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:

http://web.me.com/merline1/RomVets/Before_%26_Afters.html

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. 

http://www.dianacosby.com/photos.html

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:

http://www.dianacosby.com/authorevents.html

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!

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Cosby-Romance-Author/150109024636?ref=ts
Woman's Day interviews:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Life/Personal-Stories/Achieving-Your-Dreams-Over-40.html

http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Lifestyle/7-Life-Lessons-from-Romance-Novels.html?zeta_mid=HFM2_303442&zeta_rid=80328118

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.