CANDLE LOVE - MaryAnn Diorio - One Free Book

Welcome back, MaryAnn. What has drawn you to writing for children?
My love for children and my love of words naturally combined and resulted in three picture books and one chapter book so far.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I would say running out of gas just as I entered the 17-mile-long Chesapeake-Bay-Bridge Tunnel. Thank the Lord the bridge police saved the day by bringing me enough gas to complete my drive across the bridge and get to a gas station.

When did you first discover you were a writer?
I first sensed God's call to write when I was 30 years old. One day, I began to have a strong desire to write. The desire kept increasing. I went to the Lord and said, "Lord, if this desire is of You, please increase it. If not, please take it away because it is getting unbearable." The Lord increased the desire and then confirmed it by allowing one of my poems to be published in the prestigious magazine, The Saturday Evening Post. I had no idea what I was doing in submitting my poem to a slick magazine that was so difficult to crack (as I later learned). So when the poem was accepted, I knew without doubt that it was God's way of confirming His call on my life to write.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read widely in multiple genres. I read contemporary fiction, the classics of literature, books on theology, philosophy, quantum physics, the end times, children's books, politics and culture, etc. I also read books and articles on writing fiction. I am always reading and devouring books and articles. I think it is very important for a writer of fiction to understand the culture in which her stories are set. To me, culture means not only historical setting but the mindset prevalent in that historical setting. By far, however, my favorite book to read is the Bible. I spend a good deal of time reading God's Word. It is different from every other book in that it is alive.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
I have written and published three children's picture books: WHO IS JESUS?, TOBY TOO SMALL, and CANDLE LOVE; one chapter book: DO ANGELS RIDE PONIES?; two novellas for adults: A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING and SURRENDER TO LOVE; and a full-length novel: THE MADONNA OF PISANO. This latter is the first in my trilogy titled THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES. I have also written several non-fiction books: YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS!; A STUDENT'S GUIDE TO NATHANIAL HAWTHORNE, A STUDENT'S GUIDE TO HERMAN MELVILLE, and A STUDENT'S GUIDE TO MARK TWAIN.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?         
I keep an ongoing conversation with Jesus. In other words, I practice the presence of God. In so doing, my mind is always fixed on Him and, as Isaiah 26: 3 promises, keeping our minds fixed on Christ results in perfect peace.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
Recently completing my first full-length novel, THE MADONNA OF PISANO. This book is the first in my trilogy The Italian Chronicles.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
The dog is my favorite animal because of its loyalty. My strongest quality is loyalty.

           

What is your favorite food?
I love vegetables of all kinds, especially green vegetables sautéed in olive oil and garlic. Sometimes I add Italian bread crumbs for extra flavor. :)

Is it hard to break into the children’s market?
Yes. The children's market is one of the most difficult markets to crack because the competition is very keen. Many children's authors, however, including yours truly, are now venturing into indie-publishing with much success.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
If God has called you to write for children, then you must write for children. Learn all you can. Write the best book you can. Study the market. Submit (or self-publish). In either case, pray, pray, pray for God's direction. He will show you the way to get your book out there where it can bless little children and those who read to them.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
CANDLE LOVE is a story about sibling rivalry. It is targeted to children who are expecting a new little brother or sister or who already have a new sibling in the family. The story was based on my own experience as a mother.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I am always happy to hear from readers. They can reach me via the following venues:
Website: www.maryanndiorio.com
Blog (Matters of the Heart): http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/maryanndiorioblog
Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/author/maryanndiorio
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/DrMaryAnnDiorio
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/@DrMaryAnnDiorio
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6592603
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=45380421
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/drmaryanndiorio/
Google+: http://plus.google.com/u/0/+DrMaryAnnDiorio
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/drmaryanndiorio/

Thank you, MaryAnn, for sharing this book with us. I love the cover.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Candle Love - Amazon
CANDLE LOVE - Kindle

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