Interview and Giveaway with author Kristen Joy Wilks!!

Today we welcome author Kristen Joy Wilks to The Diamond Mine! She's an award-winning writer of romance and children's books. If you want to be entered in the drawing for a free copy of one of her books, please click on "leave a comment" link at the end of the interview, and include your email address, and you'll be entered! So, here we go with a couple introductions to her children's series, followed by the interview!

Faith-filled frolics with furry friends!

Book one of the series, which is perfect for 6-10 year-olds, is available now:

Phooey Kerflooey wants to stay on the farm with Jessie. But when Jessie chooses a different puppy, Phooey is thrust into the arms of another family. 

A family with all boys. Boys who make traps, write lists of dangers, and shout Shakespearean insults at rodents. A family that likes scary things like shiny kitchen floors, wheelchair races, and battling attacking squirrels. 

A family that doesn’t know she cannot drink unless it is from a fancy, fancy teacup! Can Phooey find the china teacup she needs and teach her boys how to become the family of her dreams?

Theme verse: Philippians 2:4–Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. NLT

 Phooey Kerflooey vs The Battle Squirrel (releases June 3rd)

Phooey Kerflooey has finally found a home of her own.Too bad a raging squirrel found it first!

Rasputin the squirrel spends his time stealing snacks, pooing on the counters, and biting tender noses. Phooey’s perfect home has become a perfect storm of chaos!

Phooey will do anything for her boys. Almost step on the shiny floor. Mostly go potty outside. Bite a baby carrot in half. Maybe two carrots, or even three!
The boys want Phooey to chase Rasputin and save the day, but it’s hard when so many scary things stand in her way. If only Phooey had her pink dolly to boost her bravery.
Can Phooey find her courage and chase that bad squirrel out of their lives forever?

Maybe tomorrow.
Or the day after that.
For sure by next week.
Phooey will be very brave . . . someday.

Theme verse: Isaiah 32:18--My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.

These sound delightful, Kristen! Now for the interview!

When did you decide to be a writer?

When I was in first grade, my teacher sent me to a young writers conference. She must have seen something in me that I hadn’t dared to look for myself. I heard Steven Kellogg speak, bought a copy of A Rose for Pinkerton with a rare $5 bill my parents sacrificed to send with me, and let myself dream big dreams. 

Wow! That was one wise teacher to spot your talent so early!

What was the first story you wrote?

The first story I remember writing was penned in preparation for that young writers conference. The cover was laminated construction paper cut into the shape of a large guinea pig and I illustrated the interior with horrendous ineptitude! It was about Fluffy, my brother’s guinea pig, and her victory over our dog Inky when he attempted to eat her. I recall my mother’s concern that my illustration of her chasing Inky with a broom during the attempted murder made her look as though she was holding a pitchfork, ha!

I bet it was cute! What inspired you to write children’s books?

My first published books were Christian romcoms, however, I have a long history with children’s ministry and books for this age group. My degree is in early childhood education, and I took two different online courses about children’s writing. My husband and I have been in full-time camping ministry for over twenty-five years and I grew up at an off-grid Bible camp that hosts many retreats for children and teens. Plus, books for kids can have all the zany fun and delightful insanity that one could wish for!

That's true! What’s your favorite part about writing?

Fast drafting! I write my rough drafts during National Novel Writing Month in a glorious cloud of hastily penned madness! 

I haven't done that challenge for a while. I forgot how much fun it was! I should do it again!

Do you work from an outline, inspiration, or both?

I outline carefully before jumping into my crazy rough draft. In fact, I spend the entire month of October taking my story idea through four to six different outlining tools to make sure that it has a solid skeleton. However, once I start typing, sometimes new chapters, events, or even characters appear. I often get inspiration for new story ideas during worship at my church. I write them down on the bulletin and then put them into my story idea file on my computer. When October rolls around, I choose the ideas I like best and then start outlining. 

That's an interesting process! What do you want the readers to take away from your stories?

I would love for my readers to be able to see God’s deep and mind-boggling love for them when they are living a really hard day. I want them to know God seeks them, is reaching out for them, and longs for them every moment of every day. 

Oh, that's beautiful, Kristen!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

Phooey Kerflooey is such a favorite! She is so big and so very afraid of every little thing. I find her hilarious and heartwarming and so delightfully bumbling. 

Do any of your characters share traits with you or any other real person or animal?

Marcus (the older of Phooey’s boys) shares many traits with me. He tries so hard to make the world safe for his younger brother Conner. But Conner is a rowdy young daredevil, even though he uses a wheelchair. Paintball wars, wheelchair jumping, insane squirrel traps! Conner loves them all and their neighbor Nia is just as obstreperous. Poor Marcus has his hands full with those two, plus their large and scaredy puppy, and the attacking squirrel. Phooey Kerflooey was originally based on our own Newfoundland dog, Princess Leia Freyja. Leia was 114lbs and afraid of haybales and bags of chicken food. She refused to drink unless it was from her own mug and loved our family full of boys very much. Strangely, our current Newfoundland (Nessie Grace Karu) has many traits in common with Phooey. She is very large for a female Newfoundland, weighing 130lbs at just one year old. Also, I wanted to choose a toy that Phooey loved but her boys wouldn’t like. So I used my grandmother’s TP doll that sat over the spare TP roll on the back of the toilet for inspiration. The doll is a bit spooky and has a frilly pink dress that covers the TP. Well, Leia never bothered my grandmother’s doll but Nessie loves her! She sneaks into the bathroom and takes off with that TP doll at a full gallop! In fact, the doll is looking quite ragged with both feet chewed off and decidedly mangled arms. Both Nessie and Phooey love their pink dollies even if the rest of us find them to be somewhat alarming decorations, ha!

My husband and I enjoyed our family full of five boys! What fun we had along with the happy chaos. :)

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes! Since I fast draft, sometimes they just start to do something crazy as I’m typing but I don’t stop to change anything. If it’s a bad idea, I’ll change it when I revise. I had no idea that Marcus would be struggling with finding peace in a house full of chaos in Phooey Kerflooey. Or that Phooey’s quest for a fancy teacup was really a search for belonging in Phooey Kerflooey vs The Fancy, Fancy Teacup. Marcus and his longing for peace closely mirrors my own struggles growing up in the craziness of camp ministry. I didn’t think about it though, not until Marcus lived out that longing on the page. 

I always learn something about myself when writing, too.What are you working on now?

I currently have two projects. One fiction and one non-fiction. 

Phooey Kerflooey vs The Deep, Deep Dark is the third book in Phooey Tales: Spring, my chapter book series from Phooey’s POV. This book takes place after Phooey and her boys move to an off-grid Bible camp very similar to the camp where I live. The camp generator breaks down. Since it provides electricity for the whole area, this plunges Phooey’s world into darkness. Her boys read her a Bible story about the plague of darkness in Egypt and Phooey is sure that all of the other plagues are coming for her! She vows to fix the camp generator with helpful nose pokes before the plague of death comes for her and all the people she loves! This story is due to come out in September.

The Rough and Rowdy Devotional: Finding God in Family Tales is a

children’s devotional book that uses stories that my dad and

grandparents told me to point kiddos toward Biblical truths. There

are some crazy stories in this one, from Grandma Autumn riding a

wild burro to Grandpa Del story about how his dad shot flies off the

wall with a pistol when he was courting Del’s mom! This book will

come out in July.

They both sound really great! It's been a delight to have you on The

Diamond Mine, Kristen. Thank you!!

And readers, here's a bit more about Kristen, as well as all her links.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email for the drawing!

Short Bio: Kristen Joy Wilks writes from a remote 

mountain meadow that alternates between quiet and chaos. 

The mom of three sons, a cat named Whisper Persnickety, 

and Nessie Karu their giant Newfoundland puppy, she lives 

with her camp director husband at Camas Meadows Bible 

Camp. Kristen has witnessed a plethora of crimes 

committed by squirrels. Snacks destroyed, chickens 

attacked, fires started in the woodshop! Despite these 

many trials, her stories highlight the humor and grace God 

gives amidst the detritus of life. When she’s not battling 

squirrels, Kristen can be found tucked under a tattered 

quilt at 4:00 a.m. writing a wide variety of implausible tales 

or at www.kristenjoywilks.com.

 

Website  https://kristenjoywilks.com

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

BookBub  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kristen-joy-wilks

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

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@kristenjoywilks

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/kristenjwilks7/

Amazon Author Page  https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Joy-Wilks/e/B016FREUPM?ref

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14422377.Kristen_Joy_Wilk

 Amazon ebook: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D4118H93

Amazon paperback: Available June 3rd

Barnes and Noble ebook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-battle-squirrel-kristen-joy-wilks/1147001594

Kobo ebook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-battle-squirrel

Apple ebook: https://books.apple.com/us/book/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-battle-squirrel/id6742045841

The paperback will be available at other retailers on June 3rd.

Free Phooey Kerflooey Coloring Pages: https://kristenjoywilks.com/fun/coloring-pages/

Coloring Prompts from Phooey Kerflooey vs The Battle Squirrel: https://kristenjoywilks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Phooeys-Coloring-Prompts-Phooey-Kerflooey-vs-The-Battle-Squirrel.pdf

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Phooey-Kerflooey-Fancy-Teacup-Spring/dp/B0D9M25J1Y/

Amazon ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Phooey-Kerflooey-Fancy-Teacup-Spring-ebook/dp/B0D9JBMX83

Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-fancy-fancy-teacup-kristen-joy-wilks/1146054159

Barnes and Noble ebook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-fancy-fancy-teacup-kristen-joy-wilks/1146021659

Kobo ebook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-fancy-fancy-teacup

Apple ebook: https://books.apple.com/us/book/phooey-kerflooey-vs-the-fancy-fancy-teacup/id6553835259

Free ebook with Kristen's Newsletter: https://kristenjoywilks.com/quarterly-newsletter/

Free Phooey Coloring Pages: https://kristenjoywilks.com/fun/coloring-pages/

Coloring Prompts from Phooey Kerflooey vs The Fancy, Fancy Teacup: https://kristenjoywilks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Phooeys-Coloring-Prompts-Phooey-Kerflooey-vs.-The-Fancy-Fancy-Teacup.pdf

Meet Christy Hoss-Children's Author and More

 

Hello everyone! Jill here, for my first interview for the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. I plan to focus on children’s Christian fiction and perhaps some children's nonfiction from time to time. As the children’s Christian market continues to grow, I look forward to bringing you some excellent examples of this exciting genre. 

 

Parents and grandparents everywhere see the necessity of presenting Christian books to children. If you’re one of them then you’ll love this author. For my debut author interview, I chose someone special to me, Christy Hoss. Christy is one of the editors who assisted me with my first chapter book. Her patience and perseverance gave me the confidence to keep working to make it the best book it could be. 

Welcome Christy to the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction, and thank you for agreeing to visit with us today. We’re interested to learn more about you and how you began your writing journey. 

 The oldie but goodie question, what inspires you to write?

 

I was inspired by my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Olson. She had a writing contest, and I won first place with a story about my dog Noodles. I won a picture of my favorite animal, a giant panda, and encouraging words from Mrs. Olson: “You’re going to be a writer one day. That was 1972. I dedicated my second book, The Rubber BandStretches- Rocky’s Story, to her. I never forgot that dream she instilled in my young heart and mind. I began actively writing 15 years ago, attending writing conferences and learning the craft. 

To really answer the question, I’d say my characters inspire me to write. I love creating their unique situations and personalities. Each character will have their own book, and once I get started on writing one, I can’t stop. It’s addicting. 

I’m so blessed to have a very strong support group of writers to inspire me as well. One of our members has been writing for more than 40 years and is a New York Times bestselling author. 

 

Teachers play such an essential role in children’s writing success. I know you’re a former school teacher, as am I. Who knows, someday we may hear of former students who became writers!

How long have you been writing?

 

I feel like I have been writing since the moment I could hold a pencil in my hand. I used to write romance stories in fourth grade and would write them for my friends too. I’ve been actively pursuing my writing career for the past 15 years.

 

Do you only write children’s novels?

 

I am currently writing middle-grade novels for children, but I dabble in romance novellas and hope to have some of them published soon as it is a series. I wrote a romantic thriller, Palms of Death, and self-published it.

 

Who has been the most significant influence on you in your writing? 

I have had a few writing mentors from my experiences at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Brandilyn Collins gave me the best advice, to put hooks on the end of every chapter no matter what genre you are writing. They keep the reader engaged. Mary Demuth was another mentor that taught me how to write a captivating first page to pull the perspective reader into your book. Francine Rivers is my current mentor and part of my writing critique group. She truly is a wonderful friend, woman of faith, and confidant that will always let you know what she thinks of your project. She loves my characters and already has them grown up and married. She also endorsed my first book- I am so blessed from God to have such a gift.

 

Who is your favorite author?

 

I love Francine Rivers and Brandilyn Collins.

 

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

 

Putting my butt in the chair. I am highly distracted by the many projects around the house that call my name. If there is a puzzle lying around, begging me to finish it, I can’t help but put some pieces in it before I write.

 

Do you have any projects you’re working on right now?

 

I am writing the third book in The Rubber Band series called The Rubber Band Slingshot Summer. I’m also completing a romance novel, the first in the My Heart series called Fair Well My Heart. I am working on my personal memoir paralleling The Wizard of Oz to what has happened in my life. Last but not least, I am working with an illustrator for my picture book, My Question for Jesus.

 

                                                     

Wow! All of those projects sound exciting. I’ve learned writers usually have several projects going at one time, and you sure do have your hand in many different areas. I look forward to seeing these titles when they come out. 

 When you work on these projects, would you say you are a night owl, an early bird, or some bird in between?

 

 I used to be a night owl keeping my husband awake, but as I grow older and go to bed earlier, I am now a morning person.

 

With all these different interests, what is your all-time favorite book? 

Little Women.

 

If you could talk to any author for a sit-down chat, who would it be?

 

C.S. Lewis, because I love The Chronicles of Narnia. As a kid, I devoured his series.

 

When we worked together, I found out you had a rescue dog. I would love to hear more about him. How long have you had him and how does he help you? 

My dog Aiden is a service dog. I’ve had him for 4 years, and he is six years old. He comes from Dogs for Diabetics and smells my blood sugars dropping, alerting me before it becomes dangerous. He alerts by grabbing a padded bar that hangs from his collar. At home, he will go get my glucose tablets and glucose monitor when he senses I’m low. 

I do have two rescue dogs. 12 years ago, I fostered dogs for a rescue. The first one we fostered was a pit bull mix that survived distemper and had a lame leg and a nervous jerk that made him look like he was in constant seizure mode. His name is Sparta. He is now 12 years old, having learned to live with three legs and outgrew his nervous twitch. The second dog I’ve had since he was four weeks old. I bottle-fed him and three siblings until they were old enough to be adopted. He was the last one left, but I don’t think he wanted to leave us because the night before the rescue, he got sick from eating a carnation variation in my garden. In the middle of the night, I took him to the emergency vet. It cost $600 to get better. Since I paid the bill, I declared him mine. He looks like the Egyptian God Anubis, so that’s his official name, but we call him Newbie. He’s a terrier/chihuahua mix.

 

I’m amazed at the idea of a rescue dog helping someone with diabetes. I’m sure he’s one remarkable fella. It sounds like the other dogs have a place in your heart also.  

Since people love to hear about food, here are some quick and fun questions. 

 

Coffee drinker?

 

 I gave it up due to circumstances when I got Covid- Now, I drink tea and feel healthier.

 

Do you like to cook? 

 

Not at all.

 

What is your favorite dish to prepare? 

 

Popeye’s Lasagna

 

Favorite restaurant? 

 

Boudin – San Francisco

 

Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

 

Escargot on a cruise ship. Upon picking up the second snail, I noticed it still had its antennae, and all I could think of was the snails from my garden. I lost my appetite immediately and shared the rest of the dish with my older family members.

 

 

Thanks, Christy, for taking the time to share a little about yourself with us here at the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. It was a lot of fun learning about your writing and about Aiden! We look forward to all the wonderful projects you have planned for the future. 

To be entered for the newest book, The Rubber Band Stretches, Rocky's Story, leave a comment and your email address. You can also leave your name and email address on our contact form on the left if you prefer more security. One person will be selected for the giveaway. Please comment because we need five people to constitute an official giveaway. Thanks! 

The following are Christy's contact links if you'd like to know more about her and her amazing dog, Aiden.

christyhoss.com

 

https://www.facebook.com/christyhossauthor 

 

https://www.instagram.com/christyhossauthor/

 

https://www.elklakepublishinginc.com/christy-hoss/

 

https://www.pinterest.com/hosswriter/boards/