Diann Boehm
Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. She writes children’s books and young adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination”. You can find all her books on Amazon.
Diann’s Story Garden YouTube Channel gives children the opportunity to hear different children authors read their stories. She is the co-host with Dr. Jacalyn on USA Global TV.
Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian projects with multiple organizations. Diann was born to parents of George and Mabel Floyd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with five brothers.
She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and has lived in the Philippines and Dubai.
Marina Raydun: What inspired Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More and Ruby Takes Chicago? What age is this series geared for?
Diann Boehm: The Ruby Series is a young adult historical fiction recommended for 13-18.
MR: Will there be a continuation to Ruby’s adventures?
DB: No, there will not be a continuation. The two books achieved the goals that I had set to inspire young girls to go after their dreams and make them a reality.
MR: You also write children’s books. How is your creative process different when writing YA versus children’s books?
DB: Excellent question. There are some similarities in my writing process. The commonalities involve determining the story’s aim, pondering over it, and beginning the writing. Where they differ is in the children’s books the story line comes to me pretty fast—I write the story and then I go back and do the editing, make sure of the reading level and then send it to the publisher. With my young adult historical fiction, I have much research to do - time-period, setting, language of the time, clothing, cars, music, etc. I would play music from that time-period to help set the mood. I went to an antique store and looked at the furniture… clothes etc. to get a true feel for the woodwork, clothes, hats, gloves, etc. I want to be sure the reader steps back in time.
MR: Talk to us a little about your YouTube channel--Story Garden.
DB: Well, to be honest, I took some time off from the Story Garden. My mom became ill, then she passed, then we moved, and I am just now getting my energy back to interview authors once more. There are a few purposes for the Story Garden: a. When parents turn on the Story Garden for their children for reading time, they know it is a safe place. b. It gives children the opportunity to hear from the authors and hear about the book and if the author chooses, they can read their story to the viewers. c. I want to give children authors an opportunity to get the word out about their book. Marketing is the hardest thing to do and there are a million children’s books out there. So if I can help another author, then I cherish the opportunity.
MR: Do you see yourself writing fiction for adults?
DB: Sometimes I think about it, but I cannot see anything soon.
MR: Is there a subject you would never write about?
DB: I can’t see myself writing romance novels or murder mysteries. I admire all the authors out there who excel in that genre. My hat is also off to all historical fiction writers. Now that I have written two, I have discovered the years of work it takes to write a historically accurate book. Well done to all those authors too.
MR: How do you feel living abroad affected your writing process?
DB: I feel blessed to have traveled to many places, lived and worked overseas, and engaged in humanitarian work. For me, every experience has broadened my understanding of how we all share similarities. For example, we want peace, happiness and food on the table for our little ones. When I write my children’s books, the purpose is to work with all the children around the world, to love yourself just the way you are, to be kind to others, peace, curiosity, and to embrace imagination.
MR: What is your favorite genre to read?
DB: I enjoy biographies. I love reading how others have made a difference no matter how great or small has made a positive difference in this world. Here are a few names you hear little about in today’s world, yet they gave a positive ripple effect for even us today. Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale, George Washington Carver, and Philip Syng Physick, MD the Father of American Surgery.
MR: Have you ever had writer’s block?
DB: Of course, especially in the historical fiction. Sometimes I can write for a few hours and for days and then suddenly a wall goes up. I have to walk away and not think about it. Then it seems I am renewed and ideas pop back in my head and I am off and running once more.
MR: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
DB: Depending on the day, it could be many things but mostly, I like to turn the music on and sing in the car. I am the person you pull up to at a stoplight, and I am jamming to the music. Hopefully, it will bring a smile to the person’s face and maybe they will sing too.
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