Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Lovin.
Hi Diane, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My writing journey started in the 7th grade when I won a University Interscholastic League (UIL) essay writing competition. I was slotted as the alternate and notified at the last minute to board the bus to the local college hosting the competition when the primary fell ill. Weeks later, I was shocked to learn I had won when my first-period teacher held up my blue ribbon for the class to see. Forty years later, I began to have what I can only describe as ‘scene flashes’ for a story that ultimately developed into a novel. At 54 years old, I self-published my first fantasy novel entitled ‘Eliza & The Paladin’ under the pen name Lisa Gayle. The sequel entitled ‘Redemption’ will be available at major online retailers soon. Had I not won that essay writing competition at 13 years old, I probably never would have believed I have what it takes to write a complete novel. This is proof that early childhood experiences can influence what we’re to become.
I’m often asked why I use a pen name. I have two reasons. The first is Lisa Gayle is the name my mother wanted to give me when I was born. The second is I believe in manifesting what you want with your words. I like to say when I’m bigger than J.K. Rowling, I want to be able to go out in public anonymously. I guess the cat is out of the bag now!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The start of my writing journey was rough. I naively believed because I’m good at writing professional white papers as part of my corporate day job, I would naturally be good at telling stories. Boy was I wrong. My initial drafts were dull, flat, devoid of color and emotion, nothing anyone would want to read for entertainment. That’s when I first enrolled in a local creative writing course to sharpen my skills and learn how to bring a story to life. I learned the primary principle of good storytelling: Show. Don’t tell. I met some amazing writers along the way who encouraged me, constructively critiqued me, and celebrated with me when I released my first book.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While writing is a passion, it isn’t how I earn a living . . . yet.
I’ve been working in IT program management for 30 years. My workdays are driven by schedules, deadlines, meetings, escalations, and strict process. I’ve been given amazing opportunities to work with top-shelf retail clients, delivering technical solutions that support their business objectives and provide convenient ways to reach their customers. Some of the solutions I’ve successfully delivered are easily recognizable by everyday people like you and me, such as self-checkout.
When I clock out and pick up my laptop to write, I don’t apply rules and process to my creativity. I’m 10% plotter and 90% pantser, meaning I occasionally jot down a rough outline of how I want my story to unfold, but I mostly allow the characters to take me where they want to go when they want to go there. When my muse goes silent, I put the story on the shelf for however long it takes to perk up again. This demonstrates there are two opposing aspects of my personality. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to ignore the voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough. Don’t think the quality of your writing is good enough? Ignore it. Take a class, get better, keep going, Not getting the emotional support you need from family and friends? Stop asking and just do it. They probably don’t know how to support you, but it doesn’t mean they don’t. This is your journey, not theirs. Feeling intimidated by the other writers you know who are better? Great! Learn from them. You’d be surprised how fast you’ll learn and improve.
Sharing your art with the world is scary, but don’t let fear stop you. Trust your instincts. Don’t wait for perfection; it doesn’t exist.
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BetiBup33 Design Studio
