Ask the Author: Diane Kelly
Answered Questions (12)
Diane Kelly
I did! I worked part-time in Fort Worth years ago, and lived in Arlington, Mansfield, and Burleson. I've moved to North Carolina now, but Texas will always hold a big place in my heart! It was fun to write stories set in my home city.
Diane Kelly
Hi, Paula,
As you probably know by now, the Tara Holloway series wrapped up with Death, Taxes, and a Shotgun Wedding. It was bittersweet to see those characters go off into the sunset. It was such a fun series to write. But I hope you're enjoying the other books as well. My Busted series has the closest tone to the Death & Taxes books.
Thanks for your interest in my books and sorry about my very delayed response!
As you probably know by now, the Tara Holloway series wrapped up with Death, Taxes, and a Shotgun Wedding. It was bittersweet to see those characters go off into the sunset. It was such a fun series to write. But I hope you're enjoying the other books as well. My Busted series has the closest tone to the Death & Taxes books.
Thanks for your interest in my books and sorry about my very delayed response!
Diane Kelly
Yikes! I somehow didn't see this list of questions for me and am soooo late in responding. I bet you've given up on me after all this time! So many places to be online that it's hard to keep up, but I want to connect with readers and I'm so thankful for your interest in the books. #6 is out on audio now. The .5 books are digital-only novellas that my publisher didn't release in audio due to their short length.
Diane Kelly
Hi, Sandra,
I've been so remiss in checking things out on Goodreads! Didn't even realize I had questions waiting for me. So sorry to be so late to respond! Although my traditional publisher decided they'd prefer I move on to writing a new cozy series for them (which I'm thrilled to do), I am considering writing at least one more Paw book on my own. I loved writing those characters! Thanks so much for your interest in my books and please forgive my horribly delayed response. I'd love to connect with you on my Author Diane Kelly page on FB if you're on FB. Thanks!
I've been so remiss in checking things out on Goodreads! Didn't even realize I had questions waiting for me. So sorry to be so late to respond! Although my traditional publisher decided they'd prefer I move on to writing a new cozy series for them (which I'm thrilled to do), I am considering writing at least one more Paw book on my own. I loved writing those characters! Thanks so much for your interest in my books and please forgive my horribly delayed response. I'd love to connect with you on my Author Diane Kelly page on FB if you're on FB. Thanks!
Diane Kelly
It's the first one, Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure. Ouch, huh? : )
Diane Kelly
It's my real name. Many authors like the anonymity a pseudonym gives them, and the freedom it provides. Others have day jobs that are not compatible with a writing career, particularly if they are writing books that could be controversial.
Diane Kelly
Hmm. I guess I can say my deadlines inspire me. Ha ha! I love to write so much that I don't wait for the "perfect" moment to sit down and do it. I'm fairly disciplined. I'm basically writing any time that I don't have to be doing something else. But as far as where I get inspiration for my stories, it always starts with a character. I'll see or hear about someone doing an unusual job or who has had an unusual experience, and I'll realize I want to explore what it would be like to do that job or have that experience. So I do those things vicariously through my characters.
Diane Kelly
Writing a book is not easy. Take every opportunity you can to learn about the craft of writing. Read books on every aspect of writing, from characters to plot to description. Join a professional writers organization in your genre, such as Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, etc. Attend conferences and workshops. Never stop learning.
Diane Kelly
I'm currently working on the first draft for Death, Taxes, and a Chocolate Cannoli, the 9th full-length book in my IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway series. In this book, Tara will be trying to take down a mob boss while working undercover as a waitress in a bistro run by the mobster's wife. Being 9 books (and two novellas) into the series, Tara has become so real to me. She's my BFFF - Best Fictional Friend Forever!
Diane Kelly
My most recent release was Paw and Order, the 2nd book in my K-9 cop series. I got the idea for a female K-9 team when I attended the Citizens Police Academy in my former hometown in Texas. I had signed up for the course because I was writing a manuscript about a cop and wanted to learn more about police work to add authenticity to my work. During one of the classes, a K-9 officer brought his dog in to do a demonstration and I was absolutely fascinated. I realized that giving my character a dog for a partner could make for a lot of fun. I'm a big dog lover (I've got 3 mutts), so writing about dogs feels very natural to me.
Diane Kelly
I don't really ever have total blocks, but I do have days where the words just don't seem to come as easily. It can be very frustrating. I've realized that the flow slows when I don't have a good vision of the scene I'm trying to write. In those cases, I get away from the keyboard and take a walk or lie in the bathtub and try to think the scene through. Once I've thought it out, then I'll return to the keyboard.
Diane Kelly
That the "work" never feels like work. I enjoy writing so much it's like getting to play all day! Some other great things are that I can work in my pajamas or yoga pants. No suits required like I had to wear in my earlier jobs. I also like that I can work anywhere I can take my laptop. A coffee house. The library. Even outside or at the dog park. I also love the fact that my work produces something that is unique and that no other person would do the same way. There are just so many great things about being a writer!
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