Meet Debut Author Erma M. Ullrey

Welcome back to the Diamond Mine. Today, I'm so excited to introduce you to a friend of mine whose debut novel came out last week. Her book was inspired by You've Got Mail. Keep reading to find out more about Journaled with Love.

About the author

Erma M. Ullrey is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and author. She worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years. After completing her B.S.H.S., she became a health educator and received international credentials as a childbirth educator and lactation consultant. She has served as a women’s Bible study leader and participates in local and online writers’ groups and book clubs.

In the past few years, Erma has won several writing awards. Her first published work was “A Snowflake's Adventure,” a children's picture book about God's love and exciting purpose for each child. Erma's latest publication is "Journaled with Love," a clean and wholesome light-hearted Rom-Com in the style of "You've Got Mail."

Enjoy Erma’s weekly Blog as well as her other writings at her website: https://www.MerryHeartInk.com. Look for the heading “Once Upon a Romance,” for interesting articles and interviews related to romance writing.

Connect with Erma: Once Upon a Romance Substack | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Erma. I'm so excited to introduce you to our readers and share more about your debut. But first, let's learn a little more about you.

What is your favorite drink and/or snack when writing?

Erma: That depends on the weather and what I’m writing. If my characters drink coffee, that’s my drink of choice too. But when it’s hot, they can drink all the coffee they want – I’ll have raspberry lemonade with lots of ice, thank you! :)

Suzie: Oh, raspberry lemonade sounds refreshing (it's in the 90s and humid in North Carolina this week). What does your writing space look like? Erma: Oh dear! Once a week it’s just my keyboard and lots of craft books. The other six days, it’s an explosion of sticky notes, loose papers, pens and list pads, books, dictionaries, and a copy of what I’d written the day before. Suzie: I think that's a pretty normal picture of an author. What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about your writing process? Erma: I’m learning to write while on a walking pad (a small-scale treadmill). Because it’s a narrow piece of equipment, I’ve tripped but haven’t fallen off yet. I’m determined to master the process – no matter what! :) I love that it makes me hyper aware and slows me down so I can ponder every word even more than usual! Suzie: Slowing down is so good for us creatively (and in many other areas). Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Erma: I love my family and am so grateful for my husband, four children, five g’kids, our dog Tucker, and four granddogs. Writing was my first love, but my parents said, ‘you can’t earn a living at that.’ In seventh grade science, I learned about cells and was hooked. After working in the medical field for 35 years, I’m finally back to my first love!

Suzie: It's never too late to do what you love. What are three books on your current tbr?

Erma:

The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley The Italian Holiday by Nicole Sharp Suzie: Those look like some great reads. What drew you to writing romance?

Erma: Romance wasn’t on my radar, suspense was. Then, a few years ago, I had a conversation with Lenora Worth. I’ve been writing romance ever since. :) Suzie: Oh to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Which comes first for you: the characters or the premise?

Erma: It depends. When I’m in between stories, sometimes the characters start telling me their ideas. Other times, a premise lights up like a movie in my mind. From that point on, I let the characters dictate the plot. Suzie: Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

Erma: Oh, my. This is going to get bumpy! I’ve won 14 writing contests and always wanted to be traditionally published. After prayerfully considering my options, I chose to sign with a small traditional publisher. The date for publication didn’t work out, so I’m going to self-publish that book - Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin, a Women’s Contemporary Romance - in November 2025. In the meantime, I’m self-publishing Journaled with Love, the first in the “With Love” series on July 16, 2025. I’ve always been a do-it-yourselfer. However, there is no shortage of things to do regarding self-publishing and promoting/marketing. I find myself praying more than ever before, asking the Lord to calm my fears and anxieties. I am more grateful than ever for encouraging, supportive family and friends. :) Suzie: Sometimes those detours lead to unexpected and memorable places. Tell us more about your debut release.

Erma: Journaled With Love is a clean, 62K-word, enemies-to-lovers Rom-Com (think You’ve Got Mail).

I had so much fun writing this book. The characters had a lot to say, and the tension between them, along with their humor, kept my fingers on the keyboard.

Macie Grammerly’s mother demands she come home and work for the family business or forfeit further financial support. Macie loathes her job but not nearly as much as her overachiever boss. Focused on his career, Ryan Tiggs plans to climb to the top of a family-owned business. Then everything changes when he finds a journal left on the bus. Though he’s attracted to his coworker, the journal author’s raw honesty speaks to his soul, and he’s desperate to meet her. When the truth is revealed, will Macie and Ryan fight for the love they never saw coming or walk away from the one person who has always been there for them? Suzie: What message or feeling do you hope readers walk away with after reading your book?

Erma: All things are possible. God has a way of working everything out for our good and His glory. We sometimes pray for Him to change our situation or circumstance. In reality, He’s using that circumstance or situation to change us! We just need to trust Him – even when we don’t see or understand what He’s doing. :) Suzie: Amen and amen! What are you currently working on?

Erma: I’m working on the next book in the With Love series, Recipes with Love (to be published February 5, 2026, Lord willing). I’ve got another romcom, Lifted, that I find myself distracted by. The characters are hysterical, and they draw me into their New York setting in a hot minute. Suzie: Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate. How can we pray for you?

Erma: Pray that the work I do glorifies the Lord and blesses each reader. Every word that I perseverate over has no worth if not a one shines with Jesus’ love. Thank you for your prayers!

Suzie: Absolutely. All authors need prayer and encouragement. Thank you again for taking time to share with us today. And congratulations on your debut!

About the Book

Lost words, found love - a misplaced journal may spark a happily-ever-after in this You’ve Got Mail-style Rom-Com

Macie Grammerly’s mother delivers an ultimatum—come home and work for the family business or forfeit further financial support. Booted from her privileged jet-set life, Macie leaves sun-soaked Hawaii for Idaho. On her unglamorous bus ride to and from work, she pours her heart into her journal, writing about her dreams and the love she longs for.

Focused on his career, Ryan Tiggs’s five-year plan includes climbing to the top of a family-owned business. Then he can buy a car and move out of the garage apartment at his sister’s home. When he’s assigned the boss’s spoiled daughter as his intern, and they’re tasked with saving the floundering company, Ryan wonders if his days are numbered.

Everything changes when he finds a journal left on the bus. The anonymous writer’s vulnerability captivates him and sparks a secret email exchange that soon feels more real than anything else in his life.

As Macie and Ryan continue to work together, an undeniable attraction grows. Yet things are complicated by their individual online correspondence. When the truth is revealed, will they fight for the love they never saw coming or walk away from the one person who has always been there for them?

Goodreads | Amazon

Romantic Suspense Author Rebecca Lake Shares About Baseball, Life, and Writing

 This week, I'm excited to introduce you to Rebecca Lake. Rebecca is a romantic suspense author who writes stories of courage grounded in hope.

About Rebecca

Rebecca grew up in the rural West, where gold rush towns, remote caves, and the rugged Idaho mountains stirred her imagination.

The stories remained unwritten until one day she decided she could no longer wait for tomorrow and began writing. Within a year, she penned Where Secrets Lie, His Last Text, and The Mistaken Witness.

Her clean novels provide unique twists, white-knuckle suspense, and sweet romance. The characters inspire with their courage, grounded in hope.

Connect with Rebecca: website | newsletter | Facebook  | Bookbub

Interview

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Rebecca. We’re thrilled to have you visit us this week. Let's start with something easy. What is your favorite spring-time beverage?

Rebecca: I enjoy an ice-cold Arnold Palmer (unsweetened tea and lemonade) or iced coffee.

Suzie: Ah, an Arnold Palmer in the summer is refreshing. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

Rebecca: We’re avid baseball fans, and we’ve watched a lot of games, both on TV and in person. Pro, college, high school and youth baseball—we’ve watched it all. 

Suzie: I've never been able to get into baseball but have some good friends who love it. What are three books on your current tbr?

Rebecca: Doyle by Susan May Warren, Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey, and Out of Time by Irene Hannon

Suzie: Two of those are on my TBR as well! What does your writing space look like?

Rebecca: We converted a spare bedroom into a shared office. My window overlooks our hummingbird feeders, and when I need a break, I watch the horses in the field behind our house. 

Suzie: That sounds like an amazing view. Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

Rebecca: My road has been shaped by authors who generously shared their expertise. I wouldn’t have made it without one incredibly kind mentor who patiently shared her vast knowledge. I hope to pay it forward someday.

Suzie: What drew you to the romantic suspense genre?

Rebecca: I’ve always loved mysteries and suspense. I initially planned to write sweet romances, but suspenseful elements kept creeping into my stories.

Suzie: Tell us more about your newest release, The Mistaken Witness.

Rebecca: Harper Ashford narrowly escapes death after getting forced off a treacherous Idaho mountain road. Ignoring his own rules, former Special Forces officer Alek Locke races to her rescue. She doesn’t trust him. He doesn’t want to get involved. Yet, unraveling the deadly conspiracy her father ignited demands they remain in the mountains, forge an uneasy alliance, and follow a trail of cryptic clues. The danger escalates beyond their wildest expectations, each discovery leading them deeper into peril. 

While writing The Mistaken Witness, one plot twist captivated me so much I spent hours researching the actual event.

Suzie: What are you currently working on?

Rebecca: Deception At Christmas. A Christmas novella, Where Secrets End, Book Three in the Deception In The Mountains series, and Disguised Deception, book one in the Garnet Falls series.

Suzie: Wow, it sounds like writing is keeping you plenty busy. How can we pray for you?

Rebecca: For wisdom.

Suzie: Thank you for spending some time with us today, Rebecca. We will be praying God gives you wisdom as you continue your writing journey.

The Mistaken Witness

A fatal crash. A father’s betrayal. A web of lies.

Budding journalist Harper Ashford isn’t stalking a big story when an SUV forces her off a treacherous Idaho mountain road—it’s stalking her. So, when a handsome former Special Forces officer “just happens” upon the remote scene, she’s not about to trust him.

Alek Locke has retreated to the mountains to regroup after a mission gone awry. Rescuing a beautiful stranger wasn't part of his recovery plan. But as threats escalate and shocking connections emerge, Harper's father's betrayal pulls Alek deeper into the conspiracy he might have been entangled in all along.

Cryptic clues soon have the reporter question her sources and the military man reevaluate his priorities. With the danger relentless, their enemies might not be who they seem. Will their fragile partnership keep them alive? Can Alek’s selfless vow to protect her pierce her guarded heart? And could Harper’s resilience teach him another kind of strength before it’s too late?

Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway and Interview with Jill Chapman!

 Hi, guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ;-) And one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops then head to the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today's guest. <3

Today we are going to pry into the private life of CHAT with Jill Chapman, author of Seaside SOS!

Jill resides in southern Indiana with her husband of forty-six years. They enjoy their country lifestyle and visiting with their children and grandchildren. She is an avid movie watcher, loves Mexican food, and paints watercolors. Most days, you’ll find her in her studio working on her next adventure story or crafting new projects.

Jill’s interest in books began in childhood when reading provided a wonderful outlet for her wild imagination. She loves to tell stories about her life experiences with humor mixed in to convey the sense of adventure she feels every day. Jill says her life is like a good plate of nachos, with a tiny kick of spice and a whole lotta cheese.

Connect with Jill on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)!

Interview ~

This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL! 

*drum roll*

What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Something else altogether?

Don’t hate me, but I’m not a coffee drinker. I love extra spicy chia tea, iced or hot. I’ve also began drinking green tea lately. It’s okay, but extra spicy chia tea in the morning is amazing.

Spicy chia tea is loved here! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?

Last year, while on vacation, we ate in a Bolivian restaurant in Fort Walton, Florida. It was amazing! We spoke with the owner. He was so passionate about feeding Americans his special dishes from his country. It was fun to see a young man excited about his culture. I expected the food to be spicy, but it had a delicate flavor. I’d eat from his restaurant again in a heartbeat!

That sounds awesome! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?

I arranged a room in our house to be my studio. Most days, I’m at my desk in the studio, researching and writing. When I struggle to put a sentence together, I can go to my art table and create something there.

What a wonderful space to create! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

I would say my CONSTANT internal monologue. I may be in the room with you, but in my mind, I may be in the woods being chased by a bobcat!

This is the way. What inspired you to write Seaside SOS? 

The Bomb Squad series revolves around the adventures of a boy named Bryan and his three friends. My girls loved to go to the beach when they were growing up, so I decided to have the boys solve a mystery on the beach. When they suspect sea turtle eggs are in danger, the boys must save them. Since sea turtles and ocean life can be so vulnerable, this was a way to have children see ways they can help with conservation.

Love that! What led you to write in this genre?

My desire is to create family-friendly stories filled with adventure for children. When I was teaching, some students longed for friendships but didn’t know how to be friends or develop friendships. Children learn from fictional stories in many ways, so I wrote a story about four boys navigating friendship and mysteries together. My stories have settled in middle grade, although I have plans to publish a YA mystery as well.

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

Friendship with the element of loyalty is challenging for children today. I want to give children an example of how to be a good friend. My stories aren’t preachy, but they do contain Christian concepts and how the boys struggle with them at times.

It's so important! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

Holiday Havoc is the next adventure with the Bomb Squad. In this adventure, the boys must help prepare a Christmas float for a parade, solve a mystery of stolen presents for a children’s event, and help care for a new pet. All of this while navigating a blizzard. 

Tell Yourself is another project very close to my heart. This testimony/journal book will include personal testimonies from my life while providing space for readers to journal about their own lives. It will encourage people to see how God works in our lives in extraordinary ways.

      Those sound great! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

There are so many verses that speak to me and have been favorites over the years. Philippians 4:11 has been my life verse for a long time now.  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Life is a challenge for all of us at times. To walk faithfully, we must learn to be content in the knowledge that Jesus knows where we are, and he’ll take care of us. I’ve struggled with feeling out of place or out of touch. This verse helps me remember to be content in where God has me.

So true! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine! -- want to know. ;-)

A book way out of my comfort zone! City of End by Katelyn Pfeiffer is a futuristic fantasy about a young woman who must save her city from an evil that is waging a war on humanity. It’s been an exciting read so far, and I can’t wait to see how it ends.

That sounds exciting! Thanks for answering all of my prying questions, Jill!

Check out Jill's books and a giveaway opportunity! 

Books ~

Bryan and his three friends hop on a plane to Florida for a fun-filled seaside vacation with their families. The Squad arrives with high hopes for a thrilling time on the beach. In typical Squad fashion, things don’t go as planned. Max runs away from his dogsitter back home, Tim tells them he might leave the Squad, and the boys see mysterious lights on the beach.

Before jumping into the waves, the Squad meets a new friend beside a sea turtle’s nest near their condo. Ava tells them her suspicions about egg pirates prowling the beach at night. Together, they visit a Sea Turtle Rescue to learn more about the dangers these creatures face in the ocean and on the beach. When they decide to help Ava guard the nest, the Bomb Squad finds themselves in troubled waters again!

Will Max be found and brought home before he gets hurt? Is Tim really going to leave the Squad? Can the boys join forces with their new friend to save the eggs?

Learn More!

Learn More!

Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

The author is giving away a copy of Seaside SOS!

This giveaway will close on 3/20/25 at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

A winner will be drawn within four days of close of giveaway. The winner must respond to our e-mails within one week of notification, or their prize will be forfeit. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Enter via the handy Rafflecopter link below. May the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and create aesthetic content for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable daughters. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Amazon Author Page!

Jennifer Chastain Talks the Best of Both Worlds Writing Romantic Suspense

 Happy February, everyone. Are you doing something special to celebrate you this month? I sure hope so.

I am delighted to introduce you to my friend Jennifer Chastain today. Even though we both wrote for the same publisher, we didn't meet in person until the Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers Conference last September. 

Jennifer (L) and Suzie (R) at the FHL Writers 

Conference

Jennifer writes contemporary romance, and her newest book in her Targeted for Elimination series released yesterday (February 4, 2025).

A Little Bit About Jennifer Chastain

Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, Blue Ridge Reader Connections, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Romance Writers. Her contemporary romance stories contain themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness. Book 3 in her romantic suspense series, Targeted for Elimination: Lethal Connections, will be released in February 2025.

Connect with Jennifer: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Jennifer, and congratulations on your new release! I always like

to start with some easy warm up questions, so here we go... What is your favorite wintertime drink?

Jennifer: Sometimes I’ll have a warm apple cider or hot chocolate. I’m not a coffee drinker either so I usually have a big water bottle with me at all times.

Suzie: Oh, have you had the Caramel Apple Spice that Starbucks serves? It's like apple pie in a cup! I'm not a coffee drinker either, so the Caramel Apple Spice or Chai Tea are my go-to drinks (because I often seem to have Starbucks gift cards from people).

Moving on... What are three books on your tbr right now?

Jennifer: WitSec: Inside the Federal Witness Protection Program by Pete Early and Gerald Shur (for research)

Point of Impact by Lisa Phillips

Safe in His Arms by Melanie Snitker

Suzie: That first one sounds interesting (and I'm sure you'll get some great story ideas from it). Where is your favorite place to write? Why?

Jennifer: I like my office we set up - it’s quiet, and I can close the door. Also everything is set up for me as a dedicated writing space. 

  

Suzie: I long for the day when I can set up a dedicated office, complete with walls of bookshelves. I'm glad you've got a space where you can close the door. 

Who makes up your writing tribe? 

Jennifer: I met three fellow authors from My Book Therapy: Mandy Boerma, Sara Turnquist and Tammy Karasek

Suzie: I've known Sara for years. She lives near me, but we met for the first time at an ACFW conference in Dallas! I know the other two ladies by name only, but writing friends make some of the best friends, don't they?

What inspired you to write Lethal Connections?

Jennifer: Thats a very good question. To be honest, I needed another book to complete my then current contract. I had another book I wanted to write for the series, but I just couldn’t seem to figure out the plot or the characters at the time. My characters were not speaking to me! So I sat there in front of my computer and mulled it over and prayed. It was like someone whispered in my ear, “What about Travis? He has a story to tell.” Okay and as I dug into his character the story just flowed. It was as if this character raised his hand and said, “Me! Tell my story!” When I started writing, the story just started to flow. I love Kaitlyn and Travis and their journey to a happily ever after and pray my readers will be encouraged that no matter what happens to you, God is present.

Suzie: Don't you love it when God and your characters take over the story for you? 

What led you to write romantic suspense?

Jennifer: That’s the funny thing - I never intended to write romantic suspense. I firmly believed that I was supposed to write contemporary romance. But after I submitted the first book, Lethal Intentions, the acquisitions editor mentioned that romantic suspense was my genre and was a better fit for my writing style. So I said, okay, let’s do this. But you know what? I really like writing romantic suspense because I get the best of both writing worlds - the romance side combined with action, suspense, and/or adventure!

Jennifer's Targeted for Elimination full series

 

Suzie: It really is the best of both. I enjoy reading romantic suspense for sur.

What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

Jennifer: The main message I’d like to convey to my readers, is that God is the God of second, third, fourth, etc. chances. He will never leave you, all you have to do is call on Him. 

Suzie: Amen and amen! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

Jennifer: I have two projects that I’m working on right now. Both are romantic suspense. The first 

one is a new romantic suspense series for Sunrise Publishing. It’s super secret but all the stories are fantastic! We’ve brainstormed some story elements and that’s about all I can share at this point! I know, it’s vague, but Sunrise still hasn’t announced the series yet, and they’ve asked us to wait to announce the series until they give us the green light. All the stories are going to be high octane romantic suspense.

The second project I’m working on is another romantic suspense novel. I pitched my story idea to the acquisitions editor from Bethany House while attending the Faith, Hope, and Love Conference in Phoenix, AZ this past September. She was very interested and asked for my first three chapters and a book proposal. 

I have other ideas, but those are on the back burner right now. I have a few other stories “marinating” in the back of my head that take place in my fictional town of Providence, NC. I’d like to develop those, when I have the time.

Suzie: Congratulations on the interest from Bethany House. Those kind of conversations are always encouraging, aren't they? And I will have to keep my eyes out for more regarding the Sunrise Publishing series. 

 

I always like to end with the question: How can we pray for you?

Jennifer: I’m recovering for eye surgery, so if you can pray for complete healing for that. For my new release, that the launch will go well, and we’d be able to reach new readers who need to hear Travis’s story of redemption.

Suzie: I am praying for recovery and healing for your eye and blessings with your new book and launch and for the new stories to flow.

Thank you so much for spending some time with us this week.

About Lethal Connections

Being a Marine prepared him to fight, but not for his heart.

Travis Beckett has perfected the surfer guy persona with a devil-may-care attitude. He lives simply, but he longs for more. Forced into the Witness Protection program five years ago, he had no choice but to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved, and he was positive he’d never see her again—but then she shows up in Hawaii, and now, they’re both in danger.

Five years is a long time to mourn for a man who left her at the altar.

When Kaitlyn Daniels flies to Hawaii to attend a medical convention, she expects a relaxing week spent furthering her career. Instead, she escapes a fire at the hotel, gets shot at, and discovers her supposed-deceased fiancé is alive and living in Hawaii. Together, they barely escape all the danger, and she’s more than ready to go home.

Trouble comes knocking on her front door.

As a new Christian, Kaitlyn’s faith is tested to its limits when the trouble from Hawaii follows her home to Providence, NC—so does Travis. Now, a more sinister danger lurks behind every shadow, and if she and Travis can’t work together to find out who is behind the violent attacks, and why, they can both say goodbye to their second chance.

Goodreads | Amazon 

Inspiration and a Closer Look at the Magi with Lana Christian

Welcome (or welcome back) to the Diamond Mine. I am so excited to introduce you to Lana Christian today. Lana's debut novel is about the Magi who traveled from Persia to Jerusalem in search of a star. I had the absolute privilege of reading New Star early as one of the editors, and there is such a powerful moment in this story that I will never be able to hear the story of the magi again without remembering this moment through the eyes of this author's magi.

About Lana Christian

Twenty years ago, a man said my writing was a sword and to keep wielding it. That comment galvanized why I write. Words can change the world—especially when applied for good.

I’ve seen that firsthand. As a master’s level counselor. As a clinician and educator. As a writer in multiple sectors of business, healthcare, and ministry.

For the past nineteen years, I’ve been a freelance medical writer by day and a faith-based writer by night.

Writing is an adventure—much like hiking, my favorite hobby. Often humbling, always exciting. You’re never the same afterwards. In one way or another, you go beyond what you were before. Like when I made it to Peyto Lake—a glacier-fed lake in Banff, Canada (photo at the top of this screen). I pray the same happens when you read my books.

Ever think about who and what shaped your approach to the world?

MY WHO: My dad, a mechanical engineer, seemed to be able to do anything by just figuring it out. He ignited my inquisitive mind—often to my mom’s chagrin. My aunt wrote children’s books for Simon & Schuster. My seventh-grade science teacher opened my eyes to the wonders of the universe.

MY WHAT: I survived a nearly fatal case of Lyme disease. At my sickest, my husband left me. Homebound, my only way to earn a living was to write—and figure out how to rise above the odds stacked against me.

When I was ready to give up, God called me to embrace life—not death. It gave me a new boldness. Like me (all of 5 ft. 1 in.) calling out a career CrossFit guy when he parked his truck in a handicapped spot at Kmart.

I’m living a life of faith. Sometimes stumbling through it but still moving forward. That resonates through my books. I’d love for you to join me in the adventure.

My friend, God loves us as we are, but He also loves us enough to not leave us where we are. He wants us to GO BEYOND what we can imagine for ourselves.

That’s my life theme. I pray you’ll experience it in my books. Will you step into the adventure with me? Enjoy what you discover and GO BEYOND!

Follow Lana Christian: Website | Twitter/X | Facebook

The Interview

Suzie: Welcome, Lana, and thank you for joining us today. Let's get started with a couple of warm-up questions (the first one is a bit of a literal warm-up question). What is your favorite warm winter drink?

Lana: Hot chai tea with a splash of almond milk.

Suzie: Yum. I love a good chai tea. Perfect drink for when the temperature drops.

What are three books on your tbr pile right now?

Lana: DiAnn Mills’s Lethal Standoff

Amanda Barratt’s The Warsaw Sisters

Naomi Craig’s The Weary World Rejoices

Tracy Higley’s Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time

Anne Graham Lotz’s The Daniel Prayer

Suzie: I've read the first two books on your list, and the others sound good. I've added them to my tbr too. Let's move into writing now. Where is your favorite place to write? Why?

Lana: In quiet. I get so laser focused when I write that I often don’t hear my timer on my stove. (I can’t just casually listen to music while I write. I have too many years of piano and vocal training under my belt. I do listen to music when I take a break from writing.)

  

Suzie: I'm the same (can't listen when I'm writing/working but listen to it when I am taking a break). 

Who makes up your writing tribe? 

Lana: I have circles of wonderful authors: the ACFW chapter I’m a member of, fellow Scrivenings authors, several private author Facebook pages, and authors I’ve connected with through writing courses and Twitter. I also have amazing, supportive high school friends. (Our high school class has a very active private Facebook page.) Finally, I have awesome church friends and prayer warriors.

Suzie: You have a lot of terrific support in your writing journey. Now I'd like to talk about your book.

What inspired you to write New Star?

Lana: A live Nativity. On December 17, 2017. I was home, sick, watching Shadow Mountain Community Church’s Sunday service online, which included a 17-minute live Nativity with incredible music. It was like God shined a spotlight on every part of the scene, starting with the star, and whispered, “There’s a story to tell here.” New Star is dedicated to everyone who made that live Nativity possible.

Suzie: What a beautiful inspiration. You took on a lot with a piece of a story that is so well-known.

What was the hardest part of writing New Star?

Lana: For me, the hardest part is making sure I understand why characters do what they do. For example, history and the Bible tell us Herod the Great changed his will right before he died so his son Antipas wouldn’t succeed him as king. Why did he do that? How did that affect Antipas and all his decisions after that?  History and the Bible only hint at the “why,” so I have to crawl around inside their heads to figure out their motivations. In that regard, I may do as much “noodling” as I do writing. But when I get the motivations right, truly authentic scenes start to write themselves.

Suzie: You gave each of your characters realistic and believable motivations in the book.

What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

Lana: (1) The Wise Men were real people who risked much and paid a high price for what they did in searching for Jesus. 

(2) Our belief will cost us something, but the reward is much greater than any price we pay. 

(3) God is big enough to handle all our questions.

(4) There is absolute Truth. His name is Jesus.

Overall, I hope that gives people hope!

Suzie: As someone who has read your story, I believe you've successfully delivered that message.

Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?

Lana: New Star is the first installment in my series, The Magi’s Encounters. That series comprises four books, so I’ll be turning in a manuscript every January for the next three years. In addition, I have several devotional books in various stages of development, a historical fiction novel and a contemporary retelling of a biblical story in early stages of drafting.

 

Suzie: I am looking forward to catching up with Akilah and the others in the next book.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level? 

Lana: Isaiah 64:3-4 has been my go-to ever since starting my writing journey with New Star. I paraphrased the verses like this: 

EXPECT the impossible. 

CELEBRATE the unseen. 

And PRAISE God for it! 

I printed that as big as I could and taped that where I could see it all the time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed through, claimed, and trusted those words from Isaiah.

 

Suzie: I love your paraphrase. What a wonderful reminder for each of us every day. I want to end with this question: How can we pray for you?

Lana: Pray that God would use New Star in ways I can’t imagine (see Isaiah 64:3-4). Pray that readers would find the book a safe place to explore their questions about God and finish the book with a new appreciation for the Wise Men—and for the Bible. I would love for a reader say, “This prompted me to crack open a Bible.” Also, please pray that I would keep writing even when I’m discouraged about it. God has a plan; I need to put in the sweat equity, co-create with Him, then watch Him do what only He can.

Suzie: Amen. 

Thank you so much for spending some time with us this week, Lana. It was a pleasure learning more about you, your inspiration, and what's to come.

About New Star

AKILAH, a highly respected priest-scholar in the Lower Council of Magi society, considers all his astronomy discoveries well-deserved stepping-stones to a more fulfilling life. But the appearance of a new star challenges his priorities. As Persia totters on the brink of an undesirable king coming to power, Akilah declines an Upper Council position that could turn the tide. Instead, he studies an elusive star that doesn’t appear in any almanac or other writings. Except Jewish.

 

His research makes him a target of Persia’s religious and govern-mental conflicts. As dangers at home and abroad plunge Akilah into circumstances beyond his imagining, he realizes his knowledge of Jesus could destroy Magi society, its influence on Persia’s government, and Persia’s official religion. Untrusting of his Council, a thousand miles from aid, and bound to his cousin in a potentially career-ending contract, Akilah must decide how far he will go to protect what he knows of Jesus—and whether the cost is worth the risk.

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