Interview with USA Today Bestselling Author Dianne Castell on Books and Writing
Dorothy Thompson
October 31, 2009
Thank you for this interview, Dianne. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, Hot and Irresistible, is all about?
Hot and Irresistible is my November release and the second book in my Savannah Sizzles series. I wrote this series because I love Savannah and all things Southern the history, the food, the talk, the long hot nights made for falling in love. I love writing about best friends and I love a bit a mystery and I really love writing sexy alpha heroes.
Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your book?
Hot and Irresistible is one of those books of the heart. I love, love, love Savannah. I love the people, the speak, the little bit slower way of life and love. I love the food and going to The Pink House for crab cakes and Savannah Bistro for garlic grits that are to die for. And I love this old city and how itīs been restored. The twenty-one squares with the live oaks and dim lights at night, the cobble stone streets, how the whole city is under a canopy of trees protecting it from the summer sun and I especially love the restored mansions and old houses loaded with history and a few ghosts to make it all so interesting.
Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?
Hot and Irresistible is my twentieth book and itīs a bit more of a mystery then my first book. My first was a Harlequin American, Court-appointed Marriage. It took about a year to get it published. All the books are a blast to write and itīs fun to visit the different setting. Texas for the first, now Savannah. Itīs like taking a mini vacation. And with a single title book such as Hot and Irresistible thereīs a secondary story to play with as well.
How has Kensington been to work with?
Kate Duffy was my editor at Kensington. So very, very sadly she passed away this fall and we all miss her terribly. Kate was the best! We got to be good friends and I will miss her terribly.
Do you have an agent?
I think itīs best to have an agent. However itīs harder to get a good agent than get published. And worse than having no agent is having a bad agent. Never sign a contract other than book-to-book. Not a three year contract. If your agent suddenly isnīt in love with your work he/she wonīt send it out or promote it and you are stuck for years. This will kill your career
Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book and also how long it took from the time Kensington sent the contract and the time it was released?
Hot and Irresistible is the second book in a three book contract. The first was Hot and Bothered>/i> and the third Hot Southern Nights that will come out in May.
Do you have any words of inspiration from other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?
Are you sure you want to do this? Just kidding. But there are a lot of bumps along the way and if you canīt take rejection this is not the business to get into. As for inspiration Donīt give up. Four pages a day. Just write it and fix it later.
I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in October and November via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?
The virtual book tour connects you with readers who donīt know your work. It broadens your reader base and lets you make new reading friends and contacts. Iīve loved it!
Whatīs next for you?
Iīm working on a cowboy proposal for Silhouette Special Edition. Three books set in Texas, sort of like the TV show Brothers and Sisters does Dallas. Writing family and friends is what I love and this has tones of both.
Thank you for this interview, Dianne. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?
Just visit my website: DianneCastell.com or drop me a note and we can chat. DianneCastell@hotmail.com. Thanks for having me here to talk books and writing. Nothingīs more fun!
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