Dianne Gardner

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm Dianne, writing as D.L. Gardner. I live in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, love walking in the woods with my husband, writing, reading, and enjoying my grandchildren. I have 27 published works to my credit. I've won awards for my books, my audio books, and my screenplays. I write primarily fantasy but have some historical, mystery, and sweet romance novels as well.

When and why did you start writing books?

I first published a novel in 2010 but I'd written a few drafts before that.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I had always wanted to write a novel and made several attempts but when I realized I could combine my artwork (I'm also a professional oil painter) with story telling, that's when I became truly inspired to finish a novel. Of course, from then on I began taking workshops, attending conferences, reading books on writing, participating in critique groups, and consulting mentors and editors to help me.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

That's a hard one. Kairos was a joy to write. He's an inept wizard, a supporting character, in my Sword of Cho Nisi series who grows throughout the three book story. He's a flawed human providing comic relief, and displays true loyalty and tenacity. But I have other characters like him in my other books too.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Probably Thread of a Spider. I had to do a lot of research both in history and in Irish myth for that book and it took a year of reading resources and gathering my thoughts as I knew nothing about Ireland when I began, except that I sympathized with the common people fighting for freedom.

Who is your favourite author and book?

C.S. Lewis is my favorite author. Brandon Sanderson is also a favorite and I'm enjoying his Stormlight series at the moment.

What book are you reading right now?

The Oathbringer.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From all sorts of sources. Nature, politics, the human predicament. My books are character driven.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Gardening mostly. Fishing when I can. Being surrounded by nature in the wilderness, our local forest, or on my property.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes I'm writing a spin off series to Sword of Cho Nisi.