Sunday, November 2, 2008

Welcome to Diana Cosby's Guest blog!

Welcome Ms. Cosby to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.

Thank you very much for inviting me on Love Romances and More.

Did you always want to become a writer?

My first love of fiction came when I read Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion in grade school. After that, I became an avid reader. My desire to write came while I was serving in the Navy. Throughout my career, I said when I retired, I would write. And when I retired, I began writing and found I loved crafting stories.

What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

Least interesting – trips up to the store for more writing supplies. Most interesting – this question is tough. There’s so many wonderful answers. The numerous times my characters wake me up at night, usually upset that they’re not receiving prime time in the story. Or, the amazing true historical facts I discover during research, which inspire me to write another story. The most recent was the major event surrounding William Wallace in His Captive – all true. And of course, the inspiring and amazing people I meet through my writing journey.

How did you celebrate your first release?

A phone call from my husband, who at the time was stationed in Iraq, numerous phones calls from friends, and dinner with my kids.

What was it like to see your book in a bookstore?

Overwhelming. I’m still amazed when I see His Captive on the shelves.

Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

Share it with my family and friends. And, when my royalty checks come in, I donate 10% of my portion to a charity of my choice.

How did your family react to fact that you also write romance novels?

They’re very proud of me.

Have your family read your books?

Absolutely.

Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites?

I’ve been an avid reader since grade school. As for my favourite authors, there are so many amazing authors out there who inspire me and, I always worrying about missing naming one, but here’s a few: Nora Roberts, Loreth Anne White, Mary Forbes, Marin Thomas, Terri Brisbin, Virginia Kantra, Susan King, Christine Feehan, and so many more.

Have any influenced your writing?

Each book teaches me something, whether it be about characterization, writing with impact, visualization or story flow. When I find my muse low, a book I always count on to inspire me is Born In Ice by Nora Roberts.

Your characters come to life in your books. Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write?

Absolutely. At the moment I’m working on the third book in the series – keeping my fingers crossed my editor buys it! – which is Seathan’s book. In doing so, I’m able to revisit his brothers and watch their lives change as they grow, marry and have children.

Do you have living role models for your characters?

Yes, my heroes are always based on my husband.

Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

Normally through research. I work hard to ensure my historical facts are correct, which exposes me to numerous true facts that are so amazing and little heard of. I’m a major plotter, so for me, it’s a blast to craft a story around a historical detail.

Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?

At times it can be challenging, but normally, if I take a step back and immerse myself in the character’s head, the passion of the scene flows.

What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far?

I admit it’s my December release, His Woman. I met Duncan in His Captive as he was the hero’s brother. A natural charmer and with his playful attitude, I knew I had to write Duncan’s book next.

Who are your favorite hero and heroine, and why?

Duncan and Isabel from His Woman. I love the passion each holds for each other, the angst that keeps them from revealing the truth, and the honor that is their solid base.


Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?


His Captive offered many challenges, but the story itself flowed well. The current novel I’m working on, which is the third book in the series [if my editor buys it], is Seathan’s story and my toughest challenge yet.

If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?


It would be Isabel, the heroine in Duncan’s story, His Woman. She’s an ultra strong heroine who is faced with an incredible journey that only through sheer will, belief in her values and love, will she succeed.

If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?

I’d love to travel back to the 1290’s in medieval Scotland and meet Bishop Wishart. He was a well-versed, powerful and pivotal leader in achieving Scotland’s independence.

Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?

I listen to soundtracks and prefer those without singing. My favourites soundtracks are Braveheart, all of the Lord of the Rings soundtracks, and the soundtrack for Rob Roy.


If you could choose of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you as the cast?



I’d choose all of the MacGruder brothers’ stories. With the fast-paced plot, intrigue and passion filling the pages, I think they’d make a fabulous series. As for the cast, tough question. I’ve always envisioned the eldest brother, Seathan, as Viggo Mortensen.

Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?

I’m currently writing the third book in the MacGruder brothers’ series, which is the oldest brother, Seathan’s story. My working title is His Temptation. My teaser:

Raised beneath her father’s domineering hand, Lady Linet Dancourt’s independence is squashed at every turn along with her father’s love. After her father’s death, Linet is furious to learn her brother has arranged for her to marry. Determined to escape and live her own life, along with pay back her brother for his treachery, Linet steals to the dungeon. She offers her brother’s valuable prisoner, Seathan MacGruder, Earl of Gray, freedom if he takes her with her. Seathan agrees. They escape, but her attraction toward the Scottish rebel is tempered by caution – if he learns her true identity, not only will it sever the bond growing between, but break her heart.


Thank you so much for this wonderful interview on Love Romances and More. I had a blast sharing story facts about the MacGruder brothers’ and the strong woman whom they love.

Sincerely,
Diana Cosby


Here you can find a review of HIS CAPTIVE

Please keep your eyes open for Ms. Cosby's upcoming December release
HIS WOMAN

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana! I can't wait to read His Woman. I absolutely loved His Captive. When I started reading romance (years and years ago lol) I was an avid reader of historicals. Your books remind me of the great writers - Johanna Lindsay, Julie Garwood, Jude Deveraux. I'll be marking Dec 8 on my calendar. Not too long now! :o)

~Dawn McClure

Maggie Toussaint said...

Good Morning, Diana! What a fun interview. I learned things about you that I didn't know before. I am also a big fan of The Black Stallion and Nora's Born in Ice.

I'm looking forward to seeing His Woman hit the shelves!!!

Maggie
www.maggietoussaint.com
romance.danger.mystery

Terry Spear said...

Super blog, Diana! Like you, I enjoy weaving a fictional story around true facts. :) Even in an urban fantasy, like Heart of the Wolf, I based the wolves on real wolves in the wild, with human sensibilites of course. :)

Great on your books! They sound super! I LOVE Highlanders!

Deb's Book Nook said...

Nice interview Diana.

I'm enjoying your books and looking forward to your newest release!

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana,

Great to see you here. I enjoyed reading your interview with Danny. And I really love your soundtracks....great music!!!

Valerie
valb0302@yahoo.com

Anne Barton said...

Diana, what a great interview! I can't wait to read His Woman in December. And His Temptation sounds wonderful too. You had me hooked as soon as you said Seathan could be played by Viggo Mortensen. :)

Thanks for your kind, generous nature and for being such an inspiration! Cheers!

Diana Cosby said...

Dawn McClure said...
Hi Diana! I can't wait to read His Woman. I absolutely loved His Captive.

~Thank you SO much, Dawn! I hope you love Duncan and Isabel's story as well. I had an absolute blast writing it.

When I started reading romance (years and years ago lol) I was an avid reader of historicals. Your books remind me of the great writers - Johanna Lindsay, Julie Garwood, Jude Deveraux.

~*Blush* Wow, I'm blown away by your comment and sincerely humbled.

I'll be marking Dec 8 on my calendar. Not too long now! :o)

~Only 30 days until His Woman's release! If you're interested, you can pre-order His Woman:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1420101099/ref=nosim/bestbookbuys00a

My sincere thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Zebra/His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
Zebra/His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Maggie Toussaint said...
Good Morning, Diana! What a fun interview.

~I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by!

I learned things about you that I didn't know before. I am also a big fan of The Black Stallion and Nora's Born in Ice.

~Oh man, both books are mega keepers!

I'm looking forward to seeing His Woman hit the shelves!!!

~Thank you so much, only 30 days and counting! I appreciate you stopping by and saying hello. Enjoy your Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde said...
Super blog, Diana!

~Thank you, Terry, I owe the blog's success to Danny's great questions. :)

Like you, I enjoy weaving a fictional story around true facts. :) Even in an urban fantasy, like Heart of the Wolf, I based the wolves on real wolves in the wild, with human sensibilites of course. :)

~I hear you. I believe readers enjoy not only finding the facts are true, but how we incorporate them into our fiction.

Great on your books! They sound super! I LOVE Highlanders!

~Thank you, Terry. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did writing them. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a great Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Leah said...
Nice interview Diana.

~Thank you so much, Leah. I appreciate you stopping by and saying hi. I owe the wonderful interview to Danny's super questions.

I'm enjoying your books and looking forward to your newest release!

~Thank you SO much! I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story. After I met Duncan while writing His Captive, I knew I had to write his story next. Enjoy your Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Valerie said...
Hi Diana,

Great to see you here.

~Thank you so much for stopping by.

I enjoyed reading your interview with Danny.

~Thank you, she asked excellent questions, which made the interview fun. :)

And I really love your soundtracks....great music!!!

~Thank you so much. I love writing to soundtracks. And, I'm open for any suggestions to other soundtracks. Please feel free to e me with other suggestions to check out.
Thank you very much for stopping by and posting. Enjoy your Sunday!
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder




valb0302@yahoo.com

Diana Cosby said...

Anne Barton said...
Diana, what a great interview!

~Thank you so much for stopping by and reading it. Danny asked fabulous questions, and made the experience totally fun.

I can't wait to read His Woman in December. And His Temptation sounds wonderful too.

~:) I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story. Duncan was totally intriguing to write. He's definitely a stubborn but fun character.

You had me hooked as soon as you said Seathan could be played by Viggo Mortensen. :)

~Oh man, I totally love Seathan! Yeah, looking like Viggo Mortensen doesn't hurt. *G* I have an autographed pic of Viggo from Lord of the Rings by my computer as I write his story. My editor is debating buying Seathan's book now. Please keep your fingers crossed she does!

Thanks for your kind, generous nature and for being such an inspiration! Cheers!

~I assure you, the thanks is mine to all of the people who took time out of their busy lives to help me along the way. If I can help others in life, that's a gift to me.
I appreciate you stopping by and saying hi. Enjoy your Sunday!
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Anonymous said...

Hey, Diana,

Love your writing and can't wait to read His Woman. You go, my friend!

Diana Cosby said...

Cindy Procter-King said...
Hey, Diana,

Love your writing and can't wait to read His Woman. You go, my friend!

~:) Thank you so much for stopping by, Cindy! Thanks for the compliment. *Blush* I hope you love Duncan's story as much as I did. I laughed through alot of the story. *G* Enjoy your Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Robin Kaye said...

Hi Diana~

What a great interview! I love your books and am always looking forward to the next release.

Robin :)

Teresa Bodwell said...

Thanks for the interview.

I can't believe you don't enjoy the office supply purchasing part of the job!

Diana Cosby said...

Robin Kaye said...
Hi Diana~

What a great interview!

~I'm glad you enjoyed it. Danny asked great questions; the praise goes to her. :)

I love your books and am always looking forward to the next release.

~Thank you SO much! I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story as much as I did writing it. Whenever those two were together, sparks flew. *G*
I appreciate you stopping by. I hope you have a fabulous Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Teresa Bodwell said...
Thanks for the interview.

~I throughly enjoyed it. I appreciate you stopping by, and I'm glad you liked the interview.

I can't believe you don't enjoy the office supply purchasing part of the job!

~*G* I'm not big on shopping either. My two sister-in-laws have decided that it's time to drag me out and find a new wardrobe. Yikes!
I hope you have a fabulous Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Anonymous said...

Diana,
You're one of my favorite people, and I haven't even met you "live" yet. LOL

You mentioned all of the amazing facts you dig up when researching. Do you ever find the "truth is stranger than fiction" paradox? As in, that's true but I can't put it in my book because it will be too unbelievable?

Congrats on your upcoming release.

Christine Trent

Diana Cosby said...

Christine said...
Diana,
You're one of my favorite people, and I haven't even met you "live" yet. LOL

~*Smile* Christine, I reciprocate the feelings. I wish you every success with your writing and am cheering your every victory!

You mentioned all of the amazing facts you dig up when researching. Do you ever find the "truth is stranger than fiction" paradox? As in, that's true but I can't put it in my book because it will be too unbelievable?

~I'd found several circumstances of this. I won't mention them here as I'm using them as my 'suprise' moments in books. I won't give it away, but a true historical fact is found in His Captive. While I was researching for the book, I stumled across the fact, and I knew I had to integrate the amazing event in a story. It's so huge, that if had the potential of Scotland's freedom.

Congrats on your upcoming release.

~Thank you so much. It's such a blessing, and I'm thankful for this tremendous opportunity. Take care and please update me on your contiued success! Enjoy your Sunday!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Anonymous said...

Great interview, Diana! Loved HIS CAPTIVE and can't wait for HIS WOMAN to hit the shelves. :) You're an awesome writer!

Mary J. Forbes
www.maryjforbes.com
Silhouette Special Edition
AND BABY MAKES FOUR--Nov. 08

Anonymous said...

Diana,
Enjoyed your blog!
:-) Can hardly wait to read His Woman! I couldn't put down His Captive. Enjoy shopping with your sisters in law. :-)
Oh, and I didn't know you read The Black Stallion. My fourth grade teacher read it to our class and after that I read the whole series. Loved the movie, a wonderful portrayal for all of us who were on the island with the Black Stallion even if we just imagined it.
Your first book made me feel like I was there too. :-)

Jeanmarie

Diana Cosby said...

Mary J. Forbes said...
Great interview, Diana!

~Thank you so much, Mary. The praise goes to Danny's excellent questions.

Loved HIS CAPTIVE and can't wait for HIS WOMAN to hit the shelves. :) You're an awesome writer!

~*Blush* If I could write characters half as well as you I'd be over the moon. My best wishes to your latest release, "And Baby Makes Four!"
Thank you very much for dropping by. I hope you have a fabulous holiday season!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Diana,
Enjoyed your blog!
:-)

~Thank you, Jeanmarie, Danny had wonderful questions, the praise goes to her.

Can hardly wait to read His Woman! I couldn't put down His Captive.

~Thank you so much, the highest praise! I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story as much as I did writing it. They were totally a blast!

Enjoy shopping with your sisters in law. :-)

~They're assuring me I'll get used to it. I'm still doubtful. *G*

Oh, and I didn't know you read The Black Stallion. My fourth grade teacher read it to our class and after that I read the whole series.

~It's amazing. One of my cherished possessions is that I own an autographed paperback of The Black Stallion. How cool is that! Yes, it's absolutely at my writing desk for inspiration.

Loved the movie, a wonderful portrayal for all of us who were on the island with the Black Stallion even if we just imagined it.

~:)

Your first book made me feel like I was there too. :-)

~*Blush* Thank you so much, humbling praise. I sincerely appreciate you dropping by. Take care and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Sandi said...

Hi Diana!

I enjoyed reading your interview! Can't wait to read your upcoming book. You are a terrific writer.

Sandi Hughes

Diana Cosby said...

Sandi said...
Hi Diana!

I enjoyed reading your interview!

~:) Thank you, Sandi, Danny asked wonderful questions, making my job easy.

Can't wait to read your upcoming book.

~I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story, they were a fantastic and intriguing pair to write. :)

You are a terrific writer.

~*Blush* I'm glad you enjoy my stories. Thank you so much for coming by to say hello. I sincerely appreciate it! Enjoy your evening. I hope you have a fabulous holiday season!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

A huge thanks for having me on the Love Romances & More blog. I sincerely appreciated my time here. I appreciate everyone stopping by to say hi and your kind words. Danny, thank you for the fabulous review, and your time in making today flawles.
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Marin Thomas said...

If you haven't read His Captive by Diana Cosby--you must! Her hero is to-die-for. Eagerly awaiting His Woman next month :-)

Marin Thomas
www.marinthomas.com

Diana Cosby said...

Marin Thomas said...

If you haven't read His Captive by Diana Cosby--you must! Her hero is to-die-for.

~*Blush* Thank you so much for the high praise about Alexander. Needless to say I love him!
Marin, congratulations on the release of The Cowboy and the Angel! Marin writes fabulous stories whose characters always touch my heart.

Eagerly awaiting His Woman next month :-)

~I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story. I had a blast as they forged their way though the story and into each others heart. :) Enjoy your day, and I hope you have a fabulous holiday season!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Anonymous said...

Diana,

Like you, I'm a big fan of Nora Roberts. Her "Born In" series is one of my favorites.

It sounds as if your next book will be your best yet. Good luck. All your friends are cheering for you.

Anonymous said...

Diana, you tease! I bet you talk a lot about all the packages under the tree, too. I can't wait for the next book, HIS WOMAN. Waiting is like a very long and dark Christmas eve...

Diana Cosby said...

Carolyn said...

Like you, I'm a big fan of Nora Roberts. Her "Born In" series is one of my favorites.

~:) It's absolutly amazing.

It sounds as if your next book will be your best yet. Good luck. All your friends are cheering for you.

~*Hugs* Thank you so much for the good wishes. I hope they touch readers as yours do. Thank you so much for stopping by, I sincerely appreciate it. Have a fabulous holiday season!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder

Diana Cosby said...

Crys said...

Diana, you tease! I bet you talk a lot about all the packages under the tree, too.

~LOL, busted!
For posters, Crys is an amazing person whose community thinks so as well - they chipped in to build her and her family a new home!
http://projectfamilyroom.org/

I can't wait for the next book, HIS WOMAN. Waiting is like a very long and dark Christmas eve...

~:) I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story. It was an amazing journey to write. Hint: Subtle foreshadowing of story. *G*
I wish you and your family a fabulous and blessed holiday season in your new home! *Hugs*

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/December 08/Duncan MacGruder