Today I’d like to welcome Diana Leagh Matthews to my blog. It’s great to have you here, Diana. How did you get started in writing?
Growing up, I was an avid reader and started to read Janette Oke books and biographies at a very, very young age. To fall asleep at night, I’d tell myself stories but I never dreamed that I’d be a writer.
Fast forward to my mid-twenties and an upsetting conversation. I went to bed angry but couldn’t fall asleep. So, I began to plan my reaction to that frustrating conversation. As I calmed down a story idea formed. I got up at two am and typed up the idea.
The following morning, I stared at the summary but a voice kept whispering “you never know if you don’t try.” It took me nine months to write my first story and I didn’t tell anyone for a long time.
Then life –and an abusive relationship—interfered but I kept writing. Finally, after writing for ten years through the rollercoaster of life, I began to attend writing conferences, learn about the industry, join critique groups, and network.
I never dreamed when that first idea formed that it would take twenty years before my first novel was published—but here we are. A lot has changed in that time—in myself, the publishing industry, and our world.
I loved reading Janette Oke too. 🙂 What genre do you write?
My books are Women’s Christian fiction. They usually have a romantic and speculative element to them.
Sounds fun. Do you prefer sweet or salty snacks?
Oh, that’s a hard one. I enjoy both but when I’m writing there’s usually a handful of Cheez. It’s somewhere nearby. It’s even better when I can pop some dark chocolate in there.
🙂 What things do you like to do outside of writing?
Between a day job, writing, and family there’s not a lot of extra time. However, my favorite is to spend time with my Maltese. We love to play games, take walks, and explore new areas together. We also love to go for long rides through the mountains.
When time allows, I enjoy both genealogy and historical research or going to the theatre.
I love historical research. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 121 has always held a special place in my heart. While I enjoy the entire chapter, I often repeat the first two verses. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (ESV)
That’s one of my favorites too. What is the back cover blurb for your new book? 
My novel “Carol of the Rooms” just released.
Driven. Divisive. Dissonant.
Terri Neely is propelled by greed and ambition. She refuses to let anyone—except for her beloved Gramps—past her hard exterior. Long ago, her faith waivered, and her love of music turned to hate.
That is until an accident forces her to view the soundtrack of her life as she visits her past, present, and future.
Can the songs in Terri’s life change her heart and restore her faith before it’s too late?
To celebrate my new release, I’m hosting a Christmas extravaganza with special guests, giveaways, and a ton of fun. Please join me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/994850748295488
Congratulations on your new release. Can you tell us a little bit more about you?
Bio:
Diana Leagh Matthews shares God’s love through her story from rebel to redeemed. Her day job is as a volunteer coordinator, but at night she writes and hunts genealogy. She gives programs as a speaker, teacher, vocalists, and presents historical monologues. Leagh (pronounced Lee) is the author of Carol of the Rooms, History Made Real, 90 Breath Prayers for the Caregiver, and others in the Breath Prayers series. She also writes the history behind hymns at DianaLeaghMatthews.com. While there you can sign up for her monthly newsletter where she shares all her news first.
