Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have four middle grade novels–two traditionally published and two indies. A Smidgen of Sky, and it’s sequel, A Sliver of Sun, A Million Ways Home, and the latest Just Left of Lucky. I’ve been writing since I was nine years old, and since that was about the age I fell in love with books and reading, I love writing for middle grade readers. When I’m not writing, I enjoy gardening, taking walks, fishing, spending time with my husband and daughter, and playing with my dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Just Left of Lucky is my latest book. It was an article in my hometown newspaper about the ever increasing needs of our local food bank that really got me thinking about the topic of poverty and homelessness. It’s a topic most of us don’t like to think about, and yet the problem is so very real, in towns and cities large and small, in every region of the country. I started to think how difficult it would be for a child in this situation, how awkward or embarrassing it would be to have your friends find out you were homeless, and how far you might go to keep your situation a secret. I wanted to try and portray this experience in a realistic way, while still offering some hope and light. This is what I’ve tried to accomplish with Just Left of Lucky. The stories I heard, and the things I learned while researching this book, have forever changed my view of homelessness. I hope it might do the same for others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual, but I’m a really routine person so I have to have my cup of coffee and take my morning walk first. I do much better writing in the morning than later in the day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My three all time favorite kids books are Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White, Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls, and The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. Contemporary, realistic have always been my favorite stories to read, which is why they are my favorite stories to write, but I really enjoy light fantasy too. A few examples would be The Indian in the Cupboard, The False Prince, and the Tom Trueheart series. As far as adult stories, I love books by Susan Wilson, Diane Chambers and Bruce Cameron.
What are you working on now?
Something completely different for me! A mix of time travel, historical and speculative fiction for middle grade.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I spent part of the advance money from my first book on a professionally designed website by Xuni.com and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s http://diannawinget.com. I also have a blog, but don’t keep up with it nearly enough. Recently I’ve discovered a wonderful community of book lovers/reviewers on Instagram made up mostly of librarians and teachers. It’s kidlitexchange, and it’s great! I’ve tried countless other things over the years, but it’s always so tough to know what works and what doesn’t. I used to love doing Goodreads giveaways, but since they recently raised the price from free to $119.00, it ruined such a helpful thing!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go into it with your eyes wide open. Writing is one thing, publishing another. It’s a tough industry, for sure. Be willing to expend the time it takes to really learn the craft (years). Expect rejection (lots and lots of it). Be willing to seek out honest critiques and be willing to revise as many times as it takes. Be persistent. Many talented writers give up out of frustration and impatience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As far as life in general–live your life by Bible principles and take time to cultivate spirituality.
For writing–if you want to be traditionally published, don’t sign with an agent until you find one that loves your work as much as you do.
What are you reading now?
I’m in between books at the moment, but I just finished Good as Gone, by Amy Gentry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I recently had the great privilege of traveling to receive both the Kansas William Allen White award and the Missouri Mark Twain award for my novel, A Million Ways Home. At both events I met many wonderful students and librarians and other great contacts and am still in the process of organizing all those. Then it’s back to work on my next book.
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?
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