Author Diane Dorce' was born and raised in Gary, Indiana.  After finishing college at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, she moved to Atlanta, GA, where she worked and pursued her career as a writer.  She penned and produced her first musical stage play, "All God's Children Have Wings,"  debuting at the 14th Street Playhouse in 1992.  She is the author of two books, Loving Penny 2001, and Devil In The Mist.  Her most recent works, include 52 Broad St. and another mystery/suspense novel featuring Detective Zack Monstar.  She lives and works in Atlanta, GA.

Debut book title: Devil in the Mist

Pitch your book in 50 words or less (I'll be counting!).

While Southern Africa struggles with a deadly plague, one lone detective and a cast of unlikely heroes discover the virus was engineered, for killing. In this modern day tale of David versus Goliath, Zack risks it all, taking on the government, the world, and finally the Devil in the Mist.

What are three words you would use to describe your novel, Devil 
in the Mist?

Intriguing, realistic, entertaining.

How long did it take you to write Devil in the Mist?

Off and on, about 10 years. It was just a hobby at first, but then I got serious about it.

Did you outline the novel, or did you sit at the computer and let the words pump out of your mind?

The funny thing is in the beginning I wrote long hand…I lost a lot of material trying to transfer from longhand to computer…it was kind of like self-editing (lol), so no outline.

From the time you completed the novel, how long did it take you to get the book published?

It took about 3 years.

Did you send your novel out to agents and editors before going with 
Door of Kush? If so, what was the journey to publishdom like?

Yes in its many forms, earlier versions, titles, etc…I sent it out to many agents, most of which were very encouraging about the storyline, but none could see where it would fit them, which I thinks equates to, the market for AA mystery/suspense wasn’t high. I think at the time, most were looking for relationship books, and so that’s how it goes. At the time I signed with DOK, I had another publisher interested, but they went through some reorganization and so while I consider them a reputable publisher, I went with what was in hand, which was the DOK offer.

What is your writing inspiration?

Life…making sense out of life, transpiring my journeys, experiences, observations, and challenges into stories that not only entertain, inspire, but also make us think.

What are you currently reading?

A Matter of Attention by Torrance Stephens.

What are you currently writing?

Just completed my next novel, tentatively titled 52 Broad Street – A hip-hop tale…, well at least from my viewpoint, not exactly urban/street fiction, but I would say “Sweet-n-Low Street fiction.” 52 Broad St. will unselfishly recount a tale of three women on a quest to find themselves in a world filled with false promises. I will be finishing up another Zack Monster mystery as well, tentatively titled, Blood Secrets. While I continue to shop my middle-grade readers book, FAT! Whew, that’s it!