Welcoming Jane Vaughan and A Story of Grace

Thank you, again, to Diamonds in Christian Fiction for allowing me to share my friends' work. I am grateful to be able to support fellow authors this way. Please join me in welcoming Jane and her first published book!

  Introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice when they meet you. Hi there! My name is Jane Bayly Vaughan. I’m from the lowcountry of South Carolina. When people meet me, they tend to notice my first name. There doesn’t seem to be many Janes around. I love it because often people ask if it is a family name and I get to talk about genealogy! 

 Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb. The Ties That Bind is my debut novel and first in the series: A Story of Grace.

   

   In 1830s Cornwall, Grace Bayly faces 

   unimaginable events that threaten the 

   survival of her family. Her father and half

   of her large family are an ocean away 

   and her mother and remaining siblings are

   poised to follow. As hardships close 

   in, hopes of a new beginning grow distant. 

   She must summon fortitude borne of love 

   and sacrifice to hold her family together. 

   Amid the unyielding grip of loss and grief, 

   Grace steels herself to persist as she 

   faces the ultimate challenge that threatens 

   to break her. Will Grace find the 

   strength she needs to ensure her family 

   survives? A poignant tale of loyalty, 

   resilience, and the enduring bonds that 

   shape a woman’s courage when everything she cherishes is at stake. Inspired by real people and events. 

   Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging 

  about writing this book? My biggest challenge was using

  the genealogy information to find the story behind all those

  dates and dusty records. I wanted to write a historical fiction

  as close to the truth as possible to honor my ancestors and

  tell a compelling story. It was interesting getting “into their

  skins” to imagine what their lives were really like. 

 Do you enjoy family history? Share an interesting ancestor. I have several. One of my great grandmothers was the daughter of a captain of a British warship stationed in Charleston, SC a few years prior to the Revolution. She was born in England and was orphaned at the age of 3. She arrived in Charleston, SC at some point, married, and had many children. Then there was a great grandfather who had a silver mine in New Mexico. I could go on!

Social media and buy links: 

JaneBaylyVaughan.com Facebook: Jane Bayly Vaughan Author Instagram: janebaylyvaughan Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXGMYM2Q

Interview with Jenna Van Mourik

I am thrilled that my last post of the year is featuring author Jenna Van Mourik! Jenna took the time to answer some of my questions and I am excited to introduce her to The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction community. She also has a new release coming out next month that we can't wait to share with you!!

Here's a little bit about Jenna:

Jenna Van Mourik graduated magna cum laude from California Baptist University with a B.A. in English, and received a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. Her debut novel, Jerusalem’s Daughter, was published in 2021 and is the first book in the Generations of Faith series.​

When she’s not reading, writing, or sharing her favorite books on social media, she’s spending time with her husband, Brandon, and toy Australian shepherd, Piper. She strives to live every day according to God’s purpose with what she calls a “Now go!” mindset, in reference to her favorite passage of scripture, Exodus 4:11-12.​

Connect with her at www.authorjennavanmourik.com or on social media at @jennavanmourik.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me Jenna! Can you tell us how you got started on the author journey? When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

Jenna: I was always a very creative child, so I would say it was never a question that I would do something creative later in life; the question was really, which creative avenue would I settle on? I was enrolled in college as a film major, but found my favorite parts of that program were actually the writing assignments and English classes. At a certain point in my college journey, I remember asking myself, “Wait a minute—why can’t I just write?” I changed my major, transferred colleges, and it ended up being the best decision I ever made.

You are clearly on the path you should be on! Why did you choose to write Christian Fiction?

Jenna: I grew up with a majority of my family members being involved in some sort of ministry. I had a lot of strong influences on my life who embodied a Colossians 3:15-17 way of living and demonstrated what it means to make Jesus the center of everything, whether that meant leading others in worship, pastoring churches, volunteering, or even pursuing mission work. I’m so grateful that they passed on their love of Jesus to me and when I got older and started figuring out what I wanted to do in my own life and career, it felt very natural to write Christian fiction. In many ways, it would be harder for me to write a book without faith elements in it.

Yes! When something is ingrained so deeply in you, it seeps into everything in your life. As you are getting ready to release the next book in the Generations of Faith series, Daughter of the Most High, can you share any highlights or key challenges you faced while writing and getting ready to publish this book?

Jenna: Every book is so different and comes with its own set of challenges. Writing my first book was just “for fun.” Writing my second book was overwhelming as I felt like I had to “prove myself” now that I had readers looking forward to the sequel. Writing the third book has felt like the end of a chapter in many ways. I didn’t feel like a debut or “newbie” author anymore, and the writing process felt a lot more free in that way. It was a lot like returning to my roots of writing for fun and just enjoying the craft of storytelling!

When you have readers looking forward to your stories, the imposter syndrome can definitely come out sometimes, but it's so rewarding to see how your stories can impact readers. How do you connect with your audience? What ways have you found are the most effective for reaching new readers with your stories?

Jenna: I’ve been doing #bookstagram since 2017. I started my account by posting book reviews and with absolutely no intention of ever self-publishing a book, let alone an ancient historical Christian fiction book. It was my favorite genre to read, but I never thought I could write it successfully. I was very scared to approach it, but when I did, I already had a built-in audience from my book reviewing days. I no longer review books as often, but I still use Instagram and YouTube to connect with readers. My husband and I will often film reels together where we dress up as my characters and re-enact scenes or lip-sync to audios inspired by my books. It’s become a really fun tradition for us, and while people always say that my husband is such a good sport, I have to give him credit and say he really does love doing it with me! I’m so thankful to have his support.

Since you read and write Christian Fiction, do you have a favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you?

Jenna: Always, always, always, my answer will be the account of Moses and the Burning Bush in the book of Exodus. Specifically in Exodus 4:11-12, which reads, “Then the LORD asked Moses, ‘Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say’” (NLT). I try to live everyday with a “Now go!” mindset, and just keep stepping into every new opportunity, knowing that the Lord will be with me. 

I love that Jenna! And I needed a reminder of that conversation between the Lord and Moses. So we both know writing can give you the munchies! Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?

Jenna: BBQ potato chips and coffee, though typically not at the same time! 

I think not at the same time is smart! I really enjoy white cheddar cheetos and I also love tea, but having them together is a dangerous combination. So I know you have a new release coming out on November 12th! Can you tell us a little more about Daughter of the Most High and what inspired you to write this story?

Jenna: Daughter of the Most High is book three in my Generations of Faith series, and focuses on the character of Rut, who appeared in both previous novels. In DOTMH, Rut has become a skilled weaver who can craft extraordinary tapestries with her own hands, but struggles with control and trust in her personal life. I’ve been wanting to write Rut’s story since I first came up with her character. As someone who has struggled with grief and anxiety in the past, I was inspired to write this story to show that God truly can take any broken thread and turn it into His masterpiece.

Yes he can! What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer?

Jenna: Now go! Whatever opportunities or gifts or talents God has given you, He has given them to you for a reason. Follow His lead and trust that He will be with you, leading you and guiding you at every step. Pray about everything, be faithful with what He gives you, and leave the outcome in His hands.

Amen. After your next release, do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Jenna: Daughter of the Most High is the third book in my Generations of Faith series. The fourth book in this series is already written and currently being edited for release in 2025. Beyond that, I’m planning a spin-off series that will feature some of the same characters whose stories aren’t quite finished yet. In August I went on a “research road trip” to places like the Creation Museum, Ark Encounter, and Museum of the Bible, and I learned a lot about Paul’s letter-writing years, the Great Fire of Rome, and the Fall of Jerusalem. I’m excited to continue researching those events and incorporate them into my next series!

Jenna, thank you so much for joining us today! I always like to end my interviews with authors on one final question. What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your writing?

Jenna: Each book has its own special quote or theme that I associate it with. With Jerusalem’s Daughter, it was the idea that words have power, not just to hurt, but to build up, encourage, speak life, and share the Gospel. With Antioch’s Daughter, I wanted readers to walk away in awe of grace and our Redeemer who truly makes all things new. With Daughter of the Most High, I hope readers see from Rut and Hektor’s story that even in times of chaos or hardship or confusion, God truly can weave every broken, tangled thread of our lives together. We can rely on Him in any and every circumstance, and if we ever find ourselves straying from His path, we can always return to Him as a child returns to a loving father.

Thank you for taking the time to share with our Christian readers a little about you and your work, Jenna! Wishing you the BEST release for Daughter of The Most High!

You can learn more about Jenna and her upcoming new release on her website, youtube channel, instagram, or her amazon page!

Interview with best-selling author J'nell Ciesielski

One of the best things about being an author is watching fellow authors get their wings. I remember when I met this beautiful young woman in 2015 (see my interview here) with dreams in her head and words at her fingertips. And now, just look at her! All grown up in the romance book writing world and launching book after successful book. I couldn't be more proud to present this interview with the truly talented and lovely J'nell Ceiselski.

We share a mutual agent, Linda Glaz, of Hartline Literary Agency. And we both share a deep love of history.
J'nell is an impressive talent indeed. She is the winner of both the INSPY and Maggie Awards. She's also a Florida native (where I live now!) but now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

J'nell states on her website:  

"If you love a good romance, high adventure, intelligent heroines who can hold their own, men to make your heart swoon and knees shake then you’ve come to the right place.

All my life I’ve surrounded myself with books and awesome stories, particularly ones set in a time long gone by. My passion has always been history, and its secrets open up a world of possibilities. Throw in a melting romance that ends happily ever after and I’m hooked."

 

Put your feet up and enjoy the video interview with this brilliant young mind!

J'nell's Books can be purchased here: Books By J'nell Ciesielsky

Social Media Links

http://www.jnellciesielski.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jnellciesielski

https://www.goodreads.com/jnellciesielski

https://www.pinterest.com/jnellciesielski/

https://www.instagram.com/jnellciesielski/

This interview by Karla Akins first appeared on The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction blog. 

Karla Akins is an award-winning author, educator, and speaker. She hails from the Tampa area of Florida where she resides with her husband, Eddie, her naughty Boston Terrier, Bella

Rose, and her two self-important cats. Her twin adult sons with autism live with them, too. A Pair of Miracles is about their life. Karla is a full-time 5th-grade public school special education teacher in inner-city Tampa and an online instructor. To schedule tutoring or coaching sessions, go to KarlaAkins.com or to her Outschool platform.

Follow Karla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlakakins/ 

Talking Book Covers with Sherrinda Ketchersid

 

I'd like to welcome my friend, Sherrinda Ketchersid. She writes inspirational historicals. 

Sherrinda, where'd you get the models for your cover?

Since I have been writing historical romance, I’ve gotten my model images at Period Images. They have a wide range of eras and categories to choose from: Biblical, medieval, fantasy, cowboy, Regency, etc. They are very affordable and you can get the photo with a transparent background to use over a landscape for a cover design.

Do you have an artist that helps you design your book covers? Was it fun or more stressful?

My first book, Lord of Her Heart, was published with a small press, so I didn’t have much say on the cover, but I loved how it turned out. When I decided to self-publish my second book, His to Keep, I knew I wanted the covers to be similar, since I wanted to make a series of medieval romances. So I found the designer of Lord of Her Heart and hired her to do the cover for His to Keep. Her name is Elaina Lee and you can find her at For The Muse Design. She just finished the cover for my third book, Hers to Love, which will release sometime in September. She is very affordable and super easy to work with.

I did design the cover for my novelette, A Lady’s Dilemma, which is the prequel to my series. I did this cover in the program, Book Brush. It’s not as good as Elaina Lee’s designs, but I am happy with it. I give away this story for free to newsletter subscribers.

Everything about your historicals seems so authentic. How much research have you done to achieve this? 

I’ve read a lot of medieval romances, particularly anything by Lynn Kurland, so I was well-versed in the “flavor” of the period. But with every book, I’ve had to research things like hand-fasting, sheep herding, foods eaten back then, and even flowers typical for the area and time period. I had to learn what was typical for the 1200’s in England and Scotland. You can’t have your characters writing on paper when paper wasn’t used for another 100 years. Historical readers are very knowledgeable and would call me out on those types of errors, so I try to make the historical aspects as true to history as I can.

The characters speak differently than we do. Did you read writings from this time period? 

In order to give a medieval “flavor” to my books, I have them speak with ’tis, ’tisn’t, ’twasn’t, etc. It is just to give a hint of the dialect, because readers wouldn’t be able to wade through a book if it was written as they really talked back them. Old English is completely different than our way of talking. The book releasing in September, Hers to Love, is set in Scotland, so I have included more Scottish sounding words like dinna, wouldna, bairn (instead of babe), etc. I will include a glossary in this book because of all the unusual words. Hopefully, that will help.

How did you get interested in writing historical romance?

My dad read fairytales to us girls when we were little. I think that is where my love for historicals originated. I love most historical books, but medieval and regency books are my favorite.

What's next? Have you written another book, and do you have an idea when it'll be available?

The third in my medieval series, Hers to Love, will release sometime in September. I’m still in the editing phase, so I’m not sure of the release date and don’t have a pre-order up. If anyone is interested in getting notified of its release, they can sign up for my newsletter (and get the prequel, A Lady’s Dilemma, for free) or they can follow me on Amazon or Bookbub to get notified when the book releases.

I am about to start writing a contemporary romance with a hint of Christmas magic that I would love to release in time for Christmas, but since this is new territory for me, I can’t promise I’ll have it ready by then. I’m a slow writer, but the goal is to have it ready before the end of the year.

Thank you for having me today! I loved sharing about my books and their covers.

Thanks so much for taking time to chat with us, Sherrinda!

Izzy James: Fabulous Cover and a Giveaway too!

Izzy James is the pen name of Elizabeth Chevalier Hull. Elizabeth grew up in coastal Virginia surrounded by the history of the founding of our nation. She still lives there with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

You all know how much I love cover art, and Izzy James’ are out of this world. Seeing superb book covers like these is like a brownie covered in hot fudge. Every ounce is delicious. Read more to find out what’s inside those fabulous covers and what Izzy has to say about writing.

1.    Give me one fact about you as an author that most people don’t know. 

I am currently learning to play a mountain dulcimer. I’ve owned one since I was fourteen years old. I’ve decided to take some lessons to finally play the thing! :-)

2.    What is the quality you like the most about your heroine? 

I like that she stands up for herself and that she’s flexible enough to allow Field to be who he needs to be.

3.    Being a writer is a busy life, isn’t it? I’m sure you’re working on something new to intrigue your readers. What’s in the works for you right now? 

I am working on a novella that’s the sequel to Max my time travel romance published last year. It’s called Garrett. Next I will write the prequel novella for The Shopkeeper’s Widow series tentatively called The Dollmaker.

4.    Do you have a set writing time every day or do you write in a more organic way? 

I now have the ability to write everyday, during the day. I’m working on settling down a specific time everyday. For right now, I’m happy to write everyday, during the day.

5.       What are the most number of words you’ve ever written in one day? 

7,500. Boy was I tired after that, but I met my deadline!

 

Izzy James will give away one e-book copy of The Shopkeeper’s Widow to the winner of her giveaway who answers this question: What is your favorite genre to read? 

The Shopkeeper’s Widow Book Blurb:

            Delany Fleet, a widowed former indentured servant living in the colonial port of Norfolk, Virginia, dreams of having an estate of her own where she will never have to compromise her freedom.

             When the only man she ever loved shows up with a load of smuggled firearms, Delany is forced to leave her home and her livelihood to protect her family and property from Lord Dunmore's raids and the conniving plots of a man who claims to be her friend.

             Now, with her destiny forever altered, Delany must find a new way to happiness. Can reconnecting with her husband's family and a former love be the path that God has for her?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shopkeepers-Widow-Izzy-James-ebook/dp/B089HP6HXM/

 iBooks: The Shopkeeper's Widow

 B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shopkeepers-widow-izzy-james/1137112901?ean=9781522303015

 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=the+shopkeepers+widow

 GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Izzy_James_The_Shopkeeper_s_Widow?id=kJLoDwAAQBAJ

 

Find Izzy James Here:

Website:  echull.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/IzzyJamesAuthor

Twitter: @chevyhull

Instagram: izzy.james

INTERVIEW with DEBBIE LYNNE COSTELLO and giveaway!

by Kathleen L. Maher

Welcome, Debbie Lynne Costello, writer extraordinaire of Medieval and 19th Century Southern fiction! “Where Chivalry Never Dies”

Kathy here. I had the life-changing blessing of meeting you through an American Christian Fiction Writers critique group. Was it 2008? It seems now I have always had you in my life, a part of my family. But your invaluable influence has transformed and informed my writing, enriched my personal life with faith and the rare intangibles of angelic visitation! As Anne of Green Gables would say, you're a "kindred spirit", and anyone who reads your work will feel the same.

Pardon me while I gush about your books. Sword of Forgiveness was your fabulous debut. It kicked off the Winds of Change series, set in 1300’s England with action, romance, humor, and a wonderful voice that puts you right in the middle of the story, and deep in the unforgettable characters’ heads… You’ve written several follow up novellas in the series, as well as some excellent 1800’s historical romances. Shattered Memories is a gripping story set during the historic Charleston earthquake, full of intrigue and heart-rending sympathy for one of my all-time favorite heroes—a doctor in love with a girl who has lost her short-term memory. These are a few of those true, hidden gems of Christian Fiction.

So let's get into this interview.

 Your fans are clamoring for your next book! What do we have to look forward to with your next release?

DL: First I want to thank you for your kind words. If anyone ever doubts God ordains our steps and brings people together for reasons. I know that I know had God not literally put us together I would never have gotten to where I am today as an author. Your wisdom and knowledge greatly influenced my writing and I am so thankful for you.

So what is next for me? Bride by Blackmail is my next release, coming out the end of August. It’s a 19th Century Charleston romance with a bit of suspense. If you love Scottish spy heroes then Duncan’s your man. He’s a bit unconventional for the Charleston set and especially the Charleston Belle, Charlotte, but he doesn’t give up that easily. Duncan is here on a mission from the queen to find the traitor who caused the death of thousands, his brother being one of them. While he tries to fit into high society with his shipping business he continues to search for his traitor. Trouble is the sassy Miss Jackson catches his eye and he now has two missions—one of country and one of the heart.

I am also over halfway through my sequel to Sword of Forgiveness. Sword of Trust has a lot of history woven in it. It’s been fun writing and learning about the Lord Appellants as well as King Richard. Bryce finds himself having to choose between a king who no longer cares about his people and treason. But if that isn’t enough stress on the man he has caught a beautiful border reiver on the Scotland/ England border who could be his undoing.

Tell us about the past several years, what they have looked like for you in terms of your husband’s health, your epic home building project, and new loves and losses in your family—weddings and funerals. How has this intense season affected your writing schedule? Do you feel it has deepened your craft, voice, perspective, and personal well of spiritual strength?

DL: Wow. Only you know how deep that question is. In 2014 my husband and biggest supporter of my writing was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Diagnosis for MCL is 2-5 years. But God is bigger than statistics (you can see our journey here) and used a great doctor, a clinical trial and His awesome power to heal my husband. Joe has been in remission for 5 years now! God is amazing. 

The story behind how He put random people into our lives as much as 20 years prior for this time is nothing less than amazing. During the time we lived in Houston while Joe was in treatment, I put out Shattered Memories. I’d written it years earlier and decided to publish it while at the hospital so much of my time. 

While we were in Houston my father fell and went into a coma. The doctors gave him no chance of survival and planned to take him off life support. But once again God showed He has the final word. The day they were to do that my dad woke up! Then they said he’d never be more than a vegetable. But once again God proved them wrong. My dad walked, talked, ate, and though he never got back to 100% I can honestly say he did get 90% of his life back. 

When we got home I got 2 contracts for novellas and wrote those. Then my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and had surgery—another hiccup in the road. She recovered then we started building our house. And when I say we, I do mean we did the work. My father passed away in February of this year, 5 years after his fatal diagnosis. 

Life has been a lot of ups and downs. And for those of you who have pets and love them like I do, in the last 1 ½ years I lost two of my Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs), 3 of my pet ducks, a cat, and my sweet donkey Winchester. Some seasons can be so tough. But we grow through those seasons and cherish the memories. 

It truly is all about how we choose to accept the things we can’t change. It makes me sad for the losses and trials but I’m so thankful that God allowed me to have those people and animals in my life. And though Joe and I still make several trips a year to Houston for tests and he now has to go back on treatment (part of the trial maintenance) I am so thankful God knew we would face this and He has used this Doctor and Hospital to heal my husband. 

But we have had some awesome blessings as well. I have had 3 weddings in the past 5 years. I’ve gained a wonderful son-in-law, and 2 beautiful and sweet daughter-in-laws that have been a blessing to our family. In answer to how all this has affected my writing, I haven’t had time to do much writing until the last few months. Now that we are in our house I’m back to the craft that I love and as I’m doing my last read-through before Bride by Blackmail gets sent onto the editor, I’m getting more and more excited about this new release and getting back to finishing my medieval! I’ve missed stepping back in time.


What are a few of your favorite books/movies/stories? Why?

DL: As you know, Kathy, Gone with the Wind is my all-time favorite movie and book. Why? The writing is excellent. I get lost in the words, I feel the turmoil of the time, I feel the pain of loss, it’s just incredibly written. And the movie was so well done that it’s one of the few that I believe was as good as the book. There are a few other books that I can’t forget one or more of the characters. When that happens I know it’s a great book because the characters have become real. Gilbert Morris wrote the Wakefield Dynasty and I loved the whole series. He really influenced where I went with my writing. And though it may sound like I’m just giving you a plug I want everyone to know I’m just being honest here. Your debut, The Abolitionist’s Daughter, left a lasting impression on me. Like Gone with the Wind, there are scenes that even today I can vividly see in my mind. I fell in love with Rhett and Scarlet, and I fell in love with your twin brothers. God was just so gracious to allow me to be a part of journey writing that book.


Here are a few “this or that” questions. (I think I know the answers, but your readers may not):

coffee or tea? 

TEA, the closest thing I drink to coffee is a yearly frappe’ when Christmas shopping with my mom, sister, and daughter.
TV or books? 

Hahaha. Books. I don’t watch TV.
sewing or scrapbooking? 

Sewing. I made all my kids clothes growing up and still love to sew when I have time. Lately the request has been masks.
dogs or cats? 

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs! German Shepherd, Shelties, and a Husky but I love them all. All shapes and sizes.
travel or homebody? 

This one is a bit harder. I do like to travel on vacation. We live in such an amazing country with beautiful sights but I’m a homebody in that you’ll find me at home rather than out and about shopping and going places. There’s no place like home.
chocolate or vanilla? 

Probably would choose vanilla but every once in a while I like a milk chocolate.
Shopping: Saks Fifth Avenue/Rodeo Drive , or online auction/thrift/bargain hunting? 

I have always been a bargain hunter. My favorite stores are the Goodwill and the Restore Store. I almost ever go into a store to shop unless its Christmas. If I do it’s because they have an 80% off clearance. I’m not a person who has to have new or the best. And name brands really don’t mean anything to me. I’d rather it just last.
Penthouse or farm life? 

Hahahaha. That makes me think of Green Acres. I sing that all the time to my hubby. We have 4 horses, 1 miniature donkey, 9 ducks, 3 dogs, and I’m looking for another mini donkey. So definitely enjoying the farm life!


Question on MALE LEADS:
Pierce Brosnan or Harrison Ford? 

Did I mention one of my horses is named Remington? Definitely Pierce Brosnan
Brad Pitt or Hugh Jackman? 

I modeled one of my heroes after Hugh Jackman.
Gerard Butler or Chris Pine? 

LOL Oh my goodness and I modeled another after Gerard Butler! I hate to say it but I don’t know who Chris Pine is. 

Oh, you are missing out, my friend. Chris Pine is amazing. ;-)
Do you have any thoughts or advice for new or aspiring writers? 

Follow your heart, not the market. The market changes and you’ll always write your best when it is from your heart. Don’t write to get rich or even make a living. Less than 1% manages that. Do it because you love it and you can’t NOT write the stories.

***GIVEAWAY INFO*** 
DL: I’ll be giving away choice of any of my novels/novellas in choice of format. Sword of Forgiveness also comes in audio. You must either ask me a question or comment something I’ve said to be entered.  Winner will be selected Tuesday, Aug 25

THANK YOU, Debbie Lynne! It’s always a pleasure visiting with you and chatting about books and writing. You are the best! I can’t wait to read your new Medieval (hint hint) and celebrate your next release. :-D 

DL: Thank you for having me, my friend. And you’ll be getting some medieval chapters as soon as Bride by Blackmail releases. ;)

An Interview with Debut Author Kathleen Denly

Hi friend! It's time for a cup of tea and another debut author interview, so pull up a chair, grab a scone, and settle in.


Today, I have the wonderful Kathleen Denly to introduce you to as well as a GIVEAWAY to brighten your day. (Check it out all the way at the bottom!)


Kathleen Denly writes stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. She enjoys finding the lesser-known pockets of history and bringing them to life through the joys and struggles of her characters.
Sunny southern California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. Always happy to hear from her readers, you can email Kathleen and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You might also consider joining Kathleen’s Readers’ Club to learn the latest updates, receive exclusive content, and be eligible for KRC exclusive giveaways!


Let's dive right into talking about your debut novel, Waltz in the Wilderness.

CC: Who was the most challenging character to create and what made them so challenging?

KD: Alice was by far my most difficult character to write because her outward personality and external goals are so similar to Cecilia’s. On the surface they could seem the same but, their maturity levels and who they are at their core is very different. They have always been two distinct people in my mind but, figuring out how to show their differences on paper was tricky. Since Alice appeared after Cecilia, she bore the burden of distinguishing herself. I’ve been assured by readers that I did manage the task, however.

CC: I agree, you did make both Cecilia and Alice distinct characters. I never once felt they were remotely the same.

What was some of your favorite research you discovered while writing this story?

KD: When researching the way mail was handled in 1854 San Francisco, I discovered a fascinating etiquette rule. To receive one’s mail most people had to stand in line for several hours. There were windows assigned to various sections of the alphabet at which men stood to receive their mail. Then there was the “ladies’ window” where the ladies waited to receive their mail. However, if the lady didn’t wish to stand in line, she could send a male to wait in her place. The trouble with this was that any gentleman standing in line at the ladies’ window was expected to give up his place to any lady arriving after him. So he was constantly moving to the back of the line. Can you imagine how long a man might wind up standing there, waiting for the very last lady to arrive before he finally reached the window? I couldn’t resist writing this into my story.

CC: That is really fascinating, and it makes me so glad I don't live in that time. I'm rather a fan of having things delivered.

What about writing in general? Does it exhaust you or invigorate you?

KD: I find writing both invigorating and exhausting. By the time I reach my word count goal each day, my mind is mush and my sentences start looking like my nine-year-old wrote them, BUT my mood is somewhere in the clouds and I feel an incredible peace that makes handling the rest of life’s struggles slightly easier. I think this is because when I write I am in constant communication with God. I begin each session with Bible study and regularly pause to ask God to show me where the next scene should lead or how a particular character should react and what Truth He wants me to shine a light on through my story.

CC: I LOVE that routine. Anytime we commune with God, whether writing or otherwise, it is so refreshing. 

What is your writing Kryptonite?

KD: Arguing with my husband. If my husband and I have had a big blowout and haven’t completely resolved things yet (because he had to go to work or I had to go somewhere before we could finish our “healthy discussion”), then I am useless. I can’t sleep, don’t want to eat and definitely cannot write until he and I are good again.

CC: As much as that stinks, I am glad that it leads you to always resolve your "healthy discussions." It's good for your marriage and for our TBR piles. ;-)

Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. For all our Diamond Mine Readers, if we have five or more commenters, an e-book copy of a Waltz in the Wilderness will be given out to a random commenter. Be sure to comment by Tuesday midnight (July 28th).

Answer: What is your favorite period of time to read about? (And don't forget to leave us with your email!)

More about Waltz in the Wilderness:

She's desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help. 

Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother's death, so she'll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend's unexpected assistance is a blessing she can't refuse.

Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it's been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.

When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?