INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR OLIVIA SYKORA!!

Today we welcome author Olivia Sykora to The Diamond Mine!!

She's going to tell us about her book,  Son of the Mountain King (Book one of The Mountain King Trilogy), and about herself!

Welcome to the Diamond Mine Olivia!

 Can you tell us a little about your book?

Son of the Mountain King is an allegorical fantasy about what I believe is the greatest love and adventure story: the love of God for people. 

Judah is the young governor of the land of the Mountain King.  She longs to prove her worth, but when an enemy threatens to invade her country, Judah is faced with secrets, betrayals , and a conspiracy that may prove the undoing of herself and her people. Readers have said that Son of the Mountain King reminds them of The Chronicles of Narnia and Till We Have Faces (C.S. Lewis), Hind's Feet on High Places (Hannah Hurnard), Israel, My Beloved (Kay Arthur), and the fairytales of George MacDonald.  

Here's a bit more about the book for our readers to enjoy:

When an invasion threatens the land of the Mountain King, the fate of the people rests on the shoulders of young governor Judah. She has sworn to prove herself a skillful leader by protecting her kingdom from foes, but difficulty and danger surround her.

Then Judah's life is saved by two different men who divide her loyalty. One, a fascinating healer, captures the hearts of Judah and her people. The other, a mysterious shepherd, forces Judah to question what she believes to be true.

When a conspiracy comes to light that could destroy Judah and her kingdom, a single choice might cost her people everything. Will the headstrong leader prove herself--or find herself trapped?

Sounds really cool!! How did you get your idea for this story?

While I was reading my devotions one morning, the comparison of Christ's love for His people being like that of a husband for his wife struck me in a new way.

I thought, what if the entire story of the Bible were told as a simple love story, a fairytale  that speaks the truth of the greatest love story ever? The seed of SOMK grew from there.

Wow! Isn't it amazing how inspiration works?

What made you decide to be a writer?

Like many authors, I have always loved writing. However, as an English teacher I was content to work with my students on their writing and maintain a sporadic blog on the side. My dabbling in prose took a sharp turn in 2018, when I joined a worldwide challenge to write a novel draft in 30 days. It was a heady experience. I was hooked. The rough draft of Son of the Mountain King came into being the following year during my second writing challenge.

That's how my first published novel started out, from that November challenge!

What was your first story?

My first novel manuscript--which to date remains on a shelf--was the one that pulled me into the dream of becoming a published author. This story, which I outlined on the whiteboard in front of my students as an example of how to "raise the stakes" for their own stories, developed in a wild, spontaneous way that was just plain fun. It became a rollicking, modern-day adventure that is quite different from the Mountain King trilogy.

Sounds like you and your students had a lot of fun with that!

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

As other mixed-bag writers might say: yes. A story idea will come to me, and I'll let it simmer for a while, sometimes years. When it's time to write the story, I create a rough outline. But in the middle of being written, the story starts to shift and twist under inspirational seismic events. When the dust settles, the beginning and end points may be the only parts of the story that haven't undergone massive changes.

Such a great description of that process. I love the term "inspirational seismic events." It's perfect!

Do you have any underlying themes  that you want your readers to come away with?

In the end, hope and love. This story speaks of the most important fact in the world: God loves us, every one of us. May a fragrance of that love and the hope stemming from it envelop every reader.

Amen to that!!

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

I'm sure they do! Not intentionally, but when I look back over a draft, many of the characters' struggles, hopes, and fears are my own or those of people I love.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Definitely. Writing the story of these characters is like developing a friendship. I might think I know everything about someone, then boom! they do something that reveals a deeper layer. I discovered steadfast, sacrificial courage in a character who was sensible and laid back. A minor character who didn't even exist in initial drafts became a central figure in the second book. One character that I detested in the first book became a favorite of mine by the end of the second.

I love that! I've experienced the same things. It's surprising and delightful!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

Of course, I love my main characters. But a side character I've always been partial to is Hilda, a friend of the narrator. She's a confident introvert with a dry sense of humor and an iron backbone when it comes to good vs. evil.

I bet readers will love her, too!

What are you working on now?

Book three of the trilogy is in the works as we speak! I have continued to use the 30-day method for creating a novel rough draft, and I'm almost halfway through at this point. There's a very different kind of world building going on in this story, and I'm enjoying the challenge.

And I've really enjoyed this interview, and getting to know you and your book. Thanks so much, Olivia!! 

Here's some more about Olivia, along with her links:

Olivia Sykora has always been fascinated by allegorical stories. C.S. Lewis sits on the top of her favorite authors list, and then George MacDonald with his glorious fairytales. Hannah Hurnard's classic story, Hind's Feet on High Places, became a significant allegory in Olivia's life and faith journey, and she searched for further books that could communicate spiritual truths through accessible, exciting stories.Now, Olivia has crafted a new allegorical fantasy for modern readers to enjoy. Son of the Mountain King, the first book in the Mountain King trilogy tells the greatest love and adventure story: the love of God for His people.

Here's a short bio:

Olivia is an author, globe-trotter and educator. While traveling through 30+ countries, her adventures have ranged from exploring Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, to dining with Roma royalty in Romania, to summitting Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro. Olivia taught middle school English for many years before retiring to raise her kids and to write. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where they hike, kayak, and explore.

Links:

Website: www.orsykora.com

Amazon: https://us.amazon.com/Son-Mountain-King-Trilogy/dp/1522305157

Barnes &Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/son-of-the-mountain-king-or-sykora/1147648895?ean=9781522305156

Apple Books:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/son-of-the-mountain-king/id6744548609

Pelican:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main page=product info&cPath=34 102&products id=1716

Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orsykora/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18VzUe8Dxd/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Interview with author Kirsten Clark!!

Today we welcome author Kirsten Clark to The Diamond Mine! Her wonderful Holiday Book "A Christmas Cup of Joe" will be out this November!  Here's a little taste of it. 

He’s a lost soul. She has faith. God has a plan for them both.

Simon Jenkins is a lost soul. Struggling to process a deep loss, he survives one day at a time on the freezing streets. So when a beautiful woman with ruby-red lips thrusts a blessing bag into his arms and shares a message of faith, Simon is dubious. But her eyes twinkle with the promise of hope and love.

Sandra Williams leads a life of faith. She has a great job and a cozy apartment, but her life hasn’t always been this way. And, to be honest, she’s lonely. So when she’s called by God to take a blessing bag to Dickensfield Park, she’s taken aback by the handsome man she meets, but is also excited about God’s plans.

That sounds wonderful, Kirsten! Now here we go with the interview:

Can you tell us a little more about your book?

Sure! A Christmas Cup of Joe is a cozy Christmas romance, but one that doesn’t shy away from exploring meaningful themes.

Simon and Sandra are brought together by nothing less than divine intervention and a cup of joe thanks to their local coffee shop, Holy Grounds. Can Sandra convince Simon that he’s worthy of giving God’s love, and their budding relationship, a chance? You’ll have to read on to find out 😉

How did you get your idea for this story?

When I decided to write Christian fiction, I challenged myself to write a story with a character that truly personified what it means to withhold judgment and offer grace. Sandra is that character.

 How interesting! What made you decide to be a writer?

At age four, I was inexplicably drawn to the light-blue boxed set on the top shelf in our basement that was the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I convinced my mom to read them to me. At first she tried to explain that I wouldn’t like the books because there were no pictures, and she was right: I didn’t like them. I loved them!

While I didn’t explicitly want to be a writer then, those moments spent listening to my mom read established a deep, abiding appreciation for the power of storytelling and literature as the foundation of my innermost self.

Those books were my favorites, too. I not only read them to my children, but have reread them periodically as an adult! I bet a lot of writers had them as favorites.

What was your first story?

I wrote a terrible story about a brown calf with a heart shaped mark on his forehead named Valentine that was (you guessed it!) born on Valentine’s Day. While based on true events on my Grama and Grampa’s farm, it lacked a plot of any kind.

It does sound cute, though! :) 

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

I’m a huge planner. But once I’ve set out the important plot points, inspiration always takes over. 

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

I think it’s important not to write didactically, but I do hope A Christmas Cup of Joe makes readers think about trust, hope, worthiness, and what it really means to be a Christian.

Well, those are beautiful goals! 

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

Ohh! That’s an interesting question. My Dad is a grumpy guy, so maybe some of those traits found their way into the version of Simon we meet at the beginning of the story.

Do your characters ever surprise you?

I don’t know if surprise is the right word. Sometimes I ignore my characters and write them into situations that just don’t work. When I pull a manuscript apart looking for the problem, I always learn that I should’ve leaned into the character’s motivations and listened to them more closely. They know.

That's a very astute observation. They do know!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

That would be like picking a favorite child! I have a soft spot for each of my characters. Bridgette the barista with her clicky-clacky nails is such a fun character.

Yes, some characters are such fun to write!

Tell us what you're working on now.

I never want to lose momentum, so I’m always moving forward to new projects. Currently I’m working on a full-length novel, as well as the next installment in the Holy Grounds series.

Well, I hope you have plenty of stories in you! Thanks for the interview, Kirsten!

And now readers, here's a bit more about Kirsten, and her links, too!

Author Bio: 

Kirsten Clark developed a deep and abiding love for stories at a young age, and has been plotting how to become an author ever since. When not writing sweet romances, she can be found in the classroom teaching at her local college, curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book, or baking chocolate cake while listening to podcasts. A graduate of the Universities of Alberta and British Columbia, she lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and two children, who keep her on her toes.

Purchase Links: not available yet - Release Date: November 1st, 2024

Social Media links: 

Website - https://www.kirstenclarkauthor.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560555721535

Instagram - @kirstenclarkauthor 

INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY WITH AUTHOR M. JEAN PIKE!!

Today on The Diamond Mine we welcome author M. Jean Pike. She is offering a free copy of her book, The Little Things. 

All you need to do is click on the comment button at the end of the interview and leave a comment with your email and you'll be entered in the drawing!

Let's get a little taste of the book now: 

He’s everything she never knew she wanted.

 A decade ago, Rochelle Delany made a decision that changed her life forever.
Wanting more than just football games and potluck suppers, she boarded a bus for California and didn't look back. But instead of a glamorous life, she became trapped in a nightmare of labor trafficking. Now, she's made a daring escape and returns home to Ohio.

Sandy Fairbrother has a problem with trust.
Twice betrayed, he now puts his faith only in God. He' s a single dad doing his best to grow his construction business and raise his young son. But haunted by an impulsive kiss Rochelle gave him fifteen years ago, her unexpected return has him rethinking things. He' s been given a second chance to win her heart. And this time, he plans to succeed.

Sounds like a great read! On to the interview!

Can you tell us a little more about your book?

Thanks so much for the opportunity! I’d love to share a little about my book. The Little Things is a modern take on the parable of the Prodigal Son. As a young woman, Rochelle Delany leaves her small Ohio town of Redford’s Crossing and her family in search of glamour, fame, and fortune. Like the prodigal, things don’t turn out the way she’d hoped. After nearly a decade enslaved in human trafficking, she makes a daring escape and returns to Ohio, realizing that all she ever wanted was right there all along. But when her past catches up to her, she finds herself desperately in need of help from a man she rejected ten years before. And from the God she’s forgotten how to pray to.

How did you get your idea for this story?

After watching a documentary on the horrors of human trafficking, and how so many young people are deceived by vultures online, I felt compelled to write something that would bring awareness to this terrible condition.

Good for you!! That's great!

What made you decide to be a writer?

As far back as I can remember, I have used words in the form of poetry, short stories and journals to try and make sense of life. In college, an English instructor encouraged me to pursue writing more seriously but it was years before I started sending my work out. It just seemed too personal to share. But when my work started getting published in magazines, I was hooked! I wrote short stories and inspirational essays for about ten years before I decided to try my hand at novel writing!

I'm glad you made that decision! What was your first story?

The first one I can remember was a three-page mystery called Mac the Mysterious Mutt. I wrote it when I was in the third grade!

I bet it was cute!

So, do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

I always start with a very basic outline, or at least a skeleton of what my major plot points will be. It keeps me from getting off track.

Good idea! Sometimes it's easy to get off track!

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

Mostly, I hope my readers will see in my stories portraits of how amazing the Lord is, and what a beautiful adventure life can be with Him in it! Sometimes you go miles out of your way to get to where you need to be, but nothing takes God by surprise.

That is SO true!!

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

My characters are usually a combination of many people that have crossed my path. In one scene my heroine might possess my best friend’s astounding capacity for kindness. In another scene she might borrow the sharp tongue of a stranger in an overheard argument in the supermarket. Basically, my characters are a big, beautiful, messy, melting pot made up of human nature as I have experienced it.

Wow!! What a great way to describe the process of developing characters!

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Oh, all the time, lol.

Mine, too! 

What are you working on now?

I’m currently writing another romance set in the small town of Redford’s Crossing. I’m a New York girl who fell in love with Ohio and I love setting my stories in its small towns!

I'm looking forward to it!

Well, that's it for our interview. I'm so glad we had this chat today! Thanks so much!

Here's a little more about our author, and don't forget to leave a comment for the free book drawing!

Author Bio: Changing seasons. Unexpected blessings. Love that lasts forever. These are a few of M. Jean Pike's favorite things. With a writing career that has spanned two decades, Jean combines an insatiable curiosity about humans and why they do what they do with a keen interest in the quirky and offbeat things in life to bring readers unforgettable tales of life, love, and the inner workings of the human heart. 

Author Blog:

https://mjeanpike.wordpress.com/

Buy links: Amazon : 

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Things-M-Jean-Pike-ebook/dp/B0C1ZYD5VB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12CWJE4SFID0O&keywords=m+jean+pike&qid=1685235087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C523&sr=8-1

Pelican:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_46&products_id=162

Interview and Giveaway with author JoAnn Carter!!

 

Today we welcome author JoAnn Carter to The Diamond Mine! She will give a free copy of her book Detour: Destination Abiding Love, to the drawing winner.

In order to be in the drawing for the book, please leave a comment along with your email address in the comment link at the end of the interview. Now, here'a  peek at her book!

Sometimes Life’s Detours Deliver The Greatest Blessing 

Ex-bad-girl Sierra Sinclair has finally surrendered her life to the Lord. A hopeful future pursuing her dreams in music lies ahead. But first, she must provide restitution for those she wronged in the past. Returning to her hometown, she offers an eloquent testimony and a series of free concerts. And then, Colton Smith, son of a prominent town leader, shows an interest in her. Sierra's bright future looks trouble-free, but she soon finds out otherwise. When Colton's parents and the townsfolk won't forgive or forget her past, will this promising romance end before it ever has the chance to begin?

Sounds like a great read! Welcome to the Diamond Mine, JoAnn! I've got some questions for you!

What made you decide to be a writer?

What an interesting question. Most of my writing friends have this need to write everything down and if they’re not writing, they go nuts. It’s like a part of who they are. I’m not one of those people. Actually, as a child, I never would have dreamed I’d enjoy penning a story! You see, I have dyslexia. As a very young girl, reading and writing was a huge challenge. It wasn’t until my early teen years, that I found there could be great joy in entering story worlds, which let me experience life outside of my own. It was Christian authors, like Janette Oak, CS Lewis, and others that planted a seed.

It takes work to overcome a learning disability. For me, this only proved to strengthen my character and determination in many areas of my life. I wanted to encourage and inspire others as I myself had (and still am) through reading. So, my journey started there and I’m so glad that God is bigger than any difficulty we face.  

Perhaps today you feel inept to the task the Lord may be calling you to. Take heart. In our weakness is one of the most beautiful places where God’s strength can be found. Am I a great author? No, I wouldn’t say that -- and yet I know that God has used some of my very fallible stories to encourage others. I can't help but recognize, that's a God thing!

I was recently reminded that it’s not about what I/we can accomplish, but rather what the Potter can accomplish when I/we stay moldable in His hands. So, go ahead and take the leap today into whatever the Lord may be asking of you. I promise you, He can use anything you offer him, even those places where there is brokenness.

How true, and you said it beautifully! Can you tell us a bit about your book?

I don't want to give any huge spoiler alerts about this story, but let me share what one review said on CBD, "This little and lovely story teaches a big message about persevering love. It's not only a sweet romance, it is a gentle life lesson, encouraging readers to keep on loving...keep on being gracious...even when it's hard. The author reminds us that we can only do this with the power of Christ within..."

Sounds wonderful! How did you get your idea for this story?

I got my idea for this story after hearing a testimony at Church one evening (unrelated to the one in the book) in combination to going to a Youth Orchestra on a different night. It made me ask "what if these two worlds were to collide" and that's what this story grew from.

I love hearing how a story idea begins. The creative process is so interesting, and varied. What was your first story?

Hidden Paths was the first story I ever wrote, though not the first story I had published.

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

I typically have a loose outline, though there have been times that my characters decided to go in a different direction. When that happens, I see where it leads. That being said, I am a planner. The more stories I write, the more details I desire about the characters and plot prior to writing a single word. I have come to realize and appreciate getting to know my story-world well before trying to share it with others. 

It's funny how the characters we imagine often end up surprising us!  Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?

As far as underlying themes that I would love a reader to come away with is, well, I guess I would say this is different for each reader. What I mean by that is, we all have lenses in which we see the world. Something that I need to hear right now may be quite different than what you need depending on our circumstances. Perhaps you're in that place where you need to forgive yourself for something in your past or perhaps you're the person who's been judgmental towards someone else. Where we're at as individuals could be very different. However, the universal truth is that God loves us all -- just as we are -- but loves us enough not to leave us here. Any other themes you can glean from the characters lives in this story,  I hope the Holy Spirit can use to reveal God to you and encourage your heart wherever you're at as an individual today. 

I love that answer! Full of wisdom and understanding. Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

For Christmas, one of our sons gave me a book about personalities. It's so fun to look at the books and try to figure out what classification I am and what my loved ones fall under -- or what love language is the main way we feel loved. People are so interesting! So, of course my characters share traits with people I know. It helps me know how my fictional person will respond to a circumstance. 

Great point! Do you find that your characters often surprise you?

For some stories, my characters stay very true to who I thought they were. Actually, it's only recently that a few are going rogue on me, though it could be because I've been facing a huge learning curve with trying to write within the sci-fi genre. :)

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

The Floating Palace is a book that I wrote several years ago, which unfortunately is no longer available. But, this manuscript has my favorite character to date; Ellie Dunkling. She was a sassy, yet classy lady from the 1920's.

Those sassy characters are often so entertaining! What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a Sci-fi story, writing in collaboration with one of my sons, Jeff. It's been a lot of fun, but it's been several years in the making already. Jeff recently joined me and it's brought a freshness to the story. I'm super excited and really enjoying not only the process of writing with him, but just spending time in this creative space together. 

I think that's so great that you and your son are working together! Thanks so much for the interview, JoAnn!

Thank you for having me, Nancy. It's been fun. :)

Okay, readers! Here's a bit more about JoAnn:

JoAnn Carter is married to an amazing husband for 30 years. The Lord has blessed them with four children, and four daughter-in-laws spread across many states. Currently she resides in NJ and works as a nurse. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, exercising and cooking. Her desire is to write in such a way as to encourage readers of all ages and to strengthen their faith in our amazing God.

Please feel free to check out her webpage at: https://joannwrites.wixsite.com/website

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://a.co/9K7g2JT

Pelican Book Group: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=636

Christian Book Distributors:

https://www.christianbook.com/detour-destination-abiding-love-ebook/joann-carter/9781611164251/pd/74000EB 

Barnes and Noble: Detour: Destination Abiding Love|eBook

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email in order to be eligible for the drawing for a free copy!

Interview and Giveaway with Erin Stevenson!!

 

Today we welcome Erin Stevenson to The Diamond Mine!! She will give one lucky winner a copy of her new book,  Sisters Ever After. It's Book One in the Canadian Meadows series! Just leave a comment by clicking the comment link at the end of the interview and include your email address so we can notify you if you're the winner!

Here's a little taste of Sisters Ever After:

Gianna Harper is living on borrowed time. Newly widowed, she’s struggling to hold things together at home and keep her business afloat while dealing with her late husband’s effects. But something’s not right and now Gianna is convinced that he was involved in something a lot more sinister than shady business dealings.

 Brock Hennessey fled California to make a fresh start in northwestern Montana. He hopes he’s put enough miles between him and danger, banking on a promised job to give his family a new start in a safe place.  

 Circumstances pit Gianna and Brock against one another, and neither one is willing to give an inch. As their professional dealings grow more acrimonious, their daughters become best friends and suddenly, the four of them are thrown into situations that have them acting, looking, and sounding like a real family.

Set against the stunning backdrop of northwestern Montana, Sisters Ever After is the first book in the Canadian Meadows series.

Sounds like an awesome read!! Hello Erin, and let's start the interview!!

When did you decide to be a writer?

I have an academic background and have penned a thesis, a dissertation, and published several articles. I turned my energies to fiction in 2014.

How interesting!
How do you get the ideas for your books?

Some of them come from real life! I always keep my eyes open for ideas. A few months ago after it had snowed about a foot, I was driving on a country road and pulled over to take a picture of the beautiful winter sunset. However, I didn’t realize that the “shoulder” was really a snowbank, and I was thoroughly stuck. While I waited for my son to come and rescue me, I wrote a scene in my head about a sweet young thing who gets stuck in a snowbank and gets rescued by a strong, handsome hero. But wait—maybe he gets stuck and she rescues him! I was also visiting relatives in south Texas in February when they lost power and water for four days. That was an adventure! I’ve already had several people ask if I’m going to work that into a book someday, and the answer is, “probably.” 😊

Oh, the mind of a writer! We see stories everywhere!

How long do you typically work on a book?

I have written a 43,000-word manuscript in 30 days, a 77,000-word manuscript in sixty days, and still have some that I started five or six years ago that are in various stages of completion. I’m usually working on at least two books at any given time.

You are so productive. And imaginative, too. Are any of the characters based on a real person?

Not completely, but yes, pieces of real people.

 Do any of the characters share traits with you?

I don’t think so, but a family member told me she thought the female lead in my first published book, Plan B, was based on me. I still don’t see it!

I always wonder if people I know will actually spot the traits I've borrowed from them!So, which character did you most enjoy writing?

That’s so hard to answer. It’s always the ones of whatever I’m currently working on, because I get as deep into their heads as I can. I really loved Morgan and Brandon from Home to You, and Ben and Vanessa from the book I just finished. I think it’s because they had more to overcome to find their happy ending.

Do you write from an outline, or wing it as you go?

I am a 100% wing-it gal! I tried to do an outline once and it was torture, LOL.

Me, too! What’s your favorite thing about being a writer?

How much time do you have? It completely feeds my soul. I love when the characters hijack the plot and take things in a different direction than I had planned—and it’s always better! I also enjoy setting books in diverse places and have had the opportunity to visit some of them for “research.”

I do so enjoy research! Is there any underlying theme in your books that you want the reader to take away?

Sometimes. In my St. Clair Family series, that wasn’t the case. I just wanted them to be clean, wholesome enjoyable reads. The main characters were believers, but there was no overt spiritual theme. For the Canadian Meadows series, I wanted a theme for each book, and prayed for God to help me define that. For Sisters, it’s learning to trust God’s timing. In my current work, Our Place of Forgiveness, well, that’s pretty obvious. That’s been quite a journey for me. Book three of the series is kind of a modern-day prodigal son story.

Sounds great! What are you working on now?

I just sent off the first completed draft of the second book in the Canadian Meadows series to my beta readers, titled Our Place of Forgiveness. It features two minor characters from Sisters Ever After, Ben and Vanessa. They and most of the characters from Sisters will continue into the third book—which is well underway, scheduled to release in early fall, 2021. I’m also finishing a fun little Christmas book set in Boston that I hope will come out later this year. And I have lots of ideas simmering…I literally have a file on my computer called “back burner ideas” and it’s chock-full!

Thanks for the interview, Erin!! It was a real pleasure to get to know you and your book! Okay, readers, here's a little more info about Erin:

Erin has been writing fiction since 2014. She has published independently and with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Writing is like breathing to Erin. Stories are running through her mind during most of her waking hours, and by the time she sits down at the computer, the words flow and time ceases to exist. 

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in training and internal communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms. 

To see Erin's books and purchase them:

https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Stevenson/e/B07GCWQVHS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Interview and Giveaway with novelist Clare Revell!!!

Today we welcome prolific author Clare Revell to The Diamond Mine!! Her latest book is Down To Sleep, a romantic suspense novel, and book # 1 in the Say a Prayer series.

Saying a prayer may just be the last thing you ever do.

DC Zander Ellery isn't sure which he dislikes the most: New partners, rookie female officers, or cases he can't solve. Right now he has all three.

DC Isabel York is fresh out of uniform and out of the proverbial frying pan into the fire as her personal and professional lives clash with her first case—ten stolen works of art.

When a postcard arrives addressed to Isabel with a cryptic message on it, it's just the beginning. The mystery deepens as the first of the stolen paintings is found alongside a dead body—bound and gagged and left posed in prayer at the place depicted in the postcard.

Are nine more murders coming? Can Zander and Isabel find the missing paintings and solve the murder before another victim falls?

This sounds like a great read, Clare!  

Readers, please remember to leave a comment in order to be entered in the giveaway for a free copy of this book! 

And now for the interview!

What made you become a writer? 

I’ve always written. Dad found my school books from when I was five and they are full of rewrites of Little Red Riding Hood, usually with my own take on the story. Then at ten it was Dr Who stories. Then at twelve, Blake’s Seven stories—what I now know is called fanfic. At fourteen I wrote a book as part of English class. (That has since been published as the 3 book Signal Me series—with a LOT of additions.) I also wrote a lot of Stargate SG1 fic – some of which could well still be out on the internet somewhere under a pen name. I started adding my own characters to those shows and then it turned into just my own characters.

You were definitely made to be a writer!

What genre or genres are your books?

Usually romantic suspense… heavy on the suspense bit as I love crime fiction. And romance, so I tend to shove the two together.

That's a great mixture!

Can you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Down To Sleep is the first in the Prayer Slayer series. The continuation of the story is also available in Soul To Keep, Before I Wake and Soul To Take.

One serial killer, two police officers and ten broken commandments. Trouble stalks the dark streets of Headley Cross in a way it never has before. Streets where no one is safe and no one knows who they can trust.

Detective Constable Zander Ellery and his new, fresh out of uniform partner, Isabel York are all that stand between the killer and his victims.

How did you get the idea for the story?

This lies solely at the feet of my editor, Lisa McCaskill. She emailed me randomly, as she does. The email was along the lines of…

I was driving and a childhood prayer ran through my head. I thought of you. So here are Down To Sleep, Soul To Keep, Before I Wake, Soul To Take. Do with it what you will. So I sat and thought for half an hour, emailed her back with a basic premise and that was it.

Wow! That was quick!

Do you have a favorite character from your books, and if so, why is this your favorite?

Hmmm, that’s a bit like asking me who my fave child is out of my 3 kids… To be honest, they all are. I have one in the planning stages where something major happens and in capital 

letters it says DO NOT KILL OFF AN ESTABLISHED CHARACTER. THEY ARE ALL MY BABIES.

We do get very attached to our characters, don't we?

Once you begin a story, do you write it in bursts of inspiration, or do you work steadily off an outline?

Well, the short answer is yes. I have an outline, and the characters mess it up all the time. They change their names (glares at the entire cast of the series I’m currently writing) or they decide to go off on their own and do something stupid which changes the course of the whole thing. Some books take longer to write than others. The one I’m currently doing was started back in 2009 and been ignored ever since. It may well get ignored a little longer.

I love your description on the often capricious nature of characters!

What was the most unusual inspiration you’ve ever had that resulted in a book? 

The random email from Lisa became the Say A Prayer series. A Facebook conversation became Turned.  My sisters school homework project became After The Fire (yes I kept the idea written down that long lol). A TV show where everyone’s bleeps went off during a funeral became Quinn’s Choice. And then there’s fairy stories which became Down in Yon Forest and Once Upon A Christmas.

I see that you are a prolific author! How many books have you written so far, and about how many books do you usually write in a year’s time?

I have 63 books written so far. Three of those aren’t published yet. I have about ten either planned or part written. It takes me roughly 6-8 weeks to write a book, depending on the length and how fast the plot comes. Virtually Yours at Christmas took ten days to write.

I handwrite everything first in basic note form, essentially the story in miniature, but is about three times the length of the synopsis, because I detail each chapter which is draft one.  For example, J and R go the park. Dog runs off. R finds a box containing another message. J and R go home to open box properly with O and K.

Draft two is handwriting the entire book where chapters get changed; characters do stupid stuff necessitating another 5 chapters to fix that bit before going back to the plan. Because, for example, the box contains not just a message but a teleport and they all get kidnapped by aliens and the dog sets fire to the house. But they have to be home for an important meeting on Friday. So I need 5 chapters to kill the aliens, somehow send them all home so they can be there Friday for tea with the Queen… no idea where she came from, but this is what happens.

Draft three is typing it up, where it always changes slightly again. Words get added and the story fleshed out a little and so on. It then gets edited by me and a crit partner.  The most I’ve ever written in a year is twelve – the Flowers Can Be Fatal series.

Let me get my jaw off the floor... 63 books! All I can say is WOW!!

What’s your favorite thing about being a writer?

Working from home. Picking my own hours. A two minute commute. Casting my own books with whoever I want. Downside – the pay is rubbish. The biscuit tin is next to the kettle. My desk is in the lounge, along with the TV and everyone else who happens to be home that day. My desk thus becomes home to all kinds of junk. (No, kids, my Christmas shelf on the desk does NOT count as junk. It’s revenge for you not allowing me the tree up all year long.)

Oh yes. I agree completely with your favorite things.

What are you working on now?

Several things. I’m working on a sci-fi series, the on and off one from 2009. It was three books, it’s now turned into four. Book one is complete, book two is a third done, books three and four are in pre-basic note form.

There’s one I started a while back and got shoved to the back burner.

And I have another idea or two for Zander and Isabel, which I’m kind of plotting.          

Well, may you continue to be so prolific. That gives us all more of your novels to enjoy. Thanks for the interview, Clare!

Here is a short bio and after that, social links for Clare. And don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a free copy!

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins.

Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars.

She can be found at:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Pintrest

Instagram

Amazon UK

Amazon.com

Pelican Book Group

Bookbub

Goodreads

She also has a newsletter. You can sign up for it HERE. Your email never gets passed on, and you won’t be inundated with mail either. It’s four maybe five times a year.