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Breathing Words

Diana Murdock

I don’t hide behind the words I write. 

I live them. 

I breathe them.

I am them.

What you see is what you get.

Maybe.   (Diana Murdock, About Me)

~~~~~

Diana Murdock has a haunting honesty.  Her words, her thoughts, her ideas are not easily skimmed or dismissed.  They require reflection, speculation, or at the bare minimum, a pause.

I’ve admired Diana’s writing since meeting her last summer in Kristen Lamb’s class on blogging, and I am delighted to showcase her work today. Along with being a writer, Diana is a mother of two teen boys, she works a day job, and is, possibly, a workaholic. (I suspect this from the 3:00 a.m. time stamp on her emails.)

But before we get started with the interview, let’s take a peek at Diana’s upcoming book, Souled:

Power and Control…

What 17-year-old boy wouldn’t be tempted by the promise of power and control – no matter what form that promise came in?

Seth knew exactly what he would do with power and control.  He’d be well on his way to a wrestling scholarship, his dad could stop working so hard to make ends meet, and he’d forever have the heart of his girlfriend, Sandpoint High’s most beautiful girl.

For Seth, the temptation was much too strong to resist. And why should he?  The way he saw it, he had everything to gain.

But when he unknowingly invites another soul to share his body, Seth discovers that not all power is good – especially when it was never his to wield.  And when the soul reveals its true intentions, will Seth have the strength to fight it or would death be less painful?

Scheduled for release in Spring 2012

Diana, I’m so pleased to talk to you. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become a writer?

I started writing poems when I was young.  That seemed to be the only way I could really express myself.  I wrote short stories as well, but they were either for school or for my eyes only.  My first attempt at writing a full novel began about 12 years ago.  I’d had such a powerful dream that stayed with me for days.  I finally wrote it down and it became the opening chapter of Again.

Speaking of your debut novel, Again is women’s fiction, but Souled  is YA. Why the switch?

I’ve always had a soft spot for the YA age group, but Again was a very personal journey that just had to be told, almost like a portal had opened to nudge me in the direction of writing for others, not just for myself.  After Again was published, I gravitated to the YA section of the library and read a lot of YA books because it resonated with me.  Perhaps because my childhood was so dysfunctional and I never felt I had a voice.  Through writing in the YA genre, my characters give me the opportunity to speak.  I hope that my characters can speak with and to the readers as well.

Souled focuses on soul or spirit attachment – an idea that a spirit or entity is attracted to certain people – so does this book fall under the Paranormal Romance umbrella?

Definitely.  Though the topic of other souls “coming along for the ride” weaves itself through the pages, it is ultimately love that starts the story rolling, and keeps the characters and events in motion until the end.

What did you like best about writing Souled?

I’m fascinated by all things paranormal and the subject of soul attachment in particular hits home for me.  I have had two members of my family who have had attachments and I could see the progression of their experience.  A couple of my friends have also had similar experiences as well.  Writing Souled gave me the opportunity to use what I knew and also continue my research on the subject.  There is so much out there that most of us don’t even know about!

Then the question must be asked: If you could share souls with anyone, who would it be?

That’s a loaded question, but I’d have to say Roni Benise, the Spanish guitarist.  His obvious good looks aside, to be able to see life through his eyes, to experience his emotions when he creates the beautiful music that he does, would be incredible!  I’d never leave!

No spoilers here but you have two intriguing story lines going back and forth between Maksim and Silura and Seth and Dani. What made you design the story this way?

Silura and Maksim, lovers from centuries ago, have their own tragic story to tell, and since it is to tightly woven around Seth and Dani, I felt it was important for the reader to know exactly what Seth was up against and why.  I wanted to show that a person’s actions always have some type of ripple effect through space and time and that it rarely stops with that person.

Seth is a fantastic boyfriend. He’s sweet, thoughtful, and devoted to Dani. Is he based on anyone from your life?

Seth is such a sweetheart, isn’t he?  I didn’t have anyone in particular in my mind when I created him.  I just love the innocence some young teens have and the way they look at the world with trust and hope.  I stand on the side of those who sometimes make the wrong choices for the right reasons.  That’s how I saw Seth.

Last, but not least, are we going to get to see a sequel to Souled? 

Awesome!  I’m happy that you enjoyed the story enough to ask!  This is the type of story that could take many different directions, so, yes, I’ve left that possibility wide open.

Thank you, Diana, for sharing with us! You can find Diana at Diana Murdock’s Blog. Souled is scheduled for release in Spring 2012. Again is available through Amazon.

You can read more about Souled in my review here.

It’s your turn now. What questions do you have for Diana? 

 

49 Responses

  1. Diana MurdockNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Thank you, again, Bridgette, for all that you have done. This was a great learning experience for me and a major step for me. You are simply the best! (Love the picture of Benise, BTW!)
    Diana Murdock recently posted..A Few More Deets on Souled…My Profile

    • BridgetteNo Gravatar
      February 15, 2012 at 8:08 am

      Aw, Diana, loved having you here. I’m so happy to be part of the launch of Souled. Maybe we can have a big release party in March???? :)

      Love and hugs!!!

  2. Natalie HartfordNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 8:17 am

    Woot woot ladies – wonderful interview and book promo! I loved it and am soooo excited to read Souled. Sounds totally up my alley. I love YA and paranormal romance!!
    Wishing both of you all the success in the world!!
    HUGS!!!
    Natalie Hartford recently posted..Urban Word Wednesday: Ding-a-ling blingMy Profile

  3. Ginger CalemNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 9:07 am

    Great great interview. I always love getting to know an author better and see a glimpse into their process. I wish you much success with Souled!
    Ginger Calem recently posted..Let me give you some lovin’My Profile

  4. Ali DentNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Great interview Bridgette. I’m intrigued enough to want to read it. Diana I love the reason you switched to YA. It’s a positive way of growing out of your dysfunctional past which we all have doses of to one degree or another. Using your characters to express a voice you lacked is wonderful therapy and it’s generous too. In the process you give people like me good entertainment. I wish you success with this book.

  5. Tiffany A WhiteNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 11:38 am

    Diana, Souled sounds so very good!! I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for hosting the interview with Diana, Bridgette!
    Tiffany A White recently posted..Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – The Art of FindingMy Profile

  6. Darlene SteelmanNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Greta interview! Gosh I am discovering so many wonderful authors out here in the blogosphere…
    Darlene Steelman recently posted..Friday Flash Fiction – The Coffee RoomMy Profile

    • Diana MurdockNo Gravatar
      February 15, 2012 at 5:25 pm

      Hi Darlene! When I first bought my Kindle I bought the established authors, but as I got more involved with Twitter and blogging, I find the “big name” books are cookie cutter type. Now, my Kindle is full of my indie writers. There are no boundaries with indies. I’m finding the stories to be much more entertaining! Thanks for visiting!
      Diana Murdock recently posted..A Few More Deets on Souled…My Profile

    • BridgetteNo Gravatar
      February 15, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      Thanks Darlene! Appreciate the kind words. Diana really is a fantastic author. Make sure to look for Souled next month.

  7. Marion SpicherNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    I’ll be reading “Souled” as soon as I get one of those things called a “round-to-it”. I read “Again” and enjoyed the way Diana pulls the reader into this fabulous story. Great post, Bridgette, and will check the review later! Diana, can’t say enough about you in a short comment!
    Marion Spicher recently posted..Gratitude ListMy Profile

  8. Jennifer TannerNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Hi Diana (and Bridgette)!

    I admire that you can write in two separate genres. Writing is tough enough but the ability to create characters outside the realm of what we know as reality is amazing.

    Can you give us any pointers on how you wove the story line of four characters without sacrificing the pace of the book?

    Love the cover!

  9. Angela WallaceNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Great job hyping up the book, ladies! Diana, it sounds like Souled is written in the same structure as Again? I liked the way you handled those two storylines, so I’m looking forward to this book as well!
    Angela Wallace recently posted..Escaping into the Extraordinary ~ Guest Post by Tameri EthertonMy Profile

  10. Tameri EthertonNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    What a fantastic interview! I cannot wait for this book to come out in print (hopefully soon?) because it is gorgeous. The duality of the book has me so intrigued and I need to know what happens to Seth. I’m totally looking forward to reading the book. Diana is such a beautiful soul herself and getting this peek into her world was fun.

    Thanks both Bridgette and Diana for a great post.
    Tameri Etherton recently posted..Charlie Goes to Candy Mountain!My Profile

  11. Angela Orlowski-PeartNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    Hi Diana and Bridgette,

    This is a fabulous interview, ladies, because it introduces the upcoming book AND the author. Really well done.

    With the four characters living during two separate eras, the book sounds as it is structured in a similar way to Again. I very much enjoy reading Again (I’m almost done) for that very reason! It will be such a treat for me to read Souled.

    Diana, I admire your reasons for switching to the YA genre. Unlike some authors who see the YA as the big trend now, you write for the teen audience because this genre simply resonates with you.

    I love Bridgette’s idea of Souled release party in March! I have an idea about that and will email it to you shortly :-)
    Angela Orlowski-Peart recently posted..What’s The Real Problem With The Valentine’s Day?My Profile

  12. Dannie HillNo Gravatar
    February 15, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    What a great interview, Bridgette! Diana is one of my favorite bloggers and a rare beauty I enjoy learning from. I loved AGAIN and can’t wait to read SOULED. Diana, you weave a story that makes me think and look for the underlying meanings. I’m a fan!
    Dannie Hill recently posted..Two Awards for BloggingMy Profile

  13. Marcia RichardsNo Gravatar
    February 16, 2012 at 9:37 am

    Loved this interview and book review, Bridgette and Diana! It was great to learn more about the writer in you, Diana and I look forward to reading both Again and Souled. It’s a smart and strong woman who takes the negatives in her life and turns them into positives…writing that is cathartic and planning to help young people will heal your soul. I applaud you, Diana. Bridgette, you did a beautiful job on this interview and review!
    Marcia Richards recently posted..75 Ways Women are Sexy, Smart, Strong and Live from the HeartMy Profile

  14. Patricia SandsNo Gravatar
    February 16, 2012 at 9:43 am

    Fabulous interview, ladies! Diana, you constantly reveal new layers to us and I loved hearing how Souled came to be and how you worked around the four characters. I have Again on my Kindle and plan to begin it in two more books! So looking forward to adding Souled to the list. The launch party sounds like a blast. Let’s do it!
    Patricia Sands recently posted..February 14th is V-Day – not just hearts and flowersMy Profile

  15. Kate.ZNo Gravatar
    February 16, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    Hi Diana,
    You never lose the expectation of every woman that do believe on your inspiring thoughts, Thanks again for the spiritual review you share with us.. I hope you will continue to bring inspiration to all of us..

  16. LaraNo Gravatar
    February 18, 2012 at 12:53 am

    Hello my dear Diana,
    I agree that each of us has there own interpretation and version when sharing their indeed thought, but you have a kind of inspiring aura that left in every reader..

  17. CassiaNo Gravatar
    February 22, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Great promo of the book, Brigette and Diana. Wow, so much has already been said that I agree with…. Guess, I’ll just say, Diana, you have a great product and a great audience who is eager for it to be available. I look forward to hearing more about the book as we get closer to its release. Let’s your light resonate within its pages and enlighten the world on soul attachment.
    Cassia recently posted..Musing on Muses – MelpomeneMy Profile

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