Sandra Merville Hart Interview and Book Giveaway!

Today I'm interviewing Sandra Merville Hart. Her debut novel, "A Stranger On My Land is just out, and if you leave a comment after the interview, you'll be entered in a drawing for a free copy of her wonderful book. I loved it!

Hello, Sandy! Glad to host you on The Diamond Mine! "A Stranger On My Land" is your debut novel. How long have you been writing fiction?

I wanted to be a writer in elementary school and actually wrote my first novel, a mystery, in the sixth grade.  I received no encouragement. I rightly took this to mean that my story was not a good one. What I didn't know was that most first attempts aren't very promising. I let my dream go.

It returned to me about ten years ago. After spending time taking correspondence classes and a couple of college writing classes, I began writing in earnest.

I noticed your historical references after the ending, and found them very interesting. How did you come upon the idea for placing your novel in this specific point of time during the Civil War?

My dad lived on another mountain in Tennessee in his childhood. The mountains of Tennessee have always had a strong pull on me.

The Battle Above the Clouds, fought on Lookout Mountain, fascinates me. The mountain is so tall that fog shrouded the middle section during the battle. Folks in the valley watched soldiers from both sides climb beyond the fog as fighting continued. It must have been quite a sight.

My research showed that many who lived on the mountain hid in caves with the armies of both sides of the conflict in the area. This sparked my idea.

 Has the Civil War held a special fascination for you? As Americans, we all have our own views of this nation-changing conflict, but I’d like to know what significance it has for you.

 I can't remember what first captivated me about the Civil War. It may have reading Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell while in high school. I believe it was the longest book I had read up to that point. (And one of the few of that length I've read, now that I come to think of it.)

My fascination grew as an adult when visiting historical sites. My interest always perked up when finding a connection with the Civil War.

Even after I let my dream of becoming an author slip from my fingers, I still wanted to write a book set during the Civil War. It was one of the first ideas I pursued at writers conferences only to be told at that time no one wanted them.

I'm glad that changed.

So am I! Did you have an outline, or did you just write as inspiration hit?

When I first started writing, I outlined my chapters before beginning my books. I don't do that anymore. Now, when I begin a novel I know the ending, but how the characters will get there isn't clear. I pray that God will give me His story and the book takes off in surprising directions. I can't tell you how many times I've thought after typing a scene, "I didn't know that was coming."

It's like I've relinquished control of how the characters will react. I like this way of writing much better.

I agree! It's pretty exciting to have your characters surprise you! I'm curious, aside from what you share in the epilogue concerning actual historical people, were any of your main characters based on you or people in your life?

Signs of Carrie's feisty spirit flash throughout the story. When I think of feisty women, my grandmother definitely comes to mind. If you ever watched the TV series, Beverly Hillbillies, you have a good idea of what my grandmother was like.

So my grandmother probably influenced this side of Carrie's character.   

This is your debut novel, but I know in my case, my debut novel is not my actual first novel. Is this one your first, or do you have others?

I've written about a dozen books so far. If I'm not mistaken, I'm writing my thirteenth novel right now.

Wow! That's great. I’d like to know more about your writing journey. What first inspired you to write down a story?

My love of reading began in the third grade when my teacher took us to the library weekly. I didn't know what to start with, and the librarian suggested biographies. I loved learning about people in history. Now that I think about it, that's probably where my love of history originated.

Soon after this, I told my mom that I wanted to be a writer. Lack of encouragement was a major stumbling block for me because I lacked confidence.

Well, I hope you have confidence now. You're definitely a writer! What is your writing process like?

I begin each writing day by reading a chapter in the Bible. It seems to ground me for the day. Then I open up my current WIP, update the word count from the previous day's writing, and let my imagination go.

Sounds like fun to me! What do you want your readers to experience through your writing?

I really want them to go on a journey back in time with me, when times were both simpler and more difficult in their own way.

What are you working on now?

I had an idea for a romantic suspense novel. It's a contemporary novel but still has a historical element!

My next novel will be another Civil War romance. This one will be set in Gettysburg. I can't wait to write this one!

Be sure to let me know when you finish it. I'll look forward to reading it!

Thanks for hosting me today, Nancy. I've enjoyed our conversation!

I have too, and I hope your book does well. I certainly loved  reading it!

Here's a short blurb from Sandy's book, "A Stranger  On My Land."

Carrie and her little brother, Jay, find a wounded soldier on their land after a battle which later became known as "The Battle Above the Clouds." Adam, a Union soldier, has been shot twice in the arm. Though Carrie is reluctant to take Adam to their cave where her family hides their livestock from both armies, she cannot turn her back on him.

But her Aunt Lavinia, bitter over what Yankees have done to their land, urges Carrie to allow Adam to die. Carrie refuses, but cannot remove the bullets. Adam's friendship with Jay softens her heart toward him. It's not long until his gratitude and teasing manner spark a friendship between the young couple. Even though Carrie's father fights for the Confederacy in far-off Virginia, her feelings for the handsome young soldier begin to blossom into love.

When Adam's condition worsens, Carrie knows a Union surgeon is needed to save his life. How can she accomplish this and keep her family's hiding place a secret?

You can find Sandy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.m.hart.7

And her book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Land-Civil-War-Romance/dp/1941103278/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409114429&sr=1-1&keywords=sandra+merville+hart

Don't forget to leave a comment for Sandy, and be entered in the book giveaway drawing!

Welcome Deborah Piccurelli: Author, Advocate, and Diamond

Deborah Piccurelli

Welcome to the Mine, Deborah. Summer’s almost over, and school’s getting ready to start in some areas, started in others. A busy time of year!

Thank you for having me, Renee. It’s a pleasure to be here!

I see you have a book out and about called Hush, Little Baby. Can you tell us about it?

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Investigative journalist, Amber Blake, is a little person bent on payback for the death of her average-sized twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband, Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor’s romantic overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what’s behind a mysterious door in his office.

Wow, it sounds like a powerful book. Do you think we can get a sneak peek?

CHAPTER

            She would be working for her sister’s killer.

            Amber’s skin goosebumped as she drove down the town’s main highway to the Cedarview Women’s Center for her first day on the job. To think the man responsible for Ashley’s death, Dr. Albert Hines, would be her employer.

            Her foot pumped the extender pedal for the brake, and her Honda Odyssey glided to a smooth stop at the red traffic signal. She sometimes wondered what it would feel like to be five-six instead of four foot tall, and able to drive without the extenders; to live a life without the need for any adaptive products.

            She was about to find out. In part, anyway. Her last visit to the clinic for the interview revealed very few accommodations for a little person. Not that she expected there would be any, as they probably never had a dwarf working there before. Despite her size, Dr. Hines had shown her much respect. Because of that surprising courtesy, a tinge of guilt crept in at the thought that he would end up in prison because of her.

            Not enough to put her off, though. He had it coming.

I started writing novels fairly late in life (around forty), but I heard the call loud and clear. I just never thought I’d be writing suspense. I figured I’d write more historical or chicklit. Anything but suspense or mystery. When the Lord called you as a writer, did you think you’d be writing what you are?

Actually, I thought I’d be writing screenplays, because that’s what I started with. I really don’t know how I switched over to novels, but I do know that reading good books made me want to write them, too. I had even started a couple as a child, but never finished them, and then teenage life took over.

Ever wonder if you heard right?

Not really. I just write whatever I hear the Lord give me. I have three other assignments from Him: Another novel, which I’m working on right now; a nonfiction book, and a TV drama. The latter two I’ve never even thought of getting into before.

Now don’t laugh… I had aspirations of being a ballerina as a child. Of course, it wasn’t meant to be, either due to God’s will or my own foolishness. Either way, now I’m a pharmacist and an author. Praise the Lord. If God hadn’t made you to put the pen to the page, what else do you think you’d be?

This sounds really lame at this point in my life, but as a little girl, I wanted to be a secretary when I grew up. For some reason I thought it was glamorous. I guess from watching TV shows and movies where the secretary looked official and ended up marrying her boss. (laughs) Anyway, I did end up doing that for many years. And no, I didn’t marry any of my bosses. So, being a writer is a bigger, better dream for me. And as I mentioned earlier, I did do some writing as a child, so I guess writing was a sort of hidden dream.

I can see writing as a hidden dream of mine as well! I think God plants that desire very early in many writers. I know He did for me. Like I said before, I write suspense and romance. The Lord imbeds His message of deliverance. He offers me stories of faith and hope...  with struggles through insurmountable odds. What do you write and why?

The books I write are cause-related. Mostly subjects related to sanctity of life. The Lord just put this on my heart, and I feel it’s an assignment he appointed me to.

The Lord promises to never forsake us. So even when we think we’ve been abandoned in our endeavors, He’s with us. What can you share with the readers to encourage them?

Stay close to Him. Consult Him at every turn in each project. It wouldn’t even hurt to fast some. Praise Him. He inhabits our praise.

Thank you so much for that, Deb. So many times we forget to do that very thing. In fact, He becomes our last resort when He should be the first. My faith in Jesus Christ sustains me. I’m actually known to many as Faithwalker. How does your faith provide strength for you?

I think it’s more that the Joy of the Lord gives me strength to have the level of faith needed to do this work.

That’s an interesting perspective. For me, I have to say it’s the reverse. My faith gives me joy. When all else fails, I have faith in the One true God and He’s always there for me… no matter what. I take joy in that. Even if I don’t feel like smiling or laughing, I know He loves me. Of course, I don’t write what you do!

Thanks for coming to the Mine today. Before you go, can we let the readers know what’s in the works for you? New releases to come?

And thank you for having me, today, Renee. I have a contract with Prism for a novella, that’s pure romance, not the usual stuff I write. I’m working with the editor now, but have not yet been given a release date. I’m hoping it’s not too far off.

I can’t wait until it’s released. I bet it’s going to be great. I hope you let us know when you find out the release date. Until then… may the Lord bless and keep you!

Deborah’s giving away a signed print copy of her new release, Hush, Little Baby. Enter for your chance to win via the Rafflecopter below!

Drawing will be August 27^th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book:

Investigative journalist, Amber Blake, is a little person bent on payback for the death of her average-sized twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband, Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting.
As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor’s romantic overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what’s behind a mysterious door in his office.

About the Author:

Deborah M. Piccurelli is an advocate for sanctity of life, and tackles such issues in her novels, weaving them into compelling stories. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons.

Contact info:

www.deborahmpiccurelli.com

www.facebook.com/deborah.piccurelli

Twitter - @DebPiccurelli

Pinterest.com/DebPiccurelli