Author Interview ~ S. Dionne Moore

S. Dionne Moore aka Sandra Moore, is an author who writes both cozy mystery and historical romance. If you would like to learn more about her, visit her Website at http://www.sdionnemoore.com/, or order a case of her books and she'll put you on her Christmas card list and send you boring newsletters of family events every year. Aren't you glad you have a choice in this?

When did you decide to be a writer?

Well now, it wasn't really a “I'll think I'll be a writer” moment. It started out with the premature birth of my daughter. Sitting with her in NICU through 75 days, not knowing whether she would live or die, built up such an emotional bubble that I poured out my heart on paper and posted it on my Geocities Website. Later, I joined a ring for Preemie Parents to both give and receive support. One day I was contacted by a woman who was putting together a book, Living Miracles, Stories of Hope from Parents of Premature Babies (http://www.amazon.com/Living-Miracles-Stories-Parents-Premature/dp/0312272723/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281382200&sr=8-1), St. Martin's Press. She wanted to use my “poem” as the introduction for the book. From there, my writing spiraled outward into other story ideas until I realized it was something I really wanted to do. So, I researched writing groups, joined a few, left a few, absorbed like a sponge, kept writing, learned some more. . .

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

Oy! I'm supposed to trust my writing abilities? I wish someone had told me. I think writing is more often than not learning to trust the critiques that you receive from others who are knowledgeable in writing.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

After publication there is seldom time to write when you feel like it. If you want to make a living at this that means a flurry of ideas, proposals, and synopses need to be spinning through your mind and into your computer at all times. So even in my down moments, my mind is always sorting, stacking, assessing, or creating in some way to enhance my writing.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

Walking on hot pavement. Laying on a hill of fire ants. Oh, wait, I read that wrong. I thought you asked me what it was like being on a deadline. Silly me.

I love to travel, sing, read, play the Wii. The problem is when I step away to do these things, I usually end up getting a great idea that takes me right back to the keyboard. I think it's a disease.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Promise of Tomorrow is my first of three historical romances. It is May of 1889 in Johnstown, PA, a few weeks before the flood that devastated the entire town and killed more than 2K people. Alaina Morrison loves Jack Kelly, but his drive to be rich before he marries her leads her to break off their engagement. When she returns to Johnstown after the flood, she is devastated by the destruction and begins her search for survivors. . .and Jack.

Where did you get your inspiration for Promise of Tomorrow?

My husband and I visited Johnstown a couple of years ago. I was stirring around for some new ideas and seldom-used settings for a new romance series, when I realized the May 1889 disaster would be an incredible setting for such a story.

Which character is most like you?

Let's see. . .I have Jack's ferocity when it comes to detail. Alaina's heart for people. Frank's humorous, tough-talk way of getting Jack to see himself, and Alaina's mother's desire for my daughter to do well. Ha! That about covers them all, huh?

Who is your favorite character and why?

I think Jack's struggle most intrigued me. A child's view of his world is often exaggerated by immaturity. That's not to discount Jack's disappointment and grief over his father (and mother), but I think, too, that part of Jack's discovery that people are more important than things helps him let go of that which he doesn't have the power to change anyway.

Did you know how Promise of Tomorrow would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

Oh dear. I can't remember. You see, I just finished book three and my memory isn't so good. Once I get embroiled in a new story, the details of the old one are much harder for me to retain. (sigh) Old age, I think.

I do remember one detail. . .the epilogue. The relationship hinted at in that letter seemed to evolve naturally and was totally unplanned.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

That our pursuit of things will never satisify as much as the pursuit of relationships, God, and the nurturing of love.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

Please, please, if you are reading this, BUY MY BOOK!

Is that what you mean? :)

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Since I just finished and turned in the third book, I'm working on two proposals, one for a set of western themed books, the other for a historical romance based on a small island in the Atlantic. Plus I'm rewriting another manuscript. No rest for the weary, I guess, but that's okay, so long as I love what I'm doing. Now. . .what am I doing?

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Writer's write. And if you're reading this you're not writing! :)

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Want more? Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Thursday for an excerpt from Promise of Tomorrow by our very own S. Dionne Moore!