Interview with Author Dianne Sylvan + Giveaway

Filed in Dianne Sylvan , Giveaways , Interview , The Latin Lover Posted on July 26, 2011 @ 6:00 am 35 comments
Today we have the intriguing Dianne Sylvan joining us on BLI. Dianne is the author of The Shadow World Series as well as two non-fiction Wiccan based books The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition and The Body Sacred. Her latest release is Shadowflame the second book in The Shadow World series. At the end of Dianne’s interview you could win a copy of Shadowflame for yourself! Take it away Dianne!
BLI: Hi Dianne, can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Dianne: I’m a writer, a baker, a vegetarian, a Scorpio, and a relentless Twitterer. I was born and raised in Texas and I’ve lived in Austin for 14 years. Austin is the only place in the state I could stand to live – I’m far too much of a liberal hippie for most of Texas. I attended culinary school for six months and had about five majors in college, but at heart the only thing I ever really wanted to do was write. I have a blog over at DianneSylvan.com.
BLI: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Dianne: “Reader” can mean someone who reads all sorts of things, but when I hear the phrase “Book Lover” fiction for some reason comes to mind first. I imagine someone who thinks of fictional characters as if they were real people – not that they can’t tell the difference, but that they really feel a connection to the stories and lives of their favorite characters.
BLI: Could you describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Dianne: A typical writing session for me goes something like this: I drag myself out to Starbucks and claim my favorite table in the corner. I put on my earphones and suck down the first of several high-octane coffee beverages. I do some planning, usually on a pad of drawing paper with several colored Sharpie markers, but for the most part I let the characters boss me around. I also screw around on the Internet a lot. Then maybe I write a chapter.
BLI: Dianne, I saw on your blog that you have two “neurotic cats”: Stella and Owen. Now I’m curious to meet another Stella, would you care to show us a pic so I can wave? 🙂 And do you have any funny story about their exploits?

Dianne: Stella is the grey and white cat, and Owen is the black and white with the wonky eye. Stella was a rescue from the animal shelter; I’m fairly certain she belonged to a little old lady who died in her sleep, because for the first year Stella was with me, every night without fail she would lick my nose until I was awake, then she’d be fine. Either she expected me not to wake up, or she was wondering how I’d taste with barbecue sauce.
BLI: I see Pride and Prejudice is one of your favourite movies, mine too! If you could go back in time to the Regency period what aspect of life back then would you be most curious to experience?
Dianne: You know, I’d just as soon stay in our time – I like being able to vote and have more of a say in my own life. The idea that not being married by age 26 is a frightening thing, as it is for Charlotte in Pride & Prejudice, is awful to me (especially since I’m 33). I would however like to attend one of the dances; I love to dance and the scenes in the film look like so much fun.
BLI: The covers of your Shadow World series look beautiful, so atmospheric, dark yet mysterious, truly wonderful. Can you tell us a bit more about the world you created and what makes it unique?
Dianne: Thank you – I love Gene Mollica’s cover art.
There are a lot of vampire books out there – a LOT. I don’t read much urban fantasy so I can’t say for sure how unique my world is, but what I enjoy about it is that I’m writing almost entirely from the vampires’ perspective; humans are more peripheral to the story. Also, my vampires are not nice guys. Even the heroes are dark, and often unapologetically violent. They’re not pretending to be humans and for the most part they don’t miss being human. They don’t mope around all sad that they can’t be high school students – even the ones who are physically that age have better things to do, like running half the country.
BLI: How much of your Wiccan knowledge have you incorporated into Queen of Shadows and how much is from the hip?
Dianne: So far it hasn’t come up much, but in the third book in the series I introduce a character who practices Witchcraft. In fact, her name is Stella. The series also uses a lot of mythological metaphors, and there are mystical elements creeping in that were born out of my spiritual background.
BLI: Could you introduce your heroine Miranda Grey to us? And the hero, David Solomon?
Dianne: Miranda Grey is an up and coming musician in Austin, and she’s slowly losing her mind; she has a powerful empathic gift that has driven her insane. David Solomon is a 350 year old vampire, and Prime of the Southern United States, the leader of the entire vampire population of the South. A horrific attack sends Miranda over the edge and into David’s life, and he decides to teach her to use her powers. Miranda is a strong, courageous woman, and a survivor; she makes her own choices and her own mistakes. She’s determined to have her own life and her own career even once she’s part of the Shadow World. David is a fairly typical dark-and-handsome vampire nobleman, except he’s also a computer geek and a genius, so his technological innovations are changing vampire society. They’re both flawed characters drawn together first by tragedy, then by mutual respect, then by love.
BLI: How would you categorize your Shadow World series: is it urban fantasy, paranormal romance or a mix of the two (or even more) genres?
Dianne: The books are labeled urban fantasy, even though the first novel could read as paranormal romance. I caution people not to expect the rest of the series to follow any sort of formula; this isn’t a happy-happy love story where nothing ever goes wrong between the two main characters. I definitely think of them as urban fantasy. The story begins with a romance, but it doesn’t end there any more than a real woman’s story ends in her marriage.

BLI: How or when did you discover the paranormal/fantasy genre? Did you always enjoy reading these kind of novels?
Dianne: In my teens I read a lot of vampire and supernatural books, as well as a lot of high fantasy; it surprises people to know that nowadays I don’t read much fiction at all. I generally prefer memoirs. But it was YA fantasy and romance that got me into writing that sort of thing, years and years ago.
BLI: Which fantasy world or setting would you love to visit and have a vacation?
Dianne: I think I’d like to visit the Harry Potter universe, as long as I could go to Hogwarts.

BLI: Besides the Shadow World series, you write nonfiction books also. Do you find the writing process different between fiction and nonfiction? Do you have a preference in writing either?
Dianne: The two are very different. I do a lot more planning when writing nonfiction; fictional characters tend to take the wheel from me and do the driving when I work on a novel. Fiction has always been my true love, though; I love torturing my characters.
BLI: What is next on your schedule? What can we be on the lookout for?
Dianne: I’m doing quite a few blog appearances and interviews for the release of Shadowflame; the third book in the series, Shadow’s Fall, is scheduled for publication in April 2012. I’m also working on an e-course called Becoming a Spiritual Nomad, which is the follow up to my nonfiction books.
BLI: Now some mean questions:
Can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Dianne: 1. Miranda is a strong, smart female protagonist with her own opinions and dreams, and I think that’s lacking in a lot of vampire literature these days.
2. My vampires drink human blood, aren’t guilt-ridden, and like ice cream.
3. I reference Joss Whedon a lot.
BLI: Please can you summarize Queen of Shadows for us twitter style (140 characters or less)?
Dianne: Girl goes crazy. Girl meets vampire. War breaks out. Girl kicks ass and rules the world.
BLI: If there was some literary crossover, which character do you think would be BFFs with Miranda?
Dianne: I refer to the Shakespearean comedy Much Ado About Nothing several times in Queen of Shadows; I think Miranda would get along famously with Beatrice…and also with Lizzie from Pride & Prejudice.
You can find Dianne on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*

Now you have a chance to get your hands on your own copy of Shadowflame.

All you have to do is leave a question/comment to Dianne.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

Giveaway is open worldwide!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, 6 August 2011 and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

Copyright 2010-11 Book Lovers Inc.

About Susi


Susi is a geeky vegetarian from Gemany. She just finished university and now works as a civil engineer in steel construction. Besides her reading addiction she also knits like a maniac while listening to audiobooks. Susi also blogs at the Secret HEA Society.

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35 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • Erika @ Babr July 26, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Awesome interview, and I would love a chance to win. I have yet to read Miranda and David's world yet 🙂 I've heard good things though.

    badassbookreviews at gmail.com

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  • Pennsylvania Book Chick July 26, 2011 at 7:11 am

    Great article. I used to live in Austin, too, and I absolutely adore the city. And I really miss the excellent Mexican food 😉

    I haven't read Shadowflame, yet, but all I hear is good things about your books. I can't wait to get into them!

    jamie.degyansky@gmail.com

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  • _yay_ July 26, 2011 at 7:25 am

    I agree. Let's stay in our time and just stop by for one of those dances.
    Which is your favorite cover (your books)? Recently I'm all about covers. There sure are beautiful ones out there. Thanks for the giveaway! sk_86(at)gmx(dot)de

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  • Victoria July 26, 2011 at 7:55 am

    I haven't read you yet either but this sounds very good. Is the sword Miranda's weapon of choice?
    Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  • hellokittiexoxo July 26, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Hi Dianne! Great interview. I love your answer for the Twitter description lol this sounds awesome and I would love to enter the contest!

    – Monica

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  • tetewa July 26, 2011 at 9:57 am

    I'm always looking for new authors, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

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  • Diane July 26, 2011 at 10:11 am

    I read through Queen of Shadows in 2 days and have been waiting for this book since.

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  • Dianne Sylvan July 26, 2011 at 11:21 am

    Hi _yay_ – I love both covers so far, for different reasons: the QoS cover makes such great use of Austin's skyline (and the bats), but I love the colors of Shadowflame.

    Victoria – Yes, most of the vamps in the Shadow World prefer swords, since decapitation is the easiest way to kill another vampire. 🙂 Miranda's sword in particular is pretty awesome.

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  • Teril July 26, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    This sounds like a great release. The post really got me wanting to read this one. thank you!

    terilhack at gmail dot com

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  • Kaya H July 26, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    haha I loved the Neurotic cats piece. Ohh I have not read the Shadowlands before, but it sounds fabulous! I cannot to check it out.

    kasuranna at yahoo dot com

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  • donnas July 26, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    Great interview. I have a slight crazy adopted cat too, every night at bedtime he cries from the other room until I call him and he sees where I went.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  • Estella July 26, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    I enjoyed the interview.
    I have not read your books, but am looking forward to them.

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  • Morticia Knight July 26, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Sounds like a really interesting world Dianne has created. I would love to read this series; I like that it isn't a typical happy-happy formula. I also love memoirs, and would like to check out the non-fiction she writes.

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  • Robin K July 26, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I am certainly intrigued and just added the book to my wish list! Love covers featuring heroines!

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

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  • Barbara E. July 26, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    I'm happy to learn about The Shadow World series, and I'm definitely interested in reading it. I love the cover of Shadowflame, it's very arresting.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  • Bethany C. July 26, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    Awww, Stella and Owen… Oh, and also these books look really great too.

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  • Na July 26, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    The Shadow World looks like just the series I am looking to read. I very recently finished the Fever series and need something new AND exciting to read and this looks to be it. The cover for "Shadowflame" caught my eye right away and is now on my wishlist. Happy Release Day!

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  • marybelle July 26, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    I enjoyed the interview thank you. "Much Ado About Nothing" is my favorite of Shakespeare's comedy of errors. I will be reading QUEEN OF SHADOWS.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  • Maureen July 27, 2011 at 5:33 am

    I think it's pretty interesting that you write from the vampire's prespective. Is that more difficult?
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  • Tore July 27, 2011 at 6:49 am

    Dianne thanks for the great interview and giveaway. I can't wait to read your books. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    Link
  • LadyVampire2u July 27, 2011 at 8:55 am

    A great interview. I dont know how I over looked this series but I have it on my wishlist now. My question for you is: Are you the first author/writer in the family?

    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

    Link
  • Birgit July 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Thanks for introducing me to this author! I've never read any of her books, probably because I'm fairly new to the Urban Fantasy genre. I think it will make a great read – and I'm not just saying this because I think it's cool that the vampires looove ice cream 😉 !

    danaan at gmx dot at

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  • Bookwyrm369 July 27, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    I really enjoyed "Queen of the Shadows" a lot and can't wait to read the second one! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

    smaccall AT comcast.net

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  • Karen July 27, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    I agree that it is difficult to live in Texas if you are a liberal! I also love your definition of Book Lover; I do read a lot of genres, but mostly fiction, and I do get invested with the characters/story.

    I would have to say that the cover Gods have been very good to you!

    kacbooks at hotmail dot com

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  • Lisa Richards/alterlisa July 27, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    You are reincarnated as a tennis shoe, describe yourself.

    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

    Link
  • Beverly July 28, 2011 at 1:41 am

    Thanks for hosting. I love cats too! Please enter me. Old follower.
    bsharp88@gmail.com

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  • Crystal ♥ July 28, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Awww..kitties! LoL So cute, I love kitties. =)
    I haven't read anything by Dianne Sylvan yet but I would love to, thanks for the giveaway!
    folksohana at gmail dot com

    Link
  • Mel July 28, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I love Joss Whedon so any books that reference him mean I will want to read them! Great interview and a new author for my must buy list – thanks! 🙂

    notanotherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

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  • Leah July 28, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    I have read a few of Sylvan's books, including her first fiction book, Queen of Shadows. Love the strong, snarky female lead. ("Snarky" should be in Webster's as an official word already. How come it isn't? -But wait, that's not my question…) My question: As a fellow writer (and book lover) who has to get past the gauntlet of her own inner critics to get a single word written, any advice on shutting them up? or getting past writer's block? that sort of thing.

    I know that's a question that could have many responses, just curious on your take. Thank you for the interesting reading, Sylvan. 🙂

    Link
  • Leah July 28, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    Oops, I didn't mean to double-post, but forgot to tag my earlier post/comment with my email address which is – .

    I have read a few of Sylvan's books, including her first fiction book, Queen of Shadows. Love the strong, snarky female lead. ("Snarky" should be in Webster's as an official word already. How come it isn't? -But wait, that's not my question…) My question: As a fellow writer (and book lover) who has to get past the gauntlet of her own inner critics to get a single word written, any advice on shutting them up? or getting past writer's block? that sort of thing.

    I know that's a question that could have many responses, just curious on your take. Thank you for the interesting reading, Sylvan. 🙂

    Link
  • Nicky July 30, 2011 at 9:56 am

    Hi Sylvan,
    Great interview! Loved all your books so far and cant wait to get this new one!!
    Nicky

    dragonflyvhs00@yahoo.com

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  • Vojalyn July 31, 2011 at 10:57 am

    I totally agree: the covers are awsome, so atmospheric, dark and mysterious. I love them 🙂
    Thank you for the post and the giveaway,
    mikki-mano@hotmail.com

    Link
  • Jeanne August 1, 2011 at 7:28 am

    It´s the first time I hear about htis author but I like the interview and I´ll read this book- maybe. I really like the cover♥
    Anyway, thank you so much for the chance to win!
    Rathouska.jana@gmail.com

    Link
  • Blodeuedd August 6, 2011 at 6:25 am

    Eeek out in the last minute, Gotta hurry! Great interview as always. This just sound like the series for me and I do hope to read it 😀 The new book looks awesome

    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

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  • Melanie S. August 6, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    You are a new author to me, but after reading the interview and your description about the Shadow World Series I'm really curious and the books are on my wishlist now.
    And I have to say I absolutely love the covers, they are full of motion and immediately drew my interest 🙂

    booksforalleternity at gmail dot com

    Link
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