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Monday, October 25, 2010

Spotlight Author with Diana Cosby

I have Diana Cosby here with me today. She has a lot to tell us about her books, her writing, and herself, so sit back and enjoy.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your latest release HIS CONQUEST.

A: His Conquest is a story of risk, trust, and learning to love.
When the eldest MacGruder brother, Seathan MacGruder , Earl of Grey, is captured and sentenced to hang in the morning, unknown to him, the mysterious woman who offers him freedom, is his enemy's sister.

Lady Linet Dancort is determined to escape and repay her brother's cruelty by freeing his prize captive, except she doesn't anticipate falling in love with the Scottish rebel or of him ever leaning who she truly is.

Q: If you had to pick one character in your books, who would be your favorite? And why. Or if you don’t want to pick a favorite… which one do you connect with the most? And why?

A: Each of the brothers has a special place in my heart, Seathan for his no nonsense manner, Alexander, an intense man too often guided by his emotions, Patrik who is haunted by his past, Duncan the charmer, and Griffin, who is the brother to the heroine of His Captive. Another major character is the grandmother, who makes subtle but powerful appearances throughout the series, her lessons those that teach the brothers the most important passions are those from the heart.

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?

A: Most often while I'm researching, I find a historical fact about a place or people that is so amazing, I know I have to use it in a story.

Q: How many books do you have under your writing belt?

A: I'm working on my 14th single title novel, and to date have sold four.

Q: Do you have any advice or writing secrets for aspiring authors?

A: Follow your heart, write what you love, and define your goals. It's your responsibility as a writer to take charge of your career, to learn the industry and make the decisions that allow you to achieve your dreams. Everything you need is out there, you only need to look.

Q: What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

A: It's an amazing inspiration to readers that we can persevere, that even against life's challenges we can achieve our hopes, dreams and find love.

Q: Can you give us an idea of how long a completed manuscript takes you from start to finish?

A: It takes me approximately 9-11 months per manuscript, which normally includes seven passes until it's finished.

Q: What do you do when you get stuck?

A: When I get stuck this means that I did something out of character, so I go back to where the story is flowing and read up. If I still can't figure out the issue, I call one of my writer friends or critique partners and brainstorm :)

Q: Now tell us a little bit about Diana. Who are you? What do you do when you’re not writing hunky heroes and romantic love stories?

A: I'm a military brat (daughter of a military member), and once I turned 17, I joined the Navy. I retired as a chief, AGC(AW), my job a meteorologist/oceanographer. I'm on my 32nd move, have had the pleasure of living and traveling to many countries, experiences which often transcend into my stories.

Also, I'm a firm believer of giving of self and making a positive difference in others lives, which is why I volunteer for Habitat For Humanity, Ducks Unlimited and started a local high school scholarship. In addition, I donate 10% of my royalties to a charity of my choice.

My biography: http://www.dianacosby.com/biography.html

Diana, thank you for being a guest on Micole Writes Romance. It has been a pleasure. Where can we find out more about you and your books?

My sincere thanks for having me on your blog. His Conquest, the third book in the MacGruder brothers series is released on 1 November, but is available for pre-order in stores or on-line. All of the MacGruder books are available for Kindle!

For more information on each book and to read excerpts or links to order, please go to my website:
http://www.dianacosby.com/books.html

Thank you for your time!

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 4 star Romantic Times review - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest - Pre-Order now! / His Destiny - Nov 2011

Thanks for stopping in friends.

Hugs

Micole

17 comments:

Diana Cosby said...

Good morning Micole,
My sincere thanks for having me on your blog today. I enjoy writing the MacGruder brothers, men who touch my heart as the woman who steal theirs. :)
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Crys said...

How great it is to see my favourite romance writer featured! Thanks for being so "up to the minute" on the top writers in the genre!

You did know she will be featured in a top ranking women's mag early in the new year? AMAZING books (obviously) and I just hope Diana keeps them coming!

Caroline Clemmons said...

Diana, great interview. I can hardly wait to read your next book!

Diana Cosby said...

Crys said...
How great it is to see my favourite romance writer featured! Thanks for being so "up to the minute" on the top writers in the genre!

~*Hugs* Hi Crys, always fabulous to see you! Thank you for your kind words and thank you so much for stopping by! :)

You did know she will be featured in a top ranking women's mag early in the new year? AMAZING books (obviously) and I just hope Diana keeps them coming!

~:) Thank you so much for being a part of this amazing journey. Every step is truly a blessing, with my interview last week with Woman's Day yet again incredible. I'm truly thankful, but my wish is that with each step I inspire more people to follow their dreams.
*I will be in the 1 April 2011 issue of Woman's Day.

Thanks again for stopping by. You're an amazing friend I'm blessed to have in my life. *Hugs*
Love,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

Abigail-Madison Chase said...
Great interview.

~Thank you so much for your kind words, Abigail-Madison. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and say hi. Take care and I wish you continued success!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

Caroline Clemmons said...

~Hi Caroline, thank you so much for stopping by. Love your books, and it's always fabulous to see you!

Diana, great interview. I can hardly wait to read your next book!

~*Hugs* Thank you so much for sharing this amazing journey, I'm blessed to have you as my friend! *Hugs*
Love,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Sheri Humphreys said...

Diana, your story encourages me. I retired (ER nursing) four months ago to focus on my writing. Like you, I write historical romance, an era (Victorian) I particularly love. Congratulations on your success, and thank you--for your service to our country and the charitable donations you're doing now.

I'm happy you mentioned the seven passes you do through your book once you've finished draft one. Sometimes I get the feeling new writers think once it's written they're pretty much done, which is so far from reality. Thanks for the interview.

Diana Cosby said...

Sheri Humphreys said...
Diana, your story encourages me.

~Hi Sheri, thank you for taking time to stop by. If anything offers you encouragement, I'm humbled.

I retired (ER nursing) four months ago to focus on my writing.

~My sincere thanks to you for your work in helping to save so many people's lives to truly touching their hearts.

Like you, I write historical romance, an era (Victorian) I particularly love.

~ I want you to know in my eyes you are brave and daring - there's so many rules in that era, so I don't go there in my own work, but I love reading them. :)

Congratulations on your success, and thank you--for your service to our country and the charitable donations you're doing now.

~Thank you so much. This entire journey is truly amazing as humbling. My goal is to help others make a positive difference in their lives and make them believe that yes, they too can achieve their dreams.

I'm happy you mentioned the seven passes you do through your book once you've finished draft one. Sometimes I get the feeling new writers think once it's written they're pretty much done, which is so far from reality.

~Exactly, they use the words rough draft for the first writing of the book for a reason. I've also found with each book that I always seem to slightly revise my process. It's like a continual growing event. And, to let you know, when I wrote book #4 in the MacGruder brothers series, His Destiny, which will be released in November 2011, I made an unprecedented 8th pass due to something story wise happening during my 7th pass. LOL Well, I should have known this would have happened, the characters had been difficult throughout. *G*

Thanks for the interview.

My sincere thanks for your stopping by, your kind words and if anything helped, that's what it's all about. My sincere best to you!

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Mary J. Forbes said...

Great interview, Diana! Only a week to go before I get to read Seathon's story. Yay!

-Hugs-

Diana Cosby said...

Mary J. Forbes said...
Great interview, Diana! Only a week to go before I get to read Seathan's story. Yay!

~Hi Mary, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. I sincerely hope you enjoy His Conquest, it's a book of my heart, one without your brainstorming help wouldn't have happened. You're an amazing friend as writer who continually inspires me! *Hugs*
Love,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Maggie Toussaint said...

Hi Diana,

I'm a little late getting around to friends' blogs today, but I agree with the comments here. You are an amazing success story and an inspiration to me and many other writers.

Keep the stories coming. I say, there's nothing like a MacGruder brother to brighten a day!

Maggie

Diana Cosby said...

Maggie Toussaint said...I'm a little late getting around to friends' blogs today, but I agree with the comments here. You are an amazing success story and an inspiration to me and many other writers.

~Hi Maggie, thank you so much for dropping by. I know how crazy busy you are with your latest book out as well as the arrival of your new grandbaby - huge congratulations to you on both! And, you're an amazing inspiration as friend and continue to inspire me!

Keep the stories coming. I say, there's nothing like a MacGruder brother to brighten a day!

~:) Thank you for your kind words, though Alexander MacGruder is arrogant and alpha male enough to agree. LOL Take care, enjoy getting to know the newest member in your family, and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*
Love,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

Micole, my sincere thanks for having me on your blog today, I had a blast.

My sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by. You guys are the best! *Hugs* Take care and I wish you every success!
Sincerely,

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 4 star Romantic Times review - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
His Conquest - Pre-Order now! / His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

*Micole, if anyone else posts, I will come back and reply. :) My sincere thanks again!

Diana

Micole Black said...

Diana,

Thank you so much for being a guest. And to everyone who has posted. I want to thank you all for stopping by my blog. It means so much to me that you have come by. Hope none of you thought I was deserting you today. I had to take my son to the dentist and get a tooth pulled. The joys of being a mother! ;-)

Hugs to all.

Micole

Diana Cosby said...

Hi Micole,
Oh man, sorry your guy had to have his tooth pulled. Not fun. Hope he's doing well!

Diana

Micole Black said...

Thanks Diana. He's doing well now. I bought him a new video game for being such a trooper and he's doing good! ;-)

Micole