No Teasing~Megan Besing is Releasing!

 Hello, my diligent readers! Happy November, I'm interviewing my real-life author daughter this week—April Fools! BUT, only one thing in that last sentence is false. I'll let you figure out which one. ;) But I'll tell you one thing that not trickery. A new book release! Let's dive right in with author Megan Besing.     

  

Tell us the type of fiction you write, and is there a secret genre you wished you could write in?

Well, my upcoming April 3rd release, Falling into Love, part of the collection Hometown Second Chances, is a sweet Christian Romantic Adventure, which means it’s a little less on the suspense side of things. But I do have three full romantic suspense books, too. Technically I also have two published Historical Romances as well. And my Contemporary Romance will be releasing later this year. So, I think I’m keeping pretty busy with just those genres at the moment, but I’m ready for whatever the future may hold. 😊

What area of the country has most influenced you in your life? Rural? City? North? South? Midwest? East? West?

Since my husband was in the army when we first got marry, we’ve had the opportunity to live in a variety of places, but the small-town, rural area is my favorite. Which is probably why most of my stories are set there.

Fantasy house choice: cottage by a lake, Victorian with a sweeping lawn, cabin in the woods, or a bungalow by the sea?

I think my answer is even going to surprise me because I love the ocean; however, I’m going to go with the cottage by a lake. Usually, being by a sea doesn’t mean I’ll get all the seasons, and despite complaining how cold it can get, I do enjoy a bit of snow. Plus, my hair’s volume really doesn’t need to be too close to the sea on a full time bases.

Favorite snacks while rattling the keys to create a new story? Chocolate? Chips? Kale? Other?

Chips are often on my writing desk, along with Chex mix or Cheese-its. It really depends on what drink—water, soda, tea, or even coffee—I have to pair my snack with.

What led you to writing and is it the only work you do throughout the day?

After I finally fell in love with fiction reading, I once read a book that made fun of God, and then I woke up the next day deciding that I would write a book. One that I would want to read and that also honored God. I think it helped that my mom was an author, which gave me the courage to try writing. Currently, my day-to-day job is teaching 6-8th graders at a small Christian School.

Favorite Season and why.

Another hard one, and today I’m going to say summer because I have more free time to write during that season.

Tell us how the anthology, Hometown Second Chances came together.

My suspense writing mentor Lisa Phillips and Two Dogs Publishing organized it. My fellow authors in the Hometown Second Chances collection: Tabitha Bouldin, Andrea Christenson, Rebecca Reed, and myself just had to come up with a light suspense book, and I think we have a variety of stories that will keep readers entertained.

Where is your story Falling into Love set and how did you come up with the premise of the plot?

Years old, I had written a novella that had finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest, and I had always loved that story, especially the jumping out of the airplane scene; how it revolved around a wedding, and the enemies-to-loves trope. But I knew I wanted to change it up and add some suspense and mystery to it. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of the bridesmaid for hire concept, so I added that to my heroine’s job description, and I think you’re going to really enjoy it. I also set Liz and Asher’s happily ever after in my home state—just in imaginary towns. So, it’s an old story molded into the book that now is Falling into Love, which is the first book in the Hometown Second Chances collection.

So tell us—we have to know—does Liz the wedding planner really jump out of a plane?

Yes, and it was for sure not her idea, but she was ready to do anything to save her bridesmaid for hire business. But, there are some major hiccups involved, and yet I think if you’d ask Liz at the end of the book if it was all worth it, and I believe she’d say one hundred percent yes. Though, she may not want to jump again anytime soon.

Is there any way you can give us a peek as to why Liz’s main love interest Asher Chase is the family’s sworn enemy?

Hmmm, I don’t want to give too much away. However, Asher and Liz’s step sister dated for a brief time in the past. And there are of course two sides to every breakup, and I promise Asher is cheer worthy when the truth unfolds throughout the book.

Give us 5 things about Megan Besing that have nothing to do with writing.

1.            I go mushroom hunting every Spring, but don’t like to eat morels.

2.            I went surfing for the first time last month.

3.            I really like carbs, especially potatoes.

4.            I play the piano.

5.            My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5.

Hometown Second Chances comes out April 3rd. Which direction are you heading now in terms of writing? 

After Hometown Second Chances releases in a few days, my next novel: Redeeming the Bull Rider comes out December 29, 2026 from Love Inspired. That story is about a washed-up bull rider who has to become a nanny. It has some super cute kids in it and, of course, a cheer-worthy hero and heroine. But until you can read that story, here is the blurb for Falling Into Love.

Wow! You are one busy author! In case you were wondering, here's Falling into Love's blurb to whet your appetite for an amazing read:

When a last-ditch marketing plan sends her the perfect bride-to-be client, Liz Skye is literally willing to jump out of a perfectly good airplane to save her company. Even if that means being tethered to veteran Asher Chase, her family’s only enemy. However, when danger strikes, wedding bells won’t be in anyone’s future if they can’t stop the person set on revenge. But can Liz depend on Asher, who won’t leave her side, or does he have an agenda of his own? With her life and company on the line—the ultimate cost may just be her heart.

Thanks, Megan! You can win a copy of Megan's latest book, Falling into Love by leaving a comment or your info on the contact form. But in case you're looking for more details about this new release, keep reading! You can pre-order today.

Bio:

Megan Besing is a PW's Bestselling Author. Winner of the Selah Award, a 2x finalist in the Carols, and a HOLT Medallion finalist, Megan lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, where she's always planning a road trip. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at www.meganbesing.com.

Find Megan Besing here:

Newsletter signup: https://www.meganbesing.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganbesing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganBesingWriter

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-besing

Interview with author Jean Pike!!

Today we welcome author Jean Pike to The Diamond Mine to promote her new book, Super-Heroes!

Hi Jean!!

Tell us a little about your book, please.

Thank you for having me today, Nancy. I'd love to!

It all started with a prayer...

After a lifetime of of being controlled by her parents, and most recently by her ex-fiancée, Abby Callahan has had enough. She moves out of her parents' home and into a rented motel room a few towns away, where she takes night classes at the community college, finally free to pursue her dream of becoming a music therapist.

From now on, she will live her life her way, answering to no one except God. She is done letting her parents make her decisions. And she is done with men. Until she meets Rory St. George.

Growing up on the wrong side of town,  Rory has worked hard to claw his way out of poverty. He has a good job as assistant manager at the local feed store, a good church, and a few close friends. He thinks that's all a man can ask for in life. Until he meets Abby.

Their fragile relationship is tested from the start with missteps and misunderstandings, but their genuine attraction to each other and their faith in God hold them together. Until disaster strikes. Can their newfound love survive being tried by fire? And can the power of love turn ordinary people into superheroes? 

This sounds wonderful, Jean! How did you get your idea for this story?

Reading the daily news can be both depressing and uplifting. The ideas for many of my stories stem from things I've read about that have either filled me with wonder or filled me with sadness.

The world is full of stories of ordinary people performing superhero acts--- A volunteer firefighter who risks his life to rescue a family from a burning house. A man, fishing on the bank of a river, dives into deep waters to save a drowning child. Heroism is also found in a hundred small, everyday sacrifices made in the name of love.

A new romance can be so much fun!  Picnics and hikes and bouquets of flowers' just because! But when things get hard and life turns messy, few have what it takes to keep the flame burning. To stay in it for the long haul, even when it costs something precious. The truth is, one never knows if they have what it takes to be a superhero until they have no other choice.

Superheroes is a story about everyday heroes who love in the most extraordinary ways.

Wow! How could I not be interested in a story like that?

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

The underlying theme in Superheroes is that God is sovereign over His creation. God is still God, even in hard times. 

There is a verse in Job that I've always loved: But He knows the way that I take: when He hath tried me. I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10 KJV)

Bad things happen in life, but God can use them to refine our faith and make us more like Him. This story seeks to showcase His great love for us, and hopefully, point the way  to the greatest Superhero of all time, our Lord Jesus.

Well said, and I found your words very touching. I'm sure your story is, too.

I'm curious-- Do your characters ever surprise you?

Oh, all the time! I'll usually do a rough character sketch before I start any in-depth writing, a few sentences about who each of the characters are and what they want from life. Many times the characters turn out to be something quite different from what I first imagined. I like to think that's a combination of God's direction and my crazy, overactive imagination, lol.

In Superheroes, Olly was originally going to be Rory's youngest brother, heading down a wrong path that Rory would have to try and correct. But something as small as a typo changed my mind. Instead of writing the word coffee, I accidentally wrote coccee. Which is exactly how my special needs nephew, Michael, pronounces the word. I have always wanted to include a special needs character in one of my stories, but I struggled with how to do so with grace and dignity. As I started to look more closely at Olly's character, he and Michael began to merge together, and I knew the time had come to honor this lovely, complex young man. Hence my dedication: For Michael, a superhero indeed.

Tell us how you incorporated Olly with Michael.

First, as I said, Olly's character is based on my nephew. Michael is a young man with special needs who loves pink shirts, orange shirts and coloring books. It may not always seem as though he is paying attention, but he is! He notices the birds that come to his mother's feeders, and all the pretty colors of the flowers in their garden.

He notices who is in church each week, and who is not. On Sundays, after lunch, he makes a card for each person on the prayer list, using construction paper and pictures colored and cut from his coloring books. His favorites are the superheroes, whom he makes up his own names for, names that make sense to him.

Michael has a stubborn streak as wide as the Ohio river, but oh, he has a heart filled with love and compassion that often astounds me.  He uses what he's been given to lift others up. I gave those same traits to Olly. 

 

Michael sounds like quite a work of art, as well as being an artist himself.

Do you have a favorite character in any of your other books?

I enjoy creating all of my characters, but some stand out for me because their parts are just so much fun to write! But with all of the time and effort spent developing my main characters, it is often the secondary characters that seem to grab my readers' hearts. In The Little Things, it was a grumpy senior bulldog named Gus. In King of Hearts, it was forgetful, lovable Aunt Clara.  As the reviews for Superheroes began to come in, it was clear that in this story, it was Olly that readers loved the most.

I can see why!

So, what are you working on now?

I was four chapters in to a new Redford's Crossing Romance when a coworker made a statement that brought all work on that story to a screeching halt. We were talking about relationships, and how, as a widow, she feels she is "done." 

And then she said, "But my mother thought she was done, too. She just sat in her porch rocker day after day, waiting to die. And then a man pulled in the driveway and asked if he could pick from her blackberry bushes. They've been together forty years."

Wait, what?

An opening sentence immediately popped into my mind: Norah Sutton was sitting in her porch rocker, waiting to die, when the red pickup truck pulled into the driveway...

And Blackberry Summer began to take shape. :)

Sometimes, that's all it takes for inspiration to hit: a typo, a passing comment, and the whole direction of your story  takes a different path.

Thank you so much for this interview, Jean. I have completely enjoyed hearing your answers.

And readers, here are some links for Jean, and her books:

https://www.amazon.com/Superheroes-M-Jean-Pike-ebook/dp/BOCYPSLQ5D/

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main page=product info&cPath=3746&products id=1711

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/superheroes-m-jean-pike/1147169381?ean=9781522305064

https://books.apple.com/us/book/superheroes/id6744548266

Jean's blog:

https:// jeanpike.wordpress.com/

Ruth Douthitt Charms with New Book Releases and an Amazing Talent

Stop all crafting, just for a moment or two, readers! I've got a live one for you. She not only writes books, holds down a job, runs marathons, teaches women's Bible Studies, and volunteers, but she's an artist too! So dunk those brushes, unplug that hot glue gun, and slam the lid down on all those unsorted beads so you can meet author and artist Ruth Douthitt!

PT: Welcome, Ruth! So glad to have your visiting the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. How did you start writing, and what genre do you write in?

RD: Hello! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to meet your readers.  I started writing when I was in my 20s way back in 1989. I wrote poetry in high school, but no stories. I decided my first book would be a fantasy book for kids about a boy prince who enters the mysterious Dragon Forest to slay the dragon within just so he can prove that he is a prince. That book, The Dragon Forest, was published in 2011. Since then, I have written many more dragon books and released dragon coloring books, too. But I also write mysteries for kids, YA contemporary, and women’s contemporary fiction as well as suspense.

PT: Nice! I love dabbling in multiple genres. Is writing a full time job or do you do other jobs as well?

 RD: I wish I could write full time! But I work as a curriculum developer at a local university for now and do volunteer work, too. I write and teach women’s Bible studies. I also host a podcast called A Writer’s Day where I talk about the writing craft and interview best-selling authors. You can listen to A Writer’s Day on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

PT: Let’s get a feel for the place you call home. Where do you hail from?

RD: Arizona is home but we also lived in North Carolina early in our marriage. I miss it and would love to retire there.

PT: Best vacation?

RD: Rome!!! We visited in 2018, and I ran the Rome Marathon that spring. We toured the city, took trains to Naples, Florence, and the Vatican City. It was such a wonderful experience, I got a book series out of it: The Doors of Rome, The Windows of Venice, and The Streets of Florence, which releases this October. You can preorder it today on Amazon.

PT: Any hobbies?

RD: I am a professional artist, so I paint and draw all the time. I love to draw fantasy art and paint wildlife art. Right now, I am creating hand-painted bookmarks to sell at book festivals. So far, they are a big hit with customers! I also do commissioned pet portraits when I am not creating my dragon coloring books. I wish I had a pet dragon to paint! But so far, I only do commissioned dog and cat portraits. You can see my work on my website under the “artist” tab. I also love to run and hike the desert trails near our home and flower garden when it isn’t 1000 degrees outside. LOL.

PT: Give some favs: color, food, music, season, and best place to write.

RD: Hunter green is my favorite color. Because I am Mexican, I adore Mexican food but also Italian and Chinese food. I love classical music (Bach is my favorite) but also movie soundtracks ever since I saw Star Wars in 1977 as a kid. I love John Williams and Hans Zimmer soundtracks the most. We were honored to have seen John Williams conduct our local symphony and Steven Spielberg came on stage to discuss the importance of John’s music. It was AMAZING!!!

My favorite season is Fall. Although in the desert southwest, we don’t see the leaves change, I still love the transition from hot weather to cool weather. And the whisper of Christmas coming in the breeze…

PT: Tell about the series Desert Shadows Suspense and how it started.

RD: I used to work in Superior Court as a bailiff and sat in some terrible criminal court trials. But the way the detectives solved the crimes always intrigued me. This was way before forensic files and other true crime shows. As a result of loving stories and seeing all these court trials, I began brainstorming suspense stories way back in 1996-1997. But it wasn’t until 2022 that I seriously began writing them down. I know many readers of this genre want a small town setting, so I set my stories in a fictional desert town outside of Sedona, AZ. These stories are clean reunited-slow-burn romances that are full of suspense and intrigue. I write suspense because I enjoy reading suspense.

PT: Give a little peek into Fatal Standoff that released in June.

RD: Fatal Standoff is book 2 in the series and follows Emma and Liam on their next big investigation. In Fatal Chapters, Emma brings up her adoptive parents and how they were killed in a car accident. In Fatal Standoff, she receives mysterious text messages telling her that her parents were actually murdered. Emma decides to investigate the pharmaceutical company her mother worked for at the time of her death. When she uncovers dark secrets about the billion-dollar “Big Pharma” company, Emma realizes her life may be in danger. Meanwhile, Liam is in Arizona investigating a missing college student who is the granddaughter of a family friend. When a dead body is found in the desert, Liam experiences paralyzing flashbacks to when his little brother was kidnapped and later found dead near home. Can Liam overcome his trauma to solve the crime and help Emma?

PT: Does Fatal Standoff connect to Fatal Chapters or is it a stand alone?

RD: Yes, there is a connection. Readers should read book one first.

PT: Are you working on the next book in this series or something else?

RD: Yes, I am working on book three in the suspense series. Title and cover reveal are coming soon!

I just finished book 3 in my Love and Romance in Italy series titled The Streets of Florence. I can hardly wait for readers to read this story. It will take them to Florence, the Tuscan hillsides, a cooking class, and more. The three friends from the first two books reunite to heal from tragic loss, sip wine, and laugh again. When they encounter an American waitress with a broken heart, the three decide to be matchmakers for the girl. Adventure, friendship, and Italian food…what could be better than that? The Streets of Florence releases October 7th and is available for preorder on Amazon.

11. Tell 5 things about Ruth Douthitt that have nothing to do with writing.

•           I am an Arizona native who was literally born in the city. My parents didn’t make it to the hospital in time, so they pulled over and my dad delivered me in the car.

•           I saw Star Wars 26 times in the theater the summer it released in 1977.

•           I’ve traveled to Eastern Europe 2 times for short-term mission trips and toured Auschwitz in Poland because I love WWII history. That was a life-changing experience!

•           I have a master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness because mental health is very important to me. I facilitate GriefShare sessions online and wanted to know more about grief and how it affects the body so I can help others cope. I learn so much from facilitating these grief sessions. It helps me cope with my own loss.

•           I have completed 7 full marathons, 24 half marathons, 4 ultra marathons, and two sprint triathlons all after age 40. I also completed the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. It is aptly named because you have to be dopey to do that challenge! Four races in four days. But it was a blast to run through the park with all the Christmas decorations up. Magical!

PT: Whew! I don't know about you but I'm exhausted just thinking about all those marathons! You're one energetic lady. And all of us wish you the best in your many endeavors. Thanks for joining us, Ruth!

There's a free copy for someone out there of Ruth Douthitt's Book Fatal Standoff. Just leave a comment below with your email or enter by using our contact form. If you are dying to read her new book, it's on sale right now! Don't miss your chance, and thanks for joining us! Crafting may commence.

A Visit with Author Kathy Cretsinger!

Happy Wednesday!

And welcome to the blog!

Are you enjoying Spring? Where I live, in Kentucky, we have a lot of false starts to the season, but the flowers and trees are promising us that warm weather is making a comeback. 

Today I'm so pleased to bring you one of my favorite people, and the reason I'm a published author today! Kathy Cretsinger!

Kathy and her husband, Jerry, moved to Western Kentucky from the hills of East Tennessee several years ago to be close to their children and grandchildren. This brought another change in their lives. Kathy began publishing her books and then decided to help other authors who were having a hard time in the publishing industry by starting Mantle Rock Publishing. Kathy loves being close to her family and enjoys growing orchids, which continue to multiply. Kathy is a board member at the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference and a member of ACFW. She has a bi-weekly blog on her website http://www.kathycretsingerauthor.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Kathy Cretsinger, and at Kathy Cretsinger, Author.

 When the writing bug bit me and I began hanging out with writers online, I was repeatedly told, “You’ve got to meet Kathy Cretsinger!” When I finally did, out-of-state at a conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she invited me to attend her writing group, and I discovered she lived less than 30 miles from me. She, Susan Page Davis, and the late Sandra Robbins, along with several other amazing writers, took me under their generous wings, keeping me going until I was ready.

 

In the years since I’ve known Kathy, she’s written a series of historical fiction novels and is in the middle of a romantic suspense series. Both are based on places or situations near and dear to her heart, and I love them. She and her husband, Jerry, as mentioned earlier, are the former owners of Mantle Rock Publishing, where my first books were published. When they decided to retire, the new owners renamed it Scrivenings Press, LLC, and it continues to grow. Kathy and Jerry built a publishing family that continues today.

 

So, I call Kathy my “Book Mama,” and I’m thrilled to bring you an interview! She has generously offered a signed paperback copy of the third book in her Shady Valley Series, Shady Connections, as a giveaway to one of our readers -- all you have to do is comment to be entered!

 

And now, the interview! 

 

Regina: Kathy, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you on the blog today! I know you’ve got a lot to share, so here goes!

 

Real-life stories make the best foundation for events in a novel, I think. What is one story from real life that you’ve included in one of your books?

 

Kathy: This is the first time I’ve put this in a book. When my daughter, Diane, was in first grade, she had to ride the bus. I had to drive about two miles to pick her up. When the bus came one day, the bus driver got out with her and walked to my car. He told me he couldn’t let her ride his bus anymore because she was fighting. When we were settled in the car, I asked her what happened. She said, “That boy kept pulling my pigtails and I told him to stop. He kept on. You always told me to treat other people like they wanted to be treated, so he wanted me to hit him, or he wouldn't keep on pulling my pigtails.” We had a talk that night about doing to others. 

 

Regina: I would love to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation! LOL!! I can see the serious expression on her face!

 

Now to something to satisfy our readers’ curiosity … ;) 

 

Salad or Sandwich?

 

Kathy: Salad. Bread does not agree with me, but I do eat a Reuben and Big Mac occasionally.  

 

Regina: Going gluten-free has been a life-changing habit for you, I know, and one you’ve used as a catalyst for the characters in your “Shady Valley” series!

 

Here’s one of my favorite questions: What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?

 

Kathy: Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  This has been my favorite verse since college. We have something to look forward to if we live according to God’s word. Nothing can harm us here on earth, we have a great reward in the end. 

 

Regina: Amen! Now let’s find out about what you like for entertainment!

 

What is your favorite movie and why?

 

Kathy: My favorite movie is “Dirty Dancing.” I like a movie that shows good in the end. This movie does. Two people are misunderstood, and they come to terms with themselves in the end. The movie is set in the mountains of North Carolina, cold creeks, beautiful scenes. You watch both main characters grow up in the movie.

 

Regina: Would you believe I’ve never watched it? I know. At 60, I have no excuse. I’ll try to watch it before we get together again! LOL! 

 

A lot of interviewers ask for your favorite book. That’s just not fair! What has been the most recent book you’ve read that excited you or moved you in some way? Why?

 

Kathy: The last book I read was The Songbird of Hop Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer. It releases in April. I’ve always loved reading Kim’s books. This one did not disappoint me. When I started reading it, I never thought I’d enjoy reading a book about a prostitute. She was so desperate with no family. It tells of faith, changes, love of others. I highly recommend it.

 

Regina: I’ll keep that one on my radar!

 

If you were on a deserted island with a laptop and no Wi-Fi what are two programs or apps you would have to have on your computer?

 

Kathy: The first one would be my Bible. If I’m stranded, I’m not going to be writing books, but I will be reading them. My Kindle app will have to be full. I may be there a while.

 

Regina: Bible apps are wonderful! I think, with the book count on my kindle at over a thousand, I’d be okay for a while. If we could be stranded together, we could SHARE! ;)

 

Thanks for the interview, Kathy! I love getting to share you with our readers!

 

Now, here’s some information about Shady Connections, the third in Kathy’s Shady Valley Series!

 

Nothing shady ever happens in Shady Valley, Tennessee, but shady things happen everywhere.

 

Bruce Howard and Grace Manis decide to elope in November, and they find they are expecting a baby soon after their marriage. They are in their 40s, and they never expected to have a family.

 

Bruce is having dreams of being abducted. A stranger suggests Bruce is a dead-ringer for his brother who was murdered and his son abducted. Can Bruce be that child?

 

An old acquaintance enters Shady Valley and memories flood back. Is he the abductor?

 

Daisy Greer is also expecting, and someone is trying to steal her baby and Grace’s. Can the perpetrator be found before the babies are born? Well, nothing shady ever happens in Shady Valley. Or does it?

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, and will comment below! Thanks to Kathy’s generosity, one commenting reader will receive a paperback copy of Shady Connections! I loved it, and I think you will, too!

If you can't wait until the drawing, you can purchase Shady Connections HERE!

 

Until next time, enjoy a good book – or ten! 😊

Interview with Nicole Patrice Thomas

I am so excited to share with you my interview with fellow independent author, Nicole Patrice Thomas! Nicole kindly took the time with me to answer some questions on her author journey. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Nicole as my first interview for The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction!

Here is a little bit about Nicole in her own words:

The fastest way to see the world and experience adventures without limits is to open a book. Reading has always been my favorite thing to do, it is what I would rather be doing day and night. I am a CUNY graduate holding a BA degree in Advertising and Public Relations but my love has always been the literary world. 

 In 2019 I reached a point in my life where I felt stagnant, I needed direction and a fresh start. As a Christian I take my direction from my heavenly father, so when He woke me at 3am one January morning with the desperate voice of a woman as she ran for her life and the life of her unborn child repeating in my head, I wrote it down and kept writing. That is how the first book in my fantasy trilogy started. The trilogy was completed a year later as well as a children’s book, corresponding coloring book and a spanish translation.

I am a hospitality professional by trade and a poet at heart. My goal is to spread light and love to my readers, to give them characters they can relate to. Characters who find redemption and hope despite betrayals, that they will see themselves reflected in some aspect within the pages and know that regardless of how or where they start in life, the ending can always change.

Let's learn more about Nicole!

I am so happy to have the opportunity to interview you, Nicole! When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Nicole: I really never planned to be an author. Writing had been a way for me to vent, a way to deal with big emotions as a teenager. I would write poems for family or church events, boyfriends (lol). As I grew older people started saying I should put all my poetry together. I would kind of say “uh huh ok,” smile, and walk away. It was not on my radar, but clearly it was on Gods!

It's amazing when something isn't originally on our minds but God then presses it on our hearts! When you are putting your novels together, how do you overcome writer’s block? 

Nicole: I pray and wait, days or weeks. I found while writing my trilogy, when I tried to push ahead with the plot, I would get stuck. Or when I tried to add a plot that a reader had suggested, I would get stuck. I got into the habit of asking God what the characters were gonna get into next. When it flowed freely, I knew I was on the right path.

That's a good habit to get into. I embarrassingly will admit that though I ask God to guide me in my stories in general, I have not asked him to help me through a plot point. I'm curious to know if you read the genre you write? 

Nicole: Yes I do and much more. I love reading Christian Fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and recently crime thrillers. Reading is my favorite thing to do, always has been. It gives me a much needed escape from reality, and if written well, can even inspire and deepen your relationship with Christ.

Yes! I enjoy a lot of the same genres as you! If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

Nicole: I would have pushed harder to take courses in college. I went with my parents' direction for what I should major in. Granted I should have focused on those classes too (lol) but writing has always been my passion. I should have found a way to do both.

It's a tricky balance, but now that you are a published author, what has been your favorite part of the independent publishing journey? 

Nicole: Finding my purpose and seeing God’s hand in it all. So much has happened that I never dreamed of. From classroom visits, to winning awards, to selling out at vendor events. It's been a humbling and exciting journey. I’m definitely looking forward to the future.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer?

Nicole: Be true to YOUR calling. If God has given you a story to write, write it the way HE tells you to. And even then, everyone won’t like or understand it. Develop a tough skin and rely on the fact that your Creator created you to create this work of art. Honor Him in it, give Him your best with it, and He will open the doors for you to succeed.

I think that is advice that all of us writing Christian Fiction needs to hear. Do you have a favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you?

Nicole: Romans 5:1-5, I have it in my IG bio and part of my email signature. ”We know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” I’ve dealt with some big challenges, suffered through things I never wanted to. I'm still going through a rough patch, but this reminds me that through the fire I am being refined and will be stronger, better and WHOLE when I come out of it. And then, I’ll write a book about it!

Thanks for sharing that with us Nicole. So what’s next for you? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Nicole: I have a finished Children’s devotional I hope to have illustrated in the near future. I also have a Woman's Fiction story I’ve been working on for a long time, hoping to finish that one day.

Amazing! I will link your website and amazon page to this post so that our audience can follow you and get updates on the upcoming projects. One last question I want to end all my interviews with. What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your books?

Nicole: My Trilogy is a coming of age story that deals with identity, purpose, courage, self doubt and fear. Every character has the chance to change the trajectory of their lives. Continue for self gain and power or turn to The One for redemption. Like each of my readers, they have a choice to continue living for themselves or find the light and follow Him. I want my readers to know that no matter how their story starts, they can change the ending with one decision. Whether that decision is for good or evil, well, that's up to them.

I want my children’s books to create a window for parents and educators to talk to the kids about how important it is to listen. So often, with the best of intentions, our kids go off to do something without understanding the consequences. The illustrations and simple language are the perfect opening for this conversation. Available in English and Spanish, there is also an activity book to reinforce the lesson in fun ways.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Nicole, and sharing about yourself and your stories!  

You can check out Nicole's Young Adult Christian Fantasy Trilogy and her Children's book on her amazon author page or on her website. 

Visiting with Peggy Trotter

 

Visiting with Peggy Trotter

By G.N. Lewis

I had the pleasure of chatting with Peggy Trotter, author of nine novels, plus one to be published soon, and she is currently writing another.

Peggy married her college sweetheart almost forty years ago. She considers her husband a jewel and says, “He cooks better than me, cleans the house, and fixes various items. This man does everything with the patience of Job, and the poor guy needs tolerance to put up with me.”  The Trotter’s have two married children and four grandchildren. Peggy says, “I call these four grandchildren my rays of sunshine, and number five will soon be here.”

Peggy loves cats and she feeds five and a half. Five are hers, but a stray tom stops by every day for food.  She says, “My better half says, ‘No more cats!’”  Peggy laughs and admits she can’t help feeding a little starving kitten if one shows up at her house.

A perfect day for her would be sitting on the back porch of a beach house with her entire family gathered around, eating cheesecake, and drinking Code Red.

Now for the interview.

Q. What other jobs have you held or do you hold besides writing?

I taught for 25 years, mostly at second grade. I have also worked in a library and at a non-profit that benefits kids in foster care.

Q. When did you know you wanted to write?

In first or second grade we had a writing contest. It was so basic, just a quick story and you had to fold the paper and make a cover on the front. The winners were hung on the window of the local attorney’s office. I think I came in third, but I’ll never forget standing there in front of that window, holding my Mom’s hand, and seeing my “creation” published for the world to see. That was the very first seed planted in my writing obsession.

Q. You write Christian Romance. What was the inspiration for your genre?

I read romances in junior high and high school and became fascinated. But the stories became less wholesome and after becoming a Christian, I just didn’t want to read that type of novel. Then, one day at the library, I discovered Christian Fiction! Since I’d always dreamed of becoming a writer, it wasn’t long before I knew the genre I wanted to write.

Q. How hard was it to find a publisher?

Well, I found my first one through word of mouth. I heard this small publisher was accepting manuscripts so I sent in a proposal. But now, I self-publish, which I love.

Q. What’s new with your writing? Anything in progress?

I just released the second book of the Up From the Miry Clay Series entitled Wild Daisies Bloom. This series follows women who left their bawdy occupations of being “soiled doves,” embraced a new life through Christ, and embarked on finding their happily-ever-afters. Now, I’ll be finishing up their third one in the series, Flawed Roses Flourish, set to release later this year.

Q. Authors need reviews. Do your readers respond with reviews for you? If so, what was the best one you have ever had?

 Getting reviews is very difficult. As a matter of fact, there’s very little you can do to build them up other than reminding readers how important they are to us as authors. But I especially loved one review by a reader who claimed she didn’t get her laundry done because she couldn’t put my book down, LOL. I’ve been there—so enraptured by a book that everything stops until you finish it! Those are the books you never forget.

Q. What is the most difficult thing about writing?

Hands down, marketing. I love the writing, love the work-at-home thing, and tolerate editing, but marketing is this unknown nebula of trying to get your book discovered by interested readers.

Q. Do any of your books contain events from your real life?

Yes, some of my books contain actual occurrences from my family life and even my husband’s family life. One book has a character, as a child, being forced to lick a shoe. It really happened, but I won’t tell you what family it came from, LOL. One Christmas scene was almost true to a T. A couple of characters are loosely based on some friends and family members.

Q. Tell me about your latest book.

On Amazon

Wild Daisies Bloom focuses on Tyne Ciders and her illegitimate child, Daisy who is quite a handful but more a blessing in so many ways. Tyne, (long I sound like in Clementyne, which is her full name) breaks free from the saloon where she works and pretends to be a mail-order bride, hoping to hide from her sordid and criminal past. In the long run, they become homeless, and she must marry to provide a roof over their head. Just as she’s trying to figure out her new husband, she’s arrested for murder. Here’s the blurb to tell you more:

Tyne Ciders is a widowed, single mother. At least that’s her story when she arrives in town as a mail-order bride. But when she learns the arrangement was only a part of a newspaper scam, Tyne is stuck once again without a cover for her sordid past. With no marriage in her future, no job, and no money, she and her small daughter are forced to hole up in a nearby barn—the very barn of the man who’d witnessed her appalling encounter with the frightening old coot she’d thought to marry.

Agony is Zephaniah Rowley closest friend. He’s lost everything that mattered to him. His wife, his children. Now, living as a hermit, every day is a horrible cesspool of penance for his own selfishness and guilt. So when he encounters a needy woman and her charming child on the dusty road, he makes a quick bee-line to drop them off at the nearest boarding house. He can’t afford to let his heart get involved. Or what’s left of it. Yet, he finds them living penniless in his barn, and he rashly offers a permanent solution. One that will change everything. For better or…for worse…

Visit Peggy at these links:

peggytrotter.com

peggytrotter.blogspot.com

diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Peggy_Trotter

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

Amazon Author’s Profile Page:  amazon.com/author/peggytrotter.com

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/peggy_trotter_author/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/PeggyTrotterAuthor/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-trotter-44a29b95/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778873.Peggy_Trotter

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-trotter

Thanks, Peggy for visiting with me. Your book, Wild Daisies Bloom sounds fascinating, and I look forward to reading it. I'll leave a review!

Leave a comment and email for Peggy's book giveaway of Wild Daisies Bloom or leave your information on our contact form.