Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Interview & GIVEAWAY with Angela Breidenbach! Hey y'all! It's Rebekah here. Angela Breidenbach has bravely agreed to be my first victim, uh, I mean first interview here on the Diamond Mine. I met Angela through our writing group Faith, Hope & Love. She's one of the many blessings I've found since joining FHL.
Angela is the captivating host of Grace Under Pressure Radio on iTunes, as well as a speaker and author. Angela is also the Christian Author Network's president. And yes, she's half of the comedy duo, Muse and Writer.
Angela's books include:
* The Lassoed by Marriage Collection (coming Jan. 2016)
* A Healing Heart (paperback, eBook, audio)
* Snowflake Tiara (paperback, eBook, audio coming Oct.) A book I fell in love with!
* Eleven Pipers Piping, Christmas Traditions Collection (eBook) Audio book of A Healing Heart
Leave a comment at the end of the interview to enter!

Rebekah:   What’s your favorite thing about your genres?
Angie:  In historical romance, I love living in history. But in self-help and the non-fiction, I love feeling like I'm helping someone through a struggle to become the very special person they want to be or cope with a tough situation. I think my fiction, non-fiction, and cat comedy does that too.

Rebekah:  What’s your newest releases?
Angie: Eleven Pipers Piping, Christmas Traditions Collection and my new Grace Under Pressure Radio show on iTunes ;) I'm working on a non-fiction book also to be titled, Grace Under Pressure. I'm hoping to release it late fall.

Rebekah:  Describe Eleven Pipers Piping in 3 separate words:
Angie:  historical, romance, newsies (boys who sold newspapers on the street in the late 1800s-early 1900s)

Rebekah:  If your book was made in to a movie, what actors would you cast as your main hero & heroine?
Angie: Okay, this is a trick question, right?! You know I'm working on just that now. I want to write screenplays out of all my books. But if Eleven Pipers Piping was made into a movie I'd love to see someone like Luke Benward as Evan and I could see someone like Emma Stone as Mirielle.

Rebekah:  How long did it take you to write this book?
Angie: A lot longer than I thought for how short it is! It took a year because it was the book I was writing when my dad passed away. Then I had another contract for Bridal Whispers (Barbour's The Lassoed by Marriage collection releasing Jan. 1, 2016) that had a more pressing deadline.

Rebekah: How do you balance writing with other responsibilities (job, family, etc.)?
Angie: Being an empty-nester, it's a lot easier now than when I had kids at home. I went full time writing/speaking in 2009 and haven't looked back. I've done a lot of public speaking and that takes so much time away from home. So to balance the fact that I love speaking, but I want to be home more, I've started the Grace Under Pressure Radio show on iTunes. I've been able to cut back my speaking schedule and now I'm speaking on the air instead of so many events. I think getting creative about what I love to do is helping me be more balanced, especially because I’m a workaholic. This helps me relax a little more.

Rebekah: When did you realize you first wanted to be a writer?
Angie: My dad taught me to read and write when I was four. I started writing and writing and writing. I guess I had a lot to say for a four-year old, lol.

Rebekah: Do you stick to your TBR pile or are you an impulsive book buyer?
Angie: I go by my mood, totally. I read fiction when I need a break and I read non-fiction when I want to learn.

Rebekah: What are you currently reading?
Angie: I usually have four or five books going at a time. They range from historical fiction to historical research to non-fiction education to self-help and I always have at least two devotionals I go between. Currently, the most consistent is going to just make you roll your eyes. But it's the Leadership Bible. I'm on a goal of growing in my leadership skills because of being the Christian Authors Network president. I want to do the best possible job I can. I feel very responsible for the people in my organization and their benefit for belonging.

Rebekah: At some point an author has to torture their characters. Tell us the truth. Do you enjoy or hate it?
Angie: I used to hate it. But now I really love it because I learned how it helps me and my readers to experience failure and success. I mean, without overcoming failure or fear, there really is no success. I like my characters to show that concept too. So I call my heroines the "Grace Under Pressure" kind of gals. I like showing women overcoming fears, obstacles, and people that try to hold them back.

Rebekah: Who’s your number one fictional character crush OR favorite fictional couple?
Angie: I love Leota from Francine Rivers Leota's Garden. I identify with her so much because she had to work while raising her kids. There's more, but it's personal J For the favorite male character, I think it's Rhett Butler ;) I love how his character arc brings him around to adoring his daughter and how much he loved Scarlett even though she couldn't realize she loved him too.

Rebekah: What’s one thing readers would be surprised to know about you?
Angie: As a writer, I think it would surprise readers to learn I have the Grace Under Pressure Radio show. But I hope readers will come listen on iTunes. I was surprised, by friends and readers, when I asked if I did a podcast, what would people want to learn from me. When the answer came back that people wanted to learn how to be gracious in stressful situations, I was really stunned. I didn't see myself that way. But it was overwhelming in response.

So I went on a quest to find out why that was such a unanimous topic. I spent over a year really listening, asking questions, and discovering what and why others saw that in me when I didn't even know. I asked for a few words to help describe what they meant. Those words turned out to be: confidence, courageous, genuine, candor (meaning genuine honesty), and a phrase that summed it up, "velvet gloves in hard situations". The Grace Under Pressure Radio show, and soon to be book, came from that journey. I learned to embrace the essence of who I am and I want to help others do the same. I'm still surprised by the outcome, but I am also very honored and grateful that others took the time to help me dig deep.

Also, I've done a ton of research on religions and the various forms of belief that are called atheism, agnosticism, etc. I think people would be extremely surprised to learn how much I know about not only world religions but also denominations within Christianity. I'm certainly not a degreed scholar, but I have spent a lot of time learning about beliefs and doctrine for my personal questions so I can discuss it widely and knowledgably.

Rebekah: Angie’s latest book release, Eleven Pipers Piping, a 1890 Montana historical is available now!

What would you do if you were given eleven rowdy street newsies and told either you turn them into model citizens or they get sold into indenture or sent to the military? Eleven Pipers Piping is the story of a sweet music teacher and eleven boys given one chance or else! Evan Russell lost everything—his ranch, his wife, and now after trusting relatives with his young son, even the little boy is missing. How can a beautiful symphony
of the heart come from such chaos? .99 for 8 novellas: Christmas Traditions series (Eleven Pipers Piping is in it) http://amzn.to/1E6hzWj

Eight heartwarming novellas of Christmas's gone by where the true meaning of the season warms your heart and love flows as fast as apple cider. Grab your favorite drink, no matter the temperature outside, curl up in a cozy chair and lose yourself in holiday romance.

Angie's having a Facebook party! Click here for the invitation link! Places you can find Angie:

Website: http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AngBreidenbach

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/AngBreidenbach

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

iTunes: Grace Under Pressure Radio Posted by Rebekah Millet at 11:00 PM Labels: audio book, author interview, Author Interview and giveaway, Book Giveaway, Christian Author, Christian Devotion, Christian Fiction, Christian Historical Romance, Christian romance, podcasts Angela Breidenbach said...

Thank you for having me today!

September 2, 2015 at 8:36 AM Renee Blare said...

Hi Angela! It's great to have you on the Diamond Mine. :)

September 2, 2015 at 10:14 AM Ann Ellison said...

Really enjoyed the interview with Angela. I have read Snowflake Tiara which she wrote with Valerie Comer and really enjoyed it. Would love to win a copy of the audio book. Thanks for the opportunity.

September 2, 2015 at 10:27 AM Rebekah Millet said...

Thanks for stopping by Ann! Snowflake Tiara is such a beautifully written book and so unique. I'm glad you enjoyed it. We have your entry down for the audiobook giveaway.

September 2, 2015 at 11:22 AM It's our pleasure! You wear so many hats in the Christian industry, it's a joy to be able to help spread the word about your books.

September 2, 2015 at 11:24 AM I'm honored :)

September 2, 2015 at 11:50 AM It's a huge blessing when a reader loves a book. You blessed me today, Ann!

September 2, 2015 at 11:51 AM Peggy Trotter said...

Welcome, Angela! So wonderful to meet you here on the Mine and, Rebekah! Great Interview!

September 3, 2015 at 5:16 PM Thanks Peg! I had a great teacher ;-)

September 4, 2015 at 9:18 AM Hi Peggy :) I am just tickled to be here.

September 4, 2015 at 6:03 PM Gail Kittleson said...

So encouraging to read you write in several genres. For me, the jump from non-fiction to fiction was more of a LEAP over a vast chasm (in retrospect), but it made me appreciate both skill sets. I've seen your name everywhere (ACFW), but this post helped me get to know you, Angie. Thanks

September 5, 2015 at 9:26 AM Hi Gail :)
I believe writers write. Whether I write fiction or non-fiction, the same themes are there naturally. My heroines overcome the problems I write or speak about in non-fiction. Lately, the podcast lets me do that even more. I want to help people. Some like fiction, some relate better to non-fiction, and others are auditory. :)

Thanks for making me feel special :) I know your name too!! Nice to connect here.

September 5, 2015 at 1:40 PM Hey Gail! Thanks so much for stopping by and being a part of this week's post. Hope you're enjoying your leap into fiction.

September 5, 2015 at 7:27 PM Congrats Gail! You're the lucky winner of Angie's giveaway! Please send me your email address so we can get this amazing gift over to you!

September 11, 2015 at 12:48 PM Congratulations, Gail, I'll get your prize off to you today :)
[null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZzb23e9IhU/VdcVbzv51TI/AAAAAAAAAEg/tLoyFzfZn_w/s320/Grace%2BUnderPressure%2BPodcast%2BArtwork7.png", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZzb23e9IhU/VdcVbzv51TI/AAAAAAAAAEg/tLoyFzfZn_w/s320/Grace%2BUnderPressure%2BPodcast%2BArtwork7.png", "formatted_filename": "Grace BUnderPressure BPodcast BArtwork", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 320}, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHMkhgGX73k/VdsVMRtJzCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/bKUnj15zUpg/s200/HealingHeart.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHMkhgGX73k/VdsVMRtJzCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/bKUnj15zUpg/s200/HealingHeart.jpg", "formatted_filename": "HealingHeart", "rendered_width": 129, "rendered_height": 200}, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4gPBNiR87E/Vdc9v37Ej8I/AAAAAAAAAE8/sSqB9CNBkGA/s320/arrowtilt.png", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4gPBNiR87E/Vdc9v37Ej8I/AAAAAAAAAE8/sSqB9CNBkGA/s320/arrowtilt.png", "formatted_filename": "arrowtilt", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 111}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYOW5eW6JcU/Wl0jQx_bNHI/AAAAAAAARMQ/hAb4RxV68Gg9P_vunP_IKOrS_Y8_LIFjACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/racing%2Bhearts.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYOW5eW6JcU/Wl0jQx_bNHI/AAAAAAAARMQ/hAb4RxV68Gg9P_vunP_IKOrS_Y8_LIFjACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/racing%2Bhearts.jpg", "formatted_filename": "racing Bhearts", "alt_text": "Renee Blare", "rendered_width": 230, "rendered_height": 346}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpoFRmbI1Lk/V_CAHZ0X3iI/AAAAAAAAPqo/0-qLeF8U-xQGxffMS_MECFrLNRvPjHw0QCK4B/s1600/Haven%2Bin%2BWoods%2BBolton.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpoFRmbI1Lk/V_CAHZ0X3iI/AAAAAAAAPqo/0-qLeF8U-xQGxffMS_MECFrLNRvPjHw0QCK4B/s1600/Haven%2Bin%2BWoods%2BBolton.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Haven Bin BWoods BBolton", "alt_text": "Nancy Bolton", "rendered_width": 235, "rendered_height": 353}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgK5CF14jQs/WoOyhm6GowI/AAAAAAAAC3k/NfFLBEPiTagTfZihMMaGd3HPUtMU6qnwACK4BGAYYCw/s235/FB_IMG_1518580301059.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgK5CF14jQs/WoOyhm6GowI/AAAAAAAAC3k/NfFLBEPiTagTfZihMMaGd3HPUtMU6qnwACK4BGAYYCw/s235/FB_IMG_1518580301059.jpg", "formatted_filename": "FB IMG", "alt_text": "Julie B. Cosgrove", "rendered_width": 144, "rendered_height": 235}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxCfdDEfhR0/WFKXZXd5GLI/AAAAAAAACyI/2LLCXmPxIIAwKzxiziCf9-NS5Pbe7HenQCK4B/s1600/Diane%2527s%2Bbook.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxCfdDEfhR0/WFKXZXd5GLI/AAAAAAAACyI/2LLCXmPxIIAwKzxiziCf9-NS5Pbe7HenQCK4B/s1600/Diane%2527s%2Bbook.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Diane s Bbook", "alt_text": "DiAne Gates", "rendered_width": 235, "rendered_height": 352}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvIKZrSpcEY/WDMqV5QukHI/AAAAAAAAAXY/JLSjTz2GgeIDPW20sRzkcQHTFdQHGQCsQCK4B/s1600/nosafehaven-moody-ebook.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvIKZrSpcEY/WDMqV5QukHI/AAAAAAAAAXY/JLSjTz2GgeIDPW20sRzkcQHTFdQHGQCsQCK4B/s1600/nosafehaven-moody-ebook.jpg", "formatted_filename": "nosafehaven moody ebook", "alt_text": "Angela Moody", "rendered_width": 235, "rendered_height": 353}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgfZaRxhsXs/WK-wnKZVOjI/AAAAAAAAQfg/Jv8TmEjkz0EosbuFiN-5_GboozOu6y9wQCK4B/s1600/the%2Bsecret%2Bthings.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgfZaRxhsXs/WK-wnKZVOjI/AAAAAAAAQfg/Jv8TmEjkz0EosbuFiN-5_GboozOu6y9wQCK4B/s1600/the%2Bsecret%2Bthings.jpg", "formatted_filename": "the Bsecret Bthings", "alt_text": "Peggy Trotter", "rendered_width": 235, "rendered_height": 343}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6BuO2S-6gM/WZ4kjeSnyGI/AAAAAAAAAgk/iob52L3jb60oGLNNt6JZa2xGpttDfhh5QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/entertaining%2Bangels.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6BuO2S-6gM/WZ4kjeSnyGI/AAAAAAAAAgk/iob52L3jb60oGLNNt6JZa2xGpttDfhh5QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/entertaining%2Bangels.jpg", "formatted_filename": "entertaining Bangels", "alt_text": "Suzie Waltner", "rendered_width": 235, "rendered_height": 355}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsfBdXGtO4/Wvt13SnNEdI/AAAAAAAARbg/vMVX7-ZykxUlxP4Po1QBP2-4am-VgLVswCK4BGAYYCw/s155/Renee%2BBlare%2BFall%2B2016.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsfBdXGtO4/Wvt13SnNEdI/AAAAAAAARbg/vMVX7-ZykxUlxP4Po1QBP2-4am-VgLVswCK4BGAYYCw/s155/Renee%2BBlare%2BFall%2B2016.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Renee BBlare BFall B", "alt_text": "Renee Blare", "rendered_width": 133, "rendered_height": 140}, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-125E84f9MJ8/WCegMVgHpXI/AAAAAAAACrM/pOZ9VykRml4Tl5SJ4fHYX_ukqWq45Y0VQCK4B/s1600/Julie.jpeg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-125E84f9MJ8/WCegMVgHpXI/AAAAAAAACrM/pOZ9VykRml4Tl5SJ4fHYX_ukqWq45Y0VQCK4B/s1600/Julie.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "Julie", "alt_text": "Julie B. Cosgrove", "rendered_width": 155, "rendered_height": 237}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpNHZQVThTA/WFKUFgdrjwI/AAAAAAAACxs/_0ioW8CKFikFsxuERea2OVpbaLQa1st7wCK4B/s1600/DiAne%2BGates%2B2.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpNHZQVThTA/WFKUFgdrjwI/AAAAAAAACxs/_0ioW8CKFikFsxuERea2OVpbaLQa1st7wCK4B/s1600/DiAne%2BGates%2B2.jpg", "formatted_filename": "DiAne BGates B", "alt_text": "DiAne Gates", "rendered_width": 155, "rendered_height": 155}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//4.bp.blogspot.com/-UapcEYDS_yw/WDMsO8dPJFI/AAAAAAAAAX4/zW_n9-ZM2d44C2cGVh3Z_7MnlMwJCBVpQCK4B/s1600/Angela%2BPhoto.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UapcEYDS_yw/WDMsO8dPJFI/AAAAAAAAAX4/zW_n9-ZM2d44C2cGVh3Z_7MnlMwJCBVpQCK4B/s1600/Angela%2BPhoto.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Angela BPhoto", "alt_text": "Angela Moody", "rendered_width": 115, "rendered_height": 65}, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXqoao20tbc/WygoBCNDYrI/AAAAAAAABbc/DSsdIPyiIoAJlD86GTXOSvsE8uyT-WpBgCK4BGAYYCw/s155/Author%2BPicture%2B2018.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXqoao20tbc/WygoBCNDYrI/AAAAAAAABbc/DSsdIPyiIoAJlD86GTXOSvsE8uyT-WpBgCK4BGAYYCw/s155/Author%2BPicture%2B2018.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Author BPicture B", "alt_text": "V. Joy Palmer", "rendered_width": 155, "rendered_height": 103}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPlt5cfujfU/W4nmoH-qqsI/AAAAAAAAAqg/b2L-a2mG0O07EPdTOoSD1s5ye_KNbZNRACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Freedom%2527s%2BKiss.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPlt5cfujfU/W4nmoH-qqsI/AAAAAAAAAqg/b2L-a2mG0O07EPdTOoSD1s5ye_KNbZNRACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Freedom%2527s%2BKiss.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Freedom s BKiss", "alt_text": "Freedom's Kiss", "rendered_width": 155, "rendered_height": 248}, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN81a_fyNEo/W1fXuuclmqI/AAAAAAAARik/D-wkG1Ezlb4wU9LEHt61o2kBuTuOd2okwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/FIL_Boxed-Set_sm.png", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN81a_fyNEo/W1fXuuclmqI/AAAAAAAARik/D-wkG1Ezlb4wU9LEHt61o2kBuTuOd2okwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/FIL_Boxed-Set_sm.png", "formatted_filename": "FIL Boxed Set sm", "alt_text": "Falling in Love Boxed Set", "rendered_width": 155, "rendered_height": 136}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/09/interview-giveaway-with-angela.html", "unformatted_src": "//4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NeoXw2ta3c/Wz0bA2t1FdI/AAAAAAAAApY/IjBKIELCgqIAqfSWaS_gWaC-0eAq5A-sACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ALoveRestored_prc5391_750.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NeoXw2ta3c/Wz0bA2t1FdI/AAAAAAAAApY/IjBKIELCgqIAqfSWaS_gWaC-0eAq5A-sACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ALoveRestored_prc5391_750.jpg", "formatted_filename": "ALoveRestored prc", "alt_text": "A Love Restored", "rendered_width": 155, "rendered_height": 256}, null, null, null]