Random Question Interview With Dianne

1. Where can we find you?

Blog: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianne-Hartsocks-ALEX/107985445959828?v=wall

2. Why did you choose Solstice?

I like to think that Solstice and I chose each other! I was impressed with their beautiful book covers and the variety of genres they publish in. They have a lot to offer an author in the way of professional editing and promotional help once the story’s published. I’ve been very happy with my experience with them.

3. What’s your favorite cover you have seen recently? (feel free to add a picture but please try to keep it pg 13 lol!)

I haven’t read Laura Graham’s book yet, but I’d love to walk down that alley one summer’s morning. I can imagine it leading to a patio brilliant with flowers and cascading fountains. Maybe there will be a beautiful man playing a guitar in the shade…

4. What catches your attention with other books?

If it’s an author I already like, it doesn’t matter what the book looks like. But if I’m looking for something new, usually the cover art catches my attention first. Then I’ll read the blurb and a few scattered pages inside. If it’s a print book, it has to be well made with a strong binding and quality paper and print.

5. Ebooks VS Books (Feel free to explain)

I have nothing against Ebooks. They’re convenient and I can pull them up to read any time. On the other hand, I love the feel of books, the beautiful covers and the smell of the paper. I’m a diehard bookworm and have shelves of books in every room. I think I enjoy looking over the crammed shelves as much as I do the paintings on the walls.

6. What is it that addicted you to your genre?

I write in several different genres, but I love the paranormal with its hint of mystery and the unexpected. I like to add that flavor of uncertainty and awe and suspended disbelief to all my stories.

7. Your favorite author.

In what genre!

Fantasy/scifi: C.J. Cherryh, Suspense/thriller: Dean Koontz, Medical thrillers: Robin Cook, Mystery/romance: Elizabeth Peters… so many others…

8. Favorite color.

Turquoise blue: the color of Nevil’s eyes in my romance story ‘Shelton in Love’. J

9. If you have a day job how do you balance everything.

Alas, I have a full time job outside the home and have to squeeze in minutes here and there to write. On a typical day, I can manage an hour in the morning and another two in the evening. But that includes the time I have to commit to social websites as well. I never can write as much as I’d like, which would be every minute of every day!

10. If you could bring one of your characters to life, would you, and why?

I would bring Alex to life just so I could give him a hug and let him know he’s not alone. I’m glad he has some close friends to stand by him but I’d like to find little ways to make his life easier, if I could.

11. If you had a magical power what would if be?

Not telling! J

12. Do you believe in magic?

I believe in the wonder and power of nature, and that most things are possible with enough belief in one’s self.

13. What annoys you in books?

When a character becomes too whiny, but I don’t like that in real life, either!

14. Are you a grammar nazi, or do you find yourself more intertwined with the story to deal with the editing part.

Revision is actually my favorite part of writing. To me, the work’s done, now I can stretch my imagination and really make the story shine. Grammar? I do what I can, but some rules simply elude me.

15. Tell us a joke.

Question: What’s black and white and black and white and black and white?

Answer: A zebra falling down a staircase!

This is the first joke I ever learned. First grade, from the book Elephants, Grapes and Pickles.

 She will give away a PDF copy of ALEX to a random commenter who told me their favorite paranormal author. I would end the contest at midnight, July 19th.