Thursday, June 23, 2011

Author Diana Cosby on Writing, Volunteering, and the Art of Camel Riding

My guest this week is international best-selling author Diana Cosby. Diana and I first met back in my RWA days many proverbial moons ago. Diana is one of those special people with a dedicated heart for caring for others--always reaching out. And that's why through the years I've been blessed she has offered both a shoulder to lean on and handfuls of advice. I hope you enjoy the visit with Diana. She has a surprise waiting for a lucky reader!



A CHAT WITH DIANA COSBY









What lures you into the realm of history when writing your novels?

I’ve always loved reading stories set in the medieval and Viking timeframe.  There’s something magical about the era of knights, warriors who lived and fought by a code of valor.  As I began researching medieval Scotland, I became fascinated by the complexity of the history.

If   If you can step back in time, which place and period would you enjoy visiting?

I would love to return to Scotland’s fight for independence.  History books address the major points in Scotland’s growth and transition during this volatile timeframe, but I would love to know more about those who carved Scotland’s history behind the historically documented pages.  And, I would love to meet the Bishop Wishart as well as Andrew de Moray.  Both were incredible men whose expertise as passion for Scotland were major players in shaping their country’s history.
Diana Cosby at Scottish Ball







While we’re discussing different times of the past, if you could— would you like to know what the future holds for you?

No.  The journey is what’s important to me, the belief in self and overcoming challenges along the path to my goals.  If I knew what the future held, I might make different choices that change it.  Nothing in life is guaranteed, each day we can only do our best, build upon what we learned, be thankful for the blessings we receive and move forward in a positive manner.

You and I have often spoken about overcoming fears. Looking back on your journey to becoming a published author, what fears did you have to overcome to get published . . . or, has publication helped you to overcome any fears?

My biggest fear/hurdle to overcome was belief in self, that I was good enough, that I had what it takes.  The most important lesson I learned was to trust in yourself, trust your muse.  No one can tell your story except you.  If you’re unsure of what you want to do, you’ll have a whole bunch of people telling you what you need to do.  It’s the author’s responsibility to choose the path true to themselves.

You’re one of my heroines: multi-careered, multi-published, a devoted mom, a humanitarian (you’ve helped in Habitat for Humanity and donate a percentage of your book profits to causes of your heart—just to name a few!), have stepped leaps and bounds over too many life obstacles, and have even braved riding a camel. Can you share any of your secrets for mustering up daily energy? Any secrets to riding a camel?

First of all, I’m humbled by your kind words.  I love what I do.  To be able to craft stories, it’s truly amazing.  That readers enjoy my stories, sincerely humbling.  There really isn’t any big secret to muster up the energy each day for what I do.  Writing is my passion.  I feel blessed to get up each day to do what I love.  In addition, to be able to merge my writing with another passion, that of giving back as with Habitat For Humanity as other charities, is flat out the best.  To know you’ve helped inspire a person, that something you’ve done may have given them hope, it doesn’t get any better than that. 

As for the camel, what a blast!  I knew for my final enlistment in the Navy I wanted to do something fun and outrageous that I’d never forget.  Yes, enlisting on the back of a camel accomplished that.  LOL
*Evidence of that fateful day is on the RomVets page.  Look for Diana Cosby:

One of your dreams—to be part of an anthology with legendary author Hannah Howell—is about to come true. Tell us about this as well as share any other dreams on your T0 ACCOMPLISH list.

I have many dreams listed to accomplish and yes, one of them was to be part of an anthology with NYT Best-Selling author Hannah Howell.  In addition to being a fabulous writer, Hannah is a wonderful and gracious person.  A couple of years ago, with the assistance of another author and friend of mine, Rebecca Sinclair, Hannah gave me a cover quote for His Conquest.  An amazing life moment.  Recently, my editor contacted my agent to ask if I’d like to be part of the upcoming Highland Vampire anthology with Hannah Howell.  Holy cow, I absolutely said yes! 

As you mentioned, I donate 10% of my royalties to a charity of my choice.  In saying that, here are a few more goals I’ve yet to achieve on my very long list: 
-Buy a working dog for a local police station.
-Sponsor an entire house for Habitat For Humanity.
-Buy a fire truck for a local volunteer fire department.
-Open a place near a veteran’s hospital where veterans can stay with their families for free while they are undergoing therapy for injuries sustained while they served.  


Diana's updated office

Your three Scottish historical novels released have all been published in other countries. How does that feel?

That the rights to my books have been sold and translated for five difference countries is amazing!  Each time I learn the rights for another book is sold to a country, I’m blown away.

On that note, on your website you have various people from several different countries (Russia and Iraq to name a couple!) holding up a magazine with your photo on it. What is that experience like?

A wonderful interview was written for Texoma Living, which they chose to feature on the cover with my photo.  Wow, another amazing life moment.  I was so excited and wanted to share this special time with my friends.  So, I asked for volunteers who’d take a photo of them holding the magazine in a ‘fun or unique’ place, which ending up going worldwide. 

And yet, you’re one of the most grounded and humble people I know. Any tips on how not to let ego rise as your career grows?

I feel blessed to be able to craft stories and do what I love.  My career focus is on how I can make a positive difference in others’ lives.   I grew up very simply.  My hope is to inspire people to believe in themselves and that through perseverance you can achieve your dreams.

And last, here’s what I hope will be a fun question: you know the extraordinary Nora Roberts and even have done a book signing in her husband’s bookstore, Turn The Page Bookstore Café. Please share with us that special experience.

With the release of my first book, His Captive, I was overwhelmed to learn I was invited to sign with Nora Roberts before the Washington Romance Writer’s annual retreat at her husband’s store in Boonsboro, Maryland.  I’ve had the pleasure to meet Nora as introduce her at a conference in the past, and she is an amazing as gracious person who I sincerely respect.  She’s definitely a role model for me in my career. 

I traveled to Maryland with two of my close girlfriends, and we had a blast.  As we drove down the street to Turn The Page Bookstore Café, a festive feeling filled the air as hundreds of Nora’s fans lined up to meet her.  Inside, tables were set up for each author signing that day with Nora at the front.  It was neat going through the store to meet so many really nice people all out for a day of fun and to meet their favorite author.

One the book signing began, excited and super sweet fans poured in, shared exciting stories of their travel to Boonsboro, or their favorite Nora story, as well as how many time’s they’d returned.  For many fans, Nora’s booksignings are a ‘must’ attend event.  It was all so incredible, and I was humbled to be a part of such an amazing event. 
*A couple of photos of that day are on my website:

Elaine, my sincere thanks for having me as a guest on your blog.  Your dedication to the craft is truly inspiring, and please know that I wish you every success!

My sincere thanks to everyone who took time out of their crazy lives to stop by today.  I’d love if you share what person inspired you to go after your dream.  Or, if you have a favorite author story, I’d love to hear that!    Take care and always believe in your heart! I will give away a signed copy of HIS CAPTIVE, the first in the MacGruder Brothers series, to a person drawn from everyone who posts during my blog visit and who leaves an email address.
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Oct 2011  Pre-Order now!

Guest Author's Bio:
            Most people think of retirement as a time to relax. For me, retiring at 36 from my job as a Navy Chief Meteorologist/Oceanographer allowed me to pursue my passion – writing romance novels. With 32 moves behind me and having traveled through many countries, I was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people I’ve met over the years.
            After nine and a half years of writing and while I was working on my eleventh novel, I received “The Call” from Kensington and sold the first two in the MacGruder brothers series.  A couple of years later Kate Duffy bought the third and fourth books in the series.
            I have many passions, but one that resonates most in my life is that of giving. I firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life.  There are so many charities, and, with each book I sell, I will tithe a percentage of each novel to a charity of my choice.  In addition, I enjoy volunteering for Habitat For Humanity, Ducks Unlimited, and at a local high school I have an annual Diana Cosby Writing Scholarship. 
            I am currently working on the next Scottish medieval romantic suspense book in the award-winning MacGruder brothers series.  I'm thrilled to share the rights to His Captive just sold to The Netherlands and will be translated to Dutch, the 4th international sale.  I look forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share my journey.

28 comments:

  1. Hi Elaine! Thanks so much for your kind comments...I'm following you now too, and I'm going to put your blog link on my sidebar. You have a terrific blog here!

    Blessings,

    Cindy at Cindy's Book Club

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Diana, I have enjoyed your books for years! I also love having you on Facebook, you morning quotes I love to read. Keep the books coming.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Cindy, thanks for stopping by and I agree, Elaine has done a fabulous job. Have a fabulous weekend, and I wish you every success!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW) USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved reading your interview here and was fascinated by what i read. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, Diana! Lovely interview! You're always an inspiration to me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Elaine and Diana, great post!

    You both inspire me. I have a well worn copy or two of His Captive so DON'T put me in the drawing. I'm happy for someone else to win Diana's book. :-)

    So proud of you Diana for all you have accomplished over the writing years that I've known you, and for all you continue to accomplish and aspire to. I can hardly wait for your next book!
    Looking forward to yours, too, Elaine! Great blog!
    *Hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am not sure my post went through, I simply adore Diana books! I also enjoy having her on my Facebook, enjoy her daily quotes. Keep writing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Diana,
    I'm always inspired by those who've gone before and led the way into a world of writing. Seeing their stories and sharing in their dreams you realize--dreams do come true (with a bit of grit and dedication thrown in).
    I have an article in a recent Woman's Day magazine in which a wonderful romance author talked about 'making her way after 40'. (Yes, it is you.) I have that article in a special place.
    Best of luck to you and good luck with your latest endeavors. It's wonderful to know published authors still get excited over their 'favorite authors' too!
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Debra, I'm so sorry for any confusion--my day job has me working about 4:30 AM until anywhere from 1:30-2 PM and one of my quirks about blogging--for better or worse--is that I monitor who appears on my blog. But, I'm sure am happy that you've visited and hope you will again :)

    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  10. Debra said: Hello Diana, I have enjoyed your books for years!

    ~Hi Debra, thank you so much for stopping by. I’m so glad you enjoy the MacGruder brothers. I love writing them, and that you enjoy them as well is humbling.

    I also love having you on Facebook, you morning quotes I love to read.

    ~I’m so glad you enjoy them. I love finding a quote of the day. I look for something that moves me, and hope that it will inspire or touch others as well.

    Keep the books coming.

    ~:) I’m giving it my best shot! My latest news is the sale of a story in an upcoming Highland Vampire novella with Hannah Howell. Definitely a life dream come true. But, I have more exciting news. Once it’s official, I’ll share! Take care, have a great weekend, and I wish you the very best! *Hugs*
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sharon Sullivan-Craver said: I loved reading your interview here and was fascinated by what i read. Thank you for sharing.

    ~Hi Sharon, I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and say hi. Elaine did a wonderful job with the interview, and it’s my sincere pleasure to be here. I’ve been blessed with an amazing life filled with travel as meeting incredible people and experiencing intriguing cultures. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! ^5


    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Michelle Miles said: Hi, Diana! Lovely interview! You're always an inspiration to me.

    ~Hey, Michelle, always great to see you. Elaine did a wonderful and fun interview. Lauds to her. ^5 If anything I say helps, that’s what it’s all about. Take care and wishing you every success! ^5
    *Hugs*


    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jeanmarie Hamilton said: Elaine and Diana, great post!

    ~Hey, Jeanmarie, always great to see you! I agree, Elaine did a wonderful job on the interview. ^5

    You both inspire me.

    ~Jeanmarie, you are one of the most hardworking and determined writers I know. I assure you, you’ve inspired me many times over. I’m so proud of you!

    I have a well worn copy or two of His Captive so DON'T put me in the drawing. I'm happy for someone else to win Diana's book. :-)

    ~*Hugs* I’m so glad you enjoy the MacGruders.

    So proud of you Diana for all you have accomplished over the writing years that I've known you, and for all you continue to accomplish and aspire to. I can hardly wait for your next book!

    ~I’m so proud of you as well! It’s been a blast sharing the journey, and I look for many more years to come. *Hugs*
    Love,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Diana--MORE good news??!!! Power to you ☺

    Many blessings on your growing career!

    Hugs,

    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  15. Loni Lynne said:

    ~Hi Loni, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

    Diana, I'm always inspired by those who've gone before and led the way into a world of writing. Seeing their stories and sharing in their dreams you realize--dreams do come true (with a bit of grit and dedication thrown in).

    ~I’m with you. I love hearing of how people ‘achieved success.’ I remember Nora Robert saying how she’d write on a spiral pad as her kids crawled around the floor. I’m like, Holy cow! That’s dedication!

    I have an article in a recent Woman's Day magazine in which a wonderful romance author talked about 'making her way after 40'. (Yes, it is you.) I have that article in a special place.

    ~*Hugs* If anything inspires you to believe in yourself, that you CAN achieve your dreams, that’s what it’s all about. I’ve been blessed by so many people in my life who have taken time out of their crazy lives to help mine, that if I can pay that back to others, I’m humbled.

    Best of luck to you and good luck with your latest endeavors.

    ~Sincerely, to you as well.

    It's wonderful to know published authors still get excited over their 'favorite authors' too! Hugs!

    ~:) Oh yeah, I have my favorite authors whom I can't wait to read, but I enjoy finding new ones as well. Take care and I wish you every success!
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Elaine Stock said: Diana--MORE good news??!!! Power to you ☺ Many blessings on your growing career! Hugs,

    ~Yes, and I’ll share once it becomes ‘official!’ Blessings to you as well! Thanks again for having me on your fabulous blog.
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Elaine, a lovely post and guest! :)

    Diana, I love your description of the journey of writing. So true! We really do have to overcome our fears and have faith in self to reach our goals. Like life, it's all a grand learning process that never ends. :) Loveya!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a fun interview. I appreciate Diana's humble attitude and her desire to help others. I also loved what she said about trusting yourself as a writer. Very encouraging!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Diana!

    Whenever I read one of your interviews, I always learn something new about you. I'm blown away by your gracious spirit, generous heart, and outlook on life. You are definitely one of my role models. I'd love to make a contribution when you are ready to open a place for the families of veterans to stay while their loved one is recovering at a VA hospital.

    Wishing you huge success!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Aloha from Dayton! Dropping off kids at Camp Grandma before flying to NYC for RWA!

    The timing of this interview is perfect as June 23 holds a special significance in Scottish history. In 1314, Robert the Bruce and his Scottish Army challenged English King Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn (on a plain below Stirling Castle). One day later, Edward II retreating, giving Scotland it first victory in the Scottish Wars of Independence. It also gave back the Scottish people their dignity and identity after centuries of being "overloarded" by the English!

    I know Diana will appreciate this historical connection as she is a lifetime member of the National Trust for Scotland - the caretakers of Scottish history.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Isis & Kim--and everyone else--it is so fantastic having you visit my blog whether from overseas, Canada, or stateside. This blogging experience is turning out to be such an enjoyable time for me!

    Thanks everyone for making my day!!

    ♥ Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mary J. Forbes said: Elaine, a lovely post and guest! :)

    ~Hi Mary, thank you so much for taking the time and dropping by. Elaine did a fun interview. 

    Diana, I love your description of the journey of writing. So true! We really do have to overcome our fears and have faith in self to reach our goals. Like life, it's all a grand learning process that never ends. :)
    Loveya!

    ~Eactly, each of us are the heroes or heroines in our own life journey. I hope you’re enjoying the weekend, and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*
    Love you!

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beth K. Vogt said: What a fun interview.

    ~Hi Beth, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Elaine did a wonderful job. ^5

    I appreciate Diana's humble attitude and her desire to help others. I also loved what she said about trusting yourself as a writer. Very encouraging!

    ~Beth, the stories within are unique to each of us. Only you can tell your story. Never doubt, but believe that within your passion your dreams are possible. Take care and I wish you every success!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Isis Rushdan said: Hi Diana!

    ~Hi Isis, always fabulous to see you! RomVets rock!!! ^5

    Whenever I read one of your interviews, I always learn something new about you. I'm blown away by your gracious spirit, generous heart, and outlook on life. You are definitely one of my role models. I'd love to make a contribution when you are ready to open a place for the families of veterans to stay while their loved one is recovering at a VA hospital.

    ~*Hugs* Thank you so much, Isis. I’ll let you know once the project has officially begun. It’s so amazing as humbling the people already who believe in my dream and who have agreed to come onboard once the project begins. I’m so overwhelmed. Holy cow. My goal of having a house for our vets to stay in while they’re going through treatment is so personal to me. Throughout my life as a military brat, active duty Navy chief, a dependent wife and now the mom of active duty Marine children, I have seen those who need treatment and can’t afford the cost of living where their treatment is necessary. It’s sad when they sincerely deserve the best. So, it’s my goal to give them a place of peace, a place where they can take a break without financial worries with their families while going through treatment. Take care and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*

    Wishing you huge success!
    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kim in Hawaii said: Aloha from Dayton! Dropping off kids at Camp Grandma before flying to NYC for RWA!

    ~Woot! Hey, Kim, thanks for stopping by to say hi in your crazy schedule. Aloha back! I know it’s busy, but it’s also a lot of life memories. Enjoy!

    The timing of this interview is perfect as June 23 holds a special significance in Scottish history. In 1314, Robert the Bruce and his Scottish Army challenged English King Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn (on a plain below Stirling Castle). One day later, Edward II retreating, giving Scotland it first victory in the Scottish Wars of Independence. It also gave back the Scottish people their dignity and identity after centuries of being "overloarded" by the English!

    ~Thank you for sharing that tremendous fact. :) Have you been to Scotland? I believe you have but I hate to assume.

    I know Diana will appreciate this historical connection as she is a lifetime member of the National Trust for Scotland - the caretakers of Scottish history.

    ~:) Absolutely! The National Trust for Scotland are amazing in their desire to preserve Scotland’s history. My sincere thanks for coming by today, and enjoy your visit as National. I’ll miss seeing you there, but I’ll see you in Aug. ;) Have a super weekend!
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Diana, I want to thank you for your visit as my guest this past week. You've brought re-newed inspiration to me and I pray that readers also have that walk-away feeling of a charged spirit. Thank you for sharing so much with us and for writing such marvelous, entertaining stories. I wish you well in your career.

    And thanks to those who have commented and others who dropped by to visit.

    I'll be announcing the winner of Diana's novel shortly. I know you'll enjoy it!

    Blessings,

    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  27. Diana, I want to thank you for your visit as my guest this past week. You've brought re-newed inspiration to me and I pray that readers also have that walk-away feeling of a charged spirit. Thank you for sharing so much with us and for writing such marvelous, entertaining stories. I wish you well in your career.

    ~Elaine, my sincere thanks for having me as a guest on your blog. If anything helped or inspired anyone, that’s what it’s all about. I’ve been blessed throughout my life by so many people who have taken time out of their life to help mine, and if I can help or inspires others, it’s truly a blessing.

    And thanks to those who have commented and others who dropped by to visit.

    ~I sincerely thank everyone as well.

    I'll be announcing the winner of Diana's novel shortly. I know you'll enjoy it!

    ~Thank you so much Elaine for all of your hard work during my visit. I appreciate everything and wish you continued success! *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
    www.dianacosby.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. The winner of Diana's giveaway novel HIS CAPTIVE is Sharon Sullivan-Craver. Yea, Sharon! I really enjoyed reading this book and know you will too. Diana will be in touch with you shortly. I hope you enjoyed this visit with Diana and will stop by often to greet other guests.

    Blessings,

    Elaine

    ReplyDelete

Add This