Interview with Nicole Patrice Thomas

I am so excited to share with you my interview with fellow independent author, Nicole Patrice Thomas! Nicole kindly took the time with me to answer some questions on her author journey. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Nicole as my first interview for The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction!

Here is a little bit about Nicole in her own words:

The fastest way to see the world and experience adventures without limits is to open a book. Reading has always been my favorite thing to do, it is what I would rather be doing day and night. I am a CUNY graduate holding a BA degree in Advertising and Public Relations but my love has always been the literary world. 

 In 2019 I reached a point in my life where I felt stagnant, I needed direction and a fresh start. As a Christian I take my direction from my heavenly father, so when He woke me at 3am one January morning with the desperate voice of a woman as she ran for her life and the life of her unborn child repeating in my head, I wrote it down and kept writing. That is how the first book in my fantasy trilogy started. The trilogy was completed a year later as well as a children’s book, corresponding coloring book and a spanish translation.

I am a hospitality professional by trade and a poet at heart. My goal is to spread light and love to my readers, to give them characters they can relate to. Characters who find redemption and hope despite betrayals, that they will see themselves reflected in some aspect within the pages and know that regardless of how or where they start in life, the ending can always change.

Let's learn more about Nicole!

I am so happy to have the opportunity to interview you, Nicole! When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Nicole: I really never planned to be an author. Writing had been a way for me to vent, a way to deal with big emotions as a teenager. I would write poems for family or church events, boyfriends (lol). As I grew older people started saying I should put all my poetry together. I would kind of say “uh huh ok,” smile, and walk away. It was not on my radar, but clearly it was on Gods!

It's amazing when something isn't originally on our minds but God then presses it on our hearts! When you are putting your novels together, how do you overcome writer’s block? 

Nicole: I pray and wait, days or weeks. I found while writing my trilogy, when I tried to push ahead with the plot, I would get stuck. Or when I tried to add a plot that a reader had suggested, I would get stuck. I got into the habit of asking God what the characters were gonna get into next. When it flowed freely, I knew I was on the right path.

That's a good habit to get into. I embarrassingly will admit that though I ask God to guide me in my stories in general, I have not asked him to help me through a plot point. I'm curious to know if you read the genre you write? 

Nicole: Yes I do and much more. I love reading Christian Fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and recently crime thrillers. Reading is my favorite thing to do, always has been. It gives me a much needed escape from reality, and if written well, can even inspire and deepen your relationship with Christ.

Yes! I enjoy a lot of the same genres as you! If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

Nicole: I would have pushed harder to take courses in college. I went with my parents' direction for what I should major in. Granted I should have focused on those classes too (lol) but writing has always been my passion. I should have found a way to do both.

It's a tricky balance, but now that you are a published author, what has been your favorite part of the independent publishing journey? 

Nicole: Finding my purpose and seeing God’s hand in it all. So much has happened that I never dreamed of. From classroom visits, to winning awards, to selling out at vendor events. It's been a humbling and exciting journey. I’m definitely looking forward to the future.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer?

Nicole: Be true to YOUR calling. If God has given you a story to write, write it the way HE tells you to. And even then, everyone won’t like or understand it. Develop a tough skin and rely on the fact that your Creator created you to create this work of art. Honor Him in it, give Him your best with it, and He will open the doors for you to succeed.

I think that is advice that all of us writing Christian Fiction needs to hear. Do you have a favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you?

Nicole: Romans 5:1-5, I have it in my IG bio and part of my email signature. ”We know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” I’ve dealt with some big challenges, suffered through things I never wanted to. I'm still going through a rough patch, but this reminds me that through the fire I am being refined and will be stronger, better and WHOLE when I come out of it. And then, I’ll write a book about it!

Thanks for sharing that with us Nicole. So what’s next for you? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Nicole: I have a finished Children’s devotional I hope to have illustrated in the near future. I also have a Woman's Fiction story I’ve been working on for a long time, hoping to finish that one day.

Amazing! I will link your website and amazon page to this post so that our audience can follow you and get updates on the upcoming projects. One last question I want to end all my interviews with. What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your books?

Nicole: My Trilogy is a coming of age story that deals with identity, purpose, courage, self doubt and fear. Every character has the chance to change the trajectory of their lives. Continue for self gain and power or turn to The One for redemption. Like each of my readers, they have a choice to continue living for themselves or find the light and follow Him. I want my readers to know that no matter how their story starts, they can change the ending with one decision. Whether that decision is for good or evil, well, that's up to them.

I want my children’s books to create a window for parents and educators to talk to the kids about how important it is to listen. So often, with the best of intentions, our kids go off to do something without understanding the consequences. The illustrations and simple language are the perfect opening for this conversation. Available in English and Spanish, there is also an activity book to reinforce the lesson in fun ways.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Nicole, and sharing about yourself and your stories!  

You can check out Nicole's Young Adult Christian Fantasy Trilogy and her Children's book on her amazon author page or on her website. 

Interview with debut author Leann Austin

by Kathleen L. Maher

New writers and books are popping up on the scene like fresh grass in springtime. There are true gems out there, sometimes thrown unnoticed in the haystack, unrecognized by the world because the author is new, hasn’t developed a huge cheering section, and hasn’t received the attention they deserve. I know an author like that, with a book that offers a pertinent message for a generation increasingly in need of safe passage through the minefield of toxic relationships.  She speaks from experience and authority, and with a delightfully readable voice.

May I introduce to you an accomplished children’s writer with over twenty short stories in publication, a generous and supportive soul who has been cheering authors in the Christian writing community for at least as long as Facebook has been around…

Leann Austin, it is my pleasure to feature you for our readers here.

·        Tell us a little about yourself and your book! 

Thank you Kathleen. I'm happy to be here with you today. I started to write professionally in 2006 as a newspaper correspondent. I reported on village and school board meetings in my small town and have written over a hundred newspaper articles. I earned my BBA in 2014 while raising my four fabulous children. I knew I wanted to write for children, so I enrolled in The Institute of Children's Literature to prepare me for writing children's stories. To date I have written twenty stories for Primary Treasure magazine. I recently wrote my first article for almostanauthor.com. I was also awarded honorable mention in Writer's Digest 75th Annual Writing Competition in the Mainstream/Literary Short Story Category.

Finding Henry is my first Young Adult novel. Emelia recently graduated from the class of 1982. Life is sweet with her handsome boyfriend, her forever bestie, and her totally awesome friend Henry. But when Emelia learns Jasper cheated on her, she realizes Henry isn't around to cheer her up. Henry is the boy next door type of friend that's always around. When he tells Emelia he has feelings for her, she chooses Jasper over him. Now he has left for Cornell University. The trouble is Henry never showed up. In a time before the internet and social media, will Emelia find the friend she thought would always be around? And in her search for Henry, will she find herself?

Here is my (Kathleen's) endorsement for Leann’s wonderful debut:

Emelia Berggren is the kind of everyday girl that makes Finding Henry powerful in its chilling relatability. The author’s recreation of a retro 1980’s setting and her authentic portrayal of an often-misunderstood personality disorder make this not just a compelling read, but an important cautionary tale. A must-read for every girl who gives too much and asks too little.

·        Why is this story near and dear to your heart?

            You know the old saying, write what you know? I guess that's what I did. I set Finding Henry in the 1980s with a lot of the pop culture that goes with it.  I also had several girlfriends in high school with boyfriends like Jasper. I thought that was normal. I learned too late in life that it's not.

·        Who is your ideal reader? And what do you hope they take away from this lovely story?

            I think anyone who enjoys Young Adult novels, the 80s, or time travel stories would enjoy Finding Henry. I wrote it for young adults, but have received feedback from people in their 70s who say it wasn't the kind of book they'd normally read and they loved it. I tried to write it so anybody could read it and not feel uncomfortable. I hope readers will learn more about hidden abuse, the type that destroys a person from within and doesn't always show in a woman's  physical appearance. I also hope that anyone who reads Finding Henry and relates to Emelia, will realize their worth and come out from the shadows of their abuser, seek help, and walk in their true purpose. And maybe someone will recognize that abuse in their daughter, friend, aunt, sister, mother, and gain a greater understanding and compassion for the woman in that situation.

·        Please tell us one (or two) quirky memory(ies) from your high school years that may or may not have inspired or informed your characters or a plot line in your brand-new book, Finding Henry.

            It started when a memory of my very own Henry came to mind one day. He liked me too much and looking back, I don't think I believed he was sincere. I wasn't worthy of that kind of affection and I thought he was goofing around until we had a moment like the one Emelia and Henry had on the bench after graduation. I didn't know how to put the idea into a story until one day I had a memory of when I had gone to the Gala Days with a friend. She coaxed me into seeing the palm reader. I went along for the fun of it. The palm reader told me what the fortune teller in Finding Henry told Emelia. Like Emelia, I laughed it off.

·        What fuels your passion to write?

            In children's stories, I hope to send a positive message and help them step outside themselves to see the world from the perspective of someone different from them.

            It's my passion to reach out to women like Emelia, no matter what their age. Women don't choose the verbally or physically abusive man. They are drawn to them because it's their normal. I've heard both men and women say that a woman who is with an abusive man must like it because they stay with him. I don't think that's true. I think it's their comfort zone if they were raised in a violent home or were neglected as a child. Once they realize it's chipping away at their soul, it's difficult to leave due to financial hardships, threats from the abuser, and the fear of losing their children.

·        What hobbies or pastimes do you enjoy when not writing?

            I love to read and always have a book with me. I also crochet. It's what I do to decompress and relax when I'm stressed. Making baby hats for the hospital's newborns has been a good way to fuel my hobby and not accumulate things I don't need. I also do some knitting and have made hats for soldiers in years past.

·        What is your favorite book?

Ah, that's a hard question. There are so many wonderful books to choose from. The book that I can read and always get a smile from is a Little Golden Book titled The Monster at the End of This Book. I read that book over and over as a kid and shared it with all four of my own children. I love how creative and interactive it is.

·        What is next on your writing journey?

            I have an idea for another young adult novel that centers around the daughter of a country star. It takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania.  I'm also planning to compile my children's story into a book collection. And I'll continue to write my children's stories for church take-home papers.

Thank you, Leann. And thank you readers, for stopping in today!

I am offering an e-copy of Finding Henry to one lucky commenter who answers this question by the author: What is the one moment you would go back to and do differently if you could?

Please leave your email addy (name at mailserver dot com) with your comment so we can be sure to notify you if random dot org selects you to win.

Extra entries can be earned if you share this interview on your social media. Just mention in your comment where your shared. Okay, good luck!

________________________________________________________

 Kathleen L. Maher

Stories Where Every Underdog Has His Day.

Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.
Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small menagerie.
Follow Kathleen at
Amazon: amazon.com/author/kathleenlmaher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2531698-kathleen-l
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-l-maher

Enter The Kingdom of Author, Amory Cannon

Grab your tiaras, ladies and straighten your crowns, dear men, for we are plunging into the realm of a mythical place. My dear friend, Amory Cannon, is our guest today and is escorting us through her Young Adult series, The Broken Crown. But if that's not your cup of tea, she offers many other genres to  enjoy as well. Step closer to the thrones, my dears, and learn all about Amory and the Atlas Empire. . .

PT:  Welcome Amory! I'm so excited to be highlighting you and your new book. So, basics to start, tell us your genre, how long you’ve been writing, and what drew you to be a writer.

AC:  I started writing in the mystery/crime procedural genre about ten years ago, but lately I’ve been leaning more towards speculative or YA fiction. My first two books (Learning to Die and Warzone) fall into the mystery category, but my latest book (The Broken Crown) has a much more YA-feel to it. I’m currently finishing up the sequel to The Broken Crown.

PT:  Nice. A little something for everyone. Now tell our readers, do you have a day job and how does that influence your writing career?

AC:  I currently work as a clinical laboratory scientist, but before that I was a forensic scientist—yes, just like the CSI people. I worked in DNA specifically and loved it. It was definitely helpful to have the background when writing my first two novels, but because I was surrounding myself with so much crime and intensity both at work and in my writing time, I looked for an outlet that was a little more lighthearted. That’s when I stumbled into writing YA.

PT:  Ah, interesting. I've discovered a lot of not-so-young-adults who love YA. So, could you share the title of your new book and whether it is a standalone or part of a series?

AC:  My newest book is called The Desolate Reign. It’s the second book in a planned trilogy and follows The Broken Crown.

(The first book.)

PT:  Nice cover. I simply adore the font! (flutters face with an intricate oriental fan) When does your new book release and where is it set?

AC:  The Desolate Reign doesn’t have a firm release date yet, but I hope to have it ready to go by the end of the year. It’s set in the fictional Atlas Empire which is comprised of five (or six depending on who you ask) countries ruled by vassal kings and one emperor. The setting and culture have a lot of ancient Roman influences, but it’s definitely its own world.

(The second book.)

PT:  Intriguing. I love entering an entirely new world. Are there any characters in your books that resemble you most in personality?

AC:  I think I relate to most of my characters on some level—obviously some more than others. Emilia from The Broken Crown is who I’d like to be. She has her flaws for sure, but she’s courageous and considerate, and she always strives to do the right thing even if it costs her on a personal level.

PT:  Wouldn't we all like to be more like Emilia! And that's a fabulous lead to my next question. What’s the main Biblical theme/lesson in your new book?

AC: The Desolate Reign deals with choosing God’s plan over our own even when we can’t see the path in front of us. It focuses on not necessarily being the most qualified person to carry out God’s plan, but being willing to do whatever He calls us to because the task relies on His power working through us and not our own.

PT:  Indeed a maxim for us all. Now, my favorite. (sets down sceptre-spelled the British way, 'cause the interviewer secretly delights in British spellings-to rub hands together) Name 5 things fast about Amory Cannon that have nothing to do with writing.

AC: I have 2 dogs

        I’m a runner 

        Fall is my favorite season

        I love to travel

        And cookie dough is my weakness. 😊

PT:  Well, after all, who can resist cookie dough? (wink) Of course we all want to know your next project.

AC:  I’m jumping straight into the final book in The Broken Crown series. I also have plans for a romance currently titled To Whom It May Concern that I’ve had on the back-burner for a while now.

PT: Amory is giving away a copy of The Broken Crown to one lucky reader who leaves a comment. You'll be caught up and ready for her new release at the end of the year. Don't miss your opportunity to be entered, but if you cannot wait, go here to purchase The Broken Crown right now! 

And as always, thanks for joining us in the throne room of the Diamond Mine and getting to know author Amory Cannon a little better. Thanks for joining us, Amory!

Bio: Amory Cannon is an author of Young Adult and Romantic Suspense novels. Her favorite things include autumn (anything pumpkin spice), Harry Potter (proud Ravenclaw), and Sherlock Holmes. She published her first book under the name Amryn Cross while working as a forensic scientist. Her non-writing time is filled with running, crafting, and snuggling her two dogs—Luna and Argo. She currently resides in Tennessee.

Visit her website amorycannon.com or on Instagram @amory.cannon.

Interview with Hannah Currie, Author of Heart of a Royal!

Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And since we are all friends, one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends, family, the teens I mentor, and everyone else at coffee shops/bookstores. Books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination, after all. 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. :-)

Today we are prying into the private life chatting with Hannah Currie, author of the beautiful YA princess story, Heart of a Royal! Hannah is a fellow WhiteFire Publishing author!

Aussie author, Hannah Currie, loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and writing. A book nerd from birth, she knows firsthand the difference a good book can make in a person’s life. Even, and especially, fiction. Her dream as a writer is to make people laugh, cry and maybe even swoon a little but mostly to remind them that no matter how dark life may get at times, because of God, there is always hope. She and her husband live with their three adorable kids in sunny Queensland, where it really is beautiful one day and perfect the next. Except, maybe, during heatwaves. They’re not so fun. 

Connect with Hannah on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads!

Interview ~

First things first, would you order coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in our virtual coffee house? Something else altogether? This is possibly the most important question... No pressure or anything, LOL! ;-) 

Hot chocolate or chai latte. Can't stand coffee. Tea is still being decided.

I might have initially gasped, but I approve of your choices. ;-) I love hot chocolate and chai lattes! On to our second most important question: if you could order anything in the world to eat, what would it be?

Spit-roasted meats with roast vegetables and hot-buttered bread rolls.

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

On my couch at home in the lounge, because I can keep an eye on the rest of the house (ie kids…) but still get work done. It’s also right beside my bookshelves which inspire me not to give up. When I get discouraged or the words just aren’t flowing, I can look up at those books I love and be encouraged that those authors didn’t give up and neither will I.

I love that your bookshelves inspire you! Other books tend to distract me from writing, LOL! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? 

Hmmm… I occasionally forget book characters/situations aren’t real and bring them up in real conversations only to realize later that it was from a book not something that actually happened. Haha. Oops. I also forget how to talk sometimes when I’ve been writing for too long. Kind of like I used up all my words on the story and now my brain has shut down :p

Hahaha! I've been there! What inspired you to write Heart of a Royal?

It was a mix of a couple of things. I’d just finished reading another royal series which I’d been sharing with my teenaged sister and we were both going into withdrawals from it. I remembered this dream I’d had (a full decade before) about this girl who’d grown up in a palace alongside the prince and princess but wasn’t a royal herself, and thought it would be fun to turn into a full novel. Asked my sister what she thought, she sent back a rather emphatic ‘yes’ so I got started. I sent her a chapter a week for the next three months. It was so much fun to write and I really loved sharing it with her.

LOVE!! It's so cool that you got to share the experience with your sister! What led you to write in this genre?

I write Young Adult Contemporary Christian Romance novels (aka YA princess books, which is way easier to say!).

As to why…short answer, because it’s what I love to read. Longer answer, because the YA age is such an incredible time of personal growth for people – they’re coming out from under their parents’ umbrellas and discovering who they really are and their own purpose in life. Add in the rules and expectations of royalty, a few tiaras, a bit (lot) of romance and I can’t think of anything I’d rather write more. Christian fiction – especially Robin Jones Gunn’s Christy Miller (and co) series – had a huge impact on my faith as a teen and if God could use my books to encourage and grow someone like Robin did me, I’d be absolutely stoked!

Yes! That's the dream! Robin Jones Gunn inspired so many of us! <3 What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

I’d love for them to realize both that they have a purpose and that there is always hope. I doubt too many people are growing up in a palace like Kenna (although, hey, if you’re a princess, let me know! I’d love to meet you!) but so many of us – myself included – are dealing everyday with overwhelming expectations, the pain of watching people we know live away from God and life circumstances spiraling way beyond our control. And yet, through it all, God is still good. He hasn’t walked away. So there’s still hope. Still a reason and a purpose.

Yes, yes, and yes!!! <3 Can you tell us a little about your next project?

Not announcing anything officially yet but…well … Heart of a Royal is book one of my Daughters of Peverell series… so I’ll let you make some assumptions about what might be next J Sign up for my newsletter at www.hannahcurrie.com to find out more about that!

Readers, run! Go! You don't want to miss this! *ahem* ;-) Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level?

Oh sooooo many!!! But one I really love is Psalm 46 (especially The Message version).

“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need hi. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake….. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.”

I love this! The idea that even in the craziest, most terrifying and overwhelming circumstances, we can be fearless because God is standing by our side, fighting for us. No matter what happens, we’ve already won. 

Yes! It's so incredibly uplifting and empowering! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine -- want to know! LOL! ;-)

I’ve just finished Liz Johnson’s A Glitter of Gold and Melissa Tagg’s Now and Then and Always, both of which were incredible. About to start either Wooing Cadie McCaffrey (Bethany Turner) or A Girl’s Guide to the Outback (Jessica Kate). Haven’t quite decided yet. Might end up reading Heart of a Royal again J I really love that story!

I loved Wooing Cadie McCaffrey, and I can't wait to get my hands on A Girl's Guide to the Outback! I'm might be green with envy right now, LOL! ;-)

Thank you so much for hanging with us and answering all my prying questions, Hannah! 

Be sure to check out Hannah's debut, Heart of a Royal! You can read the first two chapters HERE!

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna’s presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers – that of a commoner. 

But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

Read the first two chapters HERE!

Thanks for stopping by, my writerly, bookish friends! <3 See you next time!

Hugs,

V. Joy Palmer 

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!