Interview with Diann Hunt, part deux

Captain's Log, Stardate 02.24.2006




Continuing my interview with Diann...

CT: What's your writing schedule like? How do you ensure time for family and church?

DH: I try to write from eight o’clock in the morning to one or two o’clock every day. But more than that, I try to write a chapter. If I don’t get that chapter done by one or two, I keep at it. But usually I make that goal, because I always reward myself with going to visit the grandkids, and I don’t let myself go if I don’t make my goal.

CT: What is your most memorable moment as a writer?

DH: My first sale was an article in Victoria Magazine’s Reader-to-Reader newsletter. I will never forget the moment I opened an envelope from them, thinking it was a subscription renewal, but instead it was a contract and a check for $100!!! I screamed my brains out (I suppose that’s what’s wrong with me today).

CT: When did you first discover that you were a writer?

DH: When I was in grade school and kept a diary. I had to write in that diary every day, come what may.

CT: What's your greatest writing weakness and how do you overcome it?

DH: My grandkids. I’d rather spend time with them than get my work done. Still, I’m goal-oriented, so I don’t allow myself the fun things (well, except for chocolate) until I get my work done.

CT: You're too young to have grandkids! :) What's your best writing strength?

DH: I work hard and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

CT: How do you handle deadline stress? Any advice or tips?

DH: Unfortunately, I eat chocolate. I wouldn’t recommend it. Those harmless little M&M guys, just aren’t as harmless as they appear. Lately, I’ve been trying to munch on carrots while writing, but let me point out that it’s just not working for me here. I want the little M&M guys back.

CT: Most writers struggle with insecurity. How do you retain your confidence as a writer?

DH: Well, when I get that confidence, I’ll let you know. :) I struggle with insecurity all the time. Keep thinking it’s a fluke that I’ve written any books at all. But then I remember that I serve the God of the impossible, and that’s why I am where I am today. For some reason, He has allowed this, and I want to be faithful. So I trudge forward, knowing that my confidence is not in myself but rather in Him.

CT: What's the biggest risk you've ever taken as a writer?

DH: I wrote Hot Flashes & Cold Cream. It was first person (something I’d never done before), and humor, also something I hadn’t done much of—though I dabbled in it with my first Love Inspired. I found that I LOVED writing this way, but was sure no one would want it. WestBow took it, and I’ve been dreaming ever since. :)

CT: How do you handle writer's block? Do you ever get writer's block?

DH: I try to outline a few chapters ahead so that I don’t get writer’s block, but I do have moments where I have to rethink some things to get pulled back into the story. The best way for me to handle those times is to go for a drive and turn the classical station on the radio. It always inspires me.

CT: Describe your writing space as it is now, and your fantasy writing space.

DH: I have an office, but I never use it. I normally sit on the end of my sofa in the family room and write on my laptop. :) I have a friend who has a BIG writing room, complete with built-in bookshelves, mahogany writing desk, ocean portraits on the walls, a beautiful lounging sofa and coffee table. It is gorgeous!!! And now she doesn’t write. :( I’d take that room in a heartbeat.

CT: Do you have a special verse specifically to inspire your writing?

DH: Yes! Isaiah 50:4: “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”

CT: What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

DH: You can be a writer or you can be a “wanna be” writer. The choice is yours. Never, never, never give up.

CT: Thanks for doing the interview! Any parting words?

DH: Thanks for giving me this opportunity, Camy! Such fun! Parting words? Enjoy the journey and laugh every day.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 46. I'm still in Isaiah. It seems to be a lot of judgment, repentance, blessing--rinse and repeat. God is just way lenient with His people--good thing, eh? If I ever think God can't forgive me, I just have to think about the Israelites with their child sacrifices being forgiven by their God.

Writing: I'm going to get some done tonight. I don't have anything more I can do on the Genesis until the judges get back to Ronie with their confirmations.

Diet: I had a lighter workout at PT today because my tendons were a little inflamed, but I did 30 minutes on the exercise bike. I was really good for lunch--chicken vegetable soup (600)--and had a powerbar (300) before going to Shelley's talk about toxic churches and her writing tonight in Santa Cruz. Afterwards, Dineen and I went to dinner at Frankie, Johnnie and Luigi Too!, one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I had the most incredible bruschetta for appetizer and I only ate half my pasta dish, but I'm pretty sure my calorie count was through the roof.