Please join me in welcoming back Diane Dean White. We are chatting about her latest book, This Side of Heaven.
Diane, it’s so nice to have you back!
Thank you, Deb. It’s sweet of you to invite me back!
For the sake of any new visitors, will you please tell us a little about yourself?
I live with my hubby of almost 44 years in the sunshine state; although we are Michiganders at heart…the warmth draws us! I’ve been writing since I was in grade school, first poetry and then short stories, and started this journey in the late 70’s as a newspaper reporter.
Diane, how does this book relate to your love for God?
Through prayer and His guidance I’ve been able to tell this story. We lived in rural GA for a few years when I started my newspaper career…and although a lot of things were hidden in my heart during this time, I’ve finally been able to incorporate some of those feelings in my new release. I depend upon the Lord to guide me during my writing. I seek His favor and try to include reality in life, but that often isn’t pretty. I share the plan of salvation in all of my books.
What were your goals and intentions for this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
Being raised in a large northern city and moving to a small rural area in the south can be a shock, and it was for me. I tried to share some differences. Through a loving relationship my main character, Darlene, learns first about the Lord, and then her husband’s love for the South. The world is different and I tried to show that, but also the reality of the differences we can see from state to state. And as always, I try to share how looking to the Lord during trying times is essential for us all.
Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I think the main person I kept in contact with was a Captain in the Atlanta police force. There were a lot of legal questions about Georgia, drugs and procedures in law enforcement; I wanted to be sure my facts were correct. The town is fiction and so are the characters, although the pecan industry is factual, I really enjoyed writing this story.
How did you get to be where you are in your walk with God today?
I won’t take credit for my walk being what I wish it was. I think we can all do better in that area of life, but since a young age I prayed to Jesus. I’ll admit I didn’t have a personal relationship with him until my husband led me to the Lord when we were first married. What a difference it makes!
What are some day jobs that you have held? If any of them impacted your writing, please share an example.
Being a newspaper reporter was a definite impact. But there’s a big difference in writing hard news, covering council meetings and town events. I loved doing local interviews with residents, and having my own column. Once you see your name and story in print, you’re hooked! My other jobs were secretarial, working at MSU in East Lansing, and then for the school system, doing part-time substitute work when the kids were in school.
Diane, what can we expect from you next?
I’m contracted with Winged Publication for a Christmas romance, a run-away bride and an orphan train novella. I’m keeping busy with research and having fun with these too! ☺
Please share all the links where information about you and your books can be found.
www.DianeDeanWhite.com
https://www.facebook.com/Dianes-Author-Page-547038885384768/ https://www.facebook.com/diane.d.white.75
http://www.amazon.com/Diane-Dean-White/e/B00EOZWM26
https://www.pinterest.com/dianedeanw/
Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I have a garage filled with collectibles and antiques from a boutique I had in South Carolina, before our move to FL a few years ago. I may have an auction. My poor hubby hasn’t had his car in the garage since we’ve moved! I used to twirl the baton and give lessons, but that’s in the past. I also worked at a Pregnancy Crisis Center as a counselor. I’d like to think that made a difference in lives I shared with. I think our three children are my greatest achievement, and having a loving hubby to help me raise them was a huge bonus! They are my greatest treasures.
Diane, thank you for visiting, once again, to tell readers about your new book! I wish you all the best for this and all future projects.
Thank you so much, Deb. I appreciate your outreach and sharing me with your readers!
If you would like to win a copy of This Side of Heaven, just use my Contact page and type “Drawing” in the comments box. The deadline to enter the giveaway is June 24th.
