Friday, December 2, 2011

Interview with Diane Craver

Today we have Whimsical Author Diane Craver here to share about her work and herself. Comment and be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card!



WP:
What do you write?

D: I write a variety of genres. I write historical fiction, inspirational romance, contemporary sweet romance, chick-lit mystery, and women’s fiction.

WP: Why do you choose the genres you do?

D: I first published in non-fiction but realized it was more fun and a wonderful escape to write fiction. I enjoy giving interesting careers to my heroines and heroes. I especially love writing dialogue.

WP: What made you first want to be a writer?

D: I’ve always enjoyed writing but when our oldest daughter Sara was a toddler, I started writing non-fiction. I wrote a partial manuscript, Born to Love, about her and how my faith became stronger as a result of having Sara. It was very therapeutic for me to examine my faith and to learn to give thanks to God for our situation of having a child with special needs. I never finished the book, but several articles about my faith journey were published in various Christian magazines. I also have had articles published in Woman’s Weekly and other publications.

WP: What inspires you?

D: Different things inspire me. It might be something I hear from a television newscast and it makes me think of a story I want to write. Sometimes it might be a personal experience of mine but I will fictionalize it. My historical fiction, A Christmas Gift, was inspired by my father. I had thought of writing a story about him for a long time. His life was hard with his mother’s rejection at a young age so he was raised by various relatives. Some homes were better than others, because he stayed at times with an alcoholic uncle. Even though both parents deserted him, he had a deep faith and was able to be a good father to me and my siblings.

Also I wanted the young daughter to be the one to help her dad with his disability. I thought it fitting that she could make him believe that his obstacle could still be overcome at his age. In turn, he gives her a beautiful gift that comes from his heart.

WP: What kicks the brain into gear when you have writer’s block?

D: I take a break and do something else. Usually ideas will come to me while I’m away from writing so I can return with a refreshed mind and realize what needs to be written next.

WP: Who is your favorite character you have created?

D: That’s a tough question. There are two characters I probably enjoyed writing the most. They are Whitney Benson and Debby Reeves. Whitney is a former New York producer and moves back home to take care of her ill mother. I can relate to Whitney because she’s the youngest sister and has two older sisters. I happen to have three older sisters so it was fun to write Whitney in Charge with older sisters playing matchmaker to their little sis. And, of course, I have to say Debby is one of my favorites because she’s so like I was at a young age…a brat but lovable. LOL Debby is a character in A Christmas Gift.

WP: Is there any genre you want to try, but haven’t yet?

D: I don’t have any genre I’d like to try.

WP: What do you hope readers will take away from your stories?

D: I hope my stories will be a wonderful and fun escape for readers. I enjoy writing scenes with humorous dialogue. Before I’m completely satisfied with my work in progress, I must do tons of rewrites. I always try to write the best book possible. I hope my readers will be inspired and come away with a feeling of satisfaction and hope.

WP: What’s your latest news and do you have anything releasing soon?

D: My latest release is The Proposal and it sells now for 99 cents by itself. It was published in a Christmas anthology a year ago with 3 other authors. I’m thrilled to have my sweet contemporary romance available this season on Amazon and Smashwords. Another Christmas book to enjoy is A Christmas Gift and I’m happy to say it’s available in both paperback and ebook. To purchase a copy, visit these sites: Whimsical Publications, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords.

I’m a contributor to a brand new cookbook! The title is Sweet Sunshine: Baking Sweet Memories and it’s in ebook format and paperback. The authors will not receive any royalty money and all the profits go to a worthy charity. Within these pages, several featured authors have shared a childhood memory, some pictures of us as little kids, recipes, and a few have written a story, complete with artwork and coloring pages. Recipes include; Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Desserts, Fudge & Smoothies! It’s available on Amazon.

WP: Where can we find you on the web?

D: My blog is http://www.dianecraver.com/blog and my website is http://www.dianecraver.com. To read book excerpts and other writing information, please visit my website and blog. If you leave comments on my blog, you’ll be entered to win my frequent giveaways.

57 comments:

  1. It's nice to learn more about my fellow authors. Thanks for sharing with us, Diane, and good luck with your books.
    PD

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  2. Hi Pat,
    Thanks for visiting and commenting! Have a great weekend. Good luck to you, too, hope you have mega sales.

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  3. I am always looking for Christmas reads. I will have to check out A Christmas Gif.
    Wendy
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  4. Thanks for sharing with us, I enjoyed reading about your writing journey.

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  5. i love the sound of The Christmas Gift , very sweet . Will have to check it out

    meandi09@yahoo.com

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  6. Wendy, Jamie, and Jennifer,

    Thank you so much! Have a great weekend!

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  7. Enjoyed your post. Always a pleasure to learn more about a fellow historical author. :)

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  8. A Christmas Gift is a wonderful story. I LOVED IT. I hope you have mega sales this Christmas. However, it is a year-round story everyone is sure to love.

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  9. We all have different writing journeys. Thank you for sharing yours with us.
    Linda Cacaci
    LinCaca3@aol.com

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  10. I love the writer's block unblockage advice! Great interview; thanks!

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  11. Thanks for sharing today. I enjoyed your post1
    Jackie Layton
    joyfuljel(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. Thanks for the great interview! I love the matchmaker aspect you mentioned:) I am the oldest of 6 children and still single. Imagine all the fun:D Would love to be entered in the giveaway. Thanks!

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  13. One thing I love about Christmas is authors pull out their Christmas books. Yours sounds wonderful!

    Jacquie

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  14. Great post!! Love Christmas books!! Sounds great!!

    Courtney
    kcmelone at yahoo dot com

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  15. I really love that you wrote a story inspired by you father's hard life. That kind of love apeaks to my heart. What is the time period for a Christmas Gift? It sounds like it's a wonderful story. I wish you all the best, Diane.

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  16. Hi Diane, it was nice to learn more about you today. I love the cover on A Christmas Gift and I know it is a wonderful story like all of your other books I've read. I wish you success with it this holiday season. Linda

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  17. I always love reading a good Christmas story. I will have to read a Christmas Gift.

    Debbie Clark
    debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com

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  18. I always love hearing about new authors and different Christmas books to read. Christmas stories are always so happy and fun to read.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladij040(at)aol(dot)com

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  19. I only have but a few Christmas books! I'd love to read this one!

    purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com

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  20. Ginger,
    You are so sweet and I'm glad you stopped by to lend your support!

    Anne,
    You're absolutely right that ACG is for year-round reading. This story is probably the closest to my heart and I can still picture my dad so clearly in my mind. I was blessed to have him and my mother in my life.

    Linda C.,
    I enjoy reading other writing journeys too. Whimsical has some talented authors with wonderful stories.

    Andrea,
    I didn't add that when I take a break, I do laundry (I know boring) or might bake something. Or watch TV. LOL Thanks for stopping by.

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  21. Jackie,
    I'm glad you enjoyed my post! Thanks! Have a great weekend!

    Charity,
    Being the oldest I bet you helped a lot to take care of your younger sibs! We have 6 kids and only one is married. We have 5 daughters and 1 son - our son's married.

    Jacquie,
    Thank you - I appreciate your support! I'll be sure to check out your Christmas books.

    Hi Courtney,
    I can't believe it's Dec. already. I agree - I enjoy reading Christmas stories and I also like watching Christmas movies.

    Sarah,
    Thanks for visiting here! You are always so supportive and I know you're busy writing and promoting your books. Great question - ACG takes place in 1957!

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  22. Hi Linda,
    I'm glad you enjoyed my other books. I love the cover for ACG too. When I saw it, I was very pleased. The cover fits the story so well. Thank you - I hope your books do great this holiday season too!

    Hi Debbie,
    I hope you get a chance to read A Christmas Gift. I've rec'd nice reviews for it so I'm glad others have enjoyed reading it. Have a great weekend too.

    Hi Jo,
    I wish the month of December wouldn't go so fast. Hope you get a chance to read Christmas stories. Thanks for stopping by here.

    Hi Doreen,
    I appreciate you visiting and commenting. There is something special about reading Christmas stories.

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  23. I love your cover. Love getting in the holiday spirit with Christmas books.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. Being from the South, I never get to see enough snow. The cover on The Christmas Gift is so appealing.

    I enjoyed reading about how you got started writing. I wonder how many women start to think seriously about writing when their children are young.

    jsmithg@hotmail(dot)com

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  25. Hi Sue,
    It is a beautiful cover - the cover artist captured the essence of my story. I'm glad you stopped by and that's good you're getting into the holiday spirit. :)

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  26. Hi Janice,
    I live in Ohio and we haven't had any snow in our area yet. Some winters we do get a lot and have school delays and closings.

    My cover for A Christmas Gift is one of my favorite covers I have for my books.

    Thanks for visiting!

    I think a lot of women start writing when their children are young.

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  27. Wow, you write in five different genres! Have you ever thought of focusing on only 1 genre? How do you manage to switch between the different genres?

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    writer.chicka[at]gmail.com

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  28. great interview and cover !!
    please enter me in giveaway :)

    reginamayross@gmail.com

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  29. Diane, the book sounds lovely, and I love how you've made a personal connection to it by relating it to your father. I think about my parents, my mother in particular, and how she had similar struggles during her upbringing as a child. Christmas has that deeper meaning, and yes, I am speaking about faith and morals, and about knowing Christ who keeps us grounded and strong. Thank you for sharing. *runs off to make a few purchases*. Take care.

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  30. The cover of your novel is absolutely lovely. Are you living the dream?? :) Congratulations. :)

    (email in profile)

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  31. Hi Sugarpeach,
    Great question! I have thought about focusing on one genre but actually all my books have a common thread and are usually either inspirational or sweet romances with the exception of my Women's Fiction book, Never the Same. It has a couple of sensual scenes between the married couple.

    Thanks for your comment!

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  32. Hi Regina,
    Thanks for visiting - glad you like my cover. I do too! :)

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  33. Love the interview and book cover!
    I would love to win.
    Thank you for the chance.
    Bless you and yours,
    Wendy
    wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  34. Hi EA,
    Thanks for visiting - know you're busy with your family and writing yourself. I hope you get an opportunity to read ACG - it's short - just a little over 25,000 words. You'll love the faith of the seven-year-old, Debby. The prologue and epilogue are present day when Debby is 60 years old and the rest is in the POV of a seven-year-old. But the message is for all ages. I hope we all focus on the true meaning of Christmas this year. Thanks for your lovely comments.

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  35. Hi Casey,
    I guess I'm living the dream of being a writer itself but I'm not making a lot of money from it. :) But I'm grateful for the readers sharing reviews of my books with others and telling me something that touched them while reading one of my books. So I'm a happy writer!

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  36. Hi Wendy,
    I'm glad you stopped by. Thanks for your comments. Have a great Saturday! I better get off here - we are celebrating a b-day today.

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  37. Diane,

    I enjoyed the interview and learning more about you. I love inspirational stories. It sounds like your tales from the heart are just that.

    Are any of the stories period pieces or are they contemporary?

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  38. Hi Karen,

    A Christmas Gift takes place in 1957 except for the prologue and epilogue are present day! The rest of my books are contemporary - ACG is the only period piece. Thanks so much for stopping by - know you are busy writing and promoting your great books too.

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  39. Thank you for sharing part of your family with us in the interview. I definitely am going to read A Christmas Gift. It sounds like a great addition to the Christmas season.

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  40. Hi Joni,
    I'm so glad you visited. I think you'd enjoy A Christmas Gift and you and everyone leaving comments on this post will be in the drawing for a signed copy of ACG - if the winner lives outside the U.S., I'll give a free download of it instead.

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  41. I enjoyed your interview. A Christmas Gift sounds like a wonderful book, and I really love the cover! It's gorgeous! :)

    TOPSAIL246(at)aol(dot)com

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  42. Born to Love looks like a book I would love to read. You should consider picking it up again. :) It would probably be a great encouragement to other parents in similar circumstances.

    anavrea(at) yahoo (period) com

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  43. What a beautiful cover:) I love that you contributed to a cookbook for charity. I'm going to check it out. I love to bake, especially at the holidays!

    wayfaringwriter at gmail dot com

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  44. Hi Annalisa,
    I'm glad you visited. I'm going to speak to an 8th grade class this month because they are reading my Christmas story. I'll talk about writing it and about publishing. I love my cover a lot! When I first saw the cover for ACG, I loved it right away. Thank you!!!

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  45. Hi Rachel,
    I do have a book I wrote titled, CELEBRATING AND CARING FOR YOUR BABY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS! http://www.booklocker.com/books/1480.html

    I'm glad you mentioned BORN TO LOVE because my original draft of NO GREATER LOSS (inspirational romance) had a baby with Down syndrome in it but an agent thought I needed to focus more on the romance of the heroine and not the DS aspect. I changed it but wondered sometimes if it would have been better to keep it the way I originally wrote it.

    Both of these books are listed on my website.

    Thanks for your comments!

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  46. Hi Brenda,
    Thank you so much for checking out the charity cookbook. Adelle Laudan thought of it and I'm glad she did. A lot of the authors are members of the Sweeter Romantic Notions yahoo group. You'll find lots of yummy recipes to bake. :)

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  47. Thanks for the wonderful interview. I enjoy it much! And I love the cover of your Christmas book...I love Christmas books and always look for new ones to read each Christmas
    Blessings.....Joy
    ibjoy1953{at]yahoo[dot]com

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  48. Hi Joy,
    I'm glad you enjoyed my interview and that you love my cover for my Christmas book! Thank you! I hope you get a chance to read ACG and lots of Christmas books this season. Take care.

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  49. Thanks for the interview! The Christmas Gift sounds like a great read. I love great dialogue!

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  50. Hi Allison,
    I love writing dialogue. :) Thanks for visiting here - I appreciate it. Have a great evening!

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  51. It would be interesting to read historical fiction that is based on real happenings! I like that best! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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  52. Hi Martha,
    It was great writing and including some things from my childhood and my family dynamics. Thanks for visiting!

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  53. What a great interview. I am looking forward to reading this Christmas story and other titles you have written.

    debbie(at)taulman(dot)org

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  54. Thank you, Debbie! I appreciate you visited and glad you want to read my Christmas book and other books I've written. Have a great week!

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  55. Hi Diane, I read A Christmas Gift and really enjoyed the story and it was true for so many boys that had to leave school. My Dad had to quit school and go to work after the 8th grade but he taught himself after he left school and when I was still small he went back and got his GED. He was very smart and math was a easy subject for him. He was a Journeyman electrician and had his own electrical co work on the side plus worked full time at the airbase here.
    He was known for his honesty, good work and fair prices and even after he retired his old customers would call him for recommendations for a new electrician.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  56. Hi Miss Kallie,
    Thanks for sharing your story about your dad. He did an awesome job going back to school when he had a young family. That's wonderful people appreciated his honesty and he had great integrity.

    I'm glad you enjoyed A Christmas Gift!

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  57. Our WP promotion director drew Sarah McNeal's name for my $10 Amazon GC. Thank you, everyone, for your kind and wonderful comments. I hope each one of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

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