Meet Jessie Mattis

 Summer is here, and so is author Jessie Mattis. Her interview was filled with fun tidbits for me. Especially, her "writing shed". That had me filled with excitement. Let's find out more about her and her work. Jesse's middle grade fiction novel, Power Up, won second place the 2020 Selah Award, and also first place in the 2020 Christian Indie Awards. She's also written in other genres. Since my interest began with middle grade fiction and has moved to adult fiction, I couldn't wait to learn more in our interview. So first things first, lets get to know her by learning more about what inspires her. 

Hello Jessie. Can you tell our Diamond Miners a little about yourself?

Sure. I'm married to my best friend Chip, and we have three kids ages 14, 12, and 10. We love being together and spending time with extended family too. I love black coffee in the morning, mid-morning, and afternoon. It makes life possible...with Jesus, of course.

I know a lot of coffee drinkers. They seem to be like you! Do you have any pets to round out your crew?

Yes, we have a two-year-old labradoodle (or labradoofus, as my husband affectionately calls him) named Guster. He has the curliest hair of any dog on the planet, and keeping him groomed is a nightmare, but he's loveable and my kids adore him. We also have eight chickens, but I'm not sure I would call them pets, haha.

I'd love to hear about your writing. What is your reason for writing?

I'm always inspired to write things that will draw people closer to God. My first book, a middle grade novel called Power-Up, was written because I craved good fiction that would show mychildren how to listen to and lean into the Holy Spirit's guidance, and I found little to nothing available. I wrote it to fill the gap in what my family needed, and pary it meets that need for someone else too.

I've always heard if you're looking for a certain kind of story, and don't find it, you should write it. You did it! That's really amazing. It won the Selah Award also. What a great encouragement. What are some other things you've worked on?

Last year I contributed a short story in a book called Christmas from the Heart: A collection of Christmas Romances. My story, titled Almost Christmas Again, was inspired by a mash-up of friends and family's experiences, imagination, and a delightful vacation we once took to Colorado.

What is your current WIP, Work in Progress? Is it another middle-grade novel?

No, these days I'm working on historical fiction, and my writing is very much inspired by my own family history. For example, I'll think of a situation my grandmother faced and think, "What if...?" The story takes off from there. Always, the ultimate goal is to inspire others in their walk with God.

Have you considered writing in any other genres? You've covered a few so far!

Yes I have. Christian fiction is my broad genre, including middle grade, contemporary, and historical. I have considered non-fiction, but will probably only jump into that if I feel strongly called.

Who would you say has been the biggest influence in your writing?

Francine Rivers is the author who first made me truly love Christian fiction. Her books are truly works of art, and as a writer, it's fun to read them and study her technique.

What is the hardest part of writing a book for you?

The hardest part of writing is finding the time! :) As a homeschooling mom of three, my days are full, so I have to get creative to make space for writing. It is also difficult to make sure I'm somewhat following the writing "formula" for successful fiction. I see why it's important to do so, but I don't always like it.

As a former homeschool mom, I can relate to how hard it would be to find time to write. I didn't begin writing fiction until many years after my girls left home. Do you have a favorite spot to write?

Two years ago, my sweet husband, dad, brother-in-law, and friend transformed our run-down garden shed into a writing shed, complete with mini fridge and coffee bar. It's one of my favorite places in the world, and it's the easiest place for me to focus and get my work done.

A writing shed?! I'm so jealous. Well, I guess I shouldn't say jealous but how exciting for you to have such a great spot! So, are you a night owl or an early bird out in your writing shed?

Night owl! My head is clearest when the entire family is in bed and I only have one thing to focus on.

Tell us about your all time favorite book.

Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is one of those childhood books that really stuck with me, so I'll always call that one a favorite. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin is probably my all-time favorite, which is funny because I generally have a hard time getting into books from that period.

Let's change direction for a minute and talk turkey, or whatever else you like to cook. Do you like to cook? Tell us some of your favorites.

I don't love to cook, but I do it! I'd rather be doing something else. I prefer simple, tasty things, like throwing a roast in the crock-pot with carrots and potatoes. Baking is a different story; I much prefer baking to cooking. It can be difficult because I try to limit sweets so I'm constantly making substitutions...but all bets are off in December. :) I have also developed my cake-decorating skills over the years, and that's a lot of fun for me. 

Thanks Jessie for a wonderful chat. I look forward to reading your next novel, whatever the genre might be.

For a chance to win Jessie's book, Power Up, enter the rafflecopter below.

To connect with Jessie, check out her website. She also has a free e-book available there!

https://www.jessiemattis.com/ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Award-Winning Author, Barbara M. Britton: Bringing Bible Characters to Life

Barbara M. Britton is not your average author. Battling breast cancer at the same time her publishing career was launched is a story of grit, grace, and tenacity. When it comes to war, Barbara knows how to fight. 

Her latest book, Defending David, explores the unlikely friendship between one of ancient history's favorite kings and an obscure Gitite named Ittai. How does a Philistine giant end up joining King David in his later years and support him in battle? Who is this Ittai? Who has heard of him or remembers reading about him?

I had the privilege of spending some time with Barbara chatting about books, King David, and the  trials of this world that fight to silence us. This interview has some fascinating twists and turns. I'm fairly certain that this is the first time that King David and Bob Dylan have been mentioned in the same interview! 

I know you'll enjoy our chat. If you do, please let us know in the comments! What giants have you been fighting lately? Have any become your friends? Weigh in!

Barbara's Website: http://www.barbarambritton.com/books....

Barbara's Website: http://www.barbarambritton.com/books....

Karla's Website: https://karlaakins.com/

Karla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlakakins/

Karla's Outschool - I can homeschool your kids! https://bit.ly/kakinsos

Karla Akins is an author, educator, and disabilities advocate. She is the author of A Pair of Miracles, the inspiring memoir of how God miraculously works through the lives of her adopted twin sons with autism. Karla has a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, a Master's of Education in Learning and Technology, and a Master of Arts in English Language Learning. She teaches children with varying levels of ability all over the world.

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. ;)

Weeds or Wishes with Mary Manners

" The Small Town"

 Life Made for Heaven

Howdy, folks and welcome back to the Diamond Mine for another week of exciting chatter about Christian Fiction. I'd like you to meet a fabulous new friend of mine, Mary Manners. She hails from the beautiful state of Tennessee. In addition to being an awesome writer, she's a generous soul and offered an e-book of her latest release, Promises Renewed in exchange for a few healthy comments. Check out the giveaway details after the interview! How about we get this show on the road?

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Renee: Mary, are you ready?

Mary: Yep, thanks so much for hosting me today. I am thrilled to be here!

Renee: Thanks for stopping by the Mine on this glorious day. I was trying to think about what to ask you first. Writing, playing, then I thought about how I tried to write today and  I couldn't bring myself to do it. It was absolutely gorgeous outside. (Not that I could do a whole lot about it, mind you, but still...) The point is that I could not, for the life of me, concentrate on the computer, much less make sense of the words on it! Not with the warm sun shining all around me. What is your biggest challenge as an author, Mary?

Mary: That would be tough. As for me, my biggest challenge as an author is keeping my cat Colby out of my chair! No, really…protecting my writing time is a challenge. With a dog, two cats, 12 chickens, 13 fish, and a husband, there is always something that needs attention. It takes creativity to adapt to the daily challenges, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Renee: Wow. That would be tough. I don't know if I would be able to keep track of that many animals! Plus a husband? Maybe you could teach me about chickens? I want to have chickens one day. Hey, stop the snickering out there! I can hear y'all! As much as I can hear the amount of work and dedication all of this takes, I can also hear the joy in your answer. What is it about your job or jobs that you like the most? Is there anything you dislike?

Mary: How long do you have? I'm just kidding! Truly? I love the freedom. I don’t have to leave my house and battle rush hour traffic every day. I can (and sometimes do) work in my pajamas. And I can drink coffee all day long. I am my toughest boss, as I really push myself on projects. I love receiving emails from readers…so encouraging! The only thing I dislike about my ‘job’ is that there aren’t enough hours in the day to write all of the stories that are waiting to be told.

Renee: Oh, Mary, I love the way you talk about it. I know you are so grateful to have your life. As I'm sure you are aware, many, many authors dream of such. You are blessed. What is it about your home that is unique?

Mary: I grew up in Chicago but relocated to East Tennessee in my early twenties. I love the scenery of the Smoky Mountains and the small town setting, so that’s where most of my stories take place. It works for me, and readers seem to love it as well.

Renee: Ah! So that's where the small town comes from. I love the Smoky Mountains. I've only been there a time or two but I'll never forget it. I want to visit them again. They are special. What do you like to do when you aren't writing? Do you have any hobbies or anything?

Mary: Of course, I love to read (all writers should do their ‘research’). I also run marathons (a nice balance to the time sitting at my desk) and enjoy mowing the lawn and antiquing. My husband and I are closet pickers!

Renee: How fun! I grew up antiquing with my mom. Marathons, uh, no, but I love to check out auctions. They are cool. Not that I have the money to buy anything but they're still fun! I'm into fun. Speaking of that, if you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Mary: I would love to go out west to Montana or Wyoming and spend a week on a ranch. It is on my bucket list. I am a country girl at heart and love the outdoors.

Renee: Really? Well, I don't know about Montana, but there are some awesome ranches here in Wyoming. It depends on what kind of experience you want...fancy, dude-ish, down-home...Wyoming has it all and everywhere. Uh, except people. We don't have a lot those. More cows are wandering around than people. But you know how that is, right? You're outnumbered at your place!

Mary: (laughing) That is very true. But even with my gaggle of pets—my dog named Axel, two cats named Colby and Jax, 12 chickens (all named, of course), and 13 fish, I am trying to talk my husband into a potbellied pig, but so far no luck. Stay tuned, though…

Renee: Believe it or not, I've seen some pigs around here. No matter where you're from,  Tennessee or Chicago, I think you'd be right at home in Wyoming. I guess we'd better rap this thing up, but before we move on to the giveaway, is there a particular quote or saying that comes to mind during times of need or adversity that you can share with our readers?

Mary: “When you look at a field of dandelions you either see a hundred weeds or a hundred wishes…” Author Unknown. I see the wishes.

Renee: Mary, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to be with us today at the Diamond Mine. You are a blessing to Christian Fiction and I am honored to know you.

Mary: I appreciate you inviting me, Renee. To the readers, thanks so much for joining us today. I am always happy to hear from you, my reader friends. I’d love to give away an ecopy of my latest release, Promises Renewed.

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E-BOOK GIVEAWAY

Comment below (on blog) to enter giveaway!

(Leave your name and email with comment to validate entry)

One winner selected by random draw on 5/23/18 from valid entries and notified via email. Prize will be awarded by Mary Manners via email within 15 days of selection and includes one e-copy version of Promises Renewed.

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About the Book:

A heartbreaking secret stands between Brianna and Jackson, and she plans to keep it that way...

When Brianna Caufield hosts an online auction to raise money for her fledgling youth center, the last thing she expects is to be matched for a date with Jackson Reed. Lured by the fame of an NFL career, the hometown hero and all-star quarterback broke off their engagement without so much as a backward glance. Now, washed-up and wiser, Jack’s come home with renewed faith and a changed heart—and he wants Brianna back. 

No matter how much she still cares for Jackson, Brianna knows the secret she harbors will destroy any chance of a future together. Can Jack find a way to coax the secret to the surface? And if he does, will forgiveness draw them closer together…or will their love be shattered forever?

About the Author:

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime sharing her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful grandchildren. She lives in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and their rescue dog Axel, two rescue cats, Colby and Jax, 12 chickens and 13 fish.

Mary writes stories full of faith and hope. Her books have earned multiple accolades including two Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Mary loves long sunrise runs, Smoky Mountain sunsets, and flavored coffee. She enjoys connecting with reader friends through her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.

Your Rough Diamond Miner:

Pharmacist by day, by night and any other time she can spare, Renee Blare writes Christian romantic suspense from her home in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming where she lives with her husband, crazy dog, and ornery cat. She loves to fish, hunt, or pick away on her old guitar…most of the time next to a mountain lake. 

Life is tough, but Renee finds great joy in it by letting the Lord lead her pen and writing about Christians and their exciting journeys. Most of these tales take place in Wyoming, God’s country. She invites you to come along for the ride and discover for yourself what it means for the wild to meet the Forgiven...

You can always find Renee at her website, blog, or on social media where she loves to interact with readers.

Website/Blog: Wyoming Walkabouts