Exclusive Interview with Author Diana Rubino

Today, we're doing something a little different. This is our seventh guest author interview on the Marie Lavender's Books! blog, and fellow Solstice author Diana Rubino is visiting us. 
 
Hello, Diana!  It’s such a pleasure to have you here. :)

Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book? When did it come out and where can we get it?

In Still Crazy, Clay Lynch is obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Alyssa Tyler, convinced they’re destined for each other. He stalks, pesters and torments her…he creeps up to her bedroom window, he follows her onto planes, he wrecks her wedding by abducting her. His arrest and prison sentence assure her he’s finally out of her life… until his remains are found in the desert and she receives a haunting text message. Is he now stalking her from beyond the grave?

Hmm...sounds exciting! So, tell us. Is there anything specific that inspired you to write Still Crazy?

Yes, the media has provided the public with a lot of useful information about stalkers, and we now realize what a serious problem it is. I also added an essential dimension to Alyssa's personality: she can't understand why she's attracted to certain types of men who abuse her in different ways. Then she sees a television show about codependent people, which hits her like a ton of bricks. Knowing what her problem is, she finally gets the help she needs. I'm hoping this will make readers aware that codependency is also a serious issue.

All right. If this book was made into a film, who would you cast in it?

I visualized Greg Kinnear as Clay, for no particular reason. He just seemed to fit my image of Clay.

For Alyssa, I see Dakota Fanning. 

Let's tackle some general questions.
 
When reading, do you prefer traditional printed books or ebooks?  And why?

Since I haven't yet purchased a tablet (but I finally ordered an iPad - can't wait to get it!), I've read only print books. Although I'll enjoy the portability of the tablet, there's nothing like cracking open a book.

I agree.

So, what are you reading now? 

The latest by one of my favorite authors Barbara Erskine, THE DARKEST HOUR. She writes paranormals set in Essex, England. She's never disappointed me. I eagerly await her new titles.

I also just finished Hope: A Memoir by Gina DeJesus and Amanda Berry, two of the girls who got kidnapped by that monster in Cleveland and spent 11 years in that house of horror. I read Michelle Knight's book last year, the other girl who was kidnapped. I'm very happy those girls got their lives back. 

 

Definitely. Let's try something else.

When you get an idea for a book, what comes first usually? Dialogue, the characters, a specific scene?  Or do you plot it out before you write?

I've only written one book where I created the characters first, my Prohibition novel, Bootleg Broadway. The plot developed the way it did because of who they are. My goal was to get the hero, Billy, into one mess after another.

I always write an outline first, then fill out an extensive character questionnaire, which I got from Donald Maass' WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL workbook. They're very provoking questions to get to know your characters inside out. 

When I write about actual historical figures, I read as much about them as possible to get to know them, but since I follow the historical record, I don't have to do much plotting.   

All right.

So, what do you have planned next?  Or is that a secret?

My great grandmother, who was way ahead of her time, was very active in Jersey City politics, and was a successful businesswoman (also a small-time bootlegger!) In the 30s and 40s the mayor of Jersey City was Frank Hague. According to legend, she was his mistress. I've been itching to write a book about that, but with no written journals to go by, it will all need to be made up!

Oh, that is interesting!

Is there anything you'd like to add? Any advice for new writers?

I’d like to tell any aspiring authors who are frustrated that it’s taken them three, four, five or more years to get that first contract, remember, I wrote for 18 years before getting ‘the call’ so never give up! Keep believing, and keep the faith! And of course, keep writing, because you’ll only get better. And NEVER give up on your dream!

That's sound advice.  

Thank you for stopping by, Diana! :)

Readers, here is the blurb for Still Crazy.

Obsessed with ex-girlfriend, Alyssa Tyler, convinced they’re destined for each other, Clay Lynch stalks, pesters and torments her… he creeps up to her bedroom window, he follows her onto planes, he wrecks her wedding by abducting her. His arrest and prison sentence assure her he’s finally out of her life… until his remains are found in the desert and she receives a haunting text message. Is he now stalking her from beyond the grave?  

Here is an excerpt from the novel.

She brought her car in for servicing the next morning, parking in his lot next to a red and white taxi. Her mechanic called her a little after two. “Your car is ready, Alyssa. Hey, do you know you have a GPS tracking device attached underneath it?”

“What?” She shook her head, baffled. “I have a GPS in the dashboard, but not under the car.”

“Oh, yeah, you do. This is a tracking device. Somebody has a GPS and a dot will flash on the screen to show your exact location, as long as you’re within range. You want me to take it out?”

She instantly knew who this ‘somebody’ was. She felt as if a ton of bricks clobbered her square in the face.

Ooh! Definitely sounds like a good read! I want to know what happens next!

Readers, be sure to pick up your copy at the following locations:

Universal Amazon link: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00YNIQXDS

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/still-crazy-diana-rubino/1122076460

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/5535312

Publisher:  http://solsticepublishing.com/still-crazy/

Author Bio 

Diana Rubino’s passion for history and travel has taken her to every locale of her stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, and New York. Her urban fantasy romance, FAKIN’ IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband Chris. In her spare time, Diana bicycles, golfs, plays her piano and devours books of any genre.   

 

Author Links:  

Website:  http://www.dianarubino.com/
Blog:  http://dianarubinoauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dianarubino

https://www.facebook.com/DianaRubinoAuthor 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DianaLRubino
Amazon Author Central:  http://www.amazon.com/Diana-Rubino/e/B005C4ZSHO/

Goodreads:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/100382402048172055582/posts
Google+:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/845147.Diana_Rubino

 

Diana's Books: