Today, I am thrilled to welcome debut author Janell Goodrich York to the mine. Janell's debut release last month, and I enjoyed traveling with Sarah and her new friends in this story. She is generously offering one of our blog readers a paperback copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away and some bookish swag (US addresses only). Keep reading to find out how to enter.
About Janell Goodrich York
Janell Goodrich York is a retired high school guidance counselor. She was born in Indiana, but raised in a small town in Southwest Missouri. Janell loves to travel, especially to beach destinations. She loves to hang out with her family and spoil her two dogs. Janell is a girl mom of three awesome adult daughters and Meme to five “perfect” grandkids. Janell lives in Missouri with her wonderful husband, Jim. Her first book, The Day Sarah Ran Away, was published by Scrivenings Press in August 2025.
Connect with Janell: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Suzie: Welcome, Janell. Thank you for taking time to visit the Diamond Mine this week and share a little about yourself and your book. To start off, can you tell us a little bit about yourself (something that’s not in your bio)?
Janell: My husband and I recently finished traveling to our 50th state. It was my goal to do something each state was known for––not just travel through. We’ve experienced some amazing and funny things accomplishing that goal. In May, we flew to our last state Hawaii.
I’ve been blessed with many female friendships. My three best friends and I have been together since the fifth grade.
My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year. He’s my rock and biggest fan.
My favorite color is Red. I’m drawn to it like a bee to honey. My husband will ask, “Do you really like that blouse, that car, etc. or are you drawn to it because it’s red?
Suzie: I love that you and your husband visit local events together and you sell books while he sells fishing lures.
Let's talk about your book. What was the inspiration behind your story?
Janell: I missed my kids, so I started journaling my feelings about being an empty nester. Then, I started reminiscing on the numerous past conversations I’d had as a high school counselor with the parents of senior students. I found most dads were excited to have their kids out of the house, but most moms were tearful thinking about their kids leaving home. I didn’t truly understand their sadness until it happened to me. It’s a different kind of grief––A letting go of something that has been a joy. As I wrote down my feelings––Sarah and her story began forming in my imagination. At first, the story was turning out like Tom Hanks with his soccer ball friend, Wilson, so I decided she needed interaction with other people. Now, there’s a host of loveable characters in her story.
Suzie: I loved the characters in this story. They are funny, real, and memorable in the best kind of way. What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?
Janell: I began writing stories in the first grade. My teacher commented to my mom one day she enjoyed my stories and hoped I would continue to write as I got older. Her compliment encouraged my love of writing.
Later, my middle and high school English courses were my favorite classes to attend. I always loved when we would have a creative writing project assigned. My junior year, my English teacher told me the school would be offering a year-long creative writing class, and I needed to sign up for it. I was thrilled! I still have the box of short stories and poems I wrote in that class.
Suzie: I wish I still had some of the silly poems I wrote when I was younger.
Are you a night owl or morning person?
Janell: Neither, lol. It takes me awhile to wake up in the morning, and I’m ready for bed around 9 p.m. I’m most productive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Suzie: I'm the same way, but my most productive hours are in the afternoon. Back to your book, who was your favorite character to create?
Janell: Delores - Sarah’s new best friend. I love her personality. She’s so fun, supportive, and encouraging. I think we all need a “hype girl” like Delores in our life.
Suzie: I agree. Are you a plotter or a panster?
Janell: I’m a panster. I write the beginning and the end first. I have some idea of how I want the middle of the story to go, but honestly, the characters dictate what comes next. I try to do an outline, but I’m terrible at sticking to it.
Suzie: It is the same for me with an outline! I feel like the newest term for a pantser is a good one. We are intuitive writers. What are your three books on your current tbr?
Janell: What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells, Birds Alive by Jen Dodrill, and My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Suzie: Those all sound like good reads. Do you have a favorite author or book?
Janell: Harper Lee, Richard Peck, and Fredrik Backman to name a few. I love how they write about everyday people experiencing relatable, difficult situations with humor and empathy. I want to be that kind of writer. I hope my readers will be able to see themselves in one of my characters––to go away after reading my book with the feeling I’m not alone – someone gets me.
Suzie: I think many readers will see themselves in Sarah. What’s next for you as an author?
Janell: I’m currently writing the second book in my Sister Pie Pact Series. It will focus on Sarah’s neighbor, Olivia. It will have the same host of characters with a few new ones added.
Suzie: I can't wait to read it. How can we pray for you?
Janell: I’ve never taken creative writing classes. I’m learning as I write. It’s a slow process for me, so I get a little anxious trying to meet deadlines. Pray for peace in my spirit and the right words to entertain as well as encourage my readers.
Suzie: We will pray for balance, peace, and inspirations as you write more books. It has been a pleasure spending some time with you. Thank you for sharing with us this week.
The Day Sarah Ran Away
A heartfelt tale of discovery and resilience when plans fall apart.
Sarah Goodwin loved her life as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart into every moment with her only daughter, Emma. But now, Emma is off at college and rarely visits or answers her calls, leaving Sarah feeling adrift in a sea of routines—no more soccer games, fundraisers, dress shopping, or birthday parties. As each monotonous day blends into the next, Sarah longs for something more.
When Emma announces she’ll be home for the summer to plan her wedding, Sarah is thrilled at the thought of shared dreams, endless to-do lists, and the promise of reconnecting. But her perfect summer quickly unravels when unexpected events send her on a daring journey with new companions—an adventure filled with twists, revelations, and surprises she never saw coming.
As Sarah journeys west, questions loom. What will her husband do when he discovers she’s gone? Where will this journey lead her? And most importantly, what lies ahead for Sarah now?
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