Kat Fight Author Dragged In Through the Window: Bestselling Author, Dina Silver #AuthorInterview

Hi! Lovely Blog Followers! Look what the Kat dragged in. Yep, none other than rockin' high-fallutin' sock-em-to-me author Deeeeennnaa Siiillveeeer!!!

Dina Silver is one funny gal. Ooops, or at least her characters are. Sorry, have a glass of wine. There, there…

Dina’s first book, One Pink Line, caught my eye with the simplistic cover and the ominous words describing a pregnancy test. Depending on which side of the marriage fence you are, that pink line could either spell pure joy or unmitigated disaster.

So Dina, tell us, what made you decide to write a novel about a pregnancy test?

Well, I was prying into my friend’s life one afternoon asking her why her nine-year old daughter (who’d I’d just recently met at the time) was five-foot seven-inches tall, and she was only five-foot two-inches. I think because I’m short as well, I was struck but her daughter’s height, and I didn’t really expect her to say anything besides, “I don’t know why she’s so tall, stop bugging me.” But instead, she sort of paused and said, “Well, John is not her real father.”

Once I knew there was a back-story, I became even more annoying with my line of questioning, and she opened up to me and told me about herself, her youthful indiscretion, and ultimately shared what I thought was a truly wonderful love story.

Folks, fair word of warning. *whispers* (don't let the Kat out of the bag while having tea with Dina, you know, she was just sort of prying?) One Pink Line has become quite a bestseller. Would you attribute your success to your husband’s 4-star review and empty stomach? Okay, seriously, what’s your secret? We’re all awaiting with bated breath.

Ha! I’m so glad you mentioned his review (he’s quite proud of himself), and it now has it’s own fan base.

I attribute my success to many, many factors. The first and foremost being that I wrote a mildly entertaining, relatable book. Because (in my opinion) at the core of any book’s success, there has to be a good story, and one that readers can rally behind. Especially in the genre of women’s fiction.

Also, I spend an ugly amount of time researching the industry, marketing my book, commiserating with other authors, reaching out to bloggers, speaking at local book clubs, and begging people to leave reviews for me.

Before I decided to put my words into long form, I worked in advertising for 15 years. Those experiences have left me with a great deal of knowledge on how I wanted to brand myself and my work, and I truly believe that has helped me immensely in the area of promotion where One Pink Line is concerned.

Great background you have for self-publishing! Personal experiences aside, what made you write Kat Fight?

Kat Fight was in my head as a screenplay for about two years. I used to go jogging and imagine the scenes playing out in live action all the time. After I initially sat down to write it as a screenplay, a good friend of mine convinced me I’d have more luck getting published as a novel first, so I took her advice and wrote a book instead.

I really wanted to write a true romantic comedy, just a fun read with a great love story woven throughout. I like a good laugh, and I think comedy is so challenging, so I wanted to attempt it for myself.

It was a great laugh! I’m one of your lucky beta readers, and I must say, Kat Fight brought to remembrance all of my past dating disasters. You’ve made me laugh at myself about incidents long forgotten. And no! I did not date a porn star, nothing like that…You promised not to publish my notes. Wait!!! Okay, so you definitely have a magical way of making women relate to your characters, whether it’s Sydney in OPL or the indomitable but oh-so-insecure Kat Porter in KF. What’s next? Any plans for a wee bit of murder? *ducks*

I actually LOVE reading murder mysteries! I wish I could write a good suspense novel, but I don’t think my confidence is in that arena. Up next I’m writing a story that takes a light hearted look at a serious topic.

Well, DO keep us guessing! You owned a greeting card company. How has writing cute ditties and sentimental slop helped you with your storytelling? What? I insulted you? Have another glass of wine?

Yes, and yes! It’s called Dinas Ideas (genius name, I know), and I started it about ten years ago, right after my son was born. Working in adverting and writing greeting cards has given me a knack for writing titles. Short & sweet is how I like them. I always try to challenge myself to say the most about something, with the least amount of words.

*wiping wine off my face* Must make you a fantastic tweeter. J Tell us a bit about your hobbies. What do you like to do when you’re not embroiled in a literary storm?

I don’t like to exercise, but I try to. Especially in the summer, I love walking and riding my bike. I’m also a huge film addict, and enjoy going to movies by myself in the middle of the day.

Whew! That was a safe question. Now, for some free association. I bet you didn’t know what you were getting into, eh?

Take-out or drive-in? - Take out

Blue jeans or slinky red dress? - Jeans!!

Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple? - Hercule Poirot

Benz or Bimmer? Toyota J

  

Manscaped or Manhandled? - Manhandled

On that note… I think we survived. Thank you for being a guest on Rachelle’s Window, a place where we peer into your naked soul.

It was my pleasure, thanks for letting me ramble!

Check out my reviews of One Pink Line and Kat Fight! Shameless Self-Promotion. Please vote it up, and yes, I'm using my real name.

Bio:

Dina Silver is a writer, red wine drinker, cheese fry lover, and future cat hoarder. She currently lives with her family in suburban Chicago. Inspired by how she met her husband, Kat Fight is Dina’s second novel.

And, as Dina's husband says, "Buy my wife's books, and buy lots of them."

Available at Amazon: One Pink Line and Kat Fight

Find Dina lounging at her website. AND!!!!! One lucky commentator is going to receive a real paper copy of Kat Fight in his or her mailbox (you know, that metal contraption that hangs outside your house? not the AOL version). [comments taken until end of July] So please stop by and say "hi" to Dina. Pry into her life as annoyingly as you can. How 'bout it?