Monday, May 04, 2020

Garden Interview with Dianne McCartney

Hello Dianne

tell us about you and your books


Did you have to research forensic science or criminal psychology for your latest suspense?

Yes, I always have a little research to do and I accomplish that in several ways. I have a few books on forensics and serial killers, I watch true crime investigations on television and I consult with my husband, a retired scientist. He also helps me with information about guns and, in my latest book, advised me about military heroes.

Do you have set times during the day that you write?

Yes. I find I work more efficiently on a schedule. Weekdays, I get up around five a.m., do my social media and answer email, then take a break for my morning hike and breakfast. I return to my office at nine a.m. and work until 1 p.m. My normal output is six pages a day and I give them a light edit as I lounge around later in the day. I usually take weekends off unless I get galleys back from my editor.

What tips would you give a new writer?

Don’t take advice from just anybody. Make sure that the person advising you has had some success in that area.
Make both short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated.
Be the author that other industry professionals can rely on.

Does working to deadline inspire or annoy you?

I’m great with deadlines. I always try to beat them because I know this makes it easier for the people on the other end.

What are your current projects?

My next book, The Road to Justice, comes out on May 4th. I’m about halfway through my fourth and fifth books. (I write two projects at a time to avoid writer’s block.)


And a little about you

Do you have a favorite quote?

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. George Bernard Shaw

What makes you laugh?

Darn near everything. My husband and I enjoy everything from silly animal gifs to old Lucille Ball shows to current stage comedians. If you can’t laugh, I’m not sure how you survive this world.

Do you have any hobbies?
Besides reading and writing, I like hiking around our mountain and doing Tai Chi. I also enjoy word and jigsaw puzzles plus anything to do with animals. (I used to be a riding instructor.)
What is your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies…do you sense a theme here?



 What is your favorite time of year and why?

I love autumn. It’s cooler, which I appreciate, and the changing colors of the trees are beautiful.

Where can we find out more?


Download The Road to Justice on Amazon and other online retailers


1 comment:

GiniRifkin said...

Hi Dianne: Nice to know about you and your writing. What a great quote.