Wednesday, February 02, 2011

A Warm Welcome to Author Diane Craver


You'll want to leave your comment and email address for a chance to win a copy of Diane's book!

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I’ve always enjoyed writing but when our oldest daughter Sara was a toddler, I started writing nonfiction. 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. Later, I started writing fiction.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I enjoy writing in several genres. They are: inspirational and contemporary romances, sweet chick-lit mystery, women’s fiction, young adult and historical.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

Once I have a publisher’s deadline for a particular book, I am very disciplined. I always finish the final editing on time. While writing a new book, I try to write so many pages a day, but I’m afraid that I don’t always meet my personal writing goals. We were blessed with two daughters with special needs plus I have a seasonal scoring job. I score the tests that students hate to take. LOL

I’m a slow writer. It takes me on the average seven to nine months to write a book from beginning to end, but I’m not writing daily. Although I consider my writing as a career, family and promoting my published books all take time away from my writing.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?
Here’s the blurb for my recent release, A Christmas Gift:

Justin Reeves is a man who has it all: a good job, a loving wife and children who are the center of his universe - or so it seems. Justin also has a secret he's hidden from everyone his entire life. Quite innocently his small daughter, Debby, stumbles upon his secret and is shocked by what she finds. She confronts her father with the awful truth, and together they embark upon a journey which takes her father from the darkness of shame into the light of victory.

Drawing from true events in her own childhood, author Diane Craver captivates the reader from page one to a stunning climax which will touch your heart and impact your life forever in this must-read story of love's triumph over adversity.

My books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, my publishers’ websites, and many other places online. By the way, A Christmas Gift is available in paperback and in ebook formats.

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

The spiritual message in A Christmas Gift is all about having enough faith to overcome obstacles at any age. Also another important message is how one prayer can start a whole chain of events that will solve problems for several people. Readers can expect to find an unforgettable story that will touch their hearts because of the closeness and family values the Reeves parents and children share. A Christmas Gift is not just for Christmas time but is a book to be enjoyed all year long.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

I have often felt like giving up on writing, but whenever that happens, I might receive a fantastic review from a reader or book reviewer, so that to me is confirmation from God that I need to continue. Sometimes I feel like quitting because writing is so time-consuming and rejections seem to be part of the business. Even after you have several published books, rejections still occur.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I carefully read the publisher’s submission guidelines and also check to see what they publish. Sometimes I ask my author friends what they think of their publishers if I think theirs might be a good fit for what I write. Also if I don’t like their book covers, I might not submit to them. Of course, writing the best book possible is the most important thing, but an eye-catching book cover does help sell the book too.

I thought once I had a book published, it would get easier but it hasn’t. Publishers don’t have the resources to spend a lot of money to promote each author’s books…so I need to spend time doing interviews, blog articles, book signings, contest giveaways, and just doing anything that will get my name out to readers. Apparently, a reader has to see an author’s name seven times before recognizing it.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I enjoy spending time with my awesome husband and six children. Some of my interests are: reading, going to movies, swimming, bicycling, watching college football (big Ohio State Buckeye fan), and walking on trails.
My favorite vacation is going to the beach but I don’t get to go often enough. If we ever leave Ohio, my first choice would be to live close to the ocean. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii for a vacation. The problem is my husband doesn’t want to fly there, but I’m still trying to convince him that we should go. We are hoping to travel out west this summer.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?
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.

Thank you so much, Carole, for hosting me on your lovely blog
And I wish you much success, Diane, on your writing journey
Blessings, readers. Don't forget your comments and email addressess.

44 comments:

Jo said...

Looks like I am the first to sign. Enjoyed the interview. I love the ocean also and lived by the ocean for many years but now am out in the desert where we can see mountains all over.

Book sounds like it is going to be a very good read.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Kathryn Page Camp said...

I've never thought about choosing a publisher based on the book cover. Maybe I'll do a little survey from my bookshelves. . .

The book sounds interesting, even in February.

kcamp1951@aol.com

Miss Mae said...

Great interview, Diane. I've read this latest book and loved it. Congrats on it winning 2nd place in the 2011 P&E Readers Poll!

Jan Marie said...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview - good questions and most interesting responses. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.

janmarien[at]embarqmail[dot]com

chelea_girl said...

A Christmas Gift sounds wonderful and I hope to read it soon. I am already intrigued about what his secret could be... I would also love to live near the ocean. I am from California, but have been landlocked in Oklahoma for almost 15 years. Someday...

chelea_girl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carmen said...

Christmas Day itself is over, but Christ came and died and rose again, so He's here always. And since it's definitely a white winter, I'd love to win this book.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Charity U said...

Please enter me!

photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com

karenk said...

would enjoy reading this fabulous novel..thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

The Christmas Gift sounds like a very touching story. I enjoyed the interview and hope you continue to publish great books. Since I discovered Christian fiction I can't get enough. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway Carole.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Carmen said...

Though it's no longer Christmas, it's still a very white winter. Please enter me. Thanks!

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Sue Perkins said...

Lovely interview Diane and I was intrigued by your blurb of your book. Must buy the book and find out how a small child can help an adult in this way.

PriviesAndPrims said...

Is there a giveaway on this book? I followed a link to it as a giveaway, but don't see where to enter?

Doreen
priviesandprims at yahoo dot com

Barbara Raffin said...

Diane--What a great way to get to know you. Super interview!!

Barbara Raffin
www.BarbaraRaffin.com

Edna said...

I read about this on Carmen's blog and I would love to win this book

I follow you


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read, would love to receive one in your give away. Thanks Carmin sent me

Ann Lee Miller said...

Please enter me in the drawing. :)
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

Rebecca J Vickery said...

Hi Diane and Carol,
Very nice interview and thanks for sharing with everyone. I love your writing. Best wishes for lots of success.

Pegg Thomas said...

Can an ardent Wolverine fan still get added to your drawing. ;)
twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

Caroline said...

It is a wonderful book, & I loved reading it.

Doreen, you're entered by commnenting and leaving your email address. Thanks!

Peg, dear, we won't hold your MI likings against you! :) You're always welcome.

Diane Craver said...

Jo,
Mountains sound lovely too. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Kathryn,
A reviewer did mention that A Christmas Gift is something to enjoy year round. :)

Miss Mae,
It means a lot to me that a talented author like yourself loved A Christmas Gift! Thank you!


Jan Marie,
Caroline did ask great questions - she made me think a few times. :)

Diane Craver said...

Chelea,
Glad you enjoyed the interview. Hopefully, we'll both get to enjoy the ocean again!

Carmen,
So true - Christ is here always. I think you'll love reading how Debby's faith is so strong at a young age.

Charity,
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Diane Craver said...

Karen,
I'm glad you stopped by. It's so nice to see all these lovely comments.

Miss Kallie,
Thanks so much - I definitely have more Christian novels I want to write and share with readers.

Sue,
Be prepared to cry but in a good way if you get a chance to my book. :)

Diane Craver said...

Doreen,
Glad you're entered in our contest here! Thanks for reading my interview!

Barbara,
It's so great to see a fellow Jewels of the Quill member here. Thank you for visiting!

Edna,
That's nice to know you saw it on Carmen's blog - I'll have to take a peek at it.

Shelia,
Glad you stopped by!

apple blossom said...

please include me in this giveaway nice interview. thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Diane Craver said...

Ann Lee,
Great to see you here!

Rebecca,
Thank you so much! I wish you continued success with your books too! I loved your Surviving with Love.

Peg,
My nephew is a Wolverine fan too. By the way, OSU is no. 1 in the basketball polls. Thought I'd mention that. LOL

Caroline,
I'm so happy you loved A Christmas Gift!

desitheblonde said...

wow you got your hand full and then
if you go west have fun and in joy it
we did trip as a kid with 5kid we went to pa were my parent were married and then went to the heinz plant and then to the choc factory and was great love the book and would love to read and blog on it me i chose book that catch my attention

Wendy said...

Great interview.
Looks like a good read.
Would like to win this book.
Please enter me in the drawing.
Thank you for the chance.
wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com

Diane Craver said...

Apple Blossom,
Glad you stopped by and that you enjoyed the interview!

Desitheblonde,
I've never been to the Heinz factory or chocolate factory- sounds like you had a lot of fun going with your family. I can't wait to go out west or somewhere - getting cabin fever. :)

Wendy,
Thank you! I definitely enjoyed writing A Christmas Gift - it holds a special spot in my heart!

Cindy W. said...

Enjoyed your interview and love the cover art of your book. Would love to win a copy.

Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Diane Craver said...

Hi Cindy,
I love the cover, too, and it fits the story so well. Thanks for stopping by.

Unknown said...

Cindy, I would love to read this book and do a review on it. I was directed to your site by enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com.

lgm52 said...

Interesting interview. Book sounds like a good read.
lgm52@hotmail.com

Judylynn said...

I'd love to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway.

(Keiki at The Vessel Project sent me)

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Diane Craver said...

Sheree,
A Christmas Gift is a short read - approximately 25,000 words. Hope you do review my book sometime!

Igm52,
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the interview!

Kelly Massman said...

Your interview was wonderful, and this sounds like a great book! Thanks for a chance to win it!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

I've lived many places, and near the ocean is one of my favoirte places! I love secrets and finding out! This interview piquied my interest for sure!

Charleydog said...

I keep my books about Christmas or books with Christmas in the title in a separate bookcase so I can find them at Christmas time.

Please enter my name in the giveaway for the book. Thanks!

pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

30somethingmom said...

I love to read Christmas books year around. Its my favorite season of course!

Cathy W said...

Thanks for a great interview. Looking forward to reading "A Christmas Gift"

Diane Craver said...

Judylynn,
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I appreciate your comment about my book!

Kelly,
I'm glad you enjoyed the interview and want to read A Christmas Gift. Thanks for stopping by.

Terri,
Oh, that's wonderful you lived near the ocean and many other places. I really need to have an ocean setting for a book so I can live thru my characters. LOL The secret in A Christmas Gift is still burned in my mind because of what I witnessed so many years ago.

Diane Craver said...

Charleydog,
That's a great idea to keep all your Christmas books together in your bookcase so they are easier to find to read during the Christmas season. Thanks for stopping by.

30something mom,
Glad you enjoy reading Christmas books anytime during the year - I hope you get a chance to read A Christmas Gift. Thanks for stopping by.

Cathy,
Thank you so much - glad you liked the interview and want to read ACG.

Diane Craver said...

Hope everyone's week is going great! It's cold here and we had enough snow this morning to cause delays for transportation for my daughters' programs. But at least they still were able to go.

Thanks again to each one of you for visiting here and leaving such thoughtful and nice comments!

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! Please include me in this giveaway. Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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