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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Spotlight Author with Diana Cosby

Hope everyone enjoyed their long President’s Day weekend. Mine was filled with… hmmm do you really want to hear about my booooooring life? ;-) How about we talk about something a lot more interesting, like this week’s guest, Diana Cosby, who by the way is a revisiting guest.

Welcome back Diana. You were here with us back in October of 2010. Has anything new or exciting happened since we last spoke?

~Hi Micole, my sincere thanks for having me back at Micole Writes Romance. Yes, so many amazing things have occurred since October:
-His Conquest, the 3rd book in the MacGruder brothers series was released and remained on Amazon's Best-Seller lists for over 100 days.
-I was interviewed by Woman's Day for an article on women who achieved success later in life for April 17th magazine issue.
-Interviewed by womansday.com for an article about women finding hope in romance novels.
-His Conquest is a finalist in the historical division of the 2010 Picture Perfect Cover Contest. http://dunesanddreams.org/picture-perfect/
-I started an International Food Bank Donation Challenge in November of 2012. I'm proud to share that 41 entries were received. This will now be an annual event beginning on November 1st of each year.
-I was named as "Accomplished Author of 2010" at Ask A Published Author: http://www.askapublishedauthor.org/
-His Woman was listed as one of the "Best Romance Novels of 2010."
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/best-romance-novels.html

What do Diana Cosby fans have to look forward to in 2011?

2011 Promises to be an incredibly busy year. My current schedule is:
-February 26th I will be giving a workshop for the Dallas Area Romance Writers on marketing/promotion.
-March 25th & 26th I am speaking at the two day celebration open house for the Grayson College Library.
-April, I am attending the National Trust For Scotland's A Celebration of Scotland's Treasures at the Metropolitan Club Gala in NYC.
-April 9th I am speaking to the Yellow Rose Chapter on, "Writing Tight - Editing For Power."
-June: I am attending the 25th Annual Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games at Maverick Stadium at UTA in Arlington, Texas. I will be signing at the tent of Clan Stewart.
-October 1st, His Destiny, the 4th book in the MacGruder brothers series is released!
-October 13th I am blogging at Borders True Romance: http://bordersblog.com/trueromance
-November 1st blog to kick off the 2nd annual International Food Bank Food Drive at http://magicalmusings.com/
*I am setting up a book signing tour in Scotland for July 2012.

Tell us about your latest/upcoming release.

His Destiny, released this October, is a story about the troubled adopted brother, Patrik. His Destiny is his journey to find redemption, and unexpectedly, love. The back of the book teaser is on my website now!
http://www.dianacosby.com/hisdestiny.html

What are you working on now?

I'm working on what I hope will be the 5th of a six book series of the MacGruder brothers. I've loved Griffin since I first met him in His Captive and have been ultra excited to write his story, one that throws this meticulous planner off balance from the first, and in the end, unexpectedly, he finds love.

For those curious, the sixth book would be the grandmothers, her story and how through her magic is truly woven.

When you write do you painstakingly plan out your manuscript detail by detail, or do you wing it and fly by the seat of your pants letting your characters take you on the journey?

When I began writing, I meticulously planed everything. Now, with exception of the synopsis, I sit down and write.

Besides writing, Diana also gives workshops on writing a synopses, marketing, writing tight-editing, and writing historicals. All of which are great topics for discussion. Can you give us a little sneak of what you teach in these classes?

I love giving workshops on many aspects of writing with my goal to break down what writers often perceive as overwhelming issues into understandable aspects.
For example, many writers dread the synopsis. In addition to reviewing the various aspects of what creates a strong synopsis, I explain that the synopsis is the most powerful tool in a writer’s arsenal because it:
- ensures you have a solid basis/motivation for your novel.
-serves as a selling tool when submitted to an editor along with your first three chapters, which are termed a partial.
-is a story roadmap for you to follow when you’re writing your novel.

What is your best advice on writing a synopsis?

Make your synopsis personal to where the reader, an agent or editor, understands each main character's motive, what drives them as guides the challenges of their each decision in story. When you allow the reader to care, it allows them to connect with the characters and invest in them on an emotional level.

What is your best advice on writing tight?

In each story line know what you're trying to achieve plot wise as what emotion drives your character's decision. If you're writing action, short sentences = fast pace, white space = impact. A slow emotional scene use long sentences = slows the pace, description = visuals for the reader. Pair contrasting words for impact = Silence clattered between them. Show don't tell and many.

What is your best advice on marketing?

Pair your passions. Marketing is hard enough without choosing to do what you don't care for. So, I only do what I love. For example, I love to volunteer, to make a positive difference in others lives, and to inspire people to go for their dreams. So, in addition to volunteering for Habitat For Humanity, Ducks Unlimited and having a Writing Scholarship at a local high school, I donate my books as time to any cause I believe in, as time allows, to help others.

What is your best advice on writing a historical?

Write what you enjoy, what your passionate about. Writing a historical takes a tremendous amount of research in addition to the writing process. You need to love every fiber of what you write to carry you through revisions until you've finally achieved 'The End.'

Diana has so much more to share through her classes, make sure to check out where you can sign up for one of them. Where can we find out more about you and your classes?

I post updates:
-on my website: http://www.dianacosby.com/
-in my newsletter: http://www.dianacosby.com/mailinglist.html
-on my facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Cosby-Romance-Author/150109024636?ref=ts

Thank you, Diana for being a guest once again. It is always a pleasure to have you here.

Micole, it's my sincere pleasure to visit again and have a chance to speak with your fabulous readers. I do have a question for everyone, what aspect of story do you enjoy most? My sincere thanks for your time and have a fabulous day!

Diana Cosby
International Award-Winning Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Oct 2011

"Cosby gives you it all - passion, danger, lush history and a touch of magic. Excellent reading." NYT Best-selling Author - Hannah Howell


Thanks again blog readers. You guys are the best. See you back here, Thursday when I will be catching up with my friend, Melissa Mayhue. Make sure to pop back in.

Hugs

Micole

23 comments:

Diana Cosby said...

Good morning Micole,
My sincere thanks for having me back at Micole Writes! Thank you for another fun interview. I love writing and feel blessed if in any way I can inspire others. Take care and have a fabulous day! *Hugs*

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Oct 2011

Kemberlee said...

Diana,
Long ago I gave up reading Scottish set romances because they were so tired. Seemed everyone was writing them and the stories all started sounding the same. But YOUR stories have restored my faith in a good Scottish romance! hunky heroes aside ;-)

I'm very proud to say, "I knew her when . . . " and wish you the best continued success. You deserve it.

Now, I want to hear more about that scholarship!

Kemberlee Shortland
http://www.kemberlee.com
Available now - A PIECE OF MY HEART, part of the Irish Pride series, Highland Press - An award winning, 5 star romance set in the wilds of western Ireland
Available now - CONSTANT CRAVING, the short story sequel to A Piece of My Heart, Tirgearr Publishing

Diana Cosby said...

Kemberlee said...
Diana,

~Morning, Kemberlee, thank you so much for stopping by. :)

Long ago I gave up reading Scottish set romances because they were so tired. Seemed everyone was writing them and the stories all started sounding the same. But YOUR stories have restored my faith in a good Scottish romance! hunky heroes aside ;-)

~*Hugs* Thank you so much for your kind words. Each book is one of my heart and that you enjoy them as well is truly humbling. I love write in the intense setting of Scotland's fight for freedom against the MacGruder brothers and a touch of magic.

I'm very proud to say, "I knew her when . . . " and wish you the best continued success. You deserve it.

~*Hugs* Thank you for the kind wishes, and I sincerely wish you the same!

Now, I want to hear more about that scholarship!

~One of my many goals in life is to begin a high school scholarship with the goal of inspiring students to believe in themselves as their dreams, plus, somehow combine that with my love of books. So, it seemed natural to start a scholarship at a local high school where students write an essay on a book that moved them/changed their life. I read all entries(names not on entries) and select a winner. Since it's beginning it's been such an amazing experience. I've been blessed to meet so many incredible people. I'm thankful on so many levels. To inspire someone to believe in themselves as their dreams, I don't think life gets better than that! :)
Take care and again, thank you so much for taking time to stop by. Always fabulous to see you. I hope your day is amazing and wish you every success! *Hugs*

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Wendy Lee said...

Diana,

Your books are a compelling blend of history and relationships. In reading His Woman recently there was a moment when I yelled out loud at a historical twist you added to one of your characters. I was so surprised! Clever. I look forward to your October release.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

What vitamins are you on??? How can you write AND do all the other marvelous things you do? Kudos to you and your giving spirit and energetic approach on life. Those who give back are always the richest people for they receive so much more in return. Bless you. Write on!

www.vintagevonnie.blogspot.com

Maggie Toussaint said...

Hi Diana and Hullo to Micole. I love the graphic on this blog. It caught my eye right away. You've said a lot with very little.

Great blog post, Diana. I'm a fan of your writing and wish you all the best with your Scottish historicals. They really rock.

Hugs, Maggie

Donna OBrien said...

Hi Diana and Micole:

Wow Diana you do have a busy year planned! Love that you're planning a tour in Scotland and JEALOUS! That's fabulous.

To answer your question: My favorite part of story is lots of things, it's all of those little moments, hints, one lines, that at the end of the book, have me going, "Oh so that's how that all goes together." But along the way, I'm thinking in the back of my head, this is important, I just know it is. It's when those things are planted so skillfully that they are there in your subconscious, just waiting to coalesce.

Okay...so I guess I got carried away, but you get the picture. LOL

Micole..thanks for sharing these wonderful authors and these glimpses into their lives with us. You rock!

Diana Cosby said...

Wendy Lee said...
Diana,

~Hi Wendy Lee, thank you very much for taking the time to stop by.

Your books are a compelling blend of history and relationships.

~My sincere thanks, I'm thrilled you enjoy this intense as riveting era as my characters. :)

In reading His Woman recently there was a moment when I yelled out loud at a historical twist you added to one of your characters. I was so surprised! Clever.

~:) I'm glad you liked it. When I found that 'rumor' in research, I was blown away. So . . . I wove it into Duncan's story. Finding historically accurate facts that amaze me is often how a story in my mind gives birth.

I look forward to your October release.

~Thank you so much, I sincerely hope you enjoy His Destiny. It was the most emotionally intense book I've written to date and I loved every page. My thanks again for taking the time to stop by, for your kind words, and I wish you every success!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

Vonnie Davis said...
What vitamins are you on???

~LOL Um . . . Centrum chewable. :)

How can you write AND do all the other marvelous things you do?

~I love what I do and feel blessed every day to write and hopefully make a positive difference in others lives.

Kudos to you and your giving spirit and energetic approach on life. Those who give back are always the richest people for they receive so much more in return. Bless you. Write on!

~*Hugs* My sincere thanks for your kind words as wishes. I sincerely wish you happiness as every success!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

Maggie Toussaint said...
Hi Diana and Hullo to Micole.

~Hi Maggie, thank you for stopping by, always fabulous to see you! *Hugs*

I love the graphic on this blog. It caught my eye right away. You've said a lot with very little.

~I agree, Micole does a fabulous job! ^5

Great blog post, Diana. I'm a fan of your writing and wish you all the best with your Scottish historicals. They really rock. Hugs

~*Hugs* We're even as I'm a mega fan of your stories and am blessed to call you friend. You're an amazing person who continually inspires me.
Love you!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

Donna O'Brien said...
Hi Diana and Micole:

Wow Diana you do have a busy year planned!

~Hi Donna, I do and am mega excited. My sincere thanks for taking the time to stop by and say hi.

Love that you're planning a tour in Scotland and JEALOUS! That's fabulous.

~It's going to be amazing. I'm going with two of my girlfriends, so yes, going to be a time of our lives.

To answer your question: My favorite part of story is lots of things, it's all of those little moments, hints, one lines, that at the end of the book, have me going, "Oh so that's how that all goes together." But along the way, I'm thinking in the back of my head, this is important, I just know it is. It's when those things are planted so skillfully that they are there in your subconscious, just waiting to coalesce.

~I totally agree. I love the subtle clues that are woven in, curious as to how in the heck everything will work out.

Okay...so I guess I got carried away, but you get the picture. LOL

~:) I'm the same way. You're in good company.

Micole..thanks for sharing these wonderful authors and these glimpses into their lives with us. You rock!

~^5 I agree, it's my pleasure to be invited back to this fabulous blog. Take care and I wish you every success!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Hi Diana and Micole!
Great blog! Good to catch up with what you have planned, Diana. ;-)

I've enjoyed all your books and expect to continue devouring your stories. Can't wait for the next one.

To answer your question, I like lots of aspects about stories, but I believe the one aspect that is the most important is the relationship and interaction between the main characters. That is one aspect I love about your stories. You don't lose sight of it within the historical background and setting of your books. I believe when it comes right down to it, the interaction and developing relationship between the hero and heroine will always be the most important and to me the most intriguing aspect of romance stories.
Keep writing!
Love you!

Diana Cosby said...

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...
Hi Diana and Micole!
Great blog! Good to catch up with what you have planned, Diana. ;-)

~*Hugs* Jeanmarie, always fabulous to see you. A huge congratulations on your latest release, "Guardian of Her Heart!"

I've enjoyed all your books and expect to continue devouring your stories. Can't wait for the next one.

~Thank you so much for your kind words, I enjoy your stories as well!

To answer your question, I like lots of aspects about stories, but I believe the one aspect that is the most important is the relationship and interaction between the main characters. That is one aspect I love about your stories. You don't lose sight of it within the historical background and setting of your books. I believe when it comes right down to it, the interaction and developing relationship between the hero and heroine will always be the most important and to me the most intriguing aspect of romance stories.

~I agree, the relationship/interaction between the hero/heroine are essential to a good story.

Keep writing!
Love you!

~You as well, I'm so proud of you! Love you!!!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Sheri Humphreys said...

Diana, I loved hearing about your interviews, lists, food bank, scholarship. Thanks so much for sharing. Sheri

Diana Cosby said...

Sheri Humphreys said...
Diana, I loved hearing about your interviews, lists, food bank, scholarship. Thanks so much for sharing.

~Hi Sheri, thank you so much for stopping by as your kind words. My choices are those made by what I'm passionate about, and helping others to me is what's in my heart. Habitat For Humanity is one of my favorite charities to give and volunteer for as when you give someone a home, it's more than concrete and wood, but a foundation to believe that their dreams can come true. Take care and I wish you every success!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW) USN Ret.
International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

My sincere thanks for everyone who took time out of their busy day and stopped by to say hi and all of your kind words. My stories as causes are very personal to me, thank you for allowing me to share both. Micole, thanks for having me back to Micole Writes, as before I had a blast! I wish all of you the very best and may your every dream come true! *Hugs*

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW) USN Ret.
International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

*Micole, I've signed up and will answer any posts I receive in the future.

Anita Clenney said...

Can I be you when I grow up? Wow. Actually, I'm already quite well grown, but I'm amazed at all you have going on. How do you keep up with it all? I'm struggling to meet my deadlines. You are an inspiration.

Diana Cosby said...

Anita Clenney said...
Can I be you when I grow up? Wow. Actually, I'm already quite well grown, but I'm amazed at all you have going on. How do you keep up with it all? I'm struggling to meet my deadlines. You are an inspiration.

~:), Anita, I'm sure you do fabulous. Thank you very much for stopping by as your kind words. I feel blessed daily to be able to write and volunteer/donate to causes I love. I tend to be a very organized person and have 'to do' lists which I prioritize and . . . once I cross one thing off, I move onto the next. Focus as clear goals are what allows me to make many steps toward my dreams. I hope your day is going amazing and wish you every success! ^5

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW) USN Ret.
International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Micole and Diana, what a lovely intereview. It's great to get to know you a little better Diana, and boy, you've got a full plate. I love the cover for His Captive. It's definately eyecatching and definately a book that would interest me. I love historicals.

Smiles
Steph

Diana Cosby said...

StephB said...
Micole and Diana, what a lovely interview.

~Morning Steph, thank you very much for taking the time to stop by. :) Micole did a fabulous interview. Fun!

It's great to get to know you a little better Diana, and boy, you've got a full plate.

~Thank you, it's an exciting schedule. In March I begin working on promotion for the October release of His Destiny. I'm psyched!

I love the cover for His Captive. It's definitely eye catching and definitely a book that would interest me. I love historicals.

~I'm a huge lover of historicals as well. Something intriguing about the men in medieval times, the code of honor they lived by. I've been blessed by amazing covers for the MacGruder brothers series. I just learned that His Destiny will have a blue tartan on it. I'm mega psyched. My sincere thanks for stopping by, have a super day and I wish you every success!

Smiles
Steph

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW) USN Ret.
International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Micole Black said...

Hi everyone... stepping in a little late. I am sorry. Had a busy day at work and was unable to click onto the blog from work. I just wanted to say thank you Diana for being such a great guest and as thanks to everyone who stopped by. I am so happy everyone enjoyed the interview! ;-)

Take care

Micole

Diana Cosby said...

Micole Black said...
Hi everyone... stepping in a little late. I am sorry. Had a busy day at work and was unable to click onto the blog from work

~Hi Micole, my sincere thanks for having me back!

I just wanted to say thank you Diana for being such a great guest and as thanks to everyone who stopped by. I am so happy everyone enjoyed the interview! ;-)

~I appreciate all of your hard work in setting up as the wonderful interview. :)

Take care

~You as well. I hope you're able to get some rest. Enjoy your evening!
*Hugs*

Micole
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW) USN Ret.
International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

*Wendy Lee, can you please contact me privately? I have a question to ask you. My sincere thanks for your time.

Diana Cosby
diana@dianacosby.com