Hi Sally, thank you for allowing me to visit Wolf's Reading Den and for featuring Land of Falling Stars.
What genre do you like to write?
I love romance and write in many genres, paranormal, western, contemporary and historical.
If you were to branch out from your current genre which one(s) would you like to explore?
I did write a New Adult Romance last year – Season, Unforgettable and really enjoyed writing the story of Rann and Season. For some reason, the book played like a tape in my mind, which really surprised me. Not all books are easy to write, but this one must have wanted to be published. I consider it a romance, but one reviewer said, "I loved how this romance book turned thriller!" Like I said, Season, Unforgettable took on a life of its own. (Season, Unforgettable, https://books2read.com/u/b620oJ)
How long have you been writing? What prompted you to start writing?
I believe I started writing my first book, Decadent Deceptions in 2008. I thought about writing for many years before I actually sat down to write. I think when I read To Kill A Mockingbird in the 6th grade, the seed was planted. But life gets in the way-marriage, children, sports activities and all that. It wasn't until my children were older that I actually planted my butt in the chair and began writing. (Decadent Deceptions, https://books2read.com/DecadentDeceptions)
What inspires you to write?
Watching people (hope this doesn't sound creepy). Lots of times I go to a large mall, sit on a bench with a notepad and watch people interact. I pay attention to their clothing, their body language and mostly their expressions while they're talking. Sometimes I can hear the conversation as they pass. It's a very interesting study….how people relate to one another.
I also get ideas for stories from something I read on the Internet or while doing research in a certain era. The idea for Land of Falling Stars actually came from a real life story about how a southern family crumbled when one brother fought for the North, the other for the South. Only one returned home when the war ended. This happened all the time during the Civil War, cousins would fit against cousins and many neighbors living in border towns were split on which side they supported. (Land of Falling Stars, https://books2read.com/FallingStars)
When a story idea pops into your head, how long does it typically take to write it (from start to finish)?
That depends on the length of the book. I've been writing for some anthologies lately. That's where 8-9 authors each write a story and they're compiled into one book. These stories have shorter word requirements, like 30,000 words. A story for an anthology might take me several months. A full-length novel of 80,000 words takes longer, usually 4-5 months. It also depends on the amount of research one must do to make the story authentic. For Meko's Woman, I did hours of research on the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. With stories about Native Americans, a writer must do a lot of research on mythology, beliefs and customs of the particular tribe. While it's loads of fun, it's also time-consuming. (Meko's Woman, books2read.com/u/4Ey2Ze). Note: This book was previously published under the title Where the Rain Is Made, was nominated for a Bookie Award and received 35+ five star reviews.
What do you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process? Easiest?
The most difficult part is discipline. While you have no one standing over your shoulder telling you to write, you don't do well in this competitive market unless you continue to produce books. That means writing every day, or setting a word count goal every day. There are perks to this too. As I said, no one is standing over me with a whip. LOL. It's nice to have this freedom.
Of all your characters whom do you most relate to?
I think there's a little bit of me in all my heroines (maybe some of my heroes too), but not one in particular that stands out. If authors say their characters aren't like them, that's a stretch. Lol. Every experience we have, every person we meet, stays locked somewhere in our brain. I happen to believe authors draw on those experiences and people (especially themselves) when writing their books.
8) Is there one of your characters that you did not like when you started
writing about them, but found yourself liking by the end of the story?
Oh, yes. Frank, the cop turned private investigator, from my Crossroads series (Gay romance) is not very likeable. He's crude, rude and selfish. I intentionally wrote him that way so by the end of the series, he'd 'find' himself, learn how much he had to lose by being such an unlikeable person, and discover redemption. This series is not for everyone. First, because of Frank's character, second, it's gay romance, and third, it's very erotic. But it's also a love story. (Crossroads, Books 1-4, https://books2read.com/Crossroads)
9) What is your least favorite part about writing?
You're never done when you type 'The End'. After that comes all the promotion which is never-ending. Promoting the book, blog tours, ads, interviews, and a dozen other marketing events follow publishing EVERY story. This is also very time-consuming but something authors must do in order to remain competitive in the market. It's necessary but not as fun as writing.
10) When you are not writing or editing what do you do for relaxation?
Thank you for asking. It's one of my favorite things to talk about. I'm a huge animal lover. I spend my spare time supporting and contributing to the local animal shelter, whether that means visiting so I can help exercise the dogs or dropping off towels and/or food for both cats and dogs. I'd love to take all of them home, but, of course that isn't possible. I do what I can in small measures. I also like to study genealogy, read, and play cards.
11) What genre of books do you like to read?
I do read romance but never when I'm in the process of writing one. Mostly, I read mysteries, thrillers and paranormal novels. I'm drawn to ghost stories and discovered only recently I often write about them, no matter the genre. My latest western romance series features ghosts - Comes An Outlaw (https://books2read.com/ComesOutlaw ) Comes A Specter (Free on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GXBF25X/) and the third book in the series is Comes A Lawman (in the process of writing).
13) Tell us about your books where can people find them?
Another question I'm very fond of answering. Thank you again for asking. I've listed some of my books and links above, but you can see all my books and read my reviews on my Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI/
Sally, my sincere thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to interview me. You have a lovely blog and I'll be visiting often in the future.
Your fans, followers and friends can find me on the Net at the following places:
Author Web Site | Author Blog | Twitter |Facebook | Amazon |
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My thoughts on Kata Diablo's books:
Land of Falling Stars by Keta DiabloMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Civil war took everything from Sophie her mother, father, brother and her man. She stood alone in the world until the fateful day when a Yankee stumbled down her driveway having enough of pain and loss she raised her father's gun and shot him. Much to her dismay, her old wolfhound bounded off the porch and started to lick him in the face. She hurried to the wounded man's side and there on the ground lay her childhood friend. Floods of emotion filled her the kind that bubbles inside until you can no longer contain them. Can she save him and herself or will her stubbornness tear both of them apart. What happens next is a journey of insight into the soul that will leave both the characters breathless.
This is a well written historical romance with rich characters, plot and overall flow. The lovemaking while instence is not overpowering or out of place in the overall story. The characters are well rounded and follow their personal, journey well. This book is well worth the read. The fight scenes while a bit repetitive are not badly written and flow well with the rest of the plot.
Moon of the Sleeping Bear by Keta DiabloMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lauren couldn't pass up an opportunity to visit her aunt in Minnesota. She hated leaving her father, but she was ready for an adventure. Little did she know that she would find something that she never knew she needed and something that she had lost. On her journey she will experience the power of lust, the sorrow of loss, and the joy of life. Will these experiences give her enough knowledge to be able to make the hardest decision of her life. Enter, you will just have to read this book to find out.
I really enjoyed this book it is well written and the characters were believable and realistic. Lovemaking was hot and steamy, but not overpowering the overall story. This author is a master at making you feel part of the story. You really feel the love hate relationship, along with the characters. The individuals in the story are so real, It makes you want to cheer at their triumphs and cry at their losses. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, westerns, drama, or a good adventure book. It's well worth the read and I personally can't wait to read the next installment.
Comes An Outlaw by Keta DiabloMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Coy was heading home to visit his MA and Pa before heading to Utah what he found on their ranch was much more than he and his heart bargained for. Jesse Santos loved her husband, after he died, she talked to his ghost who promised "Help is on the way." The help that arrived in her front yard took her breath away and she had to fight to get it back. Together Coy and Jesse fall in love and work through death to be together.
Fantastic fast paced, romantic read, filled with all the best elements, lost man, lonely woman bit of drama to separate them so they have to fight to get back together. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a lightweight romance they can read in public. Other than a few steamy kisses this is safe for those who do not like highly descriptive sexual scenes.
Where the Rain is Made by Keta DiabloMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a tale of passion and pure lust, which endures through every obstruction including time. When Francesca saw the fires burn across the prairie that day she had no idea those hot flames would find their way into her heart. Meanwhile I Am The Wind who was sent back in time to take care of his people never thought he would loose his heart to a green eyed wild cat because wondering Cheyenne dog soldiers were supposed to be loyal, fierce, and free. Unable to stop themselves the pair fly through war, punishment, and time just to fall into each others arms.
This is a fun fast paced mystical, historical, romantic, fiction. The love scenes while a bit repetive he always used his knee to spred her legs for example are woven into the story masterfully and do not overpower or get lost in the story. The history is interesting and sad it is amazing there are any Indianas left in America after what we put them through. The magic is unique a man turning into a raven and flying through time to help his people is one of a kind. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes historical romance or a quick romantic read.
View all my reviews
