Author Megan Besing's New Book Lights Up the Shelves

 

(Photo by Matt C./unsplash.com)

All right, readers, you're firefighters! Pull on your gear, grab your helmet, (those things are heavy so pump some iron before you start!) and jump in the firetruck. We're about to find out more about the next fire and rescue book Rescued Heart by an author near and dear to my heart, Megan Besing. Sound the alarm and break open the garage door—don't forget Dally the Dalmatian—and let's get right into the hot spots of this new release!

PT: Let's jump right into the fire, Megan. Tell us how you got started as a suspense author.

MB: After I had two published historicals, I saw how Sunrise Publishing had a call out for an opportunity to potentially be mentored by a great suspense author, Lisa Phillips, and I thought I’d like to learn how to write suspense. So, I tried out and was chosen. I got to have a weekend retreat with Lisa and Susan May Warren where I learned lots and that lead to my next three suspense books through Sunrise Publishing.

PT: Everyone's dying to know, do you have a day job besides writing?

MB: I’ve spent the last two years teaching 7th and 8th grade at a small Christian school. Yes, all the subjects, including Latin the first year (which I did not know). My favorite subjects to teach are Bible and believe it or not, Math.

PT: So is there any genre you secretly want to write in?

MB: I have several YA/YA fantasy/ Dystopian stories on my old computer and in my head. I think being a current junior high teacher has me longing to see those stories in print. But I just want to find books for my students that I know they’ll love, and I don’t have to fear what’s inside of them. However, I don’t see that happening tomorrow at least. 😊

PT: Hobbies? Pets? Favorite vacations? Favorite foods while writing? Work with silence or music or other?

MB: Reading, that counts as a hobby, right? Pets, we have a dog and three cats, plus some chickens all of which live outside and actually enjoy there. Though my cat, Novella, is actually sleeping on my lap right now. We’ve gotten to travel a fair amount, and I love things about each trip, but my favorites are probably: Ireland, Hawaii, and Lake Superior. And yes, I love water it seems. My favorite foods while writing tend to be on the crunchy/salty end like Chex-Mix and Cheese-Its, but I also love chocolate. Usually, I work outside in my “writing room”. It’s really a little shed by our lake that gets really hot in the summer.  I tend to listen to creation, but if I’m inside where it’s loud, I’ll listen to instrumental music—like The Piano Guys.

PT: Did you ever have a book review that really inspired you?

MB: I try to read all my reviews. Generally, they are good, but occasionally I’ll get a review that beats me or my book up (or both) and for some reason those bad reviews seem to stick out in my brain more than the good ones. But I love reading a review where the reader “got” the story and when they mention the spiritual aspects of the book, I’m like: “Yes, this is why I do this.” It’s very encouraging.

 PT: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

MB: My original dream destination was Ireland, and we actually visited there a few years ago. And yes, it’s beautiful and lovely. I think now I’d like to visit England and see the beautiful coastline. Drink some yummy tea. However, don’t tell my daughter, but we’d love to take her to Paris—her dream—for her senior trip. But… life doesn’t always allow our dreams. So only time will tell if that adventure will happen or not.

 PT: Tell us a quick synopsis of your new book, Rescued Heart.

 Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger

Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center.

 But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process.

 Rescued Heart is a heart-pounding romance that celebrates the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

PT: Your new book, Rescued Heart is part of a series, correct? Tell us a little about the series and how many books are included.

MB: Rescued Heart is actually book seven in the Last Chance Fireand Rescue Series which is a branch from the original Last Chance County Series that Lisa Phillips wrote ten books in. Each book in the LCF&R series are all stand alones, where they follow a different firefighter either on Rescue Squad Five or Truck Fourteen. Or the fire chief like I got to write about in book two, Expired Hope. There will be one more book releasing in a few months to finish out the series the LCF&R series. It’s been so fun bringing the crew their own happily-ever-afters.

PT: I’ve just started reading the book. I can’t wait to see which direction Bianca will go next. Do you have a character in this, or other books, that is most like you?

MB: I usually don’t mirror a character after anyone specific. A character may get a few random traits or I might borrow from people I know. But if anything, sometimes I borrow favorite things—Like Bianca enjoys a certain kind of milkshakes, and the reason I chose that flavor is because my dad likes that kind, too. She’s also partial to flipflops and sweatpants, and I’m guilty of that as well.

 PT: What’s the Bible premise or verse that Rescued Heart centers around?

 MB: I chose Palms 139: 23-24 for Rescue Heart’s verse: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It talks about our heart, and it touches on some trials the characters have to endure doing the story.

 PT: What Bible verse keeps you centered right now?

MB: My favorite verse has always been Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting in the Lord covers most things we go through in life. But the verse I’d chosen for my classroom this past year was Proverbs 4:23 which says: Above all else, guard your heart; for everything you do flows from it.  I also need to pick a new verse to memorize for the month. It will probably be another verse in Proverbs because that’s the book I’m currently in. 

 PT: Drum roll for my favorite prompt. Name 5 things that have nothing to do with writing.

 MB: 1. A Vanilla Coke—because I’d like to drink one right about now. 

        2. Packing—we’re about to go camping. (Which is not what I consider a great vacation. Lol. But it is good family time.) 

        3. Orchids and tulips—because I think they’re my favorite flowers. Though, I do enjoy Gerber daisies too.  

        4./5. Bedtime I’m wondering how much farther is bedtime because I’m tired. And I’m thinking I might need another hummingbird feeder.

 PT: What’s next on your author chalkboard? Writing? Editing? Marketing? All three?

MB: It looks like I’m going to have another book release next spring. More details can be found in my newsletter and social media when everything because more official.

(Photo by Tak Kei Wong/unsplash.com)

PT: And the fire's out. Enter Megan's book giveaway by leaving your email address and a inspiring
comment, or use our contact form. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Megan for joining us today!

Want to know more about Megan Besing? Keep reading!

purchase links:

https://books2read.com/rescuedheart

 https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Heart-Chance-County-Rescue-ebook/dp/B0DFY2YVCZ

 https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-last-chance-fire-and-rescue-rescued-heart/

 

bio:

Megan Besing is a PW's Bestselling Author. Winner of the Selah Award, a 2x finalist in the Carols, and a HOLT Medallion finalist, Megan lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, with her husband and their children, where she's always planning a road trip. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

 

Links:

 https://www.meganbesing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganbesing/

https://www.facebook.com/MeganBesingWriter

 https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-besing

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Megan-Besing/author/B073X2W8CV

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Megan Besing, author of Expired Hope!

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 Megan Besing, author of Expired Hope! 

Despite always adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn't unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her own stories have won many awards, including the Selah for her novella, Perfect for the Preacher, along with the Pre-published Maggie for The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-up which landed #5 on PW's Religion Fiction list. And now she's thrilled to be a Sunrise Publishing author. However, her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother.

She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family, where she's always planning a road trip with a view. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com. 

Instagram, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, Amazon Author, Twitter, and Pinterest 

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?

My drink order preference would be tea first, then a hot chocolate (especially, if it’s snowy.) and lastly, coffee. 

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

Oh, this is hard. I’m not sure where to begin, but it would probably involve a starch. Potatoes, for example. I love mashed potatoes, but some homemade French fries with some cheese sauce sounds lovely. Which then would lead me to a soft pretzel with cheese. And then fried cheese with marinara. Then I may just circle back to some breadsticks with cheese sauce. So basically, cheese and a starch. But a fresh no bake cookie sounds nice right now too. Lol.

All the best answers involve cheese and a starch! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

I have what I call my writing room. However, it’s less like a room and more like an outdoor shed. Originally, my husband built a tiny building at my in-laws to be used as a greenhouse. (Pretty much the entire front is covered in windows and a glass door.) Recently, my in-laws no longer wanted it, so they moved the building to our house, and we put it by our lake. My husband then put electricity in there for me to run my computer and also a fan or heater depending on the weather. My writing “shed” is just large enough for a desk on one side and a lawn chair on the other, but it’s quiet, and I love looking out at the water while I’m writing.

I'd like to borrow your writing shed! LOL! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

Hmmm, I don’t know if this is considered odd, but ever since I’ve started writing, I can predict most movie endings. Maybe an odder thing would be that if I see that someone in my family has left a book open and face down to “keep” their page. I will grab some kind of book mark and slip it in that page and then close the book, because I don’t want the binding “stretched.”

You're a hero for saving all those bindings! What inspired you to write Expired Hope?

I knew I wanted my heroine, Natalie, to be a veteran. My husband is a veteran and so based on my experience as an army wife living on army bases, I thought I could bring an authentic feel to her character. The first scene sparked from something my husband once shared with me after a deployment. I want to share more, but I don’t want to ruin anything in the story. So, I’ll just encourage you to read the special reader’s note at the end once you finish Macon and Natalie’s story.

Well, I'm hooked! What led you to write in this genre? 

I like suspense shows, but I was a little afraid to try and write a suspense novel. I had been a historical author before, but when Sunrise Publishing announced a mentor opportunity with a suspense author, I thought this could be a perfect opportunity to learn. And I’m so glad I made the jump into suspense. It has really grown me as a writer, and I think this story may just be my best one yet.

That's awesome! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

We are all flawed people looking for fulfillment, love, peace, and hope. And all of that can only be found in Christ.

Great message! Can you tell us a little about your next projects?

I’m working on a secret unannounced suspense story. Stay tuned to my social media and my newsletter for that information which I hope to share soon. But outside of that, I’m also working on a contemporary romance, and if I ever find time, I need to edit a historical too. But until then, you can check out my published historical, The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-up. It’s about a heroine who thinks she’s answering an ad for a teaching position, but really, it’s a mail-order bride ad placed by the unexpecting groom’s parents.

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

My go to verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” That verse seems to cover all the things that pop up in my life from my worries to fears to hopes. It reminds me of what my priorities should be and also who holds the future.

For my book Expired Hope, I used the verse : "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7 NIV. My characters, Macon and Natalie, learn that their hope needs to be placed in God alone.

Love those verses! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

I’m reading Tunnel Creek Ambush by Kerry Johnson and The Baby Inheritance Tina Radcliffe.

Awesome! Thank you for answering all of my prying questions, Megan!

Check out Megan's new release, Expired Hope! 

Fire. Family. Faith.

A fire chief, a woman in danger, a forbidden love...can it survive the flames of revenge?

She's running to a fresh start...

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson just wants to help heroes survive their past. But when she's rescued from a fire...and falls for the one person she's supposed to help...she could destroy both their futures.

It's his last chance to get it right...

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job--he just has to prove it to the counselor who is signing off on his team. What he doesn't expect is to fall for her.

But danger is stalking her and someone is going to get hurt.

So, he'll have to protect her, without crossing any lines. And she'll have to make sure that she doesn't get him killed.

A romantic suspense with a heroic but wounded fire chief, a woman on the run, secrets, a forbidden love, and a plot that will keep you guessing.

Grab a copy of Expired Hope HERE!

Giveaway ~ 

Megan has generously offered an Expired Hope Bookmark and Mini Scripture Notebook for two US winners! 

Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away an Expired Hope Bookmark and Mini Scripture Notebook for each of the two winners!

This giveaway is open to the US only! 

This giveaway will close on 5/18/23 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!

Love Inspired Historical Author, Megan Besing is No Mix-Up

You read that right readers! It’s no mix-up that Megan Besing has released her Love Inspired Historical Book, The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up. And we have her right here with us this week. It’s also no mix-up that we have a triple giveaway this week! Keep reading to find out more!

PT: Welcome Megan and congrats on the new release! Everyone just loves those mail-order bride stories!

So tell us, did writing success take the “slow road” or the “Indy 500 track?” Tell us a bit about that journey.

MB: Probably somewhere in the middle. It sure felt slow at the time and had been curves along the way. I had a chance to “fast-track” with an earlier story, but I’m glad I waited and honed my writing skills. I’ve written in several genres, and honestly, I like to write lots of genres, but historical will always have a special place in my heart because it’s how I became a published author. Historicals are also special because I once said I could never write one, and God showed me otherwise.

PT: Haha! Never say never, right? I think God likes to laugh at our mixed-up plans. What made you want to tell Della Mae and Hank’s story? How did you decide the setting?

MB: Della and Hank’s story came when Love Inspired had a contest for new historical book ideas. I wasn’t writing that genre, so I simply told several of my author friends about the opportunity. But then, the contest kept popping up in my head, followed by an idea: what if a teacher arrived and everyone thought she was there to be a mail-ordered bride?

I thought if I tried writing a historical for the contest, I wouldn’t have anything really to lose. And I’m so glad I did. Even though the story didn’t make it to the final portion of the contest at that time, it gave me the courage to write a historical.

For The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up, I wanted the setting to be somewhere that was special to me, so I picked Missouri, where my grandparents used to live. However, I had originally placed the story in the southeastern corner of the state, but since Hank’s property needed oil on the land, upon research, that location wouldn’t work. I did discover that oil was found on the western portion of the state, which seemed like the perfect spot for Hank and Della’s story.

Click for the Amazon Link.

A mail-order mistake…
 Or a made-to-be match?

 When Della Mae Wagner’s train arrives in Missouri, she’s shocked to find that the couple who hired her don’t just want a teacher for their grandsons but a wife for their son! After a broken engagement, marriage is not in Della’s plans. And Hank Lamson isn’t pleased—with his parents, with his unexpected guest or with Della’s unfairly appealing smile. But his plans to send her packing are foiled as his family comes to love her…and he feels the walls around his wounded heart start to fall.

PT: Love the cover! Now, I’m always interested in author’s writing spaces, where they all get creative. Tell about your place for writing.

MB: Most of the time I try to write in my “writing room”. It’s actually a little shed outside by our lake. It’s not big or fancy. At one point it was even a greenhouse, but it’s my favorite place to write. My husband put electricity in there for me so I could run a little heater and keep my computer charged. Now, it only needs air conditioning.

PT: What part about writing is hardest for you?

MB: Commas and spelling. 😊 Marketing and writing a synopsis make my brain hurt, but unfortunately they’re a part of the author’s job.

PT: How did you come up with the cute idea of a pet chicken? (Yes, there really is a pet chicken in the book!)

MB: We’ve had chickens for several years and my in-laws have had them even longer, and Mabel seemed like a natural pet and “friend” little Wallie might have.

PT: Tell 5 things fast about Megan Besing that have nothing to do with writing.

MB: 

1. I drink tea almost every morning.

2. I love the beach and vacations in general.

3. I play piano at our church.

4. Polka dots are my favorite color.

5. And my mom’s cheesecake is my favorite “cake”.

 PT: What are your next plans for writing?

My next book comes out April 2023. It’s a suspense set in author Lisa Phillip’s Last Chance County. It will be published by Sunrise Publishing.

 PT: Wow! Congrats! Readers will definitely be looking for your next book. Thanks Megan for joining us today!

And in case you didn't know, Megan is my daughter. I love having the privilage of interviewing her while being so proud of her writing success! Now, onto those giveaways. Megan is giving away TWO Great is Thy Faithfulness bookmarks. And in celebration of my new book that released on June 1st, I'm giving away one copy of The Spellbound Schoolmarm! That's three, THREE opportunities to win a prize this week! Wahoo! To enter, leave your email in the comments or on our contact form.

 

Aren't these pretty??

My newest release! Click for the Amazon Link.

You can connect with Megan here:

Social links:

Author and Writer | Megan Besing

Megan Besing (facebook.com)

Megan Besing (@meganbesing) • Instagram photos and videos

Megan Besing Books - BookBub

Megan Besing (@MeganBesing) / Twitter

Amazon link: The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up - Kindle edition by Besing, Megan. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Despite always adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn't unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her own stories have won many awards, including the Selah for her novella, Perfect for the Preacher, along with the Pre-published Maggie for The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-Up. And now she’s thrilled to be a Sunrise Publishing author. However, her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother.

She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family, where she's always planning a road trip with a view. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

Perfect for Publication. . .Author Megan Besing!

   I couldn't be more excited if I drank a gallon of Mountain Dew while parasailing behind my own speedboat waving at family and friends on the dock of my own beachfront home! (Yellow, please.) Slap me and call me silly, my very own daughter is publishing! (Can you tell it's a proud Mama moment? If not, rewind and read above one more time.)
  If you don't believe dreams come true, cast your mind back to 2014 when I first interviewed this lovely lady. (https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/search?q=Megan+Besing)And now, also a bone fide author. (I can almost hear her blush. LOL) All right here. Switching to professional mode (for your safety), I have a super interview for you, our faithful readers. Let's dive in!

PT: Welcome to the mine! Make yourself at home, here on this Adirondack at my yellow beachfront home. We always have to get the particulars out of the way, as usual. So, what genres to you write in, Megan?

MB: I think the genre I'm being published in is perhaps a less complicated question. But if I’m completely honest, my absolute favorite stories to create are YA Fantasies…which is close to polar opposite of my debut which is Historical Fiction. I’ve dabbled in a bit of everything, however as long as there’s a thread of romance, a message of hope, and I like my characters, the worlds I find them in whether past, present, or make-believe isn’t as important for me.

PT: And where did the inspiration come from for your debut novel?

MB: When my publisher sent out a call for mail-order bride stories, the first thing that popped into my head was the hero. I knew I wanted the star of the show to be a preacher. Between my husband and my extended families, there’s a lot of preachers. But if you stop and think about all the main heroes of different books, preachers don’t usually get drafted very often, which I thought was a shame because they have such potential.

Then I started thinking what would provide conflict… a bride whose background was less than stellar, and a congregation that was bent on keeping them apart quickly rounded out the story. And that’s the super short run down of how Perfect for the Preacher came to be. 😊 

PT:  All the readers want to know if this is based on reality or totally made up?

MB: This Historical Fiction is completely made up. However, growing up around preachers and my husband and mine’s numerous military moves, which meant many, many different church homes…I felt confident in my ability to portray the inner workings of a church. In most books you have two main characters, but Hilltop Chapel, the church in Perfect for the Preacher, became a character all its own. And I hope they are a realistic portrayal of a congregation that isn’t perfect, yet of course is very redeemable.

PT: Of course! Now let's get to food. You have to have something that fuels you, lifts you, inspires you! Share your favorite snack for the writing room.

MB: Crunchy Snacks! Whether they actually help my brain become more creative, or if it’s just my imagination that they do, I seem to work better with some kind of crunchy food. My current favorite is Traditional Chex Mex and of course a Vanilla Coke is my drink of choice.

PT: Speaking of fuel for your creativity, let's get to the ultimate spiritual food. What is your favorite Bible verse?

MB: As long as I can remember, Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been my go to verse. It has so much truth and application packed inside those two short verses. Got problems, doubt, fears—Trust—God’s got this, whatever the ‘this’ may be.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” –(NIV)

PT: I think that covers it all. Now, lets take the readers on a little trip here on my make-believe deck. Tell a favorite place you visited.

MB: #Ihearttravel I have had lots of opportunities to visit lots of cool places. My go to answer is always: THE BEACH. Love it! Been to several, several beaches. But I think my favorite vacation was when my husband and I went to Puerto Rico, but our visit to Washington DC was a close second. However, we’re planning a trip to Ireland that I imagine will soon take the top spot. 

PT: Ahhh, well there you have it! And now nothing better than to show you the cover. Let me remove my virtual sunglasses. There. What do you think?

Oh, did I fail to say there were nine total mail order bride stories? Oh, my. It must have been the imaginary sun affecting my brain. Yes, you read that right. Nine authors and nine mail order bride novels all bound within one cover. And a gorgeous one it is. As my granddaughter would say, Bam-What???

I am happy to give you a little blurb as well. (PS: I've read it and it's AWESOME!)

Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing
1897, Indiana
Fresh from seminary, Amos Lowry believes marriage will prove to his skeptical congregation that he's mature. If only his mail-order bride wasn't an ex-saloon girl, and worse, pregnant.

Short and sweet. And very tempting! Just like my spot here, sipping fictional lemonade and enjoying the mythical breezes of the salt sea wind. But this book isn't imaginary! And you can win a copy right here on the faithful ole' Diamond Mine. Here's the drill, if you're unfamiliar-become a reader to catch all the giveaways-leave a comment and your email, and we'll get in contact with one of you lucky readers! If you will excuse us now, we must grab our towels and be off to the fabricated white sands of the beach! Thanks for reading!

Megan Besing adores reading, writing, and reviewing stories with happily-ever-afters. She’s received many awards, including being a multi-category finalist in ACFW’s Genesis and a winner of MCRW’s Melody of Love contest. Her debut Perfect for the Preacher releases February 2018 in Barbour’s Mail-Order Brides Novella Collection.

She lives in Indiana with her husband and their children, where she dreams of the beach and drinks way too many Vanilla Cokes. Connect with Megan at www.meganbesing.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.

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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.