Author Interview: Diane Scott Lewis

About the author:
Diane Parkinson (Diane Scott Lewis) grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, joined the Navy at nineteen, married in Greece and raised two sons all over the world, including Puerto Rico and Guam. A member of the Historical Novel Society, she wrote book reviews for the Historical Novels Review. Diane worked from 2007 to 2010 as an on-line historical editor. She had her debut novel published in 2010, and has had several historical and historical-romance novels published between 2010 and 2018.
Diane lives with her husband in western Pennsylvania.

What inspires you to write romantic fiction?
I think of myself as more of a historical fiction with romantic elements writer. I love history, getting my facts correct, but a good love story can spice up the plot, and engage the emotions. I try to make my romantic plots believable, and not the 'sudden' attraction so often depicted. My characters will evolve in their relationship over time.

Tell us about how you write.
I write at my computer in the early mornings into afternoon. I used to carry notebooks around with me to jot down ideas if I was elsewhere. Now I send myself emails when inspiration strikes.

Do you listen to or talk to to your characters?
They end up talking to me, telling me where the plot should go. I always listen. Their growth during the story helps to determine how they act, react, and where they will take the novel to a satisfying conclusion. Often, after I get to know them better, I have to go back and tweak their personalities.

What advice would you give other romance writers?
In historical romance, get your history correct, whether it's clothing or politics. Don't jump right in with a "I'm madly in love with him", but allow the relationship to develop at a believable pace.

How did you decide how to publish your books?
In the beginning I tried the normal route of submitting to agents, but it didn't work out. When small presses popped up, and ebooks became popular, I subbed to them, and there I found success. I'm with two publishers now and both have grown into larger organizations with a broader reach.

What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I do think the smaller presses need to be tougher with their guidelines; but even the majors publish books with mistakes (grammar and history) in them.
I think ebooks, once dismissed by the majors, are here to stay, but I also like a physical book. I hope neither go away.

Which romance sub-genere(s) fit your stories best?
historical, suspence

My books are available in the following formats:
eBook, Print