Friday, January 22, 2010

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

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good morning Diana. Thanks for joining us here today. When you're ready for a refill on the hot chocolate, just let me know. I love the Scotland aspect of your book. Have you been there for research? Also, how difficult was it to find information about that time period? I also find it very interesting how big of a role the church has played throughout history and still continues to do so today. Have a great time.

Diana Cosby said...

Hi Kim,
Thank you very much for having me, and thank you for the wonderful interview! Please, top off my hot coco! Chocolate is good anytime. :) Also, did you know that on Dove chocolate's website, there's a recipe section?
http://www.dovechocolate.com/recipes_all_p1.html

I haven't been to Scotland - yet. Definitely in my not-too-distant future.
For me the research is amazing. I easily become caught up in finding the details of the era I write. Here is my bibliography. (I have a couple more books now.):
http://www.dianacosby.com/bioliography.html
*I also belong to on-line re-enactors groups, Scottish research groups, and have taken an on-line classes from a college in Scotland.
I was amazing when I began research how indeed, the church played a huge role in winning Scotland's freedom, with a key player being the Bishop of Wishart, who is a mentioned several times in book #4 of the MacGruder brothers series, His Destiny, which I'm revising.
Thank you again for having me here today. I hope your 2010 is filled with blessings!
Sincerely,

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Vinny O'Neil said...

Great interview, Diana! I love the way you've taken your Navy career (the people and cultures you've encountered)and used it to create your books. Like you, I loved Braveheart and was fascinated by the politics (much of it underhanded) that Wallace had to deal with. The series sounds great!

Diana Cosby said...

Vinny O'Neil said...
Great interview, Diana!

~Thank you very much, Vinny, but the credit for the wonderful questions goes to Kim. :)

I love the way you've taken your Navy career (the people and cultures you've encountered)and used it to create your books.

~I've been blessed to have experienced so many cultures. My years of living in Europe drew me to focus on the medieval time frame.

Like you, I loved Braveheart and was fascinated by the politics (much of it underhanded) that Wallace had to deal with.

~Scotland's bid for independence is an intriguing and complex era. Each book in my series, as I continue to research, exposes more of my findings. I think the most significant is that Wallace was given credibility by The Bishop of Wishart's support. As well, the true military leader was Sir Andrew de Moray, who with his troops fought with Wallace at Stirling Bridge. Sir Andrew de Moray's military expertise led to their victory. I'm far from dismissing Wallace as he was a man many could relate to, and unlike Sir Robert Bruce, who played politician and swapped sides often, Wallace was true to Scotland throughout.

The series sounds great!

~Thank you very much, I'm again blessed as it's doing well. I have dreams of this being made into a movie. :) Hey, you have to dream, right? Reviews for book #3, His Conquest, which comes out in November are AMAZING!

Thank you very much for stopping by, and I hope you have a fabulous 2010!

Sincerely,
Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Hey Diana,
Enjoyed your interview. I'm looking forward to your next book. I'm amazed at all the intrigue and battles that took place back then. Love your books and I have them all as you know, so leave me off the contest list. :-)

Jeanmarie

Maggie Toussaint said...

by God's teeth, what a wonderful interview! You know I've never thought much about God's teeth. I would assume they are perfect and he doesn't need a dentist. Heck, imagine if you were God's dentist - you'd sure hate to make a mistake!

Enjoyed it, Diana!

Diana Cosby said...

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...
Hey Diana,
Enjoyed your interview.

~Thank you very much, Kim asked fun questions. I appreciate you stopping by.

I'm looking forward to your next book.

~Thank you, I hope you enjoy Seathan's story, His Conquest, as well!

I'm amazed at all the intrigue and battles that took place back then.

~Book #4 in the MacGruder brothers series, His Destiny, is set in mid July 1297 and holy cow, what a month of mayhem. I'd take numerous pages if I listed all of the historical events that occurred in Scotland during that month alone!

Love your books and I have them all as you know, so leave me off the contest list. :-)

~Thank you very much, I'm thrilled you enjoy the MacGruder brothers. Each is very special to me. Congratulations on your own novels, I'm thrilled with your each release! ^5

May your 2010 be filled with blessings!

Sincerely,
Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

Maggie Toussaint said...
by God's teeth, what a wonderful interview!

~*Chuckle* Thanks, I sincerely appreciate your stopping by.

You know I've never thought much about God's teeth. I would assume they are perfect and he doesn't need a dentist. Heck, imagine if you were God's dentist - you'd sure hate to make a mistake!

*G* He'd definitely be a patient that you'd want to check your "p's" and "q's" with.

Enjoyed it, Diana!

~Thank you so much, and I wish you continued success on your novels! ^5
Sincerely,

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Kathy said...

He Diana, I've read HIS CAPTIVE and I loved it. I'm looking forward to buying a copy of HIS WOMAN. You write great books and wanted to wave and say hi from the RomVets loop as well as from Texas. I know you are a fellow Texan. I do agree amazing how interesting hisotry can be. People who say it's dry and boring dont' know much about it. :-)

jessi said...

Diana, His Captive is still on my TBR list, so I have to read that one first. There's something about the medieval times that I love--I think it might be the men?
I think it's wonderful that you donate a portion of your proceeds to charity. I also think His Captive will have to move up on my list. Great interview!

Diana Cosby said...

Kathy said...
He Diana, I've read HIS CAPTIVE and I loved it.

~Hi, Kathy, thank you very much for stopping by. I'm thrilled you're enjoying Alexander and Nichola's story. It was a blast to write. :)

I'm looking forward to buying a copy of HIS WOMAN.

~I hope you enjoy Duncan and Isabel's story as well. I'm thrilled to share His Woman finaled in three national contests. Mega humbling.

You write great books and wanted to wave and say hi from the RomVets loop as well as from Texas. I know you are a fellow Texan.

~^5 Always fabulous to connect with a fellow RomVet! And as Texas, we rock!!! For those interested, RomVet stands for romantic veterans, and we're both author and active/prior military who are proud to serve/have served.
www.romvets.com

I do agree amazing how interesting history can be. People who say it's dry and boring don't' know much about it. :-)

~Exactly. History is fascinating. Take care and I wish you success as well in your writing, and may your 2010 be filled with blessings! *Hugs*

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

jessi said...
Diana, His Captive is still on my TBR list, so I have to read that one first.

~Hi Jessi, thank you very much for stopping by. Thank you for picking up His Captive, I hope you enjoy Alexander and Nichola's story!

There's something about the medieval times that I love--I think it might be the men?

~:) There is definitely that. For me, it's the honor, how ones word was exactly that.

I think it's wonderful that you donate a portion of your proceeds to charity.

~I feel blessed to make a larger positive difference in others lives.

I also think His Captive will have to move up on my list.

~:) Thank you. I'd love to know what you think.

Great interview!

~Thanks, but Kim deserves the credit for the fun questions. Take care, have a great day and may your 2010 be filled with blessings!

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Mary J. Forbes said...

Hey Diana,
Love the interview! I know you do a fabulous amount of research and am always amazed at how you intertwine it with your plots. Can't wait for Seathon's story...and Patrik's! Hugs.

Diana Cosby said...

Mary J. Forbes said...
Hey Diana,

~Hi Mary, thank you SO much for stopping by. You're an amazing writer who always inspires me!


Love the interview!

~Thank you, Kim asked wonderful questions, the praise goes to her. :)

I know you do a fabulous amount of research and am always amazed at how you intertwine it with your plots.

~Thank you, my guilty pleasure is the challenge of weaving in facts amidst my story.

Can't wait for Seathan's story...and Patrik's! Hugs.

~Thank YOU for making them come alive! Your insight saved me numerous times. And may your success continue and grow! *Hugs*

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Great to meet you, Diana! I love your mix of subgenres...sounds fabulous! It's such a pleasure having you share with us today. Wishing you all the best!

Diana Cosby said...

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...
Great to meet you, Diana!

~Hi Kathryn, very nice to meet you as well. :) What do you write?

I love your mix of subgenres...sounds fabulous!

~Thank you, I have a blast writing in the William Wallace/Robert The Bruce era.

It's such a pleasure having you share with us today.

~I sincerely appreciate being invited to, "Much Cheaper Than Therapy."

Wishing you all the best!

~My sincere thanks, and I hope your 2010 is filled with blessings.

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Anonymous said...

Hey Diana! Loved the interview and hope to see more. Now that I've read both books twice, I can't wait to read the next one in November! Thank you for sharing your stories with us. "Hugs"

Marie

The Scarf Princess said...

You've led a very exciting life and I bet that has really helped when it comes to research and new story ideas. Your life in general sounds like it would make a great story.

Love the cover of your book--my favorite kind of hot looking hero. And very happy to hear there are more books in the series.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Diana Cosby said...

Anonymous said...
Hey Diana! Loved the interview and hope to see more.

~Hi Marie, I appreciate your stopping by. Thank you, Kim asked wonderful questions.

Now that I've read both books twice, I can't wait to read the next one in November!

~:) Twice wow! I'm so glad you liked Alexander and Duncan's stories, and I hope you enjoy Seathan's story, His Conquest, as well. The reviews so far have been amazing!

Thank you for sharing your stories with us. "Hugs"

~I'm humbled to be able to craft stories that are enjoyed. I love writing, so it's amazing to be able to follow my dream.

Take care and I hope your 2010 is filled with blessings!
Sincerely,

Diana
His Conquest - November 2010
His Destiny - November 2011


Marie

Diana Cosby said...

joder said...
You've led a very exciting life and I bet that has really helped when it comes to research and new story ideas.

~Hi Joder, thank you very much for stopping by. Yes, my military career as well as being a military brat allowed me to see quite a bit of the world as well as work in unique jobs. All great for my characters. :)

Your life in general sounds like it would make a great story.

~*Chuckle* Not sure about that, but definitely not boring.

Love the cover of your book--my favorite kind of hot looking hero.

~Thank you, I am blessed to have such amazing covers.

And very happy to hear there are more books in the series.

~Thank you, I was thrilled when my editor bought books #3 & #4. Keep your fingers crossed that she goes for book #5. It'll be Griffin's story, which will rock! Well, that's what I think. I'd love to take Mr. I'm in control and throw him into complete chaos. LOL Yeah, I tend to do that to my characters. *G*
I hope you have a fabulous weekend, and may your 2010 be filled with blessings!

Diana Cosby
Romance Edged With Danger
His Conquest - November 2010
His Destiny - November 2011

Estella said...

Wow! thirty two moves. How did you cope?

Diana Cosby said...

Estella said...
Wow! thirty two moves. How did you cope?

~Hi Estella, thank you for stopping by. My dad retired from the military, so I was a Navy brat, which meant that I was used to moving throughout my younger life. So, when I joined the Navy, the transient lifestyle was 'normal.' Until I lived in Virginia in the mid 90's, I hadn't stayed longer than 3 1/2 years in my life without moving. Now, I'm in Texas and getting used to growing roots. It's neat.

Take care and enjoy your weekend. may your 2010 be filled with blessings!

Diana Cosby
Romance Edged With Danger
His Conquest - November 2010
His Destiny - November 2011

Diana Cosby said...

Kim,
Thank you so much again for having me on Much Cheaper Thank Therapy, and the fun interview. :) Also, a huge thanks to everyone who took time to stop by. The MacGruders are special to me, and it's humbling that others enjoy their stories as well.
My goal is to become a NYT Best-Selling Author. Will I make it? With the MacGruder brothers at my side, how can I not, each Scot is amazing in their own right.
I will continue to answer any future comments. Take care and God bless.

Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger

Dawna Rand said...

Hi Diana!

Having chosen a country - Scotland - so rich in political turmoil, natural beauty, and tantalizing folklore - you have enough material for dozens of books to come!

Congratulations on His Woman - and your future releases!

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana ! Great interview and congrats on your release. I'm a fan of medieval romances. Scotland is one of my favorite setting (Outlander has been for years my favorite romance ever). There are not enough of them around imo. I'll definitely have to check those books. Congrats again :D

Diana Cosby said...

Dawna Rand said...
Hi Diana!

~Hey Dawna, thanks for dropping by. How's the world traveler. :)

Having chosen a country - Scotland - so rich in political turmoil, natural beauty, and tantalizing folklore - you have enough material for dozens of books to come!

~So true, it's amazing!

Congratulations on His Woman - and your future releases!

~My sincere thanks, and I'm sending you huge batches of fairy dust as I know your own career ready to take off! ^5 Keep writing, I believe in you! *Hugs*

Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger

Diana Cosby said...

Emmanuelle said...
Hi Diana !

~Hi Emmanuelle, thank you very much for stopping by.

Great interview

~Thank you, Kim's great questions made it fun.

and congrats on your release.

~Thank you very much.

I'm a fan of medieval romances. Scotland is one of my favorite setting (Outlander has been for years my favorite romance ever).

~As I. There is something inherently intriguing about medieval romances. The great passions swept within the turmoil and men of honor goes a long way in explaining it. :)

There are not enough of them around imo.

~I agree.

I'll definitely have to check those books.

~Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy meeting the MacGruder brothers.

Congrats again :D

~My sincere thanks, and may your 2010 be filled with blessings!

Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger
www.dianacosby.com

Diana Cosby said...

*Note: I'm on Facebook and would love to connect with you there.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Cosby-Romance-Author/150109024636?ref=ts

Thank you very much for your time and have a fabulous weekend!

Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger
www.dianacosby.com

Lisa Pietsch said...

Great interview! Thanks for leaving the Facebook link. I've been a fan since I met you through RomVets.

Diana Cosby said...

Lisa Pietsch said...
Great interview!

~Hi Lisa, thanks for stopping by. Always great to see a fellow RomVet! On the interview, kudos goes to Kim for the great questions.

Thanks for leaving the Facebook link. I've been a fan since I met you through RomVets.

~^5 RomVets rock!
*For those of you unfamiliar with RomVets, we're a group of women writers who are serving and/or who have served in the military. An amazing group of inspiring women!
www.romvets.com

Facebook is an amazing way to connect with people from your past as new faces. Holy cow, this past week, I met up with someone I graduated from high school with. Wow. Blast from the past meet, someone I went to Adak High School with in Alaska.

Enjoy your day!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger
www.dianacosby.com

Caroline Clemmons said...

Diana, sorry I'm late, but I loved your interview. You are such a compassionate, generous person and I'm glad that comes through in your interview and bio. Continued success in your writing and happiness in your life!

Diana Cosby said...

Caroline Clemmons said...
Diana, sorry I'm late, but I loved your interview.

~Hi Caroline, thank you for stopping by! The interview was fun, all kudos go to Kim. :)

You are such a compassionate, generous person and I'm glad that comes through in your interview and bio.

~*Blush* I'm blessed with amazing friends as opportunities to help others. For that I'm thankful.

Continued success in your writing and happiness in your life!

~I wish the same to you my friend. Take care and may your 2010 be filled with blessings! *Hugs*

God bless,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger
www.dianacosby.com

Denise Golinowski said...

Sorry I'm late to the party, but wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your interview. I thought the comment about the pervasive influence of the church on those times very insightful. In our modern times (especially with the contemporary separation of church and state), we tend to forget just how strong the Church was in all aspects of life. As always, enjoyed the interview and you!

Denise Golinowski

Diana Cosby said...

Denise said...
Sorry I'm late to the party,

~Hey, I sincerely appreciate you stopping by.

but wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your interview.

~Thank you, Kim asked thoughtful questions.

I thought the comment about the pervasive influence of the church on those times very insightful. In our modern times (especially with the contemporary separation of church and state), we tend to forget just how strong the Church was in all aspects of life.

~So true, historically, the Church had immense power. Look at what they did to the Knights Templar.

As always, enjoyed the interview and you!

~Thank you, and again, I appreciate your stopping by. I hope you enjoy your weekend and may your 2010 be filled with blessings!

Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Romance Edged With Danger
www.dianacosby.com

Crys said...

November is soooo long to wait, Diana! I love your books and will always have a space reserved for another.

Diana Cosby said...

Crys said...
November is soooo long to wait, Diana!

:) Crys, it seems like a long time, but it's almost here, really!

I love your books and will always have a space reserved for another.

~*Hugs* Thanks for your kind words, and I can't wait to hear what you think about Seathan's story. It was amazing to write. Hopefully my love for his story comes through.
Take care and enjoy your weekend. I hope your 2010 rocks! ^5 *Hugs*

Diana
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist