You ever have the pleasure of randomly meeting someone who you know you're going to become good friends with right from the start...?
That's not the case with Didi...
JUST KIDDING! It's TOTALLY the case with DIDI OVIATT! This lady, let me tell you, she jumps in with both feet and she just never stops. Tell her one thing, and she's like: how can I help!
And that's not all!
No, on top of being just a top-notch human being, she's also a super stupendous amazing author!
Wow that's a lot of exclamation points, but they are all so well deserved. Didi holds down so many different titles: wife, mother, author, but my favorite one is: FRIEND.
I'm so very glad to get to introduce you to her today! Another one of the amazing authors part of "SINNERS & SAINTS - A Collection of Romantic Interludes (you can get your copy HERE), please enjoy getting to know Didi just a little bit more before she wows you with her words in her books!
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1. Why did you first start writing? What was the inspiration for your first book?
I’ve always enjoyed writing small projects and poetry, but it wasn’t until my mid-twenties when I wrote my first novel, that I decided there was no turning back. I struggled to have children, and lost several pregnancies. It was writing that pulled me out of a strange place of feeling incompetent and incapable, so to speak. Pouring creative energy into a project is such a healing accomplishment, and finding the passion and drive to continue doing something that you love is the purest inspiration - in and of itself.
2. How many books do you have published now?
Seven published, including three full length stand alone psychological thrillers, several short story anthologies across the genre board, and the first in a fantasy novella trilogy.
3. Do you have any books in the works at the moment?
Three... I have three books in the works, and to be honest there are days/weeks that I feel like a computer with too many tabs open lol! Can I shut down, or do a restart, just yet???? *wipes sweat from forehead*
4. Any advice you’d offer up-and-comers looking to find their place in the literary world?
Absolutely! First thing’s first, don’t give up on yourself. There will always be room for improvement, even the best seem to get better. There’s also more to learn that you couldn’t possibly expect going in. I’ve been at it for years, and it seems like I still learn something new in the industry every single day!
5. How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?
Names are SO important. It used to be my least favorite part of writing. Luckily, I grew out of that irritating little hang up! Now I love it. I’ve recently been working on a co-written novel with the insanely talented James J. Cudney. It’s a historical fiction/metaphysical novel about a woman who seeks out her past lives. The timeline is vast and on point, so there has been a ton of research involved. A part of that research included finding names that fit the characters given their individual timeline and heritage. This process was so fun and so interesting. Not to toot my own horn, or James’, but the names we found and used are ON POINT and beautiful!
6. Where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere. Everywhere. Everywhere. Lol Seriously, I could find inspiration under a rock. *winks*
7. Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with?
I love to explore all genres. I’ve been writing short stories of every sort for years. But, I think it’s safe to say that 2020 really tops the cake for exploration!! I’ve always wanted to write a full length romance and a full length spiritual sort of book. For the first time ever I’ve stepped out of that comfort zone and am doing just that… Both romance AND metaphysical are on my line up and I’m absolutely obsessed with them both!
8. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Series… I really suck at keeping my head into the same zone for one book after another. I’m finally working on book two of a trilogy I started years ago. I publish and then get distracted. New storylines and plots always wind up winning out.
9. What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?
I absolutely love them! I’m yet to put anything like that together, but someday I most definitely will!
10. Do you hand write or do everything on your computer?
Honestly, if I were to hand write anything… I likely wouldn’t be able to read it back to myself later lol. I possibly have the worst handwriting on the planet. So, yeah, all of my stuff is written on a computer.
11. If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?
Let my husband provide for me haha… Just kidding… sort of *winks again*
12. Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?
Reviews are tough. I’ve learned so very much from them. You really have to have thick skin to be a successful writer. Even the very best books get bad reviews. The way I look at it, once a book is in the hands of a reader, it now belongs to them, not you. You can give the exact same book to five different people and every single one of them will form a totally different opinion.
I do read all of my reviews, and I’m so very grateful for every single one of them. The great ones are extremely encouraging. The bad ones are something to be considered with an open mind and a hardened heart. Wade through, take the criticism that’s meant to be constructive as just that - and let the rest roll off of your shoulders. You can’t make your work stronger if you don’t know it’s weak spots. It’s important to live and learn, and the best way for a writer to do that is by reading their reviews.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me, Didi, and thank you, readers, for taking the time to get to know us a little better.
Make sure to check out "SINNERS & SAINTS - a Collection of Romantic Interludes" coming in January 2021 (Preorder your copy HERE) for more stories by Didi Oviatt and me and 14 more amazing authors!
But until then, because I know you're gonna need more of Didi's books, make sure to pick up "Blurred Lines" today!
Links to Didi:
Website: https://didioviatt.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/didioviatt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Didi_Oviatt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/didioviatt/
Book Links:
Justice for Belle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PVGS8L6/
Search for Maylee: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074TM3JVB
Aggravated Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MV2G5RO
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