Do you write with a pen name? If so, what is it?
Yes, Diane Lynn McGyver
In which country were you born, and which one do you live now?
Born: Canada; Live: Canada
Which genres do you write in?
I write mostly fantasy, but I do have an historical fiction and a contemporary project in the works.
How many books have you had published? (feel free to name them all)
One full-length novel: Shadows in the Stone, and three short stories: Mutated Blood Lines, Dancing in the Shine, The Man Who Reads Obituaries
Which was your first published novel?
Shadows in the Stone
Which is your most current published novel?
Shadows in the Stone
What’s the working title of the next novel you plan to publish?
Scattered Stones. It’s the second book in The Castle Keepers series.
Do you read hard cover, paperback, ebooks or audio? Or a mixture?
In the order I prefer them: paperback, hard cover, ebook
If you could be a character from a book, who would you be?
Nym from Nym’s Island. She has wonderful adventures on her island.
What is the first 300 words in you latest novel (ending with a period)?
Alaura of Niamh bit her lip and twiddled with the small ring on her finger. She glanced around the one-room dwelling and tried to identify the source of a lingering odour which renewed itself when a person moved. Could it be the smell of decomposing food or drying afterbirth?
The dwelling appeared like many in the town of Maskil except this one had no glass windows. Instead, the occupants had boarded-up the openings. The lantern Alaura had lit upon arrival at Maura of Ealasaid’s home provided the only light. It illuminated the bruises on Maura’s calves and wrists. Alaura surveyed the half-naked hauflin; she looked slim for a woman at full term. Maura caught her staring, and she quickly averted her eyes.
Alaura didn’t want to be here, but Catriona Wheatcroft, her teacher, had insisted. She had made an excuse, but Catriona ignored it, saying, I need you. Maura needs you.
Although a stranger in Maskil, Alaura had been accepted as an apprentice by Catriona. Her teacher had told her she’d be capable of great deeds if properly trained in magic. Those deeds included helping others in their time of need. Though Alaura believed a more experienced apprentice made a better choice to assist in the childbirth, she felt compelled to fulfil Catriona’s request.
Maura cried out, making Alaura jump. She watched the pain rip through the small hauflin’s body. Drenched in sweat, Maura clenched her teeth and gripped the frayed blanket beneath her.
“Push, Maura!” Catriona glared at the pregnant woman. “One great push for your baby!”
Alaura watched Maura. She lay on a dilapidated bed, staring at the ceiling. She didn’t want to be here either. Her tattered dress, hiked up past her swollen belly, appeared unfit for washing a floor.
“I can see the head!” Catriona beamed at Alaura.
Who is your favourite character in this most recently novel?
Isla of Maura because she’s an explorer and very resourceful.
The questions from a to l are for your main character in your most recently published novel:
a) Name: Bronwyn Darrow
b) Male or Female: Male
c) Age: 20
d) Where were you born?
Maskil, that’s in Ath-o’Lea
e) What is your favourite colour?
Blue
f) Are you married? If so, what is your spouse’s name?
Not married
g) Do you have children? How many?
No, but I adopt one in the story.
h) Are your parents dead or alive?
Alive and well, thank you.
i) Who is your best friend?
I was going to say Farlan Burkenshaw, but it’s really Alaura of Niamh.
j) Who is your worst enemy?
The evil man who threatens the security of Maskil, Lindrum.
k) What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?
Cranberry Vanilla Swirl
l) What do you fear the most?
I always worry about the security of my family.
Now, back to you, Diane. A few quick questions:
Favourite colour: Orange-red
Favourite movie: Princess Bride
Favourite song: On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful by Kenny Chesney
Favourite musical artist: Johnny Reid
Favourite ice cream flavour: Hoofprints
Biggest dream you hope to accomplish before kicking the bucket: To build my own castle.
Toss me some links to post:
Others: N/A
If you’re an author with a published book and would like to be interviewed, visit this post to learn how to submit your information.
Talk about serendipity, I went to my yoga class yesterday and teh instructor played Johnny Reid throughout the entire session.
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That is so funny. Yoga to Johnny Reid. Why not? I’ve done it to Keith Urban. Actually, I do it all types of music; whatever is playing at the time.
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This is so cool that you interviewed yourself! I love it. I also really like Johnny Reid but only just discovered him about a year ago. Now tell me, what is hoofprints ice cream or did you make that up?
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I thought I’d start off with me simply because I didn’t have anyone else at the time, and I only jumped into action to do this less than a week ago. But it’s fun.
Johnny Reid stops me cold as soon as he starts singing “Dance with Me.” It strikes a cord deep in my soul. And I love to dance. His voice calls me in. I feel the same about “Making Memories of Us” by Keith Urban, “I’m Comin’ Home” by Bryan Adams and “Annie’s Song” by John Denver.
Hoofprints ice cream is made by Scotsburn Dairy (I’m not sure how far their reach is – I think they’re a Maritime Company). It is vanilla ice cream with swirls of chocolate and small chocolate cups of caramel. There are other things in it, too, but I can’t think of them at the moment. There’s another flavour that’s similar but it has peanut butter cups instead. I don’t like peanut butter, so I avoid it.
Thanks for visiting, Darlene.
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It sounds delicious. I must try to find it. Yes, some songs just speak to you don’t they. (as do some books) A friend just gave me a Johnny Reid CD, I’ll check if Dance With Me is on it. If he comes to town, I’ll try to take in a performance. Another song that brings me to tears is “The Farmers Song” by Murray McLaughlin. It reminds me so much of my Dad and always has.
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I well remember “The Farmers Song” and sometimes hear it on the “Early Morning Classics” Saturday mornings.
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Must have been fun interviewing yourself!
Love the story excerpt- especially the line about not being fit to wash the floor with.
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Hello Ross. Yup, it’s a great way to share information with visitors.
Thanks for visiting. If you’re still interested in participating, let me know.
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