Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
It takes a talented author to write a humorous fantasy/adventure book with moral values of kindness, understanding, and acceptance of others. Today, Diane Mae Robinson talks about her books and love for writing. Thank you, Diane , for doing this interview.
Can you tell me about yourself?
Hi, Nicole, and thanks for having me on Blogcritics. I write fantasy/adventure children’s chapter books. Before venturing into the genre of fantasy children’s books, I studied journalism and did some freelance article writing about my visits and volunteer work in 3rd world countries. I work at a dental office, teach private art lessons, I am a writing instructor at the Creative Writing Institute, and recently, I was a judge in an international short story competition. I live on an acreage in central Alberta, Canada where I like to spend time with my horses and dogs.
What inspired you to become a writer?
As a child I was a total book worm fascinated by the other worlds I could visit within the pages. I also liked to make up plays about princesses, dragons, and their adventures. Besides me my sister, the die-hard cowboy, was the only other actor in the plays. So the plays were of a princess (me) being rescued by a prince (sister in cowboy outfit) who would slay (shoot) the dragons and save the day. After perfecting and polishing the plays, we would invite the neighborhood kids to watch. The need to invent plays and stories has stayed with me since childhood.
How long did it take you to acquire the skills to become a writer?
I am still developing my skills as a writer. To me the skills of writing are a lifelong venture, something that will only get better with more writing, studying other writers, reading, and finding your own voice as a writer. After I found my voice/style years ago, the writing became somewhat easier, but still requires the work of perfecting the craft of writing.
How many books have you written?
I have two books published: Sir Princess Petra – The Pen Pieyu Adventures, and Sir Princess Petra’s Pieyu Adventures Talent – The Pen. This series has won 5 book awards since the first book was published in 2012.
Some writers go on long walks; others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?
I do art, listen to music, or go for long walks in the forest on my acreage. The forest seems to give me the best inspiration.
What are you working on now?
The 3rd book in this series, Sir Princess Petra’s Mission, will start the publishing process in Nov., 2014. I am also writing a grammar book for elementary kids with the same medieval humorous tone of my book series that has the characters from the books in the lessons. I haven’t started looking for a publisher for the grammar book yet — soon though.
Where can readers find more information about Diane’s books?
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Hi Nicole. Sorry, I forgot to stop by and say thank you for having me. And I’d like to let everyone know that Nicole’s trilingual books are awesome!. Thanks again Nicole.