Author Spotlight with Diane E. Samson

First off, introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your books!

Hello! I’m Diane E. Samson, young adult author of the Gems of Fire series. Set in a medieval-inspired fantasy world, Anna begins the series feeling a bit in a cage like Rapunzel, then escapes only to be caught by slave traders. It’s an “out of the frying pan into the fire” situation, but that heat transforms her into a strong heroine. By the end, she discovers that she is more than enough. Her character continues to grow throughout the series as more challenges hit in subsequent books. New characters are also introduced along the way. People often ask which book is my personal favorite. That’s hard to answer, but probably Valley of Bones because Anna grows so much in that story and also a certain pirate, Klaus, is introduced in that book. Super close to my heart is the most recent companion novel, Shadow of Death, which is the story of Anna’s love interest, Jack. I think I might love him more than Anna now!

Who or what inspired you to start writing?

Well like a million other fantasy authors, I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia. I loved those books and the sense of empowerment they give children to feel that they are an important part of a larger story. I have a similar idea of a higher power in these books, but as one reviewer said, the characters are “perfectly imperfect.” They fail and I love all stories of redemption, so that is always a thread in my stories.

Other inspirations include The Black Stallion series, which I also read growing up. Gems of Fire has a hint of a grown-up The Horse and His Boy, meets Rapunzel, meets the story of Joseph who gets sold as a slave.

What’s your biggest gripe in the fantasy genre these days? What do you wish authors would do more or less of?

I don’t really have a gripe. I love that there are different books for all tastes and how various authors spin and twist common tropes into something new. I know trends come and go, it seems the current one is all about dragons, which of course I love.

Tell us something unique about your book/series that will make the reader immediately want to run and read it.

Again, I love the growth of Anna in the series. She starts as a girl, and ends the series as a woman. What distinguishes this series from others a bit is that it is definitely fast-paced while still diving deep into all the characters.

Who was your favorite character to write about and why?

That’s hard to answer! Anna is the main character, so I have to go with her. It’s her story. Then Jack would have to be next. His tragic backstory pulls at the heart strings and he so deserves to be happy. Close behind those two would be pirate Klaus for his wit and I can’t leave out dreamy Zac.

Tell us about your favorite quote or scene in the book and why? (No spoilers!)

One of my favorite scenes in Gems of Fire would be the interaction at the end between Anna and her older brother Stefan, who gives her the credit she’s due.

Quick! Dinosaurs have found a portal through time and have come back to destroy humanity. Which of your characters are you picking to help defend you and why?

Definitely Jack! He’s been wielding a sword since he was young and is an expert assassin. Although perhaps Anna’s fire would be more effective against beasts…

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve had to look up in the name of book research?

Most of my weird research involves injuries. How long does it take to bleed to death from certain wounds, chances of surviving a rib piercing a lung with no antibiotics, etc.

This or that: The stunningly attractive alpha jerk who you love to hate or the somehow sweet but also annoying overprotective “I will burn the world for you” psycho? (and tell us why)

The one with dark hair. Just kidding! Probably the one who would burn the world for me. Why not?

What’s one book trope you just can’t get enough of, and what’s one that you absolutely despise?

I love coming-of-age because no matter what stage of life you are in, there is always a new season right around the corner. We all grow and change at any age so I think coming-of-age can be evergreen. I also love watching characters discover who they are, their purpose, first love, all of it!

Not sure it’s officially a trope, but I don’t like it when female main characters do dumb things and then need to be rescued. I don’t mean that a women should never get rescued (we all need help sometimes), but it’s super annoying when they seem to have zero regard for common sense. And yes, I was annoyed with Bella for running into the woods with a vampire who very well might have killed her. I still read Twilight and loved it. 😊

What do you hope readers will take away from your stories?

Bottom line is that these are books full of action, adventure, trials and triumph. I hope readers connect to the story and the characters. Some days I can’t get them out of my head!

If you could choose to be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?

Anna, for sure! She’s confident, beautiful, and has a good head on her shoulders.

You can have dinner with 3 literary characters of your choosing (your own or others). Who would it be and why?

Despite my fear of not knowing what to say, I’d probably have dinner with Elizabeth Bennet, Aragorn, and Hermione Granger.

You can turn one object in your household into a magical item. What would it be and what does it do?

Could I make my dog talk? If that counts, definitely speaking animals!

Where can readers find you?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diane.e.samson_author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianeESamson/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@dianesamsonauthor
website: www.dianesamsonauthor.com