The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction: Adirondacks

I'm am so happy to introduce Elaine Stock to the Diamond Mine! I've known Elaine for many years, having first met her through our local Romance Writers of America chapter meetings. It's been an absolute pleasure watching Elaine's career grow from that of an aspiring to a published author. Elaine will be offering one Kindle digital giveaway of her book, Always With You, to one luck commenter.

Elaine Stock is the author of Always With You, which released in January 2016 and has made the Kindle bestseller list. Her novels fuse family drama and psychological suspense. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and contributes to the international “Happy Sis Magazine.” In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope.

Tracey: Elaine, tell us a bit about how you got started writing fiction.

Elaine: The two big influencers to the love of story were my mother and my aunt—both named Sandra. My mother was a voracious reader (and lover of all arts; she also dabbled in poetry writing) and my aunt told the most wonderful, entertaining stories. A taste of writing came in third grade when an article I wrote was published in the school literary paper (sorry to say, I have no recollection of any details)—and I was hooked! I started writing stories, loving the feel of creating different worlds and characters. In junior high I wanted to be the next playwright of comedies that made people laugh like crazy. Life 101 and interest changes occurred, like in anyone’s life, and here I am today, writing inspirational contemporary fiction.

Tracey: I know you and your husband live in an historic building. Would you care to share a little bit about your lovely home?

Elaine: Aww, thanks so much, Tracey. My husband purchased for cash years and years ago this shack of a dilapidated railroad station because we were young and the banks didn’t want to give us a mortgage. So, with much grit and determination we started out having my husband’s piano restoration business in it for 3 years while we continued doing the majority of building repairs ourselves and living elsewhere. When we decided to make it half home-half business, and needed to add plumbing, well, and septic, we finally succeeded in getting a mortgage and moved in, living wise. The place is paid off now—thanks be to God!—but LOL, we’re out of room and the place needs spiffing up like a new kitchen, refinished floors, too many etc’s. We’ll get there, eventually. But, a home is a home and I’m thankful for it.

Tracey: How did you come up with the story premise for your novel, Always With You?

Elaine: Tracey, remember out Saratoga RWA local chapter days? One summer meeting, during the racehorse season (note: I do not attend the races or bet), a list of racehorse names was distributed and we were asked to write a premise about the horse. My “horse” was named Don’t-Tell-Isabelle, which became my original title for Always With You. Right away I wanted to know who Isabelle was, what she wasn’t supposed to know, and why. The story stewed for several years. Then 9-11 happened. The concept of hatred settled heavily on my heart and led to Always With You, a story of how faith and love can overcome hatred and evil.

Tracey: Can you tell us how your faith journey is reflected in the stories you tell?

Elaine: Ever since I can remember I believed in Something/Someone bigger than me, bigger than all of life surrounding me. However, I did not grow up in a family or surroundings of faith. Hindsight shows me that perhaps this is why I searched for the One who wanted me, and I accepted Christ into my heart and was baptized at the age of 22. And baptized a 2^nd time (by immersion) 3 years ago. But, life isn’t easy, even for the believer. It wasn’t meant to be! That’s why my stories, so far, all have characters, especially teens and young adults, who come to embrace God despite their struggles.

Tracey: What is one thing readers don't know about you?

Elaine: I love to cook and bake. For one week back in my early twenties—a time when one doesn’t worry about the how-to’s—I went into the cheesecake business, offering to bake cheesecakes for private use and parties. Well, I did receive 1 order! Truthfully, I’m so glad that profession ended before it ever took off!! Ironically, between working a day-job and writing, I manage to cook simple and nutritional meals, but haven’t baked in years.

Tracey: What's next for author Elaine Stock?

Elaine: My stories are leaning more toward the fusion of family drama and psychological suspense. Family complexities fascinate me. I’m finishing up a story of how an 18-year-old girl may have her future ahead of her, if only she can survive to embrace it. And, lured by my own family mystery, I’m researching a story that will be my first venture into a time-slip structure, going back and forth in narrative between the present and past.

Always With You

Can she move forward without knowing her past?
Will he enjoy his present if he can’t free himself from what he left behind?

In the heart of the Adirondacks, Isabelle lives in the shadow of a dark family secret whose silent burden strips her family of emotional warmth and faith in God. Tyler belongs to the religious sect called The Faithful, which Isabelle’s father dislikes immensely. Yet, because Tyler belongs to this group, Isabelle sees only a man devoted to his family and faith.

She wants it; she gets it; they marry.

And when the truth comes out, Isabelle faces two choices:
Staying could endanger her child.
Leaving could cost her life.