Interview with DiAne Gates, Author of "Roped"

A true lady of faith, author DiAne Gates writes Young Adult Fiction and a thought-provoking, inspirational blog. Her words are wise, and her spirit is gentle. And I'm so grateful to have her visiting my blog! 

*** DiAne is giving away an e-copy of Roped and a trio of beautiful matted photos (pictured on the right) to one
lucky winner! To enter, simply comment under the interview with your answer to this question: "What's one word that comes to mind when you think of a rodeo?" *** 

Thanks for joining me today, DiAne. Your debut novel, Roped, was released in August 2015. Can you tell us about it? Maybe give away a little teaser?

Emily, let me thank you for having me. Yes, promotions for Roped are keeping me busy, and I believe I can speak for all authors saying the writing of a book is a cake-walk compared to the promoting…especially for me.

“Like finger-prints at a crime scene, evidence of my bad temper coated everything I touched.” And with that short sentence, thirteen-year-old Crissy Crosby admits her one gigantic character flaw. Her temper. She knows what’s right, but practicing right, when someone bumps-your-basket, causes Crissy’s temper to slosh out on the bumpor. Roped takes us through a difficult time in the Crosbys' life journey. A time that threatens to destroy Crissy. Will she learn from her mistakes? Will she achieve her dreams? You’ll have to read Roped. :) These lips aren’t telling.

That sounds like a great story! Did I read correctly on your website that in addition to writing, you paint, garden, cook, and coach aspiring writers? That’s incredible! How do you fit it all in?

ADD helps! But it drives my husband crazy. God gifted me with an abundance of energy, a love of life, and people, and painting, and—

My husband tells me he can feel me wake up in the darkness of the early morning hours. Yep, before my eyelids open, my brain is racing through the events of the day. He, on the other hand, is laid back and wonderful. Good thing—two of us like me would generate banishment from our neighborhood.

Fifteen years ago, our then twenty-eight-year-old-daughter, Michelle, went home suddenly to be with the Lord. She left behind a five-year-old daughter, a seven-month-old-son, and a grieving husband and family. For the better part of a year, I became instant mommy…again. But in the process, I learned life is a gift not to be wasted. My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-4, where the writer talks about running the race set before us…that’s all I’m doing…running the race. Running to hear my Lord say, “Well done.”

Notice I didn’t include housework and cleaning ovens and ironing on the list. Those things aren’t fun. But what could be more fun and more rewarding than teaching teens to write? And the PageMasters are award winning writers!

It sounds like you stay busy! When you begin to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, what’s your solution? Do you have a certain ritual or activity that helps you refocus and re-energize?

Thirteen years ago, I began facilitating GriefShare, a thirteen week series of Christ-centered support for those who’ve lost loved ones. And yes, I am often overwhelmed, even discouraged, when people choose to remain stuck. Stuck in grief. Stuck in defeat. Stuck in whatever place that prevents them from seeing the gift of life and love Christ died to give us.

When I come to those incapacitating times, I stop, lay face down on the floor, and cry out to God. Casting all my cares upon Him, because He cares for me. And He has never failed to lift my burdened heart and give me His strength, His wisdom, His…whatever I need at the moment. Because He is faithful.

Absolutely! What inspiring words. Speaking of inspiring words, you dedicate your blog to discussing issues facing America today. And with the coming elections, that's a hot topic. What do you think can be done to turn our country back to God?

My blog is written mainly to the Church, because I believe the Church is the problem and is the greatest mission field in the world. If you took a poll of members leaving the sanctuary on any given Sunday, I wonder what you’d find about their knowledge and understanding of the Bible? God has written and preserved His inerrant Word for us in order for us to have a relationship with Him. And we haven’t taught His words to these younger generations, because you can’t teach what you don’t know—what you don’t practice—and what you don’t truly believe and live by.

The fiction I write is reserved for Roped, and soon-to-be Twisted. My blog, Moving the Ancient Boundaries, uncomfortable as it may be, invites the reader to consider how far we’ve removed ourselves, our families, and our nation from the holy boundaries God set to protect not inhibit us. We’ve catapulted over those boundaries, and unless we, the Church - you and me - repent and return to the absolute truth of the Word of God and live by His Truth…there is no hope for America. Because Jesus is our only hope. He is the only Way, only truth, and only Light to salvation.

God is Truth, and as history proves, Truth must judge nations who rebel and turn their backs on The Lord God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Difficult subjects to broach, no doubt. Some may argue that if God existed, He would turn America around right now. That if He had the power to do something, He'd do it. That said, do you ever find yourself wondering why God lets certain things happen? How do you keep your faith when people around you seem to be losing theirs?

Michelle’s death was the pivotal point of testing my faith. She and her husband had just witnessed God do a miracle healing in the womb of their then seven-month-old, happy, healthy boy.

Oh my, I asked all the “why” questions. I prayed for her healing and thought the heavens were brass until one morning, about a year after her death, I sat in a heap on my back patio and cried out, “God, if you’re here I really need to feel your presence.” A gentle breeze wrapped me like those warm micro-waved blankets in the emergency room, and I heard God say as clear as if He physically stood next to me, “DiAne, I did heal Michelle. But I chose to take her home to heal her.”
Even writing this recount, tears fill my eyes and my heart is washed with a fresh coat of grief. Yes, after all these years, grief never goes away. Grief is the price you pay for loving someone. Do I miss her? Oh yes! Would I want her back? Oh no! She’s with her Lord. 

But Deuteronomy 29:29 has been an anchor for me. I’m not going to repeat it here. I’d like you to pick up your Bible and read what God said and allow the Spirit of God to penetrate your heart with His truth, like He did mine that morning.
God’s in control. I’m not. And that’s the greatest promise and the most blessed relief I can think of. My instructions are to “run the race that is set before me…considering Christ…” I can run unhindered because He goes before and behind me and He “makes my feet like his feet.”

Your faith is truly an encouragement and a blessing. Thank you so much for visiting today, DiAne, and for the insight! Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your books?

My blog is not for the fainthearted, but I’d love to have you join the discussion at http://dianegates.wordpress.com/. And feel free to email me at dianegates@sbcglobal.net or visit DiAne Gates, Author Page, on Facebook. You can purchase Roped at either Amazon.com (eBook or print) or Barnesandnoble.com. I’d love to hear from you.

Readers, don't forget to comment below with your one "rodeo word" to be entered to win a FREE digital copy of Roped and three of DiAne's gorgeous photos! 

As always, happy reading!

Interview with Linda Shew Wolf, Author of "A Firefly Life"

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing fellow Prism Book Group author, Linda Shew Wolf. Linda is a novelist, teaching consultant, musician, and all-around friendly, caring person. It's my honor to give you a glimpse into the workings of her mind. 

Thank you so much for joining me on Books and Babies today, Linda! Let’s jump right in and get to the good stuff.

For my readers who may not know, you write Young Adult fiction. What inspired you to focus on that genre, specifically?

I find that age group especially fascinating, and I’ve always appreciated YA fiction, even as an adult. I’m not surprised that this genre is gaining such popularity these days with adult readers. Young adults are at a critical crossroads in their lives—trading the innocence and directness of youth for the complicated perspectives of adult life. Caught between two worlds, they are exceptionally well equipped to see things with fresh, honest eyes. It’s a delight to connect with them.

I’ve never outgrown my love for YA fiction, either. In fact, I probably appreciate it even more as an adult than I did as a teen. That said, is it difficult for you to write from the perspective of a young teenager? How do you get into the zone?

I am consistently awed by people who can churn out 1,000 words or more a day. I’ve spent my working life as a professional editor, so it’s difficult for me to “just write” from the right brain and be in the flow of that. When it does happen, it’s a wonderful feeling. More often than not, I begin a writing session by rereading my last writing and fine-tuning it a bit in preparation for the next installment. When I revisit my work first (and I know most writers advise against this), I find I can pick up the thread and immerse myself in the world of the story more fully.

Is it difficult to write from the perspective of a young teenager? Not if you’re an overgrown child at heart! I often ask much younger writers to be careful to keep things PG13 when they read their work aloud to me because there’s a child in the room. I think many of us, especially those in the arts, are very good friends with our young teen wiring and mindset. 

I believe there’s a magic we retain from our childhood that hits a kind of critical mass when we start to grow up. During that chaotic period in our teens, all the sparks start flying and we make critical decisions in our souls about what we will keep and what we will give up.

Wow! I, too, have always felt a connection with my inner teen, but I’ve never been able to adequately put that connection into words. You’ve described it beautifully!

I noticed that, in addition to being a writer, you’re a musician. I think there’s something about music and fiction writing that go hand-in-hand; both evoke the dreamers in us all. Would you agree, and does music ever play a role in your writing?

It definitely does, and I love this question! In this novel, the music of the 60s is frequently quoted and almost functions as another minor character. I agree with you that there is a shared creative process between music and fiction writing. 

Even the most realistic fiction has a transcendent quality that lifts us out of the confines of our working heads, just as music does. I’m always amazed that when I’m playing music (especially when performing), time loses its grip and I find myself in a completely different zone, like a dream state as you pointed out. This can happen during writing and reading fiction as well—such a lovely and important release.

Agreed! So, you also work as a curriculum consultant. Does this profession give insight into the innermost thoughts and feelings of young adults?

Yes, and my respect for these young people has deepened by watching what they respond to, how they gravitate to stories and music. One of my favorite things to do with young adults is introduce them to music they may not hear often (jazz, Balkan folk tunes, Beethoven, African songs, bluegrass) and ask them to write a story or poem based on the feelings created by the music. 

Teens are pretty cagey about expressing deep emotions in a school setting, but some surprisingly powerful writing has come from some of those sessions. I think we would do well to pay more attention to the insights of our young people.

It’s so important to invest in the lives of our youth - you seem to do a great job of that! To close things out, can you give our audience a peek into your recent book, A Firefly Life?

It’s 1968 in upstate NY. Melanie is a 13-year-old who is not developing physically as quickly as the other girls in her class but who has the romantic heart of an older girl. A gorgeous guy, Jonathan, moves to her small town and takes her completely off guard. It’s love at first sight, and to her, it’s the real deal. Unfortunately, most of the other girls at her school feel the same way about him, so she has to get creative to get his attention. Through some unexpected events, she becomes his little sister’s babysitter, and works her way into his inner circle.

The problem is, the boy has plans for his escape from the confines of the town, and most of those plans involve secrecy and lying. Melanie has to figure out where she stands with that, especially when it affects her relationship with her family and her best friend.

I grew very attached to Melanie’s best friend, Jo, and her family, especially since a white girl with a black girl for a best friend was unusual back in the 60s. I also enjoyed developing a subplot about the strong bond that grows between Melanie and Jonathan’s autistic little sister. These subplots afforded more opportunities for Melanie to explore her own inner feelings about right and wrong, loyalty, honesty, faith, and love.

The story sounds amazing! Thanks for taking time to chat with me! Where can readers find your book?

Thank you so much for inviting me! A Firefly Life is available as an eBook or paperback at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Firefly-Life-Linda-Shew-Wolf/dp/1515356906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441089574&sr=8-1&keywords=a+firefly+life or at Barnes & Noble at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-firefly-life-linda-shew-wolf/1122475744?ean=2940150971998

And there you have it, folks. I hope you've enjoyed this interview as much as I have! To learn more about Linda, check out her blog. 

Happy reading!

Interview with Danele Rotharmel, Author of Time Tsunami

One of the things I love best about the publishing process with Prism Book Group is the sense of community between the authors. Each and every one has been extremely supportive of me, always willing to answer questions or offer encouragement. 

But Danele J. Rotharmel...well, she takes the cake. She’s one of the most thoughtful, selfless, and inspiring people I’ve ever met. It’s an honor to have her on my blog today.

Thanks so much for joining me, Danele! 

Thank you, Emily! I really enjoyed being here today! You are an incredible person, and I feel very blessed to know you!

Your debut novel, Time Tsunami, was just released on Friday and has already received tons of positive feedback. As a new author, I’m curious to know how the experience has been for you, and some of your writing secrets. What motivates you to write?

My motives have changed down through the years. When I was in school, I wrote because it was a BLAST! Writing stories was so much fun! And when I became ill, I wrote as a way to distract myself from extreme pain. Now, I want to write as a way to glorify God.

When I first became ill, I was so angry at God. I didn’t understand why I had to suffer. I yelled at God, I ignored Him, I even tried to deny His existence. But even though I was acting like a spoiled child, God continued to love me. He helped me. He gave me peace and restored my joy. I want to spend the rest of my life serving Him.   

What an amazing testimony and great use of your God-given talents! Some people would say there’s a wide gap between serving God and writing science fiction. I think some readers assume that Christian-themed books are “boring” by nature. (We, of course, know that’s not true!) So take us through your process a bit. Why did you choose to write about time travel?

Time Tsunami started out as a short story for a college creative writing class. I was a cadet teacher at the time, and I was wishing for a way to warn my students about pitfalls they might encounter. I have a quirky brain; so naturally, my wild imagination ran right to time travel.

Later, when I became ill, I had a box full of old stories that I could revamp into novels, but I chose Time Tsunami because of the time travel aspect. You see, I desperately wished that I could travel back through time and prevent myself from being poisoned by that faulty furnace. A simple $35 carbon monoxide detector would have saved me from years of suffering and pain. I used to fantasize about going back through time and placing a detector in my house.

It’s amazing how the human brain works, taking a difficult situation and turning it into a best-selling novel. As an avid reader myself, I always love to learn how authors come up with their stories. I’m also curious how other writers create their characters. What’s your strategy?

I like to think that my characters create themselves. I don’t want to just record what my characters did; I want to understand why they did it. As my imagination roams, I begin to know my characters inside and out. They become very real to me. One of the hardest parts about writing has been keeping some of my characters’ backstories to myself—I want to share every detail. But that would make my books WAY too long!

With such detailed backstories for your characters, it seems as if you’d never experience writer’s block. But being an author myself, I know better. ;) How do you handle it when it happens to you?

Writer’s block isn’t fun, and I think the best way to tackle it is by analyzing where it’s coming from. I tend to split the condition into three categories: mental, environmental, and tactical.

Mental writer’s block needs to be attacked head on. I usually get it when I doubt my abilities or when I’m not sure how to proceed with a scene. When this happens, I force myself to write even though I’m worried I’ll be cranking out junk. Some of my best passages have come from “tough-love” sessions.

Environmental writer’s block happens when I have cabin fever. In these cases, the best thing I can do is get outside and take a brisk walk. Looking at the blue sky will usually brush the cobwebs from my mind.

Tactical writer’s block comes when I’m forcing myself to concentrate on only one area of my book. I avoid this by making sure my stories revolve around several sets of characters—that way if I’m stuck in one area, the other areas are usually still flowing.

I like that - determine where the issue’s coming from so that you can address it directly. I might just have to try that myself! So, one last question for my readers who may not be familiar with everything that goes into getting a book published. What has been the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?

For me it’s been waiting. When I was in high school, I was voted the most optimistic in my class, but I was also voted the biggest procrastinator. I thought the “procrastination” title was extremely funny until I got to college and realized I needed to reform. When I do something, I tend to do it thoroughly.

When I decided to change, I reformed to the extent that I now tackle problems head on—no waiting—no dillydallying. I want to plow thorough every task and put it behind me. But you can’t do that when it comes to the publishing process. You have to work around other people’s busy schedules. Impatience is a killer. It’s much better to trust God with your life’s timetable.  

I completely understand the struggle to have patience. I think that’s the most difficult part of many Christians’ lives: learning to wait for God’s perfect timing. We want everything to happen when it’s convenient for us, even though we know God’s timing is flawless. Thanks again for joining my blog today, Danele, and for all the insight. I wish you continued success with your release! 

Thank you, Emily! I really enjoyed being here today! You are an incredible person, and I feel very blessed to know you!

For my readers, here’s a brief synopsis to whet your palette. Below the synopsis you’ll find links to buy the book and connect with Danele. Happy reading!

To stop a cruel serial killer, she must travel twenty-four years into the past…

Gil Montgomery, a cadet in the Temporal Counseling Program, can’t wait to pass her field exam and become a professional time surfer. The TEMCO program targets death-row offenders for time-based counseling while they’re children.  For her exam, Gil will travel twenty-four years into the past to counsel ten-year-old Danny Winston before he murders his abusive babysitter, Rick Olsen.  Preventing the stabbing should stop the chain of events leading to Danny’s eventual execution. Gil’s assignment seems simple until her adviser, Dr. William Ableman, learns that Rick is a serial killer targeting Danny’s mother. If Gil stays and protects the Winstons, she might not survive.

William wants the woman he loves to be pulled from the field, but if Gil fails to complete her assignment, it will unleash a Time Tsunami and destroy the timeline. As TEMCO undergoes an emergency lockdown, and Gil’s fellow cadets try to figure out what’s happening, Gil and William learn the importance of faith and the price of true love. Everyone’s fate is resting in Gil’s hands, but does she have the strength she needs to defeat a ruthless serial killer intent on annihilating everyone in his path?

Will she return from the deadly mission?

Buy the book:                                                                                

·         Amazon: http://amzn.to/234DFBS

·         Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-tsunami-danele-j-rotharmel/1123153640?ean=2940152530919

Connect with Danele: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/

Interview With Jewell Tweedt, Author of "A Bride for the Sheriff"

Author Jewell Tweedt Joins Me for a Q & A

Q: It's nice to have you, Jewell! Let's jump right in. One genre in which you write is historical fiction. Where do you get the background information for your historical fiction stories?

A:  Thanks for interviewing me today. I get the background information for my historical fiction from my content knowledge as a history teacher. I've been crazy about frontier America since I was a little girl reading Laura Ingalls Wilder and Janette Oke and read extensively. I use my personal library and the internet to check my facts. 

Q:  I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder, too! I've always wanted to write historical fiction, but have shied away from it out of fear. But that's not all you focus on; you also write contemporary mysteries, correct? What inspires these? Do you enjoy crime shows on TV? If so, do you have a favorite?

A:  The contemporary mystery I am writing now (Boji Bound) was inspired by my vacations to Okoboji, Iowa and the beautiful lakes there. I enjoy NCIS, but mostly because Mark Harmon is so good looking!

Q:  I'd certainly have to agree with the Mark Harmon comment! But we'll save that for another time. Getting back on track, you have a new book coming out next month. Can you give us a little sneak peak?

A:  Yes I do have a new book that releases on September 19th from Prism Book Group. It is the second book in the Nebraska Brides series (A Bride for the Sheriff is book one) and it's title is A Lady for the Lawman. Here's a blurb:

On special assignment from the White House to the Nebraska Prairie undercover Pinkerton Agent Jason Reynolds always gets his man. Sent by President U.S. Grant to capture a loco ex-soldier accused of sealing Confederate gold, Jason falls for shopkeeper Arianna Quincy. Trouble is, she's not interested in him or his dangerous career. Can Jason get his man and his woman?   

This is my favorite book so far because it deals with a true Civil War mystery. What became of nearly one million dollars of gold and silver from the Confederate treasury?  Jefferson Davis sent it by wagon with teenage boys guarding it into the deep south to avoid confiscation by Yankees. To this day it has not been recovered.

Q:  That sounds intriguing! You said earlier that you're a teacher. With all the stress that job sometimes entails, how do you find the time and energy to write?

A:  As I mentioned, I teach American History. Most of my writing is done summers and week-ends. I try to maintain a schedule of one thousand words per day. Of course, there are many days I don't go near my home computer - after all, the great outdoors, books (and laundry) are calling - but I try.

Q:  If it weren't for laundry, I bet many writers would double the number of books they produce! In your spare time, what (aside from writing) do you enjoy?

A: My hobbies include reading, walking, boating and watching old war movies and westerns with my husband.

Q: Well, there ya have it, folks! Thanks so much for chatting with me, Jewell! Where can readers learn more about you and find your books?

A: My blog is www.tweedtjewell.blogspot.com and my books are for sale through the blog, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and of course Prism Book Group.  

Readers, check out Jewell's blog for more info on her books, and keep an eye out for "A Lady for the Lawman." Happy reading!