Interview and Giveaway with Nadine Brandes!!

A great big Diamond Mine welcome to Nadine Brandes, author of the speculative fiction series known as the Out of Time trilogy. For those of you who are unfamiliar with her story, here's Nadine's description of it: It’s like the movie In Time meets The Hunger Games but with a God-flare. 
Imagine this:

You live in a world where everyone has a Clock telling them exactly how long they have to live. Your Clock has a single year left…and you’re only seventeen. That’s Parvin Blackwater’s story. And she’s determined to find purpose in her last year alive…but will she defy the authorities to find it? 

Sounds good, doesn't it? These first two books of the trilogy are out, and if you leave a comment after the interview, you will be entered in the drawing to win whichever one of these books you choose. Please leave your email so we can notify you if you win!

Now for the interview!

Hi Nadine! Glad to have you here.What do you feel is the most difficult part of writing a speculative fiction story?

That really depends on what type of writer you are. For me, it’s often the world building. That takes me the longest to flesh out, and then also figuring out the voice of my characters. The Out of Time Series was easier because it’s a futuristic USA. But my current work-in-progress is fantasy and I find my characters speaking very modern-day lingo. That’s one of my most difficult hurdles.

What do you enjoy most about writing speculative fiction?

The fact I can create the world. (Ironic since I just shared that I struggle with world building.) I love that there are no limits, that I can add quirks or gorgeous visuals that you wouldn’t find in our world.

So you can really let your imagination loose, and satisfy the urge to create! How did the idea for your trilogy come to you? All at once, in degrees of inspiration, or did it develop as you wrote it?

The books all came to me pretty separately. I’d intended A Time to Die (book 1) to be a standalone, but by the time I was halfway through it I realized the story was much larger than I’d expected. That’s when I decided to make it a duology. Partway through book two, I encountered the same problem and it became a trilogy. My ideas always start small and short and then grow as I write them.

Just like a living thing! That's cool.

Do you structure your writing ahead of time, or craft as you go, or both?

I mostly craft as I go. I brainstorm the idea for a few months before starting the actual writing process, but I always figure, “If I’m going to write something down, it might as well be the story itself.” I’ve tried outlining or planning on paper multiple times and multiple ways. It’s just not for me.

I know what you mean. Are any of your characters based on you or another real-life person?

My main character, Parvin, is based loosely off of the questions I asked as a teenager. She’s not me, but she asks the same questions and struggles with a lot of similar doubts. Other than her, all other characters are their own person. ;)

Is there an underlying theme in your writing that you want your readers to come away with?

Hope. That no matter how dark the world looks or the situation or the people around you, there is hope always to be found in Christ. I try to weave this in in a way that feels natural and non-preachy. Usually my stories start a little darker, but journey toward the light as the character grows closer to Christ.

I like your approach. Do you write in more than one genre?

I stay in the speculative fiction genre, but I like to juggle subgenres. My next book is fantasy. I don’t think I’ll ever want to write another dystopian. I’d mix it up too much with the Out of Time Series. [grin] But sometimes my mind entertains contemporary YA or middle grade. Who knows if I’ll ever walk that road. ;)

Depends on how it strikes you, right? You never know!

What’s a typical day like for you?

Right now there’s no such thing as a typical day because I just moved across the country! Ha! I’m working out my new schedule and habits, but I expect the core things will stay the same. Before I moved, I woke up not too early (I’m no early bird) and had breakfast with some Jesus-time. Then I’ll update social media for about 30 minutes. Half the week I’ll edit (since that’s my main job) and the other half I’ll write all afternoon. Evenings are hubby time.

I don’t write every day because my brain doesn’t have enough creative juice for that, but I do brainstorm every night as I go to bed. It took a lot of training to make sure my brain remembered its brainstorming once I woke the next morning, but now it’s habit and I plan out what I’ll write next as I fall asleep.

I find myself doing that, too. It's rather nice to lay there relaxing, and see where your mind goes with a story line or idea.

What are you working on now?

A YA fantasy standalone (possible duology.) I’m really excited about it, but if it doesn’t turn out to be something a publisher wants to print, then I’ll turn my eyes to a new story. Probably still fantasy, though. 

I know it will be good, just like your trilogy! Thanks for the interview, Nadine!

Here's a teaser about the first two books of the trilogy:

Blurb for A Time to Die:

How would you live if you knew the day you'd die?

Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government’s crooked justice system. 

But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out.

Blurb for A Time to Speak:

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force "new-and-improved" Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

Now here's a short bio, along with Nadine's social and buy links:

Nadine Brandes is an adventurer, fusing authentic faith with bold imagination. Her dystopian trilogy, the Out of Time Series, challenged her to pursue shalom, which is now her favorite word (followed closely by 'bumbershoot'.) When Nadine's not taste-testing a new chai, editing fantasy novels, or being a Harry Potter super-nerd, she and her knight-in-shining armor (nickname: "hubby") are out chasing adventures.

Social media and buy links:

Website & Newsletter: http://nadinebrandes.com/my-newsletter

Facebook: http://facebook.com/NadineBrandesAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/NadineBrandes

Instagram: http://instagram.com/NadineBrandes

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/NadineBrandes

Buy link for A Time to Die: http://nadinebrandes.com/books/a-time-to-die

Buy link for A Time to Speak: http://nadinebrandes.com/books/a-time-to-speak

The Diamond Mine Goes Dystopian with Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman Takes the Mine into the Deep Shadows

Please welcome a very special person to the Diamond Mine! Vannetta Chapman released an awesome book, Deep Shadows. 

Don’t forget to answer the question at the end of the interview! If you do, you may just win a copy of this great book.

Let’s get started, shall we?

RB: Hello, Vannetta! Welcome to the Diamond Mine. I love Christian fiction as you can tell…LOL What’s special or unique about your book?

VC: There’s not a lot of Christian dystopian books out there. People wonder what we mean when we use that word “dystopian” but it basically means a markedly imperfect world. In this case, it can mean the end of modern civilization as we know it, but from a Christian perspective. So there’s plenty of hope to go along with the struggles, because we have hope in Christ.

Vannetta Chapman

RB: I love dystopian and it seems to be the new “craze” in the film industry. I think writing it from a Christian perspective can enlighten the world to a reality of a possible future both with and without Christ. But how do you keep your characters “three dimensional”?

VC: I use real people I know. Sadly I don’t always remember to change their names! I’m only sort of kidding. Most of my characters are based on people who are friends. In particular, the main character of this series, Shelby Sparks, is a good friend of mine. She’s as spunky and stubborn and kind as she is in the story.

RB: Is your setting unique and how did you select it?

VC: The setting is small town, central Texas after a solar flare has destroyed the power grid. I find it to be unique!

RB: Well, I’d call it unique. Small town and Texas? I used to live in central Texas. And Wyoming is nothing but small town life. I think I’d know exactly what you’re talking about. I like to ask a “thinker” question and here it is…what would you do if you couldn’t write anymore?

VC: I’d keep reading for sure. I’m an avid reader. I’d also probably go back to teaching in some aspect. I miss teaching, but can’t juggle it with the deadlines I currently have (4 books a year).

RB: Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do when you aren’t working?

VC: I have a lot of hobbies! I love to hike, camp, garden, quilt, crochet … and read!

Phoebe

RB: Not sure about the quilting and crocheting. I’m not much of a seamstress…of any type, but I love to hike and camp. My husband’s the green thumb in our house. But three out of six ain’t bad! We can hang out any time! What about pets?

VC: We have a white Labrador that was a shelter dog. Phoebe was 68 pounds when we adopted her and is now 108 (oops). We also have a medium sized beagle, 2 cats, and a herd of deer. (I know, the deer thing is kind of weird.)

RB: Okay, woman. What is it with us? Deer frequent my front yard on a regular basis as well, hence I have no flower beds or trees. We have a yellow Lab and Cocker Spaniel (old bugger too.) But I guess you do have one extra cat, but mine’s probably the size of both of yours.

On a more serious topic, how do you face life in this changing world today?

VC: Our world is constantly changing, and there are always things to worry about--whether it’s the economic situation or solar flares! But we have hope and confidence in Christ, and I think that’s so important to hold on to. Personally we have had some very challenging medical issues in our family the last few years, but through it all we fell on the hope and provision of Christ. My circumstances don’t always make sense, but Christ’s love does.

RB: That it does, Vannetta, and praise Him for it. In closing, what would you like to say to your reader if you could say one thing about yourself and your books?

VC: That whether they are Amish romance, Amish mystery or dystopian the theme is always the same--God’s grace is sufficient. We can always depend on Him.

RB: Thank you so much for being on the Diamond Mine today. I enjoyed it immensely!

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Hey, y’all, don’t leave yet!

Vannetta’s giving away her new book, Deep Shadows! All you have to do is either comment on the interview or answer this question in the comments below…

What’s your favorite small town?

One winner will be selected by random draw in one week following blogpost date.

Minimum of five comments required to validate contest. U.S. eligible only. Prize: one print or digital copy of Deep Shadows by Vannetta Chapman

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About the Book:

All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe--until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology.

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority--to keep Shelby and her son safe--could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

* * *

In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos.

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Shadows-Remnant-Vannetta-Chapman/dp/0736966536/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deep-shadows-vannetta-chapman/1123225022?ean=9780736966535

CBD

http://www.christianbook.com/1-deep-shadows-vannetta-chapman/9780736966535/pd/966535?event=ESRCN

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of several novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series and Anna’s Healing. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups.  She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.

A Big Howdy to Author-to-be, Megan Besing!

I am uber excited to introduce to you, author-to-be, Megan Besing. Although we usually have established writers here on the Diamond Mine, I thought it would be fascinating to promote an author who’s still striving to reach that ultimate writing goal—publishing.  And who among us doesn't love the thrill of discovering a budding new author?  Plus, she’s near and dear to my heart because she’s my very own daughter! Woot, woot!  Please welcome, the beautiful, the talented, Megan Besing!

Hi Megan! Fancy meeting you here! LOL

Hey! (laughs) Yes, we usually meet on less formal occasions! Like around the dinner table.

Well, let’s dive right in. So you are a stay-at-home mom, a babysitter, and a photographer.  What started you on the road to publication?

Don’t get mad at me, but I was super late coming into the game of reading. I thought books were for education and Bible studies, while movies covered everything else. LOL I know. I know. Thankfully, I am no longer blind to the idea that books are actually heart-thumping wonderful! During my past three years of devouring books, I finished a story that didn't place God in a good light, and to be honest, I didn't like the ending. It wasn't how I wanted it to go at all. So the next morning, I woke up and started writing. It probably also helped that earlier in the year, my mother told me she was going to get serious about her writing career. Otherwise I may have thought my idea to write a book was pure craziness.

Craziness describes a lot of an author’s life! But let’s get to genres. Authors often  have trouble deciding which genre to write.  How did you decide to go with Christian Dystopian?

One of my favorite genres to read is YA, especially Dystopian. Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched, The Fifth Wave, and The Selection are some of the popular secular Young Adult Dystopian books right now. Of course there are tons of others! It’s what I enjoy. I just wanted to make sure that God was a factor in my stories, since He’s the factor in my life. And I feel like there should be more Christian Dystopian books, mainly because I’d like to read more of them. But my second novel isn't Dystopian. It’s a YA Contemporary. So I suppose I decided to go with YA because it’s what I enjoy, and it pops into my head the easiest.

Since many of our readers may not be familiar with Christian Dystopian, tell us a little about this type of genre.

It does sound like a frightening term, but it’s not! To me it’s just a made up world, that often resembles what we live in now, but something in the society is causing fear or problems. Of course that may not be the exact definition, if there even is one. And if you put Christian in front of it, then typically that means the characters are dealing with their faith in one way or another. Or as in my story, the world is trying to do away with faith.

So getting to the nuts and bolts, tell us some of your struggles of finishing a novel.

Sleep. For some reason I need it? LOL. But my life is like so many of you--busy.  I may stay at home with my kids, but I feel like I’m never there. I babysit along with running my photography business. I also review books over at Edgy Inspirational Romance, teach the youth at my church, play the piano for Sunday’s service, and for some odd reason my husband actually likes to see my face. So I believe the biggest challenge is finding time to get my hiney seated in my writing chair with the discipline to block out the temptation of social media, which can be both a blessing and a curse for me.

True. You can’t write without planting that old gluteus maximus (and minimus) in a chair. (laughs) Let’s go from the bottom-side to the topside. Disappointment. It’s a big part of being an unpublished writer. Wow, it's a big part of being a published writer!  Tell us some of your big discouragements and how you've overcome them.

The road of a writer is…interesting, stressful, oh, you can pretty much add in all of the seven dwarfs and that should cover the average day. Receiving honest feedback from your critique partner and rejections from the publishing world are up there, but I think my lowest point has been when I received what I call, my first “hate mail.” I have received two unpleasant emails from an individual who apparently doesn’t want me to be a writer.

At first, I was a bit stunned, not because I think I’m an awesome writer, but because someone bothered to take time out of their busy day to demand that little unknown-me, “retire.” I do blog a tad, and I have two flash fiction stories published in Splickey Love Magazine, but besides that, most of my work is hidden from the world. Of course I started questioning my writing and abilities, and panic bubbled in my chest for a few days. But after praying and seeking advice from others, I wrote this blog Through Our Weaknesses and Dealing with the Haters. I think it answers this question best.

Let’s get current. You're working with an agent to tweak your first novel.  What would be the ultimate publishing goal for you?

True, I am technically working with an agent, but she’s not my agent…at least not yet. J Currently, I just call her ‘the agent lady,’ as if there’s only one in the world. Earlier in the year, I received offers from two different publishers for my first manuscript. I had questions piled in my mind about the contracts—those very intimidating contracts. I mean I didn’t want to sign away my left arm or something. So, I contacted an agent who I’d pitched to at the 2013 ACFW conference to see if she’d be willing to offer advice. I liked her, and thought the worst that could come from emailing her, would be her ignoring me. But she surprised me and emailed back. She provided me with a couple options. Choosing door number three, I decided to take a leap of faith and reject both offers from the publishers I received, and instead, work with her (the agent lady) as my content editor. After I finish tweaking, or after I sweat and bleed all over my manuscript, my ultimate publishing goal would be to have my book printed and on the shelves of Family Christian, Lifeway, and Barnes and Noble. Where I could hug it, prance and twirl around the aisles not caring that I’m receiving awkward stares and finally take a selfie with the cover. And to be able to do that with multiple books would be dark chocolate-fantastic. J Maybe I’ll wake up one morning and find it true. A girl can dream, right?!

Oooh. That’s sounds fun.  I may steal your idea! Lol Thanks for appearing on the Diamond Mine, Megan. Many blessings, on your writing journey! She’s just another of God’s fine raw gems just beginning to gleam.

You can catch up with Megan on these websites and/or follow the links above for more information about her.

meganbesing.com

Pinterest

Facebook

Blogspot

Twitter

In honor of unpublished writers everywhere, we are offering a chance to win a $25 dollar gift card from Barnes and Noble. And here’s all you have to do! Become a member here at diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com, and you are entered to win!  Don’t forget to leave a comment or a question for Megan.