Jennifer Chastain Talks the Best of Both Worlds Writing Romantic Suspense

 Happy February, everyone. Are you doing something special to celebrate you this month? I sure hope so.

I am delighted to introduce you to my friend Jennifer Chastain today. Even though we both wrote for the same publisher, we didn't meet in person until the Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers Conference last September. 

Jennifer (L) and Suzie (R) at the FHL Writers 

Conference

Jennifer writes contemporary romance, and her newest book in her Targeted for Elimination series released yesterday (February 4, 2025).

A Little Bit About Jennifer Chastain

Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, Blue Ridge Reader Connections, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Romance Writers. Her contemporary romance stories contain themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness. Book 3 in her romantic suspense series, Targeted for Elimination: Lethal Connections, will be released in February 2025.

Connect with Jennifer: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Jennifer, and congratulations on your new release! I always like

to start with some easy warm up questions, so here we go... What is your favorite wintertime drink?

Jennifer: Sometimes I’ll have a warm apple cider or hot chocolate. I’m not a coffee drinker either so I usually have a big water bottle with me at all times.

Suzie: Oh, have you had the Caramel Apple Spice that Starbucks serves? It's like apple pie in a cup! I'm not a coffee drinker either, so the Caramel Apple Spice or Chai Tea are my go-to drinks (because I often seem to have Starbucks gift cards from people).

Moving on... What are three books on your tbr right now?

Jennifer: WitSec: Inside the Federal Witness Protection Program by Pete Early and Gerald Shur (for research)

Point of Impact by Lisa Phillips

Safe in His Arms by Melanie Snitker

Suzie: That first one sounds interesting (and I'm sure you'll get some great story ideas from it). Where is your favorite place to write? Why?

Jennifer: I like my office we set up - it’s quiet, and I can close the door. Also everything is set up for me as a dedicated writing space. 

  

Suzie: I long for the day when I can set up a dedicated office, complete with walls of bookshelves. I'm glad you've got a space where you can close the door. 

Who makes up your writing tribe? 

Jennifer: I met three fellow authors from My Book Therapy: Mandy Boerma, Sara Turnquist and Tammy Karasek

Suzie: I've known Sara for years. She lives near me, but we met for the first time at an ACFW conference in Dallas! I know the other two ladies by name only, but writing friends make some of the best friends, don't they?

What inspired you to write Lethal Connections?

Jennifer: Thats a very good question. To be honest, I needed another book to complete my then current contract. I had another book I wanted to write for the series, but I just couldn’t seem to figure out the plot or the characters at the time. My characters were not speaking to me! So I sat there in front of my computer and mulled it over and prayed. It was like someone whispered in my ear, “What about Travis? He has a story to tell.” Okay and as I dug into his character the story just flowed. It was as if this character raised his hand and said, “Me! Tell my story!” When I started writing, the story just started to flow. I love Kaitlyn and Travis and their journey to a happily ever after and pray my readers will be encouraged that no matter what happens to you, God is present.

Suzie: Don't you love it when God and your characters take over the story for you? 

What led you to write romantic suspense?

Jennifer: That’s the funny thing - I never intended to write romantic suspense. I firmly believed that I was supposed to write contemporary romance. But after I submitted the first book, Lethal Intentions, the acquisitions editor mentioned that romantic suspense was my genre and was a better fit for my writing style. So I said, okay, let’s do this. But you know what? I really like writing romantic suspense because I get the best of both writing worlds - the romance side combined with action, suspense, and/or adventure!

Jennifer's Targeted for Elimination full series

 

Suzie: It really is the best of both. I enjoy reading romantic suspense for sur.

What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

Jennifer: The main message I’d like to convey to my readers, is that God is the God of second, third, fourth, etc. chances. He will never leave you, all you have to do is call on Him. 

Suzie: Amen and amen! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

Jennifer: I have two projects that I’m working on right now. Both are romantic suspense. The first 

one is a new romantic suspense series for Sunrise Publishing. It’s super secret but all the stories are fantastic! We’ve brainstormed some story elements and that’s about all I can share at this point! I know, it’s vague, but Sunrise still hasn’t announced the series yet, and they’ve asked us to wait to announce the series until they give us the green light. All the stories are going to be high octane romantic suspense.

The second project I’m working on is another romantic suspense novel. I pitched my story idea to the acquisitions editor from Bethany House while attending the Faith, Hope, and Love Conference in Phoenix, AZ this past September. She was very interested and asked for my first three chapters and a book proposal. 

I have other ideas, but those are on the back burner right now. I have a few other stories “marinating” in the back of my head that take place in my fictional town of Providence, NC. I’d like to develop those, when I have the time.

Suzie: Congratulations on the interest from Bethany House. Those kind of conversations are always encouraging, aren't they? And I will have to keep my eyes out for more regarding the Sunrise Publishing series. 

 

I always like to end with the question: How can we pray for you?

Jennifer: I’m recovering for eye surgery, so if you can pray for complete healing for that. For my new release, that the launch will go well, and we’d be able to reach new readers who need to hear Travis’s story of redemption.

Suzie: I am praying for recovery and healing for your eye and blessings with your new book and launch and for the new stories to flow.

Thank you so much for spending some time with us this week.

About Lethal Connections

Being a Marine prepared him to fight, but not for his heart.

Travis Beckett has perfected the surfer guy persona with a devil-may-care attitude. He lives simply, but he longs for more. Forced into the Witness Protection program five years ago, he had no choice but to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved, and he was positive he’d never see her again—but then she shows up in Hawaii, and now, they’re both in danger.

Five years is a long time to mourn for a man who left her at the altar.

When Kaitlyn Daniels flies to Hawaii to attend a medical convention, she expects a relaxing week spent furthering her career. Instead, she escapes a fire at the hotel, gets shot at, and discovers her supposed-deceased fiancé is alive and living in Hawaii. Together, they barely escape all the danger, and she’s more than ready to go home.

Trouble comes knocking on her front door.

As a new Christian, Kaitlyn’s faith is tested to its limits when the trouble from Hawaii follows her home to Providence, NC—so does Travis. Now, a more sinister danger lurks behind every shadow, and if she and Travis can’t work together to find out who is behind the violent attacks, and why, they can both say goodbye to their second chance.

Goodreads | Amazon 

Stepping Back in Time with Colleen Hall

 Welcome back to the Diamond Mine, friends and merry Christmas! This week, historical romance author Colleen Hall is stopping by for a visit.

About the Author

Colleen Hall wrote her first story in third grade and wrote as a hobby all during her growing-up years. She was born in New England but moved South to attend college. She married a Southerner and has lived half of her life in the South. This helped her to see both sides of the issues of the Civil War. In Her Traitor's Heart, she was able to combine her love of writing with her love of history. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, horseback riding, reading, and browsing antique stores. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and family, three horses, and two spoiled cats.

Connect with Colleen: Website | Instagram

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Colleen. We are delighted to have you with us this week. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

Would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors? 

Colleen: I would definitely prefer to write in a quiet studio with cows as my neighbors.

Suzie: A good place to write, for sure! Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers? 

Colleen: Hmm. . . I think I’d rather read a book with no page numbers. I’d need chapter numbers to let me know where I am in the plot.

Suzie: Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Colleen: Some things about me that’s not in my bio: I love chocolate; I’m a night owl; except for one cousin, I’m the shortest person on both sides of the family; I’m the oldest of three children; and yes, what people say about redheads is true—just ask me.

Suzie: What are three books on your current tbr?

Colleen: Three books on my TBR list are: Understanding Show, Don’t Tell—And Really Getting It by Janice Hardy, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhor, and Sudden Sea, The Great Hurricane of 1938 by R. A. Scotti.

Suzie: All of those look fantastic. I am adding to my tbr now, too :)

What does your writing space look like? 

Colleen: My writing space is a nook at the back of the house in the master suite. When I first set it up—complete with a “new to me” antique writing desk. After all, if I’m writing historicals, then I need an antique writing desk that will help set the mood. 

Suzie: Yes, an antique writing desk is a must! Would you share with us a little about your road to publication? 

Colleen: I’ve been writing almost as long as I can remember. My mother told me I wrote my first story in third grade. All through junior high and high school, I wrote as a hobby. I had to take a break from writing when I went to college. After I graduated from college and married, I picked up my hobby again. I wrote when the children went down for their naps and whenever I could find time. As the kids grew older and family life became more complicated, I had to once again put my writing away. Years later I had surgery and was out of work for several weeks. While I was at home recuperating, I pulled out a manuscript I’d written when the children were young. I reworked it, googled “Christian publishers that take new writers,” and Anaiah Press came up. I submitted to Anaiah, and as the saying goes, “the rest is history.”

Suzie: I love that God kept that writing dream alive despite the stops and starts. 

What are some of your favorite things about writing historical stories? 

Colleen: I love history, so writing historical novels seemed a natural thing for me to do. I love putting my characters in some of my favorite by-gone eras and creating worlds and challenges within those time periods. I even enjoy doing the necessary research.

Suzie: Tell us more about your newest release. 

Colleen: Wild Heart is the fourth book in my Frontier Hearts Saga series and takes the Slash L Ranch family to the next generation. The Wild Wind brothers—they’re featured in books 4 and 5—leave the ranch to pursue their own destinies in uranium mining during the early 1900s.

Suzie: What are you currently working on? 

Colleen: I’m currently working on a new Civil War series called Confederate Brides. I’ve just completed the first novel, Beloved Enemy.

Suzie: Oo, that title is intriguing.

Before we go, tell us how we can pray for you. 

Colleen: Thank you. I’d appreciate prayers that I’d continue to get fresh ideas for stories, that I’d stay focused on the task the Lord has given me, and that I wouldn’t be discouraged.

Thank you for taking some time out during the busy holiday season to chat with us, Colleen. I've enjoyed getting to know you a little more.

Readers, let us know in the comments what you enjoy most about reading historical fiction.

About Wild Heart

What should a New York heiress do when her domineering father arranges a marriage for her with his banker business partner? In 1911, the heyday of the Robber Barons, women have little power over their destinies, but feisty Garnet Morrison is determined to chart her own course. In Cole Wild Wind, a uranium mine owner in Colorado who seeks to make her father an investor in his mine, Garnet sees freedom from the future her father plans for her.

What does a confirmed bachelor do when he meets the beautiful daughter of an Eastern financier? When Cole was looking for a businessman to invest in his uranium mine, he hadn’t expected to meet Garnet Morrison. Garnet was an Eastern socialite unsuited to life in a Rocky Mountain mining camp, but when her father brings Garnet with him on his business trip, Cole’s vision of his future changes. Forces beyond their control conspire to keep them apart. Can Cole and Garnet overcome the challenges that stand in their way of a life together?

Amazon | Goodreads

Laura Nelson Selinsky, Season of Hope, and More

Let's start with a quick story time. I (Suzie) arranged this week's interview with Laura Nelson Selinksy at the beginning of 2022, however, I didn't think to get Laura's email address. So, when December rolled around, I reached out to her on Facebook. Well, Laura was taking a social media break, but thankfully, she saw my message. But then...we had some email issues. Thankfully, Laura reached out to me because she hadn't received my emails (Gmail sometimes doesn't like to play nice with other email services) and we figured it out.

I tell you that story because it demonstrates how much Laura looked forward to visiting us here on the Diamond Mine. I so glad everything worked out in the end, and I get to introduce you to Laura and her stories.

About Laura Nelson Selinsky

Laura Nelson Selinsky lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband Barry. Her favorite companions are her grandson Remy, her children Rachel and Peter and their partners Kyle and Margy, her sisters, her nieces and nephews, and JRR Tolkien. She recently retired from teaching Shakespeare, Chaucer, mythology, and where the apostrophe goes. She grows too many tomatoes, bakes excellent Scotch shortbread, and recently won second place in the writing competition that resulted in her inclusion in the anthology "Beach Dreams."

Find Laura online: Facebook | Twitter

SW: Welcome, Laura. We are delighted to have you. Let's kick things off with a couple of would you rather questions. First, would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors? 

LS: I'm a gardener, but man-made racket would send me out to the country to enjoy the company of cows.

SW: The quiet in the country is definitely a plus. Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers? 

LS: A book without page numbers is interesting; I've seen chapbooks designed like that to enable the reader's engagement with the poetry, but I miss the numbers. I'm not sure that I'd miss chapter numbers. The beats, reveals, and cliffhangers that end chapters exist independent of the numbers.

SW: Interesting. I feel like you're in the minority with doing without the chapter numbers (most people like that it's a stopping point).

Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little more about yoursel. 

LS: Recently I retired from 27 years of teaching English. Teaching is the reason I became a fiction author. I had a knack for encouraging my students to get published and realized I should follow my own advice. Since then, I have published Season of Hope, a Christmas novella with Anaiah Press, I've been broadly anthologized, and I've even published a little nonfiction, relating to my work with autistic students. My favorite teaching assignments were British Literature and Mythology, so writing fantasy is an obvious step. I am blessed to have a wonderful family that runs from independent 90-year-old parents to a toddler grandson. My husband of 42 years is the key support for all my ventures. Each year, I judge a children's writing competition and direct a children's Christmas puppet show, and working with all those kids is a joy!  

SW: Congratulations on your retirement, and what a wonderful way to set an example for your students.

What are three books on your current tbr? 

LS: Yesterday, I started reading A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay, one of my favorite

authors. Last Christmas brought Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, and I'm always waiting for his next book. Naomi Novak's His Majesty's Dragon just hit my nightstand, but it has to wait for me to finish A Brightness... 

SW: (Runs to look up all three of those titles).

Okay, I'm back. What does your writing space look like? 

LS: I write in a cluttered spare room under a little skylight. Seriously, my writing space is straight out of Dickens.  

SW: Would you share with us a little about your road to publication? 

LS: When I was a young pastor, I published a little nonfiction, but then I didn't write for publication for 25 years! For my 50th birthday, I started writing fiction for publication, and sold the first four short stories I queried. Right on my 60th birthday, I sold Season of Hope. That sounds great, but it hasn't been easy--I also have tens of thousands of unpublished words, including three novels.

SW: I think many authors can relate. There is so much to publishing now that has nothing to do with actually writing the book.

You write both romance and speculative. Do you prefer one over the other? What do you like most about each genre? 

LS: The pleasure of writing romance like Season of Hope is the delightful break I imagine giving to my sisters who are otherwise swamped by busy lives. The pleasure of speculative fiction is weaving my little thread into the tapestry with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Never Let Me Go.

SW: Tell us more about your latest release. 

LS: My latest release was my short fantasy in A Whitstead Harvestide, and I have another piece in A Whitstead Summertide, which is minutes from publication. These continue my stories of a found family sharing a farm on the edge of Whitstead. At Christmastide, the lady of the farm re-acquired concern for others and reached out to orphans and employees on her farm, like Scrooge to Cratchet. In Harvestide, those orphans began to heal from the loss of their mother, and in Summertide, the farm's housekeeper was kidnapped by fairies on the eve of her wedding.

SW: What are you currently working on? 

LS: I better start figuring out what happens in Springtide, but meanwhile I am working on a massive historical fiction with romance and fantasy elements.

SW: Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Thank you so much for taking some time out of your schedule to chat with me. I pray you have a blessed holiday season.

About Season of Hope

The Christmas lights in the mission’s front window are burning a little dim. So is Pastor Nick

Mayfield’s hope. Managing a down-on-its-luck mission in a tough neighborhood in Philadelphia isn’t easy, and not for the first time, he questions his decision to leave a promising law career to follow his calling.

Across the street, Claudia Delacorte works day and night in her abusive stepfather’s store. She’ll do anything to assure her beloved half-sisters have a happy and safe future, even sacrifice her own happiness. So when the new pastor shows interest in her, she scoffs at his naïve overtures—she doesn’t have time for love. Or Christmas.

But when a series of crimes throw the neighborhood into turmoil, Claudia becomes an easy target. During a robbery gone horribly wrong, Nick and Claudia must work together to save her sisters, the store, and each other. Will this tragedy restore hope to their community? Or will they lose everything they’ve fought so hard to keep?

Purchase: Amazon | Anaiah Press Publishing

We appreciate you dropping by each week and hope you've found some great reads through us. We hope each one of you has a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate with friends and family.

Carol Underhill Serves Others Through Words and Actions

 How about a warm welcome for this week's guest. I'm delighted to introduce you to Carol Underhill as she shares about her life and her Christmas novellas.

About Carol Underhill

Carol Underhill, lives in rural Michigan. She is mom to three adult children and a spoiled black Lab. Her household also includes several rescued cats. Carol enjoys quiet mornings and spending time with her family.

Carol writes sweet and Christian romance. She rewards herself for meeting her writing deadlines with a cup of Mackinac Island Fudge-flavored coffee.

Carol likes music of all kinds. She has a playlist for every mood. She enjoys finding new authors on Kindle and binge-reading all their books.

Connect with Carol at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

SW: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Carol. We’re grateful to have you this week and look forward to getting to know you. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

So...would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors?

CU: I’d do better in a quiet studio in farm country, where I can shut myself off from the world and focus on my writing.

SW: It's hard to get away from distractions, isn't it?

Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers?

CU: No page numbers, definitely. I like the way a new chapter takes you to a new scene or someone else’s thoughts.

SW: With the invention of e-readers many of us are already reading without page numbers, too.

Alright, that’s enough of the would you rathers. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

CU: I work as a homemaker aide for the elderly as part of a nonprofit agency. I don’t get paid as much as other cleaning jobs might pay, but I like to be in service to individuals who have very few people in their lives.

I also write curriculum for children’s church and lead the class. It’s very fulfilling and fun.

I’ve been very open about my battle with depression and anxiety. I’ve shared my journey of the past few years on my blog. I also promote other Christian authors’ books. I have a blog series called Pet Tails about rescued cats and dogs and I’m always looking for new stories for it.

My blog is on my website: authorcarolunderhill.com

SW: I love that you're serving others in everything you mentioned.

Switching gears, what are three books on your current tbr?

CU: Lauraine Snelling’s series: Under Northern Skies. 

Rising Seas by Edie James. 

Grace that’s Greater Still by Michelle Massaro

SW: What does your writing space look like?

CU: It’s a desk in my living room that faces a blank wall, not very exciting. I have a calendar hanging beside it and a plaque that reads: “Write the book you want to read.” My drawers are filled with half-finished writing projects.

SW: If it makes you feel better, I do most of my writing on my couch.

Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

CU: Certainly. I self-published a historical Christian fiction series beginning in 2007. By 2015 I had six books published in the series. I mostly sold them locally. 

I continued to write and submit stories to publishers but didn’t find any success.

In June 2019 I started writing a Christmas story that had been in my mind for a while. Then I found out on Twitter that Anaiah Press was looking for Christmas novellas. I finished mine and sent it in. They sent me a contract and published it in 2019. 

Since then, I have had a second holiday novella and a full-length contemporary romance published by Anaiah Press.

SW: What drew you to writing romance?

CU: I have my own fairy tale story, so it feels natural for me to write romance. I especially like to write about people who’ve lost their spouse and find love again.

SW: There's something timeless about falling in love at any stage in life, isn't there?

Tell us more about your latest release.

CU: My first novella, Angelica’s Christmas Wish, is about a widow who moves to Chicago for a fresh start. When she sees a car careening towards a little girl, she jumps in to save the child. She ends up in the hospital where she meets the child’s grateful father. They weren’t looking for romance, but it seems God brought them together for a reason. The daughter, Angelica, is precocious and entertaining. 

The sequel, Serena’s New Year’s Wish, was published in 2021.

 

SW: Readers, you can find out more about that sequel below.

How can we pray for you?

CU: I have a few book ideas rolling around in my mind, but I’m easily distracted. It seems I always have something more pressing to do than to sit at my desk and write. Prayers that I start giving equal time to writing fiction that I do for other projects would be appreciated. 

SW: Oh, how I can relate to that. We will be praying for you.

Thank you for visiting with us this week. It's been a pleasure chatting with you.

About the Book

When Serena Cole came to Chicago for a fresh start, she never imagined she’d save a little girl from getting hit by a car, or that her new boss would turn out to be the little girl’s father. Now, Serena must decide if she can work for the man she’s quickly falling in love with. Her heart has plenty of room for Mark and his daughter, but she wants more than he’s willing to give, and that could very well be a dealbreaker for her.

Mark Harper never wanted a second chance at love—until Serena came into his life. He’s certain she’s the one, but when she asks for the one thing he can’t give her, he’s not so certain of their future. Can he let go of his fear and give Serena the one thing she wants above all else, or will his inability to budge drive her away forever?

Amazon | Goodreads

Give Carol a warm Diamond Mine welcome in the comments and tell us when you like to start digging into the Christmas reads. 

Suzie Waltner, Writing Longhand, & a Giveaway

There is nothing I love more than getting to know other authors in the community, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you one of our own Diamond Mine bloggers, Susie Waltner and her newest release, Midnight Blue. 

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not at work or reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She currently serves as the president of the Middle Tennessee ACFW chapter.


You can keep up with Suzie by following her:  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter

Now, let's dive into my favorite Fast Five Questions:

CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
SW: Milk Chocolate

CC: I'll forgive you for that. ;-)

CC: Print or E-book?
SW: Either. I tend to read more e-books to keep the print copies more pristine.

CC: I can see the allure in that.

CC: Cat or Dog Person?
SW: Both. I have a cat but watch a few friends' dogs when they are out of town.

CC: That's super kind of you!

CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
SW: A fraction more on the morning person end but not much!

CC: LOL, I understand. I'm forced to by the mere fact I have children still in school. 

CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

SW: Spring and Fall

CC: Oh, those milder weather months!

Let's dive into a few personal questions before talking about your book. 

CC: What are you reading right now?

SW: I often am reading one book and listening to another. Right now I am reading The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker and I'm about to start listening to The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson.
CC: For a while, I was doing the same thing. The different formats makes it easier to bounce between books.


CC: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
SW: I write every first draft longhand. It's taken me a while to figure out why I can open a blank document and stare at it with nothing coming to me but the minute that pen hits the paper, the words flow. Because I work at a computer all day long, the action of writing out the scenes triggers my brain that I am switching from numbers and logic to something more creative.
CC: There is actual science behind this fact that supports why you are able to do that. It's incredibly fascinating to me, and something I need to spend more time doing.



CC: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
SW: I do most of my writing on the weekends where I can block of large chunks of time to get in the zone. Weeknights just tend to get too busy. I do like doing sprints and I've found a couple of people on YouTube who do sprints. Even if I can't be there live, I'll pull up the videos and play them so it feels like there are others in it with me.

CC: Sprints save me SOOOO much. For those of you who don't know, sprints are when writers get together, set a timer, and then try to get as many words down in that time frames as they can. I suppose you don't HAVE to have other writers around, but it is definitely more motivating.


Where would authors be without books? Suzie's latest book, Midnight Blue, released this week. 

Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner

A series of heartbreaking setbacks behind her, Scarlett Sykes is now focused on creating the best life possible for her daughter. One where innocence and joy is not colored by rejection or loss. While finances are tight and Scarlett’s job isn’t ideal for a single mother, her child will always know she’s loved. Especially since Harmony’s father wanted nothing to do with them. As lead singer and the face of a successful country band, Jake Turnquist’s closest friends depend on him, but life in the spotlight is quickly losing its appeal. At a party celebrating another accomplishment, he’s stunned to discover Scarlett assisting the caterer. Almost ten years have passed, but he’s never forgotten his first love. In the hours after a surprise revelation, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave her up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?

You can purchase your copy at Amazon. 



CC: Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
SW: Andi Buchanan. She's a secondary character in Midnight Blue and she's a tough nut to crack. The one band member who doesn't say much and keeps her emotions under wraps. I'm learning more about her as I continue to write this series, and I can't wait to really dive into her backstory.

CC: Oh, those side characters can be tricky, and I love how they end up developing into their own complicated stories.

CC: If you could be any of your characters, which one would it be? Why?
SW: Cassidy Cagle because she speaks her mind, takes no excuses, and is fiercely protective of the people she loves.
CC: She seems like a really strong, independent woman. 

CC: How do you select the names of your characters?
SW: Some character names are just there when I'm writing them, but others take a little while (and usually the help of a baby name book or website).
CC: Those baby name books and websites can be a lifesaver for sure!

CC: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
SW: That no matter how badly we mess up, God can redeem our mistakes and breathe new life into relationships we see as dead or broken.

CC: Amen, and such an important reminder to all of us.

CC: One last fun question: If you could have any superpower, which would it be?
SW: Time manipulation - I'd make my work week move faster and my writing weekends stretch longer (and also vacations and fun trips could last)
CC: Oh that is a good one that I would never have thought of, but now I want it. 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

Suzie had partnered with two other Anaiah Press authors to offer a giveaway. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.

Giveaway includes: Antiques Roadshow DVD, ebook copy of The Maritime Cure by Michelle S. Lowe, Jeremiah 29:11 adult coloring book, Nashville streets puzzle, Nashville magnet, 12-oz handmade Orange Spice candle (coconut wax candle), and a $50 Amazon gift card.

Physical prizes open to US mailing addresses only. Digital prizes open internationally where accepted. Giveaway ends at 11:59 EST on September 30, 2022.

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Mystery and Donuts with Allison Pearl (& Giveaway)

I'm pleased to welcome Allison Pearl to the Diamond Mine this week. Allison writes mysteries (and there are always donuts. Yum!). Read to the end of the blog post to find out how you can enter to win an ebook of Allison's latest release.

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband and cats. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases visit www.allison-pearl.com or follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/, on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5, and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl

Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Allison. We’re grateful to have you this week and look forward to learning more about you. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

SW: Would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors? 

AP: At this point in my career, I think it depends on what I’m writing. Early on, those of us trying to break into the writing world from nowhere quickly learned the tough lesson of writing anywhere and anytime. You learn to write on your work breaks, between classes, in the car, and basically whenever you find a spare moment in the work/life tempest swirling around us all. I have a little more freedom now. That makes me want reality’s atmosphere to reflect whatever fiction I’m building. If my story’s small-town and country, that’s where I want to be when I’m writing it. If it has skyscrapers in it, I want to see skyscrapers.

SW: Hey, I'll take any excuse for a research trip. :)

Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers?

AP: Hmmm… never thought about this one. I suppose I would want the page numbers because that would make it easier to remember my place. I have cats that like to knock books and stuff off tables which usually means my floor has a lot of books sans their designated bookmarks. I try to remember page numbers when I take a break so I’m not digging through the pages trying to find where I left off. 

SW: Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio. 

AP: I’m pretty boring in general, spending most of my time hanging out with my husband and cats. Beyond reading and writing, I do love swimming. I’m at my local pool about 3 or so times a week to swim laps. It’s really the only form of exercise I don’t have to grit my teeth through. It’s quiet and cool and the weightless feeling of the water is super relaxing and cheaper than therapy. When I’m not writing, I work part time at my church. It’s a rewarding place to serve and it keeps me from sinking into the recluse kind of writing life lol. 

SW: I enjoy swimming too. I love how once you're in the pool, you can block out the rest of the world and relax (even while you are working out).

What are three books on your current tbr?

AP: There’s a new Cormoran Strike book coming out this month that I want to read, but other than that, I haven’t looked around enough to have a good list. That tends to happen when I’m pretty involved in working on something of my own. The work makes it hard to spend the time really digging into what excites me. But I’m totally open to suggestions, you all have any!!

SW: What does your writing space look like?

AP; Currently, I’ve carved myself out a little space in the dining room of our newish (moved in last year) house. It’s probably not my permanent place, but my simple little desk by the window works for now. I’ve got my favorite reference books, my two monitors, and a swivel chair. I’m good.

SW: Would you share with us a little about your road to publication? 

AP: I think on some level, I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but at a very young age I got it in my head that it would be too hard. That it just wasn’t a possibility for someone like me. I mean, I’m no one from nowhere. I accepted that lie for a very long time. For some reason, after college—where I didn’t study writing—I started writing down the stuff in my head and it turned into a couple manuscripts that I assumed would just go in a drawer. Eventually, I saw the fear-driven stupidity in that and started researching how to get into the field. During that research, I found Anaiah Press, looked at the kind of fiction they published, and buckled down to write them something. I submitted ‘Glazed Suspicion’ and, to my surprise, they signed me. That’s where publication started for me, but I know I am still only at the beginning of my career. I still have a lot to learn and a lot of work to do.

SW: That imposter syndrome sure can paralyze us sometimes, can't it? I'm glad you didn't believe it and reached out to Anaiah Press.

What drew you to writing mysteries?

AP: Because mysteries are a large chunk of what I read. What I watch as well, come to think of it. I read tons of other genres for sure, but there is always a mystery/thriller on my nightstand that I’m working through. And I think on some basic level, all of us writers, are trying to craft the book we would want to read. 

SW: Tell us more about your latest release.

AP: My latest release is the third book in my ‘Love and Danger in St. Claire’ series. ‘Sprinkled with Sabotage’ follows a spunky blond lawyer, Lizzy, and her mechanic ex-boyfriend, Koby. It was a really fun one. And while these books are part of a series, I try my best to make them work as stand-alone stories as well. So, if you want to jump in, don’t worry about starting at the beginning. 

SW: What are you currently working on?

AP: I’m currently working the fourth book in the St. Claire series. I’m really excited about it. A lot of new locations and characters are being introduced that I hope my readers will be into. Don’t worry though, there are still (and always will be) doughnuts in them.

SW: How can we pray for you?

AP: I think being a writer and someone of faith is an important calling. And in our constantly changing world and culture, it’s more important than ever to write stories that are true and relevant. That are Christ-like without ringing false or unrealistic. Books that aren’t sermons, but rather someone’s story. Prayers that God would foster and shape those stories are always appreciated!

SW: Those are excellent prayers for all of us authors.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us this week, Allison. We wish you the best in your writing career.

About Sprinkled with Sabotage

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her aid. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

Purchase at Amazon

Allison is offering one of our blog visitors a Kindle copy of Sprinkled with Sabotage. To enter, leave a comment telling us what your favorite type of donut is and a way to contact you if you win. Giveaway ends Tuesday, 8/23/22 at 11:59 PM EST.

Sharon Rene Shares About Life, Writing, and Her YA Series and a Giveaway

 This week, we welcome Sharon Rene to the mine. First, a little more about Sharon.

Sharon Rene loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult speculative trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released in September 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance. Relentless Rebels, the sequel launched in March 2022. Defying Destiny, the prequel, will launch in October 2022.

Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Sharon Rene hopes her books will bring enjoyment and encouragement to her readers.  

Sharon Rene loves to communicate with her readers. You can email her at sharonrene17@gmail.com

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon

Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Sharon. We’re grateful to have you this week and look forward to learning more about you. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

SW: Would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors?

SR: I grew up in a small town surrounded by cows. I’ll go with the rooftop garden.

SW: Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers?

SR: It would be more difficult for me to read a book without chapter numbers because I use the chapters as a guide. They indicate that I can put the book down now and do a few things.

SW: Alright, that’s enough of those. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

SR: I grew up in a small town in Louisiana. I’m an only child but I had a lot of aunts and uncles and cousins around.  I was very close to my parents.  My dad has passed away but my elderly mother lives with me.

I work as a legal assistant at a large cooperation. 

I’ve been very involved in church – teaching youth and children’s Bible study, going on mission trips and participating in the prison ministry.

I don’t have any children, but I have one spoiled rotten cat. She’s my Instagram star.

SW: My cat makes her appearance on Instagram sometimes, too. They all have personality, don't they?

What are three books on your current tbr?

SR: Shadow by Kara Swanson

The Exiles by Katherine Barger

Confessions, The Paris Mysteries by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

SW: I've only read Shadow, and it was a great read. What does your writing space look like?

SR: It’s upstairs in the bonus room. I have a standup screen with a Paris café view that blocks my desk and computer from the rest of the area. 

SW: Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

SR: I’ve always loved to write. I have old manuscripts stuck in drawers that I wrote when I was a teen. Flash fiction provided my first publication success. Several of my flash fiction stories were published by Splickety/Spark magazine. I have published teen devotions in Unlocked devotional magazine.

I enjoy writing short stories, so I wrote a book of short stories for elementary children. It was published by TouchPoint Press in 2018. A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace is a book of stories in several genres – Biblical, Historical and Contemporary.

All of this time I was submitting Hesitant Heroes to different publishers. After many rejections, it was accepted by Anaiah Press. By then I had written the other two books in the series and Anaiah Press acquired them too.

My journey to book publication has been long with tons of rejections but when God was ready – the door opened.

SW: Isn't that one of the challenges and blessings of the author life? Waiting for God to open the right doors in His time?

What drew you to writing dystopian fiction?

SR: When I read The Hunger Games I got hooked on dystopian fiction. It was all I wanted to read for a while. I decided to try to write a dystopian book that had a lot of excitement and suspense but with less violence than the popular mainstream dystopian books.  My series is dystopian with a Christian world view. 

SW: Tell us more about your latest release.

SR: Relentless Rebels is the sequel to Hesitant Heroes. Hesitant Heroes is set in 2062 and the world is run by the Global Collective Council. Christian students start disappearing from Jordan Scott’s campus and she and her friends (Team Seven) start investigating. They are pulled into a government conspiracy and face one danger after the other.

Relentless Rebels begins with Jordan and Team Seven hiding out in the mountains of Venezuela. They are on the government’s hit list and must fight to survive. 

“For such a time as this” is the theme of both books. Jordan believes that she and her friends are being used by God like He used Queen Esther in the Bible. 

SW: What are you currently working on?

SR: I’m not doing a lot of writing currently because my mother has been sick and recently broke her hip.  I will soon be starting edits for Defying Destiny which is the last book in The Divine Destiny Chronicles.

When I have the time, I am working on a MG novel about a group of middle school girls who want to be detectives. They have some crazy adventures. This is more lighthearted than my dystopian books. I think I needed a change.

SW: How can we pray for you?

SR: I’d appreciate prayers for my mother’s health and for strength as I journey through this with her. Please pray that God will use my books to reach people who need to hear about His plan for their lives. I want teens to know that they are each unique and He has put them in a certain place for a certain time.

Thank you so much for visiting with us, Sharon. We appreciate you taking the time to share more about yourself and your books.

About Hesitant Heroes

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.

When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.

Purchase at Amazon

About Relentless Rebels

After rescuing their kidnapped friends and stopping the government from assassinating Councilor Sierra Stone, Jordan and Team Seven thought the fight was over, but the real battle is just beginning. Sierra must now try to regain her role in the Global Collective Council while also convincing them that River Wallis, co-chair of the Council, tried to kill her. But her success could very well lead to a civil war.

The Council will do everything in their power to stop Sierra, including killing her allies. Barely surviving an attack on their mountain hideaway, Jordan and Team Seven’s lives are on the line. Again. But Team Seven won’t give up that easily, and they set out to rally support for their cause. Unfortunately for Team Seven, they’re caught in the middle as the world takes sides.

Amidst attacks, lies, betrayals, and devastating losses, Jordan’s faith is shaken, and she struggles with her hatred for River Wallis. She knows that judgment belongs to God, but when she finally comes face to face with River, Jordan must rely on her faltering faith to choose wisely—give in to her need for vengeance or give it up for God to decide.

Purchase at Amazon

Giveaway

Sharon Rene is giving an autographed copy of Hesitant Heroes to one reader. To enter, leave a comment and tell us what your favorite YA book is. If you don't have one, you can tell us about one you'd like to read. Giveaway ends Tuesday, 6/21/22 at 11:59 PM EST and is open to US mailing addresses only.