Interview and Giveaway with Lena Nelson Dooley!!

Today we welcome prolific author Lena Nelson Dooley to The Diamond Mine!!!

Her new book is called: A Heart's Forever Home. It's book number three in her Love's Road Home series!

After the interview, please leave a comment, and your email, to be entered in the drawing for a free copy of Lena's book!

Hi Lena!! Please share a little about your series: Love’s Road Home, and your newest addition: A Heart’s Forever Home.

These 5 books are all standalone stories, but there are characters in each book that appear in at least one of the other books.

 

In A Heart’s Forever Home, the heroine came to Fort Worth, Texas, on an orphan train. When her new grandmother dies, her world is turned upside down. The hero is her grandmother’s lawyer.

Here’s the back cover copy for the book:

A single lawyer whose clients think he needs a wife. A woman who needs a forever home...or a forever family...or a forever love.

Although Theresa Killdare is a grown woman now, the discovery that her adoption wasn’t finalized sends her reeling. Especially when her beloved grandmother dies and the only siblings she’s ever known exile her from the family property without a penny to her name.

 Wilson Pollard works hard for the best interest of his law clients, even those who think a marriage would make him more “suitable” in his career. And when the beloved granddaughter of a recently deceased client comes to him for help, he knows he must do whatever necessary to make her situation better.

 As each of their circumstances worsen, a marriage of convenience seems the only answer for both. Theresa can’t help but fall for her new husband—the man who’s given her both his home and his name. But what will it take for Wilson to realize he loves her? Will a not-so-natural disaster open his eyes and heart?

 

This sounds wonderful!! How did you get the idea for the series?

Most of these stories have been percolating in my head for a few years. I do believe that God drops the ideas there, and they take time to develop. When I write historical novels, only my characters and their stories are fiction. I do a lot of research to make everything in the book authentic to the time period. I also try to have one or more major historical events in the story. In this one, it was a seriously bad idea that didn’t work out well.

 

I love doing research for historical stories! 

I'm curious. Are any of your characters a lot like you?

I do think that most books have some things from the author in them. My heroine is Irish, and I have Irish in my ancestry.

 

Which do you find easier to write: plot, or characters?

I write character driven stories, and the plot fits in with that.

 

I love stories like that! 

Do you have a central theme for your books?

I have a few that often appear in my stories: forgiveness and God’s plan for lives are two of them.

 

Those are really important themes to address.

Do you write for a set amount of time every day, or do you write in random bursts of inspiration?

I try to write for a set amount of time, but sometimes life gets in the way. This year it was covid. James and I both got covid in January. My case was mild. I wasn’t hospitalized, and I was well in 10 days. James’s was he opposite. He was in and out of hospitals and rehab for two months, then came home in bad shape. We learned later that the rehab center and their doctor thought he came there to die, so they didn’t do much with him. We almost lost him twice during all this time, but literally thousands of people both here and around the world were praying for him. He’s a walking miracle. I was unable to write until June.

 

I'm sorry you had to go through all that. But what a wonderful outcome!

So, what made you decide to be a writer?

God told me to become a professional writer in 1984. You can read the testimony of how that happened by going to my website, http://www.lenanelsondooley.com and read the About Me page.

 

I'll do that! 

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Knowing I’m doing what God created me to do.

 

Amen to that!

Do you have a favorite among your characters?

Usually, when anyone asks me that, I say it’s the characters I’m writing about at that time.

Good Answer!  :) 

What are you working on now?

Book 4 in the series – A Heart’s Redemption set in Grape Vine, Texas, in 1899. The hero and heroine are older than my usual books, and they have a history that isn’t good. He’s now a successful rancher, and she owns a boardinghouse, and they haven’t seen each other for 19 years.

 

That sounds really interesting! Thanks so much for your visit today, Lena! It's been an honor to interview you!

Okay, readers! Here's more info about Lena and where you can connect with her, and her books

 

Bio: Multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 950,000 copies of her 54 books sold. She is a member of ACFW and the local chapter, ACFW - DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

She has been on the ECPA and CBA Bestseller lists, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, and several Amazon Bestseller lists as well as a reviewer’s Top Ten Books of 2011. She has won over a dozen major awards.

 

Social Media Links:

Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com

Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley

Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmMImXr00OS8bO4FnT-yhVw?view_as=subscriber

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_Dooley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenanelsondooley/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lenanelsondooley

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JPAIDE

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lena-nelson-dooley

 

Buy Links:

Amazon - http://ow.ly/7tpB50GbrE6

Also Available on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple iBooks

 

 

Lena Nelson Dooley and more!

4th of July Romance Collection written by six multi-published, popular authors, and introducing three
debut authors- all part of famed author and agent, Lena Nelson Dooley's critique group. 

Lena, welcome to The Diamond Mine of Christan fiction. You definitely have some gems in this collection.

 1. How did this collection evolve?

Because it's getting harder for new authors to get published, and because many of the unpublished authors in the critique group that meets in my home were writing publishable works, I decided to do a Christmas novella collection in 2015. We had 9 novellas in that one. Then we did an April Fools one, a Thanksgiving one, and now the 4th of July one. My plan was to help these first 9 and some others become published and get their name out there. Introduce their writing to avid readers.

2. I've heard great things about this critique group. What makes a successful one and why should authors join one?

I started my critique at the end of teaching a writing course for a fine arts academy over 25 years ago. It's been active since then. God has brought many authors to my group. Some come through and move on fairly quickly, some stay for years, and some are in between. I always stress that this is God's critique group, that He has chosen me to help other authors. We keep Him in the center of everything, both the work and the fun. He's brought people I never would have met otherwise. And at any given time, it's a diverse group where each author has a special ability to add to the group.

I really believe that critique groups help authors grow in ability in a way they can't without connecting with other authors. Even after all my published books, I never submit a book to a publisher or indie-publish a book without it going through crit group.

3. You've done collections before. Why publish them all together instead of publishing each one separately?

Readers often don't want to spend their money on books written by unknowns. Including published authors along with 3 or 4 debut authors, gives the latter a boost.

4. You have been considered for  many awards, and won quite  a few. Tell us about the latest ones.

Right now my latest full-length novel, A Heart's Gift, is one of three finalists in the long historical category of Faith, Hope, and Love RWA chapter's Readers' Choice award. I love contests where the readers are the judges. I should find out later this month about the award, but I feel like a winner just being chosen as a finalist. My traditionally published novel that was published in 2014, Catherine's Pursuit, won a different Readers' Choice award, third place in Golden Scrolls, and the Bronze Will Rogers Medallion award. The first time I ever had a book win three awards. God has blessed me.

5.  What else do you have up your literary sleeve?

Right now, I'm teaching writing workshops and reading books, judging then for a national book award contest. I'll be back to writing in mid-August.

You are one busy lady! Thanks for taking time out to join us on Diamond Mine!

So, folks, here are the synopses of each in this great series.

Strange Voices in the Night
By Lena Nelson Dooley - National bestseller, multi-award-winning author
While movie star, Katarina Slaughter, is in Texas trying to take care of all the business attached to her inheritance after her grandmother’s death, strange things start to happen. Not the least of which is when Wise County Deputy Sheriff, Austin Krum, and a host of other deputies, bright lights, and a bullhorn awaken her in the night. Sparks, both good and not so good, ensue.

Fireworks and Fireflies
By Lisa Crane - multi-published Amazon author
LaRue Payton left her hometown seven years ago after the ultimate betrayal. The death of her father calls her back, only to discover some things haven’t changed. Especially her feelings for Cash Embry. Angry at Rue for leaving without a word seven years ago, Cash wants to hurt her as much as she did him. And yet he’s drawn to her as to no other woman. Can they move beyond the hurt and betrayal of the past and find the love that might have been?

A Star-Spangled Homecoming
By Leann Harris - Multi-published author
When Star Taylor returns home to Alpine, Texas to finish her degree at McDonald Observatory, the last thing she expects is run into her high school boyfriend, Bart Hays. The man is a widower with a five-year-old son. Will romance win this time? Or will the circumstances of today drown out their growing love?

Firecracker Bride
By Anne Greene - Multi-published and multi-award winning author
1879 – Cat Divine resists stage robbers, her demanding father, gossiping neighbors, and flash floods. But can she resist Travis McGuire, a hero with a heart and bravery as big as his Texas home? 

Someone Special
By Kathy Wall - Multi-published author
Charlotte O’Malley and Howard Wiseman pull off the scam of the century by tricking her mother into believing she’s getting serious over a guy. Charlotte, graduate student in medical nuclear engineering, is only interested in her research. They never lied, only implied what Mom wanted to believe. Averting Mom’s questions on wedding, family, and kids is more difficult than anticipated. On July 4th, Charlotte discovers rainbows and dreams do come true. Will it last?

Artemisian Summer
By debut author Rachael Acree
Abigail Cartwright thought her heart was broken beyond repair, but an impulse decision to teach archery might just change that. Over the summer at Camp Wanahakaluge, God heals her broken heart and restores her faith in people.

A Cry for Independence
By debut author Joy Massenburge
Some cry wolf, Tammie Morris cries independence after another failed relationship. Can her son's father, Q, come back into her life and convince her reuniting their family under God is the freedom her heart seeks.

Explosions and Fireworks
By debut author Sara-Meg Seese
With only weeks to go before their wedding date, Athena is eager to marry her sweetheart Santiago when he finally returns home from his Army Reserves deployment. But a single phone call is the spark that turns their dreams of a perfect life together into a nightmare. Will their love survive the bad news bombardment?

I Got Your Back
By Lisa J Crane - multi-published Amazon author
Magnolia Ellison was the butt of cruel fat jokes most of her life. In college, she discovered her weight was the result of a prescription drug. Her study group had a big surprise when they coerced her into singing karaoke. Between the weight loss and that karaoke performance, Magnolia’s life was changed forever. Ten years later, she returns home for her high school reunion. Her high school crush, Reese Essex, always promised he’d have her back. But when he gets the chance to have her back for good, will he take the chance? 

You won't want to miss these diverse romantic stories.  GET ALL OF THEM for ONLY $2.99!!

http://amzn.to/2tES66r

Interview and book give-away with Lena Nelson Dooley!

Today at the Diamond Mine, we’re digging into how Lena Nelson Dooley produces her gems! She’s a multi-published writer of contemporary and historical Christian fiction. Today we'll be spotlighting the first book in her historical trilogy: "Maggie's Journey," a book I greatly enjoyed reading. 

Hi Lena, and welcome to the Diamond mine!

Your McKenna’s Daughters trilogy is your latest in a long line of wonderful historical stories. What made you choose to write historical fiction?

I’ve written and been published in both contemporary and historical fiction. The last several books have been historical. Writers come up with ideas and write proposals. Their agents send out the proposals to various editors. The last four to sell were historicals.

I see. I’m new at this, so it’s good to know! Do you do all your research before the writing process or also during?

I do research ahead of time, but I also do research during the process. I might be writing along and decide I want to use something in the story. I have to find out if that was possible in the time period. I also research setting details, society, news, clothing, food, and a number of other things, so all the details in my story are authentic to the time period. In my historical novels, only my characters and their stories are fiction.

I’m writing a historical fiction now, and I understand how much research goes into it. I really enjoyed all the details in Maggie’s Journey. I was especially struck by the details of train travel back then. Really interesting, and I felt like I made the trip with them. So, I’m curious. Do you use outlines for your stories?

I create a timeline, then divide it into possible chapters, then write a few details of what could happen. That’s all the outlining or plotting that I do on paper. Of course, the story develops and grows in my mind before I ever start writing.

How do your stories come to mind? Do you actively think of a scenario or character first, or do the ideas just pop in your head?

I do study people, and I’m always on the alert for interesting happenings. I do believe that God created me with a vivid imagination that He planned for me to use at this time in my life.

What was your first book, and how long did it take to get it published?

Home to Her Heart published by Heartsong/Barbour in 1992. I had finished writing it in 1984.

My experience is pretty similar. A book I wrote in 2008 will be my debut novel this fall. I guess that’s where perseverance comes in! Lena, what genres are your favorites for reading as well as writing?

I have very eclectic tastes in reading material. I do love reading historicals, suspense novels, contemporary romance, even some sci-fi and fantasy books.

Sounds like we have a lot in common! Do you have a favorite book or character among your stories?

It’s usually the characters in the book I’m writing at the time that I’m asked this question. I do love the characters in the book I’m writing. But I love most of my characters for their uniqueness.

What do you most want to convey to a reader through your writing?

I want first to entertain the reader. Most people use reading to take themselves out of their mundane world or to give them a break from the stress. And I always include flawed characters, who grow spiritually and emotionally through their circumstances. I hope the stories will help someone else who is facing the same kind of problems to see a way out of their circumstances as well.

What new stories do you have planned?

My new series Love’s Road Home is about people who have a second chance to find love. I’m writing the first novel right now—A Heart’s Gift.

Any advice for new authors?

Read, read, read. Read novels by good writers. Read novels in the genre you want to write. Then network with other authors.

Thanks for the advice. As a new author, I’ve got the reading part down, and am busy learning the networking part. Like this wonderful interview with you! Thanks so much Lena!

We'll be giving away a copy of "Maggie's Journey." It's the first book in Lena's trilogy of McKenna's Daughters. Just leave a comment with your email address and you're entered in the drawing! 

Here's a blurb about Maggie's Journey:

Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she was adopted. The daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed both by her real parents and by the ones who raised her. 

Maggie desires a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn't fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost. 

When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life? 

 To learn more about Lena and her books, visit her at: Lena's website or enjoy her award-winning blog: Lena's blog View and buy her books at: Lena's books on Amazon and Lena's books at Barnes and Noble

Thanks again to Lena Nelson Dooley for stopping in at The Diamond Mine!