SOMETHING BLUE - Dianne Christner - One Free Book

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Arizona has some breathtaking horizons. But mostly, on the horizon, I see God’s grace working in my life.

I’m making some changes, dropping the routine information dump and getting real on my blog. All along, I’ve turned myself inside out trying to give readers a worthwhile (yet safe and impersonal) take away, such as the real scoop on Mennonite bonnets or my secret family recipe for Porcupine Meatballs. Embarrassing stuff, I know. That’s the point. They’d rather see a photo of me in a head covering or hear how I burned the meatballs because I was shopping for new clothes because I gained ten pounds on my book tour eating Whoopie pies because I was rewarding myself for doing my job even though I’d rather stay home where it’s safe because I’m an introvert. . . for example. That didn’t really happen. So I’m prying my fingers up one by one, releasing the grip I’ve kept on my privacy and letting go of my imaginary suave professional image. Getting real.  BLOG

Tell us a little about your family.

This October, hubby and I celebrate our 40^th wedding anniversary. I just purchased $59 flights to San Diego and am planning our little romantic getaway. I’m open to suggestions here.

Our son and his family live in the valley, which is great, but my daughter married her college sweetheart and moved to Houston. Many of those white stripes you see across the sky are me jetting back and forth to Houston because I dreadfully miss my best friend.

We’re the type of g-parents who roll around on the floor with the g-kids, anything from hide ‘n seek to Don’t Wake Daddy (a fun board game for 5-10 year olds). We’ve three g-kids in Phoenix (ages 2-8) and two in Houston (ages 2-5). This year we’ll all be together at our home for Christmas. Doing the garbanzo dance. (inside joke for readers of my series)

James and I will celebrate our 48^th anniversary in November. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes. I don’t finish as many books and weep over great books, reading them again and again. All this in turn, makes me more critical of my own writing. Knowledge feeds knowledge, but it also reveals how little I know.

What are you working on right now?

I’m moving forward with a new series idea.  I placed a pink bike on my website banner as a hint, that’s all the bait I can jiggle.

                       

What outside interests do you have?

Besides making white streaks across the sky, I love home decorating—and in this economy, that’s like using a few loaves to feed the thousands. I’m a fan of HGTV.  We play couples Bunco with a group of old friends. I enjoy morning jogs and use this time to continue my morning conversation with God as well as jolt—and hopefully strengthen—my aging bones. I’m told that works.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

It’s a complicated but fun challenge to match the perfect locale with an idea. With atlas in one hand and mouse in the other, I search for a city that will layer a story. Plain City complimented my Mennonite series because it adds to the simplicity theme. It’s also where I met my husband and started our real-life romance, and a place where I had personal contacts. I believe a setting must have at least three things that compliment or layer the story idea.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Lately I’ve been thinking about Queen Esther. I’m sure she could teach me how to be more respectful to my spouse. She knew how to please the king. Maybe I’d get some beauty tips too.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Considering I knew zip, I could name several dozen, but I’d probably spend less personal money on advertising.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Every year the Lord gives me a theme. 2010 was healing. 2011, overcoming fear. 2012 seems to be endurance, settling in and pushing through no matter what, ignoring the pain and keeping eyes on the goal. That’s where I am today.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Keep improving your writing craft, get connected with other authors, find your individual niche.

Tell us about the featured book.

Megan’s attracted to her boss Chance, a charming missionary pilot. Then Micah Zimmerman moves into her parent's home as a pastoral candidate for their Conservative Mennonite church--and he doesn't look anything like the gawky young man who had a crush on her in college. It’s a love triangle, and she’s a lucky gal because both men are a catch. Her grandparent’s lost love letters play an important role in her decision.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter one

Brother Eli Troyer groaned and clutched a hand over his heart. The fast, strange sensations escalated as he weeded his wife’s vegetable patch. But it wasn’t the first time this had happened. Always before, the frightening condition went away on its own. If he told his wife, Barbara, she’d shoo him off to the doctor. He was long overdue for any kind of medical checkup.

            He groped for the blue handkerchief in his pocket and mopped his damp brow. He glanced up at the June sun, then replaced his straw hat. There were more important things to do than go see a doctor. He couldn’t let up when he needed to visit folks who were actually sick. It took time to plan his sermons. Preaching and presiding over his little Conservative Mennonite flock was a full time responsibility, almost becoming too much for him as his energy waned. Why, he would be seventy on his next birthday.

            He slowly bent for his red handled hoe and continued to work his way down a garden row of bushy green beans, fighting against his increasing exhaustion. But he’d promised Barbara he’d finish the weeding before she returned from her outing, with two other sisters from the congregation, to the discount fabric store in Columbus. Those sisters made up the core of the quilting group, and Barbara was going with them to show her support for their latest project.

            Less than ten minutes passed, when he heard the sweet gurgling whistle of a bluebird. He paused to gaze up into the nearby evergreen. Barbara had suggested he put up one of those nesting houses on a pole this spring, the kind that attracted bluebirds. She already had several birdhouses strewn around the yard. She had been a good helpmeet to him over the years, and he now wished he would have made that bird house for her this spring.

            The chest pain returned, harder than before.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.diannechristner.net

http://www.facebook.com/diannechristnerbooks

Thank you, Dianne, for visiting with us today. 

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Something Blue (The Plain City Bridesmaids) - paperback
Something Blue (The Plain City Bridesmaids) - Kindle


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