Tell our readers briefly about yourself.
It is great to be on your show and share with you my author experience. I write children’s books and young adult historical fiction. I have been blessed with many chapters in life; I have a beautiful family, was a classroom teacher, and performed in musicals. In addition, I am a published author and cohost on USA Global TV & Radio™.
Can you tell us about your most recent release? Album? Song? Art piece? Etc.?
I recently released Charlie and the Tire Swing - How the Adventure Began” Published by OC Publishing Co. in Canada.
What inspires you?
Goodness, so many things inspire me. I can meet someone new and hear their story, and it can encourage me to be a better person. I find all kinds of music inspiring, from children's songs, spirituals, musicals, and singers from the past and present and dancers. Walking in nature and listening to the birds sing their morning and evening songs. My family inspires me, and of course, my parents, Grandma Ruby and Aunt Pat, played a huge role in my determination to pursue my dreams.
What is your creative work routine like? Do you balance it with another job?
I want to say I am writing every day, but that is not the case. It all depends on the story I am working on or if I have a story idea, and then I think about it till it hits me how to write the story, and I move forward. I have a room in my home called the Story Garden where I interview authors or do live-streaming shows with USA Global TV and Radio™, and others interview me. The bookshelves are filled with children's and young adult books I have collected. In addition, I have family pictures in there, so it is my inspirational room. Once in that room, I enter the imagination dimension, and creativity flows.
When working on young adult historical fiction books, I wake up and write while my mind is fresh and don't leave the room for a few hours. Then, I get in the zone, and the words flow.
Do you plan out your creations? What is your process before you create?
It is said among authors that there are three types of authors a planner, a panster,"and a planster. A planner is a person who outlines, a panster is an author who sits and writes and lets the story flow, and the planster combines both planner and panster.
Regarding my children's books, I am a panster; inspiration hits, and I write, then revise. When working in young adult historical fiction, I am first a panster. I have in my mind my story, and I start writing. Once the first draft is written, I turn into a plantser, I look at the flow of the story and make sure it is going where I want it to go. I begin my research and write, research more than write all along following the new layout for the storyline.
Do you have a self-care routine or want to have one? What do you do or wish that you did to take care of your mental health?
A self-care routine depends on the season. I enjoy working in the garden. I find it relaxing and gratifying when you begin to see the flowers appear. I find inspiration in the garden, and nature is all around. If it is not too cold or hot, I will walk in the woods, a park, or the neighborhood and enjoy the birds singing and flying from one tree to the next. There is always room for improvement, so I plan to begin pilates to keep my body healthy.
What is your favorite creation thus far?
It is hard to choose as each story has a back story and a special place in my heart, but if you twisted my arm, I would say my young adult historical fiction, Rise A Girl’s Struggle for More, based on my Grandma Ruby and published by OC Publishing Co.
Do you have a character that is your favorite over others you've written into creation?
I fall in love with all my characters as each has a special message for the reader. If I had to pick from the books published so far, I would say Charlie because there will be more adventures with Charlie so I will develop his personality with each new story. That is fun to think about.
Are there any recurring themes in your work?
I work with the following themes: Embrace Imagination, Kindness to others, love yourself just as you are, Peace, and Go for your dreams.
How much research was required on your topic of choice?
I do not write in the genre of non-fiction.
What does success look like to you considering your creative passion?
Success for me is when a child or a loved one write and tells me how much they love one of my books. When I open an email from a parent, they share a picture their child has drawn and colored of their favorite character from one of my books, which makes my day. It inspires me to keep writing.
What is something your fans/readers/followers don’t know about you or something unique about yourself?
I enjoy white water rafting, zip lining, and going to Ifly.
What advice would you share with new or aspiring authors/singers/artists/etc?
Set aside time to develop your craft, believe in yourself, and never let anyone tell you you are not good enough. If you believe in yourself, then go for it. It might take a while but never give up.
Where do you get your ideas for world-building?
When I am walking or working in the garden, ideas pop into my head, and I start thinking about them till a story appears.
What genre do you prefer to read?
I mostly enjoy reading other children's books, and spiritual books.
Do you have any outside experiences that influenced your work?
I am also part of the Abundantly Social Author group with Aimee Ravichandran. We meet once a week, and they are like a second family to me as we each inspire one another. I am always learning from everyone.
Being a co-hosting for USA Global TV & Radio, I have come to know many people on the team, and each one has inspired me in many ways with
Where can our viewers/readers/listeners find you and your work?
You can find me at https://www.diannfloydboehm.com as all my social media links are there including signing up for my newsletter.
My Amazon link is https://www.amazon.com/stores/Diann-Floyd-Boehm/author/B019HR4KXE