Interview by Rhonda Gibson
Interview With Diann Hunt
1. Tell us a little about yourself? Married/single, children, how many books authored, etc.
My husband and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary! We have a daughter (Amber) who is 27 and a son (Aaron) who is 25. Both are married and we have four granddaughters. I have eight books currently published, and six more at various stages of the publication process.
2. How many years have you been writing?
Six years.
3. How much time do you spend writing daily? Do you consider yourself full-time or part-time? Do you write in the mornings or evenings?
Until two years ago, I worked as a full-time court reporter and wrote part-time. Now I devote myself fully to writing. I write best in the morning and do other writer-related duties later in the day. I basically turn into a slug in the afternoons. Not a creative thought in my brain past one o’clock.
4. Do you set daily goals for your writing? Number of hours, pages, word count, etc. Tell us how you set your goals.
I attempt to write a chapter a day—approximately 12 to 14 pages. I usually push myself to do that until it’s done. Some days though, the grandkids get priority and I have to finish up the next day.
5. Where do you write? Do you have an office or a corner? Tell us about your space and what makes you most comfortable.
I have a small office set aside for writing, but I usually take my laptop in the family room (because it’s bigger) and just write there.
6. Do you plot or not? Expound briefly on your methods or theories in the plotting department.
I used to do chapter-by-chapter outlines. Now, I only outline a chapter or two ahead of where I’m writing. However, I do have an idea of where I’m going with the story, the major turning points, the character growth, spiritual growth, and that kind of thing.
7. Is your first draft rough or do you aim for a polished manuscript the first time through? How much time do you spend on rewrites?
I write a rough draft straight through, then I re-read, tweak, put in more sensory detail, things I might have missed, then I send to my critique partners. After I get their comments, I rework the manuscript, then read it through one or two more times before submitting to the publisher. I spend about two weeks in rewrites.
8. How does your Christian walk influence your writing? Any advice for integrated God and writing?
Many times what I’m working on in my spiritual journey, my main character has to go through as well. For instance, in Hot Flashes & Cold Cream, Maggie (protagonist) is going through menopause and experiencing some, um, attitude problems. Let’s just say I can relate. My Bible reading can influence my writing, igniting an idea, showing me lessons to learn, that kind of thing, and I weave it into the story. Mostly, I want to show my characters in a personal relationship with God, not just going to church on Sundays.
9. What was your biggest obstacle in regards to writing and/or getting published? How did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle was and still is confidence. I have to constantly remind myself it’s not about my ability, it’s all about Him working through me, which means, I CAN do this (only with HIS help, of course!).
10. Do you have any advice for a new writer?
If you think this is what you’re called to do, never give up! Do what it takes to make it (study, read, practice, write, write, write!). When I first started writing, since I already worked a full-time job, I got up and wrote from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m., every morning. I am not a morning person by nature, so this was a huge sacrifice for me. But I knew I’d never find the time if I didn’t do it then.
I¹d also like to include some quick promotional info:
Do you have a website? (If yes, give address)
Yes! I’d love if you’d visit my web site and sign the guest book at www.diannhunt.com.
Any recent or upcoming releases you¹d like to mention?
My first romantic comedy with Love Inspired, Hearts Under Construction, will hit the shelves in June. AND my first lady lit, Hot Flashes & Cold Cream, will release in October through WestBow Press. Woohoo!
My husband and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary! We have a daughter (Amber) who is 27 and a son (Aaron) who is 25. Both are married and we have four granddaughters. I have eight books currently published, and six more at various stages of the publication process.
2. How many years have you been writing?
Six years.
3. How much time do you spend writing daily? Do you consider yourself full-time or part-time? Do you write in the mornings or evenings?
Until two years ago, I worked as a full-time court reporter and wrote part-time. Now I devote myself fully to writing. I write best in the morning and do other writer-related duties later in the day. I basically turn into a slug in the afternoons. Not a creative thought in my brain past one o’clock.
4. Do you set daily goals for your writing? Number of hours, pages, word count, etc. Tell us how you set your goals.
I attempt to write a chapter a day—approximately 12 to 14 pages. I usually push myself to do that until it’s done. Some days though, the grandkids get priority and I have to finish up the next day.
5. Where do you write? Do you have an office or a corner? Tell us about your space and what makes you most comfortable.
I have a small office set aside for writing, but I usually take my laptop in the family room (because it’s bigger) and just write there.
6. Do you plot or not? Expound briefly on your methods or theories in the plotting department.
I used to do chapter-by-chapter outlines. Now, I only outline a chapter or two ahead of where I’m writing. However, I do have an idea of where I’m going with the story, the major turning points, the character growth, spiritual growth, and that kind of thing.
7. Is your first draft rough or do you aim for a polished manuscript the first time through? How much time do you spend on rewrites?
I write a rough draft straight through, then I re-read, tweak, put in more sensory detail, things I might have missed, then I send to my critique partners. After I get their comments, I rework the manuscript, then read it through one or two more times before submitting to the publisher. I spend about two weeks in rewrites.
8. How does your Christian walk influence your writing? Any advice for integrated God and writing?
Many times what I’m working on in my spiritual journey, my main character has to go through as well. For instance, in Hot Flashes & Cold Cream, Maggie (protagonist) is going through menopause and experiencing some, um, attitude problems. Let’s just say I can relate. My Bible reading can influence my writing, igniting an idea, showing me lessons to learn, that kind of thing, and I weave it into the story. Mostly, I want to show my characters in a personal relationship with God, not just going to church on Sundays.
9. What was your biggest obstacle in regards to writing and/or getting published? How did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle was and still is confidence. I have to constantly remind myself it’s not about my ability, it’s all about Him working through me, which means, I CAN do this (only with HIS help, of course!).
10. Do you have any advice for a new writer?
If you think this is what you’re called to do, never give up! Do what it takes to make it (study, read, practice, write, write, write!). When I first started writing, since I already worked a full-time job, I got up and wrote from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m., every morning. I am not a morning person by nature, so this was a huge sacrifice for me. But I knew I’d never find the time if I didn’t do it then.
I¹d also like to include some quick promotional info:
Do you have a website? (If yes, give address)
Yes! I’d love if you’d visit my web site and sign the guest book at www.diannhunt.com.
Any recent or upcoming releases you¹d like to mention?
My first romantic comedy with Love Inspired, Hearts Under Construction, will hit the shelves in June. AND my first lady lit, Hot Flashes & Cold Cream, will release in October through WestBow Press. Woohoo!
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