Falling for Chris Posti

Hello Diamonds - As a reader, one of my favorite things to do is discover new authors. I'm intrigued by so many different pathways that lead to publishing that first novel. It's a dream come true for all of us, but it never comes easily. I often say God parts the waters differently for each one of us, but we all have equal parts faith and a 'failure to quit' that eventually bring our stories to life.  

Today, we get the chance to meet Chris Posti. She's been a great friend and source of encouragement, as we're both with Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. Within a couple of weeks, I will get to meet Chris in person at the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference. But for now, all we've got are my hot-seat questions and her enchanting answers. 

Before we get started, there are two things you need to know about Chris: 

1) Her debut novel, Falling Apart, Falling for You, is a Selah Award Finalist. That an amazing accomplishment! 

2) She writes in a genre geared toward 50-year-old women and up. It's even in her subtitle - Real Life and Romance for the 50+ Woman. Fascinating. 

Pay attention. These facts will come up again later. 

First, meet Chris. 

Chris Posti’s writing experience comes in a variety pack. She was a newspaper columnist for more than 20 years and has written three nonfiction books, two blogs, and a workbook. Self-employed for 30 years as a career & executive coach, Chris also wrote training programs, speeches, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, executive summaries, and proposals. 

Her debut novel, Falling Apart, Falling for You (Elk Lake Publishing in April, 2021), is a fun, witty, and uplifting story of three women who reunite 40 years after graduating from high school, just as their perfect lives are upended.

Chris's second novel in this series of three will be released in late 2023.

Me: What were your reading and writing habits as a child? 

Chris: I vividly remember my excitement the first time I read a book that had no pictures in it. I thought I’d be bored by it—but I wasn’t. After that, I got my library card and checked out piles of books every week. Reading led to writing. I still have a little book of poems I wrote for my mother when I was eight; it certainly wasn’t my first effort at writing, but it was a memorable one. Books taught me my life could turn out very different from what I saw around me—and, indeed, my life has been much more wonderful and exciting than I could have imagined, and writing has always been a significant part of it.

Me: At what point did you realize this was really going to happen? 

Chris: Being self-employed most of my career, I wrote a Sunday workplace & careers column for a Pittsburgh newspaper, as well as a lot of business-related communications. As a result, I considered writing an important part of my career. But in 2011 when I self-published my first nonfiction book, I remember turning to my husband and saying from somewhere deep from inside me, almost in another voice: “I am an author.” It was a powerful moment; I knew I’d taken a big step forward in my career and in my life.

Me: Your debut novel is now up for a Selah Award. What does this change for you? 

Chris: Anytime you write something—whether it’s a novel, a nonfiction book, an article, a newspaper column, a blog post, or even a carefully worded email—you always wonder how it will be received. You may think you have done a masterful job, but until you get some kind of validation from others, there’s always that doubt lingering in the back of your mind torturing you.

Since my debut novel, Falling Apart, Falling for You, was published on my 70th birthday, I didn’t want to waste any time writing any other books in this series if no one appreciated the first. So I entered a few writing contests to get some outside opinions. I was elated when Falling Apart, Falling for You got an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Angel Book Awards, followed by being named a Finalist in The Author Zone Awards.

Then, earlier this year, I was reading emails on my laptop at the dining room table when I happened to see my book had been named a Finalist in the Contemporary Novels category of the 2023 Selah Awards. I was so stunned that I slid off the chair and fell to my knees. I cried and gave thanks to the Lord!

Me: What do you wish you'd known before you published?

Chris: Before being published, I was thinking, I just want something challenging to occupy my mind during the pandemic. I figured I’d write one novel and then move on to something else like painting or mosaics. But I found love writing fiction. It’s a fulfilling mental challenge. I could be wrong, but I feel like it’s added years to my life. I’ve just finished the manuscript for the second book, and the plot of the third is already in my head. After that, I’m thinking I might write a romance about a woman in her 60s. 

Me: What happens next?

Chris: Along with writing the third book in this series and possibly a romance, I would like to get involved in some kind of artistic pursuit. I always say one of these days, I’m going to paint clouds. Maybe I will. Truly, only God knows.

Me: You came up with a new-to-me genre (50+ Woman). Yet, most readers I know fit this classification. How did you choose your genre, and will you ever write for another? 

Chris: I could never understand why nearly all the women in novels (and movies) were in their 20s and 30s—maybe (if they were “old”), in their 40s. When I had time on my hands during the pandemic, I searched on Amazon for novels about older women but in all honesty, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to read. Yes, there are many stories that include older women but I wanted them to be the main characters, not a doddering old granny who provides comic relief. I wanted them to be vibrant, smart, loving, real-life, and relatable women who overcome challenges, grow in their faith, have reasons to be hopeful about their future, and find some romance too. So, I wrote the book I’d like to read.

Me: Are your characters based on real people? 

Chris: Sometimes, yes, but only vaguely. Suzanne was modeled after a woman I met 40 years ago who worked as a trainer in the airlines. A classmate who appeared in my sixth-grade class, who stayed in my town only that year and resided with her aunt, was the inspiration for Marla. As an inside joke, I also scatter some names of family members and friends throughout the scenes. And it probably goes without saying, there is a lot of myself in each of the main characters.

Me: What do you do for fun? 

Chris: My two grandsons (6 and 3) who live nearby visit a lot and we do silly things together—mudpies, chalk on the driveway, searching for fossils in the dirt, playing hide and seek. My husband and I live in Pittsburgh, where it’s too cold most of the year to swim outside, so our house has an indoor pool. The grandsons love it, and so do I. Water a great place to play, think, exercise, and pray.

Me: What is the most satisfying part of writing? 

Chris: I wish I could say it’s the piles of fan mail, or all the times people tell me they loved my book, but the truth is, most authors don’t get a lot of that kind of feedback. Or at least I haven’t! 

So I’ve learned to write in a way that pleases me, and I hope it pleases others too. When I’ve labored over a scene or a chapter, I read it aloud to see if it flows. When I get through an entire chapter without stopping to edit anything, that’s a big thrill, and if the writing moves me emotionally, that’s the biggest thrill of all.

Me: Do you know how your stories will end when you start them? Or are you as surprised as your readers?

Chris: For both my novels, I painstakingly wrote out every single scene multiple times and felt sure I knew exactly how both books would end. But somehow when you’re in the flow of the writing process, you just type and see what happens. Usually, you will be surprised. I know I was.

Check out her books on Amazon. 

For more information on Chris, visit https://chrisposti.com.

The Misfit Bride, Author Life, and More with Peggy Trotter (Plus a Giveaway)

It's my delight to introduce (or re-introduce) you to one of the Diamond Mine's founders. Peggy Trotter does a lot behind the scenes to keep us up and running, so it's a privilege to spend some time with her as she gets the spotlight as we celebrate her new book release.

About the Author

When Peggy Trotter’s not crafting or DIY-ing, she’s immersed in a story scene of some sort, always pushing toward that sigh-worthy, happily-ever-after ending. Two kids, two in-law kids, and three grandchildren (and one on the way!) are the delight her life, as well as her Batman of 37 years whose cape is much worn from rescuing his wife from one predicament or another.

On a dusty shelf lies a couple of writing honors like the prestigious ACFW Genesis Award, Novella category, even though she writes full-length historical and contemporary Ransomed-Ever-After Fiction. She strives to bring characters and storylines alive to reveal God’s guiding providence and unending love.

Always on a search to find one of her many pairs of glasses, Peggy’s a smoldering pot of determined discombobulation who, by the grace of God, occasionally pulls it together to appear in public as a normal, confident woman while privately craving a few hermit hours to woo the printed word.

Connect with Peggy: Website | Blog | Diamonds in Fiction Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest | LinkedIn | BookBub | MeWe | Parler | USA Life | Gab

SW: Welcome, Peggy, and congratulations on another book release.

Just for fun and as a quick introduction, let’s start with a few rounds of “Would You Rather.”

Would you rather be stuck on a broken ski lift or in a broken elevator?

PT: Elevator. It would be scary, but at least I wouldn’t be dangling thirty feet in the air in the freezing cold!

SW: I'm with you there. Would you rather go to dinner or a movie alone?

PT: Movie. I think I would just get lost in the story and forget about being alone.

SW: Plus it's dark in the theater so no worries about people watching you. Finally, would you rather explore space or the ocean?

PT: Ocean. I love the ocean and love snorkeling. I would love to learn scuba diving.

SW: Fun!

Ok, now tell us more about Peggy. This is your fifth book release. Can you share about what your writing journey has looked like?

PT: Sure. I’ve always wanted to write since I was a young girl and wrote sporadically since I was fourteen. Then school/kids/jobs/life/church took the main focus for a long time. I joined ACFW in 2012 to learn more about writing and head toward publishing. It was my “university” of sorts. Through crit groups/contests/networking/reading/writing I learned a lot about what I needed to do to sew a story together. I won the ACFW Genesis in 2014 and got my first contract shortly after. Now, I write full time and look forward to getting my newest series Society of Outcasts’ three books out there!

SW: Fantastic! And what about life outside of writing? Family? Hobbies? What fun facts can you tell us about Peggy?

PT: Oh, my. I am a DIY-er to my very roots! Right now, I’ve just finished painting the living and dining room a new color, torn down wallpaper and replaced it, patched, sanded, painted, spray painted base boards, and getting ready to do the crown molding. Then it will be on to the kitchen to do the same thing. Sometime this summer, I plan on re-staining our 2 decks. That will be a hot job! But, I am also a bit of a hobby junkie. I crochet, paint (on canvas), build, craft, sew, knit, sketch, etc. I love trying new hobbies. I guess I like working with my hands, LOL. But I also enjoy spending time with my family. We just got back from a family vacation to the beach. (I LOVE THE BEACH!) I crocheted two washcloths while I was there because our rental house didn’t have any. I guess my hobbies can come in handy!

SW: Yes, sometimes they can. Plus, it has been too long since I've visited the beach!

What does your writing space look like?

PT: Currently, it’s a mess! Ha! I have been working on my office for a while now. I have my own little space under the rafters upstairs. It’s painted in a dark color (I like things to be darkish when I write) and will eventually have a little loveseat (that I plan on making myself, of course!) and maybe a fireplace. (That I am dreaming to build as well.) That is, when I get it all organized. But, for now, I often write on my recliner downstairs on my laptop. (oftentimes with a DVD of a fireplace on the TV.)

SW: Do you have any words of encouragement or wisdom for new authors or those considering writing?

PT: A successful writer is one who didn’t quit. This is my personal mantra, and I’m sure a paraphrase of someone else, but I claim it as my own. I say that to myself all the time. Because there are so many times when I, and many other writers that I’ve spoken to, want so bad to just chuck it all in. A writer’s life is fanaticized as exciting, exotic, and amazing. And, it is! But it’s also lonely, discouraging, and extremely difficult. It very much is a “job.” There is very little support when things go awry. You have to be very determined. You better be prayed up and you’d better be willing to learn, grow, change, and deflect certain opinions. But I absolutely love it.

SW: Well said! The author life is not for the feint of heart, for sure!

Share about your newest release and how the story came about.

PT: Well, once upon a time Peggy wrote a first novel that was so horrendous, even she gags when she reads it! And it will never see the light of day except in my dark office. But—it has spawned forth four books. My first book Year of Jubilee came from this first manuscript. And the other characters wouldn’t go to sleep. Boy, they nagged me to death! So, I wrote them into the next three books, my newest series. The bad thing is, two more from the first book are whispering to me now. Perhaps there will be two more books in this series?

The full blurb for the book is below.

SW: Oh, The Misfit Bride sounds intriguing and hurray for the other books (and possibly more) in the series.

I’d like to end with the most important question. How can we pray for you?

PT: I love this question! I’m trying to figure out the marketing equation for my books. It’s a strategic area, and I am not a strategic sort of person. I’m more the “creative, doing” sort of person. So, keeping track of numbers and the business side of writing has always been a challenge.

I also, if I could, like to ask one other request of prayer. My message. I always want to put forth God’s message. I want to clearly imbue a Biblical concept that entertains or helps a fellow Christian on their journey through life. Sometimes that gets lost in the details until I get finished and then I realize, oh, it highlights this precept. And that is wholly a God thing.

In my new series, Cora, Rhapsody, and Sissy (main female characters in my next three books) became representations of people being left out, being odd, or misplaced. Or, at least feeling that way. And we, as people, often feel like an outcast—rejected, hated, scorned. Especially in today’s world of social media. I wanted to tell people that just because you feel like an outcast doesn’t mean God thinks you are. He loves the weirdest of weird, the oddest of odd, the squarest of all pegs because He made you that way! And He died for you, no matter how kooky or out-of-place you feel.

That is my message that I want to keep as the center of my books. God loves you. He sent His Son Jesus to die for you. It’s my whole point of writing. Thanks for praying!

SW: With so many hurting people in the world, your message is a needed one, too.

Thank you so much for visiting with us this week, Peggy. We will be praying for your marketing and that your books get in the hands of readers who need to hear that God loves them just as they are.

About the Book

Zero. That’s how many suitors Cora “Too Tall” Taggart’s entertained in her nineteen years. That is, until her father corrals a man nearly twice her age needing a mother for his children. However, Cora’s heart aches to find true love with a man who would embrace all of her misfit qualities.

When Trigg Gentry discovers Cora in a back alley, using his horse as her own personal writing desk, sparks fly between them. While he searches for his runaway sister, Trigg crosses paths once again with Cora on a steamer bound for St. Louis, and neither Trigg nor Cora can deny their blossoming relationship.

But Trigg’s unexpected exit from Cora’s debutante cotillion comes under suspicion. The guests’ jewelry is missing, and he’s linked to a murder case. Cora fears these accusations will make it impossible to avoid her father’s arranged marriage. And to make matters worse, her heart belongs to the man now pegged as a criminal. How can Cora convince her father that Trigg isn’t involved in either crime when all the proof points straight at him?

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway

Peggy is giving one of our visitors an autographed copy of The Misfit Bride, a bookmark, and a trio of crocheted dishrags. To enter, tell us in the comments what most interests you about The Misfit Bride.

 

*Giveaway ends Tuesday, 6/8/21 at 11:59 PM EST and is open to US mailing addresses only.

Would You Rather (and More) with Tanya Eavenson + a Giveaway

Hello, reader friends. Welcome back! This week I'm excited to introduce you to author Tanya Eavenson! And she's generously offering one of our readers an Amazon gift card (you'll have to keep reading to find out those details, though).

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

Connect with Tanya

Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub





Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Tanya. I’m so excited to introduce you and your books to our visitors!

Let’s begin with a short round of Would You Rather. I promise that none of these are disgusting questions.

Aww, thanks for having me, Suzie! And I love the game Would You Rather! We play it all the time as a family and yes, some of the questions can get disgusting. The things my kids can think of eating is beyond me! 

SW: Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button on your life?

TE: Pause button. The reason, my life is very blessed where I am. I won’t change it for anything.

SW: Would you rather be stuck on a broken ski lift or in a broken elevator?

TE: Oh, my! Can I just say, I’m TERRIFIED of heights, but I’m also claustrophobic. I would be a mess in either situation. However, if I was to pick, I guess it would have to be the broken-down ski lift so I’d be able to breathe. Breathing is a good thing. LOL!

SW: Would you rather lose your keys or your cell phone? 

 

TE: Keys, hands down.




SW: Tell us a little about yourself. What does a typical day (if there is such a thing for an author) look like for you?

TE: Since most of Americas are sheltering in place from COVID-19, my typical day isn’t very normal. It’s hard to explain. My day job has allowed me to work from home, which is a blessing, but it’s a little hard to work with a house full of people. 😊 I’m sure several of your readers can relate! Then there’s writing, and for some reason with everything that’s going on, I’m not able to concentrate to put down on single word. I’ve decided instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything, I will give it to the Lord day by day. Honestly, now I have more peace as I sit at home with my family. God’s got this virus, He has my family, and my writing, He has everything is in the palm of His hand. 


SW: Yes, I know many of us can relate. It's hard to concentrate on routine right now. 

If you weren’t writing, what would your career involve?

TE: If I wasn’t writing, I’d have to say something with social media or with finances in some way. But honestly, I can’t see myself not writing. It’s a part of me. 


SW: What three books are at the top of your TBR?

TE:

1) Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano
2) Above the Fold by Rachel McDaniel
3) Loving the Mysterious Texan Series by Mary Connealy 


SW: I've read the first two and your are in for some laughs with Jen's book and some great banter in Rachel's. 

You’ve got a busy 2020 with a few book releases. How do you balance writing different stories in different settings and time periods?

TE: It’s a busy year for sure! For me it’s not hard to write different stories. Each story plot and character is different from one another, they’re easy to separate. The hardest part is not being able to write fast enough because a lot of my time is doing research. Yes, even for contemporary stories, there’s a lot of background work that takes place before writing that first word. 

Book One of the All Roads Lead to Texas series

SW: To Gain Forever in the Love is in the Air Romance Collection is your upcoming release (readers: this is only $0.99 until the May 10 release day so grab your preorder before the price goes up. More details and order links are below). Can you share a little about the collaboration process for a multi-author collection like this?

TE: It’s fun working with authors to make a project come alive. Having a vision and a goal is so important because there are many deadlines. My partner in crime, Candee Fick, and I, have taken different admin roles for this set, and we’ve had a great time getting to know one another. I love how God brings people together! I’ve certainly enjoyed getting to know these ladies and look forward to more projects in the future.


SW: I think we can all agree that we’re here because we love words and stories. There’s a lot that goes into those and life/the world is so different right now than any of us ever imagined. How can we pray for you during this season and even throughout the rest of the year?

TE: I certainly appreciate the prayers! Please pray that God will heal those with COVID-19 and protect the ones who do not. For my writing, that the words will flow. And in all things, God will be glorified. 

SW: Thank you so much for you time today, Tanya. It's been a pleasure chatting with you and getting better acquainted. We're praying for God's blessings for you this year.

About Love Is In The Air

All you have to do is look up.

This collection of five brand new romances is sure to send your heart soaring. Journey from Canada to Georgia and Colorado to Paris by way of Michigan as these couples find love is in the air. All they had to do was look up.

First Class Wrong Flight by Laura V. Hilton

Candi Walker is excited to attend her former college roommate’s wedding. At least it’s a direct flight across the country and the potential of messing up is next to impossible…until she crashes into a handsome pilot. Now it’s a dream-come-true or her worst nightmare.

Alex Kuklewski has one last flight before he attends his stepsister’s wedding. Desperate to escape his tagalong ex-girlfriend’s clutches, Alex prays that his future wife would drop into his path. And she does. Too bad he and Candi aren’t headed to the same destination.

Emotional baggage on both sides exceeds the weight limit, and the flight to happily-ever-after seems grounded. What will it take for them to launch true love into the air?

A Castle in the Clouds by Candee Fick

Aspiring romance novelist Miranda Scott has her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book. Raised by a single mother, extravagant trips to castles overseas are only a fairy-tale…until a co-worker’s accident has her boarding a plane to teach creative writing on an all-expenses-paid school-sponsored trip. Family responsibilities kept Joshua Clark close to home, but it’s finally time for the history teacher to spread his wings. Hopefully his time chaperoning an overseas trip and seeing history in person will reveal what the next chapter holds.

However, falling in love surrounded by teenagers was never the plan.

Flying Into Love by Kathleen Rouser

Unable to say no when others need her, Talia Sampson took on her deceased aunt’s advice column and the care of her special needs niece. Then new veteran, Ben Tanner, shows up unexpected on her doorstep. Hurt many times, he wonders where home is. Talia isn’t happy finding a hot-air balloon with him, but she treasures the old journal with it. Ben hopes restoring her family’s antique will please her, until he discovers a secret that shatters his trust. And Talia hates flying. Will she trust God—and Ben—enough to go airborne?

To Gain Forever by Tanya Eavenson

Karianne Bennett, small-town wedding coordinator, has always believed in happily-ever-afters. That is, for everyone but herself. Her fiancé’s alcohol-related death put an end to her own dreams and turned her career into a weekly reminder of all she’s lost. Hope comes when she adopts a retired service dog and a newcomer catches her eye.

Trey Scott has been fascinated with fireworks since he was a boy. If he can land the account for a hot-air balloon festival in an out-of-state town, he’ll be that much closer to achieving his lifelong goal. But his dreams never included a beautiful dog walker who also happens to be the stranger he’s been praying over for years.

Written in the Clouds by Kathleen Friesen

A mysterious cloud formation, a nerve-wracking introduction for JR and Serena, an unexpected reunion for Jim and Blythe, a few traumatic memories, a pilot for the company plane, and another afraid of flying. Mix them together…and what in the world is God up to? Is it love at first flight?

Can love—for two generations—be written in the clouds?

 Amazon | D2D | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Goodreads

Giveaway

Tanya is giving one of our readers a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card.

To enter, leave a comment and tell us one thing you are thankful for. Be sure and leave a way for us to contact you in case you are chosen as the winner.

Life and A Dad for Christmas according to Wendy Davy (Giveaway!)

Christmas Arrives Early on the Diamond Mine

with Wendy Davy!

Please welcome award-winning author Wendy Davy to the Diamond Mine. She's celebrating the new release of her Christmas romance A Dad for Christmas and we want to celebrate with her! This book promised to be a diamond among the gems of Christian Fiction! I can't wait to get to know this writer. What about you?

Oh, by the way, she's giving away TWO (2) e-books of A Dad for Christmas after the interview! Make sure you check out the details below!

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Let's get started! This week's featured author is Wendy Davy, award-winning inspirational romance writer who enjoys outdoor activities and small town charm. As you read her books, you will visit special places close to her heart. No matter where her characters come from or where they take you, it will always be an exciting journey, page after page. Ms. Davy enjoys traveling and searching for new places to include in her stories.

RENEE: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Wendy! I'm excited you could join us.

WENDY: Thank you for having me on your BLOG. I’m glad to be here!

RENEE: I love your picture. It reminds me of some lakes around my home. I like to hang out at the water too. Do you have a special place or cherished spot as well?

WENDY: My happy place is sitting on the dock at Smith Mountain Lake, VA while reading a book. I grew up spending much of my summers there and am fortunate to be able to still spend time there. My mom used to love it too and I have very fond memories of seeing her sit in her happy place and relax with a book.

RENEE: What a great memory. I have to say, nature is such an awesome place to relax and get in touch with the Lord...and regroup. I recommend it to everyone who feels overwhelmed with the rigors of life. That includes releasing a new book! Your books are fantastic, by the way. What is your biggest challenge as an author?

WENDY: My biggest challenge is staying focused. Life has a way of interrupting at the most inconvenient times. Like when I’m in the middle of writing an action scene and a neighbor rings the doorbell to bring back my dog who happens to love breaking through the backyard fence to go visit the neighbors hoping for a treat. (She’s escaped so many times I’ve nicknamed her Houdini.)

RENEE: LOL I can relate to that. I have a hard time focusing on my writing for other reasons. You seem to compensate well though! Congratulations on your latest book, A Dad for Christmas. What makes this book unique? How did you pick your setting for this one?

WENDY: The setting for my new story is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Shenandoah Valley is a beautiful place that I’ve visited many times. I love nature and I enjoy using beautiful settings for my books.

RENEE: Oh, how gorgeous. I want to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains someday. I've heard they are wonderful. And your characters? How do you make them three-dimensional, realistic?

WENDY: I have a general idea of who my characters are when I begin writing a story. As I write I get to know them more and they come to life in my mind. They have strengths and weaknesses, fears and goals and I am sure to keep these traits in mind when writing about them.

RENEE: What do you have planned for our readers with A Dad for Christmas? I know I'm excited.

WENDY: I'm giving two e-books away! The first book goes to the first person who comments on this blog. The second book will be awarded by random draw from the rest of the people who comment thereafter! I will send the books out on December 1st when they become available. 

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A Dad for Christmas

GIVEAWAY

The first book goes to the first person who comments on this blog. The second book will be awarded by random draw from the rest of the people who comment thereafter! Wendy will send the books out on December 1st when they become available. 

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RENEE: Woohoo, what an awesome giveaway! Did you here that, folks? A great book, no, two great books, up for grabs! Sorry, back to the interview... I've had to face a serious question recently, and I'm curious. What would you do if you couldn't write anymore?

WENDY: I would read and review tons of books for other authors. I appreciate support from others and have learned how vital reviews are for helping people decide which books to read.

RENEE: Readers and writers, they tend to go hand in hand, don't they? Okay, I have one last question for you then you can go back to writing your awesome books. What's your life goal?

WENDY: Well, that’s an easy question to answer and here I thought it would be a tough one... to have my books made into movies!

RENEE: That's a great one. I think that's my new goal too. :) It's movie time or should I say giveaway time?

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Comment on the interview and you may win an ebook!

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About the Book:

Tis the season for unexpected gifts.

High school teacher Reed Mason wants a family to call his own. When his prayers seem to remain unanswered, he expects to spend Christmas alone working on home improvement projects. But plans change when a chance encounter with a child's letter to God touches his heart. Inspired to help someone in need, Reed sets his sights on assisting his beautiful new neighbor. Independent-minded widow and single mom Emma Richards wants a fresh start. When she moves to Shenandoah Valley with her son, she expects to handle life's challenges on her own. But plans change when her handsome neighbor takes a sudden interest in her well-being. As Reed maneuvers his way into her heart, Emma sets out to discover his true intentions.

About the Author:

Wendy Davy is an award-winning inspirational romance writer who enjoys outdoor activities and small town charm. As you read her books, you will visit special places close to her heart. No matter where her characters come from or where they take you, it will always be an exciting journey, page after page. Ms. Davy enjoys traveling and searching for new places to include in her stories.

Website: www.wendydavy.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.davy.90

About the Miner:

Best-selling author Renee Blare has hung her hat in several states but only calls home to one...Wyoming. A bookworm by nature, she began her writing journey late in life, but her first publication, Beast of Stratton was a semi-finalist in the 2015 ACFW Genesis Contest and a best-seller on Amazon. Her second and third publication joined the ranks as well. 

A pharmacist for over twenty years, she served the veterans, the Native Americans as well as those who lived around her everyday. A warrior of CRPS, she relaxes by fishing, hunting . . . well, if and when she can . . . and picks away on her classical guitar.

Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Wyoming Black Hills, she pens her stories about every day folks facing good and bad times as they travel along the paths of their lives. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check her out on her website, blogs, and social media.

Website: https://reneeblarebooks.com/

A Suspenseful, Futuristic Thriller

Hi Diamond Mine Readers,

Julie Cosgrove hosting today. I am not normally a sci-fi or futuristic fantasy fan, but I have read everything this author has written for Prism Book Group, including her YA series, and I'd probably read the phone book if she wrote it.

 Tell our readers about Anna Kittrell?

I grew up in small-town Oklahoma, in the little city of Anadarko where I still live today. I attended public school, and in the fourth grade, began selling my handwritten stories on the playground for a dime. The summer before my tenth grade year, I met my high school sweetheart-turned-husband Tim. We married in 1989, shortly after graduating from Anadarko High School, and raised two wildly creative children who also earned their diplomas in Anadarko. My husband and I are looking forward to watching our grandson walk across that same hometown graduation stage in the future.

I have worked as a secretary at Anadarko Middle School for going on eighteen years, and credit the many days spent behind the front desk for keeping me young. One of my favorite things to do is to ask the kids how old they think I am—and laugh at their expressions when I tell them my real age. Although I’m surrounded by teens and pre-teens, I tend to draw on my own experiences as a middle school student when creating my young adult tales.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing. I currently have nine books in publication. All of my books are available on Amazon.

Selling stories for a dime. Wow, that's about what we make today in royalties on a 99 ebook, isn't it? Seriously how spunky and enterprising of you even back then.  

I loved your YA series on the teenage girls. What made you want to switch to a futuristic

theme in The Commandment?

Actually, the genre chose me. I’ve never written futuristic scifi before, and to be honest, neither have

I read books from that genre. As the story unfolded, I just went with it. If I would have put too much thought into genre, I would have probably talked myself out of writing the story!

The premise for The Commandment approached me somewhat like a dream. I kept picturing a young woman lying in a hospital bed, coming out from under anesthesia. A doctor asked her if she “still remembered,” and she replied, “yes.” This made her mother sob hysterically. I kept wondering why the young woman’s mother didn’t want her to remember. What exactly was it that her mother so desperately wanted her daughter to forget? It seemed like a reverse-amnesia situation, but I didn’t have a clear idea of what was taking place until I began to outline and the story started to take shape. As it turns out, the book takes place 35 years in the future, and is the story of a girl who faces elimination on her 18th birthday because her body rejects a mandatory, God-erasing vaccine.

Wow, I'm hooked already. What do you want readers to take away from reading The Commandment?  (Love that double entendre of the title, btw.)

I hope readers come away from The Commandment with a sense of awareness about themselves as well as society. That they might take spiritual inventory to evaluate what they can and cannot live without. I hope readers find it fun and enlightening to ponder, as I have, the “what ifs” of our future.

Give us sneak peek into the book's plot.

Ten years ago, Briar’s body rejected a government mandated vaccine known as SAP (Serum to Advance Progressivism), formulated to erase God from the mind. Briar was seven years old. She’s been under house arrest ever since. 

Now, just weeks from becoming a legal adult, Briar remains non-responsive to her mandatory SAP injections. Along with her rapidly approaching eighteenth birthday looms a grim reality: by order of the Commandment, adulthood means institutionalization for those resistant to SAP. 

In a matter of days, Briar will become a permanent resident of the ARC—a facility shrouded in dark rumors of torture, experimentation, and death. Her only alternative is to accept a last minute ultimatum to become a laboratory test subject for a new God-dissolving serum. 

With a decade of solitude behind her and a lifetime of confinement before her—what does she have to lose? Except maybe her soul.

OK, the hook is firmly in my mouth and yanking. Reel me in! I cannot wait to read this and I know so will our readers. What is next on your author plate?

I always say my writing style is as eclectic (a nice word for mismatched) as my wardrobe. My collective work is a mixed bag of genres that includes YA, Christian futuristic romance, Christian YA, romantic suspense, poetry, short stories, and my new obsession—screenwriting. Over the past two years, I’ve penned four feature length screenplays in assorted genres, and have absolutely fallen in love with the process. In a screenplay, the writing is sparse and succinct, and the word count is much less than a novel. At this point in my life, screenwriting just makes sense. That’s not to say I’m stepping away from novel writing forever—just for a season. A genre-spanning dream of mine is to see The Commandment on the silver screen.

Folks, Anna will give away one pdf ebook of this novel to a random commentor, so be sure to leave one by clicking below!

Where can readers find out more about your nine books, including The Commandment? 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://goo.gl/Fuca4k

Pelican/Prism: https://goo.gl/9BbDod

Barnes and Noble: https://goo.gl/UWgq3Y

Contact Links:

Website:  annakittrellauthor (https://sites.google.com/view/anna-kittrell/home)

Author Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/AKittrell

Book Trailer:

The Commandment Trailer:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRLTQp4S-aA

YA/Sci Fi/Adventure with Emma Carrie

Hello, Miners! Welcome to a new week at the Diamond Mine. I'm (that would be Suzie) so excited to introduce you to our guest this week. When I first read Emma's stories in a critique group, I was hooked. So much so, I have continued to read her stories. And now they are out in the world so I get to share them with you.

About Emma Carrie (in her own words)

 Hi! I'm Emma Carrie—speculative fiction author, part-time introvert, and opportunist. I've explored an active coal mine, fired a Gatling gun from a Humvee, hitched a ride on a corporate jet, and wiped out on stage while modeling...just to name a few fun adventures.

I've made it a personal goal to say "yes" to opportunities that come my way...as long as they aren't immoral, unethical, or in any way violate my personal code of conduct, which includes prohibitions like consuming condiments and sour candy.

My background is in engineering, a choice largely inspired by a TV show I adored as a kid. But now I write science fiction and fantasy. All my series have been tested and approved by teens and adults who have offered helpful (sometimes emoji-laden) comments.

Regardless the genre, I love quirky characters fueled by unconquerable determination--the encouragement I hope readers take from my stories. Young or not-so-young, we all need a bit of inspiration.

Visit Emma Carrie at EmmaCarrie.com

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Emma, and thank you for taking the time to visit with us this week. I'm going to dive right into the questions.

With your background in engineering, what was it that drew you to writing?

Emma: My kids and outreach ministry.

I had left my engineering position to stay home with my kids, which also freed me to increasingly participate at church. There, I led outreach ministries, spoke at meetings, and wrote newsletter articles and Bible studies.

On the home front, I spent chunks of time reading books, often with gospel themes, to my kids. As my kids grew, their reading preferences switched to the action adventure, fantasy, and science fiction books their friends were reading—Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Gallagher Girls, Percy Jackson. The stories had redemptive themes, but no Christian grid.

Suzie: Have you done any interesting/fun/challenging hands-on research for your stories?

Emma: In some regards, my research predated my writing. When I was younger, I fired guns, invented sports, climbed trees, and spied on people.

My current story research includes the internet, library, people watching, and—when not one is around—I playact my action scenes. That's resulted in a few minor injuries and damage to a few household items, but for the most part, it's been fun.

Suzie: After reading some of your action scenes, I can see the potential for both injury and damage to objects around you. Some of those scenes are intense!

What does your writing routine look like?

Emma: Routine isn't a good word to describe how I write. Church ministry and family take priority, so I write in spaces of time that are left.

However, when I write, I prefer to start with an outline: a beginning, an ending, and an arc with conflict options. Though I lay out the story chronologically, my imagination develops scenes out of order. Having an outline enables me to fill in the storyline while writing in spurts.

I also involve critique partners early in the process, so each draft incorporates helpful input.

Suzie: I can honestly say I've never developed an outline for one of my stories. I'm impressed with the plotters who lay it out. It probably makes for fewer drafts than I usually end up with.

What do you do for fun when you're not writing?

Emma: I love ministry and hanging out with my family.

I'm blessed to attend an outreach-focused church that cares for people. It's fun to use my skills and energy as part of a team sharing the gospel.

Our family enjoys sports and new experiences. Cramming into a van and embarking on a new adventure—whether it's catching tadpoles, racing go-karts, or exploring a national park—has become a favorite activity.

Suzie: Sounds like lots of great fun that you might incorporate into future books.

As a newer author on the scene, what challenges have you found in writing?

Emma: I've found almost every aspect of writing, from grammar to structure, to be a challenge at first. I'm currently focusing on description and emotion—which I hope to someday master.

Suzie: On the flip side of that last question, what are some benefits or rewards you've discovered in your writing?

Emma: My skills are sharpening, and they transfer to other contexts, like writing for our church, so I'm better equipped to serve. Another benefit is the joy that comes from creating a story and sharing it with others. I'm excited to see my fiction and nonfiction promote the gospel.

Suzie: An excellent goal to have with your writing.

What drew you to young adult and speculative books?

Emma: My kids loved those genres, and I started writing fiction for them and their friends as a means of sharing the gospel in a context they're excited about.

Suzie: What an honor to share this journey with your kids. You not only write for youth, you also incorporate their input as beta readers. I loved learning this! How has working with teenagers improved your writing?

Emma: They're wonderfully honest about what they like and dislike, and their comments have led me to rewrite scenes, alter characters, and incorporate better ideas.

After giving my first manuscript to a teen, we met so she could give me feedback. She loved the story but couldn't visualize what the characters and setting looked like because I hadn't bothered to include the details. She recommended I change that.

After reviewing the next version, she said there was too much description to week through and wondered if I was bipolar.

Teens are great.

Suzie: What about you? Do you read? What's your favorite book?

Emma: The Bible aside, I read young adult science fiction and fantasy. In part, it enables me to

discuss the stories with my kids, but I also love the genres.

A favorite book is hard to pick. As a preteen, I would have selected A Wrinkle in Time. As a teen, Fahrenheit 451. Since reading my kids' favorites, I now lean toward the Harry Potter series.

Suzie: The Tacket Secret is a serial (several shorter releases before the reader gets the full story). What was your reasoning behind releasing this as a serial as opposed to one book?

Emma: Stylistic preference and learning curve.

Superhero, spy, and detective TV shows inspired this series. In general, these contain an overarching story arc, which is advanced by weekly episodes, which each have a story of their own. I think of it as a layered storytelling. I attempted to copy that style with this series.

Additionally, it's quicker and maybe easier to learn how to publish novella series (~25k words per book) than a novel series (~100k words per book) because the time involved in some steps is less. So the learning curve occurs in shorter installments, which fits into the small pockets of time I work in. After I've learned the process, I should be in a position to publish longer books while still working in small chunks of time.

Suzie: I'm a huge fan of superhero shows and movies. I like that you use the popular shows and current trends in your writing decisions.

When this series if complete, what can readers expect next?

Emma: This series may be the first "unit" for these characters. I'm playing with branching into new adventures with new villains, but that would be over a year out if it were to happen.

In the meantime, after the 7 novellas of The Tacket Secret series are published, I plan to focus on a 4-novel fantasy series I've drafted currently call The Rebel Mission. Each novel is close to 100k words, and it's allegorical pieces are powerful.

Stay tuned.

Suzie: You guys, I've gotten to peek at The Rebel Mission and you are in for a treat! It's different than the Tacket series but an engaging read that's got lots of action in it.

Emma, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang with us this week. I wish you the best as you continue writing and spreading the gospel through story.

Miners, here's a look at the first installment of The Tacket Secret:

Out of the Shadows (The Tacket Secret Book 1)

A teen assassin on the run. A rogue general on the hunt. And a skeptical detective sucked into the chase.

Three years ago, Emily Brelin escaped the general who trained her. She fled across the globe to Golden City, New York, where she sought anonymity and redemption. There, she found a professor who kept her location and genetic enhancements a secret.

But now her murky past is about to catch up with her.

When the professor dies, her will names Detective Victoria Tacket as the new guardian. Emily worries her secrets will be exposed, and she fears the general will kill anyone to recapture her. So rather than risk the detective's life, she plans to run away.

Detective Vick Tacket is shocked when she learns her best friend has died. She's even more stuneed when she learns her friend had a hidden dependent and named Vick—a single woman with no maternal interest—as the girl's guardian. Convinced she'd be a terrible mother, Vick plans to decline guardianship, until the teen disappears.

Vick scours the streets of Golden City, searching for Emily—but what she discovers threatens both their lives.

This book is free for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers or you can order on Amazon.

If you don't have a Kindle Unlimited subscription (or a Kindle for that matter), Emma is giving away an eBook version of Out of the Shadows. Your choice of a .mobi or .pdf version. All you have to do is leave a comment below. Tell us about your favorite YA book or even your favorite superhero. be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.

***Giveaway valid with 5 valid comments with contact information. Giveaway ends Wednesday, 5/10/17