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INTERVIEW WITH DIANA COSBY - HIS CAPTIVE
COMING DECEMBER 2008
An interview with DIANA COSBY
Romance edged with danger….
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for us here at the Realm.
~Well, thank you for having me on Romantic Realm of Shadows.
REALM: HIS CAPTIVE received great reviews from authors and readers alike. How did you come up with the premise?
A: I was researching the Robert The Bruce/William Wallace era when I learned that abducting wealthy nobles was a common way to raise money. Then, I read about a case where a prominent lord was abducted for ransom. When he was freed, furious at the low ransom amount demanded for his release, he attacked his abductor’s castle. As I continued to research, I found a stunning and TRUE fact about William Wallace that appears late in His Captive. All this convinced me that I had to write a book that incorporated all of this fascinating trivia.
REALM: Duncan MacGruder's book, HIS WOMAN, will be released in December 2008! Can you tell us a little about the book and what inspired you to write Duncan’s story?
A: Duncan’s story is about uncovering secrets and learning if a broken heart can truly be healed.
When I met Duncan’s character in His Captive, he stole my heart. Instead of basing His Woman around a historical fact, I plotted out Duncan’s story with my focus on what life events had made him the man he was. In his past is where I also met Isabel, and learned the dark truth about the woman he’d been betrothed to, a woman who’d left Duncan to become his enemy’s mistress. Also, it was only after I met Isabel that I uncovered a little known historical belief that totally blew me away and fit perfectly into this fast-paced, intense plot. I simply had to write about this turbulent story of these two noble yet misguided characters.
REALM: What can readers expect in your future releases?
A: A high action, intense read that will leave them satisfied.
REALM: What influenced you to become a writer?
A: I’ve always been an avid reader. I owe my passion to books for Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion series. Also, the numerous Zebra and Harlequin books I devoured as a teen. Throughout my naval career, I always said that once I retired, I would begin writing. After I retired from the Navy as a meteorologist/oceanographer, I began writing. I was astounded to discover that I absolutely loved crafting stories. What a blessing to offer others more than an entertaining read, but stories of love, determination and hope.
REALM: What do you think is the key to a memorable romantic story?
A: Characters who matter, who touch your soul and inspire hope.
REALM: What pointers would you give an aspiring author?
A: Write what you’re passionate about, continue to hone your craft, network with other authors, persevere, and never forget to thank the people along the way who make a difference in your life.
REALM: Is there a piece of advice that has lingered with you during your writing career?
A: Never compromise, follow your heart and persevere.
REALM: Do you have a set schedule for writing?
A: When I’m writing new pages, I write a minimum of five pages a day Monday through Friday, even if it means working into the evening to achieve my goal.
REALM: What motivates you when you have to write even though you’re not in the mood?
A: That I’m doing what I love, a gift that few experience. A gift I sincerely cherish.
REALM: Your books take place in medieval Scotland, during a time of great turmoil. How much research goes into writing your books?
A: I research constantly. I started researching the Robert The Bruce/William Wallace era after I watched the movie Braveheart. Since then, I’ve expanded my reference library with fabulous research books. I’ve taken many on-line classes for this period, including a course out of a college in Scotland, and I’ve also attended Society of Creative Anachronism events. At a coronation, SCA members were kind enough to dress me up in garb that my heroine would wear. It was an incredible and educational day.
REALM: If you had to name only three favorite authors, who would they be and why?
A: There are so many amazing and inspiring authors that I read. It’s hard to pin it down to only three. A new author who is incredibly gifted is Loreth Anne White. Her action-packed novels are the best! http://www.lorethannewhite.com/
Other authors over the years who have inspired me, and I can’t name everyone or I’d be here all day, are Walter Farley, Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, Cathy Maxwell, Christine Feehan, Karin Story, Terri Brisbin, Jocelyn Kelly, Susan King, Mary Forbes, Marin Thomas, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and so many more.
REALM: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A: A total plotter. I absolutely love a complex story. When I plot, I usually go into writing the synopsis with several strands of story that I know I want to achieve.
REALM: You’ve told me before that you love motivational quotes. Which quote have you encountered that stuck with you?
A: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." Erma Bombeck
Thank you so much for taking the time with us and answering our questions here at the Realm!
~Again, thank you for having me on Romantic Realm of Shadows. It’s my sincere pleasure.
Diana Cosby
www.dianacosby.com
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