Surprise Author Interview and Giveaway - Diana Wallis Taylor

Okay, I'll be honest and say I didn't plan it as a surprise - it just kinda just happened, surprising me too! Lol
I accidentally posted the wrong interview yesterday. WHOOPS! Luckily both Ms. Whitemeyer and Ms. Taylor were quick to forgive my careless mistake! ;) So now we have two giveaway going on this week! Hurrah!
So, today I welcome author Diana Wallis Taylor to Reviews by Jane!




First off, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and something about you that might surprise your readers?

I love helping new writers, m a grandmother of 10, between my husband and myself we have 6 grown children, I love fishing in Alaska, and this last September I reeled in a 145 lb halibut!

Oh that's cool! I've always wanted to go to Alaska! What inspired you to write Journey To The Well?

The events in my life caused me to identify with her. Many difficult years.

What prompted you to write the Samaritan woman's story?

I wondered why she had 5 husbands and didn't marry the 6th. I learned she was the first person, not the first woman, to whom Jesus revealed Himself as Messiah. I felt there had to be more to this woman!

'Twas a great idea - it made for an AMAZING book!
Has your faith influenced your writings?

Yes, I want to bring the Scriptures to life and honor God w ith my writing. The salvation message is always a part of my stories.



Great mission!
Did you base any of your characters on people you really know?

An editor once said, An author's first book usually in some way reflects the life of the author. We write from life's experiences and our characters are many times a composite of people who have touched our lives in one way or another.

Which book that you've written was your favorite to write?

Well, so far I've done 4. A Christian romance, a book of poetry, Journey to the Well, and my new book. Probably Journey.

When you started writing, where did you begin? With an outline? Or did you just jump into it and let the story form as you wrote?

I would say the latter. The characters introduced themselves and I followed their stories.

You've written and published several books. Which one required the most research? Which took the longest time to write?

Katrina Kaif as Marah

Biblical Fiction requires time and research. You need to know the times your characters live in, customs, food, etc.When I wrote about Samaria, I reallzed their customs were very different from that of the Jews. I think that part of my writing is what I enjoy the most, learning new facts.

Wow thats cool. I'm writing two books that take place in Biblical times right now - one with a friend - and it is amazing how much research goes into it!
Who would you have play Marah, Jesse, and Ahmal if your book was made into a movie?

I've been asked that before and I don't know. I don't go to a lot of movies and hence am woefully ignorang of the capabilities of the many new young actors.I think I would have to leave that to a casting director!

Shahid Kapoor as Jesse

Hmm...I think maybe Katrina Kaif for Marah, and maybe Shahid Kapoor as Jesse, but I'm not sure about Ahmal!
Who is your favorite author?

I love Francine Rivers. Her characters are marvelous and I enjoy her writing. 2nd choice would be T David Bunn. His Book of Hours is an all time favorite. Of new up and coming authors, I enjoy Susan Meissner. Secular author would be Rosamunde Piltcher.


Do you have another book in the making? Can you give us some insight on what it's about?

My second book of Biblical Fiction, Martha, comes out in June. It is the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. I think my readers will enjoy this picture of a familiar character. (a little romance thrown in too!) I just finished Mary, Woman of Magdala and that will come out in June of 2012. I'm also working with my editor at Revell on doing three more women of the Bible.

I can't wait to read them! Congrats on your releases!
How can our reader's reach you?

My website is: www.dianawallistaylor.com and I welcome comments from my readers. I usually answer them.

Thanks for visiting Reviews By Jane!

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Not only has Diana been gracious enough to allow me to interview her, but she is also willing to giveaway a copy of Journey to the Well to one lucky commenter! USA ONLY! Enter soon! This giveaway ends on April 16th!

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