Check out RITC's interview with
award-winning international author Diann Floyd Boehm. Diann writes childrens books and young historical fiction adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, peace, and to Embrace
Imagination.” You can find all her books on Amazon. Diann does speaking engagements, book signings as well as author visitations. Her creative flair encompasses the performing arts and performing in musical theatre productions in Dubai produced by Popular Productions out of the UK. In addition, Diann enjoys making guest appearances on various live streaming shows. Diann is the cohost for three shows on USA Global TV ™ and Radio. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and lived in Dubai for 14 years, where her husband worked for the American Law Firm Norton Rose Fulbright for 14 years. She has a Bachelor of Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and her kindergarten certification from The University of Texas @ Austin. Diann has taught in the classroom overseas as well as stateside.
Diann is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a former classroom educator.
Throughout her life, Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian
projects.
To learn more about Diann's work visit: https://www.diannfloydboehm.com
Interview:
RITC: What is the title of your most recent book and what inspired you to write this book?
Diann Floyd Boehm: Book Title: Ruby Takes Chicago. Ruby Takes Chicago is the sequel to Rise, a Girl’s Struggle for More and is about a young woman, Ruby, who takes a train in the 1920, from Oklahoma to Chicago. She is going after her dream.
RITC: What messages or themes do you hope readers take away from your book?
Diann Floyd Boehm: I feel if a woman born in 1904 has the determination to go after her dream with so many obstacles to overcome, that her story would inspire all ages not to give up when they encounter difficulties, but to persevere to achieve their dreams.
RITC: What other books have you written or what's your next writing project?
Diann Floyd Boehm: The two Ruby books are currently my only young adult historical fiction books. I am looking into doing a series of biographies for elementary aged children. I have nine published childrens books, and hope to have a few more coming out in 2025.
RITC: What advice would you give to new writers?
Diann Floyd Boehm: We’re talking here about writing fiction – although my first books were teacher training books. (I started off as a teacher, and then trained teachers). While taking creative writing in college would have been very helpful to me, I started my writing based on realizing that I could use my imagination to tell stories. Applying my experience as a teacher and parent, I focused on fun stories that fit in with age-appropriate learning objectives. My advice, therefore, is this: if you
are blessed to have formal writing training, build on that. If you don’t have that training, but you believe you have a story to tell, start writing. Anyone with a story to tell can be a writer, if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Most of the effort will be to edit your own work time and again, and to accept input from others, either editors who work with your publisher or friends and family who can give feedback. In my mind success is not how many books you sell, but is fulfilling your inner need to share a story and a message -- whether it is a creative children’s story, young reader historical fiction, or an adult book. Being an author is a journey, no question about it, but a journey that is exciting and rewarding. Each time your book is published is a “Wow!” moment. Some practical tips to new writers would be:
*Join a community of authors to have a support group
*Establish a routine for writing
* Do not be critical of yourself
* Read various genres to help you find your voice
*Take classes to help develop your voice
* Grow from constructive criticism
* Stay true to your message
* Be willing to do lots of edits
*Celebrate each accomplishment, such as writing your first paragraph, completing your first chapter, etc.
Finally, enjoy every moment of the journey, even when you are scared. You will grow into being an author and come to have confidence that you can write.
RITC: Who's your favorite writer and outside of your book, what other book would you recommend? and why?
Diann Floyd Boehm: I am reading the eBook, Time Lines. I enjoy Mysteries and Time travel. I just finished a short story One Christmas - An Anglesey Story. I could not put it down. Both stories are by Karen J. Mossman. Next, I will read Revived, by J M Northup.
RITC: Is there a resource that you’d like to share or recommend for upcoming writers or book reviewers?
Diann Floyd Boehm: I just joined Inkers Con Mastermind for writers. I am excited about the classes coming up. I have and will continue to take classes from Women in Publishing. They are fabulous. I have been a member of the Society for Children and Illustrators for several years. They have chapters all over the United States. You can learn so much from your fellow authors.
RITC:What else would you like to share with the RITC audience?
Diann Floyd Boehm: I will share two of the best things I ever did. One was to get a publicist. I hired Creative Edge owner Mickey Mikkelson, who is spectacular. The was to hire a social media guru, Aimee Ravichandran’s Company, Abundantly Social. Trust me, you can write as many books as you want but if you do not get your name out there then readers will not find your books. You can do your social media yourself, but a true professional who specializes in authors not only provides better results but saves you time and energy for your own creative work- writing.
Author Links:
Website: https://diannfloydboehm.com
X: https://twitter.com/diannfloydboehm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannfloydboehm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diann_floyd_boehm/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannfloydboehm/
RITC Affiliate Link for purchase: https://amzn.to/3XfL5pl
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