Interview and GIVEAWAY with Author Suzie Waltner!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with Author Suzie Waltner!

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers and The Christian PEN (Proofreaders and Editors Network). Her book Midnight Blue was a 2023 Holt Medallion and Maggie Award finalist and the First place winner of the 2023 Angel Book Award for contemporary fiction.

Connect with Suzie on her website, newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

I am not a fan of coffee, so a chai tea (hot) is usually my drink order at coffee shops.

Love a good chai! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Oh goodness, this is a difficult question because it would really depend on what I was in the mood for. Now, if that food also includes travel, I would hands-down order pasta anywhere in Italy!

Yum! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

I usually write at my desk but if I need a change of scenery or I’m stuck on something, I’ll switch it up and go to my library. The library has these great study rooms that you can reserve for up to eight hours each week with great views. I love to take a couple of snacks and shut myself in there for a few hours while I get lost in my story.

That's awesome! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

For a long time, I wrote the first draft of every book longhand. I’m slowly getting to where I can type my first draft on the computer but will pull out my faithful pen and notebook if I’m stuck. There’s something about the way my brain works when I’m writing vs the way it works when I’m typing.

There's something special about pen and paper! What inspired you to write Ever Green?

This is the final book in my Love in Color series. Andi Buchanan has appeared in each book of the series, but for the first couple of books, she was not my favorite character. Once she opened up enough to show me why she was so closed off and focused on how the world perceived her, I discovered how deep her hurt ran.

That's so cool! What led you to write in this genre? 

Contemporary romance is my favorite genre to read, so the writing came naturally.

Love that! What message do you hope to convey to your readers? 

That no matter how far we stray from God, He is always waiting for us to return to Him.

Great message! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)? 

I am not very far into my next book but am loving what little I’ve written so far. This story features a plus-sized heroine who tries to be everything to everyone to compensate for her weight. When a guy who isn’t interested in her help with his business, she tries even harder (to little success at first).

Because I’m a straight pantser (I write as I go along and don’t plot anything), that’s about all I’ve got to share right now on this next project.

Already love this! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

For the past year, Micah 7:7 has been my verse. I’ve had a lot of life changes in the past several months, and this verse has sustained me.

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.” (ESV)

Great verse! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

I’ve usually got an audio book and a physical book going at the same time. Right now, I’m reading Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles and I’m listening to When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer.

Those sound great! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Suzie!

Scroll to check out Suzie's new release, Ever Green, and the giveaway for the first book in the Love in Color Series, Midnight Blue!

New Release ~

Andi Buchanan has everything a person could want—a successful music career, loyal fans, and a beautiful home. But ever since her fiancé broke their engagement only to marry her sister two years later, Andi makes a point to show no one—not even her friends or family—the pain of that rejection. Especially since she’s surrounded by so many happy couples. Until a shocking invitation from her ex exposes the cracks in her perfect façade.

As the manager of a successful country group, Noah Weston tries to ignore his crush on the band’s beautiful and talented singing bassist. After all, she’s his boss. But if his brothers have their way, he’ll be leaving Nashville behind to join the family business instead. Then again, if he could launch his own artist management company, he’d be free to stay, so long as his current clients—including Andi—don’t accuse him of abandoning them by branching out.

As the holidays loom, Noah prays a professional relationship and supportive friendship can help Andi’s dead heart come to life again… and maybe lead to something more.

Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away 1 copy of the first book in the Love in Color Series, Midnight Blue!

This giveaway is open internationally! 

A US winner will receive a print copy. An international winner will receive an eBook.

This giveaway will close on 7/4/24 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. The winner must respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, or their prize will be forfeit. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

GIVEAWAY and Interview with Jenelle Hovde

I am thrilled to introduce The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction community to author Jenelle Hovde! Jenelle sat down with me and took the time to answer some of my questions on her author journey AND WE'RE DOING A GIVEAWAY. Comment on this post to be entered for a chance to win either a hard cover copy of Jenelle's novel Eve's Story: The First Daughter or A String of Pearls! I am excited to share with you my interview with Jenelle. 

Here is a little bit about Jenelle:

Jenelle writes Biblical historical fiction and historical romance. After years spent in South Dakota, Jenelle and her family moved to the Florida coast. When she isn't scribbling on scraps of paper, you can find her within used bookstores perusing antique romance novels and historical journals. You also might find her at the beach with a favorite read. 

Comment on this post for a chance to win The First Daughter or A String of Pearls!

Thank you for spending the time to chat with me Jenelle! Do you have a favorite author or book that has influenced or inspired you? 

Jenelle: I especially love Laura Frantz’s poetic writing. I remember reading her first novel when I was on bedrest with my first child. I thought, “Wow. Christian fiction reads as beautifully as any secular award-winning historical fiction.” I think Christian fiction often hits the high notes of artistry and depth. It just keeps getting better and better.

I absolutely agree! I can get so lost in a Christian fiction story sometimes I forget it's not "mainstream!" What were the highlights or key challenges you faced when writing your last book? 

Jenelle: I had three novels all at once, including edits. The novels were set in ancient Canaan with giants, Mussolini and the Italian resistance, and Regency England with archeology and secretive societies! I am blessed to have a remarkably supportive family who cooked and cleaned through my deadlines. That said, my Regency novel was a bear to write. Since it’s a newer genre for my readers, I had to wrestle with all the inner angst, along with a nasty bout of flu.

Three novels at once! I can't even imagine! I struggle with just one deadline! I'm interested to know, why did you chose to write Christian Fiction? 

Jenelle: I love a strong faith message in my fiction. I’ve been so encouraged by the characters I read about, especially when I encounter similar situations such as a death in the family or a health diagnosis. Writing really is a wonderful ministry that entertains and uplifts the reader. Great books remind me of God’s faithfulness and bring wisdom! It’s like getting a hug from an author who whispers in your ear, “I’ve been there, too.”

I love that. Writing is absolutely a ministry. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer? 

Jenelle: Read as much as you can. Write every day, even if one page. And tell yourself, “Why not you?” What if you told yourself you couldn’t get published and then never really tried because of the odds? Writing is also a spiritual journey where we must release our results into God’s hands.

It's so difficult to put your work out there, but there is beauty in allowing yourself to be vulnerable and releasing the results into God's hands. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you? 

Jenelle: Psalm 121:1, 2, the song of ascents. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I can’t do anything without His guidance and help. Actually, I find releasing my weakness and leaning into His strength so very encouraging.

Amen! What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

Jenelle: I paint every day. Currently, I’m working on several Christian historical, YA fantasy, and speculative art projects for authors! I absolutely love translating my authors’ dreams into a painting that might be a book illustration, cover, or a character print for marketing.

I have to admit this was kind of a trick question. I am an ABSOLUTE fan of your artwork and wanted the opportunity for you to share about it (and for me to promote it!!) I'm especially excited that you do YA Fantasy art projects for authors as Fantasy is the genre I like to write in! So what’s next for you? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Jenelle: I recently sent in my bluestocking Regency novel to Tyndale House publishers! I’m ridiculously excited to work with my dream publisher and write a romantic story full of adventure. Readers can join my newsletter for exclusive Regency art, giveaways, and lots of sneak peeks into Regency life and books! I’m currently working on book two in the series. 

Jenelle!! That's HUGE NEWS!! CONGRATULATIONS! This is very exciting! One last question! What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your books?

Jenelle: As a pastor’s wife, my goal is always to entertain AND draw others closer to Christ. I hope my books touch hearts no matter the geographical distance. 

Thanks for taking the time to share with our Christian readers a little about you and your work Jenelle!

Sign up for Jenelle's newsletter to receive a copy of her Snow White retelling, Raven’s Heir, here! You can learn more about Jenelle and find links to her books and to her social channels on her website: https://jenellehovdeauthor.com/.

Don't forget to comment below for a chance to win one of Jenelle's novels: The First Daughter or A String of Pearls!

Author Spotlight on Shirley Gould

Hello Diamond Miners! 

Janet Morris Grimes here. One thing I love to do at the Diamond Mine is introduce you to new authors. Today, I'd love for you to meet my friend Shirley Gould. Shirley is lovely in every way and her smile and attitude are contagious. I'm sure those traits come through with her novels as well. 

We caught up with Shirley on the release date of her second novel being released into the world. So of course, what better topic to discuss? 

 Escape from Timbuktu

I spewed a few questions her way, and can't wait for you to all get to know her better. 

Q: What were your writing and reading habits as a child and when did you first know you wanted to become a writer?

I quit Kindergarten on the first day! I told my parents I stayed there all day and didn’t learn a thing! She was teaching the alphabet…and I could already read books for beginning readers. Needless to say, they made me go back to school.

My love for being a wordsmith was greatly encouraged by my 12th grade English teacher. She pushed me to create prose on college level and spoke into my life. Her belief in my abilities has stayed with me.

In 2011, my husband got very ill. He had encephalitis of the brain. For eleven months I had to be quiet 24/7. Noises sent him into anxiety attacks, ambulance rides, and hospital stays. It was a treacherous time on our lives.

During this time a story kept playing in my mind like a movie. So, I began to write the story down, then the next one, then the next one. After the Lord healed my husband, he wanted to do something special for me as his faithful caregiver through our rough year. He sent me to my first writer’s conference…and the rest is history.

Q: As an adult, at what point did you realize you had actually become a writer?  

When I received my first novel in the mail, the moment I opened that first box of books, I felt like I was a writer. It wasn’t real to me until that moment.

Q: You’ve just released your second novel. Is it a sequel to your first?

My novel, Escape From Timbuktu, is the second novel in my African Skies Series. I love this story about... A double agent on assignment poses as an interpreter for a photojournalist seeking a story but terrorists have them running for their lives…entangling their hearts as they escape from Timbuktu. 

Q: Tell us about the series. 

The first novel is The Sahar of Zanzibar is an exciting read. In a scary case of mistaken identity, Olivia Stone is threatened by Aga Kahn, a powerful Indian ruler, because she could pass for the twin of the missionary’s deceased wife. Kahn calls her the Sahar of Zanzibar who has returned from the grave to torment him and demands that she leave the island or face his wrath. She’d come to exotic Zanzibar in search of adventure, but she experiences much more.

A handsome widower, Missionary Eli Deckland, steps between Olivia and the angry Indian, rescuing her. There an instant connection between Olivia and Eli that escalates when he comes to her rescue again and again. Amid several attempts on Olivia’s life, she’s kidnapped. Eli joins the police to find her before it’s too late.

As every moment passes, Olivia’s life is in more danger…Will she be saved in time? If she is rescued, would it work between her and Eli? With an ocean keeping them apart, will their feelings fade? The answer is in the African skies.

Q: Are your characters or stories based on real people? 

My husband and I served as missionaries in Africa for 14 years. Some of our experiences and people we met are in the stories. When I have book signings or speak for lady’s groups and churches, I share the real parts of these novels with my audience…adding to their reading experience.

Q: When you're not writing, what do you do for fun? 

When I’m not writing, I love to read, travel, and do oil paintings. My seven grandchildren keep this widow busy making memories.

Q: What is the most satisfying part of writing? 

To me the most satisfying part of writing is when I’ve brought my readers a glimpse of how the Lord works and orchestrates our lives. Encouraging people to make Jesus a catalyst of their existence makes it worth it all.

Q: Do you know how your stories will end when you start them? Or are you as surprised as your
readers?

When I start writing I have a pretty good idea of how the story will end. I use the Novel Academy Story Equation method of writing that has me plotting and thinking through every part of the novel before I pen the first word.

Q: What do you wish you'd known - something that there was truly no way to have known - before you published. 

I wish I had known about the business/marketing side of writing before I was published. It is like having two full-time jobs to juggle all parts of the writing life.

Q: For you, what happens next?

The third and final novel in this series is written and has been sent in to the publisher to start the editing process. It is scheduled to release on March 4 th , 2024. The working title is…Sunset in Swaziland. I will also be releasing a Christmas novella next fall, entitled, The Kissing Ball. It is the Prequel of my next series, Paradise Inn Series, that takes my readers to Kenya, East Africa for more contemporary romantic suspense.

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Author Patricia Johns!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with author Patricia Johns!

Patricia Johns is a Publisher Weekly bestselling author of sweet romance for Harlequin books. She lives with her husband, teenaged son, and energetic parrot in Alberta, Canada. The winters are long and cold, and give her plenty of time to do nothing but write books. She wouldn't have it any other way.

Connect with Patricia on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Tea. I love it! I always have a pot on and I’ll even drink it cold. Not iced tea… tea in the pot that I forgot about while it was hot. But that said, I do like coffee once in a while, too. It depends on quickly I need the caffeine to hit my system.

Love a good cup of tea! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

That’s a tough one! But I have to say fresh fruit. But really good, tree-ripened fresh fruit. Give me mangoes ripened on the tree, and I’d be in heaven!

Yum! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

At my desk… mercifully alone! I write best when I’m by myself, and once my family gets home from work and school, I have to give up that solitude. So I don’t take it for granted.

Totally understand! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

Probably my entire existence! I people watch a lot—that might be explained by the fact that I’m a writer. I also like to smell books. I didn’t think that was weird until my husband told me it wasn’t exactly normal. My deepest longing is for a gorgeous library—all mine, with hard cover classics and tall wooden bookshelves and a ladder… and leather chairs to lounge in by a lead-pained window. Cars, restaurants, pool, expensive vacations? They don’t even enter into my daydreams. It’s all about the library.

Wait...those things aren't normal? ;-) What inspired you to write The Amish Marriage Arrangement? 

This book was fully centered around a funny scene that happens at the very end of the book—so I can’t even tell you what it is, or else I’ll ruin it for you! But the idea for the whole book started with a joke on my own head. This book is a fun story—light and full of heart.

How fun! What led you to write in this genre?

I am a total romantic. I believe in soulmates. My husband asked me to marry him after two weeks of knowing me, and I said yes! People say that romance novels give women unrealistic expectations, and I disagree. Romance novels give women the expectation that they’ll find loving, faithful, devoted partners who will think they are just amazing. That’s not unrealistic at all! In fact, it just hands the challenge back to the men to step up to the line.

I love that so much! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

In this book, I hope people will finish the book feeling hopeful and happy, and believing that no matter where they are in life, that real, respectful, honest love is possible.

Great message! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

I’d love to! My next release will be A BOY’S AMISH CHRISTMAS that comes out end of October. This is the third and final book in my Butternut Amish B&B miniseries that follows the guests who come to an Amish run bed-and-breakfast. If you haven’t read the first two books, definitely pick them up!

An old-fashioned Christmas…

A newfound love!

Brett Rockwell is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas retreat with his young nephew—until they’re snowed in at an Amish bed-and-breakfast with tenacious journalist Emaline Piper. Though Brett is determined to avoid publicity, Emaline’s charm melts his reservations. And Brett lets slip a shocking truth—a story that could make Emaline’s career. Will professional ambition divide them, or can Brett and Emaline give their love story a happy ending?

And the end of December, my first Amish cozy mystery comes out! It’s called MURDER OF AN AMISH BRIDEGROOM. When the community ice man, Ike Smoker, is found dead and his girlfriend is discovered coming out of the ice house with blood on her hands, everyone thinks they know what happened. But Petunia Yoder knows her best friend couldn’t have done it… now to prove it!

So exciting! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

I do! This is the verse that spoke to me when I was deciding to marry my husband. (We’ve been married 18 years now!)

Isaiah 60:21 “They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.”

I married him knowing in my heart that he was the one.

That's so beautiful! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

Right now, I’m reading a fantasy series called The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. I started reading it as a teenager, and now that I have a teenager who is also reading it, I picked it up again. But I also love reading cozy mysteries, historical sagas, classics, romance… I’m always reading something! 

My husband loves that series! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Patricia!

Check out Patricia's upcoming release, The Amish Marriage Arrangement! 

Forgiving past mistakes

Could open up a whole new future…

After leaving the community years ago, Amish bad boy Arden Stoltzfus is back to convince his grandfather to move to Ohio. But neighbor Sarai Peachy stands in his way—her grandmother is sweet on the older gentleman. When a sudden windstorm damages her grandmother’s home, Sarai and Arden are forced to work together on the repairs. Will spending time with the former heartbreaker prove to her Arden is a changed man?   

Giveaway ~ 

Patricia has generously offered one paperback copy of The Amish Marriage Arrangement!

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away one paperback copy of The Amish Marriage Arrangement!

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only! 

This giveaway will close on 7/27/23 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. The winner must respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, or their prize will be forfeit. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Learn to Spit!

Billie Houston writes sweet romance and Christian themed romance novels. She is a widow, the mother of three, and the grandmother of seven wonderful grandchildren. She is also a former English teacher and has worked with special needs children

Her venture into Christian romance began when her husband of many years fell victim to Alzheimer's. She writes romantic tales about relationships, stories that explore the problems and pleasures of living a Christian life. The plots revolve around ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances and faced with difficult decisions.

Billie likes poetry, George Strait's music, old movies and Earl Grey tea. Her hobbies are reading, quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, taking long walks, and growing house plants and herbs.

If anyone is in a position to offer opinions on aging, it's Billie. She's 95 years old, and still writing! Here's what she has to say on the subject of growing old UNgracefully.

When I am an old woman I shall… go out in my slippers in the rain, and pick flowers in other people's gardens, and learn to spit. - Jenny Joseph from the poem Warning

Negative views about the elderly are prevalent in our society today. Many hold the belief that 'older people' are set in their ways, living in the past, and can't be taught new tricks. Anyone over sixty is sliding into illness, impotence and immobility. Confront those beliefs and disregard those assumptions. Better yet, set about to debunk them, because they simply are not so. The older we get, the less our undertakings and activities can be predicted by our age. I would, with a great deal of confidence, lay odds, that any randomly selected three-year-old in America today is becoming proficient at walking and talking. The average eight-year-old is in the third grade, the average eighteen-year-old is probably a high school senior. I would not dare to predict the activities and accomplishments of any randomly selected individual between the ages of sixty and one hundred.

Today older people are not just living longer lives, they are living healthier lives and they are living them differently. Grandma and Grandpa are no longer residing in the homes of   their children, safe, secure, and respected in their extended families. Too often it's the other way around. Grandma and Grandpa have inherited grandchildren from offspring who, for various reasons, won't, or can't, shoulder the responsibility of being parents. It's also often true that Grandma and Grandpa are charged with the care of even older ailing or disabled parents.

If you hope to practice the art of aging ungracefully, you have to know right up front that old age is not for sissies. That's what I said, ungracefully. Aging gracefully equates to accepting what's expected of you at your age. I'm here to say disregard what's expected of you. You don't have to go along with the crowd. You may find you like yourself better if you choose that less-trodden path.

Capture and hold onto a positive point of view. Being an active, productive seventy-five-year-old is more cheerful and more hopeful than being a disgruntled forty-five-year-old. Don't use your idiocrasies or your quirky preferences as an excuse for laziness or apathy. You cannot dream yourself into what you want to be. That doesn't mean you shouldn't dream. It does mean you can't let dreams become your master.

Change your perspectives. Toss out old habits, like negative thinking. Recapture the love, awe and wonder you felt for living when you were a child. It's wonderful to be childlike.

Rid yourself of old prejudices. The world changes; so do ideas and concepts. I'm not suggesting you give up your beliefs and convictions. I am suggesting you re-examine some of your opinions and preferences.

Let go of old regrets. You can't change the past. You can come to terms with it. Now might also be a good time to settle old differences and patch up fractured relationships.

Shift your priorities. Acquire new thoughts. How? By pursuing new experiences.

Attempt new undertakings and please, don't let someone sell you the old idea that you're too old.  Mary Baker Eddy was 87 years old when she founded The Christian Science Monitor. Pablo Picasso was engraving and drawing at 90. When she was 100 years old, Grandma Moses was still painting. Dream new dreams, perhaps less grandiose, more practical dreams, but don't ever stop dreaming and hoping.

Keep a sound philosophy. Don't let age be an excuse for learning new ways to be stupid. In your pursuit for new things, don't forget the old. Recognize and cherish those constants in your life. Make time for your family. Make new friends, but keep the old. Guard your health and take care of yourself physically.

Build a new image. Reinvent yourself. Dare to be different. Dare to be you. Does that sound like a contradiction in terms? It isn't. You can change and still be yourself; moreover, you can change and still be true to yourself. Read the biographies of some successful people and you will discover that often the key to that success was their ability to change, go through metamorphoses, re-invent themselves over and over again. Cary Grant once said something to the effect that his greatest role was playing Cary Grant.

Expect some rainy days. Learn to accept adversity. Sometimes a kick in the rear will send you further up the ladder of success than a pat on the back will. Learn to deal with rejection. Confront the culture that wants to stick you in a niche or discard you like an old shoe.

And don’t forget - learn to spit!

Billie Houston's most recent release is "Whither Thou Goest", available on Amazon. Here's a brief description of this historical marriage of convenience/romance:
Resigned to being an old maid, Elizabeth Holt works at the library and lives quietly in the small town of Cedar Gap, Texas. The 1929 financial crash leaves her penniless and devastated. Her devious aunt Lavinia has squandered her inheritance in the stock market.
Reverend John Reardon has recently become the pastor of a church in Cedar Gap. Unbeknown to the congregation, the chairman of the deacons invested the church’s assets in now worthless stocks. When the bank forecloses on the church and parsonage, Reardon trades his furniture for lodging in the house where Elizabeth lives with her cunning Aunt Lavinia.
John tries to make the best of living in a house with a manipulative schemer and a woman who trusts no one. He is running out of options when Elizabeth makes him an offer he can’t afford to refuse.