Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoyed killing off the evil animal shelter director on page one of her first novel, which captures some of my experiences as an animal rescuer, advocate for no-kill shelters, and blogger. My hope is that people will not only enjoy my murder mystery but also spread the word about saving more homeless dogs and cats. Royalties from book sales will be donated to Home for Life sanctuary for dogs and cats in Minnesota. This is my first novel.
I grew up in Washington D.C. where politics, legislation, and public policy are an obsession. With a Masters degree from University of Virginia School of Architecture, I worked as a city planner working with citizens as they tried to preserve neighborhoods from high-rise developers that were gobbling up land around Metro stations. Later I consulted with the federal government on policy and environmental impacts of radioactive waste disposal, cleanup of the nation’s nuclear bomb-making sites, dismantlement of nuclear weapons, and storage of highly enriched uranium and plutonium from dismantled weapons.
After retiring, we lived for five years in the Delaware beach area where we had vacationed with family for over 20 years. When a tree crushed our house during a storm, we moved to the Philadelphia suburbs where her grandkids are closer and where the trees seem friendly.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
No Kill Station: Murder at Rehoboth Beach
The book is inspired by my experiences with animal rescue and advocacy. From 2010 through 2014, I wrote a blog called No Kill Delaware that criticized the state for not enforcing its innovative animal shelter law, which was passed in 2010 and mandated measures for saving homeless animals. My blog and Facebook page provided a forum for animal advocates and rescuers to tell their experiences with the SPCA that was fighting against compliance with the state’s shelter law.
I threw myself into animal rescue while writing the blog. By the time I burned out, I had five dogs, including two Pit Bulls and two Beagles that had been on death row for being “unadoptable.” I also did Trap Neuter Return for the community cat colony living in the woods behind my house.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sit down with the dogs and write in the morning when they’re tired from their walk.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath has had the biggest influence on me. I always hoped to write a novel with a message. Of course, I’m no Steinbeck and my book is much shorter.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sci fi book for young adults with aliens and time travel. Lots of fun.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Find a niche. My niche is animal lovers and I’m active on Facebook and Twitter with as many groups as possible.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once read that we should read novels like the Bible and the Bible like a novel. I have learned more about life by reading novels than hearing about the Bible (when I attended church).
What are you reading now?
I’m enjoying a novel that’s historical fiction about England under King Charles when the Puritans were staring to rebel. I really love almost every fiction genre.
Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Meier Website
Diane Meier Amazon Profile
Diane Meier’s Social Media Links
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Twitter Account