Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three romantic suspense books and live in South Carolina on Lake Murray. I’m a foster and volunteer for service dogs in training. I get to take home and care for the most adorable, sweet puppies and dogs on earth. I love living on the lake and seeing the turtles sunning on the shores. My husband is a retired Navy Captain and one of my best critiquers. He’s my go-to for slang. We spend our spare time boating and biking. I have two grown children who live as far from us as is physically possible in one country. Maine and San Diego. I’m famous with their friends for the amazing stone-baked chocolate chip bars and healthy protein balls that I mail to them!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love on the Line. It was actually the first book I wrote, but the way things worked out for me, the second book was picked up by a publisher, so this one needed some reworking and I turned it into book 3. I always liked the villain in this book the best. I can’t say what inspired me to write him because that might be too scary for me to think about. I can’t help it, I like to write in evil villains. I do love the hero in this story, though. He has every right to be a rich, famous jerk, but he’s just the opposite. And my editor said she saw a lot of me in the heroine. That came as a surprise.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have my desk in the kitchen area so that it overlooks the lake. I can’t stand to be holed up in an office. I do get distracted by the turtles, herons, bufflehead diving ducks and osprey, but otherwise I’m 100% focused.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read all the Nancy Drew books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Little Women over and over and over.
What are you working on now?
I’m starting a new contemporary series, Love on the Lakes. It’s inspired by Lake Murray and will take place on a fictional island that is based on one that exists here.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I take out ads with various promoters like AwesomeGang and I’m on facebook and instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let the industry get to you. There’s so much of what you “should be doing” to be successful. It’s easy to get caught up in all of it. Keep balance in your life and write from the heart.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let go of expectations. Everything is exactly as it’s supposed to be.
What are you reading now?
One of Jessie Gussman’s books. She writes sweet romances and has a cowboy series that I love.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My contemporary series about the lakes.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Watchers by Dean Koontz. Little Women. Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch.
Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Holiday Website
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