Interview Diana Lee Johnson
by
Marilyn Nichols Kapp
I'm very honored to introduce: DIANA LEE JOHNSON, author of WRONG SIDE OF LOVE, Wings ePress, June 2002.
MARILYN: How many books do you have published and with whom?
DIANA: Wrong Side of Love is my second of four, thus far, with Wings ePress. My first novel, Too Late for Tomorrow was published in 1999 by Picasso Publications. I am also a contributor to an anthology called Crumbs in the Keyboard, which will be released on June 1, 2002 by Echelon Press with all royalties going to fight domestic abuse.
MARILYN: Any new glimmers simmering in your magic cauldron of ideas?
DIANA: I have a Mystery-Suspense awaiting polishing, and a short contemporary, as well as several other ideas for historicals, contemporaries, and perhaps another time-travel based upon my own 8th great-grandmother of Salem Witch fame--funny you should mention a “magic cauldron”.
MARILYN: Have you always wanted to write?
DIANA: Always, ever since I learned how to write before starting first grade, and that’s when I wrote my first poem--first grade.
MARILYN: When did you decide to become a writer?
DIANA: Well, I’ve already touched on that above, but what kept me at it was not only that it’s a terrific way to keep your sanity in the working world when you have a high-pressure day-job, but when I first learned it was entertaining to others, I was hooked.
MARILYN: Do you stick to one genre, or do you like variety?
DIANA: I like as much variety in what I write as what I read, or the audio books I listen to going to and from work.
MARILYN: Which author has inspired your work the most? How?
DIANA: Edgar Allen Poe. He was the first author who could hold my attention and make me read instead of wanting to close the book and go back to writing.
MARILYN: What are your hobbies?
DIANA: Writing is a hobby, until I have a best-seller (smile). Until the last few years, I also sang; I like doing my own home repairs when I’m able, but I hate housework.
MARILYN: Do you have a day job?
DIANA: Yes, I’ve been in municipal governmental purchasing for 35 years. I am the Purchasing Agent for a Virginia municipality.
MARILYN: Do you enjoy it? What do you enjoy most about your job?
DIANA: After 35 years, I guess I’d miss it, but I’d like the chance to try to do without it. Strange thing though, I like having a roof over my head. What I enjoy most is the writing in my job, even the technical writing that others may find boring, is not to me. I also like the creativity of writing the specs for something we’ve never solicited before, or helping someone else word a report to get the most out of it.
MARILYN: Where did you grow up?
DIANA: I grew up right here where I live now, Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D. C.; as a matter of fact, for the last 32 years, I’ve lived just three blocks from the house where I grew up.
MARILYN: Do these places have any bearing on your writing?
DIANA: Oh, yes! A great deal. I’m in the middle of the richest historical state in the Union (forgive my boast), and the cradle of all that began this wonderful country, except for Native Americans, for whom I have a wonderful respect. I’ve written more about Virginia than everywhere else put together.
MARILYN: What do you think about e-books and e-publishing?
DIANA: I’m banking on it as a wonderful showcase for those of us who expand beyond the normal bounds of established genres, giving us a venue to express our art, and broaden the horizons of our readers.
MARILYN: How do you publicize your book(s)?
DIANA: Emails (private and writing lists), some local advertising, blurbs in my state and national purchasing publications, letters and postcards to friends, former classmates, colleagues, libraries, museums (when appropriate). I make cover magnets I give out, and put my covers on my business cards. I also made my 12-year-old grandson a T-shirt with the covers of my first three novels, including Wrong Side of Love. It reads “My grandmother is an author”. I gave it to him to wear to school for Literacy Week.
MARILYN: Is there any other exciting news in your life you'd like to share?
DIANA: I have plenty of excitement keeping up with my own writing, advertising, book signings, supporting friends in their writing, and loving my three grandchildren...not that a new little private romance wouldn’t be a welcome diversion. I’m sure I could still fit in writing!
MARILYN: Thank you, DIANA. I’m looking forward to WRONG SIDE OF LOVE.