Interview Diana Lee Johnson
by
Fran Keighley
Hello, I'm visiting with Diana Lee Johnson, who's consented to tell us a little about her latest book, CASTLE OF SORROWS. I hope my questions for Diana are the ones you'd ask if you had this opportunity.
1 - The title of your book really intrigues me. Can you tell us a little about the story?
The title is CASTLE OF SORROWS, and it's a contemporary romance with a flashback story to the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. (the second Jacobite rebellion). It's actually the first manuscript I wrote years ago with the intention of writing a book and not just a short story.
2 - Did anything in particular inspire the story?
I guess several things inspired the story, first of all, I'm an incurable romantic, no matter what my life's history may say to that. Also I have a deep affection for castles, English, Irish, and Scottish accents, which I imitate often... probably to my employees' chagrin, and I know what hard-won independence and job recognition can mean to a woman. Also, some years after drafting the manuscript and putting it aside, I got the chance to make a brief trip to England and found the castles and the people I met were all I had hoped. When I updated it, I found a couple of the characters were already so like those with whom I made friends, that it was easy to slip more of my trip into the story without even trying. I dedicated the book to the two couples with whom I made friends and have carried on a 13 year correspondence, and to my brother who took me with him on one of his many visits.
3 - Is this book a one-shot, or part of a series? Would you like it to be part of a series?
It's a "one-shot" as you put it, but after seeing I really did have entire books in me, and my children grown and out of the house, it gave me the courage to write historicals, one of which has become a series, with the second coming out in Jan. and the third about 2/3 finished. I can't say I see this as continuing.
4 - When you have an idea for a story, do you plan it in detail, or--ahem--Wing it?
I'm a "Wingie" in the truest sense of the word. I think that's why I've found a home with Wings. I don't plot or plan, I don't describe the characters until they appear in my mind in a scene. They become friends (or enemies) and I get to know them as I write just like the reader does as he/she reads.
5 - Do you have any definite schedule for your writing, or just whenever you can fit it in?
With a full-time, high-pressure job, I fit it in mostly, but sometimes I think it fits me in, because it takes over and I have to turn off the movie in my mind so I can go to work.
6 - What is your life like, aside from writing? Family? Job? Hobbies?
I have two grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. I've worked in municipal purchasing for over 35 years since I turned 19. I'm a Certified Public Purchasing Officer. Maintain my 49 year-old house in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D. C. I also sang for some 35 years, but can't fit that in anymore. I survived divorce, and try not to play the "what if" game. I try to see and learn everything about the history of my state as I think it's the greatest place to live... not necessarily so close to D.C., but I love my Virginia.
7 - Who is/are your favorite author(s)? Shall we leave Wingnuts out of it, so as not to play favorites? All-time favorites, maybe?
Hmmm, I don't have much time for reading, so I listen to a lot of audio books as I travel back and forth to work in heavy rush-hour traffic. I get unabridged versions whenever possible...I like John Grisham, Robin Cook, Mary Jo Putnum (is a new favorite), Catherine Coulter, Sandra Brown (I've met Mary Jo, Catherine, and Sandra and they're all very nice) Jude Devereaux, Nora Roberts, John Jakes, Jonathan Kellerman, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Jack Higgins, Patricia Cornwell... I'll stop there.
8 - What is your favorite writing-connected fantasy?
To be on the New York best-sellers list, at least once... isn't that everyone's? Seriously, to have the time and money to go the places I'd like to research and write about.
9 - Say that your book sells--to the movies or mass market--and you get Big Money. What would you do with the money? For yourself?
After I paid some bills, and made sure I set some money in trust for my grandchildren's education, I would treat myself to a couple of trips. First to Danvers, Massachusetts (and Salem) and walk where my ancestors walked, and research to do a novel about my eighth great-grandmother who was a victim of the Witch Trials, and see the house my eighth great-grandfather built which is still standing and a private home there. Then I'd take my long-time, most supportive friend (and her husband to chauffeur us) and head for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
10 - It's a movie sale, and they ask you for casting suggestions. Who are your first choices to play the hero, heroine?
Whoa, that's a hard one. The hero would have to do the English accent which slides into his natural burr, and I can't think of anyone today who could do that as well as Sean Connery, and though I'd certainly never turn him out (BIG SIGH), I don't think he'd be too believable as a blond hero of 35 at this moment. Maybe we could slip Mel Gibson in there? As for the heroine, do you think we could convince Julia Roberts? She could pull off the independent, gorgeous red-head part of Dierdre without even acting.
Hope my answers have entertained a little... after all, that's my joy in writing... entertaining others. Thanks for asking,
Yes, indeed. Diana. It's been a pleasure talking to you today.