Dianne Gardner
I wanted to write a book that I would want to read, and that boys would want to read, as I have lots of grandsons. I wanted to relive my adventures in the woods and in the desert and by the sea, and wrap it into a fantasy with a little bit of magic, a dragon, and a lot of personality and character growth.
What books have most influenced your life most?
The Narnia Adventures, Alice in Wonderland, Black Beauty, Tolkein’s works, Swiss Family Robinson and Mark Twain’s stories.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
C. S. Lewis because his works dig into the soul of mankind.
What genre do you consider your book(s)?
YA Adventure Fantasy.
What book are you reading now?
The Universal Mirror by Gwen Perkins and The Twelve by James Burk
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
“Ian’s Realm: Deception Peak, due to come out the end of 2012.
With a sigh, and with his cap as dusted as he was going to get it, he regained his composure and stood at attention. “At your service sir.” He placed his cap on his head and saluted.
“At ease,” Alex said, laughing a little.
“If you would be so kind, Master Doorman, I have a favor to ask.” The man directed his question at Alex, who raised his eyebrows.
“Yes?”
“Would you sir, just click your button at that mound of ferns and I’ll be off.”
“Off?”
“Home. I can’t get into my home unless you click your button, sir. I’ve seen you click your button for other things sir, like that armory you have inside the stump. I know you’re the doorman and if you don’t mind me being so bold, I would ask that you click a door for me, sir.”
Abbi, Ian and Alex exchanged glances, holding back their amusement so as not to offend the little man.
He scowled at their pleasure, anyway, and protest resounded in his voice. “I’ve been wandering around for a year. It’s not been easy you know, not having a door to go into. The days get hot and the wind gets chilled, and goodness knows, it’s been tough enough hiding from that dragon, big feet and fire and all: run, run, and run. It seems that’s all I do these days. Look at my clothes.” He dusted his shirt. “All I need is a house door, you know. It’s about time you got here. Your button, sir, is the only thing that can make a door.”
“Dragon?” Abbi’s smile disappeared. In fact, Ian thought it morphed into panic.
“Well, yes. You must have seen him. Lives in those mountains. Frightful beast he is, but rather clumsy at that.”
“What more can you tell us?” Ian asked, his heart beating a little harder. He eyed his father, who seemed undisturbed.
“What more do you want to hear, sir? What more would you even want to know. He’s a killer. Stay away from him, sir: very dark, very, very dark. Not something you’d want to play with.” He turned to Alex, “Sir?”
“Oh, of course. Your door.” Alex tried touching several buttons on his remote to no avail.
“If you have a red one, sir, that would do it.”
Alex clicked the red button and to their surprise a mound of dirt rose from underneath a pile of ferns and opened up, revealing a narrow tunnel just the size of the little man, who quickly dodged into the center and disappeared.”
Who designed your covers?
I design my own covers.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Balancing the time to write with my daily life.
Do you write an outline before every book you write?
I start with character profiles and character arcs for both my protagonists and antagonists. I then write out a story design or synopsis and plan my chapters from that.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep at it. Keep writing. Join critique groups, go to workshops and conferences. Learn everything you can about the craft of writing and most importantly, write from your heart.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them!