The Many Facets of Tessa Emily Hall

Welcome everyone. I'm excited to introduce you to this week's guest. Let's get started with a quick author bio.

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books to remind teens they’re not alone. Her first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, released with Bethany House September 2018. Tessa's passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent for Cyle Young at Hartline Literary Agency, Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She's guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Tessa is represented by Cyle Young at Hartline Literary Agency.


Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine. We are excited you could join us this week. My first question is regarding your name. Because I live in the south where going by two names is a regularity, I have to ask: Do you prefer Tessa or Tessa Emily?

Tessa: Great question! I live in the south as well. Although my mom originally intended for people to refer to me as Tessa Emily, the two names didn’t seem to stick for very long. Most people simply refer to me as Tessa. =) 



Suzie: Ok, now that we’ve got that burning question out of the way. Let’s really dig deep with some Would You Rather questions (only three and nothing disgusting or impossible, I promise).

Would you rather invent a new gadget or discover a new species?

Tessa: Inventing a new gadget sounds fun! 


Suzie: Would your rather have a lifetime subscription to Netflix or an unlimited Starbucks gift card?

Tessa: Way too easy. I could never say no to unlimited free coffee!





Suzie: Would you rather always have slow internet or never have a good phone connection? Ok, that one is verging on the impossible with all you’ve got going on.

Tessa: Haha yes … that’s tough! I’d prefer to never have good phone connection. Most of my work is done through the internet. And even if I can’t talk on the phone then I could at least make video calls using the internet! ;) 



Suzie: That’s it for the icebreaker questions. Thanks for playing along. Now, let’s dive a little deeper.

I have to say, your resume is impressive—author, editor, agent, actress. This question has two parts. First, how do you balance your time with the many hats you wear? And two, what’s the best part of each position?

Tessa: Haha, thanks! I wouldn’t be able to pull off these various roles if it wasn’t for the teams that I work with. Since I work with other people, I am able to share responsibilities and tasks. And as far as time management goes--I learned how to divide my time accordingly when I was in school. When you’re taking classes, you have to learn the art of juggling multiple subjects. You have to know when to focus on a certain subject and when to move on to the next one. I’ve managed to find a work rhythm that works for me by using a block schedule system, which is similar to what I did in school. The only exception to this is acting. That’s more of a hobby than a career, haha. =) 

The best part of each position? Let’s see. Where to start? With writing, I love the opportunity to tap into this creative gift God has given me to further His Kingdom and reach readers. I find it fulfilling to connect with my Creator in these writing sessions. Hearing from readers about how they were ministered to never fails to remind me of why I love this job! 

As far as being an agent and editor goes--first of all, I absolutely love the publishing industry in general. It’s thrilling for me to play a part in shaping a book and delivering it to the hands of the right readers. But the reason I was initially captivated by this job was because I loved the idea of working to help the dreams of other writers come into fruition, of playing a part in their publication journey. I would say that is my favorite part of this job as well. 


Suzie: Oops, left one thing off that previous list. Would you share a little about the magazine you publish?

Tessa: Haha, I’d love to! PURSUE Magazine is currently a blog and digital magazine that encourages teen girls to embrace their uniqueness, tap into their potential, and pursue their role in furthering God’s Kingdom. I wanted to launch a magazine that could provide teen girls with a place to not only draw closer to God, but to connect with other girls. That way, they could receive inspiration, support, and community in pursuit of their God-given dreams. Readers can learn more at www.PURSUEMagazine.net.  



Suzie: Everything you've got going on is so cool. I love that you're ministering to teenagers and encouraging and supporting authors. 

Regarding your writing career, who were your influences and/or mentors?

Tessa: The answer to this question has several parts, haha. First of all, the person who initially encouraged this dream of mine was my mom. She always had faith, even when I was a kid, that I would become an author one day. I know I wouldn’t have pursued this dream without the support of both of my parents!

I was also fortunate enough to have had teachers in elementary school who spoke life into this dream as well. Their writing challenges would always stir my creativity, and even back then they would encourage me to pursue writing. 

I don’t necessarily have an author mentor; however, I have always considered Karen Kingsbury to be my author role model. The way that she has built a career by writing life-transforming fiction has shown me that it is possible to have a book ministry. 



Suzie: Along that same vein, who are you reading and/or keeping an eye on in the Christian YA market today?

Tessa: Unfortunately, this is a tough market for Christian YA authors. The larger publishing houses are no longer interested in selling Christian stories to teens anymore; instead, they want to publish YA fiction geared to a general audience. There is definitely ministry potential here as well--if not even more than the CBA market! But because of this, my YA reads have consisted primarily in the general market lately. Some of my favorite authors who write for this audience (and who happen to be Christians as well) include Stephanie Morrill, Nadine Brandes, and Jenny B. Jones.


Suzie: I've never thought about it that way, but when you point it out, I totally see what you're saying about larger houses tapping into the general market where YA is concerned. 

What would you like to see more of in the genre?

Hmm. Well, to begin with, I would like to see a growth in the Christian YA market in general. As I mentioned, the larger houses are not interested in publishing this general--but there still smaller houses that will take a chance on YA Christian manuscripts. I would love to see authors who are passionate about writing stories that teens love in a way that taps into their interests. There are many authors who want to write Christian stories for teens simply because they want to preach a sermon to them. To these authors, I would advise that they study the books that today’s teens are reading. Understand teenagers by hanging out with them. If authors can do this, then they will have the tools necessary to tell a story that meets them where they are in life without preaching to them.  


Suzie: Tell us about your latest book release.

 Tessa: FALLEN LEAVES released last fall and is about 17-year-old, Selena Taylor, who uses art to help her along a journey of finding her dad and brother in hopes that her family will be reunited after eight years. It is the sequel to PURPLE MOON but can serve as a standalone novel as well.

Suzie: I can attest to that. I read FALLEN LEAVES but haven't read PURPLE MOON (yet). And let's not leave out the devotional you wrote for teenage girls: COFFEE SHOP DEVOS

Which transitions well into my next question.What are you writing/are you writing now?

Right now I am working on LOVE YOUR SELFIE, which is a devotional journal geared toward teen girls that will take them on a journey of self-acceptance. It is scheduled to release March 2020. I am thrilled about this one! This book covers a topic that I am personally passionate about because insecurity is something I struggled with as a teen, and I know this has increasingly become an issue in the teen culture today. My hopes with this book is that teens will be taken on a journey that will allow them to learn to appreciate the unique way God has created them, and will give them the tools they need to further pursue their calling. 


Suzie: Well, I don’t want to keep you from everything else you’ve got happening. Thank you so much for take some time out of your schedule and stopping by for a bit. It’s been a pleasure getting more acquainted with you.

Readers, keep reading for the synopsis of Fallen Leaves and enter to win an eBook!

If you're interested in learning a little more about Tessa, check out this interview.

Fallen Leaves

Selena Taylor thought her only worry this fall was starting her junior year at a new arts school in

North Carolina, miles away from home. But when she finds out her mom could graduate from rehab sooner than expected—even worse, she could work for her former nothing-but-trouble boss—Selena's determined to create a new life for them. Back in her childhood Kentucky hometown. 

Step one? Track down her dad and brother that she hasn't seen in eight years. Her anxiety is put to the test, though, when she unveils a truth that could threaten her dreams. Add to that an art competition that pushes her outside of her comfort zone and a girl who seems determined to come between Selena and her hopeful boyfriend. 


Soon Selena must decide whether or not to continue her search for her dad and brother. But is there any hope that the ruins of her broken family could be resurrected? And how could God possibly have a purpose in the midst of these changing seasons? 

Purchase: Amazon | Christian Book | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million

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Diamond Mine followers, Julie B Cosgrove here as your host today. Please welcome Kenyon Henry. He writes Christian YA, but if you are like me, that means I want to read it as well!  The Chronicles of Stephen are fantasy, but Biblically based.  You'll see what he means...

Tell us, Kenyon, what spurred you to write The Chronicles of Stephen?

It began as a short story, out of curiosity more than anything else. I had wondered what it would be like to read a person’s mind. It went further than that, really. I was interested in what it might be like to truly understand a person, to see the deepest parts of someone and know things about that person that even he or she might not know. As ideas began pouring out, it wasn’t long before I began wondering, could I write this story as a novel?

I studied—reading books, blogs, talking with authors and editors, and joined a writers guild. When life put the book on hold, it was always in the back of my mind. Eventually, Book 1 was out and ideas for Book 2 were already on paper to continue Stephen’s story. Now, Book 2 has barely been out a month and Book 3 is nearly ready for the editor. 

Tell us briefly about each one, including the latest.

Stephen developed abilities at the age of eighteen in a way that frightened him and made him feel like a monster. In response, he decided to leave home to do good, hoping this would make him feel normal again. 

 Book 1, Choice of the Mighty, begin with Stephen returning home to Waltz, the man who raised him, after something tragic happens, causing him to realize he needs help. Waltz helps him to understand his abilities as Stephen learns there are others like him, all of whom are descended from King David’s mighty men. Among this community, there are two groups, both of whom want Stephen to join their side. He, however, doesn’t want to take part in their war. In the end, Stephen realizes that he must make a choice. Stephen learns that some choices are hard, as it isn’t so clear in the beginning which side is good and which is bad.

Book 2, Trials of the Mighty, continues Stephen’s journey as he learns about the choice he has made. Stephen trains and studies, so that he can better control his abilities and understand this new world he has been pulled into. Still, he soon learns that even when you make the right decision, bad things can still happen. He struggles with understanding this and tries to shoulder all the responsibility for it. As he continues to help his new friends, he eventually learns that bad things happening doesn’t negate all the good in life.

Book 3, Redemption of the Mighty, (which should be out by the end of the year) takes us to the final battle between these two groups. Stephen struggles with stepping out in faith. Although he knows he has been chosen, he still struggles with feeling worthy. Eventually, he accepts his place in the battle, and takes responsibility for himself, which allows him to become the person he was always intended to be.

How do you develop your characters? Do they stem from people you know? Is it because their personalities advance the plot, or are they all floating in your brain screaming to be released?

I’ve heard it said that you should never make and author mad, because he (or she) will write you into their story and kill you. It’s funny, but does show that authors can use people they know for influence to the story. For me, I’ve done a fair bit of this. I think, at least in some way, all my characters have a bit of me or someone I know in them. This helps to make the characters more real, even for me.

I think when I started the first book as a short story, there were a few core characters that needed to be there for the plot. After it began growing and adapting, the creative juices had been opened and characters began trickling out. Now, it seems I have a hard time stopping the  birth of new characters at times.

For me, the characters drive the story. I eventually found myself changing the scenes and outline as my characters developed. At times, I would start to write a scene I had outlined only to realize that a character had taken on a life of its own and didn’t fit the action in that scene. I had to make a choice—re-arch the character to fit the purpose, force it into the mold, rewrite the scene and outcome of it, or create a new character to achieve the purpose. The last two are the only options I consider. By that point, I usually love the character and have this whole backstory in my head that governs his or actions which keeps me from re-arching him or her. And, I hate it when a character acts out of character just because the author needs it to do so.

What do you want your readers to take away from reading these Chronicles?

One, life is filled with tough choices. Often, we want to avoid those choices and simply let someone else deal with it. We each need to understand that inaction in the face of wrong is still a decision to allow that wrong to continue. Scripture says that if we know to do good and don’t, that is still evil.

Two, just because we do good doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen in life. In fact, I’ve often found that bad things come of the heels of right actions. Evil tries to stifle good. But, we must persevere, keeping our eyes on the finish line and focus on things that are good.

People will try to keep you from being who God has created your to be. He has endowed us each with a royal heritage and gifts of love and compassion. He has called us to boldly step out in faith to be light and life to a dying world.

What is next in your writing career?

Obviously, book 3 is the focus right now. Since it’s now in the editing phase, I’ll start a new project. I have been asked to write a screenplay for book 1 for speculation purposes. This will be a new type of writing endeavor that I’m looking forward to. I’ve also started tinkering with a comic book based on one of the characters from the series. And, I’d like to do a few novellas on some additional characters from Chronicles of Stephen. Eventually, however, I’m hoping to work on some projects outside of this series, too!

Where can people find your books and learn more about you?

My books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in print. You can also get the ebooks from Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, and more. Most bookstores should also be able to order them in print. You can learn more be at www.kenyonthenry.com, or any of my social media, www.facebook.com/kenyonthenry, www.instagram.com/kenyon_t, and twitter @kenyonthenry.

Thank you, Kenyon, for letting me interview you today. I know a lot of our followers will want to check them out!

Roped and Twisted along with DiAne Gates (Fabulous Giveaway!)

Young Adult Fiction Takes a Ride

The Diamond Mine takes a gander at Young Adult this week with our very own DiAne Gates and her recent release, Twisted. We follow her down the trail of this amazing series of which Twisted is Book Two. So, saddle up and come along for an amazing ride! Don't forget to drop your name in the bucket for your own copy of her one of her books at the watering hole (that'd be the end of the interview for y'all young cowpokes and greenhorns.)

*****

Texas writer, DiAne Gates, illustrates and writes fiction for children and YA, and serious non-fiction for the folks. Her passion is calling the Church’s attention to how far we’ve catapulted from God’s order as evidenced by her blog Moving the Ancient Boundaries, http://dianegates.wordpress.com/.

DiAne worked as a photographer and writer for the East Texas Youth Rodeo Association magazine, and had the opportunity to be in the rodeo arena, feel the sting of Texas turf in her face and across her camera lens, giving birth to her western rodeo adventure series, released by Prism Book Group in August of 2015, ROPED.

DiAne leads LifeSavers, an adult edit group for North Texas Christian Writers. In addition to her key blog site, MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES, she also writes a blog entitled THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF FLAVOR, where DiAne shares family recipes and many tricks to cutting calories while retaining a massive injection of southern and southwest flavor. She also facilitates GriefShare, an international support ministry for those who’ve lost loved ones.

Wife, mother, and Mimi, whose passion is to share those hard life lessons God allows in our lives.

***** MINER INTERVIEW *****

Renee: Howdy, DiAne, I'm excited about this chance to talk to you! The Diamond Mine has exploded with authors and interviews of late and I can't seem to get a word in edgewise. I guess I ain't too good at takin' numbers with my ol' Wyoming ways, huh? So...how 'bout we dispense with chitchat and dig in to the good stuff?

DiAne: (chuckling) Your ways aren't so bad. Go ahead. Shoot!

Renee: Be careful saying that word around here, my old shotgun's loaded, and my Cooper-dog's always ready to hunt them birds! 💥 Now, where was I? Oh yeah, your awesome books...but I guess I need to ask this question first. Why do you like to write in the Young Adult genre so much?

DiAne: The opportunity to be a directional arrow toward the Lord in this upcoming generation is the most exciting reason I know of to write YA.

Unlike many older adults, I believe those waiting in line to take our place in society understand things must change. I believe the next revival may be at our door-step, because our young adults are searching for truth. And God tells us when we search for Him with our whole hearts we will find Him. Yes, many of them are going about their search in different ways than we would, but realistic action adventure fiction, couched in an intriguing, believable story, will find God’s mark every time! 

Renee, did you know many adults read YA? Think about it, my book is advertised for young adults, but adults read this genre too. Winner! Winner! All joking aside, I love the action, expectations, and learning curve of this genre.

Renee: Now that does sound exciting and I can understand why you would love it. I can also see why adults love to read it! What about Twisted? Was there something in particular that inspired you to write this story?

DiAne: Well, of course, ROPED helped. Couldn’t leave the Crosbys and the Fairgates where I left them in that last chapter, could I?

In the beginning, I planned a series that would talk about the issues our young adults face every day. Which meant it had to have a multi-generational story line. We are taught to “show,” not “tell” in our writing. What better way than to weave a story of two families going in opposite directions—in everything. I believe in showing the good, the bad, and the ugly as well as the consequences those choices bring. And TWISTED indeed shows the results of choices each of those families made.

We don’t have to preach to our young people. They are savvy—most of them—and I’m hopeful they will enjoy the story, yet learn the choices they make every day, small and large, determine their success in life.

Renee: I see what you mean. I also believe the young people of today are intelligent. They have to be to navigate the programs on computers, smartphones, and such, especially as fast as they change. What a great way to show them actions and decisions have consequences! If you could pick a favorite quote or part of Twisted, what would it be?

DiAne: Without a doubt, Chapter Thirty titled “The Horrible Truth.” The emotions that rush out of this chapter, many of our young people have lived. Lies Mr. and Mrs. Fairgate had lived, told and thought to protect Jodie Lea from, swept both families into a torrent none of them anticipated. And each character in this series, just like in real life, made choices—some that would affect them—how long we’ll have to wait and see—perhaps forever.

Renee: Oh, wow. Truth always catches up with us, doesn't it? The web of secrets and lies grows like a cancer until it destroys everything we've built until the truth is finally revealed. And if we are fortunate, that web doesn't rip everything good from us. Your book sounds amazing, DiAne. What do YOU want your readers to take away from Twisted?

DiAne: God is sovereign. Jesus is Lord, Savior and King. And the reader’s decision to love, trust, and obey Him, or turn and walk away determines their destiny now and forever.

Renee: Absolutely. In the end, it's up to us and that decision is of upmost importance. Thank you for that! I ask this next question of all my authors. With all the changes in the industry, the frustrations, the flooded market, why do you keep writing?

DiAne: Why the salary, of course! 😛 😜 My husband loves to tell friends I work from home, 24/7, and earn about three cents an hour. I always retort, “I think you’re overestimating!”

I can’t not write. Once I learned the basics, and that was by the planning of the Sovereign God we serve, who placed six serious writers in my path. We called ourselves The Literati and for over five years we met every Wednesday night, editing, brainstorming, and being taught by our illustrious leader, Lori Freeland.

God opened doors and pushed me through them with many writing opportunities. And let’s face it, at my age, it's past time to become really serious about these opportunities.

Renee: You're an inspiration to young, new, and even veteran writers out there trying to figure out if it's worth it to keep plugging away! Thank you, DiAne! Speaking of "opportunities," what's next on the agenda?

DiAne: UNTIED is next in THE ROPED SERIES…I’m about eight chapters into this riveting part of the series. But I’ll give you a hint, God’s sense of humor will relegate justice to these two girls. It will be worth the read. And any mothers of teen girls will certainly understand.

I hope to continue writing monthly articles for Crosswalk.com, an online Christian magazine. High priority will also be given to four books I wrote and illustrated a number of years ago. I received one rejection and threw them in the file cabinet drawer. This is the now-or-never year for their resurrection. It’s a four book family devotional series currently entitled THE MASTER’S PLAN. And the fifth book living in the drawer with the other four won first place in the North Texas Christian Writers Competition several years ago, about an ant by the name of Arnold, who refused to be an ant.

And as long as God allows, I plan to continue facilitating a GriefShare support group for those who’ve lost loved ones. God tells us, “…we are to comfort one another with the comfort He has given to us.” I often speak and lead an edit group for NTCW called The LifeSavers. Another one of our edit group is a multi-published author, and two others are almost ready to launch their first novels!

Renee: Agenda? That sounds like a full-time job! 3-cents an hour? You need a raise, woman! Thank you so much for this opportunity to interview you on the Diamond Mine. You are truly a wonderful lady and friend. I can't wait to see the third book of your series released as well as read Twisted!

DiAne: Renee, thank you so much for allowing me to spend time with you talking about TWISTED! Available on Amazon.com. And, of course, I’d be forever grateful to receive reviews from you or anyone who has read or will read ROPED and TWISTED.

***** E- BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

TWO PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED

ROPED/ 1 WINNER, TWISTED/ 1 WINNER

ENTER CONTEST BY LEAVING A COMMENT FOR DiAne Gates

WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.

2 WINNERS OF GIVEAWAY WILL BE SELECTED FROM COMMENTS BY RANDOM DRAW IN ONE WEEK (1/31/2018). WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.

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About the Book, Twisted:

What begins as a nasty rodeo competition morphs into a ring of horse thieves, an uncle with a past, and consequences that span generations.

TWISTED, continues the journey of the Crosby and Fairgate families. Will these two Texas teens finally overcome the past and discover the future God has planned, or will they forever be trapped by the crimes of their fathers?

If you haven't read Book One, pick up Roped today: https://www.amazon.com/Roped-DiAne-Gates-ebook/dp/B0147NL6KS

*****

Miner, Renee Blare

Prism Book Group/Pelican Book Group