Welcome to New Members 2024!

Welcome friends and readers!
And welcome 2024!

A new year is always a time of changes here at the Diamond Mine and this year is no exception. 

We sadly say goodbye to Janet Morris Grimes, Carlene Havel, and Lianne Bruynell Lopes, and Penny Frost McGinnis. And while they are leaving The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction, each author will still be penning amazing stories to feed our imaginations.

And speaking of Christian authors firing up their writing forges, I just want to take a moment to encourage all of our readers not to forget to show appreciation for the stories we love in this new year. In other words:

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AND NOT-SO-LOCAL CHRISTIAN AUTHORS!

This may seem impossible to you as a reader. But it’s so simple! Here are some practical ways that you actually HELP Christian authors. You might call it the 12 Ways of Supporting Christian Authors, (catchy, right?!?) although I'm not promising it will match the Christmas tune.

1. Buy the book(s).

2. Use word of mouth to support an author’s book.

3. Follow authors on Social Media.

4. Leave messages on how you enjoyed a book.

5. Follow and interact on an author’s blog.

6. Attend local (and maybe not-so-local) book signings.

7. Send an email telling an author how much you loved an author’s book.

8. Join an author’s newsletter. (Please!)

9. Attend a readers’ retreat and participate. (And boy, are there lots of freebies there!)

10. Buy more books. (!) Buy books as gifts.

11. Join an author’s Street Team. (You can help promote, read early editions, etc.)

12. LEAVE A REVIEW. on Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Goodreads, etc. (I cannot express how much this helps/encourages a writer.)

See? It’s easy! I challenge all readers (and we here on The Diamond Mine are readers, too!) to show your appreciation to those Christian Authors who write those books we love sooo much!

WE LOVE CHRISTIAN FICTION!

Ah, I feel better now. Onward to the purpose of this post. To welcome in some NEW Christian Authors! This year, Lisa M. James, Gay N. Lewis (also known as G.N. Lewis), Regina Rudd Merrick, and Carrie Walker have put on their miner’s hats to become members here on The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. All together we shout:

WELCOME ABOARD!

And now, let’s get to know a little about these authors.

Lisa M. James

    Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing fantasy novels featuring women of color for both young adult and adult audiences.   

Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous Fantasy categories, including: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Science Fiction and Fantasy. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Christian novels.

 When not writing, Lisa loves talking about her faith, Disney movies, and football while drinking chai lattes. To keep up with her latest releases, subscribe to www.lisamjames.com.

Gay N. Lewis

       Gay N. Lewis, a Texan, and a best-selling author. She writes as Gay N. Lewis and G. N. Lewis. Most of her books are about a dyslexic angel who produces chaos as she helps humans. They are laugh-out-loud funny. Gay has also written two, serious historical novels. Visit her blog at http://gaynlewis.blogspot.com/.

    Gay’s daughter suffers from early-onset dementia, and she writes a blog about their journey: https://dementiadaybyday.blogspot.com/.

You’ll find Gay N. Lewis novels on Amazon @http://amzn.to/2hwc6nB and other on other online booksellers.  A link to G.N. Lewis is: https://amzn.to/3G3ZdZm.

Regina Rudd Merrick

 Regina Rudd Merrick started her journey as a life-long lover of reading in first grade, and eventually parlayed that love of literature into a degree in library science, with stints as both elementary and middle school librarians, and later as a public library director.

After finding the enjoyable world of reading and writing "fan-fiction"--original stories based on characters from familiar stories, television shows, and movies--she realized that for some reason God had given her the ability to weave a story, whether it be in this online community or with original characters. Her first novel, Carolina Dream, book one of the Southern Breeze Series, was the winner of a publishing contest with Mantle Rock Publishing, LLC (now Scrivenings Press), and her writing career was born.

Now the author of seven novels and a contributor to four novella collections, Regina writes about people like all of us who sometimes struggle with their faith and trusting God. Her latest novella contribution is included in the collection, Love in Any Season, and her latest novels are Window of Peace, book two2 of a multi-author series entitled Stained Glass Legacy, releasing in April 2023, and Twelve Days of Mandy Reno, a short Christmas novel and book two of the RenoVations, Inc. series. In addition to writing, Regina has recently added the title of “editor” to her resume.

In 2024, she’ll have three offerings: Carolina Connections (January 2024), Rebuilding Joy (February 2024), and Christmas, ReWired (November 2024)

Regina loves chocolate, the beach, playing keyboard and vocals in her church's praise band, historical homes, watching other people renovate on HGTV, and Hallmark movies. She and her husband of forty years are empty nesters in rural western Kentucky and are the proud parents of two grown-up daughters and a son-in-law, along with the family's sixteen-year-old Schauzer-mix, Cedric.@reginaruddmerrick.com.

Carrie Walker

Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

As an avid reader, she pens what she loves to read: contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among storylines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. 

When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus, or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

A member of ACFW, ACFW-GL and FHLCW, Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests and her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the 2020 ACFW First Impressions Contest for Contemporary.

To learn more about Carrie and her writing or to connect with her, follow her on social media! She’d love to hear from you. You can also sign up for her newsletter on her website at carriewalkerwrites.com.

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Another great goal for readers is to follow The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction Blog all year! Please post us on your social media and encourage your friends to follow us as well. We highlight Christian authors and have book giveaways every Wednesday. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for 2024, can you?

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DIY addict and Christian author Peggy Trotter would love for you to subscribe to her newsletter @peggytrotter.com. Join her on social media, well, pretty much everywhere.

A New Year Full of Opportunities!

 Welcome to 2022!

I think, like us here at the Diamond Mine, you may have high hopes that this new year will bring fresh joy and churn with amazing opportunities. All of us are anxiously awaiting a time at least, of normalcy. A new year also means a time for change. A time to say hello to brand new adventures and goodbye to  others.

In particular here, we here are saying goodbye to some faithful interviewers. DiAne Gates, Jackie Layton, and Renette Steele are setting sail on their journey of writing and leaving the Diamond Mine. We wish them the best in their endeavors. We will miss them! I know you readers have enjoyed getting to know them, their books and writings, and their interviews. Their efforts here are so appreciated!

But we are also welcoming in some new talent which is so exciting! Penny Frost McGinnis will be joining the Mine in 2022. You can learn more about her here: https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/ She is releasing her first book, Home Where She Belongs, book one of the Abbot Island Series. And as with most authors, she has other creative hobbies like writing poetry, photography, and felting.

Here's her bio:

 If Penny Frost McGinnis could live in a lighthouse or on an island, she would. Instead, she and her husband are content to live in southwest Ohio and visit Lake Erie every chance they get. Blessed with five children, their spouses, and a passel of grandchildren, she adores her family, indulges in dark chocolate, enjoys fiber arts, and grows flowers and herbs in her tiny garden. Penny has been published in Chicken Soup, and The Upper Room. She blogs at Hope for Today's Heart and believes God has called her to bring hope to people's lives through the written word. Penny's debut novel, Home Where She Belongs will be published in May 2022. Thank you readers for being so dedicated to the Diamond Mine and the wonderful authors and books we highlight. To celebrate the New Year of 2022, onboarding Penny, and the renewal here at The Diamond Mine, I am giving away one copy of my newest release, The Lowborn Lady. Leave your email address in the comments or enter it on the contact form to be entered in the giveaway!

We appreciate YOU readers! Here's to a fabulous 2022.

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Book Two of Society of Outcast Series. Enter to win!

A high society lady shouldn’t be involved in dangerous illegal conspiracies…

Lena Nelson Dooley and more!

4th of July Romance Collection written by six multi-published, popular authors, and introducing three
debut authors- all part of famed author and agent, Lena Nelson Dooley's critique group. 

Lena, welcome to The Diamond Mine of Christan fiction. You definitely have some gems in this collection.

 1. How did this collection evolve?

Because it's getting harder for new authors to get published, and because many of the unpublished authors in the critique group that meets in my home were writing publishable works, I decided to do a Christmas novella collection in 2015. We had 9 novellas in that one. Then we did an April Fools one, a Thanksgiving one, and now the 4th of July one. My plan was to help these first 9 and some others become published and get their name out there. Introduce their writing to avid readers.

2. I've heard great things about this critique group. What makes a successful one and why should authors join one?

I started my critique at the end of teaching a writing course for a fine arts academy over 25 years ago. It's been active since then. God has brought many authors to my group. Some come through and move on fairly quickly, some stay for years, and some are in between. I always stress that this is God's critique group, that He has chosen me to help other authors. We keep Him in the center of everything, both the work and the fun. He's brought people I never would have met otherwise. And at any given time, it's a diverse group where each author has a special ability to add to the group.

I really believe that critique groups help authors grow in ability in a way they can't without connecting with other authors. Even after all my published books, I never submit a book to a publisher or indie-publish a book without it going through crit group.

3. You've done collections before. Why publish them all together instead of publishing each one separately?

Readers often don't want to spend their money on books written by unknowns. Including published authors along with 3 or 4 debut authors, gives the latter a boost.

4. You have been considered for  many awards, and won quite  a few. Tell us about the latest ones.

Right now my latest full-length novel, A Heart's Gift, is one of three finalists in the long historical category of Faith, Hope, and Love RWA chapter's Readers' Choice award. I love contests where the readers are the judges. I should find out later this month about the award, but I feel like a winner just being chosen as a finalist. My traditionally published novel that was published in 2014, Catherine's Pursuit, won a different Readers' Choice award, third place in Golden Scrolls, and the Bronze Will Rogers Medallion award. The first time I ever had a book win three awards. God has blessed me.

5.  What else do you have up your literary sleeve?

Right now, I'm teaching writing workshops and reading books, judging then for a national book award contest. I'll be back to writing in mid-August.

You are one busy lady! Thanks for taking time out to join us on Diamond Mine!

So, folks, here are the synopses of each in this great series.

Strange Voices in the Night
By Lena Nelson Dooley - National bestseller, multi-award-winning author
While movie star, Katarina Slaughter, is in Texas trying to take care of all the business attached to her inheritance after her grandmother’s death, strange things start to happen. Not the least of which is when Wise County Deputy Sheriff, Austin Krum, and a host of other deputies, bright lights, and a bullhorn awaken her in the night. Sparks, both good and not so good, ensue.

Fireworks and Fireflies
By Lisa Crane - multi-published Amazon author
LaRue Payton left her hometown seven years ago after the ultimate betrayal. The death of her father calls her back, only to discover some things haven’t changed. Especially her feelings for Cash Embry. Angry at Rue for leaving without a word seven years ago, Cash wants to hurt her as much as she did him. And yet he’s drawn to her as to no other woman. Can they move beyond the hurt and betrayal of the past and find the love that might have been?

A Star-Spangled Homecoming
By Leann Harris - Multi-published author
When Star Taylor returns home to Alpine, Texas to finish her degree at McDonald Observatory, the last thing she expects is run into her high school boyfriend, Bart Hays. The man is a widower with a five-year-old son. Will romance win this time? Or will the circumstances of today drown out their growing love?

Firecracker Bride
By Anne Greene - Multi-published and multi-award winning author
1879 – Cat Divine resists stage robbers, her demanding father, gossiping neighbors, and flash floods. But can she resist Travis McGuire, a hero with a heart and bravery as big as his Texas home? 

Someone Special
By Kathy Wall - Multi-published author
Charlotte O’Malley and Howard Wiseman pull off the scam of the century by tricking her mother into believing she’s getting serious over a guy. Charlotte, graduate student in medical nuclear engineering, is only interested in her research. They never lied, only implied what Mom wanted to believe. Averting Mom’s questions on wedding, family, and kids is more difficult than anticipated. On July 4th, Charlotte discovers rainbows and dreams do come true. Will it last?

Artemisian Summer
By debut author Rachael Acree
Abigail Cartwright thought her heart was broken beyond repair, but an impulse decision to teach archery might just change that. Over the summer at Camp Wanahakaluge, God heals her broken heart and restores her faith in people.

A Cry for Independence
By debut author Joy Massenburge
Some cry wolf, Tammie Morris cries independence after another failed relationship. Can her son's father, Q, come back into her life and convince her reuniting their family under God is the freedom her heart seeks.

Explosions and Fireworks
By debut author Sara-Meg Seese
With only weeks to go before their wedding date, Athena is eager to marry her sweetheart Santiago when he finally returns home from his Army Reserves deployment. But a single phone call is the spark that turns their dreams of a perfect life together into a nightmare. Will their love survive the bad news bombardment?

I Got Your Back
By Lisa J Crane - multi-published Amazon author
Magnolia Ellison was the butt of cruel fat jokes most of her life. In college, she discovered her weight was the result of a prescription drug. Her study group had a big surprise when they coerced her into singing karaoke. Between the weight loss and that karaoke performance, Magnolia’s life was changed forever. Ten years later, she returns home for her high school reunion. Her high school crush, Reese Essex, always promised he’d have her back. But when he gets the chance to have her back for good, will he take the chance? 

You won't want to miss these diverse romantic stories.  GET ALL OF THEM for ONLY $2.99!!

http://amzn.to/2tES66r

New Members Join in the Merry-Making!

Merry Christmas! May this season be more than your favorite gift. 'Tis the season of our Savior's birth! I hope that thrills your heart like no other news.

We have Christmas excitement here at the mine as well! Heading into the 2017 year, you might have noticed some changes. Several of our previous writers have went on to other pursuits, and we will sure miss them. But we are welcoming in five new contributors. Let me introduce them to you.

What a great gallery of Christian Writers! I know you, the readers, will enjoy getting to know these ladies over the next year. But enough of all the preliminaries. Let's unwrap some questions!

Welcome ladies! We are so blessed to have all of you. The readers are like children at the foot of the sugar plum tree, drooling over the goodies of Christmas. They can't wait to get to know you. Let's start the celebration!

All right, ladies. Tell us, what started all of you writing? 

Julie: Pure economics. When my husband was alive, we moved a lot for his job, and each time I found it harder to land a job. So at the suggestion of three friends, I began freelance writing eight years ago. As a thanks for the income, I promised God I’d tithe my writing time to Him first each day. Eleven fictional works later, I also write and edit for seven publications and websites regularly.

DiAne: From grade school forward I knew God gifted me to draw and paint. But in our household such things were frivolous, a girl needed to get a job at the phone company ‘til she married and had babies. But together with all that creative bent came a streak of rebellion. I’d show ‘em and I did. I entered art shows much to my mother’s horror—she referred to those years as my gypsy lifestyle.

At fifteen I won a local writing contest with the theme “The Basis of a Great Nation Is a Christian Home.” I still have the original and shudder at my grammar, but it wasn’t until I pursued every other brand of creativity known, moved to Texas, grabbed my camera and did some eyeball to eyeball photography with barrel racers and bulls in the rodeo arena that my ROPED series was birthed—and I won’t tell you how many years that took, but I have five other children’s books in the closet I’ve written and illustrated. My someday books.

Angela: I've been writing since I learned to read. I've always loved to do it and would spend time in my room crafting stories, which would concern and frustrate my parents.

V. Joy: In high school I realized that I actually liked writing assignments. . .and that, as they say, is history. By the way, who says that?

Abigail: I’ve always been an avid reader and wrote several books as a child, but about four years ago I read a book that had a predictable, boring ending, and I thought, I could write something better than that. So I started brainstorming and came up with a few ideas. I wrote the first chapter and just kept going until I finished my first book. In my heart, I believe God planted the idea and the desire to continue.

And what's your overall purpose of your novels? 

Julie: To help people find God in their daily lives. Too often people don’t “see” that. By reading how He moves in a fictional life, it might help them relate and start noticing Him in theirs.

DiAne: My purpose for writing is teaching. Years ago, I learned you can’t teach what you don’t know. And we have at least two younger generations who do not know the Word of God. Their parents didn’t teach them either because they didn’t know or became preoccupied with urgent things and forgot what was important.

Our young people face so many life altering circumstances each day. And we’re not talking about them until we find ourselves forced to react rather than act. The Roped series deals with difficult family issues good “church folks” refuse to believe can affect their children—‘til they’re forced to. Two Texas families and their generational feuds brings to light the differences faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ makes in the home, the school and their town. Of course, with a background in the arena with shoot-‘em-up cowboy flavor!

Angela: My overall purpose for my novels is to connect with readers who may not have any or very little acquaintance with the Gospels and try to open that door for them.

V. Joy: It's to write fun stories that don't just entertain, but that God would use to transform lives. Even if it's just my life.

Abigail: I write my books mainly to entertain. Regencies, but with a Christian message. Through them, even in a small way, I hope the reader can come away with a glimpse into the heart of God as well as an escape into the past.

Tell what your favorite thing is about writing. 

Julie: I write mostly by the seat of my pants (panster) and I love where my mind, guided by the Holy Spirit, takes the story. It’s like opening one of those Russian dolls.  Each one leads to another surprise. Isn't that what our earthly walk is? We know the beginning and kind of how it will end ( in eternity), but the joy is in the journey.

DiAne: Allowing my imagination to run wild! To sit in front of that blank page, like I sit in front of a canvas, and watch either the strokes of my paint-filled-brush or my words fill the page with color, movement, excitement, and purpose. Sometimes I succeed, other times I don’t. But like life in Christ, there are do-overs when we miss the mark.

Angela: My favorite thing about writing is how when I get "in the zone" an entire day can go by, and I haven't noticed, which beats the clock watching I used to do at work.

V. Joy: I think it's how the characters and their stories come alive. I feel their hurts. I fight to understand them. I love them.

Abigail: . Writing is my creative outlet where I am able to go on an adventure with my characters without leaving my home. And, the community of other writers is pretty wonderful.

How about letting us know a favorite thing about your readers? 

Julie: They are loyal and encouraging, and several pray for me. That means a lot.

DiAne: Now that’s a no-brainer for me—when a reader applies the story to their lives and says, “I saw myself in your words. Thank you.”

Angela:  Since I've only published one novel so far, I've not had much reader interaction. But it has been nice when someone reads my novel and the first question is when is the next one coming out? 

V. Joy: It's how encouraging and supportive they are! Each message blesses me so much!

Abigail: Well, I’m an unpublished writer, so I’ve had few readers yet, but already on social media and other platforms I’ve been able to meet such wonderful heartfelt people I’ve been able to connect with—because we’re all readers.

Given the season, I can't resist asking you all to reveal a secret Christmas wish!

Julie: As a widow dependent on freelance writing to make ends meet, I usually can’t afford to buy gifts. That’s okay because I have learned anew the importance of the season beyond all the materialistic hype. So my wish isn’t really a secret—that more people would discover Jesus and draw close to Him. What better gift is there?

DiAne: Our family is small and scattered. My son is an Air Force Fighter Pilot Colonel. My son-in-law is a retired Army Lt. Colonel. I would love to spend one Christmas with our whole family together. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But with military life things are rarely simple. That’s the price of freedom! Always appreciate the privilege of living with family close by; and remember Christmas is often difficult for families who’ve lost loved ones.

V. Joy: For someone to get me all the books in my Amazon wish list. Seriously. . .No, I am serious. 

Angela: I don't really have a "secret" Christmas wish, just that my family is happy, healthy, and living their lives in a way that is Godly, yet makes them happy.

Abigail:I’d love to sell my first book this year. J 

Now aren't these ladies awesome?! They've won some prestigious awards as well! (I'll let you dig those out on your own!) Now for the drum roll. In honor of the addition of these five gorgeous ladies, and in keeping with the Christmas theme of giving during this, our Lord Savior's birthday, we are giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate! As usual, there must be 5 responders (please leave your email!) or it renders null and void, yada, yada, fine print as interesting as a three-hour monotone university lecture on the effects of caffeine on oral floral. (Which may, or may not have been the topic of my collegiate senior paper.)

Thank you all for joining us! We are very thankful for our faithful readers. May these authors touch your lives profoundly, enriching and entertaining you in the Christian spirit. And may it ever draw you closer to the One who is the very meaning of life. Jesus Christ.

Now if you win the $25 bucks, and you need a few suggestions on good books, I just happen to know of a few. . . .

Merry Christmas!

Come to Call on Author Brandy Vallance

Welcome in my dear readers. What lovely attire you are sporting this beautiful morning. Please leave your parasols by the door while my servant, Gertrude, brings the tea and scones to the parlor.

We have an honored guest that I'm sure you all are quite anxious to meet. We have with us, Brandy Vallance, with her delightful debut novel, The Covered Deep. Without further ado, let us begin.

PT:  Most gracious of you to spend some time in our humble presence. We are most grateful. Could you please give us your background and how you started on this wild ride of writing.

BV:  It’s interesting how we can look back and see God’s hand on our lives. I originally wanted to be an archaeologist. History was my major in college but I always received my highest grades in creative writing. After my son was born, I had postpartum depression and writing became a very important aspect of my healing. I fell into stories and loved the escape. After months of writing I started wondering if writing could be my career. I took an apprenticeship through the Christian Writers Guild and then I ended up getting a couple staff jobs with magazines. I did freelancing for six years and then decided that I wanted to focus on the novel that I started all those years ago. That novel became The Covered Deep. It took fourteen years and eleven drafts before it was published. Today, I’d much rather be a novelist than an archeologist (although I’m still a total archaeology nerd). I’m so glad I get to spend time with my children and I love writing about history!

PT: I see. Now I was privileged to meet you at a writing conference. How do you think writing conferences help authors?

BV:  I have found that the best thing about writers’ conferences is the networking. I’ve made friends that will be friends for life. It’s so great to meet people who get you. Finding your tribe is a really powerful thing. We all need people to talk us off the ledge from time to time and no one gets writers like other writers.

PT:  I'll agree that a strong network makes all the difference. Tell us a little about, The Covered Deep.

BV:  The Covered Deep is a story that will be with me forever. To me, Paul and Bianca are so real. The story began in a couple of ways. I found a vintage photograph in an antique photography shop in Pensacola, FL. That photograph became Bianca in my mind. She was beautiful, but not conventionally beautiful. I saw sadness in her eyes but also strength. It was a lightning moment for me. The world faded away. Of course, with my love of history, I had to make Paul a historian. He’s a little bit Indiana Jones, which comes from my archaeology obsession. With my love of all things British, I wanted to see what would happen if I threw an Appalachian women into 19^th century London. Then, I wanted an aristocrat to be a part of it all. More questions came from there and then I had the makings of the story.

You can see Bianca’s photograph here: https://www.pinterest.com/brandyvallance/the-covered-deep/

PT:  Is the Victorian Era the main genre you write in?

BV:  Yes! I’ve always been fascinated with the Victorian time period.

PT:  How do you keep up with the many rules and etiquette of that era?

BV:  Lots and lots of research! It once took me two weeks to find a bit of information that ended up being one line in my book.

PT:  Tell us about your travels.

BV:  I love to travel and experience other cultures. I’ve been to England, Scotland, Wales, Costa Rica, Cuba, Romania, Hungary and Canada. I’m pretty sure I have gypsy blood because my dream is to live all around the world. I get restless after living in a place for more than five years.

PT:  Give 5 things fast about Brandy Vallance that have little to do with writing.

BV:  My dream dog was always a Great Dane. We finally got one a year and a half ago. Nessie is named after the Loch Ness monster. She’s the best!

I love candles. When I have candles burning in my house I can instantly relax.

I feel more comfortable in historic houses. Modern art and modern architecture makes me cringe.

I have a scar on my leg from jumping on the back of a draft horse. It threw me into a barbed wire fence.

I love trying historical recipes. I once made chicken that Napoleon ate before the Battle of Waterloo. I typically cook elaborate meals when I’m procrastinating.

PT:  I understand you play the cello. Do instruments, or scenes with someone playing instruments find their way into your novels?

BV:  I did put a cello in The Covered Deep for that reason. I played the violin for a couple of years, but I was never in love with it. For me, the cello is soulful and deep. I had to become brave enough to play it. I don’t play much lately but whenever I hear cello music it makes me smile.  

PT:  Tell us what goal you’re working toward right now in terms of writing.

BV:  I’m in the process of finding a home for my second novel, Within the Veil. In the meanwhile, I’m writing a Victorian time travel novella. The heroine is a bookbinder and it’s great fun! After that I’ll be writing my third, full-length historical romance. I plan to set that one on a tea plantation in British Ceylon.

PT:  Sounds wonderful! Lovely having you here at the Mine, Brandy. Thanks for stopping by. I'll have Gertrude make sure your carriage is brought around.

Readers, you know what else is wonderful?  Brandy is giving away a print copy of The Covered Deep! Yes, an honest to goodness, bonafide book! With tree-grown pages and real ink! What a privilege to own such a treasure! And all you have to do is leave a comment to enter the drawing. Let me show you the beautiful cover.

Bio: 

Brandy Vallance fell in love with the Victorian time period at a young age, loving the customs, manners, and especially the intricate rules of love. Since time travel is theoretically impossible, she lives in the nineteenth century vicariously through her novels. Unaccountable amounts of black tea have fueled this ambition. Brandy's love of tea can only be paralleled by her love of Masterpiece Theater Classics, deep conversations, and a good book. Brandy is the 2013 Operation First Novel winner and the 2012 winner of the ACFW Genesis Contest for historical romance. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Covered Deep, has been featured in USA TODAY and Writer's Digest.

You can connect with Brandy via her website www.brandyvallance.com, or other social media:

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BrandyVallance  @BrandyVallance 

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

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiCHMR_3VJGined1wf28gkA

SPOTLIGHT!!! Rough Diamond Writers

Spotlight!!!

Freeze right there! I mean you! Yes, you! Did you say you didn't know the Rough Diamond Writers??? Wha???!!! (Mouth open, insert flies.) I'll have to read you your rights, here and now. You have a right to know the Rough Diamond Writers who staff the very blog you read. You can and may at any time, follow up on each and every author on the right side panel to learn more about them. You also may learn a few of us are published and may have even done something fab in a contest. (Wink) So, let's get you in the back of the squad car, watch your head, and I'll speed you on over to our precinct.

Ahhhh. Have a seat in that comfy chair and take in the sights.

First on the agenda is Nancy Shew Bolton. Her first release was The Right Ingredients, and sweet, romance, squeaky clean and full of  finding what's really important.

And her new one, Hidden Storms, captures a woman as she searches for her worth and finds it with God. (Of course!) Love, love the cover!

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Next we move on to Renee Blare. Her debut novella, Beast of Stratton is a moving Romantic/Suspense which touches on the subject of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

And for those of you who aren't aware, her next book comes out in July! To Soar on Eagle's Wings is first in a series of romantic suspense. And I'm not really supposed to share it with you, but, shhhhh. Here's the private file, hot from the press. It will explode in 10 seconds. (JK)

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And last, but maybe least, Moi! And that concludes all the French I know. Here's my little beauty, a Christian Historical Fiction, Year of Jubilee. Although I've had several people ask for the sequel, I have a Contemporary Romance coming out Oct. 9th. Perhaps I'll keep that sequel in mind though!

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Next is Misty Clifford-Russon who's busy tapping faithfully on her computer right now, churning out her next novel. Although she's not published yet, you can get a taste of her wonderful work right here:

http://mistysmusings4u.blogspot.com/

Can you tell she loves to take pictures? And she loves storms! Watch for this Rough Diamond Writer's debut. Don't worry. We won't let you miss it.

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Now. We have a surprise. Some of you more astute readers have noticed a new face on our blog.  Rebekah Millet has joined us her on the Diamond Mine! Woohoo! Welcome her in!  She'll be putting in an interview in September, so I encourage you to stop in and take part. She's a finalist for the Maggie Awards!  You can see her here:

http://www.rebekahmillet.com/about.html

And you can celebrate with her here:

http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/2015-unpublished-maggie-finalists/

We're cheering her on!!!

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Perhaps we'll let you in on the undercover Rough Diamond Writers at a later date, but that is on a need to know basis. You're free to go and do your civic duty. Spread the word about these authors and about the Diamond Mine. You never know when you might win a free book! Now, book 'em Danno. We're back to walking the beat. Next Wednesday, we'll welcome in BV~it's in code, you see. But you won't be disappointed.

Be sure to check out Prism Book Group for clean/inspirational books before you leave.

http://www.prismbookgroup.com/

You're free to go and may the Lord bless you!