Following God's Lead: A Conversation with Denise M. Colby

Denise M. Colby's path to becoming an author wasn't one she planned. From dancing down Main Street at Disneyland to building a career in marketing, each season prepared her for the moment God placed a story on her heart. Since then, she's been delighting readers with heartfelt historical fiction, memorable characters, and stories that unfold in unexpected ways.

In today's interview, Denise shares how a school field trip sparked her writing journey, why she's a proud discovery writer, the inspiration behind one of her readers' favorite characters, and how she balances a full-time career with writing books. She also gives us a glimpse of what's coming next—and how we can pray for her as she continues to follow God's leading.

As a special thank-you to readers, Denise is also giving away a digital copy of her debut novel to one lucky winner. Be sure to enter the giveaway after the interview!

Please join me in welcoming Denise Colby!

About Denise M. Colby

Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s.

She treasures the written word and the messages that can be conveyed when certain words are strung together. An avid journal writer, she usually can be found with a pen and notepad whenever she’s reading God’s word.

Born and raised in Northern California, Denise moved to Southern California for college and to dance in the parades at Disneyland (well, she might’ve picked the college so she could dance at Disneyland) and never left the area. She loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80’s and musical songs, tap dance, and spend date nights with her husband at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’.

Denise is passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels. Besides her novels, she has published two articles in compilation books and eleven magazine articles.

Every year Denise chooses a word to focus on. For 2026, her word is BALANCE. Releasing four books within a two-year period is definitely teaching her a lot about this word.

She shares her learnings about her focus word throughout the year, as well as behind the scenes tidbits from her writing. Sign up for her newsletter or you can follow Denise on her social media or her blogs.

Writing a book is definitely not as easy as it looks, but she wouldn’t change her journey. A member of multiple writing groups, she has made some amazing friends through the years. If you are interested in writing, send Denise a message and she would love to help direct you to a writing group where you can get plugged in.

Or you can check out her posts on the writers' blog, A Slice of Orange, as she shares her writing journey with other authors.

Follow Denise on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | X/Twitter

1.     Suzie: Welcome, Denise. We are thrilled you are joining us this week. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Denise: I grew taking dance class. Tap, jazz, ballet. All of it. I don’t think it ever leaves you. My favorite

has always been tap dance. I’ve taught private lessons in college and in recent years taught in my garage beginning tap. I even had a moms' class for a while and it was so fun. Sometimes I still pull out my shoes and dance. Besides tap, I was fortunate to be a choreographer for musical theater for seven years, teaching middle school students (including all three of my kids). Also, I grew up dreaming of wanting to dance at Disneyland, so I had moved to Southern California for college to do just that. Dancing down main street was my dream come true (which taught me a lot about going for your dreams). Plus, I met my husband there and stayed in the area. Now it’s our date night place.

 

Suzie: So much fun. I love that you reached for your dreams. What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

Denise: I never planned on being an author, but after a school field trip to Sacramento with my oldest son, and visiting the one-room schoolhouse there, an idea for a story took root. It wasn’t until the same trip two years later with my second son that I attempted to actually write something. God put the desire on my heart, but it wasn’t anything I myself had thought of doing.

Suzie: God is pretty amazing the way he plants something in our hearts, isn't he? Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

Denise: During the day I work for a drainage company as a Sr. PIM Marketing Manager. I help organize and write the copy for our e-commerce pages that show up on Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other companies. I get to work from home. So I start the day early with writing related tasks (and writing) and then pivot at my desk for work. When I’m on deadline I also write in the evening and weekends if needed. I’ve found writing sprints the best tool for me to write my books.

Suzie: Writing sprints are great motivators. Are you a night owl or morning person?

Denise: Can I be both? I wish my body agreed – lol.

Suzie: Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Denise: Yes - Ice Cream

Suzie: You can't go wrong with ice cream. Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

Denise: Always. I love how the story connects organically as I’m writing. Only God can do that. It’s a beautiful thing.

Suzie: It really is beautiful. Who was your favorite character to create? 

Denise: I love building all my characters and seeing them grow. But I think my favorite is Bert. He seems to be everyone’s favorite.

Suzie: Bert is a ton of fun. How did you come up with the names of your characters?

Denise: Some of the names are family names. I also do research online for the time period. I’ve even wandered around a cemetery taking notes (we were visiting family). I just shared in my newsletter how Bert’s name was chosen. I wanted a B name to honor my mom (Beverly), and I loved Bert in Mary Poppins.

Suzie: Those are great ways to determine character names. Are you a plotter or a panster?

Denise: I figure out my characters and some basic things overall, but I am definitely more a pantser.

Suzie: I am too. I really need to change that question to say "are you a plotter or a discovery writer." Are you part of a writing group?

Denise: Yes, I’m actually a part of several. They have all been amazing. I love the friendships and support I’ve built with all of them. I highly recommend joining them. The groups I’m a part of include:

Faith, Hope, Love Christian Writers – https://fhlchristianwriters.com

ACFW – https://acfw.com

Novel Academy – https://novel.academy

OCRW (Orange County Romance Writers) – https://ocrw.clubexpress.com 

Suzie: Wonderful groups, for sure. Do you have a favorite author or book?

Denise: Long before I wrote, I loved reading Deanne Gist, Mary Connealy, Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Klassen, and many more.

 

3.   Suzie: There are a couple of my favorites on your list. What’s next for you as an author?

Denise: I’m currently writing a Christmas novella, and hope to write the other two teachers’ stories in the Best-laid Plans Series

 

4.     Suzie: Wonderful. More books for readers. How can we pray for you? 

Denise: My word this year is Balance. Working full time, building an author career, taking care of my health, and being present for my family and friends are all things I’m trying to juggle.

Suzie: Thank you for spending some time with us this week, Denise. And congratulations on your new book.

About A Whole New Plan

Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected.

California, 1870. Pastor William Baker has built his life on faith, routine, and safe choices—until Lydia Spencer walks in and turns everything upside down.

Independent, outspoken, and guarded, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. She has no interest in church… and no intention of revealing the truth she’s hiding.

Because Lydia isn’t just a schoolteacher.

She’s a Pinkerton detective, sent west to track a dangerous crime boss—and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means keeping her distance from the one man who sees straight through her defenses.

But when unexplained thefts shake their quiet small-town rural community, and a desperate boy appears with ties to a deeper mystery, Will and Lydia are forced into an uneasy partnership.

As danger closes in, so do their hearts.

What begins as a reluctant alliance soon becomes a forced proximity neither of them expected—and neither can ignore.

Yet the very things that draw them together may be the ones that tear them apart.

Lydia’s life is built on secrets.

Will’s is built on truth.

And when her past catches up with her, they’ll have to decide what matters most—holding on to their own plans… or trusting the One who sees the bigger picture.

Because sometimes surrender is the only way to find the life you were meant to live.

Set against the backdrop of the American West, A Whole New Plan is a heartfelt story of faith, courage, and a strong woman learning to trust again—woven with threads of mystery and hope.>

If you enjoy western Christian romances with elements of intrigue and heart, you’ll love A Whole New Plan—perfect for fans of Misty M. Beller and Mary Connealy.

Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway

Denise is generously giving away one digital copy of her debut novel (When Plans Go Awry) to a lucky reader!

To enter:

1. 1. Answer this question in the comments: What dream has God placed on your heart that you're trusting Him with?

• 2. Include a way for us to contact you if you're selected (email address or social media handle is fine).

Giveaway Rules:

1. One winner will receive a digital copy of Denise's debut novel, When Plan Go Awry.

• The giveaway will remain open until at least five eligible entries have been received.
• Once five or more qualifying entries have been submitted, one winner will be selected at random and contacted using the information provided.
• 
  
• By entering, you agree that your comment may be publicly visible on this blog.

Good luck and thank you for visiting the diamond mine.

Interview with Romance Author, Susan Tuttle

Susan L. Tuttle, Author

ACFW Carol Award finalist, Susan L. Tuttle was born and raised in the Mitten State (Michigan) where she met and married her best friend. A homeschooling mom of three, somewhere along the way she blinked and those three littles aren’t so little anymore. Now she balances their young adult years with directing the women’s ministry at her church, writing, and caring for her parents. She fully believes that God is the biggest romancer in the world and that He loves each one of us lavishly even in all our imperfections—a belief tried and tested by her own misses at perfection. Never having met a cookie she didn’t like, most days you’ll find her enjoying one for a treat between chauffeuring her kiddos around, attempting housework, contemplating exercise, or coaxing her current characters to talk.
 

Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com or at susanltuttleauthor@gmail.com. 

Join Susan on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanltuttle5/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Susan_Tuttle5

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18358723.Susan_L_Tuttle

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-l-tuttle

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanltuttle/

Karla Akins, M. Ed., is an award-winning author and curriculum designer specializing in stories and resources for families with special needs.

When she's not writing or studying, you might find her riding her motorcycle or teaching online classes. She makes her home in Florida where she lives with her husband and adult twin sons with autism.  

Family, Holidays, and Writing Journeys with Debut Author Erin Unger

This week we welcome a debut author to the Diamond Mine that you'll be seeing more of in 2019. Not only because of the books she's got releasing next year (which we'll talk a little later) but also because she's joining the Diamond Mine team!

Let's give a warm welcome to romantic suspense author Erin Unger.

Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her novel, Desolate Paths, releases January 11, 2019.

Connect online:
www.erinungerwrites.com
https://www.facebook.com/ErinUngerWrites/
 https://twitter.com/erinungerwrites

https://www.instagram.com/erinungerwrites/

Suzie: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Erin. We are delighted you could join us for a visit.

An icebreaker is always a fun way to learn a little about a new friend, so let’s start with a game of Would you rather (I promise not to ask about eating anything disgusting)!

Would you rather win a million dollars in the lottery or never have to buy anything for yourself ever again?  

Erin: I’d rather not have to buy anything for myself. I bet that would equal tens of millions, lol.

Suzie: I agree (plus I'm not a huge fan of shopping to begin with). Would you rather be a contestant on a game show or a character in a soap opera?

Erin: A character in a soap opera would be so fun to over act.

Suzie: Would you rather sing like a diva or cook like a 5-star chef?

Erin: A 5-star chef is way more interesting. And it would make my family so happy to have all those gourmet meals every night.

Suzie: A 5-star chef would also produce something delicious. Would you rather have your own boat or your own island? 

Erin: Don’t you think an island would be such a dream come true? Then at least I could hide on it and get some writing done without a million interruptions.

Suzie: I am in complete agreement! Would you rather live a hundred years in the past or a hundred years in the future?
 
Erin: I’d go back to the past for sure. I’m dying to know all the little details of life that we can only guess about.

Suzie: Would you rather never be able to speak what’s on your mind or always speak the truth?

Erin: If I couldn’t speak what was on my mind, I think I’d go crazy!

Suzie: Ok, that was way fun! Now let’s get to some more personal questions. You have a large family. Five kids, y’all! As a single lady, I can’t even imagine! Can you share a couple of your favorite recent family moments with us?   

Erin: I’m so glad you asked Suzie. Last week, I went to visit my army son and his family in Texas. He just had a brand-new baby—my first granddaughter! I held her almost the whole time we were there. And playing with my three-year-old grandson made my year. Top all that off with seeing a bunch of iconic tourist sites and it was by far a favorite trip of all time. 


Suzie: Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, let’s talk about some of your family traditions for the holiday.

Erin:  Thanksgiving at my house is a crazy mix of family and fun. We cook for days. All my kids prepare a dish or dessert of their choice. And my whole extended family also contributes in potluck style. But I always do the turkey. We spend the whole day together, eating, doing puzzles, and playing games—and getting in a little nap too.






Suzie: Sounds like a great day of family and fun! By necessity (did I mention the five children?), you are a couponer. What advice or insight do you have for someone interested in saving money?  

Erin: I don’t coupon like I used to, but it’s a very important aspect of having a big family. The best advice I have is to always shop at stores which double every coupon. And match them to the sales in the sales ads. I’ve done it for years and saved about 65% on my grocery bill on a regular basis.

Suzie: Thanks for the tip! Now, tell us a little about your writing journey. 

Erin: My writing journey has been...well interesting. It hasn’t been easy or quick. But I’m so glad that God brought me through the difficult years and kept me from quitting many a time. I started writing nine years ago, but it isn’t until this coming year that all my hard work is going to come to fruition. 

Suzie: What a great testament to not giving up. With a full house (and then some), what kind of writing routine—or non-routine—do you have? 

Erin: I’ve been on sabbatical for a month but normally I write three days a week. I spend one day a week doing social media, guest posts, and writer maintenance or editing. And I write the other two days. I don’t always worry about word count because I have days where I work all day and still only get out 500 words.

Suzie: What drew you to romantic suspense? Who are your influences?

Erin: I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and suspense since I can remember. Even as a kid, I was looking for every Nancy Drew book and every mystery story I could find. I’ve been influenced so much by Harlan Coben, Stephanie Myers, Erynn Newman, Lynette Eason, Lynn Blackburn, Ronie Kendig, Dani Pettrey, and so many more. They’ve helped to shape my writing more then I imagined possible.

Suzie Definitely some names I recognize on that list. Romantic suspense intrigues me because of the research into procedures and laws and more. What is an interesting tidbit or experience you’ve come across while researching your books?   

Erin: Because of my novel, Desolate Paths, I learned a lot about alcoholism and how it affects people so differently. Some people can drink regularly for years and not be addicted, while others can drink for only a short amount of time and become alcoholics. Even the types of withdrawal can vary in extremes. And they aren’t necessarily directly related to how long a person drinks.

Suzie: Share with us a little about your debut release (coming January 11, 2019).

Erin: When rehab is Brooke Hollen’s only chance at redemption, she runs straight to it. But can she survive the serial killer who hides amongst the damaged and healing? And can she trust Kyle Reston, another rehab resident, who wants to take her under his wing? Or is he responsible for the residents who keep going missing?











Suzie: Do you have anything else in the works?

Erin: I have five books releasing next year. It’s going to be an exciting year. And, I’m in the middle of writing a series about a tight-knit urban community and its secrets, and I’m so excited about it. I can’t wait to get it in my readers’ hands.

Wow, five books? That is amazing (and goes back to that persistence paying off). Erin, thank you again for your time today! I look forward to reading Desolate Paths soon!

Giveaway

Erin is giving one reader a $5.00 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite Thanksgiving family tradition. For a bonus entry, follow Erin on social media and tell us you did so in the comments.

 ***Must be five original commentors for giveaway to be valid.