Interview with L. Diane Wolfe, Author of 'In Darkness: The Shark’

Jan 4, 2023

I was privileged to invite Author L. Diane Wolfe for an interview to discuss her latest book In Darkness: The Shark, and the inspiration behind it. Enjoy!

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What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it?

The story follows Jewels, college student and aquarium worker, and a talking great white shark she meets one morning in the tidepools. Jewels trusts no one, but she comes to trust and love Clarence the shark.

There are a lot of stories out there about shifters and talking animals, but I’d never read one about a shark. I loved writing the exchanges between shark and human. I hope people are curious enough (a paranormal romance with a SHARK?) to pick it up and read it.

What message do you wish to pass across to your readers with this book?

That there is redemption for anyone. That someone lost in the dark can find the light again. And often it takes love to do that.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

I wanted to keep the story and the idea of a talking shark from degenerating into silliness. We’ve all seen movies with talking animals and I’m sorry, when their lips move, it looks ridiculous. So I chose an alternate way for Clarence to communicate and for his exchanges with Jewels to be plausible.

As a writer, is there anything you've learned about yourself while writing this book?

I think I learned how much I really would love to swim with a great white! If there was ever an opportunity to touch a baby one in an aquarium, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books, and why?

I usually buy and read eBooks. Between my husband and I, we have A LOT of bookshelves stuffed with books and we’re just out of room. Some books I do prefer print, such as cookbooks. At least if I slop oil on the print book, it’s not an emergency!

What is your niche genre, and if you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

I don’t think I have a niche genre. This is paranormal romance, so probably my niche at the moment, but I’ve also written two kinds of non-fiction books and a new adult series. After this series, I might return to non-fiction.

What books and authors have most influenced you?

Growing up, I was a big fan of Anne McCaffrey and read all genres she wrote in. Her books so focused on the interactions of characters. I also love Watership Down and I’ve read it well over thirty times. It’s also a great story that focuses on the characters.

Do you have any more books in the works?

Yes! This is the second of a series of four, so In Darkness: The Werewolf comes out this September and the last one, The Alien, the following late winter.

Mention 3-5 fast (and/or fun) facts about you that you'd like to share

I have not consumed chocolate in over 20 years. (And no, I don’t miss it.)

I love steel roller coasters, the more loops the better.

I’ve been a vegan for over half my life.

I have a very large collection of Minions. (They cover one whole wall of my office, all the way to the ceiling.)

Your favorite quote/saying to live by?

Get inspired to achieve your dreams!

How can readers get in touch with or follow you (website, personal blog, social media handle, Goodreads)?

http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
https://www.facebook.com/l.diane.wolfe - Facebook
https://www.pinterest.com/ldianewolfe/ - Pinterest
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/117664.L_Diane_Wolfe - Goodreads

 

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A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.