Author Spotlight + Giveaway: Diana Leagh Matthews -- Forever Changed

May 21

6 min read

This week I am super excited to have Diana Leagh Matthews on my blog for an author spotlight!

Diana "Leagh" Matthews writes to share God's kind of love for women who are hurting.

She is a novelist at heart although she also writes non-fiction and children's stories.

Her path has taken twist and turns she never expected as she pursues publication.

Leagh is a survivor of domestic violence, depression and prodigal living. She often incorporates her love of the arts and history into her stories.

Leagh has contributed to numerous anthologies, including many of Yvonne Lehman's Moment series.

In addition to her writing, Leagh is a vocalist, provides historical monologues, genealogist of over twenty years, and a Nationally Certified Activities Consultant. During the day, she's a volunteer coordinator for a hospice company.

First off, welcome to my blog. It’s so great to have you here!

Thank you for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

What first sparked your passion for storytelling, and how has your journey as a writer evolved over time?

I never dreamed that one day I’d be an author. As a child, I’d tell myself stories to go to sleep but the idea of writing a book didn’t begin until I was in my twenties. I didn’t tell anyone about my first novel until it was finished. At the time I had no idea how much I had to learn about the craft of writing. My journey involved a lot of ups and downs over the next twenty years, as I learned about the craft and writing industry. I’ve evolved from wanting to be published to longing to seek God’s will for my writing.

What unique aspects of your faith influence your storytelling style or the themes you explore?

Faith seems to naturally flow into my writing. Many of the themes seem to be issues that I’m struggling with myself at the time.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage that has guided your writing or life journey?

There are so many Bible verses I seem to lean on but the passage I turn to time and again is Psalm 121. While I love the entire chapter, I often recite “I will lift mine eyes unto the hills for whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord God the maker of heaven and earth.”

Who are some of your favorite Christian authors, and how have they influenced your work?

Oh, there’s so many Christian authors I love but for the purposes here I’m going to just share my earliest influences. As a teen, I devoured books by Janette Oke, Lori Wick, and Catherine Marshall. Their stories always drew me in and I longed to enter the worlds they created. As a writer, I want my readers to fill the same way.

In the early 2000s, I began to read Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, and Liz Curtis Higg. They are each masters of the craft to learn from.

If you could collaborate with any Christian author, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Hmmmm … I’m not sure. There’s so many wonderful Christian authors out there. I’ll have to think about that one.

What’s your favorite scene or moment in the book, and why does it hold special meaning for you?

Early on Danielle is returning to her sister’s farm. As she pulls into the driveaway, she’s met by a herd of cows blocking the area and has to allow Caleb to help her maneuver through the herd.

That scene is special because it’s pulled from real life. When I was in high school we moved from the city to the country. One day, on the way to school, a herd of cows blocked the only road headed to school. I was so glad someone else was driving who knew how to maneuver through those cows.

Are there any surprising lessons or revelations you discovered about yourself or your faith through the writing process?

I’m constantly surprised. Sometimes I discover what I really believe or how deep my faith is while writing. My stories have grown my faith considerably.

How do you incorporate prayer or spiritual reflection into your writing routine?

I pray the night before writing and then in the morning before I begin writing and ask for guidance. If I’m really stuck on a scene, I will take a few moments to ask the Lord to help me.

What do you enjoy most about connecting with readers, and what feedback has resonated deeply with you?

To hear from my readers and how a book has touched or impacted their life.

What’s one thing you wish readers knew about the process of writing Christian fiction?

Writing is a pouring out of the soul and it’s not an easy process. Once the original manuscript is complete that’s only the beginning of the birthing process. There’s so much work that goes into enhancing, carving, and editing a story in preparation for publication.

How do you celebrate the completion of a book, and what does that milestone mean to you?

When a book is published, I go out for a steak dinner.

If someone were to adapt your book into a movie, what would be your dream casting for the main characters?

Hmmmm… I’m not really sure. Danielle has red hair, so I could see someone like Alicia Witt in her role. For Caleb’s part, I wonder how Trevor Donovan would look in a cowboy hat.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?

Take your time to learn the craft, learn the industry, and network. There’s a lot to learn and it takes time. Most importantly, pray, pray, and pray some more. Ask the Lord to guide and direct your steps.

Lastly, before you go…Can you talk about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?

I have a handful of books that I’ve started and need to finish writing. However, I’m also editing a story that involves all the holidays –both major and minor. That was a fun story to write and I look forward to sharing it once it’s ready.

Now for her book, Forever Changed.

At the pinnacle of her Broadway career, Danielle Davis is savoring her success. Just as her dreams are now within grasp, tragedy forces her to return home to South Carolina. Following her sister’s and brother-in-law’s untimely deaths, Danielle finds herself now responsible for seven children, two grandmothers, and a farm she knows nothing about.

When a young woman from the 1930s begins making mysterious appearances, Danielle embraces her as an unexpected confidant and encourager. Can Danielle find the healing and support she desperately needs in her new roles?

Caleb Donovan put his soaring music career on hold after a terrible mistake. Following the loss of his best friends, he now guides Danielle as she learns about running a farm and caring for a family. Can Caleb find his own place amid the chaos?

Will Danielle and Caleb discover the career and relational paths meant for them? Can they let go of their painful pasts, forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future?

And Diana has teased us with a snippet from her book:

After making a U-turn in the middle of the road and returning to the homestead entrance, Danielle slammed her brakes, jolting the car to a stop. She jostled forward, and her chest pressed on the horn, blaring it.

“What the ...?” Cows surrounded her as far as the eye could see. If she’d not stopped, Danielle would’ve hit one. She had to push her entire body on the car door to force it open. One of the pesky animals stood close enough she had to squeeze herself out of the vehicle.

“Ooohh.” She stepped directly in the middle of a cow pie and smiled, just slightly. That wasn’t a term she’d used in years. Cow pies weren’t exactly a common occurrence in New York City.

“We’ll have them out of your way shortly, ma’am.” Caleb yelled over the herd from his spot on a beautiful, cream-and-white Tennessee Walking Horse.

Danielle held her hand over her eyes to block the sun. “What’s going on?”

“They broke out of their pen. We’re rounding up the last of them.” He pushed back his hat.

Buy Now

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ebook copy!

(Giveaway runs for one week. Winner will be contacted by author.)