Welcome JPC Allen, YA Mystery Author

JPC Allen started her writing career in second grade with an homage to Scooby Doo. She’s been tracking down mysteries ever since and written mystery short stories for Mt. Zion Ridge Press. Her Christmas mystery “A Rose from the Ashes” was a Selah-finalist at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2020. Her first novel, a YA mystery, A Shadow on the Snow, released in 2021. Online, she offers tips and prompts to ignite the creative spark in every kind of writer . She also leads workshops for tweens, teens, and adults, encouraging them to discover the adventure of writing. Coming from a long line of Mountaineers, she is a life-long Buckeye. Follow her to the next mystery at Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon. You can sign up for my newsletter in the sidebar here.

JPC is giving away two signed hard copy books to one person: Christmas Fiction off the Beaten Path and A Shadow on the Snow. Leave a comment by September 22 to be entered in the drawing.

Let's start with a few quick favorites:

Drink? Irish or English Breakfast tea or chai.

Candy? Justin's dark chocolate peanut butter cups

Place to relax? Sitting on the bank of the river by my house

Season? It used to be fall, but my kids are so busy in the fall now, I'm not sure. I think it may be spring because that's when school let's out.

Can you tell us a bit more about you?

What genre do you enjoy reading most?

Mysteries. I've tried other genres, and mysteries are always my favorites. The sub-genre of mysteries I like best are fair-play mysteries, where the author lays out the clues for the reader, so she can try to solve the mystery along with the detective. Since I love to read those kinds of mysteries, those are the kind I write.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote my very first story on the front and back of a sheet of notebook paper in second grade. It was a mystery based on Scooby Doo. I think I've always daydreamed about being a published writer, but I never wanted to make my living from it. As a kid, I wanted to be a doctor. In reality, I worked ten years as a children's librarian in public libraries before I stayed home to raise my kids.

Do you have any upcoming projects, releases, or sales?

I've just finished my second novel for the Rae Riley mystery series. The working titles is A Storm of Doubts. I'm usually terrible at titles, but I think this one sums up the story accurately. And it's catchy.

I'd like to hear more about A Shadow on the Snow

What's your latest novel you've written?

A Shadow on the Snow is my first novel, a YA mystery. It's a sequel to a short story I wrote, "A Rose from the Ashes" for the anthology Christmas fiction off the beaten path. I fell in love with the characters while writing "A Rose" and couldn't wait to put them in another story. That's why I wrote A Shadow on the Snow. Here's the blurb:

“Nineteen-year-old Rae Riley can barely believe her gamble paid off. After spending seven months investigating the identity of her father and whether he tried to murder her mother, Rae has been accepted by her dad, Sheriff Walter “Mal” Malinowski IV, and his immediate family with open hearts. And for the first time in her life, Rae is making friends, jamming with three cute cops who play outlaw country music.

But someone is leaving Rae threatening notes, reminding her of her late mother’s notorious past when Bella Rydell wrecked homes and lives during the few years she lived in rural Marlin County, Ohio. Fearing the threats will make Mal and his family reject her, Rae investigates the mystery on her own. But her amateur sleuthing may cost her the father she’s always wanted when the stalker changes targets and takes dead aim at Mal.”

Do you find yourself returning to a similar theme in your novels or do you have a new message with each release?

All my stories involving Rae Riley, except for a short story in which she has only a cameo appearance, deals with her journey to find and get to know her father. I think Rae's journey mimics how many people want a Heavenly Father but don't know how to find Him. And once they do find Him, they have struggles and victories as they get to know Him better.

When I began writing about Rae, that wasn't the theme I had in mind, but it has grown naturally out of the personalities of the characters and the plots that have come to me.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Selecting the right names for characters is very important to me. Since I was a kid, names have fascinated me. I own several books on names, including one about common surnames in the U.S.

When I had to create a name for my female teen detective, I wasn't sure what name to pick. I wanted something memorable but not weird. Alliterative names are memorable, like Clark Kent or Bruce Banner, so I came up with Rae Riley.

When I had to name her father, I liked the idea of the whole town calling him Mal as a nickname for for his last name, Malinowski. It would give the story the small-town feel I wanted.

But then I started asking questions. Why did this guy prefer his nickname? Well, he probably hated his first name. What kind of first name would a millennial guy hate? I picked Walter. But why would his parents name him Walter? They were nice people. I decided it had to be a family name. So Rae's father became Walter Reuel Malinowski IV. That set off more questions. Who was Walter III? Walter Jr.? From that name, I developed two more characters.

Just for fun:

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?

England or India. I've read so many mysteries set in England that I'd like to see the country. For some reason, I've always been fascinated by India.

Thanks so much for joining us on The Diamond Mine of Fiction. JPC is giving away two signed hard copy books to one person: Christmas Fiction off the Beaten Path and A Shadow on the Snow. Leave a comment by September 22 to be entered in the drawing.

Hi, Diamond Mine Readers. Julie Cosgrove here. 

I have something to confess...I love reading Christian Y.A. (young adult) fiction. Do you?  Maybe I am in my second childhood...but I hope not. I really don't want to go through adolescence again. Ugh. 

An author, who writes for the same publishing house as the one who will publish my next three books, writes great Y.A. Her books not only make great reading, but they would make wonderful Christmas gifts for any tweens or teens you know. (Yes, 'tis the season soon to think about what to get who.)

 Please welcome Cynthia Toney.

 Cynthia, since you write for tweens and teens (and old folks like me) briefly tell us a funny or touching story about your teenage years…

Writing petrified me! I dreaded the assignment of a paper that was more than a page long. I was okay with a short composition, especially if I could use humor, but a term paper sent me into a tailspin. I couldn’t gather, organize, and write information in my own words in a way that connected and flowed. My friends, who didn’t become writers of any type, spent much less time laboring over their term papers than I did.  But I somehow made good grades in spite of myself. I wish I had one of those papers to look at and laugh over today.

Maybe you just wanted to write fiction even back then! Term papers are daunting things, and not very exciting to read. I remember pulling my hair out while formatting all the endnotes and footnotes and references. Shudder. It's enough to stifle any creativity.

Tell our readers what encouraged you to be a writer then, and specifically writing books for teens? 

I love writing for tweens and teens, particularly those who speak without thinking, make poor decisions, and have love to give but don't always know where to direct it. Young people I've encountered over the years inspired me to write novels that show them how wonderful, powerful, and valuable they are. Today's tweens and teens can identify with the emotions, needs, desires, and challenges of characters in my historical as well as contemporary novels.

Being told we are wonderful, powerful and valuable is a message we all need to hear, especially middle school and high schoolers. What nugget of inspiration do you want your readers to grasp?

Small steps can accomplish big things, very good things, for oneself and for others.

Great saying. Anyone want to needlepoint that in a sampler? As I confessed, I love to read YA. Do you find many adults read and like your books, too?

From what I can tell, just as many adults read my novels as young people do. Often, adults will read one of my books first to screen it for a child or grandchild and then tell me how much they themselves enjoyed it.

See, I am not the only one, am I Diamond Mine folk? So now that we all know we can enjoy this genre no matter our age, Cynthia, tell us about this series by giving us a short blurb on each of the books in it. Also, does the reader have to read them in order or do they stand alone?

Occasionally readers tell me that they have read one of the books without considering—or sometimes without knowing—that another book preceded it, but that they fully understood and enjoyed the story anyway.

I usually suggest that an 11 or 12-year-old start with the first book of the series, but a 12 to 14-year-old could easily begin with book two, and it could stand alone, although readers usually want to know what happens next to the cast of characters. However, if someone wants to read the newest release (fourth and final book of the series), I suggest reading book three to fully enjoy book four. It is not necessary, because I weave in enough background to support the reader’s understanding, but I simply recommend that. 

Here are the books in order:

8 Notes to a Nobody (Bird Face book one)

 Anonymous sticky-notes, a scheming bully, and a ruined summer send fourteen-year-old Wendy down a trail of secrets and self-discovery.  

  

10 Steps to Girlfriend Status (Bird Face book two)

 When Wendy questions her neighbor about one 1960s photograph, she opens the door to triple trouble—a Cajun family secret, feelings for two very different boys, and a fight to keep a grandmother’s love. 

6 Dates to Disaster (Bird Face book three)

 Wendy’s goal is to fly to Alaska. Her family is broke. Will an opportunity to make money be the answer to her prayers—or the road to disaster?

3 Things to Forget (Bird Face book four) 

In Alaska, Wendy thinks she’s left behind the problems resulting from her mistakes in Louisiana. But strange surroundings bring strangers into her life, and those strangers have a secret that threatens her friendship with Sam. Will Wendy be able to forget what she hopes to, or will new challenges teach her the importance of remembering the past?

Why did you set this current book, 3 Things to Forget,  in Alaska?

I wanted my character, Wendy, to travel as far away as possible within the U.S. from her home state of Louisiana, and for it to be a very different environment from what she was used to. Of all the places I’d visited, Alaska was my favorite, and it was just right for the setting of this story. 

One of my bucket list places to visit! I know many of our readers who have visited or want to visit this amazing state will want to get this book. Give us a tidbit of 3 Things to Forget.

 There’s something to be said for escaping 4500 miles to the third least-populated state in America, where no one (well, almost no one) knows me. Otherwise, leaving behind my disgrace from the biggest academic scandal ever to hit my school—resulting in the breakup with my boyfriend on the night he said he loved me—might’ve been impossible.

Surrounded by strangers on the second of two connecting flights to Anchorage, for a total of fourteen hours on a Friday, I summoned teeth-grinding determination to forget the past. What better time for an intense study, a.k.a. cramming, of American Sign Language? Before the plane would land in Alaska, I might become proficient enough in ASL to communicate with Sam and his deaf friends without making a fool of myself.  For the month of June, I’d live with Sam and his family in Anchorage. I’d work with him and other teens, possibly deaf, as a volunteer at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. And I’d do whatever it took to fit in.

Now that we are all hooked and want to read more, where can readers find you and your books? 

Blog:  http://birdfacewendy.wordpress.com

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

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-T.-Toney/e/B00IOPZRBA

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7872181.Cynthia_T_Toney   

Cynthia has agreed to give away an ebook of the reader's choice from the series, but only commentors are eligible to enter the giveaway. So be sure to leave your thoughts for her along with your email address so we can find you. The drawing will be on Tuesday, November 13th.

Interview and Book Giveaway with Cindy Green!!

A Bible Study Challenge, A Prayer Journal & Homecoming--the combination just might change her life.

Hi visitors!! Today we're welcoming multi-published author Cindy Green to The Diamond Mine

Her new book is Andrea and the 5-Day Challenge, which is the first book in the Aubrey Christian Academy series. Sounds like a wonderful set of stories to look forward to! If you want to be entered for the free drawing of a copy of her book, please leave a comment for Cindy after the interview.  So let's welcome Cindy, and start the interview.

Hi Cindy!  How did you get the idea for this story?

This book takes place in a Christian school. I worked as a Christian schoolteacher for several years before becoming a stay at home mom and author. So, this story came out of my experience as both a student and later a teacher in the Christian school.

Do any of the characters share qualities with you?

In the Aubrey Christian Academy series, there are 4 girls and each girl will eventually get their own novel. Book 1 is Andrea’s story, but you do meet all the girls. I would say that each of the girls has certain characteristic of me. Andrea is much more insecure and melodramatic than I was at her age, but her soft and easygoing temperament are definitely me.  Amy has my take-charge demeanor (when the situation calls for it), Angie has my witty sarcasm and Alisha my quiet insight.

All the girls sound interesting! If you could be one of the four girls in the group, which one would it be?

It is so hard to say. They are all terrific. Each one has their strengths and weaknesses. But if I had to choose, it would probably be Amy. She’s smart, has strong convictions, knows what she wants and goes after it.

Is Luke based on anyone in particular?

Luke is not based on any one in particular, but I I’ve realized after the fact that his temperament is a lot like my oldest teenage son. They are both wise for their years, assess situations before acting and have quiet strength of character.

Those are admirable qualities. Is there a specific theme or message in this book?

The theme in this book is really about seeking God. My heroine needs to learn to find her strength in God and to lean less on self and seek God’s will in her life. Also, by doing this she learns to be less self-absorbed and instead becomes sympathetic to the needs of others.

Since this book begins a series, will there be a separate theme for each one?

There will definitely be different themes as each of the girls have different issues going on in their lives. Purity and Forgiveness for example. And the topics will become more and more serious and grownup as the series continues.

Another good reason to look forward to each book of this series! Is YA your favorite genre to write?

I love writing first person and humorous for both Young Adult, New Adult and Adult. I find it fits my voice best and so I find it the easiest to write. However, I love switching genres and do it often. I’ve done Contemporary and historical romance, fantasy, mystery, even a chick-lit. Switching around in the genres helps me keep things fresh. Having said that, though, I absolutely love writing YA and it is my focus for the time being.

I like to write in different genres, too. So, when did you first know you were a writer?

I feel as if I’ve always been a writer. I was that 5^th grade girl who filled notepads with her scribblings and stories. I still have a folder filled with stories and story ideas from middle school and high school. But it wasn’t until I took some time off from teaching to stay home with my own children that I started writing for publication. That was about nine years ago.

And you've been a busy lady since then! Do you use outlines, for your stories?

I do use outlines especially for my full-length novels. I like to start with the final conflict so I know where I am going. Then I go to the beginning and outline inciting incident and several main plot points before starting. I don’t like to outline in too much detail because that seems to stifle my creativity, but I do like to have a game plan.

What are you working on now?

I just finished book 1.5 in the Aubrey Christian Academy series which is Luke’s book. It is novella length and should be coming out this Christmas.  Next, I plan to begin Amy’s book from the series: Amy & the Trouble with Fathers. Amy finds out something mind altering about her father and goes on this quest over Christmas vacation.

Thanks for the interview, Cindy! Your series sounds captivating, full of great characters and interesting challenges. It's been great to host you on The Diamonf Mine!

Here's a peek from Andrea's diary:

Dear Lord,
I need Your help and sooner would be better than later. Wouldn't you know it, just as soon as I decide to attempt the 5-Day Bible Study Challenge, my parents start heaping on loads of pressure to get me into Julliard. My friend Amy isn’t any better, urging me to ask Luke Ryan to homecoming. As if the cute, transfer jock would actually go out with me. I mean, we’re kinda friends, and I’ve enjoyed our Geometry study sessions, but in case Amy hasn’t noticed, I’m the invisible one at Aubrey Christian Academy, and I like it that way. On top of that, I have a feeling Luke’s concealing something behind those chocolate-brown eyes of his. I know I can be self-centered and a bit melodramatic, but I really do want to seek Your will for my life. Then maybe I’ll even figure out which direction points up.

Sincerely,                                                                    

Andrea Jamison

High School Junior

Change-o-phobic & complete neurotic 

Now an excerpt from the book:

"Well, looky there.” Amy lifted her glasses and peered down the hall before returning her specs back to her nose. “Is it me or does Luke look like a mild- mannered reporter type?”

I glared at her.
It was as though she’d read my mind.
”It’s you,” I snapped back. Seven thirty-eight in the morning was way too early for all my synapses to be able to process this information. I was being rude and didn’t even know why.

“He’s like your Romeo in cargo pants.”

“He’s not wearing cargo pants. And don’t compare him to Romeo. That story is way too depressing.”

“OK, then he’s Mr. Darcy come to sweep you away from your mundane existence.”

“Amy, seriously, it’s time to lay off the romantic fiction. Besides, didn’t you tell me that crushes were for immature adolescents?”

“Crushes maybe, but Luke might just be the one for you. You know, the One.” She did the quotes in the air thing to emphasize her statement.

“Are you missing your macaroons or something? I’m only sixteen.” I must have been missing mine because I hadn’t used that expression since sixth grade. I covered my face with my hands.

“Whatever, Andi. Here he comes. If you ask me, he’s trying to woo you. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She tapped my shoulder before she traipsed away.

I barely took notice of her absence because I had mere seconds before Luke Ryan arrived. He didn’t even give Stephanie a glimpse as he passed by her down the hall. His gaze remained focused on me. I swiveled my stance to face my locker and pulled out the daisies, forming a half-dozen bouquet in my hand. How did he know daises were my favorite? Had I mentioned it?
More importantly, was Amy right?


Could Luke really be trying to woo me like some totally romantic gesture straight out of medieval, courtly love? I must have accidentally inhaled window cleaner or something because that just wasn’t possible. His note had only been meant as a thank you. Yes, that was it. He’d even said just that.

Sneaking a peek out of the corner of my eye, I could see he was almost upon me. My evil, impossible heart did a somersault in my chest. Oh, my gosh! Did I remember to put on deodorant this morning, because I was really starting to sweat. As if suffering from some horrifying form of hysteria, I stuffed my books into my locker as fast as I could. I had to get out of this hallway before he caught up to me.

“Hi.”

Too late.

I love it! Now here's a little about Cindy, along with her social links:

Cindy K. Green has worked as a middle school history & English teacher, a frozen yogurt server and a golf magazine employee. Today she's a multi-published, award-winning author, a mother, a wife, and a homeschooler too. This native Californian now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and two cats named Chloe & Kassey. 

http://www.cindykgreen.com

http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/CindyKGreen

https://twitter.com/cindykgreen

https://plus.google.com/+CindyGreenAuthor/posts

Please Join the Newsletter:

Don't forget to leave a comment for the chance to win a free copy!

Here are the purchase links for Cindy's book:

http://www.amazon.com/Andrea- 5-Day-Challenge-Christian- Academy-ebook/dp/B00TJAG8P8/ ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_6

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ w/andrea-and-the-5-day- challenge-cindy-k-green/ 1121286382?ean=9781611164053

http://www.christianbook.com/ andrea-and-the-day-challenge- ebook/cindy-green/ 9781611164046/pd/75286EB? product_redirect=1&Ntt= 75286EB&item_code=&Ntk= keywords&event=ESRCP

http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ ec/index.php?main_page= product_info&cPath=34& products_id=653

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/andrea-and-the-5-day-challenge