Meet author Diana Leagh Matthews

Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!

Diana Leagh Matthews has a heart for the hurting and shares God’s love through the written word and song. Her debut novel, Carol of the Rooms, was published in 2023 and was a Realm Award finalist and her second novel, Forever Changed, will be published on April 8^th. Leagh lives in South Carolina with her spunky Maltese.

Tell us about your book

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 the untimely deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Danielle discovers she’s 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 to her, 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 making 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 be able to discover the career and relational paths meant for them? Can they learn how to let go of their painful pasts, and find it in their hearts to forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future?

What inspired you to write your story?

I’ve always longed for a family of my own and wondered what it would be like to suddenly be responsible for an instant family. Then I asked myself questions such as: What would be a challenge? What would I embrace? How would that twist effect my current life and dreams?

What genre do you focus on.

I always thought if I were going to be a writer, I’d write historical fiction, because I’ve always loved history and provide historical presentations in various local communities. So imagine my surprise when my stories continue to be primarily contemporary stories, although often they do include a little history lesson mixed in.

Why do you write?

Characters grab hold of me and will not let me go. I can’t not write, even if it were just for me. Writing helps me to process so many aspects of life and situations.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Danielle Davis and Caleb Donovan are the main characters. Davis is a surname in my family history and I liked the names Danielle and Caleb.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

I love seeing the story come together but holding the finished book in my hand and connecting with readers and hearing how the story touched their lives always does my heart good.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

I work a day job and also have caregiving responsibilities. So there are times when it’s difficult to get to everything that needs to be done. There’s so much more to writing than just writing and editing and it can be a challenge to see to all those tasks at times.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

There’s so much to learn as a writer that one never stops. However, the more I learn, the more I see how my confidence grows in both myself and my craft.

What is your favorite pastime?

I’ve been working on my family history for over 30 years. I don’t get to work on it as much as I used to but still enjoy exploring various rabbit trails from time to time. However, my favorite thing is to spend time with my Maltese mix, Bentley. Whether it’s snuggling, going for a walk or ride, or playing ball, he’s a load of fun.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Carol of the Rooms released in late 2023 and is inspired by “A Christmas Carol.”

What are you working on now?

I have so many ideas but at the moment I’m editing a story that incorporates all the holidays.

I also have an idea for a prequel to “Forever Changed.”

Website: https://www.DianaLeaghMatthews.com

Link to Forever Changed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2DCBDQY

Social Media Links:

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Diana-Leagh-Matthews/e/B07C17QJJ

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/DiLeaghMatthews

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994850748295488