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

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