Interview with Diana Cosby

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Diana Cosby. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called His Woman. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

His Woman is a Scottish medieval romantic suspense set in the Braveheart era. It's the 2nd book in the MacGruder brothers series.

His Woman is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

My editor, Kate Duffy chose the first two titles in the MacGruder brothers series: His Captive, then His Woman.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I was writing in the Viking time frame, then I watched the movie Braveheart. I was fascinated by the political turmoil, and began writing in this era. As for romantic suspense, I love reading it, so it was a natural choice to write it.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I love death bed promise stories, as the characters do something that they swear they normally would never do, which puts the character into immediate tension as well as angst over the personal loss.

What are your favorite historical research books and why?

The Bishop Wishart, one of the original guardians of Scotland is an intriguing figure. Often, credit goes to William Wallace or Robert Bruce, but in truth, the church played a huge role behind the scenes in orchestrating events.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I loved writing the hero of His Woman, Duncan MacGruder as he comes across as a happy-go-lucky guy/womanizer, but is in truth a man haunted by his past.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing?

I have character sheets where I know the basic descriptions, but as for their speech and so on, that I discover as I write.

How does your research affect your character development?

I haven't found it to affect my characters. To me, the more complex the situation, the more intense and interesting the story.

What are some common speech terms, dress modes, transportation or housing facts that you found interesting for your time period?

I was intrigued to find that their swearing is often based on weaponry or God. Examples: By my sword, God's eyes, God's teeth and so on.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Virginia Kantra, Annie Solomon, Marin Thomas, Mary Forbes and numerous other authors. I'm thankful there are so many amazing writers.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

My top three are blogs, speaking engagements, and a magazine interview.

What do we have to look forward next?

The third book in the MacGruder brothers series, His Conquest, will be released in November of 2010. In November of 2011, His Destiny will hit the shelves!

Thanks, Diana!

To celebrate her book release, Diana is offering a free book of His Captive to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.
After retiring from the Navy, AGC(AW), with 32 moves behind me and having traveled through many more countries, I was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people I’ve met over the years. My years of living in Europe drew me to write in the medieval time frame. After watching the movie Braveheart and with my passion for writing complex plots, I knew I had to write in this volatile medieval timeframe, hence the MacGruder brothers, Seathan, Alexander, Patrik and Duncan, were born.
I have many passions in life, but one that resonates with me is that of giving. I firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life. With each book I sell, I will tithe ten percent of my royalties to a charity of my choice. The first charity I've chosen is The National Trust for Scotland, which acts as guardian of Scotland’s magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures. Without the National Trust for Scotland, many of Scotland’s historical wonders would be lost.

Check out author’s website at http://www.dianacosby.com/ Buy His Woman at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.com in Canada
Barnes & Noble
Kindle Edition.
Order His Captive at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.com in Canada
Barnes & Noble
Kindle Edition