"Recently I caught up with Jill Nelson " - DiAnn

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Q. How long have you been involved in your particular career?

I’ve been involved in writing in one capacity or another since high school, when I had my own column in the school newspaper. Since then, I’ve worn the hats of poet, journalist, technical writer, essayist, short story teller, and novelist.

Q. What prompted your decision to become a writer?

My sixth grade teacher used to perch on a stool at the head of the class each day and read from the most marvelous books. I had always been an avid reader, but listening to her voice sparked a realization in me that I wanted to do more than enjoy books; I wanted to be the one to give that same pleasure to others. I penned—er, penciled my first mystery that year. The world is grateful that not a shred of the manuscript still exists.

Q. How has your line of work changed during the past ten years?

I’ve gone from occasionally published in periodicals and anthologies, to professional book reviewer for an international magazine, to a published novelist. Reluctant Burglar released in 2006, Reluctant Runaway in 2007, and Reluctant Smuggler early in 2008. Evidence of Murder will release early in 2009, followed by an untitled romantic suspense novel that June.

Q. What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?

I love research because of all the fascinating new things I learn about the world and can share with my readers.

Q. What are the most challenging problems for writers?

Time to write is a challenge for me, because I also have a full time job outside the home. And now that my books have started releasing, there are continual promotional demands. My author friends also feel the pressure to balance the writing with the marketing. These days, publishers don’t provide all the promotion necessary for a book to succeed. Not by a long shot.

Q. What motivates you?

I love to craft stories, and I write what I like to read—adventure tales spiced with romance, humor, and faith. (Deadlines are good motivators, too!)

Q. How did you get your first big break into the writing business?

I networked at writers conferences with other writers, as well as agents and editors, and joined on-line writers groups with a strong mix of authors, editors, and agents in the membership. I also worked hard at improving my skills. Oh, and entering contests was good exposure, too.

Q. For what achievement would you like to be remembered?

For telling stories that make people gasp, laugh, cry, and respond to God with new or renewed faith.

Q. Are there things you haven’t accomplished yet that you still would like to accomplish?

I would like to be a bestselling author, not for personal glory or gain, but so that more people can receive the nuggets of truth woven into my fast-paced tales of adventure and suspense.

Q. If you were not involved in your present work, what would you most likely be doing?

I would probably still be a book reviewer.

Q. How keen is competition in your field?

Competition for fiction slots is always razor-edged. “Making it” takes not only skill and contacts, but the favor of the Lord.

Q. What is the secret to having satisfied readers in your business?

Telling stories that resonate in their souls long after the last page is closed.

Q. What trends are currently developing in your profession?

Ooh, I don’t even want to go there. Romance and mystery/suspense-type books have always been popular, and that’s not likely to change. Predicting trends in fiction is just so . . . well, unpredictable.

Q. What is an average workday like for you?

Get up at six a.m., shower, eat breakfast while listening to a sermon on television, go to the day job at 7 a.m., return home at 3:30 p.m., work out at Curves, fix and eat supper, and then work on writing or marketing most of the evening.

Q. What kinds of projects are you currently involved?

I just completed a three book contract for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I now have a two book contract with the Steeple Hill romantic suspense line. Both manuscripts are due in 2008. Both books will release in 2009.

Q. How do you get your characters?

I lot of times they get me. Some real life event or news story sparks a scenario that starts running through my mind, and characters seem to naturally arise to play in the internal “movie” that eventually becomes a book.

Q. Do people in your line of work have much time for families?

I try to have consistent family time, touching base with grown children via the phone or getting together on special occasions or just for fun. My husband and I are blessed to work at the same place. We get up at the same time in the morning and eat breakfast together. Most days we also share noon lunch and supper, too. He’s pretty understanding when I spend most of my evenings with my nose in my notebook computer.

Q. Do you travel much?

My speaking and teaching schedule continues to expand, which does require a good bit of travel. My husband was amazed at how many miles we put on the SUV in the past year. I also travel for research purposes.

Q. Does your work put pressure on you?

Oh, sure. Whose work doesn’t? For the most part, I enjoy what I do, so I try to roll the stress over on the Lord and keep my peace.

Q. How did you prepare yourself for your career?

I have a BA in literature and creative writing, plus as I said earlier, I’ve honed my skills relentlessly for years before finally achieving my goal of becoming a published novelist.

Q. What type of reading do you like?

My tastes are eclectic. Any tightly woven story with characters I care about will keep my attention. However, I’ve always been particularly partial to mystery and suspense, which is what I write today.

Q. In regard to your profession as a whole, of what are you most critical?

I think authors might put out better books if there wasn’t so much pressure on them to do their own promoting. I’ve heard editors say to just concentrate on writing the best books possible. That would be great advice if the promo dollars and man-hours could come entirely from the publisher, and if sales numbers weren’t so important to getting that next contract.

Q. What do you do when you need to get away from it all?

Our family loves to camp out. We enjoy Minnesota’s state parks. At our age, my husband and I “rough it” in an elderly, but nicely preserved motor home. Waking up to hear the birds singing outside my window and stepping out into fresh air and woodland surroundings relaxes me.

Q. Are there any professional associations that you belong?

I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Crime Scene Writers, Christian Writers Group International, The Writers View, Chi Libris, and Christian Authors Network among others.

Q. What are your short and long range career goals?

Short-range, I’m working to build readership, as well as continue to grow in my craft. Long-range, I plan to keep on getting books out there. It’s a steady commitment to keep on telling the stories that feed the spirit and spark the imagination. There is no overnight success formula.

Q. What sort of educational background do you have?

I graduated with honors from Southwest Minnesota State University with a BA in Literature and Creative Writing.

Q. How do you spend your weekends and off-duty hours?

I love to read, and my husband and I enjoy watching movies together or going for walks, weather permitting. Weekends are the times for out-of-town shopping trips or family get-togethers.