Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just published my 101st novel. After more than thirty years of being traditionally published in genres from mystery to fantasy to romantic comedy to medical romance, I’m self-publishing my new Safe Harbor Medical mystery series. I’m a former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist in Los Angeles and have worked on two newspapers in Orange County, Calif. Honors include: two-time Rita Award finalist, Romantic Times career achievement award, and a Thomas Watson Foundation fellowship.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Case of the Questionable Quadruplet is a classic-style mystery (a la Agatha Christie) featuring a young obstetrician who gets involved in cases that affect his patients. I wanted a title that reflected my hero’s occupation and also was a little quirky. Although the book is a strongly plotted puzzle-type mystery, it includes flashes of humor through the hero’s observations and insights.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m old enough to have started writing on a manual typewriter, graduated to an electric typewriter, bought one of the original IBM PCs, which didn’t even have a hard drive, and finally graduated to Windows. My writing habit is to sit at the computer at 8 o’clock in the morning with a cup of coffee at hand, and bite anyone who interrupts me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the mystery field, I’m a fan of Agatha Christie, Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs and Mary Higgins Clark. Early in my career. Jane Austen inspired me to write Regency romances. The first book I sold was Lady in Disguise, a romantic comedy set in the English Regency period.
What are you working on now?
After publishing The Case of the Questionable Quadruplet, I’m now at work on the second book in the Safe Harbor Medical mystery series. There are three mysteries planned in the first cycle. Each stands alone but there are some continuing subplots to add depth.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s hard to quantify, as I use a variety of approaches. In addition to my website and Facebook fan page, I post a blog on Goodreads (where I’m offering a giveaway of two autographed print copies that ends May 1). I also tweet several times daily about my books and about writing and medical topics of interest. In addition, being a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and Novelists Inc. helps me network with other authors. And I frequently write guest blogs.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be prepared to write, get critiques and revise extensively so you can master basic fiction skills (point of view, back story, character arcs and story structure). Edit carefully or have someone else do so for grammatical and spelling errors, as readers are picky. Join writers’ groups and learn as much as you can about the business of publishing before deciding whether you want to go indie or traditional.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This above all: unto thine own self be true.
What are you reading now?
Jana Deleon’s Miss Behavior series. It’s hilarious!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue with the Safe Harbor Medical mysteries for at least three books, and hopefully more. I’m also regaining rights to romantic comedies previously published by Harlequin, such as Designer Genes and Daddy, M.D. I update, re-edit and create new covers for these before making them available as e-books.
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?
A textbook on the Greek language, so I could learn something useful. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which I never get tired of. Alison Weir’s The Wars of the Roses, because then maybe I’d finally be able to keep the players straight (but I doubt it). Robert Graves’ I Claudius, which is the most brilliant fictionalized retelling of history I’ve ever come across.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jacqueline Diamond Website
Jacqueline Diamond Amazon Profile
Jacqueline Diamond Author Profile on Smashwords
Jacqueline Diamond’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account