Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Diana Rowland
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 10:30 am CDT. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.
PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Diana’s book.
Interview:
Hi Diana!
Welcome back to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Diana’s newest book Mark of the Demon.
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
DR: Most challenging: When I have a deadline and I know I HAVE to be creative. Wrenching myself away from the ten million distractions in my life and sitting my butt in the chair can be a struggle sometimes. It’s
completely illogical, because I truly love writing, but for some reason the deadline makes it work, and there’s a knee-jerk reaction to avoid work because, well, work is icky. [g] On the other hand, the most rewarding aspect comes straight from that butt-in-chair. Sometimes I’ll read over something that I wrote the day before and think, “Did I write that? Wow, that doesn’t suck!” It still surprises me sometimes!
BBB: Do you consider your writing horror or urban fantasy and do you think it is important to distinguish between the two?
DR: I think that there’s so much crossover in genre fiction now that it can be almost self-defeating to try and distinguish a piece of fiction as only one genre. That being said, I don’t think Mark of the Demon is horror. Horror, to me, is a piece of fiction that seeks to explore aspects of the human condition by pushing the envelope of what we can tolerate. While there are definitely some horrific elements in this novel, it’s more of a crime thriller than anything else, albeit one with paranormal elements. Therefore, by current genre definitions, I feel comfortable labeling it as urban fantasy.
BBB: What first attracted you to using demons as characters?
DR: I wanted to try and do something a little different. While I know that there are many other books out there with demons, the demons in my book are not “evil creatures from hell.” I’ve never been a fan of antagonists and enemies who do bad things simply because They Are Bad, so I created my demons to be arcane creatures from an alternate sphere of existence. They have vastly different motivations and ideals–which are logical and reasonable to them, but might be horrifying to humans. They’re complex and
alien, which I hope also makes them interesting.
BBB: Will you continue on with the serial killer theme in future books or is this a one time shot with Mark of the Demon?
DR: I don’t think I’ll go back to a serial killer in this series. Serial killers border on being cliché as it is, and since these books are set in a small town, I don’t think it would be very believable to have multiple serial killers there. I know that if serial killers kept popping up in my town, I’d be moving!
BBB: How much research do you do for your books? How much of it actually gets used in the finished product?
DR: Most of the forensic details and police procedures in the books are drawn from personal experience. I worked in law enforcement and death investigations for almost ten years, which gives me a terrific base of
knowledge to draw from. However, no one knows everything, and there were quite a few times when I wasn’t certain about specific details. Luckily, there are quite a few people who are more than willing to answer my strange and offbeat questions. In fact, the pathologist with whom I used to work doesn’t even bat an eyelash anymore when I text him with questions like, “What would decomp of body look like after 3 months in water?” (His response to this was not, “Why the heck do you want to know this, you sick sick woman?” Instead it was, “Fresh or salt? What time of year?” He’s totally awesome!)
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
DR: Badly? [g] Actually, I’ve gotten better. Even though these books are set in the “real” world, the town and parish are fictional, so there was more to keep track of than I initially expected. In fact I didn’t realize that I
needed to be more organized with it until I started working on the second book and had to go back through the first one a dozen times to make sure I was being consistent. Now I have a spreadsheet of characters, with their names, jobs, and other pertinent details. I also have another chart for the demons, the demonic lords, and other arcane creatures that pop up. I know a couple of writers who maintain wikis for their worldbuilding, which sounds absolutely awesome to me, but so far I haven’t had the time to sit down and
devote the time to creating one. I think that soon I’ll have to, though, because the further along I go, the more time I find I’m wasting time searching back through previous books.
BBB: Does your background in martial arts and police work help you with writing your fight scenes?
DR: I had to think about this one for a couple of minutes, because there really aren’t any “fight scenes” in Mark of the Demon in the traditional sense. There are a few violent encounters, though, and upon reflection I had to conclude that my background definitely played a major role, even if it was only to keep flashy and unrealistic fight scenes out of the book. Not that I have anything against flashy and unrealistic fight scenes! I loves them! But, since I DO have an extensive background in martial arts, I deliberately made it so that my main character has only very basic fighting skills. She gets hit, she falls down, she gets up, and she uses her wits and determination to get through.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2
DR: Speaking from just my own experience, I use my Sony Book Reader
mention, it’s a lot easier to carry around!) I’m also hearing of more editors and agents who are using e-readers to review material that would have otherwise been printed out. Even though cutting back on printing manuscripts is probably a drop in the bucket when it comes to overall use of paper worldwide, I figure that it’s a start.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
DR: I think that any new method for people to enjoy books will do nothing but good in the long run. The “instant gratification” of the Kindle, where you can hear about a book and then have it on your device just a few minutes later, seems to me to be a truly fantastic thing from an author’s point of view. (Likewise the ability to download an e-book to other types of readers. It’s still essentially instant gratification.) Every obstacle that gets in the way of someone buying a book–whether it’s price, or the inconvenience
of driving to the bookstore, or font size, or whatever else–decreases the chance that the person will actually buy the book.
BBB: Who or what inspires you to write?
DR: That’s easy! My family. 
My mother’s influence inspires me–she introduced me to science fiction and fantasy when I was very young, and encouraged me to read read read. My sister inspires me because she
understands how important it is to grab your dream when you can, and I know she’d be disappointed in me if I let it slip away because I didn’t try hard enough. My husband inspires me because he’s my biggest fan, even though he’s not a fan of the genre I write in. It doesn’t matter to him. He knows I love what I’m doing and that’s enough for him. And my daughter inspires me, because I want her to be proud of me and I want to be an inspiration for her.
BBB: Can you tell us what your next release (s) will be? And do you have stand alone or anthology titles forthcoming?
DR: Blood of the Demon
BBB: Do you have any stray plot bunnies running around in your head and do you think something may come of them?
DR: I have one gigantic plot bunny in particular that’s been galumphing madly through my head about a zombie morgue tech, and as soon as I know what my deadline schedule is going to be for The Demon series, I’m going to get it all out!
BBB: Outside of writing, what is the most interesting job that you have ever had?
DR: Forensic photographer and morgue assistant. Hands down. I saw just about every possible way for a life to end, and while many would consider that to be gruesome, I think it gave me a helluva lot more respect and appreciation for life.
BBB: If your series had a theme song, what would it be?
DR: “The Saints Are Coming” by U2 and Green Day. (Even though the video still makes me cry every time I watch it.)
BBB: If you could pick one of your characters to have dinner with, who would it be and why?
DR: I think it would have to be FBI Special Agent Ryan Kristoff. He has a lot of secrets, and I’d love to have the chance to get him alone and pry them out of him! Plus, he’s just so damn sexy… 
BBB: If you could shapeshift, what animal would you be? And why?
DR: Y’know, I tried to come up with something that was exotic and /or funny, but my brain just wouldn’t cooperate. I kept coming back to a German Shepherd! I know, not exotic or exciting, but the best dog I ever had was a German Shepherd. They’re smart and strong, and–most importantly–if I were to shapechange into one, I wouldn’t have people screaming and yelling, “Akk! A wolf! Shoot it!” or “Akk! A tiger! Shoot it!” (This is the South. We shoot things.)
BBB: What is your favorite book of all time?
DR: It’s insanely tough to narrow it down to just one. But I think I’ll have to go back to one of my childhood favorites: Swallows and Amazons
BBB: Where is the most beautiful place you have visited in the world?
DR: Girl Scout National Center West in Wyoming. About ninety miles from Cheyenne, near a small town called Ten-Sleep. The Girl Scouts don’t own it anymore, which saddened me when I found out. I spent two weeks there when I was fourteen, hiking and camping and sleeping under the stars. It was utterly breathtaking.
BBB: What is your favorite quote?
DR: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” ~Ambrose Redmoon
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Learn more about Diana Rowland here:
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST: Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. Diana will be giving away
1- $100.00 Amazon.com Gift Card
5 – $20.00 Amazon.com Gift Card
3 – Autographed copies of her upcoming release Mark of the Demon
The contest portion of the event will run until 11:59 pm PDT 6/16/09 and is open to readers worldwide! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. Also please state WHICH CONTEST you are entering when you send your verification emails.
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Diana’s books from Amazon here:
Mark of the Demon
Blood of the Demon
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase during the contest. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH copy you purchase.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 50 entries.
3. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Diana a question. It can be ANY question you like. No questions = no entries! You can come by through TOMORROW 6/11/09 and ask your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
4. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter here on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too. Good for 20 entries.
5. Spread the word, the more places you post the event, the more entries you get. Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8139 at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 50 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
6. Be friends with Diana by joining her here:
Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thesummoningchamber/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1216497903
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dianarowland
Then send us all the confirmations you receive verifying subscription and friendship to: bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per place you friend her.
7. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8139. Good for 10 entries each day you tweet it. Max 1 tweet per day counts for entries.
8. Add Diana’s blog and website to your blog roll or links page: http://www.dianarowland.com/weblog and http://www.dianarowland.com/ Good for 10 entries for each place you post the link.
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contest ends on 6/16/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted the following week. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
Welcome to BBB Diana!
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today!
I’m thrilled to be here! I couldn’t let Mark Henry have all the fun, right?
Hey Diana … Good Luck with the book it looks AWESOME and I can’t wait to read it !!!
Diana’s hardcore FABULOUSNESS, people–go forth and buy her book
Don’t enter me, Rachel–I just wanted to stop by and show Diana some support
DC
Yep, Mark shouldn’t get all the glory. Though your dance moves are pretty darn impressive, I must say. LOL
I have a question. How difficult is it to get a job as a forensic entomologist? Is there usually one on staff in pathology or is it a skill that the lead of a unit might have (not sure if I am using the right lingo).?
Welcome Diana:)
The book looks great, I am such a cover lover. And it sure sounds great too.
Rsvp:ed and here I am. Should have thought of a clever questiom, lo,
But I will go for: A book out there that you wished that you had written?
If I only had been Jane Austen
Rachel– A forensic entomologist wouldn’t normally be employed by a coroner or ME’s office since it’s a pretty speciaized area of study. Usually an agency will send samples off to a lab for evaluation and testing. Unfortunately I have NO idea how hard it is to get a job in the field. I would guess, though, that it’s an expanding field of study now that more people know about it thanks to shows like CSI and Bones.
Linda– I wish I could write pretty much anything Neil Gaiman writes!
Hi, Diana! I haven’t read your books yet…but they are on my to-read list. I’m excited to check them out. I was wondering how much time it takes to gather the imformation you need to write something like that?
Can’t wait to read the book.
You talk about ebooks. My question is: who decides if and when a book comes out in ebook format? Do you have any saying in it?
Good morning Diana,
My 1st question is what genre of music would you set “Mark of the Demon” to?
AS someone lucky enough to have read MoD, lemme just say it’s AWESOME. So good on so many levels. I think the thing I’m most impressed by is the mixture of real world facts/skills (with the crime scene stuff) with this really imaginative, really original fantasy world of demons and arcane abilities. Reading it, I had no doubt that Diana knew exactly what she was talking about, no matter if it was about a coroner’s autopsy OR a demon summoning. Both were written with exactly the same amount of skill and knowledge. It’s a seriously great read.
rsvped June 8th
scribed to BBB newsletter.
Hi Mrs. Rowland,
I haven’t read Mark of the Demon yet but i will definitely check it out
and my question is what inspired you to write Mark of the Demon?
Thanks for being here. I love your sense of humor! My question is this, what made you leave law enforcement for writing? I’ve also facebooked, twittered, and yahoo grouped you and am going to keep reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your talent!
I also rsvp’d.
Aimee–It’s hard to say how much time it took to get all the info I needed to write this book. So much was drawn from my own personal experience, that my first answer would be “ten years.”
But, I think every author writes from their own life experience, in one way or another.
ELyane–I sold ebook rights along with the print rights, so it’s up to the publisher. However, I know that there’s an ebook version for sale on the Random House website, and I fully expect that a kindle version will be available as well!
Beet–I don’t listen to music when I’m writing, but I can see it having a southern gothic soundtrack… something moody but with a good beat.
Any suggestions?
Van–I was assisting with an autopsy where the decedent had some unusual marks and injuries on his torso. It was eventually determined that they’d been caused by insect activity, but it got me wondering what a pathologist would think of injuries caused by something bigger… with teeth and claws. And what if there were strange symbols carved into the body as well?
And my sick sick mind took it from there and started writing. *g*
I am looking forward to getting hold of your books someday!
Until then a question in the hope I win a copy
What authors/series are must buy books for you?
Oh and I am a newsletter subscriber!
Lisa P– Thanks all of the friending and following! I actually left law enforcement to go work for the Coroner when he offered me a really cool position that paid a lot more than I was making at the sheriff’s office. My book deal didn’t come through for another two years, and during that time I was waking up at 4:30am to write, writing on my lunch hour, writing after work and before I picked my daughter up from daycare, staying up late.. I was worn out! When the books sold, my husband and I decided that time was worth more than money, so I left it all so that I could devote more time to writing without sacrificing time with family.
I’ve seen your book being reviews on a blogger (please don’t ask me which one because I follow so many) and I remember I jotted the title and author.
My question (and I hope no one else asked) Do you have a say over the cover of your book? I’ve heard from a few authors that they do… The cover is simply gorgeous, really draws the eyes.
* Joined her newsletter
* Friended her on facebook (rachel Fleher)
* Shared this on facebook
* Added her to twitter (Raonaid Luckwell)
* I twittered it
* Added her links to my blogger links (www.visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
* I shared this on my myspace blogger and bullentin (visionarydruid)
* Shared this on livejournal (morriga)
* I believe I RSVPed
Amberkatze–I’m a big fan of Charlaine Harris as well as the J.D. Robb books, and I love and adore Carrie Vaughn’s “Kitty” books!
Raonaid–I had zero input on my cover, but WOW did I ever luck out! I think that technically my contract says that I have the right to approve/disapprove when it comes to cover art, but the reality is that a debut author had better have a serious and legitimate problem with their cover art if they’re going to raise a stink.
Fortunately, I LOVE my cover!!
Hi Diana,
Thanks for interview, the book looks great and I will have to add it my book list.
My question is–If you ask one person past or present, who would it be and what burning question would you ask?
The cover is great. I saw that you were going to be blogging here so I went and looked around your website and stuff. I am always looking for new author’s so I have already added you to my list to check out.
I love ebooks and I have a kindle. I have a problem with drm media but I usually buy ebooks that are from Amazon or are in adobe (unsecured) format so I don’t have to fool with DRM. I love epublishers such as Samhain and Ellora’s Cave/Cerridwan Press, that’s were I get most of my ebooks from. I still love to have paper books in my hands though, nothing compares to that and I love spending time in the book stores browsing the shelves after dinner. The only downfall I see to ebooks is that you can’t share them (unless they are free reads).
Since you sold your 1st book and are writing full time, how much time a day do you get to spend writing? Do you write while your children are in school only or do you write other times as well?
4. already a receive newsletter
RSVPd for this event.
Hi Diana. I RSVP’d yesterday and checked out your website. I’m looking forward to picking up your book this afternoon after work. I added links to your website and blog on my blog page (http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com) and I will post a review once I’ve read the book. I posted a link to this interview on Facebook and I sent you a friend request on Facebook. I’ll send you a message when I post the review on my blog. And of course I already subscibe to the newsletter.
Now that all of that is out of the way, here are some questions…
With such an interesting career already, when did you first know you were going to be a writer? And what was the inspiration for your individual characters?
If someone were to write a book or make a movie about your life, what would it be called and what actress would play you?
Great interview! When you publish that book about the zombie morgue tech, I am SO there! In the meantime, I’ll catch up on your other books!
Would you go more into detail about using a spreadsheet to keep details consistent book-to-book? The mere word “spreadsheet” intimidates me. I keep notebooks for the series, with sections divided by character, so I stay consistent, but the spreadsheet option sounds intriguing.
Best of luck!
Hi Diana!!! Thanks for stopping by. I have not read your first book, but I am definitely putting it on my list. I love to see characters looked at in a new light. You see demons as not just evil, and its very cool to have a different perspective. Plus, the science geek in me is interested in all the forensic tech.
I love to watch shows like CSI, etc. I’m curious how much of that is based on reality. Are like a thousand complicated tests run on every murder like that? It just seems like there wouldn’t be time.
Well the year is almost half over and Mark of the Demon is STILL the best debut I have read this year. Really looking forward to the next book. All the best for the launch!
Hi Diana this is Elie N at zenfoxflower@ yahoo.com
I am glad I RSVP’d for your interview, it sounds like a great book.
Wow, what incredible careers you have had! I bet that gives great background knowledge and ideas for writing!
If you could choose an actress to play your heroine who would it be?
Ann Marie–Lemme think on that one and get back to you!
Heather–Realistically, I have about six hours a day to write, though I very seldom spend all six hours hunched over the keyboard pounding out words. When I’m working on a first draft I try to do at least 2000 words a day, but once I get into revising and editing I set myself a certain number of pages to get through. I also try to devote at least one hour a day to the business end of things, e.g. self promotion, research, taxes (ugh!) I do most of my work while my daughter is in school (or daycamp!), but if I have a deadline I’ll stay up late and work after she’s in bed.
I forgot to leave my name and email above (Chris C. wilmstagemgr@gmail.com)
Also to Devon Ellington…. I am known at my day job as the spreadsheet queen. I have several I have developed for fleshing out characters, location/worlds, species, etc. I’d be happy to send you some and tell you how to set them up, make your own. Or if you let me know what you want, I can create one specifically for you. Just shoot me an email. Make sure you put in the subject line that you’re from this site so I won’t delete you as spam.
Chris C.
Medievalgrrl–Thanks so much for wanting to go out and buy my book today, but unfortunately the release isn’t until the 23rd.:P However, I’m expecting to start hearing reports of sightings in about a week or so, so keep your eyes peeled!
I’ve really always wanted to be a writer, though I was generally pretty realistic about the chances of being able to do so full time. Even now I’m pretty dependent on the fact that my husband has a good job and benefits.
The individual characters were inspired by a number of people I’ve worked with in law enforcement, though each character is an blend of traits from several different people.
Hmm, a book or movie about me? It would probably be titled, “Is this really my life?” and the lead played by Mariska Hargitay. *g*
Devon–I wish I was organized enough to keep a spreadsheet for every detail, but right now it’s mostly for keeping track of characters and demons. About the only other thing I made was a graph to keep track of the timeline, since I had to be careful about when things happened and how old people were and what the phase of the moon was. Headache!
Heather–I tell people that CSI is a great science fiction show.
The show is inacurrate in a thousand different ways, beginning with the number of tests that are run (all of those tests cost money, and most law enforcement agencies have very tight budgets), followed quickly by the time frame in which they receive the results. It’s utterly impossible to get DNA results back in less than a day. And in the real world, unless you have a super-duper high-priority case, you’re looking at a wait of anywhere from several months to a couple of years for results. Labs are horribly overworked and understaffed because of shows like CSI that have led the public to believe that every crime scene needs a zillion tests run on it. I wish that show would have an episode where they urged voters to approve increased taxes to pay for all of their fancy equipment!
Elie– Felicia Day would be my number one pick to play Kara Gillian!
Diana, I appreciate your insights on world building. I’m struggling a little with that in my first novel but seeing that it takes some organization might help me better fix my own issues.
Great interview. I am going to put this book on tbr list.
Hi Diana!!! Thanks for the info. I kind of had a feeling the tests were overkill, but I had no idea it took that long to get stuff done. You also mentioned you were worried about having too many serial killers in a small town. It makes me think of Murder She Wrote, no serial killers, but everytime Jessica was home in little Cabot Cove, Maine…someone would die. If I lived there, I would make sure to have her schedule and leave town when she was around. For a small place, the crime rate much be huge. LOL
Hi Diana again, funny you should say Southern Gothic, I was looking for a ringtone and ran across a Song titled: Southern Gothic Artist: Bureaucratica Album: Calling All Fiends Compilation. I have no idea what website I was on, it was moody and a decent beat.
RSVPed 4. I
Beet–I’ll have to check that out! Thanks!
I would like to know more about the zombie morgue tech. Does he like his job? Does he have urges to eat the clientele?
Great interview! Your books sound awesome.
Patricia–The zombie morgue tech is still very much in the planning stages, but I will say that there’s easy access to brains in the morgue. *g*
I am very much looking forward to reading your book! Thanks for being on here.
Question: you mentioned you know authors who keep track of their worlds with wikis. Being totally wiki-clueless, I am wondering if you know how to set that up? Or where you go about finding the info to do so?
-think I RSVPed
-I am a BBB subscriber
-subscribed to Diana’s newsletter
I’d love to be entered in this contest. As for my question, I would love to know…since you have a daughter, would you let her read your books at some point?
-already subscribed to Bitten by Books.
-added Diana on Twitter (shootingstarmag) and Facebook…sent links in email.
-RSVPed before this.
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Julie–I wish I knew enough to tell you how to do it! I’m pretty wiki-clueless too. SOrry! I got the idea from Rachel Aaron–she has a three book deal with Orbit and uses a wiki for her worldbuilding. At some point, though, I think I’m going to have to buckle down and get less clueless about wikis.
Lauren–I would, but… not for another ten years at least. *g* (She just turned five!)
To Diana and Julie Trelyan….
I don’t really know much about wiki’s either but here is a great sight that explains them and has some links to help you set one up.
http://magicdistrict.wordpress.com/tag/wikis/
Medievalgrrl–Yep, that’s Rachel Aaron’s post!
Hi Diana,
I RSVPed and here I am. So I want to hear more about your killer dance moves (according to Rachel)…….
I am so in awe of everyone who has the talent to write a series and keep everything straight. I am so totally disorganized I don’t think I could ever do it. Looking forward to reading Mark of the Demon. If Dakota says you are amazing, it must be true!
Lorelei–HA! The killer dance moves that Rachel mentioned can be seen on Mark Henry’s recent appearance here at BBB: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Mark%20Henry It’s in the first video segment, at about the 6:30 mark. Stacie Kane just couldn’t hang with my mad dance skillz!
Diana here is my other question…
Does Kara have many romantic interests in your first book?
Elie–well, Kara has an unexpected and intimate encounter with a Demonic Lord, but there’s also a certain FBI agent who makes her sit up and take notice… *g*
This is the first time I’ve participated in a blog-interview – what a great idea! After reading the interview Q & As I’m definitely intrigued! Can’t wait to read your books!
Hi Diana
I agree Fbi agent Ryan is choice.
I already subscribe &
am adding you to facebook.
Teresa M.
teresa2956@yahoo.com
This book, Mark of the Demon is the second in a series? Is it standalone enough to be able to read without reading the first, or does a reader really benifit from going back and reading the first?
Hey, Diana! My question deals with genre, many authors identify themselves strongly with one particular genre or write in strictly one genre. When you started writing, were you writing to fit into the urban fantasy genre or did your story just fall into that category? Do you plan to only write in the urban fantasy genre in the future?
(BBB subscriber, tweeted about the contest, part of Yahoo group, following on Twitter)
Natasha–Mark of the Demon is my first book. It’s first in a series, but I intend for each book to be readable as a standalone as well.
Addie–When I started getting serious about writing, I wrote mostly science fiction and fantasy. Urban fantasy wasn’t really a genre back then, but by the time I started Mark of the Demon it was really beginning to take off and I pretty much knew that’s where it would be slotted. I really enjoy writing urban fantasy, but I don’t intend to limit myself to it. If I get an idea for something that would fit into a different genre, I’ll definitely go for it!
Easy question: What is your absolute favorite comfort food??
Bea Chan–Skittles! I have to stay away from them, because if I eat one I want to eat a hundred!
Hi Diana! This book sounds really cool, and I hope I get a chance to read it! I especially like what you say about your take on demons, because I also dislike creatures that are evil just because they are. So my question is what are some elements of the fictional world you’ve created that you wish were real, and which are you glad aren’? Also is there a particular character you wish you could meet in real life?
Thanks so much for stopping by!
beax0002 (at) umn (dot) edu
Hi =)
You really picked on my curiosity I’ll definatly add it to my Amazon.ca wish list!
I’m a lab technologist and autopsy are part of our job, so I was wondering if you had to be murdered, what death would you choose and why? Ok I know it’s creepy but i’m curious =P
Diana, I have 2 nieces(ages 14 & 17) and wonder if they could read your books? They both tend to “borrow” books from me.
I RSVP’d on facebook and already subscribe to the newsletter.
Cindy!
That is really interesting. I didn’t know that about you. Here’s a question for Diana and Cindy. What is the weirdest thing you have seen during an autopsy?
And do you believe in ghosts?
Hi Diana,
I have become a fan of Demon books where the demons don’t have to be evil so I’ll but running out to buy Mark of the Demon. My question is are these the type of demons I may have heard of before or are they from the depths of your brain? Where there any reference books on demons that you used?
I have already subscribed to the Bitten by Books newsletter
I have signed up at Dianna’s yahoo group, facebook and twitter pages.
I have tweeted about the interview and contest
I forgot to mention that I rsvped for this event
Kimberly B–I think it would be pretty neat to be able to put arcane protections around my house. It would save me having to pay for a security system! But I think I’m pretty glad that it’s not really possible to summon demons to this world. Then again, I know what they have planned…
Cindy–I’m pretty sure I’d take hypoxia. No pain, and a sense of euphoria near the end.
Liza–I’m sure you would agree that it all depends on the maturity level of your girls and what sort of themes they’ve already been exposed to, but I will say that there are quite a few f-bombs, some detailed descriptions of crime scenes and autopsies, and some relatively graphic sex. If it was a movie it would definitely be rated R. Does that help?
Rachel–Without a doubt the weirdest thing I ever saw was a man who’d choked to death on a sex toy.
And yes, I do believe in ghosts.
Hello Diana,
Thanks for coming out to BBB today!!
Why did you decide to write a paranormal book for your first work.?
Do you read alot of the genre? Faves?
How many books are bought by the publisher and does that correspond with how many are in your head?
I have added you on twitter and left a friend request on FB.
Already a BBB lifer…. LOL
Hi Diana,
What is your favorite flower?
I RSVPd
I’m a BBB subscriber.
Oh yea forgot that I added your blog link to my blog hockeyvampiress.blogspot.com and twittering away
RSVP’d the other day….
Carmen–You’ve never heard of these demons before! One of my best friends used to run a terrific RPG that had arcane creatures from another sphere who were sometimes referred to as demons. I took that basic concept of demons being something other than creatures from hell, and created the demons that inhabit Mark of the Demon.
Hi Diana! my question is: do you like horro movies and if so, what is your favorite? (mine is The original Halloween)
I also am now following you on Twitter and RT’d the link to the interview. I also posted the link to this interview on my FB page and requested you as a friend there, too. Have a good evening. Lisa
Diana,
Any chance your zombie morgue tech run a side business selling cadaver brains as undead take out? How would demons review your book? As pure fiction or too close to the truth?
Mario
What is your favorite indulgence?
1). I am a subscriber to BBB (pams00@aol.com)
2). I am following Diana on Twitter
http://twitter.com/pams00
3). Tweeted about BBB post
http://twitter.com/pams00/status/2109307810
4). Signed up for Diana’s Newsletter group using pams00@aol.com
Pam S
pams00@aol.com
Faith M:
Hi Diana
my question is:
who is your favorite character (either yours or another author
RVSPd and posted on facebook – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1329505888&ref=name
Pam S
pams00@ol.com
I Rsvp the other day 2
Okie dokie, made it!
First, all the stuff I don’t want to forget, as I’m bound to forget something. . .
I RSVPed earlier. . .
7)I twittered, @OV_099. . .
5)I posted on my two blog locations, http://home.comcast.net/~loismerritt1013 and just click on the Blog/What’s New link; and at http://ov-099.livejournal.com/ . . .
3) well, here’s my comment. . . now questions. Hmm. . . oh, by the way, great stuff in the interview.
One question, hmm, would you happen to have a favorite Phantom of the Opera, any version – book/movie/stage show. . . and a second. . . ah, favorite ice cream flavor? 
Lois
Rachel –
I do believe in ghosts, I can’t watch ghosts shows before I go to bed or i can’t sleep lol
I haven’t seen anything unsual so far, I’m starting my career and only saw 2 autopsy. I’m working in an hospital tho, so our usual folks dies from illness.
Diana –
I have to admit that would be a pretty kool way.
Hello Diana! I read the excerpt for your book. I am so buying it when it comes out.I do enjoy series. Also the zombie morgue tech book.
Do you find time to read for pleasure now?
It’s all a shame on CSI, bummer but I will still watch.lol
I am a subscriber to BBB newsletter, I RSVP yesterday.
Mark of the Demon is on my wish list. I’m looking forward to reading it. I figure once I have I’ll have all sorts of questions for you.
I joined the Yahoo! Groups
I sent a friend request on FB.
I’ve added your Blog to my blogroll.
I even put your website in my browsers favorites.
I also RSVP’d to this event.
I’m hoping to see Mark of the Demon out on shelves a week early. I always feel like I’m getting away with something when the bookstore puts a new release out on the shelves early.
Hi Diana. I was wondering, why do you think there is so much interest in demons lately? For a long time, paranormal was just vamps or weres, but now demons of all shapes and sizes are stepping up to the fore.
I am a BBB subscriber, I joined Diana’s yahoo newsletter group, friended on facebook and will send confirmation of same.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1216497903#/home.php?ref=home
http://nancyg1950.livejournal.com/
http://nancyg1950.blogspot.com/?zx=ebdab3d6230e3983
Posted on myspace
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.create&editor=True
I love the resource links you have on your website. I spent quite a bit of time there learning about stages of decomposition and funeral rites. These provide much fodder for my imagination as well as great information for fleshing out written scenes. I’m sure in your experience, you know of other great reference materials. Will you add more? The ones you have are simply awesome.
Wonderful information here today.
What would you say is your favorite of your books?
Who is your favorite Author in your Genre?
Hi! I look forward to reading your book. I love books with demons (my hubby thinks I need church). I just like something different then vampires and shifters, though I love them too. I don’t have a book question cause I haven’t read them, but what is your favorite type of pizza?
*RSVP’D
*Joined yahoo group
*Posted link for interview and website on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tiahb
Hi, Diana. I’m looking forward to reading your books!
Are you a plotter or a pantster? What dessert would best go with Mark of the Demon?
I already follow Diana on Twitter and just made a friend request on Facebook.
Shell–Mark of the Demon wasn’t the first book I wrote! However, it’s the first one I sold. I love urban fantasy and my fave authors are Carrie Vaughn, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, Jenna Black… There’s not going to be enough room to list them all.
And, I currently have two books under contract with Bantam, but I have infinitely more waiting their turn in my head.
Hi, Diana,
Thanks for being here. I cannot wait to read your books. You definitely have my attention.
What do you do when/if you suffer writer’s block?
I rsvpd, facebooked, subscribed, twittered, and myspaced.
Cheryl–Gardenias
Lisa M.–Actually, I really don’t like horror movies at all! I can’t handle the tension, and I have a very low tolerance for movie-style gore. (I know, it makes no sense at all. I’ve removed brains from bodies and held bowels in my hands!)
About the only horror-ish movies I like are Aliens (the second.. can’t watch the first!) and Shaun of the Dead.
Mario– Stop peeking into my notes!
Another question, if your book was made into a movie who would play your characters?
Hi again!!! Why did you leave your first career?
faith M– Hard to pin it down to just one… Kitty Norville from Carrie Vaughn’s books is pretty awesome, as is Eve Dallas from the J.D. Robb In Death series.
Daune–I still read for pleasure, but I have to sneak it in during times when I know I can’t get any writing time, like during my daughter’s karate class or late at night when I’m too tired to be creative.
Lisa–I definitely plan on adding more to the resource section. I have a lot of neat stuff planned, but I have to hit the paying deadlines first.
Karla–Well, so far I think I still love Mark of the Demon the best, but ask me again in a few years and some more books and I might have a different answer! Fave author in the genre right now is Charlaine Harris. It helps that she’s just an awesomely nice and genuine person.
Tiah B–Spinach & artichoke pizza from Italian Pie!
Qwill–I’m a plotter, but I give myself permission to deviate from the plot if I think of something really cool. And, dark chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce!
anna marie B–
Kara Gillian — Felicia Day
FBI Agent Ryan Kristoff — Eric Dane
FBI Agent Zachary Garner — Ryan Reynolds
Rhyzkahl …. still not sure about this one
Dianne–If I get stuck in a project I try to go do something non-writing related for a while, or I’ll make a note in the manuscript such as [something happens here] and then skip to the next scene. Many times skipping ahead will let me know what was supposed to happen earlier.
Heather C–Which first career? *g* I was a dealer and pit boss in a casino before I went into law enforcement, and I left that because I grew very burned out from seeing people destroy their lives with gambling. I became a cop because I wanted to do something I could feel proud of, and I only left that to work for the Coroner because he offered me a great position and more money.
Hi Diana, are you fluent in any foreign languages? Are there any languages you would like to be fluent in?
4. already a BBB Subscriber
6. part of Yahoo group and following on Twitter
7. Posted on Twitter about the contest
Diana and Medievalgrr–Thanks for the info re: Rachel Aaron and her post on wiki worlds! Totally cool & will be helpful to my own writing.
friended Diana at facebook –
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1329505888&ref=name
Pam S
pams00@aol.com
Adrienne–I took two years of russian in college and was reasonably proficient for a very short while. But I had pretty much zero opportunity to use it and promptly forgot most of it, though I can still read cyrillic (even if I don’t know what I’m reading..LOL) I would love to become fluent in japanese, and keep trying to learn it on my own, but at some point I think I’ll need to spend some time in the country to really learn the language.
myspace:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=494112930
posted event on goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/44518-online-interview-chat-and-contest-with-author-diana-rowland
Hi Diana,
I can’t wait to read Mark of the Demon, come on June 23rd. Enjoyed the interview, thank you. If your book was made into a movie or TV series, would it bother you if the producers didn’t stay true to your characters or story arc? I was thinking of how they changed up the Sookie Stackhouse series for True Blood.
Take care,
Donna
Donna–That’s a really good question, and I think it would really depend on how far they planned to deviate, whether it would affect books I had planned out, and–I have to admit–how much money they were offering. *g* My artistic vision can be compromised if the compensation is worth it…LOL
This may sound like a strange question (but then I am a strange person), but have you ever written something that, upon thinking, thought it would be wise to check on and found it to be right?
(I’ve actually done this a couple times – wrote something (like something done to character, etc.), went back to check and see if it “fit” within what I was trying to do, it did)
Had RSVP’d, follow Ms. Rowland on twitter (strogan), subscribed to newsletter.
Wow Diana!!! You have had some interesting jobs. Lots of fun things to put into books.
Actually, you have 2 series there…the demon and law, and then zombies and gambling. How about a zombie showgirl at a casino?
As a cop and coroner, was there anything that was just too gross for you?
Contest stuff:
3 = RSVP and lots o questions
4 = done
5 = facebook
6 = newsletter, facebook, and twitter
7 = tweeted
Heather–I never really cared for bodies that had lots of maggots, but the one thing that always made me gag was taking the brain out of a body that was about a week old decomp. Brains break down super quickly, and at a week the brain is little more than grey goo. For some reason the goo squicked me out to the max!
Strogan–I think I usually end up doing it the other way around..LOL I’ll write something and then later find out that what I thought was right was WRONG and then have to rewrite the scene.
Hi Diana,
Do you remember the first finished draft you’ve ever written? What is the most obvious difference that you see between that and the drafts you write now? Thanks!
Lesley–Yes, I do remember the first the first draft I ever wrote. Wow. The most obvious difference is that now my drafts actually have fairly cohesive plots instead of a mishmashed jumbling of cliches and sterotypes!
Hello, Diana – Read your excerpt and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of MOTD. I’m always searching for new reads, and yours has definitely piqued my interest.
I live in So. Mississippi, so aside from air conditioning, what’s your favorite thing about South La.? My favorite thing about South Louisiana would have to be the atmosphere which so beautifully lends itself to all things creepy! lol
Contest stuff: RSVP’d yesterday (er, maybe the day before?) and blogged here:
http://dragonladysgems.blogspot.com/
Congratulations on the new release!
Hi Diana!
Welcome to Bitten By Books! What a great interview. My question to you, if you could choose one place in the world to spend immortality, where would it be and why?
Thank you for stopping by!
(rachel-twitter, FB, Mark and Dakota’s groups, friends with Diana on twitter-thanks!)
K Giardina–I agree with you about the atmosphere of south Louisiana. There’s depth and variety and character–so much more than the cliched bayou scenes that you see in the movies. I also love that the people are generally nice and friendly, the food is comforting, and I never have to shovel snow! (Okay, so we got snow this past winter, but I’m hoping that was a major fluke!)
Hi Diana!
What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Virginia–Well, I really am a die-hard southern girl who hates being cold, so I’d probably want to spend it in a warm climate. But I also really wouldn’t want to have to worry about hurricanes for centuries upon centuries, which means that the gulf coast is pretty much out of the running. Maybe someplace in southern Europe instead..? I’m open to suggestions!
For my second question, if you could time travel to any period of time, what would you choose?
Rachel,
I RSVP’d. I’m also subscribed to the newsletter.
Ashley–Chocolate chip cookie dough, and I’d go to 225 B.C. or thereabouts so that I could take a tour of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
I read that you were a former cop. What was the most bizarre thing that you saw or had happen as a cop?
Great interview. Mark of the Demon sounds like a great book.
What other books or writers have influenced you or that you enjoy reading? And if you were going to be trapped on a desert island, what book besides Mark of the Demon would you bring with you and who would you want to be reading it with?
HI Diane sorry im so late to the event
i first wante dto say im new to your work and seeinga chance to get to know you and what you have to offer writing style wise i RSVPd this contest and interview
as someone new to your work what would you recomend we read first ?
Do any of the personalities of ur charactors come from people you know and do they know that they influanced your work?
added u to my blog roll
http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
joined ur group
added you to face book
Couldn’t agree with you more about G.S. National Center West. Our daughter went the last summer it was open. When G.S. National announced they were closing it, we were crushed. Their reasons were a joke and they missed the boat on what girls really wanted to do. I could rant forever on that topic, sorry.
Am interested in your different approach to demons. It gives you more avenues to take and keeps you from having to use the same old reasons for events and conflicts.
Congratulations on the new book!
Hi Diane, excited about your series as I love both paranormals and legal/criminal thrillers.
How did you celebrate when you found out about the first sale?
Had RSVP’d, BBB follower, joined Diane’s group and friended at Facebook.
Hi Diana!
I have two questions that I love to ask authors.
First off, I’m a huge fan of stationery. What is your favourite pen?
AND
Secondly, when you write, do you first put pen to paper or type directly on the computer?
RSVP’d
I’m here i made it .
3. so i have not read the book what tipe of seriel killer is it are is that giving part of the book away?
4.have done that before
5.I spreed the word on my mypace = myspace.com/sasluvbooks
8.on my blog on my space
ps.i RVSPd it.
from sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
Hi Diana. Thanks so much for joining us here today. I’m sorry I didn’t get to stop by sooner — I am out of town on vacation and generally only get to use my computer at night.
I have been anxiously awaiting your first book ever since Mario mentioned you in hs blog a while back, and I checked into what Mark of the Demon is about. I am really looking forward to it.
I especially love that you will be combining two worlds: the one we know, and the one we don’t.
Carol
3.) Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what music do you listen to?
And also, what is one thing you’d like to do but have not yet gotten the chance?
4.) I am a subscriber.
5.) Blogged: http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/06/08/book-giveaways-0608-0614/
7.) Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2114741137
Valorie T
USA
Hi Diana, Congratulations on your new book! I’m so looking forward to reading this one and have your 2nd book already on my wishlist. I’m that sure already that I’m going to love this series.
My question for you: Are you the first author in the family? Just curious.
Also, I am already a subscriber to Bitten By Books.
Posted about this contest at my blog here: http://ladyvampire2u.blogspot.com/2009/06/diana-rowland-interview-and-contest-at.html
I have added Diana Rowland to my Blogroll.
Thanks! April H LadyVampire2u(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Lisa–I experienced a lot of bizarre things when I was a cop, but I think that the coolest bizarre thing is that I met my husband when someone tried to kill me.
(You can read part of the story here: http://www.dianarowland.com/weblog/?p=403)
Donna S–Influences..? To start with, the grandmasters of SF/F Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, McCaffrey… they were the ones I cut my teeth on growing up. After that, I’d have to say some of the more modern names, such as Connie Willis, George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, J.K Rowling, Nora Roberts, Jude Devereaux. I’m also a voracious reader of urban fantasy (I’ve named several authors already in this thread). I don’t think I *can* possibly pin my influences down to just a few authors, because I feel that it’s important to have a very broad base. Of course, this belief gives me an excellent excuse to read more!
But as far as a desert island book, it would definitely have to be the Dragonriders of Pern trilogy. (Yes, I know it’s supposed to be just one book, but the omnibus edition has the whole trilogy, so technically it counts. *g*) And who with? My husband. No doubt.
Beverly G–This is my first book, so this is an easy question to answer. Start with this one!
There are a few characters who’ve been modeled after real people. The most obvious one is the character of the pathologist who is in many ways the same as the patholigist I used to work for. But the real Doc knows all about the fictional Doc.
(He just wanted to be hooked up with a hot babe at some point..LOL
Patricia–I only found out this last year that they’d closed it.
Somewhere in my mother’s house I have all of the pictures I took when I was there, and as soon as I get some spare time (ulp!) I need to go and find them. Very sad.
Pam P–Lots of screaming and jumping up and down. And then (a month later) I quit my job!
I’ve just noticed that I use an insane number of smilies and exclamation points. Wow. I swear there aren’t any smilies in the book..LOL
Jacqueline– I love love love office supplies. I can spend an insane amount of money at Office Depot. But I get into stuff like white boards, and markers, and huge pads of paper on easels, sticky notes, and notebooks… You get the idea! I’m not really into fancy expensive pens, simply because I LOSE THEM. *sob* However, I do love nice journal-type notebooks.
I don’t usually write my fiction longhand. I have execrable handwriting, and in order to be sure that I’ll be able to read what I wrote, I have to write fairly slowly. I can type quite fast, so it’s just more efficient for me to go straight to the computer. However, I always have a notebook with me, because you never know when and idea will hit you, or you’ll hear something that if funny/cool/interesting.
Stacey Smith–I can’t give too much away about the killer, but he has some arcane abilities as well, which makes Detective Gillian’s job much more challenging.
Carol–Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy it!
LadyVampire–Yes, I’m the first author–at least for the past several generations!
“DR: I have one gigantic plot bunny in particular that
I RSVPed, I’m already a newsletter member, and I would like to ask Diana if she could be any one of her characters, which one would she be?
Diana – “I love love love office supplies.”
Woo hoo! Someone who understands! Heh heh.
“However, I do love nice journal-type notebooks”
Me too! Unfortunately, I don’t actually journal or write or anything so I just have a bunch of unused spiffy journals taking up space. I tell myself that I’m just waiting till I have something good to write in them. *snarf*
I’m also partial(understatement!) to small top spiral-bound notepads and hardcover sketchbooks but at least I use those. 
dorothy l con5459@gmail.com I have read about the body farm and would love to see it. My question is have you ever been there?
Great interview! I do have a question though: What specifically made you want to write paranormal books?
dorothy l con5459(at)gmail(dot)com I am a subscriber to bitten by books
hey Diana
i have another question: What advise would you give to aspiring authors?
blogged- http://fayeflame-bloggers.blogspot.com/
twittered – https://twitter.com/fayeflame
Thanks for answering all of my questions!!! I hope you’ll come back again for another chat/interview.
I’m really looking forward to the new book.
Where did you grow up
tweeted today!
http://twitter.com/pams00/status/2119547559
Hi Dian did you see my question yesterday asking what your favorite indulgence was?
What is your favorite vacation spot?
What keeps you motivated to keep writing and when did you start?
Kristina–If I could be any character, I’d want to be a Demon. *g*
dorothy l–I’ve never been to the body farm. Unfortunately their results don’t play as well in the deep south because of the big differences in heat and humdity. I’ve heard a lot of people express interest in a southern body farm for that reason.
Angela–People kept telling me that I should write a crime thriller. I tried. I was bored. I LIKE supernatural, and fantasy, and cool stuff like that. Writing paranormal/urban fantasy is the best of both worlds!
faith M–Find a writers group and learn how to critique and accept criticism. If you can’t find a writer’s group, join your local RWA chapter (Romance Writers of America) and see if there are any local groups to join. (You don’t have to write romance to join!) And don’t give up! Rejection is constant, but it’s just part of the game.
Shannon–I grew up in Louisiana and Florida. I’ve never lived north of the Mason Dixon line.
Pam S–My favorite indulgence is the combination of a good book, quiet time, and chocolate!
My favorite vacation spot is Disney World. I <3 Disney and I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to ride the fun rides!
Anne D–I’ve been writing forever, or so it seems. However, I didn’t start to work towards getting published until I was about thirty, and I’ve always been motivated by the desire to have people read my stories. It’s pretty egotistical if you really think about it. *g* Here, dream MY dreams!
Hi Diana,
I was wondering how you got interested in writing. Did you always have an interest, even as a child?
Thanks.
Okay, my question is who is your all-time favorite author??
Hi Diana -
Pleasure meeting you here!
My question would be, did you sell your book yourself or through an agent? I’m in the trying-to-get-published trenches so I’m always curious…
Thanks! Good luck with the books!
Lisa
Hi Diana,
How are you today? Who is your favorite author?
Bridget
Shared
http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com/2009/06/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author_11.html
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/2009/06/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author_11.html
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1084897775&ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie (blog section)
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/2123030221
BBB subscriber
Sent Diana a Facebook friend request
Diana’s link is on the Awesome Authors section of my blog http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
RSVP’d
Hi there Diana!
I was just on your blog and I saw your cats! (Angel was hilarious! ;D) So, I was just wondering if you have any other pets? (You said you used to have a German Shepherd…?)
BTW, I think your book looks gorgeous!
I subscribe
friended Diana on FB,
got on the newsletter
following on twitter
twittered- nicholandria
friend feed- Nicole Hicks
I am a subscriber to the newsletter already
BBB is on roll at WP, Blogger, google profile
http://nicholandria.wordpress.com/
http://nicholandria.blogspot.com/
http://www.google.com/profiles/me/editprofile?edit=t#about
I love the books! I have only read 2 of them, but I truly enjoyed them!
My question is -
What is your favorite part of writing?
And for a different kind of question-
what is your favorite way to relax after you finish a book?
Do you catch flak from people when they find out you write about demons, or, like me, they are fascinated?
Do you remember how you felt the first time you saw your work in print? Was it a thrill, or had you worked so hard on it it was anti-climatic.
Margaret– I’ve always liked writing stories and scenes. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making stuff up!
Emily and Bridget– Anne McCaffrey. I read the covers off of her books when I was a teenager!
Lisa–I used an agent. I’m a pretty firm believer that the publishing industry has reached a point where you pretty much have to have an agent. And trust me, they earn every single penny of that 15%! Good luck!
Lucy– I have the three cats: Angel, Demon, and Seraphim, and one blue beta fish that has somehow survived the stress of the cats constantly drinking out of its bowl. Zeus, the German Shepherd, passed away last year after a good long life.
Nicole– I think my favorite part of writing is when an exchange of dialogue just leaps right out and clicks perfectly. It’s almost like it writes itself! My favorite way to relax after a book is to go to a movie with my husband. Date night!
Caroline– Y’know, I’m surprised that I haven’t really caught any flack from anyone yet, especially since I live deep in the bible belt. Most people are like you–they think it’s cool! And for your second question, I just received a couple of advance copies of Mark of the Demon. This is my first book, and it was the first time I’d seen it in book form. I cried. I giggled. I cooed. I carried it around in my purse and found every possible opportunity to show it to anyone who stood still long enough. Trust me, it wasn’t anti-climactic! It was utterly fantastic!
Questions: I have recently noticed that Demons are becoming very popular. Why do you think that is happening?
What is the best part of being an author?
-I RSVP’d
-I subscribe to Bitten By Books
-I joined Diana’s newsletter
-Blogged about the contest here:
http://hookedonyabooks.blogspot.com/
http://violeteyesroaming.blogspot.com/
http://paranormalobsession.blogspot.com/
-I added Diana
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Hi Diana!
Is there one author or one book that you read that had you say to yourself that you wanted to write Urban Fantasy? Any author a huge influence to you?
With BBB I’m on the newsletter, I’m on the Blood Bank Community as Caffey, I’m on BBB Facebook, Rachel’s Facebook, GoodReads (Caffey), MySpace (AuntCaffey), and Twitter (CaffeyCathie), BBB on my blogroll, posted on my blog and on MySpace (links below). For Diana, I’m on her Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter. I have her on my blog roll as well.
http:// Caffeys-Reads.blogspot.com
http:// MySpace.com/AuntCaffey
Hi Diana!
Congrats on your first book being released soon! What other genres are you interested in writing in?
Contest entries:
3. 2 questions asked yesterday.
4. Already subscribed
5. Posted here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2009/06/contest-with-diana-rowland-at-bbb.html
6. Joined the newsletter, friended on Facebook and am now following on Twitter.
I also RSVP’d
I have purchased the book. Looking foward to reading it
Also Following you on twitter and and added on facebook
Rachael– I keep thinking that I’d like to do a non-paranormal crime thriller, but when I tried to write one last year I managed 50,000 words before I got… bored with it. I really do love the speculative/fantasy/paranormal side of things, so I doubt I’ll stray very far from that end of things. I do have ideas floating around for a pure fantasy novel, but I think it’ll be a while before I’m ready to tackle that.
Jenny–Thanks!!
Hi Diana, How do you keep coming up with new ideas for your stories? I get an idea and start writing then it dries up. I can’t imagine writing a 100+ page book. I wonder how you keep being innovative
forgot to mention that I did RSVP.
Do you still have any stories you wrote as a kid?
Do you find that publishers are more receptive to the mixing of genres, particularly when you are in an urban setting?
Do you like chocolate cake?
HI Diana, How do you come up with your characters? Also, do you have a favorite character in your book?
Your book sounds interesting! Thanks for inviting me.
Heather–I have a sick and twisted mind..LOL
Michael–I have stories I wrote in high school. Does that count?
Heather–Absolutely yes! Urban fantasy/parnormal is ideal for exploring new directions, and the publishers know that the readers are interested in seeing new things!
Anthony–Love it!
One thing that I have always wondered about authors who create worls and then write numerous books about that world is : Don’t you sometimes find yourself actually living in the fantasy world to a degree instead of the real worls ?
Neville
I would like to know what inspires you?
posted on friend feed-
Nicole Hicks
Twittered- nicholandria
posted wp-
http://nicholandria.wordpress.com/
posted blogger-
http://nicholandria.blogspot.com/
I had rsvpd and been here multiple days!
friend feed-
Nicole Hicks
Twittered
nicholandria
What is on your keeper shelf?
Is there a genre you haven’t written in, but would like to?
I posted on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506558303&ref=profile
I posted on twitter.
http://twitter.com/amysmith98
I posted on my blog.
http://amysmith98.blogspot.com
I RSVP’d.
@Tracy_Iglesias is now following author Diana Rowland on Twitter. I have also given your wonderful giveaway a *Tweet* here:
http://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias/status/2170193127
i posted here:
http://nicholandria.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/you-have-until-the-16th-to-enter/
here:
http://nicholandria.blogspot.com/
and here:
http://nicholandria.xanga.com/weblog
posted here:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=494828365
and here:
http://nicholandria.livejournal.com/2083.html
and here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home
posted here:
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profiles/blogs/diana-rowland-is-at-bbb-til
Good luck to us all!
Where do you come up with your characters’ names? Friends, phone books, your imagination?
Where is your favorite place to write?
friend feed-
Nicole Hicks
Twittered
nicholandria
posted here:
http://nicholandria.xanga.com/weblog
and here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home
Do you have any writing rituals?
Email Subscription Confirmed!
A message will be delivered to rasberryswrlgirl@hotmail.com if the publisher has produced new content on that day. No new content, no email for you.
I tweeted your giveaway: http://twitter.com/Merri617/status/2178347008
meredith.hellen@gmail.com
Correct link: http://twitter.com/Merri617/status/2178362070
Sorry!
meredith.hellen@gmail.com
I added as a friend on twitter and waiting for her to accept.
I am following her on twitter “You are now following dianarowland.”
Neville– I can’t really say that I find myself living in the fantasy worlds I create. I think it’s because I’m thinking ahead so much as to what’s coming next that I don’t really feel as if that world is happening TO me as much as I’m shaping the world. Does that make sense?
Tamara–If you’re asking what inspires me to keep writing, then the answer is simply that I absolutely love to write! I love making up stores and figuring out what happens next, and weaving everything together so that others can enjoy it as well.
Amy S.–My keeper shelf is mostly childhood favorites. That being said, I have a hard time getting rid of any books, so my entire house sometimes feels like my keeper shelf! As far a genre I haven’t written in but would like to, I used to think I wanted to write straight crime fiction, but the more I write the more I’ve realized I really enjoy having speculative and supernatural elements in my writing. So for now I can’t see me straying too far from the urban fantasy/paranormal. Anything can change, though!
Joanne–All three!*g*
Molly–My favorite place to write is out in my “lair.” I have a small 2-story building behind my house that used to be a workshop (the previous owner built a small plane out there!) I converted the upstairs into my office, and it’s a great getaway for me. The only drawbacks are that I have to climb a ladder to get up there, and there are no “facilities.” *g*
Jennifer G–About the only ritual I have is that I need about three cups of coffee (at minimum) before I can really get going.
Hi Diana, Do you have any imput on your book covers.
subscribe to your newsletter
Diana – I know you’re a big fan of the kindle, but wouldn’t you still rather people buy your books in bookstores? And do you prefer to read on the kindle or with real books?
quiltingreader–I have zero input on my book covers. Technically my contract states that I have “approval” rights, but as a debut author about the only way I can force a change on my cover is if I had a serious and legitimate problem with it. Fortunately, I absolutely adore my cover!!
Amber G–I think you might have misread my answer.
I’m not a “big fan” of the Kindle (in fact, FWIW, when I found it necessary to buy an e-reader, I bought a Sony.) However, I do recongize that there is a segment of the population that prefers e-books, and I don’t consider that a bad thing at all. To be honest, I don’t really care *how* people buy my books. Obviously I’d vastly prefer for them to buy it in a form that I end up getting a percentage from (i.e. not pirated or used,) but in the end I think it all evens out. Personally, I still prefer to read regular old fashioned paper books, but there are times when it’s more convenient for me to carry books on an e-reader.
What three urban fantasy books, aside from ones you’ve written, would you most urge prospective writers to read & why?
Posted here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1386433138&ref=profile
And here:
http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user
what do you think send it mverno@roadrunner.com
Here is my question!
Which character has the most interesing background story to you?
Which book was your favorite to write?
Mineola– Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and Last Call by Tim Powers. The first is an excellent example of modern urban fantasy, but the other two are such incredible pieces of literature–while still being thoroughly urban fantasy–that any prospective writer would do well to be familiar with their style.
Kayla– FBI Agent Ryan Kristoff definitely has the most interesting background! And, so far, the first is still my favorite. That may change, though, as I get deeper into everyone’s story!
Why do you write this type of book?
Your site is “interesting”
nice!
I get your newsletter!
Thanks
where is your secret getaway to write?
How did you feel the first time you saw your first book in print? I’m sure it was a major thrill…enjoyed my visit to your site!
Who was the first character you fell in love with when you were a child?
What is your favorite suspense/thriller movie?
We just love the warrior series of books
jen g thanks for this
thank you very much.
Did you EVER imagine that your books would make you famous? Did you really KNOW that the books would be a success??
How old were you when you first started writing? My daughter is 7 and she loves to make up stories.
Thank you for the opportunity
I blog for a Amazon gift card baby!! thank you!
Who is your favorite author?
great giveaway
Which book of yours would you love to see adapted as a film, and what would be your ideal cast?
On a related note, which film adaptation of a horror or suspense novel do you think has been the most successful?
Thanks!
I subscribed to the newsletter (and verified my subscription) – thanks!
I blogged about the giveaway and linked back here: http://slavetoacademia.blogspot.com/2009/06/bitten-by-books-diana-rowland-event-and.html
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I tweeted the giveaway here: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/2192681516
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I added Diana’s blog and website to my blog list: http://slavetoacademia.blogspot.com/
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I’m following Diana on Twitter: http://twitter.com/guettel78
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I’ve never read Diana’s books, they are more like the books my daughter-in-law likes to read so it’s been very interesting to me to read this interview.
What is your all time favorite movie?
Pingback: Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland « Janicu’s Book Blog
can’t wait to read this….
I’m following Diana on twitter.
http://twitter.com/dianemarie63
WOULD REALLY LIKE TO WIN SOMETHING. HAVING A ROUGH TIME AND A WIN WOULD MAKE MY DAY……
I Subscribe to bbb
I would love to win the $100.00 Amazon Gift card.
I can’t wait to read the books they look like a good read
What sparks your imagination?
What’s your favorite color?
How can you pick apart a good idea from a bad idea for a book?
Where would you love to travel to?
subscriber
angelina115@hotmail.com
What got you interested in this subject.
What inspires you to write?
subscribed via email
tweeted the link to giveaway
http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/2201480102
Is there a specific music artist or group that inspires you when you write.
nice scense of humor
Did you base your fictional town and parish on a real one? I’m wondering if you have a “street map” to calculate where things are in relationship to each other.
What was your favorite job/career?
If you chose to write historical fiction, who would you choose to write about/for?
What is your favorite food?
What is your favorite color?
I subscribed to your newsletter.
Okay, I fell a bit behind in the questions here due to some internet issues, but I’m going to try to catch up in one fell swoop! Some of the latest questions were asked further “upstream”, so if I don’t answer in this post, please check previous replies or the interview itself. Thanks!
Did you EVER imagine that your books would make you famous? Did you really KNOW that the books would be a success?? Wow, I’m so not famous, and since the books haven’t hit the shelves yet I’m pretty far from being able to say that they’re a success. But I’m keeping fingers crossed and the keyboard hot!
Which book of yours would you love to see adapted as a film, and what would be your ideal cast? Mark of the Demon, definitely. And you can go to storycasting.com to see my “fantasy” cast!
What
Pretty good post. I just came across your blog and wanted to say
that I have really liked browsing your posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you write again soon!
WooHoo!! Thank you Thank you! A new book and a gift card. Going to drag out my wishlist right now!!!