Join me in welcoming friend and Carol award-winning Christian fiction author, Donna Jo Stone, to the Diamond Mine! Donna's stories promise to draw you in with relatable characters and meaningful storylines. If you haven't had a chance to read a book by her, treat yourself! You won't be disappointed. Without further ado, here's Donna!
Award-winning author Donna Jo Stone writes southern-flavored, faith-forward fiction. Her stories are often about people facing tough times, but always leave the reader with a sense of hope. When she’s not writing, reading, or spending time with her family and friends, Donna Jo loves to peruse book stores and fabric shops.
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’ve always had pets. When I was young, my family raised rabbits. It started as my sister’s 4-H project and grew. We would go to rabbit shows, which are events similar to dog shows. We had three “bunny barns” full of rabbits.
One day, my middle school self arrived home from school on the bus to find my dad had put up a hand painted plywood sign saying “Rabbits 4 Sale.” This mortified me, because he had used a number rather than spell the word. It hung crookedly from the corner fence post too! But that number bothered me more, so I guess that’s my inner editor. It’s hard to get away from writing.
After I left home, I kept many pets, but stick with cats and dogs now. A lot of people think it’s fine to abandon animals in the country (it’s not), so I end up caring for strays, sometimes long-term. Right now, I have two cats that hang around, one friendly and one more skittish. We also have our Labrador mix, Kaylee, who likes to visit the neighbor.
Other than that, most of the time, when I’m not reading, writing, or doing some type of art, is spent caring for family members.
That's such a cool "fun fact" to know! What drew you to write?
I learned to read very early, and remember loving The Little House books. It amazed me to find out Laura Ingalls Wilder had written the stories based on her childhood. It had never occurred to me to wonder where books came from, and I was entranced by the idea anyone could write their story down, just like she did. That really drew me. Plus, I was a quiet little girl, and it felt more natural for me to write rather than be vocal.
The adults in my life encouraged me to have pen pals growing up, and my mother often took all us kids to the library. My grandmother (Dad’s mom) and my mother were both big readers and always had a book nearby.
I'm so glad you've had so many supportive people in your life that encouraged you to write! We all can thank them :) What’s your writing process?
It seems like every novel is a little different. I usually think a long time about one or two elements that are interesting, and then one day another idea for a story comes along and they meld together. When I decide to write a story, I like to make a rough outline or list of sorts to start with, adding to it over a few weeks. I’ve learned to make a timeline the hard way, and that also is included in my outline. I will make lists of characters, background events, and so on.
For most books, my outline has grown to several pages long before it’s time to begin drafting.
You are so right, how each story is different. I've learned that too! How do you come up with your story ideas?
For me, it’s almost always about the story people. I love hearing real people tell about their lives, funny stories, or lived experiences. Story people are interesting as well! My trouble isn’t having ideas of who, when, or where, it’s organizing and deciding what to leave out.
We all loved “When the Wildflowers Bloom Again” and “Promise Me tomorrow.” You’ve got a lovely mix of writing. Tell us about your new release.
Della’s Song is part of the Apron Strings Tea Tales series. My first novel was part of the first Apron Strings series, so when I was asked to participate again I thought it would be fun. These stories are all set between 1918-1939 and feature a tearoom. In the original series, the books were tied together by a cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, and in the new series the cookbook is also featured. Additionally, each story is inspired by a fairytale.
Della’s Song is set in 1934 North Louisiana. Della’s family make their living by singing gospel on the radio, at events, and teaching music and is loosely inspired by The Six Swans.
In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood.
Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them.
During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again.
When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye.
Are there certain themes explored in the story?
I tried to stick with the theme from The Six Swans fairytale of self-sacrifice and sisterly devotion. My character, Della, was all in with sisterly devotion, but not always with the self-sacrifice.
My verses were Colossians 3:16-17. Called to be a musician, Della liked the first verse.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
But she knew her scripture well enough that the next was right in her mind with it, much to her chagrin when she faced difficult tasks she felt unsuited for.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
I certainly understood her feelings. It’s easier by far to do the things that fit in with my natural gifting and tendencies, and a bit more challenging to sacrifice pride and do acts of service outside my comfort zone.
Della learned a few other lessons as well, as did other family members.
Do you have any favorite characters in your books?
I like them all for different reasons. They really are like children in that way, each unique and special.
What are you working on now?
It seems like every time I wrap up a project, I have four more calling me! It’s so hard to choose which to concentrate on. I’ve been editing my next young adult in the Wishes and Dreams series, and hope to have it release this year. But, I also have a women’s fiction I’m itching to get back to. No planned date for release on it yet.
Whatever I write next, readers can expect more of my signature faith-forward fiction.
When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to relax and chat with people, but I’m also happy browsing book shops. To reset my creativity, I like to sew, quilt, paint, or craft.
Thanks for joining us, Donna!
In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood.
Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them.
During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again.
When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye.
The Swan Family Gospel Singers are separated by tragedy, Della’s brothers scattered to the wind. With needle and thread, faith, and a song, she finds a way to stitch them together again.
A touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.
Della’s Song is a stand-alone novel in the Apron Strings Tea Tales multi-author series, and a 1930s historical with romance retelling of “The Six Swans.”
You can learn more about Doinna's books by visiting https://donnajostone.com.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Jo-Stone/author/B0CR8VJT1S
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnajostoneauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnajostone
