"Every book begins with Page ONE"
Diane Brandow
Diane Brandow’s motto is: Write from your heart,
and you can’t go wrong.
Since she has always loved the West, especially
Wyoming and Montana, it’s no surprise her writing
pays homage to these storied places.
Brandow lives in a small town in Iowa with
several formerly homeless cats.
PageOneLit.com: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?
Diane Brandow: I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, but grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa. Reading and writing really weren’t a part of my life, but, when I was in high school, I did write a mystery story. I remember filling up both sides of a spiral notebook, but to this day, I don’t recall what happened to that story.
As for influences, there weren’t any. My childhood was quite lonely, and I learned at a very early age how to be a survivor. In doing that, I also found a dream world where life was happier.
PageOneLit.com: Why do you write?
Diane Brandow: I write because I take great pleasure in seeing a skeleton of a story come to life. I thoroughly enjoy getting into the characters and seeing how they grow; seeing their strengths, weaknesses, how they and the story come together to make a happy ending. I like happy endings, as life doesn’t always give us that. I guess, when you think about it, it’s up to us to find our happy endings, which I can in writing.
PageOneLit.com: Tell us about your new book RAINSTORM.
Diane Brandow: Rainstorm is categorized as a contemporary romance. I call it a love story. It’s about taking chances when you’re not sure where it will end up, and in the end, believing that even impossible dreams sometimes have a way of coming true. It’s just a matter of how much you believe in them.
PageOneLit.com: Who is Jessy? Who is Matt Donovan? Who is Brad Sheldon?
Diane Brandow: Jessy’s character is likable, but flawed, which, as my editor had said, is a perfect combination. She’s stubborn and headstrong, with a kind and gentle heart, and, she’s been in love with Matt Donovan since she was a little girl.
Matt Donovan is, I guess you could say, every woman’s dream. He’s a tall handsome, sexy cowboy with a pretty soft heart, especially when it comes to Jessy.
Brad Sheldon was Jessy’s rock when her world had fallen apart. He helped her to believe in herself, in life, and in love again, and, he was also wise enough to know when it was time to let Jessy go.
PageOneLit.com: What is about the historical romance western you enjoy? Did you research much for setting for RAINSTORM?
Diane Brandow: I like the simplicity of the late 1800’s as in The Color of Tears. As for Rainstorm, I researched some, but I’ve been throughout the state of Wyoming over the past few years, especially Cheyenne up to Sheridan. So, as I re-worked Rainstorm, I could then picture those areas in my mind, which made writing easier.
PageOneLit.com: Explain your title RAINSTORM as it relates to the plot.
Diane Brandow: Rainstorm is kind of a surprise. It’s not about storms, or hurricanes, or tornadoes. It’s what love is really all about. Read the book, you will feel it.
PageOneLit.com: RAINSTORM would make a great film -- If Hollywood called and asked you to cast the film who would you cast and why?
Diane Brandow: Once I saw country singer Chris Young’s video, ‘The Man I want To Be’, I knew I’d found Matt. He’s a tall, dark haired, handsome man with a beautiful smile, and he looks great in a cowboy hat. He’s just the whole package of who I see as Matt. As for Jessy, I see Miranda Lambert, only with brown hair. She’s adorable, and her eyes tell a story when she sings. She’s amazing.
PageOneLit.com: Tell us a little about THE COLORS OF TEARS.
Diane Brandow: THE COLOR OF TEARS is a historical romance set in 1898 Billings, Montana. The main story centers around young Dany Madrid and Jace Mathison. It also has some unexpected twists and turns throughout the book. There’s drama, surprises, tears, humor and of course, a love story. I’m very proud of what The Color of Tears means.
PageOneLit.com: What do you hope to achieve with your books?
Diane Brandow: Everything I possibly can. I’d love to see both of my books as movies. That has been mentioned to me on numerous occasions from people who have read them.
PageOneLit.com: What was the last book you read?
Diane Brandow: I have never finished reading a book, although I do have several by Linda Lael Miller. I skim through the last chapter first, then find myself flipping through the pages of the book. I don’t seem to have the patience to sit down and read. I’d rather be writing.
PageOneLit.com: What's next?
Diane Brandow: Edge of a Dream is about ready to be edited. I want to go through it one more time to polish it up the best I can. I’ve also got an idea to bring The Color of Tears into the 21st century. That thought is burning a hole in my brain. I’m not sure where it will go, but then, I didn’t have a clue where the first book would go. And I never planned on Rainstorm. That just happened. First and foremost though, I want to get Edge of a Dream published. It’s a beautiful story. I wouldn’t have written it if I didn’t believe that.
PageOneLit.com: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?
Diane Brandow: I’ve been writing songs for over twenty-five years, and I enjoy playing my guitar or my keyboard. I also make my own demo tapes of my songs, but have never felt the need to publish them. I just enjoy seeing my own thoughts come together in verse, then I try to find the perfect melody to go with them. As for how they enhance my writing: I have to go into songwriting mode to begin writing my books. It’s the only way I can find my story. Once I get past the first few lines, I’m okay.
Diane Brandow – Author Interview by Cathy Stucker
What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
Rainstorm is a contemporary romance, set on a ranch near the small, fictitious town of Deer Creek, Wyoming, which, in the book, is just south of Sheridan. It’s taking a second chance at the first love of your life, and what I believe is the true meaning of Rainstorm. You’ll love the little dog, Maggie. She has her own point of view periodically throughout the book. Even though it’s considered a contemporary romance, I call it a love story, because…….that’s what it is.
What inspired you to write this book?
I honestly don’t know. It just happened. The title was just there, and for some unknown reason, the story followed.
Tell us something about yourself.
I’ve lived in Iowa most of my life except for 7 years from 1985 to 1992 when I lived in California. I’ve been a songwriter for over twenty-five years, and have written/composed over a hundred songs. I just never felt any need to publish them. It was more of getting my thoughts down, be it from something sad, a broken heart (usually the case), or something wrong with the world I figured I could fix, at least with words, or a point I wanted to make. I play guitar and keyboard, and I love animals.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
I had no idea i would write a novel. My first book, The Color of Tears, was written from many years of thoughts that continually crept into my head when I lived in California. I’d sit by the ocean and dream these ‘dream stories’. It wasn’t until I had been back in Iowa for thirteen years, when I finally told my best friend my story. She said, “why don’t you write it.” I said, “I’m a songwriter. I don’t know how to write a book.” She said, “Try” so………I did. I don’t regret it. Sadly to say, my wonderful best friend lost her battle with cancer Nov. 17, 2009. She left me with one of the greatest gifts I never imagined…..my novels, and a dream I never thought I could make happen. Rainstorm is dedicated to her.
What do you believe is the hardest part of writing?
Getting started. I have to go into songwriting mode to do it. From then on, it’s a piece of cake. I thrive on seeing where the story will take me. I also don’t claim to be a professional writer. I’m just a writer who writes what is in my heart.
What part of the country, or world, do your books take place?
Glad you suggested that question. My first book The Color of Tears takes place in Billings, Montana. Rainstorm is in Wyoming, and Edge of a Dream is in a town called Bridger, Montana. Montana and Wyoming are my favorite states and I go there as much as I can, especially Wyoming. It’s a feel good kind of place, so therefore, my books locale is in that part of the country.
How do you do research for your books?
Mainly on the internet.
Did you learn anything from writing this book?
Yes, I did.
What?
Don’t settle, especially when it comes to falling in love. Also, never stop dreaming, or wishing, or wanting something, even if it seems impossible. I don’t believe in impossible dreams. Even if your heart breaks when you’ve reached that ‘impossible dream, that’s ok. Be grateful you can, and did feel. Be glad you have a heart. Some people don’t.
What are you reading now?
My third book, Edge of a Dream. I just happen to like it…..a lot.
Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?
Yes, I am. Edge of a Dream, is rapidly becoming my favorite. I am still proofing it before I send it to be edited. This is a story of the younger man/older woman (by eight years) senario, a love story, and, in my ‘book’, quite amazing. It was brought up in an email with the gal who edits my manuscripts. I had said that you don’t read very many books about that. Most books are the normal, or even younger woman with an older men. She agreed and said, “I’d like to see you knock that right out of the ballpark.” I think I did.
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
Research, and follow your heart. As the saying goes, (something I wrote, actually): Life’s a chance—take it.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
You can go to Amazon, click on my name, and then go to the author page. There are three blogs on my books, and a bio of myself. Also:
http://outskirtspress.com/thecoloroftears
http://outskirtspress.com/rainstorm
What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
Rainstorm is a contemporary romance, set on a ranch near the small, fictitious town of Deer Creek, Wyoming, which, in the book, is just south of Sheridan. It’s taking a second chance at the first love of your life, and what I believe is the true meaning of Rainstorm. You’ll love the little dog, Maggie. She has her own point of view periodically throughout the book. Even though it’s considered a contemporary romance, I call it a love story, because…….that’s what it is.
What inspired you to write this book?
I honestly don’t know. It just happened. The title was just there, and for some unknown reason, the story followed.
Tell us something about yourself.
I’ve lived in Iowa most of my life except for 7 years from 1985 to 1992 when I lived in California. I’ve been a songwriter for over twenty-five years, and have written/composed over a hundred songs. I just never felt any need to publish them. It was more of getting my thoughts down, be it from something sad, a broken heart (usually the case), or something wrong with the world I figured I could fix, at least with words, or a point I wanted to make. I play guitar and keyboard, and I love animals.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
I had no idea i would write a novel. My first book, The Color of Tears, was written from many years of thoughts that continually crept into my head when I lived in California. I’d sit by the ocean and dream these ‘dream stories’. It wasn’t until I had been back in Iowa for thirteen years, when I finally told my best friend my story. She said, “why don’t you write it.” I said, “I’m a songwriter. I don’t know how to write a book.” She said, “Try” so………I did. I don’t regret it. Sadly to say, my wonderful best friend lost her battle with cancer Nov. 17, 2009. She left me with one of the greatest gifts I never imagined…..my novels, and a dream I never thought I could make happen. Rainstorm is dedicated to her.
What do you believe is the hardest part of writing?
Getting started. I have to go into songwriting mode to do it. From then on, it’s a piece of cake. I thrive on seeing where the story will take me. I also don’t claim to be a professional writer. I’m just a writer who writes what is in my heart.
What part of the country, or world, do your books take place?
Glad you suggested that question. My first book The Color of Tears takes place in Billings, Montana. Rainstorm is in Wyoming, and Edge of a Dream is in a town called Bridger, Montana. Montana and Wyoming are my favorite states and I go there as much as I can, especially Wyoming. It’s a feel good kind of place, so therefore, my books locale is in that part of the country.
How do you do research for your books?
Mainly on the internet.
Did you learn anything from writing this book?
Yes, I did.
What?
Don’t settle, especially when it comes to falling in love. Also, never stop dreaming, or wishing, or wanting something, even if it seems impossible. I don’t believe in impossible dreams. Even if your heart breaks when you’ve reached that ‘impossible dream, that’s ok. Be grateful you can, and did feel. Be glad you have a heart. Some people don’t.
What are you reading now?
My third book, Edge of a Dream. I just happen to like it…..a lot.
Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?
Yes, I am. Edge of a Dream, is rapidly becoming my favorite. I am still proofing it before I send it to be edited. This is a story of the younger man/older woman (by eight years) senario, a love story, and, in my ‘book’, quite amazing. It was brought up in an email with the gal who edits my manuscripts. I had said that you don’t read very many books about that. Most books are the normal, or even younger woman with an older men. She agreed and said, “I’d like to see you knock that right out of the ballpark.” I think I did.
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
Research, and follow your heart. As the saying goes, (something I wrote, actually): Life’s a chance—take it.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
You can go to Amazon, click on my name, and then go to the author page. There are three blogs on my books, and a bio of myself. Also:
http://outskirtspress.com/thecoloroftears
http://outskirtspress.com/rainstorm
