Kathy Harris's Blog, page 2

DiAnn Mills ~ 10 Ways Negotiation Skills Can Save Personal Relationships

10 Ways Negotiation Skills Can Save Personal Relationships

by DiAnn Mills

A negotiator is a person who works to help others come to an agreement during a conflict. Yet sometimes conflicts occur personally between the negotiator and another person who is a good friend or family member. How then are issues resolved? Can a person trained to conduct negotiations step back and look at the situation from an unbiased perspective?

That sounds difficult even hazardous to me. What if the negotiator is viewed as manipulative due to their skillset? Can a negotiator be wrong in their stand in a conflict? The answer to both questions is yes . . . unless the negotiator is willing to step back and assess the root of the problem, which might be him or herself.

Look at the following 10 ways negotiation skills can save personal relationships. This scenario is between a father and son who have experienced conflict issues in the past. The father is attempting to work out the problem, although he is furious. The father takes the initiative to apply what he uses in the workplace to his personal life.

Care about the other person more than yourself. Sincerely.Calm down. “I see we’re both angry about this situation. Let’s calm ourselves so we can talk about what’s happening. The incident is over, but perhaps we can choose different ways to respond.” Wait until the other person is ready to communicate.State the four goals of solving any dispute: restore relationships, treat each other with respect, accept responsibility for actions, and repair the damage.Admit your wrongdoing. “I lashed out at your anger with me instead of listening with empathy. That’s my fault, and I apologize.”Ask the other person how they’ve been wronged. Speak slowly with good eye contact.Repeat what the other person says, “I hurt your feelings when I arrived late to your basketball game and didn’t see you make a 3-pointer. I understand. I’d been mad, too. If I’d left the office earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten caught in traffic. In the future, I’ll give myself extra time, so I don’t miss a thing. Right now, you’re probably thinking I don’t care or love you, that I abandoned you. I apologize for what I put you through.”Ask if the other person is ready to hear why you are angry. If negative, postpone the rest of the conversation to an agreed-upon time. If positive, proceed. “When the game was over, I approached you to apologize for my lateness. You were upset and used inappropriate language. That’s when I lost my temper. I’m sorry.”Ask the other person to repeat what you said so there is mutual understanding.Ask the other person if they have a solution other than what was mentioned above.Don’t leave the communication chair until reconciliation has been made and a plan in place for future disagreements.

Will the above steps conclude with restored relationships in every case? No. But we can try with those who hold a meaningful spot in our hearts.

What is one way you have helped soothe conflict with family and friends?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her new novel, Lethal Standoff (Tyndale, September 2024) is a pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.

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For more information about DiAnn, visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To purchase DiAnn’s new novel from Tyndale House go to ­—

 

The Invisible Threads ~ Jimmy Moore with Pam Davis

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to know someone who lived a double life? One of intrigue and espionage. And one that was… Well, also quite amazing? The late Jimmy Moore, who was a friend and business associate of mine for almost 50 years, was one of those people.

Jimmy Moore’s public persona was as a celebrity photographer. He shot publicity and album cover photos for gospel and country music stars and Hollywood celebrities. He was also a wordsmith, a poet, and a comedian. In that latter role, he appeared regularly on Hee Haw.

But there was also a side of him I didn’t know, at least not well. He would hint about it later in life. He would tell me about a book he was writing. It was published after his death, and The Invisible Threads is now available to the public. This week’s interview is with his daughter, Pam Davis. And she has stories to tell.  

 

Your father was somewhat of a real-life James Bond. What was it like growing up with someone who frequently disappeared on “secret” missions ?

Our parents both traveled frequently, so it was customary that they were gone a lot. In addition, Jimmy had a studio close to Nashville and was often gone for weeks. He used the studio to collaborate with artists in the Nashville area. So, we did not see anything unusual about Jimmy’s absence. We assumed he was on a photo shoot for another album. He would also accept assignments from his studio, so my mom was often the only one privy to his missions. The only thing that did not “add up” for us was the tapped phone lines. Our phones were monitored by agencies, as well as by Jimmy. Monitoring our phone calls was very disconcerting as we grew into our teens.

When did you first suspect he was living two different lives?

It was the telephone calls. We could answer the phone, but it would be silent on the other end. It went on like this for years. Any calls like this were considered threats against our family. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I understood why we would be awakened at night and told we were going to sleep at a friend’s home. We always stayed at the home of Smitty Gatlin, initially with the Oak Ridge Quartet and later The Smitty Gatlin trio. He and his wife invited us to sleep in a safe place with them whenever we needed a place to go.

As a child, were you ever in fear for your life or the lives of your family members because of his work?

Once, in my early teens, Jimmy took me to Nashville to spend the day with him, and we visited a recording studio. I don’t remember which one it was, but I recall wandering outside to look around. Suddenly, my dad appeared, snatched my arm, and told me never to go outside without him. He was scared that day and greatly intimidated me since I was only thirteen.

Later, as an adult, I questioned him about it, and that’s when he told me he had enemies years ago, and now he had some from South America who wanted to see us dead. He had been operating as a government contractor for years, providing them with surveillance footage of the drug cartel in South America. I had no idea. Mom told me the death threats were the reason for overnight stays with the Gatlin’s. So, there was always a threat of danger, and finally, we got a phone call from the government that the persons Jimmy helped incarcerate had broken out of prison. When they were captured, they had a list of persons they planned to kill. Our family was on the list.

Please tell us about his ‘ordinary’ life as a celebrity photographer, which was his more public persona. Who are some of the stars he photographed? Many became lifelong clients and friends, is that correct?

After Jimmy left the bicycle plant, where his job was putting chains on tires, his journey took him far from ordinary life. He ended up working on the Saturn V project through Union Carbide. His dad got him the interview. He did extraordinary work for them — and the book details how he lied to get the job, studied to pass the test, and was made Director of Photography over the Research Department within one month. He remained at this job for many years until they asked him to relocate to Ohio.

Jimmy was known in the country music industry as “Chet’s photographer.” He was first introduced to Chet Atkins through John Loudermilk. Jimmy became good friends with Chet and shot several of his album covers for him.  Chet would recommend him to someone else, and from there, it continued until he shot over 200 album covers. We have the album covers available to view on his website. Occasionally, he was asked to shoot a video for someone. His least favorite job was shooting weddings. Of course, I asked him to shoot mine, so he did.

Jimmy had a knack for talking to just anyone, even if he did not know them. He told me about a time he was approached on the street in downtown Nashville by a man who asked if he could do a music video for him. Jimmy declined because he did not know him. Jimmy learned later on it was Phil Collins.

He met Ringo Starr. Ringo happened to stop by a recording studio that day to meet Tammy Wynette. Ringo was very interested in Jimmy’s cameras and asked to see them. Ringo asked Jimmy for a photo with Tammy; he was a fan of hers.

Who did he photograph?  Well, it might be simpler to name the ones he did not photograph! He’s got photos he did of a very young Connie Smith, which she used for an early album cover. Jimmy met RCA record producer, Felton Jarvis, who introduced him to Elvis Presley — he has a signed album cover from him (that says) “to my favorite poet.” He and Willie Nelson were good friends. He knew Willie when they had to go in together to pay for lunch. Waylon Jennings and Jessi Coulter. He met them through Chet’s recording studio.

Jimmy worked for Johnny Cash as his photographer on The Johnny Cash Show. George Hamilton, IV, was also a very close friend. We had the pleasure of meeting Bo Svenson, who played Buford Pusser in the movie Walking Tall Part 2. He came to our house, and mom cooked hamburger pie for him. Oh, I had a crush on him as a teen! Perhaps one of the closer relationships was with The Oak Ridge Boys, for whom he shot many album covers and a commercial for Boy Scouts of America.

Another close friend was Jerry Reed. He and Jimmy were two peas in a pod — they loved practical jokes and making people laugh. Jimmy always described him as “electric” because it was anyone’s guess what he would do next. Jerry came to Lawrenceburg one day, and Jimmy took him to a local diner called the “Blue Ribbon Café.”  A waitress said she recognized Jerry and said, “You’re Chet Atkins.” Jerry affirmed he was Chet and signed an autograph with Chet’s name. Jimmy got a laugh out of it. Jerry joked that Chet needed all the help he could get. Later that day, Jimmy drove Jerry around, where they ended up in Lynchburg. Jimmy was lost, and so they pulled into a drive leading up to an old house where a man sat on the porch. His name was Doc Milsap, and he gave them directions back to the highway, but before they left, Jimmy introduced Doc to Jerry Reed. Doc had never heard of him. He asked him what he did for a living, and Jerry replied that he played guitar. Doc asked him to play something, and Jerry sat down on the porch and played a few songs. Doc told him he should go to Nashville and record his music. Jimmy took a picture of them on the porch together, and Jerry used it for his next album cover, Jerry Reed Explores Guitar Country. You can see this album cover on Jimmy’s website.

Currently, I am working with another friend of Jimmy’s, Larry Gatlin, on an unfinished collaborative project they began years ago. I am very excited about it.

The Invisible Threads (Independently published, February 2024) is the memoir of an extraordinary life. I believe it’s fair to say that Jimmy experienced one detour after another, each leading to a new, exciting, and, possibly, more dangerous adventure. Please tell us about the book and how it came to be published.

Initially, Jimmy presented the book idea to an agent with Simon & Schuster. They loved it and offered him a book deal. Jimmy wanted it to be about the music business, with its original title being “A Backstage Pass.” The agent convinced him to make it an autobiography about his journey “from bicycles to space shuttles.” When he completed it, he changed the title to “The Invisible Threads.”  The “threads” are the connections he made that took him where he wanted to go, though he did not know it then.

He often explained it as a door opening and was unafraid to walk through any door.  So many times, he would get a phone call and be told by whoever was on the other end, “Pack your bag; you are going to a classified location.” The most memorable was the call from The National Air Guard, where he was assigned to Ground Zero to shoot video of this tragedy, and Mom told me there was no hesitation. He was fearless this way. At age 64, he was flown over by helicopter and suspended by a body harness over the site of the Twin Towers. He was the Mission Leader for his group. He documented the tragedy and never spoke about it to us. However, his willingness to walk through this door led him to numerous opportunities to provide video documentation for the military. He was always busy going and doing.

Mom always said, “If your father is not busy, he gets into trouble.” He did have a lot to do, so Jimmy’s book was shelved many times. In total, it took him over forty years to complete it. In the past few years, he decided that he waited too long to publish it, and the market was not open for a “coffee table book.” The book is quite large. Before he passed away, I told him I would try to get it published. Well, no one was interested in publishing a book of a deceased author. We decided the best route to take was with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, and I am so glad we did. His friends have waited for decades to read his story, and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback.

A few personal questions…

The Invisible Threads isn’t a faith-based book, but faith is an important part of your family dynamics. Did that influence come from your father, your mother, or both?

I think it is advantageous if you come from a family that shares a common belief in God. I know many people who experienced division within their families over differences in their take on faith. My mom and dad were both raised in the same faith but differed in their approach to organized religion.  We attended worship with our mom when we were children since Jimmy was often away on business.

What Bible passage or story best describes your personal journey of faith?

I have read the entire Bible several times, and the part that resonates with me is the brief time that Jesus walked on earth. I think that, even if you do not want to believe in God, there is something you can take away from the daily life of Jesus. He was so self-actualized, and he practiced unconditional love. He would dine with a sinner or saint. He understood the power and purpose of forgiveness and the beauty of serving others.  He was not a reactionary, and don’t we see too much of this today — so much hate is returned for hate. Jesus returned love for hate. He practiced self-control.

The infamous quote, “Forgive them for they know not what they do,” is indicative of someone who had a greater understanding of those persons than they did of themselves. For me, this quote means that when you “spear” someone as they did to Jesus, the damage goes far deeper than the spear. One of my mentors uses the story of Jesus to teach how we can transcend boundaries by following Jesus’ life. I came from a faith that required you to formally place an exclusive membership with one church. Jesus taught us that we are spiritual beings who are already connected to God. No membership is required. The story of Jesus is timeless. Today, with all the rhetoric circulating in the media influencing people to hate because of their differences in religion or politics, we need to remind ourselves of Jesus’ life and that we can all be better.

Before I close, I want to ask about your mother, Avagene. She stayed home, raised you and your siblings, and waited for days—perhaps weeks—at a time for your father to return. Do you think she was fully aware of the work he was doing and the danger he was in?

I think she knew. She did not clue me in on details until I was grown. When she did, some of the things I never understood were clarified. I am thankful that I did not have to suffer the fear that she endured. I am sure I do not appreciate how vulnerable she must have felt at times when she was alone in the house with us. I will never forget one December night in our home on Hayes Road. It was after midnight, and she received a phone call from a neighbor. When she answered, they whispered, “Avagene, there is a man standing in your backyard looking up at your windows.” The police came and investigated but never found out who was there. But someone had been standing at her bedroom window. Their footprints were all over the property, and because it was snowing, it was impossible to trace them by morning. As I mentioned earlier, she took a lot of the phone calls, which we believed were tests to see if we were home. It was chilling.

Avagene was also a devoted public servant. Please tell us a bit about her work and her life.

Avagene was a deeply spiritual person who loved to be involved with her church and community. On a professional level, she began working for the city and turned a job into a career. She was known among her colleagues as the icon for emergency management. Her expertise took her all over the country and overseas.  She traveled all over Europe doing public speaking on emergency planning to government agencies. In fact, when she passed away, we received a phone call from the Italian government expressing their condolences.

Mom was inducted into the International Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame in 2011. Many of her friends and colleagues regard her as a mentor, and inspiration with some going on to get their Toastmaster’s certification in public speaking. She was a leader in her field of expertise for over 35 years and regularly participated in the future of IAEM (International Association of Emergency Managers) with donations to their scholarship program for emergency managers.

Although I have seen my mom work 12-15 hours a day on her computer, she could be counted on to be there for family, friends, and her community. She never failed to make apple cakes for the local postal service, cook food for those who were bereaved, and visit hospitals and nursing homes weekly, as well as mailing cards. She mailed thousands of birthday cards in her lifetime. I’ve got an overstuffed box of postcards she sent me from all over the world, just letting me know how she was and that she loved me, and I was just one of three children that she kept in touch with. If you knew Avagene, you were fortunate. She is a perfect example of doing what it takes to create the life you want. She was a gift to us and to so many whose lives she touched.

Thank you, Pam! It’s great to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

Thank you, Kathy.  It’s been my pleasure.

~ ~ ~

To learn more about Jimmy Moore, his life, and his book, visit his website.

To order The Invisible Threads, go to —

 

Ryan Steck ~ Out for Blood

Named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon and a regular columnist at CrimeReads , Ryan Steck hosts The Real Book Spy, a popular website that has been endorsed by #1 New York Times bestselling authors Mark Greaney, C. J. Box, Kyle Mills, Daniel Silva, Brad Thor, and many others. However, Ryan is also an author, and h e returns to Divine Detour this week to discuss his new book, Out for Blood, the third in his Matthew Redd Thriller series from Tyndale House.

In real life, Ryan, his wife and their six children reside in Michigan .

 

Let’s talk writing. What has kept you on your writing journey when life tried to get in the way?

I just love to write! I think it helps that, in addition to feeling so thankful and blessed to get to write and tell stories for a living, creating and developing characters and stories is just such an escape for me. Real life can be hard, and certainly, I’ve dealt with a number of stressful times since becoming an author—from injuries to health-related things involving loved ones, you name it—but when I sit down to write, everything else goes away. At the end of the day, I write fiction, so I’m in control. I can’t always control real life, but with my books, I’m in the driver’s seat, and that’s comforting to me.

What’s your writing schedule like? Do you write seven days a week? Morning, afternoon, night? Where do you write?

Great question! I work seven days a week. Monday-Saturday, I write. My routine is a little different than other authors, I think, because I can’t just sit and create from nothing. I need some inspiration. Most days, I like to get up early, usually around 5 AM, and that’s when I begin thinking about whatever it is I need to write that day. When things are going well, I try to write one chapter a day, usually between 1,500 and 2,500 words, but don’t always hit that goal. Every morning, after I shower, I head to my local Starbucks—and typically, that’s the only time I really leave the house, especially when I’m on deadline for a book.

It’s during that ten-minute drive that I start visualizing the scene I need to write, letting it play like a movie in my mind. Once I’m back at home, I head straight for my office to scribble some notes, maybe sketch out a scene or sequence, but then it’s on to Book Spying (I still run a website called The Real Book Spy) and other things. I’ll think about that new chapter all day, and then, once my kids go to bed, I like to sit and write. Once I have that whole chapter in my head, I can normally write it in a couple of hours. Then I head to bed and do it again.

On Sundays, I’ll look back at everything I wrote that week and edit those pages, tweaking and cleaning them as I go.

Was there a particular kind of pressure that came from writing the third book in the series?

The first two books were always building to this story. I knew that from the beginning, so my goal when writing Fields of Fire and Lethal Range was to introduce all the necessary characters—both good and bad—so that they could all come together in Out for Blood. In that way, I think of this book almost as an Avengers-like story, where all the heroes band together to fight a common enemy. But in setting that up, I will say that I did feel a lot of pressure to deliver the story I wanted to tell, and in the end, I am really proud of this book and how it turned out, and I think my readers will really enjoy it.

Is there one scene that stands out for you?

I don’t want to give too much away, but the final act of this book is bigger than anything I’ve ever done before. When Redd, Emily, Mikey, Liz, Blackwood, Kline, and so many other characters have to come together in an effort to defend Wellington, the stakes are as high as ever—and the action is nonstop. I had seen that scene in my head for years, and it was so much fun to finally get to write it. I can’t wait to hear what readers think of it.

I love canine characters in books, especially when they’re based on real life. In Out for Blood, you include a dog based on your Rottweiler, Rubble. How does the introduction of man’s best friend influence the story?

It’s funny because while these books are fiction, I put a lot of stuff in them from my actual real life. So, just as Mikey is a real person and my closest friend, but also fictionalized in my series, so too is Rubble. I guess it always just made sense to me.

Redd is a man of few words, but he is fiercely loyal to those he loves. I always pictured him with a dog, one who doesn’t require constant attention but shares Redd’s loyalty, and it just worked out that I am familiar with that sort of bond because of my own rottweiler. In the end, I am so glad I chose to add Rubble to the cast because not only is he a loyal friend to Redd, but in some ways, he becomes a weapon too.

One of your characters, Matthew, is a “new Christian.” How does this impact the story?

Redd’s faith is important to him, but it’s not the kind of thing I’m trying to hit the reader over the head with. Meaning, I don’t necessarily want to offend anyone, or write something that would turn them off to the rest of the story. But just as I write what I know from real-life experiences with actual friends or my dog, this was just another thing that naturally worked into the story and my character because it’s another extension of me and my own beliefs. To a certain degree, I think a lot of heroes in fiction have morals or live by a code of some sort. Well, so does Redd, but in his case, you know where those morals come from.

What’s next for you?

2025 is going to be a big year for me. I’ve never had more than one book out a year, and in 2025, I have three new books set for release. In March, my first Alex Hawke novel, Ted Bell’s Monarch, comes out. What an honor it was to be asked to take over Ted’s New York Times bestselling series. He was a dear friend of mine and a mentor to me for many years. He passed away in January of 2023, and I miss him every day. I can’t wait for his readers and fans to see what Lord Alex is up to in this one.

Then, in the summer, my fourth Matthew Redd novel, Gone Dark, will be released. It follows Out For Blood and deals with a conspiracy involving pharmaceutical companies and local corruption in Montana. I can’t say too much just yet, but Redd is really up against it in this one, which happens to be my favorite book in the series to date.

Then, in the fall, probably November-ish, my first co-authored book, The Second Son, will also be released. This is a new project, one that I am very excited about, and something that is really different from anything else that I’ve done so far. My co-author is one of my good friends, Simon Gervais, who is an excellent writer. Simon is such a talented guy, and I’m a longtime fan of his work, so getting to partner with him has been a lot of fun. Expect plenty of hard-hitting action, twists and turns, and nail-biting suspense in The Second Son, which is the first book in a new series.

Currently, I’m working on Matthew Redd #5, though, which will hopefully come out in 2026. So, lots of projects on deck!

Thanks, Ryan! It’s nice to have you back at Divine Detour.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Ryan, visit his website and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To order Out for Blood, go to —

 

Carol McLeod ~ Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken Culture

Carol McLeod is a bestselling author and popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, where she encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She was the first Women’s Chaplain at Oral Roberts University and received the university’s prestigious “Alumna of the Year” award in 2021. Her 17th book, Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken Culture, a Bible study of the book of Colossians, was released in June.

She married her college sweetheart, Craig, 44 years ago. They have five children in heaven and five children on earth and ten grandchildren.

 

What started you on your writing path?

When I was in second grade, my teacher was an Australian war bride. Although Mrs. Dombrowski had no children of her own, she loved her students dearly. By the third day of school, she could tell that I was not adjusting well. I was painfully shy, overwhelmed and just wanted my mom. As I left school that day, she handed me a book and said, “Carol, I think you and Laura are going to be good friends.”

The book she handed me, of course, was “Little House in the Big Woods.” I read the book that weekend and asked for the next one in the series on Monday.

Mrs. Dombrowski was right — Laura and I did become good friends. I immediately decided that I wanted to do what Laura did. I wanted to write the books that would change a generation.

Of course, my books are not memoirs as Laura’s were, but they are faith-based books that help women live an abundant life of joy, peace, and hope. I hope that my readers know that I, just like Laura was to me, can become a wonderful friend through the pages I have written.

The Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

I have had too many “divine detours” to count. I never wanted to be married but only wanted to be single, childless, and serve Jesus. God had a much better plan for my life. During my senior year of college, the Lord brought a wonderful man into my life. I instantly fell head over heels in love with Craig and we were married within seven months of our meeting.

Shortly after we were married, I explained to Craig that I never wanted to have children. He simply prayed and the Lord changed my heart. We have five adult children who have been the delight and joy of my life. When I held our first baby in my arms, I discovered the reason I had been born. I was born to be a mother.

Let’s talk about your new book, Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken Culture (Iron Stream Media, June 2024). Please tell us about it.

Every believer in Christ longs to live an abundant life but they are just not sure how to tap into the peace that passes understanding or the hope that can be an anchor of the soul. Even Christians look for joy in all the wrong places.

I want an abundant life. Do you?

If you long to live a life overflowing with hope, peace, and joy, perhaps what your life needs is an intentional center. We all have one — that nucleus upon which we obtain our energy and discern our purpose. Perhaps until now, your center has been based on shopping, entertainment, or sports. Or maybe you are like many others and have centered your very existence upon your children, family, or career. What if those things you’ve placed at the center of your life will not bring you the abundance you desire? What if you need a true center?

Bible scholars through the ages have insisted that the book of Colossians is the most Christ-centered book in the entire Bible. If that is true, then we, as twenty-first-century believers, must choose to study this Jesus-centric epistle with enthusiasm and with intention. By the end of this deep dive into the sacred pages of Scripture, your life will shout to the world, “I am Christ-centered! He is my source, my joy, my all in all!”

Filled with biblical wisdom, practical advice, and personal stories, this in-depth study of the book of Colossians helps readers shift their perspectives in order to live a life filled with purpose and joy. Overflowing proves that it is possible to embrace unspeakable joy and unmatched peace even when truth is distorted, politics are compromised, and the entertainment industry seems so evil.

Please tell us about your popular blog .

“Joy for the Journey” is the weekly blog that I began writing in 2011. I love sprinkling hope and splashing joy every week on my readers! It has been great fun to invite 1,000’s of women to join me on my journey as I discover how to live purposefully, intentionally, and wholeheartedly.

Some weeks we might discuss children, or disappointment or heroes of the faith. Other weeks, the conversation might revolve around celebration, prayer or our diets. But every week, our conversation is centered on Jesus and on the hope of the Gospel. There is no joy in the journey without Him!

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Oh … I would eat a huge slice of raspberry pie every day of the week if I could! But since that is not possible … I will settle for a cup of hot tea laced with milk and a slice of rye bread dripping with butter and raspberry jam.

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

I think I am a “Ruth” more than an “Esther.” I am a simple girl who has fallen in love with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There might be dust on my sandals and pain in my heart, but I have chosen to follow Him wholeheartedly through every long night as well as through immense personal pain.

The field that Ruth gleaned in is just outside of Bethlehem and it is also known as the “Shepherds’ Field.” You see, what Ruth didn’t know when she was a young widow and in a foreign land thousands of years ago, was that she was gleaning in the very field where the shepherds would sing of the Savior’s birth. God was working behind the scenes of her life for a greater good and for His glory.

I trust that the Lord is doing the same thing for me. The Psalmist said, “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me.” – Psalm 138:8.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I am definitely NOT the mysterious woman behind dark glass nor am I the super heroine. However, I suppose that I am the girl next door, trying to walk in high heels who hopes, someday, to be the strong, female lead.

I often say that I am just a girl who is head over heels in love with Jesus, is passionately addicted to His Word and I find all the joy I need in His presence.

Thank you, Carol! It’s nice to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Carol, visit her website and follow her on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube .

To purchase Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken Culture go to her website or go to—

 

 

Joanna Davidson Politano ~ The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

Joanna Politano loves story. Especially from people who are overlooked or undervalued by the world. She is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance, and The Lost Melody.

She is a work-from-home mom with two adventurous littles. and she married her hero, Vince, who is her polar opposite. She writes, and he tears it up with the red pen. She break cars and other mechanical things, and he puts them back together. But, she says, the real spark to their marriage is that he does not like chocolate and she…  likes it a normal amount.

They live in a little house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

 

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Story-hungry. Listener, maybe. I hear more than people think. They tell me more than they should. And I absorb it all.

The Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

With every book I write! I’m asked all the time if I know the “surprise” ending in my stories before I start writing, and the answer is YES! But I’m always wrong. My entire publishing career was a twist in itself—I set aside trying to find publication when I started having kids, thinking it was time to focus on my family and that I’d return to it in another season. I’d been getting rejections for a few years by then anyway. But when I actually had a conversation with God about it, He ultimately said guess what! Time to publish—right now! After years of waiting, it all happened very quickly because God said it was time. And He does nothing halfway, including executing twists.

I’m fascinated by the premise of your new book, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple (Revell, April 2024). Please tell us about it.

This is an Edwardian story about a fairytale loving actress in the very early silent film era, when movies were created by illusionists and special effects came about with physical film manipulation. Lily is an illusion herself, having come out of nowhere with seemingly no background. She’s being scouted out by a rule-following detective and she teaches him the value of a story—and how even fiction carries truth.

You’re a multi-published author, a mom, and a wife. What has kept you on your writing journey when life tried to get in the way?

I’ve learned two things about juggling writing along with all the other things: 1. Be fully present in whatever you’re doing and 2. Real people before imaginary ones. When I’m a parent, I’m fully a parent. When I’m writing, I put on headphones and sink into the story as a spiritual practice—this is time spent with God. I only write for a short time, usually while kids are sleeping or doing independent work, but I will sit with my back to the unwashed dishes in the sink and ignore the toys on the floor and give myself fully to the story. As long as I keep my priorities straight (see #2), God redeems the margins of time. Books get written, and dishes (usually) get done.

What’s next for you as a writer?

I have another historical novel releasing next spring, and it has a fun clockworks/automaton theme. Almost a steampunk feel. Totally outside of my comfort zone, but a great project to take on alongside my engineer husband!

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Some sort of cereal, eaten like popcorn. Usually something with cinnamon on it. And between you and me, I keep a running bag of dark chocolate chips to grab on my way through the kitchen.

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

That’s a tough question! I’m not sure there’s one that describes me, but my understanding of God really evolved as I studied the book of Isaiah. We get to see so many aspects to God’s character in extremes! My story would be a cross between Jacob, who felt he needed to “handle” things himself until he pretty much encountered God, Nicodemus who was hungry for truth, and Peter who loved Jesus immeasurably, messed up, and was dispatched on God’s work anyway.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I’d say the super heroine hiding out with a girl-next-door cover. I can cause a lot of damage or rescue a whole lot of characters on the whim of my imagination!

Thanks, Joanna! It’s nice to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Joanna, visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter .

To order The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple , go to —

 

Patricia Raybon ~ Truth Be Told

Patricia Raybon is an author and essayist who writes daring and exciting novels at the intersection of faith, grace, and race. She is a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread. She is also the author of the Annalee Spain Mysteries, a “history mystery” series featuring a young Black theologian who solves crime during Colorado’s dangerous 1920s Klan years. Patricia has won both the Christy Award and the Christianity Today Book of the Year award for her fiction.

A former newspaper journalist and journalism faculty member at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Patricia and her husband, Dan, a retired educator, have two grown daughters.

 

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Listener. When I listen to others I learn. Listening has been a hard-earned trait for me. But when I listen to God and to other people, I always gain new insight and knowledge. Help me, Lord, to hear what others are saying.

What books have your read lately that inspired you?

I loved Geraldine Brooks’s tour de force, Horse. Truly, I was stunned by the depth of her narrative power. I found that same creative prowess in Sophfronia Scott’s latest novel, Wild, Beautiful, and Free. I love stories with characters of color who are fully dimensional, not just add-ons. Both books filled that bill. So did a detective novel I recently gobbled up, A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao. It’s captivating. Finally, three history books recently brought me to my knees—King: A Life by Jonathan Eig, Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy B. Tyson, and American Nations by Colin Woodard.

Let’s talk about your new book, Truth Be Told (Tyndale, June 2024). Please tell us about it.

With a garden murder, this third installment explores the seeds we plant in life, whether truth or lies, and what kind of harvests they yield. When our heart’s ground is plowed with fear, revenge, bigotry, suspicion, and pride, what’s the impact on our lives—not to mention the impact on our families, nation, and the world? In a compromised world, indeed, what does Annalee discover? That pursuing truth is always worth the risk, especially when pursuing the truth about yourself. That may seem like a heavy challenge for a humble detective like Annalee Spain, but she confronts the test head-on—taking on truths, lies, and tensions still throbbing today.

Annalee dives with passion into unraveling this next case—the murder of a pretty, young stranger found dead in a rich man’s garden. Making appearances as sidekicks are Annalee’s ensemble of intrepid church pals along with her orphaned buddy Eddie and her heartthrob pastor boyfriend, the Rev. Jack Blake. With a murder in a garden, Annalee also looks to a real-life surprise visitor to Denver—the renowned agricultural scientist, George Washington Carver—who shows up to help her understand a curious prairie plant that may sit at the center of the murder case.

Let’s talk about writing….

Do you have a writing hero or mentor?

I have many — from Howard Thurman (spiritual mentor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) to craftsmen James Scott Bell and Sol Stein, and novelists Rhys Bowen and Sophfronia Scott. They each inspire.

What has kept you on your writing journey when life tries to get in the way?

Purpose. I write at the intersection of faith, grace, and race — inviting readers to explore history and mystery with truth and courage. That never gets old for me. I’m honored by the assignment, and it keeps me on the writing path. Humbly, indeed!

Truth Be Told is the third book in the series. What’s next for you?

I’m thrilled to be planning my next novel with Tyndale Fiction, a World War II historical stand-alone about a young female teacher at an upper-crust Black finishing school in North Carolina tobacco country. Nearby is a sprawling US Army base where she’s drawn into intrigue involving an Italian POW imprisoned there and a young Black Army officer stationed there. I love the story and characters, and I’m humbled and excited to attempt this project — my first stand-alone. I hope readers enjoy it, too. Writing prayers solicited!

Thanks, Patricia! It’s great to have you back at Divine Detour.

  ~ ~ ~

For more information about Patricia, visit her website and follow her on Facebook , X , and Instagram .

To order Truth Be Told, go to –

 

Connie Mann ~ The Crown Conspiracy

Connie Mann is the award-winning author of almost a dozen books including her new release from Tyndale House, The Crown Conspiracy. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and, when not writing, “Captain Connie” introduces Florida sightseers and students to dolphins, manatees, and other coastal creatures. Connie is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future.

She and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring new places, especially those involving water and boats.

 

What started you on your writing journey ?

I’ve always been an avid reader and I wrote my first story in third grade, an epic tale about my hamster called, Susie’s Babies. Later, I wrote non-fiction articles for parenting magazines, then a parenting book, and finally took a leap of faith and switched to fiction.

What has kept you writing even when life tried to get in the way?

Ironically, becoming a boat captain in 2006 is what has kept me writing. When the opportunity to train as a captain came along, I was ready to quit writing. I couldn’t take one more rejection and if I didn’t get out of my house, I was going to lose what was left of my ever-loving mind. I found that being on the water resets my brain in amazing ways. When I’m at the helm, I am fully present and nothing else exists. That lets my brain rest and reset and eventually, that’s what allowed me to get back to the writing.

Let’s talk about your new book, The Crown Conspiracy (Tyndale, June 2024). Please tell us about it.

I am so excited about this story. Here’s the back cover copy to give you a little taste:

She’s a master at spotting a forgery … and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown … and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

Lots of intrigue! What drew you to the suspense genre—and to this story?

I grew up reading the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, Encyclopedia Brown and Harriet the Spy. Actually, I wanted to BE Harriet, and carried a little notebook around to jot down observations about my family and friends, which oddly, they didn’t appreciate at all, LOL!

But I think it’s the love of the puzzle that draws me to this day. Why do people do what they do? What clues do they leave behind?

This story was born out of asking, “Why do the guys seem to have all the good adventures? Why aren’t there women saving the day? What if there was a women’s secret society that helps other women?” So I decided to write what I wanted to read.

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

I grew up part of Pioneer Girls (like Christian Girl Scouts) and we quoted this verse all the time: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) The leaders reminded us, again and again, that a lantern only lets you see the next step, never the whole path, and that’s where faith comes in. We trust in God’s leading, one single step at a time, trusting that He can see the entire road ahead even when we’re fumbling around in the dark. That reminder has been one of the guiding principles of my life.

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Curious. I am endlessly fascinated by what’s around the next curve, meeting the next interesting person, discovering the next incredible view or cool old building, tiny seashell or beautiful flower.

Thanks, Connie! It’s great to have you back at Divine Detour.

Thanks so much for having me back. It’s been such a pleasure. 

~ ~ ~  

For more information about Connie, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

To order The Crown Conspiracy, go to —

 

Connor Mann ~ The Crown Conspiracy

Connie Mann is the award-winning author of almost a dozen books including her new release from Tyndale House, The Crown Conspiracy. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and, when not writing, “Captain Connie” introduces Florida sightseers and students to dolphins, manatees, and other coastal creatures. Connie is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future.

She and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring new places, especially those involving water and boats.

 

What started you on your writing journey ?

I’ve always been an avid reader and I wrote my first story in third grade, an epic tale about my hamster called, Susie’s Babies. Later, I wrote non-fiction articles for parenting magazines, then a parenting book, and finally took a leap of faith and switched to fiction.

What has kept you writing even when life tried to get in the way?

Ironically, becoming a boat captain in 2006 is what has kept me writing. When the opportunity to train as a captain came along, I was ready to quit writing. I couldn’t take one more rejection and if I didn’t get out of my house, I was going to lose what was left of my ever-loving mind. I found that being on the water resets my brain in amazing ways. When I’m at the helm, I am fully present and nothing else exists. That lets my brain rest and reset and eventually, that’s what allowed me to get back to the writing.

Let’s talk about your new book, The Crown Conspiracy (Tyndale, June 2024). Please tell us about it.

I am so excited about this story. Here’s the back cover copy to give you a little taste:

She’s a master at spotting a forgery … and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown … and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

Lots of intrigue! What drew you to the suspense genre—and to this story?

I grew up reading the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, Encyclopedia Brown and Harriet the Spy. Actually, I wanted to BE Harriet, and carried a little notebook around to jot down observations about my family and friends, which oddly, they didn’t appreciate at all, LOL!

But I think it’s the love of the puzzle that draws me to this day. Why do people do what they do? What clues do they leave behind?

This story was born out of asking, “Why do the guys seem to have all the good adventures? Why aren’t there women saving the day? What if there was a women’s secret society that helps other women?” So I decided to write what I wanted to read.

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

I grew up part of Pioneer Girls (like Christian Girl Scouts) and we quoted this verse all the time: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) The leaders reminded us, again and again, that a lantern only lets you see the next step, never the whole path, and that’s where faith comes in. We trust in God’s leading, one single step at a time, trusting that He can see the entire road ahead even when we’re fumbling around in the dark. That reminder has been one of the guiding principles of my life.

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Curious. I am endlessly fascinated by what’s around the next curve, meeting the next interesting person, discovering the next incredible view or cool old building, tiny seashell or beautiful flower.

Thanks, Connie! It’s great to have you back at Divine Detour.

Thanks so much for having me back. It’s been such a pleasure. 

~ ~ ~  

For more information about Connie, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

To order The Crown Conspiracy, go to —

 

Karen Ferguson ~ Questions for Kids

Telling the next generation about the goodness of God through story.

by Karen Ferguson

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” ( Psalm 78:4 )

My writing career began by writing for adults. In higher education and corporate communications. In my fictional memoir (that is still sitting in my desk, unfinished), and with my first book, a self-published wellness devotional.

I have a background in K-8 education, but never considered God would call me to write for kids until He gave me both inspiration and confirmation about an entire book series at a writer’s conference in 2018.

Fast forward to 2020, and He made it clear it was time to step out in faith. Two years later, the first book was released. Now I’m getting ready to launch the second book in the Questions for Kids picture book series and I have to say: Only God. His timing is perfect.

Writers have the capacity to help shape culture through our words, as stories can be a powerful force for change. Jesus used stories to plant truth in the hearts of His people; we might as well learn from the best and follow His lead.

I’m a grandmom now, and I couldn’t be happier about using the power of Lucy’s story (the main character in the series) set within different periods of Bible history to captivate young readers’ attentions and activate their faith. I want to see this next generation grow in biblical literacy. I want to cut through the noise and confusion so rampant in our culture, and point this next generation to God’s Truth and Love.

God is a Good God, and He doesn’t make mistakes. He created each one of us in His image with a loving intentionality that is indescribable, which means our identity is secure and we are welcomed into His family. This is a message you won’t hear in mainstream circles, but one our kids and grandkids desperately need to hear.

If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, I’d be honored if you would share Guess Who Is in God’s Family with your special young reader. This book will engage kids in one of the most foundational biblical accounts important to building a solid Christian worldview, while delivering a heartwarming message of family, faith, and God’s faithfulness. All through the eyes of curious young Lucy who takes her questions about God and family to her trusted advisor Papa Joe. This story is a biblically-based account that showcases the beauty and diversity with which our Creator made the human family and His Good Plan for us from the very beginning, driving home the timeless truth that God’s love is never-changing, never-failing, and never-ending.  

Let’s be diligent to tell this next generation about the goodness and good plans of God!

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to write stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love for them.

You can follow Karen on Facebook, X, and Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter to be among the first to know about special events, book updates, freebies, and giveaways.

To order Guess Who Is in God’s Family go to –

 

Cheryl Grey Bostrom ~ Leaning on Air

Pacific Northwest naturalist, photographer, poet, and author Cheryl Grey Bostrom has lived in the rural and wild lands for most of her life. It’s those surroundings that infuse her writing with rich imagery.

Cheryl’s work has appeared in a variety of print and online publications, including the American Scientific Affiliation’s God and Nature Magazine, for which she’s a regular photo essayist, and her blog, Watching Nature, Seeing Life. She has written multiple books, including her award-winning novel Sugar Birds.

 

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Curious!

What started you on your novel writing journey?

Ha! The decision minced through the back door. I had wanted to write fiction since childhood but couldn’t envision the path. Stymied, I instead wrote poetry, essays, devotionals. When I didn’t pursue publication of those, friends submitted them, invited me to write columns, and nudged me to write proposals that resulted in short-form publication and two nonfiction books.

Stories heaped in my head after that, but fearing failure, I kept them there. Then my first grandchild was born, and I wrote a sketch about a girl who lights a fire. That’s when I decided. I cleared my slate of nonessential commitments, learned all I could, and wrote Sugar Birds.

Please tell us about your new book, Leaning on Air (Tyndale, May 2024). What inspired it?

The characters, hands down. When I finished writing Sugar Birds, Burnaby and Celia hounded me to continue the narrative—and to write them as adults, together.

“It’ll never work,” I told them. Until it did.

In Leaning on Air, I planted them in the breathtaking Palouse hills, gave them nearly insurmountable differences and circumstances, then watched and listened and recorded as they dealt with life’s hard and wondrous stuff in ways I never expected.

On your website, you mention that “Creation speaks daily.” What do you hope readers will extract from the Pacific Northwest setting in Leaning on Air? 

By inserting readers into the rhythms and beauty of the land and sky and creatures in the remote, rural Palouse, I hope they’ll tumble into love for the natural world and that awe will point them to its Creator.

Just as all good novels include a plot twist, the Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

Yes, yes, yes. A great grief in my early years weakened, then collapsed the bridge on what I thought was the only road. In a true cliff-hanger, I paced the chasm’s edge, considered the leap, and sped toward the brink, where my Author blocked me, caught me, and calmed me down enough to follow His beautiful map to a far better way.

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Popcorn, please—air-popped—with a dash of Tabasco and salt.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong female romantic lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Until my late teens, I was a little girl in three-inch spikes, wobbling to present well, as if doing so would determine my safety or success or worth. But when I met my beloved Jesus, the romantic protagonist in me emerged. I kicked off those heels, wooed by holy love.

Thanks, Cheryl! It’s great to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

  ~ ~ ~

For more information about Cheryl, visit her website or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

  To purchase Leaning on Air, go to —

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