Ask the Author: Diane Chamberlain
Answered Questions (24)
Diane Chamberlain
Interesting question! I'm taking a break from blurbing books at the moment--but when I'm reading a book I love enough to blurb, I think about what strikes me the most about the book and focus on that. Is it the story or the writing, or the emotion I feel as I'm reading it? Then I think of the best way to express my thoughts. As with all writing, it takes time to create a blurb, even if it's only a sentence.
Diane Chamberlain
The Midwife's Confession came from a dream I had about a group of friends who learn something terrible about another friend and must decide whether to tell her--the story mushroomed from there. CeeCee's story was inspired by the case of a female criminal (Sara Jane Olson) who was tracked down after living underground for more than twenty years. In both cases, as always, the little seed of inspiration grows into something much bigger as I play with the story.
Diane Chamberlain
Hi Joan. I'm not sure if you're talking about the kidnapping in CeeCee Wilkes or the baby napping in Midwife! Either way, they both came out of my imagination.
Diane Chamberlain
Hi Nayab,
I've always made up stories from the time I was very small, but didn't seriously start writing until I was thirty-one and working as a hospital social worker. I was bitten by the writing bug then and never looked back. My parents encouraged any form of creativity I wanted to pursue, but only writing really stuck. I wish I could play the piano or another instrument, but I am hopeless, so writing it is!
I've always made up stories from the time I was very small, but didn't seriously start writing until I was thirty-one and working as a hospital social worker. I was bitten by the writing bug then and never looked back. My parents encouraged any form of creativity I wanted to pursue, but only writing really stuck. I wish I could play the piano or another instrument, but I am hopeless, so writing it is!
Diane Chamberlain
I'm so glad you're enjoying my books, Ann. My most recent NEW novel in the UK was Necessary Lies. The Silent Sister is now available in the UK in ebook format and will be in print in January. It sounds like you've read most of the reissues. You can always check titles on my website, www.dianechamberlain.com
Diane Chamberlain
Helen, I've been lucky so far. Ideas come to me from many sources and then, when my characters come to life, they often twist those ideas in a way I never expected. I count on their help!
Diane Chamberlain
Hi Katie! My title is kept about half the time. Of the two books you mention, though, neither was mine. My working title for THE SILENT SISTER was JADE, though I knew that would never be the final title. My editor came up with THE SILENT SISTER, which I really like. I called NECESSARY LIES by the working title STEALING TOMORROW, which I still really love, but my agent and editor preferred NECESSARY LIES and I bowed to their knowledge of the market. Because my books are also published in the UK, it's important that we come up with a title that works in both markets to avoid a problem we've had in the past--two different titles, which confuses readers. So sometimes it's a juggling act, finding exactly the right fit!
Diane Chamberlain
Hope you enjoy it, Lesley.
Diane Chamberlain
Kayleigh, the church in Before the Storm is the church I too would like to find! Writing fiction is great, because I can create what I wish really existed. I'm happy you were touched by "my church" too.
Diane Chamberlain
Aw, Teresa, that's so nice! I hope you enjoy your own copy.
Diane Chamberlain
Hi Ly,
I'm sorry but I don't understand your question. Perhaps this is a different book?
I'm sorry but I don't understand your question. Perhaps this is a different book?
Diane Chamberlain
Thank you, Jennifer! I'm so glad!
Diane Chamberlain
Yes, absolutely! (social worker here myself). I wrote that book a very long time ago and I distinctly remember, during the writing process, arguing with a fellow writer about this very topic. She was upset that Eden had any qualms at all. If she loved Ben, she would trust him (said my friend). I couldn't wrap my head around her thinking! But while I did squirm over Eden's decision, I think she was initially convinced he was innocent, especially since Kyle and Lou were so certain of it and knew him well. Ultimately, as you know, she begins to doubt.
Diane Chamberlain
Thank you, Claire. I answered this question above so please take a look. In general, Necessary Lies will probably always be my favorite because the subject was so near to my heart. Happy reading!
Diane Chamberlain
Thank you for letting me know, Jamie!
Diane Chamberlain
Hi Aida! Thanks for the compliment--I'm glad you find my books unpredictable. I think I've answered your inspiration question below. For the most part, it's simply living life that gives me ideas and inspiration. That's why I often tell aspiring writers to be sure to have an outlet other than writing. We need to feed the creative well someplace!
Diane Chamberlain
No, they are not part of a series. I know there's been some confusion about that. The Broken String is an e-short story which introduces Riley and Danny from The Silent Sister and gives some insight into their relationship. It's not at all necessary to read The Broken String to enjoy The Silent Sister, but it is a little bonus for readers who'd like to learn more about the MacPherson family. The Broken String can be read before or after The Silent Sister.
Diane Chamberlain
I was most inspired by all those authors whose books I couldn't put down over the years. They made me want to be a good storyteller. As for today, I think I'm most inspired by my many friends who write. Writing is hard and they keep at it. Most of my writing friends turn out a book a year and we go through the same process of self-doubt, wanting to give up, uncertainty, and finally triumph. I love that we can encourage one another along the way.
Diane Chamberlain
Happy Birthday, Jill! I have many favorites among my books, but usually my most recent novel becomes my favorite because it's closest to my heart. That's true of both The Silent Sister and Necessary Lies. Other personal favorites are Secret Lives, The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes, Breaking the Silence, Reflection and The Midwife's Confession.
Diane Chamberlain
When I'm ready to think about a new story, I open myself up to the universe. I read newspapers, listen in on conversations, and generally become a sponge until I find something that clicks with me. Percolation takes a long time for me! A looooong time. It's usually months before I feel as though I'm ready to commit to the idea and then I begin outlining. One exception is Necessary Lies. I wanted to write that book for years before I did, and I had a pretty good idea right off the bat for how to tell the story. But that is rare.
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