Guest Blogger Diana DeCameron

Today I am proud to welcome my friend and fellow author Diana DeCameron, who was brave enough to answer my infamous Rick Reed questions! Her first book, Courting the Flame, releases in June, and I'm proud to say that I edited this book and it is a winner! She'll be back to talk more about the book, but today we'll give you a peek at the cover. Diana, why don't I fix us some cappuccinos and you go ahead and answer the questions?

The Questions

1)      You’re marooned on a small island with one person and one item of your choice—who is that person and what item do you have?

Hmmmm. What a precarious situation, indeed! If I choose my husband, then I must leave my two boys behind. If I choose one of my boys, then I must leave my other son and my husband behind. All unacceptable choices. (drums fingers on computer desk) Wait. I’ve got it! My answer? I will go it alone. That way the rest of my family will still have each other for love and support while they scour the ends of the earth to find me. (narrows eyes) Which they had better do. As for my item of choice? Pfffffft. A loaded flare gun. Did I mention that I need to get off this island and back to my family?

2)      Which musical would you say best exemplifies your life – and which character in that musical are you?

Wow. A musical? You’re killin’ me. Okay…let me think. Think, think, think, think…Oh, wait. I’ve got one. How about “The King and I”? My character would be Anna Leonowens, the British school teacher who journeys to Siam in the early 1860’s to teach the children of King Mongkut. Although I’m not British, I am a schoolteacher. I absolutely LOVE the 1800’s! And let us not forget the love conflict between Anna and the King. They both love each other desperately, but  don’t always express it properly. Yep…that’s me.

3)      Take these three words and give me a 100 word or less scenario using them:  engineering, worst, way

These are my three words? Are you kidding me?! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Fine…

It had been the worst of nights! I gulped down my now cold coffee and checked the clock. Two AM. Another fruitless evening! Perhaps engineering would have been a better career choice. Not that numbers had ever been my thing but, considering my word count for the evening, ”writer” also seemed way off.

“So then you did miss me?” he whispered.

I straightened my back. “Only…desperately.” I exhaled. My where-have-you-been muse tugged my face toward his. “You know I can’t do this without you.” I shrugged.

“And you know I’m not real.” He smiled.

“Do I…?”

Copyright © 2012 by Diana DeCameron          

4)      Describe what "sexy" means to you, and using your definition, who is your favorite "sexy character" of all time? As a challenge, pick two characters - one of your own, and one belonging to someone else.

In my mind, sexy equals self-confidence. Oh, and the typical romance novel male with bulging muscles??? Sorry. He doesn’t do it for me. I prefer tall, dark, and cut. No question, my sexy man has a fantastic body, but he keeps it well concealed under his buttoned down shirt… much like a secret weapon (waggles eyebrows). On a metaphysical level, I’m all about positive energy. I want to be lifted up when we’re together, not drug down. So my sexy male exudes positive energy. I’m also a bit old fashioned, so I enjoy having doors opened for me.

As for the “sexiest character” of all time that I’ve created, my favorite is Michael Turner. In my opinion, Michael is the perfect male. He’s confident, determined, and seductive. Tall, dark, and cut, Michael is also comfortable showing us his softer side! When he’s angry, look out! When he’s sad…(sigh) “Ohhhhh…Michael.” He also knows how to adjust his approach according to a woman’s cues. That’s right, ladies. He actually listens to what we say. And talk about the patience of a saint! Yeah. Michael’s perfect.

My favorite “sexiest character” of all time created by someone else might seem like an odd choice, but I’m going to have to go with Aragorn. I’m a huge Tolkien fan and The Lord of the Rings was the first “grown up” book I’d ever read. I think I was 13 or so when I picked it up and I just remember sighing every time Aragorn’s name graced the page. 

5)      What is your idea of how to spend romantic time with your significant other?

Walking hand-in-hand along the beach at sunset. Sigh. Very romantic!

 

6)      When you start a new story, do you begin with a character, or a plot?

For me, the first step is definitely  “the spark”. Sometimes it’s hiding in a song, a piece of artwork, a fragrance, the dishwater, the shower. As for the actual writing, most of the time I just sit down and start typing. I allow the ideas to flow through me and…BAM!!! My story takes shape. It’s a very organic process. In the case of my second book, I did attempt some plotting, but all it did was frustrate me. I kept arguing with myself, and it sounded something like this. “What?! Don’t tell me that!” (Plugs up ears) “You’re ruining this for me!”

I do find value in character development, though. I liken it to getting to know a new friend… or enemy. I offer them some coffee and chocolate, and they agree to tell me their life story. It really is a win-win for both of us, LOL!

  

7)      If they were to make the story of your life into a movie, who should play you?

Ha, ha, ha…well, my friend Tom once told me I reminded him of Elaine Benes from Seinfeld. I couldn’t argue with him. (shoulder shrug) She is a bit neurotic. She’s not afraid to speak her mind. AND she continually finds herself in precarious situations. Perhaps if Julia Louis-Dryfus isn’t doing anything, she could play me.

8)      Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?

(Shivers) Definitely The Shining’s Jack Torrance! Actually, I think The Shining may be my all time favorite horror movie, as well. I love the way Jack slowly unravels. I think the typewriter scene really captures the withering away of his sanity. Yeah! Definitely Jack Torrance.

 

9)      Do you have an historical crush and if so, who is it?

Sir Lancelot, without question! He’s perfect in so many ways—yet also tragically flawed. He’d give his life for King Arthur, yet cannot deny his connection/attraction to Guinevere. Such a wonderfully tragic love story…(sigh)

10   Is there a story that you’d like to tell but you think the world isn’t ready to receive it?

Yes. (Cue long awkward pause) Why. Are. You. Looking at me like that? (eyes slide from side to side) You did ask me a “yes” or “no” question. Correct? And I did answer you. Yes??  

Now, let's sneak a peek at Courting the Flame, shall we?

Gracie is rudderless since the recent death of her husband. Trusting to Fate and the flip of a coin, she returns to Boston, unsure of herself and what to do. She meets Chloe—an eccentric young artist with a vibrant personality—and they instantly click. But then there’s Michael…Gracie can’t explain the attraction between them, the way she’s always backing into him. The matter is compounded by the presence of her dearly departed Johnathan. He’s still there, and Gracie clings to his ghostly presence as if he were her lifeline. Without him, she can’t even sleep in a proper bed!

With the support of her new friends, Gracie begins to develop into a strong woman, each step taking her closer to Michael. Unwilling to let go, Johnathan grows increasingly abusive, threatening all the people that Gracie loves. It’s up to Gracie to uncover the truth about the invisible thread that binds them all together, and the ripple effect that perpetuating that thread has had on them all… before it’s too late.




I'm here to tell you, this is one romance you won't soon forget!


Have any questions for Diana? Any comments? She'd love to hear them!


Until next time, take care!


♥ Julie