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.

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.
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?
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?
Hi Dina! Good luck on launching the ebook next week! It was fun chatting with you.
ReplyDeletenow that's how it's done, girl! thanks having me :)
ReplyDeleteHey Dina, now that me and you entered the giveaway, ya think we'd just swap books and call it even?
ReplyDeleteHey, everyone, don't miss the Giveaway. Drop your comments, don't be shy. :)
This sounds like a fun read! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteLindsey is the winner of a paper copy of Kat Fight! Congratulations!
DeleteI'd love to curl up with a glass of red wine and Kat Fight! Thanks Rachelle for featuring Dina.
ReplyDeleteKat Fight looks like a great novel! I really do love the simple covers. They are really eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteVery entertaining interview! I'd love to win a copy of Kat Fight :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Rachelle and Dina! I only just discovered this genre late last year and have been looking for more authors to read.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn, look at today's interview with Bonnie Trachtenberg. She is also a funny lady. I do like books that make me even happier than I already am. Too much and I'll fly off into the clouds! Dina's is a surely full of bubbly giggles and so are Bonnie's.
ReplyDelete"And the most supportive husband of the year award goes to.. Dina's husband" .. LOL. Wow, he really sounds so supportive. I haven't read Kat Fight or One Pink Line but I will DEFINITELY check them out :D What a fun interview. Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself with us, Dina.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you, Dina >> "Blue jeans or slinky red dress? - Jeans!!" Jeans, all the way :D