1. When did you know you wanted to write?

I’ve always loved to write. The earliest I can remember is in second grade when my teacher, Miss Thelen (does anyone know her?) told my parents I had a knack for it. I’d written a story about a filly and named it after her. I think she was just flattered, is all. Anyway, I wrote long letters to friends when I moved 400 miles back in the dates unlimited long distance calling and I was reduced to letter writing. I’m thinking it paid off.

2. How long did you work on your first novel, Stuck in the Onesies?

Raising a family, and taking mail-in writing courses (pre-internet). Change to taking correspondence classes on writing through the US Postal service (pre-internet!). I just loved getting my work back in those large manila envelopes. I learned so much this way and by attending every writers conference and workshop I could afford.

3. What is the genre of Stuck in the Onesies and My Mother’s Apprentice?

Stuck in the Onesies and My Mother’s Apprentice are both creative non-fiction, based on true stories with some fiction thrown in to fill in the blanks or make it more interesting.

 4. Do you have any other books in the works?

Yes! My third book is a real departure from my previous work. My third book, “Ginger Star” is due to be released in the Fall of 2022. It is historical fiction and takes place in 1720 Jamaica when pirates ruled and women did not. You’ll meet historical figures of the day as well as follow the lives of two infamous pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. This story ties back in with “My Mother’s Apprentice” adding to the SITO Series.

5. What’s your favorite book?

I love “My Sister’s Keeper”, “The Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood”, “Good in Bed”, “The Help”, The Invention of Wings”, and “The Secret Life of Bees. Oh yeah, then there’s “Gone with the Wind.”

6. Who is your favorite author?

Jodi Picoult, Sue Monk Kidd, and Jennifer Weiner are my favorites.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to hang out with my kids or any one of my eleven grands. Anything tropical calls my name as I’ve never met a beach I didn’t like. Jamaica is in my blood after doing mission work and just plain vacationing there for the past twenty-some years. I love seafood, mostly steamed crabs and shrimp (I’m a Maryland girl through and through) and don’t want it unless it’s doused in Old Bay. Did I mention that my name is Diana and I’m a sweet-aholic?