An Interview with Diane Capri

I must say it gives me great pleasure for the privilege of having Diane Capri here as my guest today. But if you noticed, this is no ordinary Guest Post. No, this time we’re doing an interview. My very first interview—ever. Shivers! Why me? I have no idea. That’s what I get for asking.

Diane Capri is not new to the publishing scene. She has written both fiction and nonfiction in several languages besides being the author of six best selling suspense novels, all written with expertise that shines on every page with intense legal drama alongside courtroom overtones and thrilling twisty plots.
 

KM: First of all, are you comfortable Diane?

DC: Yes, thank you Karen, I’m quite comfortable.
 

KM: Are you sure? Because it seems really warm in here to me for some reason.

DC: Karen, are you okay? You seem a little nervous. Take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay.
 

KM: Oh Diane, don’t be silly. Me…nervous? Why would you say that?

DC: Well, your face looks flush and you seem to be perspiring.
 

KM: Oh that. Ha, ha, ha. That’s just a hot flash Diane. Don’t worry, it will pass.

DC: Are you sure about that?
 

KM: Okay, you caught me. Yes, I’m nervous Diane. But I think we should get started, don’t you?

DC: Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready. I have to say that you’ve done a beautiful job putting this together Karen. All the flowers and the Champagne. You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble.
 

KM: Oh it was no trouble at all Diane. In fact, I thought it was the least I could do this being a celebration of a wonderful event! Should we tell them?

DC: Why of course, go right ahead.
 

KM: Because today is February 1st…It’s Launch Day for “Don’t Know Jack!”

DC: That’s right Karen. Three years of hard work flies by fast, and here we are!
 
 

KM: We also have something special that we want to share with you, the audience today. Should we tell them now Diane?

DC: Why don’t we wait until the end of the interview and surprise them.

KM: Spoken like a true mystery writer Diane. Okay you guys, I tried, but you’ll just have to wait!
 
 

KM: Diane, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself. I read somewhere that you are a snowbird. That sounds rather migratory—all that flying back and forth stuff. What part of the world would your two feet be solidly planted now and what brought you there, well, besides snow?

DC: Right at the moment, I’m in Florida. Anywhere north of here is a bit too chilly for me in February. Love to hang in the Sunshine State.
 

KM: I understand that you are a lawyer in recovery, is that correct?

DC: *sighs* A never-ending process it seems…
 

KM: What type of Law do you practice, if you don’t mind me asking?

DC: Civil litigation. Lawsuits. Everything that’s not criminal. Or at least, cases not proceeding in criminal courts. The sorts of cases I write about in my fiction.
 

KM: That sounds interesting. I can see where your background certainly gave you a great advantage when it came to writing the Judge Wilhelmina Carson Series and the Attorney Jennifer Lanes Cases.

DC: Yes, most of my books were inspired by something I worked on as a lawyer. Fiction gives me the chance to change the facts and create better outcomes for those cases, though.
 

KM: Since you started off practicing law as your profession, when was it that you started to write?

DC: Well, most legal work is writing. So lawyering is writing with a great paycheck! And most of what I wrote as a lawyer was non-fiction. *grins*
 

KM: When did you decide it was time to start a new career and how long did this take you? I ask this question because so many new novelists have a hard time making the transition from their day job to supporting themselves by writing full time.

DC: Well, I’ll let you know when I get to the point of replacing my legal income through writing fiction. *laughs* But Sue Grafton once told me the secret to this was to “write your way out.” She meant that we should write and sell and write some more until we can pay the bills with writing. In her case, she said it took five years and she started from screenwriting in Hollywood, so she didn’t have as steep a learning curve. It takes a good long while to learn the fiction craft and then sell something and then build an audience. In my case, it took me three years to write my first published novel, Carly’s Conspiracy, writing nights and weekends. And another two years to get it sold and published. Six novels and two non-fiction books and many words later, here we are.
 

KM: Well, we’re glad you’re making the transition Diane! I’d like to take a minute to read a few remarks that have been said about your talented writing and your gripping, suspenseful novels, if I may?

DC: *Nods*
 

1- “Beneath this Judge’s robe is a riveting character—she’s quick, witty and stubborn…and takes the reader on a roller coaster ride that leaves you wanting more!”
The Tampa Tribune

2- “Expertise shines on every page.”
Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award Winning MWA past President.

3- “A fast-paced legal thriller…energetic prose…an appealing heroine…clever and capable supporting cast…that will keep readers waiting for the next book.”
Publishers Weekly

4- “…A welcome surprise. Works from the first page to ‘The End!’ “
Larry King
 

KM: But then there was this particular accolade that got my immediate attention:
 

“Full of Thrills and Tension-but Smart and Human Too!”
Lee Child
 

KM: Hmm… Lee Child, Lee Child, Lee Child… That name does have a familiar ring to it. Would this be THE Lee Child that has written all those Jack Reacher novels? I think there are 16 if I’ve counted correctly.

DC: *smiles* Yes, that’s right.
 

KM: Okay, let me get this straight Diane. You know Lee Child? Lee Child, the #1 New York Times Best Selling Author of Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Novels? That Lee Child?

DC: Yes.
 

KM: You mean your new suspense novel “Don’t Know Jack” has something to do with Jack Reacher?

DC: Yes.
 

KM: Oh, do I ever feel a story brewing here. But before I ask you my next question, might you give us some background information about this Jack Reacher character just in case someone in our audience is not familiar with him?

DC: *laughs* Seriously? Well, more than 50 million copies of Reacher’s exploits have been sold world-wide. But just in case, Jack Reacher is sort of a modern day Lone Ranger, Travis McGee, and Sir Lancelot, all rolled into one! He’s got brawn to spare and brains aplenty. He’s a tough guy who does whatever it takes. Someone we’d all want on our side when trouble finds us.
 

KM: Oh, for a moment there Diane I thought you were describing my husband! LOL!
But seriously, please do tell. What is your connection with Lee Child? And how did this all come about?

DC: Not much of a mystery here. The writing community is fairly small and most of us know each other. The internet makes that easier — which is how I met you. *grins* But in the case of Lee Child, we’ve been friends for a long time. We worked together on the board of International Thriller Writers, too.

  
DC: A few years ago, we were talking about Jack Reacher at a book event in New York City. I asked Lee something like, “Where does Reacher live between books?” Lee replied, “Where ever he wants.” After a bit more back and forth, it occurred to me that someone would be looking for payback, given all the bodies Reacher’s left in his wake…
 

KM: So, can you give us a teensy weensy idea what “Don’t Know Jack” is about?

DC: Okay, since you’ve asked, here’s the description:

Jack Reacher, is he a Friend or Enemy?

It’s been quite a while since we first met Lee Child’s Jack Reacher in Killing Floor. Fifteen years and sixteen novels later, Reacher still lives off the grid, until trouble finds him, and then he does whatever it takes, much to the delight of readers and the dismay of villains. Now someone big is looking for him. Who? And why? Hunting Jack Reacher is a dangerous business, as FBI Special Agents Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar are about to find out. Otto and Gaspar are by-the-book hunters who know when it’s necessary to break the rules; Reacher is a stone cold killer. But they Don’t Know Jack. Is he their friend or their enemy? Only the secrets hidden in Margrave, Georgia will tell them.
 

KM: That sounds so intriguing! Now you’ve peaked our interest Diane!

DC: I hope so, Karen. You and a few million of your closest friends! *laughs*
 

KM: Ha, ha, ha, your funny Diane. A few million of my closest friends? One could only hope! But I’m making them as fast as I can Diane and I hope they’ll all run out to buy your new book!

DC: Sounds good to me Karen!
 

KM: So may I ask, who is your favorite character in the novel and why?

DC: I’d have to say agent Kim Otto is my favorite. Kim exhibits fierce courage in the face of unrelenting pressure and overcomes her anxiety to do the job at hand. This bravery will enable her to battle Reacher when the time comes. Who knows? She might even win! *grins*
 

KM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

DC: The task was quite a challenge from the outset, and I love a good challenge. The series is about “the rest of the story,” or what happens after Reacher leaves town. In this first book, Otto and Gaspar are introduced as members of an elite FBI task force, reporting to a mysterious Big Guy. They’re called out in the wee hours of the morning and sent on a secret assignment to Margrave, Georgia, the first place Jack Reacher surfaced after he was discharged from the army. They’re told to “build the Reacher file” from his army days to the present, but they don’t know why and they don’t know what they’re supposed to find out. One of the writing challenges was to reveal what Reacher fans already knew to Otto and Gaspar in an interesting, suspenseful way, without cheating new readers who would be coming to the Reacher cannon for the first time. It was fun to make that work.
 

KM: How long will we have to wait before we can expect another novel from your “Hunt for Reacher” series?

DC: Slave driver! *laughs* I’m writing as fast as I can! Readers can sign up for my mailing list to get announcements along the way. I’m doing my best to finish and I’m sure it won’t take me three years!
 

KM: Oops, sorry, I have been known to be a slave driver! LOL! But since I’ve already read “Don’t Know Jack” , I can only say Diane that I hope it isn’t too long! It was a fantastic read and kept me turning the page on my new Kindle!

DC: Why thank you very much Karen. I love those words coming from readers! I can only hope that everyone will feel the same way.
 

KM: Well Diane, since it is the end of our interview, can we tell them what we’d like to do to make this launch of “Don’t Know Jack” more memorable?

DC: You go right ahead Karen.
 
 

KM: Okay, let’s do this. And just so you know, I’ve been working Diane over so we have all sorts of goodies in store for you today!
 

First of all, there’s more than one way to win! For everyone that leaves a comment here today, your name will be drawn out of a hat and the winner will receive a free copy of “Don’t Know Jack”! Also, if you ping-back to this blog from your blog, your name will be added to the hat. Incidentally, your name can be entered more than once and there will be multiple winners!
 

So go for it!
 

Now another way that you can get your name tossed into the hat is to pop over to Diane’s site! Once there, sign up to become eligible to name one of the new characters in Diane’s next “Hunt for Reacher” novel in progress! Here’s the link: Don’t Know Jack
 

Km: How does that sound?

DC: Sounds great to me Karen!
 

KM: This is so exciting Diane! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to hop over to my blog today to share the launch of your new novel “Don’t Know Jack” with us!

DC: Thank you Karen and a big thanks to everyone who dropped by to help make this a wonderful book launch for “Don’t Know Jack”! I hope you’ll all enjoy it! It was great fun!
 
 

To make this the most memorable launch day for Diane guys, let’s all go out into the Twitterverse and Tweet our big hearts out, shall we? Let’s announce to all our followers to check out Diane Capri’s fantastic new book, “Don’t Know Jack”!!
 

 
You can connect with Diane Capri online:

 
DianeCapri.com

Twitter: @DianeCapri
Facebook.com/DianeCapriBooks
Facebook.com/DianeCapri1

The Hunt For Reacher Begins:

Don’t Know Jack

http://www.amazon.com/author/dianecapri
 
 

So what do you think? Do you like to read Mystery/Suspense? Are you a Jack Reacher fan? Are there any questions that you would like to ask Diane about her new book before she leaves?
 
 
If you enjoyed this, I encourage you to follow by email for future posts!
 

Thank you for your many thoughts and fine comments everyone!
Karen

 
 
 

79 thoughts on “An Interview with Diane Capri

  1. Pingback: Don’t Know Jack and Safe House | Melinda VanLone

  2. Pingback: 50/50 Challenge: Don’t Know Jack and « Melinda VanLone

      1. Karen

        Well thank you very much Patricia! You can hop on over to my blog anytime with that remark! Come back by and you can sip some Champagne with Lynnette and I! We wouldn’t want you to miss out on any fun! 🙂

        Reply
  3. Donna Newton

    Karen, your blew your first interview out of the water, girl. Way to go.

    And Diane, what a fantastic first guest for Karen to use as her guinea pig.

    A brilliant interview with two very brilliant people!

    Karen, Who’s your next victim? 🙂

    Reply
      1. Karen

        Hey Donna, my UK connection! How are things over in jolly old England girl? And well, what can I say to that comment? Thank you Donna! And Diane, my guinea pig? You weren’t supposed to tell her that! Thanks a lot Donna! I can see that you’re not to be trusted! Oh silly me. Thank you for the compliment and Go to Amazon UK right now and buy Diane’s book!!! LOL! 🙂

        Reply
      1. Karen

        Well I know that you’ve been busy reading those novel structure books Natalie! But I know that you’ll be hooked on Diane’s book once you start it! You won’t be able to put it down! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

        Reply
  4. April Plummer

    How did I miss this post yesterday? And HOW did I not know about Diane’s books and the new Reacher novel?

    Karen – I think you did a great job with this interview! I was cracking up the whole time, but I also got some very useful information.

    Diane – I’m going to have to ask…I’ve heard some…not so good things about Lee Child. Like…he’s a little arrogant. Is this true? (Pssst, you can email me if you don’t want him to know!)

    I’m joking, of course, and extremely jealous of your friendship with him. And of his with you, to be quite honest!

    *off in search of (sigh…MORE) books I shouldn’t spend the money on right now but will!*
    April Plummer recently posted..My First Author Interview!!! – Insecure Writer’s Support GroupMy Profile

    Reply
      1. Karen

        I’m sorry April if you missed the party. But you know what they say. Better late than never! Thanks for stopping by and I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself while you were here! The after affects of the party is still lingering I see! 🙂

        Reply
  5. Lynette M Burrows

    Yeah! Go, Diane, go! And Karen great job – Oprah could use come pointers, don’t cha know? Great Launch party. Wishing you both tons of success!
    Hmm, all I see around here are empty champagne glasses. Wish I could’ve been here for the party. Guess I’ll have to go by Don’t Know Jack so I can get in on the fun!
    Lynette M Burrows recently posted..A Short Writing Lesson: Dogged by GuiltMy Profile

    Reply
      1. Karen

        This is so funny Lynette. You are the second person who has said that to me. I must have missed my calling! LOL! Oh, and I am so glad you liked the party. I think I still have a little Champagne left in the fridge if you’re interested? Come back by and we’ll pop some bubbly! 🙂

        Reply
  6. Lynn Kelley

    Karen and Diane, this is such a fun interview! Congrats on the release of Don’t Know Jack! Sounds like a great thriller. I’m in the middle of reading Carly’s Conspiracy, and you got me hooked, Diane. Can you believe that during the move (still in the process of moving), I misplaced the charger to my Kindle? Well, yay, I found it yesterday, so I can get back to the book!

    I’m looking forward to reading your other books, including Don’t Know Jack. I wish you much success with your writing.
    Lynn Kelley recently posted..Princess Kandake – Released Today!My Profile

    Reply
      1. Karen

        Aw Lynn, bless your heart girl. With everything you have going on right now, you came to support Diane. I love that about you girl! Oh, and I know your gonna love the rest of Carly’s Conspiracy and then Don’t Know Jack! Awesome Lynn! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    1. Diane Capri

      Thanks, Diana. Reacher is the thinking woman’s hero, to be sure! Amazing number of women really dig the guy, even if he is a stone cold killer. Maybe that’s the appeal? (Personally, I think the appeal has a lot to do with Lee Child — except that I loved Reacher before I ever met Lee!)
      Diane Capri recently posted..Don’t Know Jack: Behind the BookMy Profile

      Reply
      1. Karen

        Well hey there Diana, I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself. And thank you very much for the compliment. It seems that if my novels don’t make it, I might have a future elsewhere! LOL! 🙂

        Reply
      1. Karen

        Well thank you Julie! We tried to keep everyone’s attention and I guess it worked! I hope you had a good time here today while enjoying the party! 🙂

        Reply
      1. Karen

        Aw, thank you Angela! You are awesome girl! Thank you so much for your help and all your support! And wait until you read Diane’s book. You’re gonna love it! 🙂

        Reply
  7. August McLaughlin

    Aw… My heart got all warm when I spotted the post title. Has anyone mentioned that you two look like you could be sisters?? 😉

    I LOVE suspense novels and cannot wait to dive into Diane’s work. Thanks for letting us join you for what felt like a real live chat!
    August McLaughlin recently posted..LSR #5: Groovy MovingMy Profile

    Reply
      1. Karen

        Thank you August! I love hearing that because that is what I was after. I’m so happy you enjoyed the interview.

        And Diane, uh, wow, what a compliment! I could only hope you reach the best seller list. But I wouldn’t have anything to do with it. I have no reservations about you getting there all by yourself! 🙂

        Reply
      1. Karen

        Hi Marsha! You are so funny! If I worked for the Today show, I certainly wouldn’t be blogging, that’s for sure. Do you think they would hire me? LOL! I’m so glad you could join the party! Champagne’s on me! 🙂

        Reply
  8. Rachel

    I’m loving this interview Karen, the “oh, I’m too shy to come out in public” dear heart, you are rocking it! And so is Miss Diane. What I love about this book is the idea that any story can be told from so many points of view, that these stories seem to be in our social DNA and we love hearing them over and over again. Really great job, my hats off to both of you.
    Rachel recently posted..What Mark W. Travis Taught Me About Being NaiveMy Profile

    Reply
      1. Karen

        That is hilarious Diane. Great minds think alike and all that stuff. I just told Mike the same thing in a message on facebook! LOL! Thanks guys. I might have a future yet! 🙂

        Reply
  9. Christine

    Wow!!

    What a terrific interview. I see a new career beckoning Karen. And how marvellous to ‘see’ Diane. Recently I saw an interview on the BBC news ‘meet the author’ with Lee Childs. He’s a lovely man and very tall I believe. He is holding Diane back, lol!
    Can’t wait to read the book, it sounds intriguing. And I do love a strong woman who battles against the odds.
    Good job, ladies.
    Christine recently posted..What Are You Wearing?My Profile

    Reply
      1. Karen

        Hey Christine!

        Oh, ha, ha, ha, girl. You’re funny! Not. Uh, no new career here Christine. I’m just trying to get one off the ground right now and that’s enough for me. And yes, Lee Child is a tall man and it does look like he’s holding you back Diane? What’s going on with that picture? LOL! Thanks for coming to the party and have a great time! 🙂

        Reply
  10. Fabio Bueno

    Two amazing women! What a fun interview. Congrats, Diane! I enjoy the genre, and I can’t wait to read the book.
    And, Karen, you should have your own talk-show! Or talk-blog, or blog-show 🙂
    Fabio Bueno recently posted..Be the MVPMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen

      Aw Fabio, you are so cool! And thank you very much! Hmm. My own talk show? Talk-blog, or blog-show? I hadn’t thought of that. Wouldn’t that be a hoot! I think I’ll stick with just the blogs Fabio. Oh, and the novel writing? How’s yours coming along? 🙂

      Reply
    2. Diane Capri

      Fabio, this is my third try at responding to you! LOL! Cyber gremlins keep eating my replies. In any event, thanks for the kind words and if you’re seriously interested in a villain named Fabio in my my next book, you’ll need to remember that villains die horrible deaths in thrillers! 🙂
      Diane Capri recently posted..Don’t Know Jack: Behind the BookMy Profile

      Reply
    1. Diane Capri

      This is great, Jen! I just mentioned to Robert Gregory Browne on FB that writing a novel is a lot of flailing around in the dark, not knowing whether your baby is going to be well received by readers or not, anxious when you push her out of the nest and wait, watch, hold your breath until she starts to fly…Thanks for the positive feedback. Sooooooo good to hear!
      Diane Capri recently posted..Don’t Know Jack: Behind the BookMy Profile

      Reply
      1. Karen

        That is good to hear Jennette! I’m so glad that I wasn’t the only one that loved Don’t Know Jack. See Diane, I told you they’d love it! And the word is already starting to spread! Fantastic! Thanks Jennette for stopping by. Enjoy the Champagne! 🙂

        Reply
  11. Diane Capri

    Thanks for the kind words Lena and Pru. Hope you will check out the book and let us know what you think. Tim and Deb, Karen truly is amazing, I agree! Sheila, I started writing “Behind the Book” posts on my blog because I love to learn the backstory from writers about their books, too. Glad you’re finding it interesting. And Alan — I’m guessing Reacher isn’t a skier. But what do I know???
    Diane Capri recently posted..Don’t Know Jack: Behind the BookMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen

      Hey Prudence! It’s a winner alright! I know you’ll be reading it soon! I hope you win a free copy! I love the word free! Have fun today! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen

      Thank you so much for your compliment Lena! Isn’t it encouraging to hear what other authors go through in order to put their writing out there? Sometimes we don’t have the opportunity to know what they go through before they reach a level of success. You are going to love reading Don’t Know Jack Lena! I hope you win! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Alan Ciamporcero

    Great interview! By the way, I think I saw Jack Reacher skiing yesterday in Breckenridge. He looks a bit like a taller Tom Cruise, right?

    Reply
    1. Karen

      Ha, ha Alan, you’re a funny man! But I could see Jack Reacher on the slopes! He’d be on the diamond trails jumping off the moguls! And hey, Tom Cruise isn’t all that bad lookin. Thanks for dropping by and so help yourself to some Champagne! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen

      Hi Debra! Thanks for coming by for the launch party! I’m so glad you liked the interview. And I know you’re going to like the book even better! Have some Champagne and enjoy the rest of your day! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen

      Why thank you very much Sheila! Always a pleasure to have you stop by! Please help yourself to some Champagne and stay awhile. And I just know that your going to Love Diane’s new book! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Diane Capri

    Gosh, you guys are GREAT!! Love these comments (and suggestions…need to know… hmmmm). Emma, right at the moment we have no plans to release Don’t Know Jack in “dead tree format,” but I, too, love books so it could happen. You’re on our mailing list so we can let you know, right? Ginger, you’re right — Lee Child is perfectly charming! It’s the Brit thing, maybe???
    Diane Capri recently posted..Don’t Know Jack: Behind the BookMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen

      Hey Tim, thanks for coming by for your support! Thanks for the compliment too Tim. I appreciate it. And I’m so glad you liked Diane’s book. Have fun today and enjoy the party! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen

      Thanks Ginger! Always great to have you drop by. See, I knew we could draw you in. Now you’ll have to read it! You met Lee Child? How cool was that? Well you certainly get around Ginger! You’re gonna love the book! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen

      Well thank you very much Shannon for the compliment! It is very much appreciated! See, I did get her to give me a close-up. I have my ways you know. I got Tim O’Brien to take off his sunglasses. I thought he was like the lone ranger! And we can only hope that Diane sells millions. But she can use everyone’s help. Let’s go for it and get the word out! Wahoo is right! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Emma Burcart

    I definitely like mystery and suspense, and this book sounds interesting. I haven’t heard of Jack Reacher before this, so I hope that isn’t a prerequisite to reading this book. I am also wondering if there are plans to also launch the book in paper format. I am not an ebook reader, but I would love to buy this book. I hope that will be a possibility eventually. Sounds so fun!
    Emma Burcart recently posted..Finding Your Place in the WorldMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen

      Emma, the great thing about Don’t Know Jack is that Diane wrote it in such a way that it isn’t necessary to read the other Reacher books. Just don’t say anything to Lee Child. Whoops, I hope he doesn’t see that just in case he stops on by to check this awesome launch out! And you can always download it on your computer. It works. Have fun! Champagne’s on me Emma! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Pat O'Dea Rosen

    This interview showed me there’s much I still don’t know about Diane, Jack, and you, Karen, and it’s clear the three of you reveal information only on a need-to-know basis. Hmm, I see Lee Child is forcibly holding back Diane in the photo of the two of them together. Their smiles might fool others, but not me. Diane knows something Lee doesn’t want her to reveal. Could she have hid that information in DON’T KNOW JACK? I’m ordering the book now.

    Reply
    1. Karen

      Well you’re funny this morning Pat! Are those two strange men still following you? But I promise I tried to strangle all the information I could get out of Diane, Pat. It wasn’t easy. This Reacher character is one stealthy guy! Thanks Pat for your support and I know you’ll enjoy the book! 🙂

      Reply

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