What Readers Are
Saying the Novel
“5Stars! Crying by the end of the first chapter, I was cheering by the last! I really enjoyed this book! The author had an almost magical way of making her characters, and the Texas rodeo culture, come to life. This book emphasized the importance of forgiveness, of keeping your temper, and of trusting in God. I plan on reading this story many more times in the future, and I would highly recommend it for teens and adults alike. I'm eagerly looking forward to the sequel!”
“5
Stars! Hard
to put the book down, author, DiAne Gates has written a story that makes you feel you are actually there! There were
times I found myself holding my breath, waiting for the outcome of what was
happening at the moment. I felt like I got to know each of the characters of
the story and it was written in such a way I could literally "see"
what was going on and felt what each character of the story was feeling at that
moment. The story line moves quickly and with each chapter you will find
yourself drawn into the life of this young girl, feeling what she feels and
wanting her to win!! How refreshing to see a story that has as its center such
strong family ties, lessons in integrity and bonds that cannot be broken
regardless of what life may throw in your path. I highly recommend this book,
not only for young people but for adults as well. There are lessons for all of
us to learn regardless of age.” Marie
My
Interview with Author, DiANE Gates
Why
do you write? I entered an essay contest when I was fifteen and won. The title
was “The Basis of a Great Nation is a Christian Home”. I’ve been writing since
that time about this same topic. I can’t not write. Christian homes are the
backbone of America.
How
did God direct you? My children were young when I launched into the art market
via the means of local art shows. Watching fellow artists go home penniless, I
told God we needed extra family income. And He laid on my heart to create color
books for children. Even if paintings didn’t sell, the color books did. Then
God spoke to my heart about parents not being able to teach what they don’t
know, and my four book family devotional series, based on the color book
characters, “The Master’s Plan”, came to life. We lost a twenty-eight-year-old
daughter fifteen years ago and God not only directed me, He carried me through
those difficult years of grief. Then led me to lead a GriefShare support group,
where He has directed me for thirteen years.
What
is your self-publishing or regular publishing experience? In 2014 I signed my
first book contract with Prism Book Group to publish my YA Novel, “Roped”, and
am in the process of completing the next book in this series, “Twisted”.
Where
do you write? Anywhere the words come. On scrap paper, my computer, my laptop.
In the backyard swing, waiting on doctors, in my chair alongside husband when
he watches boring sports. When I signed a contract with Prism for “Roped” we
took a spare bedroom and turned it into my office. My neighbor designed and
built a twelve-foot desk across one end of the room. That desk top holds
everything a gal needs to create—family photos, printer, computer, sewing
machine, my paints and brushes, and my old computer—just in case.
Do
you have any words of wisdom to pass along? “Roped” was my first novel. I sent
it to two publishing houses and received two rejections, then threw it in a
drawer—for years. After God called our daughter home, He led me to ACW and
within thirty minutes of walking in the door found out why my manuscripts
weren’t accepted. They screamed amateur. I joined North Texas Christian Writers
and began the arduous word crafting process. Several years and three first
place finishes later, in their Children’s Division, I signed with Prism. Moral
of the stories? NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! Join a local writing group and educate
yourself. Find folks who are bent on success and write and edit with them for
as long as it takes. You will achieve your dream if you write within God’s will
and for His glory, not your own.
About
Author, DiANE Gates
Texan,
DiAne Gates, illustrates, photographs, and writes for children and YA, as well
as serious non-fiction for adults. Her freelance artist, photographic work for
the East Texas Rodeo Association magazine gave birth to her western rodeo
adventure series ROPED which Prism Book Group in August of 2015.
DiANE
leads an adult edit group, The LifeSavers, for North Texas Christian Writers.
And DiAne is a facilitator for GriefShare, an international support ministry
for those who’ve lost loved ones.
Wife,
mother, and Mimi, whose passion is to share those hard life lessons God allows.
Lessons she hopes will leap from the page into your heart.
Barnes & Noble bit.ly/1RmiOny
Amazon amzn.to/1XOJqiy
Goodreads bit.ly/1RApxNP
Facebook bit.ly/1Mn0QlG
Author Page on Facebook bit.ly/1UNHSpU
Twitter bit.ly/1XOJE9n
Email DiAne Gates at: dianegates@sbcglobal.net
