Fan girl moment!
Please join me in welcoming the incomparable Dianne Blacklock (who is also apparently known as ‘the platter queen’!).
Di has not only whipped up “Jenn’s #1 fave platter treat” (dips, cheese, crackers, olives and whatnot, with a glass of wine, of course) she’s also giving away a copy of her new book … WOOT! (no, it’s not called woot – that’s just me being excited.
The new release is called The Best Man (and with four gorgeous grownup sons I reckon Di has lots of research material at hand).
To be in the draw for a copy of The Best Man, read on…
At home…
My mum used to say garden gnomes make a house a home! Are you loud and proud in your love of garden gnomes at home – or a closet gnomer?
I have a casual relationship with gnomes, we’re just friends. That’s all I’m prepared to say at this time.
(Oh, is that a gnome I can see in the garden behind you?)
(LOL – tricked ya!)
What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?
I’d love to have a lemon tree. I have a slice of lemon in my tea every morning, I use lemon in a lot of dishes, I even like a wedge of lemon in the odd beer! I’d love to be able to go out back and pick a lemon off my very own tree.
(Hmm, I believe I have a Corona rolling around in the bottom of the fridge somewhere – AND a lemon tree. Back in a jiffy!)
If I came to your home and looked in the refrigerator, what would I find?
Fresh fruit and vegies, yoghurt, eggs, juice, the aforementioned dips and cheeses, soda water, wine of course … Not very interesting, but you have helped me write my shopping list for tomorrow!
🙂 🙂 🙂
If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)
I don’t need to sort it, it’s almost entirely black! My sons laugh when I come home from shopping – ‘Oh, you bought a black top just like all your other black tops.’ I have been trying to be more adventurous lately, and I’ve gone a little crazy with green accessories. I even bought a green dress last summer. Unheard of.
What are you wearing now? (Be honest!)
Black trackies, black long-sleeved top, black socks … (told you). As the day has grown colder, I’ve added an oversized beige cardie, and I’m wearing the comfy but crazy striped booties my niece brought me back from Guatemala. I’m all class.
(Beige?! You crazy girl!)
Whose home would you like to housesit and why?
George Clooney’s villa in Como. As long as he was in it. Which is not really housesitting, but hey, that’s my answer and I’m sticking with it.
(George Clooney has a villa in Como? He just got even better!)
Country curiosities…
We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?
I have a big head, so hats always sit too high. My ideal hat is adjustable.
(Okay everyone, admit it. You all scrolled up to check out a big head on Dianne’s author pic just then, didn’t you?)
If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?
Gosh … I’m a Pisces, so I guess I’d be a fish. Lucky I like the water.
Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?
I look forward to a time when chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.
(Jennifer Scoullar will agree with that. She’s a chook rescuer!)
About you…
Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?
Probably not until I was able to quit my real job, around the time my third novel came out. After that I had no choice but to put ‘author’ under occupation!
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
There’s a quote I relate to from Thomas Manne – ‘Writers are people for whom writing is harder.’ It’s hard work to do it well, and you never feel satisfied, always thinking it could have been better. The constant self-doubt is tough, but it’s par for the course.
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?
I’ve always wanted to be asked how I feel about garden gnomes. You’ve made my dreams come true, Jenn!
(The least I could do given your inspiration and support regarding my own dreams – not to mention the number of times I boldly compared myself to you in my submissions to publishers! There … I’ve confessed!)
Fun stuff …
What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his/her creator.
I hope she thanks me for bringing her to life, perhaps wishing that I hadn’t put her through the ringer quite so much. But no, she doesn’t want me to hang around with her, she wants me to leave her alone so she can get it on with [insert love interest here].
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
Most of the people I admire, I’d like to hang out with them, not be them! Though I wouldn’t mind changing places with Gina Rinehart, and give away as much of her money as I could manage in 7 days!
(Maybe take Loretta Hill with you. She knows her mining!)
If I said to you, “Just entertain me for five minutes, I’m not going to talk,” what would you do?
Oh, it’s a bad idea to give me the floor without interruption – all you’d get from me is a stream of babble, and I’m not too sure that would be entertaining. I can’t sing or play an instrument, but I can talk. Under water.
(Under water – That’s the pisces thing again, I guess!)
What was the best thing before sliced bread?
I have no idea … just how old do you think I am?
(Shall I scroll up to that author pic again and have a stab? Probably not!)
How weird are you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (not) to 10 (very).
Noel Coward said ‘Very few people are completely normal really, deep down in their private lives.’ So I reckon I’m as weird as the next person – we’re all fives.
Wonderful! Thank you Di – for being so supportive and for your lovely comment about my House for all Seasons.
Check out all Dianne’s novels here (oh, and do yourself a favour while you’re there. Sign up for her newsletter – it’s a Lane Moriaty, Ber Carroll and Di Blacklock newsletter. Fabulous reading.)
Now to WIN the Best Man … Leave a comment below. You have two weeks from the post date. Winner chosen at random and announced here.
And the winner is …. (chosen by the random number generator) Peta!
Fun post, thanks Jenn and Dianne. Dips, cheeses, olives, nice glass of wine and a good book – bliss. Looking forward to ‘The Best Man’.
Thanks for having me, Jenn! It was fun, even if now I think I’ll become known as the author with the big head 🙂
Thanks Christine!
Another lovely entertaining post – you can see why both of you write funny, heartwarming books that fly off the shelves!
Thank you, Helene! So lovely of you to say!
Dianne, loved reading about you. You sound like a fun loving person, put a big smile on my face. Look forward to reading you book.
Well, now you’ve put a big smile on my face 🙂
I am extremely fortunate to have met Di at our library a couple of years ago, and found her a very down to earth person, her books are great and I eagerly await her new one. That wine is still awaiting your next trip to Melbourne Di!
Did someone say wine????? You are lucky. Im jealous. Thx for dropping by.
And I was extremely fortunate to have met you, Janine! You know I want to get down there, I love Melbourne, and am trying to hatch something with my publicist.
Love your “bale up” Jenn! And having met Dianne recently, for her to say her talk is not entertaining…pfft!!! How could you say that Di!! I’d love a copy of your new book…thanks for the opportunity to win it 🙂
Thx Brenda. Good luck in the draw.
Aw thanks, Brenda x
Love your books Dianne 🙂 love reading and have even started my own reading group on Facebook called Hooked on Books and yes I’ve shared this page on there to share your books and my love of them 🙂 keep up the great work 🙂
Well, I’m off to check out Hooked on Books! Thanks!
Thanks Jenn for a fun blog on Di. I too have met Di when she came to Melbourne and she was just delightful. It was a bit of a drive to see her but was well worth it. The evening went far too quickly and to have my photo taken with her was great. I have learnt today that Di is a Pisces like me – wow, I’m thrilled. I have read all Di’s books and loved everyone of them. I have converted a few friends to her books too. So I am so looking forward to reading “The Best Man”.
Very jealous. I would love to meet Di. Thx for dropping by. Nice to meet you and good luck in the draw.
You’re a Pisces too, Sally! That’s why you’re so nice 🙂
Have just finished reading and all inspiring book, House of All Season, and now looking forward to reading another interesting book, perhaps this could be Dianne Blacklock’s ‘The Best Man’
Lovely of you to say, Lorraine. You will most def enjoy Dianne’s stories.
All true though. Just been to the Coffs Library’s author talk tonight to listen to another first time author, Robin de Crespigny about her book ‘The People Smuggler’. Her topic caused heaps of controversial questions.
What an entertaining interview, I really enjoy interviews that veer of course and ask questions like gnome gathering and the size of peoples heads LOL
I too met Di at her last visit to Melbourne a couple of years ago … come on Di it is well past time for your next visit and yes the wine is still waiting but gosh oh my, Ive had to drink several bottles already (checking to ensure it is still fresh of course – I couldnt possibly serve ‘stale’ wine!).
Cant wait for this book to be released, from your sneak peek Im getting the feeling that “Hal” might get a run for his money in this book (& you know how much I love my Hal!) 😉
Veering off course is not hard for me, I’m afraid. Di is such a good sport too … Big head and all!!!! 😉
I know it’s well past time I got to Melbourne again, Helen! Glad you’re keeping the wine stocks fresh 🙂
But will anyone ever replace Hal in your affections??
Author Harvest is the highlight of my mid-week. Jenn J McLeod sure knows how to give a girl a leg-up and a laugh on (or near) hump day.
I have heard so much about you Dianne Blacklock and I look forward to reading your books. Enjoy that green dress. I’m sure it looks super!
Lily M
You know me, Lil. I aim to please!
Thank you, Lily! Just checked out your book – there’s a Liv in The Best Man as well. And my mother’s family name is Murphy! Too many coincidences, I’m going to have to read it now (story sounds great!)
Well not just one book to look out for – but I have learned of another which I shall be scouring the shelves tomorrow Jenn…..your one, I have not read yours before…. Thank you for a great blog read….just goes without saying if I don’t win Dianne’s latest I will but it anyway, and Dianne if my fridge doesn’t have wine and olives there is so something terribly wrong in this house!! 🙂
Hello Lyn, so nice to meet you. I am very excited to be hosting Di. Good luck in the draw.
Excellent Lynne – another wine and olive afficionado! Good luck, and thanks for your support, and definitely check out Jenn’s book. You’ll love it 🙂
Hi Dianne – you don’t look like you have a big head – but that’s ok I have the exact same problem with hats too, At my graduation recently the lady tried to give me a small – I was like no chance so she got what she thought was an x-large – turned out to be an x-small but did get me worried for a minute that my head must be enormous!
That’s hilarious, Bec! Thanks for saying my head doesn’t look big, I’m sure yours doesn’t either, it’s probably only a matter of millimetres, only makes a difference when you go to put on a hat! 🙂
Di you are so inspiring and I’m so glad your my number 1 Author! We go back a long way and have abundant talents! I can sing you can talk AND Write books. :)) x cheers Chris x
Aww, thanks so much, Chris x
Jenn and Dianne, what a fun interview. Now you’ve made me want a Corona with lemon and I don’t drink beer.
Dianne, what a fab cover you have for The Best Man. It’s gorgeous! Can’t wait to read it. I’ve loved your books ever since I met your editor and she gave me Call Waiting to read (I was preggers with the firstborn so that must have been what, nearly 11 years ago).
I know it’s so trite to ask how you get your ideas, but is there any particular theme that drives you? How do you know an idea is meaty enough to write a novel about it?
That is such a good question, Christina! And very relevant to me right now, as I’m wrestling with establishing a new story. It is very hard to know whether an idea has enough meat, as you put it, to carry a whole novel. For some of my books I have had more than enough material, especially when I’ve employed multiple POVs. I don’t know that there is a particular theme that drives me, what I’m really interested in is relationships, so having lots of characters gives me plenty to explore. I started off my current WIP with a fairly broad backdrop, which I thought would give me endless material, but then I found it too broad, and realised that it would take away from the thing I love most, which is the characters. I don’t know if that makes sense, or if I’ve answered your question. I could say a lot more – maybe I’ll have to write a blog post on it!
And thanks, I really love my cover too! When my publisher unveiled it, my immediate reaction was that I would definitely pick it up if I saw it in a bookshop. I hope that’s how everyone feels! 🙂
Lastly, I’m intrigued … which editor did you meet?
That’s interesting about having a backdrop that’s too broad–yes, please to the blog post! I can understand that being the case with women’s fiction where it’s wide open about the journey the characters will take. I write romance so that immediately narrows the focus.
Yes, I agree about the cover! It has that grab-ability factor. I’m sure it will sell its socks off.
I met Cate Paterson, who gave me your book to read. I was very wet behind the ears and set up a meeting with her simply because she’d requested a full manuscript of something I wrote! Now, I cringe to think of it but it was a case of not knowing any better. I was writing romance and she didn’t really publish any, but gave me your book to show me the kind of thing she wanted. So there you are. You’ve had a fan in me ever since.
Cate is still my publisher – not so much a hands-on editor these days, as she’s now the Publishing Director, but she is still very closely involved – in fact, she chose the gorgeous cover! I don’t think you should cringe about your meeting, Cate wouldn’t have given you the time if she didn’t see some potential. My first meeting with her was similar – she picked up my submission from the slush pile and requested the full ms, but although she ultimately decided not to publish that book, she told me she’d read anything I wrote, and said she’d be happy to discuss in person. So I took her up on it, and have never looked back. I think you have to seize opportunities when you can, but it looks like you’ve done very well for yourself regardless. Anyway, Cate will be pleased to know that you became a fan!
And I’ll have to keep that blog post idea in mind …
Anothe Dianne groupie here 🙂 I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Dianne twice now at author talks. (and of course, the lovely Liane and Ber!)
(Dianne, is it big-headed to confess I compare my writing style to you in my pitch submissions too?! Must be the way I’ve absorbed your books!)
I’m hanging out to read The Best Man!
Great interview Dianne and Jenn 🙂
Worked for me, Kez!!!! 😉
Hi Kez!
You two … I could be nothing but flattered that you compare yourselves to me! Don’t you know what a compliment that is? No wonder I’ve got a big head 🙂
Hi Dianne and Jenn,
I love these interviews too, Jenn.
Do you think a week would be long enough to get the hang of writing all those noughts when you’re giving away Gina Rinehart’s money? 🙂
Lovely interview, Dianne.
From another fan,
Cath xo
I’d give it a good red-hot go, Cath!
Thanks for dropping by xx
Oh my goodness, another great bale up Jenn. It has brought a bright spot to an otherwise very dark, dank day here in WA – the sort of day I should be curled up inside with a good book. Alas I have to shuttle the children to sports instead. Roll on Sunday, and roll on more wonderful Jenn & Co bale up posts to brighten up my week.
Dianne, can’t wait to read your book. Will have to add it to the wish list, which seems to get bigger by the day!!! 😉 I LOVE your idea on sharing Gina Rinehart’s abundant cash – I’m sure that it would make big changes to a lot of people’s lives.
The Author Bale Up was fun, Karen, glad you enjoyed it! And hope you enjoy The Best Man, when you get through your wishlist – I know what that’s like, there are not enough hours in the day!
Thanks Karen. Happy to supply bright spots – any time.
Jenn…I know…a road trip! We will go and meet Dianne together! I have loved every one of her books and I love reading the combined newsletter. Can’t wait to read this book too!
I know you have every book of Dianne’s I have seen that bookshelf of yours, remember!!
Or I could do a road trip up north! Sounds like you have quite a vibrant community up your way, would love to visit some time. I’m so flattered you’ve enjoyed my books, thanks for saying, and glad you like the newsletter too. We have fun doing it!
What fun that would be! Coffs Harbour is lovely. We have a big banana and quite a lots of aspiring and pubbed authors too!!! I also know a fabulous little B&B. 😉
Garden gnomes. An all time favourite. Sounds like a fun book. I’d love to read it.
Ooh I only discovered this Brill author the other month this sounds fab 😀
I love been discovered! Glad we found each other 🙂
Sounds fab 😀
I am frantically reading other books of yours Di as I can’t wait to read The Best Man. I’m sure it will be as good as all your others.
They are great easy to read books, and thank you for that.
Thank you! And not long to wait now!
I cant wait to read your new book Dianne, I’ve been hanging out to get my hands on it since I saw the blurb. It looks fantastic!
Thanks for such a fantastic post Jenn and Di. It made a lovely start to my day. Keep up the great work Jenn too, I love reading your blog posts 🙂
Thanks so much, Jess! I hope The Best Man meets your expectations – I’m excited and nervous about its release, as usual 🙂
What a fabulous interview! I loved learning more about Dianne. I’ve read and own all her books and I can’t wait for “The Best Man” to hit the shelves 🙂
Thanks Nicole! Especially for buying all my books x
Can’t wait to read The Best Man! Have every book so far… Would gladly offer lemons from our lemon tree for a free copy! 😉
Lemon bribe. Damn! Why didn’t I think of that? 😉 Thx for droppping by. Good lemon luck!
The lemons worked! LOL Nah, just kidding. Your name was chosen with the random number generator to win The Best Man! send me an email with your postal addy jenn (at) jennjmcleod (dot) com
Di, your interviews are as witty as your writing and I personally have been impatiently waiting for the release of your book for almost 2 years. I don’t particularly wish to win a copy as I have bets on Mum buying one for me for my Birthday. On her behalf though, I’d like to thank you for making shopping for a present easy this year. Just bummed it didn’t come out before my 10 hour flight. I’ll be sure to plan my holidays around the release of your next one :). Keep up the good work. Love and hugs
Aww, thanks Kylie, delightful as always! However, I must share the credit for the witty interview with the interviewer – Jenn asked me some of the zaniest questions I’ve ever encountered!
Great interview girls! Your add-on comments are always a hoot, Jenn 😉
I think that’s my favourite chicken crossing the road answer so far! Why *is* everyone so interested in why the chicken crossed the road, anyway?
All the ‘best’ for The Best Man, Dianne. (that was a tongue twister) 🙂
Thanks Juliet, especially for the ‘best’ wishes xx
It must be wine o’clock somewhere on this wonderful island of ours
Looking forwarded to The Best Man, I have read several of your books and enjoyed everyone of them
I too would love a lemon tree in my backyard, plus I am a bit fishy lol
And fish and lemon go perfectly together! No wonder I like lemons so much 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!
Can’t wait to read your next book Dianne!
This is a very entertaining, light hearted post. It definitely lightened my day. (It’s been a very long day today).
Great reading about you Dianne, and reminds myself of my
dream to have a Lemon Tree, I have tried every thing possible
to grow a lemon tree, but to no avail.
I have heaps of apple trees, pear trees, plum trees, walnut trees
but the lemon tree is no go Joe.
Now I do happen to have a corona in my fridge, but I’m waiting
for the lemon tree to grow…..or should I say arrive.
Hey Rob, don’t wait. Have the corona now and anothery when the lemon arrives!!!!!,
Love your books Dianne. Can’t wait for the Best Man to come out. I have it pre ordered for my kindle. Would love to see you jump the ditch for a visit to NZ.
Hellooooooooo over there, Ange. thx for dropping by.
Thanks so much for pre-ordering, Ange! And I would LOVE to come to NZ … maybe one day …