Welcome Author Diane Escalera!!

Along with our pitch session - we had such a HUGE response! Thanks to all the authors who pitched their books and super-huge thanks to Piper Denna, Lyrical Press Editor, for spending so much time with us on the blog. I read a ton of great pitches - many of which were requested! - and I can't wait to see some of those pitches become books!

Anywho, along with the pitch sessions we thought it would be fun to talk to some published authors this week. Diane Escalera is first up...she writes steamy, fun romances for Lyrical Press and Kensington Publishing. 


Tell us about your publishing journey

Unlike most authors, I didn’t know I was destined to write.  In fact, I worked in banking for several years, but deep down knew that it wasn’t my dream job.  At the young age of thirty-five, my sister died of an illness.  I realized the same thing could happen to me.  There are no guarantees.  I couldn’t waste another moment doing something I didn’t love.  Writing was one of my greatest joys when I was growing up.  While still working at the bank, I decided to enroll in an intensive course where I learned everything I could about the craft.  It wasn’t long before I left the bank to pursue a writing career.  Soon after completing my first novel, I came across an article that Kensington Publishing was starting a new line of romance featuring Latino characters. My hero just happened to be Latino, so I submitted to them. Nothing had prepared me for what happened next — I sold three books!  That was ten years ago.  There have been bumps along the way, but I’m fortunate to be able to do what I love.

 What is it about the romance genre that really 'gets' you - in a good way?

I love Contemporary Romance!  It’s what I read and write.  Of course, it has to be sexy.  Okay, hot!  I like to write about things that occur in real life, problems that readers can relate to.  Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and I try not to shy away from the darker side even if it might be unpopular. 

What is the one piece of advice/information that you wish you'd known from the beginning of your writing journey?

Being a romance author is not as glamorous as people might think.  It takes a lot of heart, sweat, and steely determination to make it in this business. 

And, related to the above question, what are your top 2 tips for authors still looking for a publisher?

I came across a quote that really struck a chord.  It’s on my desk, and I read it every day.

“There are two weapons in the writer’s arsenal. The first is stamina and the second is uncompromising belief in yourself.”

Author Bio

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Diane Escalera makes her home in coastal North Carolina.  The sultry paradise is a steady source of inspiration for her hot love stories.  Diane is married, has two children and a super cute dachshund she can’t get enough of.  She writes contemporary romance, and is published with Kensington Publishing and Lyrical Press.

Dangerous Desire

Sienna Diaz is desperate to find her missing beagle, no matter what it costs. She hires Cruz Santino, the best—and hottest—in the business. He’s an ex cop, dangerous on many levels, which comes in handy when all evidence indicates her beloved pet was snatched to use in a dogfighting ring.

Cruz will do whatever it takes to find Sienna’s lost pet, but he also wants results from the smokin’ hot attraction between them—and he isn’t above breaking his own hands-off-clients rule to get there. However, until he brings her beloved beagle home safely, he won’t have Sienna's undivided attention...and affection.

Buy Links


Coming March 19th!
Still Hot for You A sizzlin' novella featuring an even hotter couple.
Shay LaCosta screwed up a damn good marriage. Now she’s on a mission to get a little submission, and get her hunky husband back in her bed.

Please visit www.DianeEscalera.com to get all the sexy details.  Diane loves to interact with readers! “Like” her Facebook fan page at www.Facebook.com/DianeEscaleraOfficial. Follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DianeEscalera.

Comments

  1. Hi, Diane.

    This book sounds right up my alley. A hot Latino, a dog, a mystery to solve. Gotta check it out.

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  2. Please do, D'Ann. The story is full of heart, and I really think you will enjoy it. Thank you so much for your interest. I'd love to have you as a reader!

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  3. Thanks for stopping by today, Diane! And the book sounds fab!

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  4. You have to love a story where there's not only a pet, but a hot man! Sounds like a great read.

    Also, I enjoyed learning about your journey into writing!

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  5. Thank YOU, Kristina! The pleasure is all mine.

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  6. I'm with you, Christine. Pets and hot men are two of my fave things! Thanks for taking the time to learn about me.

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  7. Hi, Diane,

    I LOVE where you live! I've spent a couple of weeks at Topsail Island and have tried to figure out a way to get a publisher to pay me to move there for a year and write a book. :-) I'm pretty fond of dachshunds, too.

    Thanks for visiting WW. Your books sounds great.

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  8. Thank you, Liz! I just relocated to North Carolina (from South Florida). It's been a bit cold so I've been hiding inside. Not used to temps below 80 lol! Can't wait for the summer when I can hang out at the beach.

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  9. Love, love, LOVE the quote! I may have to steal it and put it on my desk. Or maybe tattoo it on my forehead. LOL

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