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"I was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, spent my childhood in Wales being of a Welsh mother but I inherited my late father’s Liverpudlian humor. I grew up in Merseyside, England. By speaking Welsh and English as a child I believe it helped me to learn the Greek Language. Now I live in Paphos, Cyprus with my husband Tony and elderly mother."

"My first published book, Chasing Dreams in Lefkas in Lefkas, was a true adventure story set on a Greek island. I have also written a romantic fiction based on true experiences; “It Mattered, Yesterday,” and a book for young children, “Granny’s Magic Garden.” I am currently writing another romantic fiction; "A Moment to Remember."

Thank you Diane for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.
 
I am writing a second romantic fiction, based on true life experiences; Beginning with my childhood in Wales.  As the story unfolds, the reader gets to know the main characters Alison and Rob. Their relationship, from childhood is the focal point of the story.

The mix of Welsh countryside and Liverpool make a unique setting. It captures the essence of childhood, first love, heartbreak and tangled complications of love within a family life. As well as that, It is about friendships. Each character has a distinctive voice and contributes to the overall storyline. This is a heart-warming, edgy romantic novel, for anyone who has loved and lost. It is true to life…
 
Have you received any awards for your work?
 
I have never entered any competitions for awards. But I wrote numerous editorials about my successful slimming world Club for local newspapers in the UK and I was given awards for that from Slimming World founder, Margaret Miles Bramwell.
 
Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
I don’t do public speaking, but when I ran my slimming club I stood in front of about 80 people speaking about everything that motivated them. I have also spoken about getting my books published at meetings of Cyprus Business Women, here in Cyprus.
 
How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I attended The Queen Mary High School for Girls in Liverpool. I always came top of the class at English Language and loved to write essays, which were always awarded 'A' grades and read out to the class. I think this is what inspired me to keep writing.
I have also attended a night school collage where I studied Greek Language. This has been a valuable asset, it was a challenge I thoroughly enjoyed, although it was very hard work.
 
What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I have had two poems published in a book of poetry. My book: Chasing Dreams in Lefkas was published October 2008 by Eloquent & Strategic Books, New York, USA. After the MS had been left in the attic for almost 20 years.

During that time apart from studying Greek, I wrote my second novel: " It Mattered Yesterday." This was accepted by Kimberley Cottage Press, which has now merged with Global Books. I have to wait until September to see when this book will be released. My other three books are being published by Eloquent & Strategic Books, New York
 
I have had numerous stories about abandoned dogs published in newspapers here in Cyprus. I successfully re-homed many starving dogs and cats. The last dog I rescued, found a good home in Berlin, Germany. He has gone on to be a TV celebrity! I wrote his story and it was published in the newspapers and in PARC Magazine (Payia Animal Rescue Centre) and on the website. Fido's story won many hearts!
 
Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?
 
I look on the Amazon website regularly to see reviews of my book and check how sales are going. Some people contact me after I post something on a web about my book. I recently joined Face book, and I have had valuable help, advice, and encouragement with my latest novel. I regard everyone who reads my work on Fan Story as my friend. So I have friends all over the world.
 
What will your next project be?
 
I want this second novel to be a Best Seller! I think my book Chasing Dream in Lefkas would make such a humorous film, so many people have told me that. I think that in the present miserable economic climate, everyone needs something to cheer them.

My story has the Shirley Valentine appeal as well as Zorba the Greek and Mama Mia. Who doesn't dream of 'opting out of the rat race' on a Greek island?

So maybe I will try to contact some TV film companies!  - Is there anybody out there?
 
Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
My son, Jamie is like myself. He puts everything into what he does. I see him doing his best at whatever he turns his hand to and I get inspired to practise what I preached to him.

My grandfather was a learned man, who spoke ten languages, and was studying Hebrew when he died at 59 years old. He gave me wise advice when I was a child: To always do me best at everything I enjoyed doing.  All his knowledge was gone too soon.  My late father was a dreamer, who never achieved his ambition to get his lovely songs known. His light-hearted attitude to life inspires me even now. I can hear him saying, “Go on there, our kid! Show them what you can do.”
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

I find all my writing equally satisfying. But, I think I have improved with practice. I enjoy whatever I am writing at that time. Now I feel that my latest novel: A Moment to Remember, is my best work, but I thought my last novel, It Mattered Yesterday was my best when I was writing it… I think that will be a Best Seller too! – I put my heart and soul into it. I revealed my deepest secrets…
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?
 
I would suggest joining a writers club. I wish I had done it sooner. It helps so much to know someone out there is helping you.

Also, never give up!  Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. You have to be 100% committed and you have to have a dream, and follow it…
 
How did you get started as a writer?
 
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. First it was essays that made my classmates laugh and sometimes cry.

I suppose I started by telling stories. I remember sitting in a field of daisies with my two friends. We were about ten years old. I was telling them stories as we made daisy chains. When I saw how words put together in certain ways had such an effect on them, I realized my true potential. I have been telling stories ever since.
 
Which is your favourite book/work published? Is there a favourite?
 
I don’t have a favourite one really. I love them all. They are like my children. I don’t think you can have a favourite child, but, I only had one child, so I am unsure on that question.

However, Granny’s Magic Garden  brings happy memories of my four dear grandchildren who are in the UK. - I don't have contact with them now. My stories about fairies and pixies made them laugh, at a difficult time, when their parents were splitting up, and all the horrors that go with that sort of situation. So many children of today have this inflicted on them. I helped them to face life with humor.
 
What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
Mmmm! This is a difficult one! I switch my PC on first thing in the morning. I see to my 89 year-old disabled mother’s needs. I usually take my little dog for a walk before the Cyprus sun gets too hot!

Then I get on with my writing and checking my emails. If there is anything from my publisher or anyone helping me to promote my work, that gets answered first. Then I concentrate on my novel.

I break to make lunch for my husband, Tony, who is so patient with me. It’s a pity he just can’t cook! But he keeps my mother company sometimes, and even takes her out so that I can concentrate on my writing. Then I carry on writing until it is time to make our evening meal.After that I usually go back to writing for another hour or so…

We have a nightcap under the stars before we go to bed. Then it starts again the next day!
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
My father always encouraged me to write, and to sing. We sang together so often. His lovely songs still bring a tear to my eyes. He was so romantic and he was a natural comedian, whose talent was never recognized. I think that is what is so sad. But, wherever he is, he is making somebody happy.
 
Who is your favourite writer/author?

I really don’t have a favourite writer. I used to enjoy Catherine Cookson books. But I never get time to read, because I am too busy writing.
 
Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)
 
My lovely dad’s song:
“How I wish that life was simple, and that all our dreams came true.
How I wish the one you cared for couldn’t bear to make you blue.
All the longing and the heat-ache and the mocking moon above,
How I wish that I had never been in love…
(Your answer here)
I sing ALL the time I am doing household chores. It makes it easier. I LOVE to sing. Sometimes I even sing at Karaoke! My favourite song is: The Bangles, Eternal Flame. I sing that a lot! Oh, and lots more songs, too numerous to mention.

Thank you Diane for an inspiring interview! We wish you great success with your future projects!