Talkshow Thursday:
Welcome Diana Leagh Matthews
Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing?
I divorced at a young age and never remarried. Not having a family has been a huge struggle at times and in many ways writing this book was part of my grief process and working through my unmet desire for a large family of my own.
What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book?
When I begin to write, it often begins with a “what if” question.
For “Forever Changed”, the questions were “What would it be like to have an instant family” and “what if I had to raise someone else’s children.”
What was your inspiration for the story?
Two things inspired this story. The first was my relationship with my siblings and the longing for a closer relationship. I wondered “what if we were closer in age.” (We’re a decade apart.) The second question was a more personal question. “What would it be like to suddenly have a family depend on me.”
If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
This book was originally written as a stand-alone. However, while working through edits, ideas have
If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?
Sally’s story ended with a lot of unanswered questions. I think that I’d explore what happened to her and some of the decisions she makes.
How do you come up with story lines?
Ideas tumble faster than I will ever have time to write them. Sometimes an idea is a fleeting question of “what if.” Maybe I read something or saw or heard something that sparked the question. Then an idea will take hold and grow. Usually the main character(s) will take hold and not let go until I have no choice but to tell the story.
What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?
I’m a planster. Meaning that I write by the seat of my pants. Usually I begin with a starting point. Sometimes I know how the novel will end and other times, I have no idea. As I’m writing, ideas percolate and I keep note of events and situations that need to happen.
How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?
I probably need to find a way to celebrate when a manuscript is finished. However, once a book is published, I go out for a steak dinner to celebrate.
Keep persevering. Writing is not an easy career or path. Learn all you can and keep pressing forward. Use set backs to catch a breath and spend time with the Lord, asking Him about the next steps.
What is your next project?
I’m editing a very different novel that incorporates all the holidays into the storyline. I’m also looking forward to writing a prequel to “Forever Changed” about Granny’s life.
About Diana Leagh Matthews
Diana Leagh Matthews has a heart for the hurting and shares God’s love through the written word and song. Her debut novel, Carol of the Rooms, was published in 2023 and was a Realm Award finalist and her second novel, Forever Changed, will be published on April 15th. Leagh (pronounced L-e-e), who lives in South Carolina with her spunky Maltese. For more information, visit her at DianaLeaghMatthews.com.
About Forever Changed:
Can Danielle find the healing and support she desperately needs in her new roles?
Caleb Donovan put his soaring music career on hold after making a terrible mistake.
Following the loss of his best friends, he now guides Danielle as she learns about running a farm and caring for a family. Can Caleb find his own place amid the chaos? Will Danielle and Caleb be able to discover the career and relational paths meant for them? Can they learn how to let go of their painful pasts, and find it in their hearts to forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2DCBDQY
Social Media Links:
Website: https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Diana-Leagh-Matthews/e/B07C17QJJ
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/DiLeaghMatthews
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994850748295488
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dianaleaghmatthews/
X: https://X.com/dileaghmatthews
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dileaghmatthews/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9773997-diana-leagh
Photo Credits:
Author Photo/Book cover image: Diana Leagh Matthews
Hands: Pixabay/CongerDesign
Laptop: Pixabay/StartUpStockPhotos
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