Please Welcome Author Diana Nixon!

Today I'm excited to welcome author Diana Nixon to The Cover Contessa for an interview. So sit back and relax and let's see what she has to say!

First a little about Diana!

Diana Nixon was born in Minsk, Belarus, where she still lives and works on her series. Before becoming a writer she received a Master of Law degree from Belorussian state University. She has always liked reading fantasy novels, so when she came up with the idea of writing a book, she already knew what genre to choose. At the moment Diana is working on her Love lines series.

1.  my Facebook page: http://ru-ru.facebook.com/people/Diana-Nixon/100003576573933
2. My Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Nixon/203165316483322?ref=hl
3. My Twitter page: https://twitter.com/DianaNixon9
4. My Russian language page:  http://diana-nixon.narod.ru
5. My Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/diananixon
6. My Shelfari page: http://www.shelfari.com/diananixon

And have you seen her gorgeous books?

Awesomely beautiful, right?

Now, let's hear what Diana had to say in response to my questions!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It happened last summer:). A magical world appeared in my head and I tried to put my ideas on paper. The main thing was to write the first sentence of my story, then it seemed easier with every new page:) When my debut fantasy novel was finished and I liked the result, I started looking for a publisher to let my creation see the world:)

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

Well, writing usually takes about a month, but as my books are originally written in Russian and need to be also translated into English it takes more time to get them ready for publication. While translating the text I make some changes and then compare the two variants to make them equal.

3. What do you think make a great story?

Good imagination, I guess:) Personally I like stories that have mystery and some unexpected turn of the plot. That’s exactly the kind of stories I write myself. Though good writing style is also very important.

4. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

First cup of coffee, second and third:) And some music to inspire my imagination.

5. How do you balance family and writing?

Uh, it’s the hardest thing in my writing process! Lol I have a little daughter and a big house I need to take care of, so my days are usually crazy! Though my family realize that sharing me with my imaginary characters is something they can’t help:) Besides they know how happy I am while writing, so they usually let me enjoy my work during the week, but the weekends are sacred – no laptop and writing, only family. But sometimes I still hide somewhere to check out my Facebook page and my mailbox, as leaving all the letters and notifications for later will kill me with its enormous amount! Lol

6. Where do you get ideas for your books?

My favorite question:) My life is my inspiration; my friends and my family, of course.

7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I can actually write a book!:) I’ve never thought I would become a writer, as it’s so far from my profession, Family law and Civil codes I used to work with.

8. How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite?

I’ve written two books. Both of them are parts of the Love lines series. The first one was published on March 29th, 2012 and the second one was published about a week ago, on November 29th. Now I’m working on Love lines third book, which is From scratch and it will probably become my favorite book as my favorite character tells the whole story:)

9. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

Well, I didn’t copy any of my friends or people I know. I took a little from each of them:)

10. Do you have a favorite place where you love to write?

Usually it’s kitchen:) As my writing starts in the morning with a big cup of coffee, I take my laptop to the kitchen and when my work swallows me and I can’t think about moving to any other place I stay there. But in summer when the weather was sunny I preferred to write outside, on a terrace.

11. How hard is it to get published?

I’m a self-published author, so the main problem in publishing is to format the text of my books and create a cover. Usually I do all the above myself, but sometimes I ask someone else for help.

12. What do your family and friends think about your books?

That they are amazing! Lol Well, all my friends and my family members are proud of me and they are very supportive and patient when it comes to my work.

13. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

As every other woman I like shopping, of course:) I also like watching movies, I read a lot and almost never go to bed without a book in my hands.

14. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft?  If so, what are they?

I always say that the main thing for a future author is the desire to write and create something new. If you want to write, if it makes you happy then don’t give up! There are might be difficulties, but don’t be afraid of them, as there are also so many people who are ready to help and support you on your way.

15. As a child what did you what to do when you grew up?

Frankly, I don’t remember:) A doctor, a teacher? Well, I’m sure that every of those possibilities crossed my mind, but when I grew up I realized that the only thing I really wanted was to become a lawyer. And despite the fact that I’ve switched my attention to writing books, I still like my original profession and if I had a chance to go back in time I wouldn’t change anything about my choice:)

16. What are you favorite books and which authors inspire you?

I like almost all the paranormal romance books:) My favorite authors are Jennifer L. Armentrout, Wendy Higgins, Abbi Glines and Richelle Mead. And every their story is a real inspiration.

17. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are do's and don'ts for getting their material published?  

Don’t publish your book until you proofread it inside out. It’s the most important thing you shouldn’t forget about while self publish your work. Don’t be afraid to get negative review, not everyone should like your book, but it doesn’t mean that it’s bad, just the tastes differ:)

18. What are you working on now?

I’m still working on my Love lines series and hope it will turn into a great fantasy series of books:)

Awesome! Thanks so much for stopping by The Cover Contessa today, Diana! It was great having you with us!