GIVEAWAY and Interview with Jenelle Hovde

I am thrilled to introduce The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction community to author Jenelle Hovde! Jenelle sat down with me and took the time to answer some of my questions on her author journey AND WE'RE DOING A GIVEAWAY. Comment on this post to be entered for a chance to win either a hard cover copy of Jenelle's novel Eve's Story: The First Daughter or A String of Pearls! I am excited to share with you my interview with Jenelle. 

Here is a little bit about Jenelle:

Jenelle writes Biblical historical fiction and historical romance. After years spent in South Dakota, Jenelle and her family moved to the Florida coast. When she isn't scribbling on scraps of paper, you can find her within used bookstores perusing antique romance novels and historical journals. You also might find her at the beach with a favorite read. 

Comment on this post for a chance to win The First Daughter or A String of Pearls!

Thank you for spending the time to chat with me Jenelle! Do you have a favorite author or book that has influenced or inspired you? 

Jenelle: I especially love Laura Frantz’s poetic writing. I remember reading her first novel when I was on bedrest with my first child. I thought, “Wow. Christian fiction reads as beautifully as any secular award-winning historical fiction.” I think Christian fiction often hits the high notes of artistry and depth. It just keeps getting better and better.

I absolutely agree! I can get so lost in a Christian fiction story sometimes I forget it's not "mainstream!" What were the highlights or key challenges you faced when writing your last book? 

Jenelle: I had three novels all at once, including edits. The novels were set in ancient Canaan with giants, Mussolini and the Italian resistance, and Regency England with archeology and secretive societies! I am blessed to have a remarkably supportive family who cooked and cleaned through my deadlines. That said, my Regency novel was a bear to write. Since it’s a newer genre for my readers, I had to wrestle with all the inner angst, along with a nasty bout of flu.

Three novels at once! I can't even imagine! I struggle with just one deadline! I'm interested to know, why did you chose to write Christian Fiction? 

Jenelle: I love a strong faith message in my fiction. I’ve been so encouraged by the characters I read about, especially when I encounter similar situations such as a death in the family or a health diagnosis. Writing really is a wonderful ministry that entertains and uplifts the reader. Great books remind me of God’s faithfulness and bring wisdom! It’s like getting a hug from an author who whispers in your ear, “I’ve been there, too.”

I love that. Writing is absolutely a ministry. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Christian Fiction writer? 

Jenelle: Read as much as you can. Write every day, even if one page. And tell yourself, “Why not you?” What if you told yourself you couldn’t get published and then never really tried because of the odds? Writing is also a spiritual journey where we must release our results into God’s hands.

It's so difficult to put your work out there, but there is beauty in allowing yourself to be vulnerable and releasing the results into God's hands. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse that inspires you? 

Jenelle: Psalm 121:1, 2, the song of ascents. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I can’t do anything without His guidance and help. Actually, I find releasing my weakness and leaning into His strength so very encouraging.

Amen! What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

Jenelle: I paint every day. Currently, I’m working on several Christian historical, YA fantasy, and speculative art projects for authors! I absolutely love translating my authors’ dreams into a painting that might be a book illustration, cover, or a character print for marketing.

I have to admit this was kind of a trick question. I am an ABSOLUTE fan of your artwork and wanted the opportunity for you to share about it (and for me to promote it!!) I'm especially excited that you do YA Fantasy art projects for authors as Fantasy is the genre I like to write in! So what’s next for you? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Jenelle: I recently sent in my bluestocking Regency novel to Tyndale House publishers! I’m ridiculously excited to work with my dream publisher and write a romantic story full of adventure. Readers can join my newsletter for exclusive Regency art, giveaways, and lots of sneak peeks into Regency life and books! I’m currently working on book two in the series. 

Jenelle!! That's HUGE NEWS!! CONGRATULATIONS! This is very exciting! One last question! What do you hope Christian Readers take away from your books?

Jenelle: As a pastor’s wife, my goal is always to entertain AND draw others closer to Christ. I hope my books touch hearts no matter the geographical distance. 

Thanks for taking the time to share with our Christian readers a little about you and your work Jenelle!

Sign up for Jenelle's newsletter to receive a copy of her Snow White retelling, Raven’s Heir, here! You can learn more about Jenelle and find links to her books and to her social channels on her website: https://jenellehovdeauthor.com/.

Don't forget to comment below for a chance to win one of Jenelle's novels: The First Daughter or A String of Pearls!

About author Barbara Britton, and a giveaway!!

 

Hi there readers! Today we welcome author Barbara Britton to the Diamond Mine. She's going to speak about how she went from writing her first book, to becoming an author writing a series. It's quite an interesting progression to hear, especially for writers!

She is also offering a free copy of one of her books, "Christmas at Whispering Creek." You can enter the drawing by leaving a comment with your email. Good luck! Now here's Barbara!

Sticking With the People You Create

I had no idea that I would ever be an author. I taught chapel to elementary students and when I needed to write curriculum, I prayed for creativity. I guess I should have been more specific because I received a prompting to write a book. Needless to say, I had a lot to learn when I had a completed novel and no experience in the publishing industry. Writing a series never crossed my mind. Writing a single story was difficult enough.

After I had completed two novels of biblical fiction, my publisher placed a “Tribes of Israel” tag on my books. I knew that series were usually three to five books back in 2017, so I got to work on a third book. All of those works of biblical fiction were standalone stories placed under an identifying tag.

Later on, I decided to stay with the daughters of Zelophehad and write a series with the same characters. A sort of series within a series. These books would be different in that I stayed with the same five sisters and carried them across a longer timeline. Was it easier to stay with known characters? Yes. I knew these girls well and I had a lot of fun deepening their personalities and interactions. Though, I had not planned to do three books on the famous sisters, so I scrambled to get the series written. 

You would have thought that I would be a series professional, but my mind wasn’t thinking in series mode. When I jumped genres and wrote a Contemporary Romance, I never thought about writing multiple books around a small town.

Fortunately, I had a pitch session with an agent who suggested I write three book blurbs around my characters and small town.

That was wonderful advice. Because I had book blurbs written, I could easily write a sequel, or several more books. I was beginning to embrace the series model.

I highly recommend drafting book blurbs for a series even if you think your current novel is one and done. Readers like staying with beloved characters and returning to familiar settings. It just took my brain a while to figure out this writing gem.

Thanks so much Barbara, for sharing with us today!! And now readers, here's more about Barbara, followed by a blurb from "Christmas at Whispering Creek."

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian romantic adventures for teens and adults from Bible Times to present-day USA. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.

And here's the blurb for “Christmas at Whispering Creek”:

All Samantha Williams wants to do is to use her teaching degree to instruct a classroom of second graders. But, after a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of twenty-three, and failed reconstruction surgery, Sam finds herself without a job and temporarily living with her parents. This isn' t the life Sam expected. When a family friend dies and leaves Sam a house and land in Whispering Creek, Tennessee, Sam must decide if leaving Wisconsin for Southern living is in her lesson plans.

Nashville native, Cole Donoven, left his family' s electrical business to write country music. When Cole' s song-writing partner and girlfriend dumps him for a country music star, Cole abandons Nashville to hole up in Whispering Creek and compose one more song. The last thing Cole expects to find in the sleepy small town is a deceased friend, estate squabbles, and a Northern beauty. Will the chaos in Whispering Creek help create a bestselling song for Cole and possibly help him find a life-long collaborator?

You can find “Christmas at Whispering Creek” on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

And yes, there will be a sequel releasing on September 27, 2024— “Escape to Whispering Creek.” I learned my lesson. EtWC Link

                Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing!!