This week's Spotlight Author is Diane Haynes

Diane has lived in Massachusetts all her life where early on, her artistic talents were fostered, though her skills as an "excellent report writer" were often noted in previous employment.

On her brother Rick's birthday, November 16, 2004, seven months after his death, she woke from an amazing dream which would not fade. She outlined the dream, made a few quick notes and days later produced a 12 page short story. After deciding her story was interesting but incomplete, she began writing her first novel, using her dream as its climax. She now believes the dream to be a 'Spirit Gift,' sent by her brother.Diane continues to reside in Central MA with her husband and a very naughty Basset Hound named Basil and his new adopted sister-Basset, Ruby, both of whom cleverly wreak havoc on the Haynes' formerly well-ordered lives. She spends her time writing, reading books about writing, talking about writing, painting with watercolors, antiqueing and attempting to train a very reluctant Basil and a willing, but highly comedic Ruby.

Haley Miller never had a boyfriend but, when on summer vacation, she meets handsome and charismatic Micah, great-nephew of her friend Gisele, she finds she can think of nothing else.
After a rare earthquake, Gisele's enchanted forest has developed 'rifts,' long gashes in the earth which must be healed to preserve the forest and its magical beings.
Because they lack magical training, Haley, her twin Lacey and their friend, Taylor are forbidden from assisting in the grim task. Their departure is noted with regret by Gisele and Micah, though a smile appears on the beautiful face of Gisele's other helper, Micah's distant cousin, Selena.
Riding to the lake minutes later, Haley is lured into the forest and, assisted by the other two, somehow manages to heal a minor rift. Buoyed by their victory, they race to aid Gisele, whose own tools have proven ineffective, only to be met with open contempt from Selena.
Micah's growing interest in Haley and her newly discovered Gifts, incites sharp dissention, which provokes a dangerous betrayal--leading to repercussions for all.

Coming soon

The Second Installment of the Forest Magic series...

During a winter visit to Bidwell, MA., Haley Miller discovers a closely guarded secret held by her mentor, Gisele. She and her twin sister, Lacey, attempt to change their elderly friend's fate, but despite their good intentions, things go badly awry. When a portal is accidentally opened, malevolent creatures invade the enchanted forest which lies under four feet of snow.

Sirocco is a 62 page, 99 cent e-book follow-up to RIFT HEALER, due out on December 4

Author Interview

What inspired you to write your first book?

I had a dream on my brother's birthday seven months after his death. I wrote a short story, then expanded it.

How did you come up with the titles of each book ?

Each of my books in the Forest Magic series will be largely one character's story & each book is named for that character.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

At first I was happy to write an entertaining story, but now I realize my stories favor a 'Good vs. Evil' scenario.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I wish. Unlike real life, my books are pure fantasy.

What books have most influenced your life most?

The Kitchen Witch, The Sookie Stackhouse series, The Harry Potter series, Twilight...

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Beat-selling Author, Annette Blair who lives in Rhode Island is my friend, cheerleader, teacher and mentor. She is a wonderful person who 'gives back' in the best sense of the word.

What book are you reading now?

None. I'm working on the next book in the series, Necromancer, and I don't like to read anyone else's words when I'm writing.

What are your current projects?

I just finished a novella, Sirocco, which is to be a 'bridge' between Rift Healer and Necromancer.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books ?

I think every writer would try to write a better story and catch all the errors.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Creating a workable, challenging and realistic plot. I have a couple of creative, quirky friends who offer up strange scenarios. Sometimes they work.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Editing, without a doubt. Half the time I love my editors, the rest of the time I want to hurt them.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes, I discovered that maybe I can actually write. Before this book, I thought I only wrote crap. (It might still be crap, I don't know.)

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing, even if you think it's crap. You get better with practice.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

You cannot possibly imagine how much I appreciate you.

What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?

Suspense kills me. I'd probably just shoot myself.

If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be and why?

As described in Rift Healer, a Terratress--they're so beautiful, truly magical and lethal.

Fav Movie?

HP, Twilight, Princess Bride.

Fav food and drink?

Creme de Cocao Sombreros and heavily buttered popcorn. Oh, and lobster.