring more stories out into the world!

Yay! That's awesome! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Psalm 46 has stuck with me through the many ups and down in my life, and I think it really applies to this story:

“God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…the Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

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

That’s a complicated question :) On audiobook I am currently listening to The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz. My current physical book is Earthbound by Katee Stein, and on Kindle I’m switching between Sins of the Past by Bethany Klassen and Seashells and Other Souveniers by Rachel Lawrence.

I love complicated book answers! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Carly!

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 create aesthetic content 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, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Amazon Author Page!

Author, Editor, and Designer, Bev Haynes

   

                 Quilted Hills Book Series                                     Bev Haynes

Welcome to Quilted Hills! 

A place where every stitch tells a story, and every heart holds a secret.

In this beloved series from authors Bev Haynes and Jewel Adams, the serene beauty of Amish country hides more than meets the eye. Love, loss, and faith intertwine in tales of redemption, hope, and finding home again.

Hello Everyone! Gay N. Lewis here, and I’m introducing Bev Haynes to you today. Bev and I met years ago, but we have yet to see each other face to face. She read my books and recommended me to her publishing company. She’s an exceptional author, editor, and designer. She also knows technology!

She worked as the editor for one of the first Online publishers in 1998, Romance Foretold. She held the managing editor position for the Paranormal division. Due to new technology, the company faded away. So, in 2000, along with friends, she formed a new publishing company: Wings ePress, Inc. As if that wasn’t enough, after that, she created Whiskey Creek Press. She loved Whiskey Creek but sold it when her husband became ill. Thankfully he is healthy now! 

Bev loves to read, crochet and cook. If I ever visit her in Guernsey, Wyoming, she promises to feed me her favorite food: Cabbage buns. Shredded cabbage and onion mixed with browned hamburger in the middle of homemade bread. She’d also show me “The Hub of the Oregon Trail.” From where she lives, I would see the Oregon Trail Ruts. Thousands of covered wagons carved deep grooves into the Wyoming sandstone.

Bev’s primary genre is Amish Romance.

Now for the answers to my questions.

Gay: Tell our readers about you.

Bev: My husband, Odell and I live in rural Wyoming on the east side near the Nebraska line. We love small town life. We have three grown children, 5 grandgirls, and 4 great grandchildren.

Gay: How long have you been an author?

Bev: I cannot remember NOT being an author. I remember writing stories as far back as grade school. In High School, I wrote short stories for $1each for my classmates featuring them meeting and dating their favorite star.

Gay: Wow! Just wow! You sold stories in high school! How many books as of today?

Bev:  Ten books in many genres. Contemporary romance, paranormal romance, Amish romance and my first draft of a Paranormal Women’s Fiction.

Gay: I know you edit, and design covers for other authors. What is your favorite? Writing, editing, or designing?

Bev: Great question. I love writing, but my second love is editing. Helping an author make their book as great as it can be is quite fulfilling.

Gay: I know you have been under contract for a traditional publishing company, and you are also self-published. Which is better?

Bev: I’ve experienced both, true. I love being independent. It boils down to the fact that no matter which way you go, it is up to you to promote your work.

Gay: How do you market your books?

Bev: That’s my biggest problem! I have taken marketing classes, spent money on ads and in general failed miserably because I am internet shy! Back in the day, I “tried” to sell Avon, Mary Kay and Tupperware! I’m not cut out for it and marketing my books drops my emotions back to the days of failure. I’m determined to change all of this! The first step I created a website, and I like it a lot. Now, I need to make a newsletter.

Gay: Do you attend workshops and conventions?

Bev: I attend a few online workshops. There are conventions that really interest me, but living in Wyoming, everything feels far away when you are terrified of flying!

Gay: What is your favorite genre?

Bev: Hmmm…Paranormal Women’s Fiction. I know, it doesn’t fit well with my Amish Romances. I have contemplated using a pseudonym for my paranormal writing, however, managing dual identities would require significantly more effort. Being eclectic is more fun.

Gay: I see you write with a partner. How does that work?

Bev: Yes, my good friend Jewel Adams and I teamed up on the Amish series. Me in Wyoming and Jewel living between Maine and Florida. We wrote while talking on Skype. We’d discuss the scene and using Google Docs we’d both type at the same time and select the parts we liked or blended them. It was a lot of fun. Jewel and I now live only a few blocks apart and are we continuing the series? Not yet. We are both writing separately in the Fantasy genre.

Gay: Have you ever had writer’s block?

Bev:  Life block is more accurate. I get busy “thinking” about a book, then another pops up, and another. All of this while I’m busy having fun shopping out of town and around here, everything is out of town. Our closest Walmart is 60 miles one way.

Gay: Oh my goodness! That’s a distance! My Walmart is five miles away, but it can take me an hour to get there. We have tons of traffic and road construction between here and there. I order and have them deliver!

Thank you, Bev, for visiting us. I am looking forward to working with you again in days to come.  Everyone, please click on her purchase site! It's lovely, and of course, buy books!

Contact Bev via email: bev.haynes@gmail.com

Purchase Links: authorbevhaynes.com

Author Megan Besing's New Book Lights Up the Shelves

 

(Photo by Matt C./unsplash.com)

All right, readers, you're firefighters! Pull on your gear, grab your helmet, (those things are heavy so pump some iron before you start!) and jump in the firetruck. We're about to find out more about the next fire and rescue book Rescued Heart by an author near and dear to my heart, Megan Besing. Sound the alarm and break open the garage door—don't forget Dally the Dalmatian—and let's get right into the hot spots of this new release!

PT: Let's jump right into the fire, Megan. Tell us how you got started as a suspense author.

MB: After I had two published historicals, I saw how Sunrise Publishing had a call out for an opportunity to potentially be mentored by a great suspense author, Lisa Phillips, and I thought I’d like to learn how to write suspense. So, I tried out and was chosen. I got to have a weekend retreat with Lisa and Susan May Warren where I learned lots and that lead to my next three suspense books through Sunrise Publishing.

PT: Everyone's dying to know, do you have a day job besides writing?

MB: I’ve spent the last two years teaching 7th and 8th grade at a small Christian school. Yes, all the subjects, including Latin the first year (which I did not know). My favorite subjects to teach are Bible and believe it or not, Math.

PT: So is there any genre you secretly want to write in?

MB: I have several YA/YA fantasy/ Dystopian stories on my old computer and in my head. I think being a current junior high teacher has me longing to see those stories in print. But I just want to find books for my students that I know they’ll love, and I don’t have to fear what’s inside of them. However, I don’t see that happening tomorrow at least. 😊

PT: Hobbies? Pets? Favorite vacations? Favorite foods while writing? Work with silence or music or other?

MB: Reading, that counts as a hobby, right? Pets, we have a dog and three cats, plus some chickens all of which live outside and actually enjoy there. Though my cat, Novella, is actually sleeping on my lap right now. We’ve gotten to travel a fair amount, and I love things about each trip, but my favorites are probably: Ireland, Hawaii, and Lake Superior. And yes, I love water it seems. My favorite foods while writing tend to be on the crunchy/salty end like Chex-Mix and Cheese-Its, but I also love chocolate. Usually, I work outside in my “writing room”. It’s really a little shed by our lake that gets really hot in the summer.  I tend to listen to creation, but if I’m inside where it’s loud, I’ll listen to instrumental music—like The Piano Guys.

PT: Did you ever have a book review that really inspired you?

MB: I try to read all my reviews. Generally, they are good, but occasionally I’ll get a review that beats me or my book up (or both) and for some reason those bad reviews seem to stick out in my brain more than the good ones. But I love reading a review where the reader “got” the story and when they mention the spiritual aspects of the book, I’m like: “Yes, this is why I do this.” It’s very encouraging.

 PT: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

MB: My original dream destination was Ireland, and we actually visited there a few years ago. And yes, it’s beautiful and lovely. I think now I’d like to visit England and see the beautiful coastline. Drink some yummy tea. However, don’t tell my daughter, but we’d love to take her to Paris—her dream—for her senior trip. But… life doesn’t always allow our dreams. So only time will tell if that adventure will happen or not.

 PT: Tell us a quick synopsis of your new book, Rescued Heart.

 Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger

Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center.

 But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process.

 Rescued Heart is a heart-pounding romance that celebrates the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

PT: Your new book, Rescued Heart is part of a series, correct? Tell us a little about the series and how many books are included.

MB: Rescued Heart is actually book seven in the Last Chance Fireand Rescue Series which is a branch from the original Last Chance County Series that Lisa Phillips wrote ten books in. Each book in the LCF&R series are all stand alones, where they follow a different firefighter either on Rescue Squad Five or Truck Fourteen. Or the fire chief like I got to write about in book two, Expired Hope. There will be one more book releasing in a few months to finish out the series the LCF&R series. It’s been so fun bringing the crew their own happily-ever-afters.

PT: I’ve just started reading the book. I can’t wait to see which direction Bianca will go next. Do you have a character in this, or other books, that is most like you?

MB: I usually don’t mirror a character after anyone specific. A character may get a few random traits or I might borrow from people I know. But if anything, sometimes I borrow favorite things—Like Bianca enjoys a certain kind of milkshakes, and the reason I chose that flavor is because my dad likes that kind, too. She’s also partial to flipflops and sweatpants, and I’m guilty of that as well.

 PT: What’s the Bible premise or verse that Rescued Heart centers around?

 MB: I chose Palms 139: 23-24 for Rescue Heart’s verse: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It talks about our heart, and it touches on some trials the characters have to endure doing the story.

 PT: What Bible verse keeps you centered right now?

MB: My favorite verse has always been Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting in the Lord covers most things we go through in life. But the verse I’d chosen for my classroom this past year was Proverbs 4:23 which says: Above all else, guard your heart; for everything you do flows from it.  I also need to pick a new verse to memorize for the month. It will probably be another verse in Proverbs because that’s the book I’m currently in. 

 PT: Drum roll for my favorite prompt. Name 5 things that have nothing to do with writing.

 MB: 1. A Vanilla Coke—because I’d like to drink one right about now. 

        2. Packing—we’re about to go camping. (Which is not what I consider a great vacation. Lol. But it is good family time.) 

        3. Orchids and tulips—because I think they’re my favorite flowers. Though, I do enjoy Gerber daisies too.  

        4./5. Bedtime I’m wondering how much farther is bedtime because I’m tired. And I’m thinking I might need another hummingbird feeder.

 PT: What’s next on your author chalkboard? Writing? Editing? Marketing? All three?

MB: It looks like I’m going to have another book release next spring. More details can be found in my newsletter and social media when everything because more official.

(Photo by Tak Kei Wong/unsplash.com)

PT: And the fire's out. Enter Megan's book giveaway by leaving your email address and a inspiring
comment, or use our contact form. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Megan for joining us today!

Want to know more about Megan Besing? Keep reading!

purchase links:

https://books2read.com/rescuedheart

 https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Heart-Chance-County-Rescue-ebook/dp/B0DFY2YVCZ

 https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-last-chance-fire-and-rescue-rescued-heart/

 

bio:

Megan Besing is a PW's Bestselling Author. Winner of the Selah Award, a 2x finalist in the Carols, and a HOLT Medallion finalist, Megan lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, with her husband and their children, where she's always planning a road trip. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

 

Links:

 https://www.meganbesing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganbesing/

https://www.facebook.com/MeganBesingWriter

 https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-besing

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Megan-Besing/author/B073X2W8CV

Interview with author Heidi Glick!!

 

Today we welcome Heidi Glick to The Diamond Mine!! Her upcoming release is a romantic suspense from Scrivenings Press. Gazing into Darkness is Book 1 in the Queen City Heroes series. The release date is August 12, 2025. The book will be available on Amazon and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

Here's a taste of the book:  Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Sounds really interesting, Heidi!! Now let's start the interview!

So, tell us a bit more about the series.

Gazing into Darkness is the first book in a three-book romantic suspense series, Queen City Heroes, set in Cincinnati, Ohio. While solving cases, federal agents Chance McPherson and Stacy Sanderson must also investigate their feelings for each other. In Book 1, Chance must overcome his anger toward God and his fear of working with a female agent, to protect his partner, Stacy, from a madman who wants revenge.

How did you get your idea for this story?

For several years, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. Later, I learned about EPA CID agents.I thought it'd be cool to write a story about them and the work they do.

Great idea! I'm glad you thought of it. So, what made you decide to be a writer?

When I  was thirteen, I was in a church Christmas drama. I wanted to play Mary, but I couldn't sing, which was required for the role. An adult suggested I write my own play. Growing up in Southern California, originally, I dreamed of writing Christian screenplays, but God had other plans.

Then, what was your first story?

My first story was Dog Tags, a romantic suspense from Pelican Book Group. In it, Marine Mark Graham determines to protect Beth Martindale, the woman he loves, at all costs, and yet his own secrets might turn her against him forever.

That sounds cool!

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

Normally, I write from an outline. With my current work-in-progress, I have written toward what James Scott Bell refers to as signposts, but I haven't followed an outline as closely as I normally do.

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

Yes, I try to include themes of redemption, forgiveness, and trusting God.

Such important themes for every person to experience!

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

The heroine of the story and I both like to read books.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes, with my current work in progress, I was surprised by twists along the way.

I love it when that happens!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

The main characters in Gazing Into Darkness, Chance and Stacy, are my favorite characters.

So, what are you working on now?

Currently, I am working on a stand-alone romantic suspense, tentatively titled, Kalamity Cabin, set in the fictional town of Kalamity, Ohio.

I love that title! 

Thanks for the interview, Heidi! I really enjoyed hearing about your books.

Now readers, here is a short bio of Heidi, plus her social and purchase links!

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology from Cedarville University, a Master of 

Technical Communication from Utah State University, and a passion for writing 

romantic suspense from a Christian worldview. Additionally, she is a member 

of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian 

Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. She has an eye for detail and 

includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in 

scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County 

(Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Before 

becoming a romantic suspense writer, Heidi taught science to middle and high 

school students and edited science documents. Though she grew up in 

Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home. When 

she is not busy discovering unique ways to wreak havoc upon the lives of her 

fictional characters, she spends quality time with her husband, two kids, and 

eight pets.

Readers can learn more about Heidi on her 

Website, https://authorheidiglick.com/

Social Media Links:

·       http://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick

·       https://twitter.com/HeidiGlick1

·       https://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/

·       https://www.instagram.com/glick.heidi/

·       https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7035003.Heidi_Glick

·       https://www.pinterest.com/sheglick/