The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction: Christian Romantic Comedy

Showing posts with label Christian Romantic Comedy. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Comedy, Inspiration, and Romance with Author, V. Joy Palmer!

Welcome to one of our own today! I’m super pumped to be interviewing V. Joy Palmer this week and introduce you to her new release, Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations. Joy is gliding in her favorite dream world with her second release! And it's all set in an antique store. Intrigued? Grab your cat eye glasses, adjust your pillbox hat, and don those vintage lace gloves. We're on a roadshow towards Joy's joy!

PT: Let’s start with the nuts and bolts. Tell the readers your genre.

VJP: I write inspirational romantic comedy. My heart is to make readers laugh and swoon while sharing God’s love. <3

PT: You have such a witty, funny way for writing. How did you come to the point of choosing your genre, or did it choose you and how did that happen?

VJP: Thank you so much! I fell in love with Erynn Mangum and Jenny B. Jones’ stories. When I started to search for other books like theirs, I was heartbroken to find so few within CBA. It was around that time that I heard the saying, “If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.” I had tried my hand at some other genres, but once I realized that I wanted to write the kind of stories that I love to read, then my voice came out with a…well, a Tap, tap, tap! on the keyboard. LOL!

PT: Was the first book, Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations based on a real story or a total fabrication? What about your new one?

VJP: Well, I like to binge-watch wedding reality shows, and that’s certainly played into both stories. But Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations was really born when I was single and frustrated with the man who is now my husband (and who thankfully has a good sense of humor), and Izze (my main character) started chattering in my head one day. While it’s not autobiographical, our love story is the story behind the story. <3

Like my first book, Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations has pieces of my love story and personality, but I also poured a lot of heartache and emotion into the story. While I wrote, waves of trauma crashed into my friends, my family, and my heart. The situations were different from my characters’ journey, but the emotions and healing process were the same. I rediscovered my worth in God though Apryl and Chance’s story, and I hope this story of my heart can do the same for its readers. <3

PT: Now, the first book was set in a wedding dress store. This one is based in an antique store, Are the two novels a series? How did you come up with using an antique store?

VJP: Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is the second book in my contemporary romantic comedy series from WhiteFire Publishing and the sequel to Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations. However, it functions as a standalone, so you do NOT need to read my first book to enjoy this one. However, there are some jokes and things that will make you grin if you have! :-D

There’s actually a building in my town that inspired me to use an antique store in Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations. This building has two separate business: an antique store and a mechanic for antique cars. My hubby and I were walking into town for ice cream (cake batter) one day, and I started wondering how that setup happened. It sparked an idea that tapped into my love of all things vintage and wedding reality shows. ;-D

Here's the Blurb:

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she’ll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what’s left of their family’s legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she’s forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother’s renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl’s insane plan. While Apryl claims they’re archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Read the first two chapters of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations here: https://read.whitefire-publishing.com/weddings-willows-and-revised-expectations/

PT: Tell 5 things fast about V. Joy Palmer that have nothing to do with writing:

VJP:

I love scarves, and I’ll even wear light scarves in the summer.

I consider myself fluent in Gilmore Girls.

I’m obsessed with bookish merch like candles, mug rugs, and book sleeves.

I live and breathe coffee, but chai lattes are my go-to drink in new places.

I love to go for walks, especially in autumn and spring.

PT: Do you write on a laptop or PC?

VJP: I’ve always written on a laptop. I love being able to write anywhere, and I’ve discovered that I work best outside of the house. There’s too much to clean at home... Excuse me while I continue to avoid mopping the floor…

PT: What’s on the screen right now? A new book? Editing? Marketing? Or all of the above? Or other?

VJP: I’ve been pretty focused on marketing for Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations and the teetering TBR pile that comes with being a reviewer. I have started working on a new story, but it’s slow going at the moment – much to the dismay of my awesome readers! <3

PT: Favorite color, food, and chair to write in?

VJP: My favorite color is purple. I have a lot of favorite foods, but they usually consist of chocolate, cheese, and/or potato. Not all together. ;-) My favorite writing chair is at my favorite coffee shop (where I do a big chunk of my writing). It’s like a padded bench seat. It’s all soft and squishy – which is perfect for when I’m in a writing haze for four hours – but the straight back keeps me from falling asleep! LOL!

Ah. And there you have it. I picked up a few treasured nuggets of knowledge on our vintage search to know Joy a bit better. Generous to a fault, she is offering an international giveaway of Weddings, Willows and Revised Expectations! If you're new here, just leave comment with an email and we will choose a person at random.

More about Joy~

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Even MORE about Joy~

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VJoyPalmer/

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/VJoyPalmer

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vjoypalmer_author/

• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/vjoypalmer/

• Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15367051.V_Joy_Palmer

• Website - https://vjoypalmer.com/

• Author blog / Joy's Blog - http://vjoypalmer.blogspot.com/

• Snack Time Devotions Blog - http://snacktimedevotions.blogspot.com/

• Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/author/vjoypalmer

(Wink) VJP: And I do author interviews on this lovely group blog ~

• The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction - http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/

If you can't wait to see if you win, you can purchase her book here and now:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, WhiteFire Publishing’s READ Store

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Interview and book giveaway with Gay N. Lewis!!

Sarah and a Midnight Cruise to Catalina Island

She can fly but can she swim? Dyslexic and bumbling angel, Sarah, comes to earth to unite Carolyn with a mate. Poopty doopty! She must do it on a ship while Carolyn cruises to Catalina Island. Sarah fears falling into the ocean, and she’s horrified soggy wings will drown her. On this mission, Talen, an evil spirit is assigned to thwart Heaven’s Little Love Angel’s efforts. Tomas, the Warrior Angel, must protect Sarah. Can Tomas succeed without Sarah goofing up the war between the holy and unholy spirits? Will Talen succeed in spoiling Carolyn’s romance?

Today on The Diamond Mine, we're going to listen in on an interview with Sarah, the angel who stars in the series of books by Gay N. Lewis. So prepare for a fun ride on the Sarah roller coaster, and don' forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this delightful book. And here we go!!

Sarah has been making the rounds of television shows. She’s promoting the latest book about her, Sarah and the Midnight Ride to Catalina Island. A movie producer, Darcy DoGood, employed by Pie in the Sky contacted her producer, Gay N. Lewis, for an interview with Sarah. Gay made the arrangements and then recorded the dialogue.

Darcy: I understand you’ve had many assignments on Earth. What was the latest one that brings you down here to us?

Sarah: “My duties this time were soooo scary. I had to go on a cruise to Catalina Island and the sea makes me dizzy. I feared the ship might sink, or I might fall off the boat before the thing went into the deep like the Titanic did. Carolyn Baker, a college student who works in a mall, chose this trip for a vacation. Her dad had recently died, and she was grieving. Two men introduced themselves to her on board, and I had to discover which one was the right man for her.”

Darcy: “You’ve done that before. What made this mission different?”

Sarah: “I had a wicked spirit named Talen who wanted to thwart my efforts. I’d never tangled with an evil one before, so that complicated matters.”

Darcy: “Now that sound chilling. What happened?”

Sarah: “He has the same powers as me, but he uses them for evil. He appeared many times as a human. I used my spontaneity to prevent his moves, but he tricked me into going to Cloud Nine. He planned to banish me, but Tomas, the Warrior Angel, rescued me. If you’d been on Earth, you’d have seen an incredible lightening display taking place in The Heavenlies as the two clashed their swords.”

Darcy: “I’m sure the fight presented a stormy scene to the watchers below. Did you goof up at all this time?”

Sarah: “Oh my yes. Disguises are difficult for me. Carolyn and Nick toured Catalina Island, and I went with them in female form. People thought I resembled Dolly Parton, and I heard one woman tell another that I must have paid a fortune for my Botox. I guess she was talking about the brand of jeans I conjured up.”

Darcy: “Anything else?”

Sarah: “I accidently bopped into a hotel room and awoke a man and woman. I said that I was a therapist who made love connections. They told me they didn’t need any help and to leave immediately. I scared them when I disappeared.”

Darcy: “You mentioned two suitors. Why was it difficult to decide which one was right for Carolyn?”

Sarah: Carolyn lives in the Houston area, one of the men did too, but the other man came often on business. Both wanted to date her when she returned to Houston. They were both handsome and charming, and each of them tried to sweet-talk his way into Carolyn’s life, but I discovered one was dishonest.”

Darcy: “We women must be careful when dating. Men can fool us.”

Sarah: “Yes, especially when an unholy angel like Talen comes into the mix.”

Darcy: “Will you read an excerpt for us?”

Sarah: “Gladly. This one is from Chapter Eleven. Nick, one of the suitors and Carolyn are standing on deck gazing at Catalina Island.

Sarah hovered above Nick and Carolyn as they enjoyed each other’s company on the upper deck until the middle of the night. Their attraction seemed to grow with each passing moment, but was it real or merely the ambience of the evening?

Nick glanced at his watch. “Almost midnight. You know what happens at that magic hour?”

“I turn into a pumpkin?”

Nick’s laugh rang out, deep and melodious. “No. Tradition of the islands says fair maidens should be kissed at midnight.”

“I didn’t read that in any brochure. You’re making that up.”

“No, kissing on a ship at midnight with an island as a backdrop is a new ritual.”

“Oh, really. Whose?”

“Mine. I just established it.”

Darcy: “Nick sounds charming. Did he win the hand of the fair maiden?”

Sarah: “Sorry. I can’t say. You have to read the book. Gay N. Lewis would not be pleased if I told you everything.”

Well that was a fun glimpse into this latest adventure with Sarah! Don't forget to leave a comment so you'll be entered in the drawing! Here's a little about Gay N. Lewis, followed by her social and purchase links:

Gay N. Lewis has a background in video production and interior design. Her credits include Psalms from the Mountains, The Canadian Rockies and Many Churches, One Vision. As a pastor’s wife and Adult Bible Study Leader, she has written numerous church programs and newsletters. She lives in Fulshear, TX, a small town west of Houston.

http://prismbookgroup.com/angels

For more information, please go to http ://gaynlewis.com/

Read excerpts on www.prismbookgroup.com

Gay would love to have you see her video trailers and become a follower of her blog.

http://www.gaynlewis.blogspot.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/gaynlewis
www.facebook.com/GayNLewis and also on Twitter @GayNLewis2.

Sarah has her own Facebook page. Follow Sarah on Facebook@ Sarah Wingspand

Books

Sarah: A Mission of Love

Sarah: Laney's Angel

Sarah and the Widow's Mate

Sarah and the Internet Dating Service