Dianne Dixon interview with David Alan Binder Bio from her website: Dianne Dixon has been nominated twice for an Emmy and is a recipient of the prestigious Humanitas prize for outstanding accomplishment in writing for television. She was Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at Pitzer College in Claremont, taught screenwriting at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media and co-hosted the afternoon drive talk show Peter & Dianne on KABC Radio. Now, Dianne is receiving enthusiastic response to her work as a novelist: “Captivating, fascinating,” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) “Absorbing and provocative,” (Huffington Post) “Convincing prose, particularly the dialogue,” (Kirkus) “An exciting new writer, capable of creating a well-paced, emotional page-turner of the best kind,” (Katie Crouch, New York Times bestselling author of Girls in Trucks and The Magnolia League). Dianne’s third novel The Other Sister, released in November of 2016, got excellent advance reviews from Booklist and on Goodreads. Her second novel The Book of Someday was chosen as a 2013 Buzz Book by the largest publishing trade fair in the US. And her debut novel The Language of Secrets was named a Top Ten New Fiction title by Amazon www.facebook.com/DianneDixonBooks www.twitter.com/@dixonwriterdd www.amazon.com/s?field-keywords=Dianne+Dixon www.goodreads.com/author/show/1233954.Dianne_Dixon
1. Where are you currently living? Currently I’m traveling, reconnecting with friends and looking for a new place to call home. I’m not sure where I’ll end up but I do know that it will be somewhere near a beach.
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? Hmmm…that’s an intriguing question. I think maybe the most important thing I’ve learned is that writing is what I was born to do. It comes to me as naturally as breathing.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk? I don’t know if it’s a quirk, or even if it’s all that interesting, but before I begin writing the manuscript I always know exactly where the story is going. I even know what the last line of the book will be.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher? I think, that when you self-publish, writing talent is just the tip of the iceberg. With self-publishing you also need to be super-effective at editing your own work (or at finding and paying for a great editor) and then you need to be amazing at marketing your book. For some writers, and I’m one of them, the only thing they’re really good at is writing. So, for me, having a publisher is a necessity. 5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing? I don’t think I have any particularly good insights on this issue. : )
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? Never, ever give up. If you’ve written a good book, believe in it and fight for it endlessly. 7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one? Find successful debut books that are drawing readers who would enjoy your book then check the acknowledgements for the names of the agents who represented the authors. Google the agents, learn about them, start submitting query letters.
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)? One of the best things a new writer can do is to read good writing and read good books about writing. While you’re practicing the art of writing it’s important to learn all you can learn about the craft of it. 9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating? I was surprised to find out authors don’t get to choose the cover art for their books…it’s a choice that belongs to the publisher. 10. How many books have you written? Three. 11. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)? Be willing to listen to intelligent criticism.
12. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story? That’s something organic to each story, each writer. But no matter how they’re provided, the twists need to be smart and believable. 13. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd? A skillful writer writing from the heart, telling a well-crafted story will probably create a book that readers will connect with. But sometimes it’s just luck or fate that propels a book into the spotlight.
14. What are some ways in which you promote your work? One of my favorite things is to connect with book clubs. The personal interaction with readers is absolutely wonderful. 15. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why? I don’t think there’s anything I’d do differently. I love writing and my experience with editors and publishers has been productive and happy.
16. What saying or mantra do you live by? “All is well. And all that will be is well.” I have an abiding faith that underneath all the craziness and pain there’s a heartbeat to life that’s eternal and ultimately good.
17. Anything else you would like to say? Not really. I think your questions covered all the writing bases.
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