Interview With Author Diane Scott Lewis
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up near San Francisco, in the crazy 60s (oops, that dates me). I’ve always enjoyed writing stories since I learned to write. I’d illustrate them, too. Drawing and writing, plus horses, were my passions. I joined the navy at nineteen and was stationed in Greece, where I met my husband. I’d intended to see the world, but saw a sailor instead. We married, moved to Puerto Rico with our first son, had a second boy, and traveled through Asia.
Now I live in Pennsylvania near my granddaughters. I’ve written twelve historical novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release, out last week, is Outcast Artist in Bretagne. I’d watched a TV series about the WWII occupation of the Channel Islands. The character of the Baron, the German Commandant, was fascinating. A fair man, trying to keep order. I fashioned my Major after this character and set the story in Brittany, France. In 1941, a stranded Englishwoman, Norah, discovers the Major loathes Hitler’s policies. They’re attracted to one another, but obstacles and danger, even a possible death sentence, ensues. How will they help the resistance and find a happy ending?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to haul a paper copy of my novel around and make edits at every place I was, doctors’ offices, etc. Ideas constantly pop into my head. Especially in the shower. I need to invent something waterproof to scribble on in the shower rainfall.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the writing of Geraldine Brooks, Emma Donoghue, Catherine Delors, so many more. Their lyrical prose is what I aspire to.
I have tons of research books in my office. Too many, my husband would insist.
‘Dr. Johnson’s London’, by Liza Picard, helped with my eighteenth century novels.
What are you working on now?
A Young Adult novel with my granddaughter. She’s thirteen, a turbulent time for a young girl. My main character is very much like her. A girl who becomes involved in a centuries old secret, a haunted house, and ghosts who only speak to her. Loads of fun to write.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used Twitter and Instagram, guested on blogs, and even started my own blog.
https://dianescottlewisauthor.blogspot.com/
It’s hard to know which works best.
My friend, a best-selling author, says keep flooding social media. I think I have annoyed everyone on the internet with my book promo.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, join workshops, attend writers conferences, network with other authors. Always hone your skills, my critique group is invaluable, and never give up. It’s so much easier now with the internet than when I started out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you love, but if it’s historical, do your research.
What are you reading now?
‘This Present Darkness’ by Frank Peretti. My book club’s pick. Good writing, but a little unsettling, so far.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my Young Adult, continuing to promote my WWII story, and I have started a Victorian time-travel.
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?
Books on how to build a boat, extract water from tropical plants, make fire…but seriously, for enjoyment.
‘The Power of Positive Thinking”, by Peale. I’d need that one.
“Castaway” I can’t remember the author, but it’s beautifully written from a woman’s perspective on a desert island.
“Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” by Olivia Telford. (because it promises to make you happy, and stranded people need to be happy)
“A Postcard from Paris,” by Alex Brown (because it says it’s perfect romantic escapism and that sounds promising)
Then I’d get to the boat building.
Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Scott Lewis Amazon Profile
Diane Scott Lewis Author Profile on Smashwords
Diane Scott Lewis’s Social Media Links