Today’s interview is none other than one of our Founding Editors, Diane M. Dickson, who, along with Hugh, has been at the castle from day one–before the moat was dug and filled with dangerous Moat Beasts.
Diane is a successful crime novelist by trade, but she continues to contribute short works as well as give each and every last submission a read (which ain’t no easy task).
Now that we have met our Diane, let’s see what she has to say.
Thanks to Hugh and Leila for asking me to do this. It was fun.
What topic (s) would you not take on?
I avoid child abduction stories. I think they have been done to death and by better writers than I am.
What, in your opinion, is the best line you’ve written?
That’s a tricky one, isn’t it? There’s been a lot of lines. I think though one of my favourites is from an old short story called Through My Eyes which is on my blog. I enjoyed writing that. I did it at my mum and dad’s on a happy day and gave it to my dad to read immediately and he loved it and this one line made him laugh
‘Comfort my arse, you silly old fool. A cushion is a comfort. Haemorrhoid cream is a comfort. Gerry is a cretin’.
Would you write what you would consider shite for money?
I expect so.
Will you ever go Woke with your writing and use pronoun / non-descript characters and explore sensitive issues in an understanding and sensitive way?
I suppose it depends what you consider a ‘sensitive issue’. We all have our own ideas about that. I wouldn’t be deliberately unkind, but I reckon as writers, we have to keep it real. I have written about same-sex relationships with no problem. I’ve written rape scenes (that was harrowing to do) and, of course, we nearly all have written about death and dying, haven’t we? Are they sensitive issues or just life? (or the alternative as it happens). Can’t write about all the new badging issues because to be honest I find it very confusing. But I truly believe each to his own, as they say ‘You do You’ and as long as you don’t hurt anyone else, there’s no problem.
Type something surprising.
My granddad was a medium and had an Indian spirit guide. I read tea leaves.
Do you see something different in a mirror that others don’t when they look at you?
Maybe not in the mirror, but in my head for sure. I appear to be a short, slightly dumpy and frumpy lady who is beyond a certain age. What I am really is a slender, stylish, mysterious creature with big earrings and a cigar. I just hide it well.
The future – Bleak or hopeful?
The present is pretty bleak, I reckon, and so all we can do is hope.
What would you like to like as you hate that you hate it?
Olives – It seems cool to eat olives but shuddering and retching not so much.
Records? Tapes? Or CDs?And…
I used to love the whole performance with vinyl. The wiping with a soft cloth, the lowering of the stylus, all of that. My husband is an audio nut and we had a lovely set up but that’s gone now so I just like listening on the computer and I leave our playlists up to him and he downloads hours and hours of music and edits it so all I have to do is put in my request.
Has anything you have written told you something about yourself you did not know (good or bad)?
Yes, I worry that I have so much violence and death and stuff rattling round in my head. Who knew?
What genre you don’t write in would you like to try?
Honestly, none. I’ve done romance, crime, a bit of sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, horror a bit of historical if you count the wars in the early twentieth century. I default mostly to crime now and I’m happiest doing that. Probably laziness though I love the research.
If you have an idea for a story in the middle of the supermarket, what action do you take?
I carry a notebook and pen so I’d jot down keywords, but to be honest, the middle of the night is more likely.
What invention has been the downfall of the 20 / 21st century?
Supermarkets – I loved the old-fashioned way of shopping in independent places. I think now we all expect cheap food and cheap ‘stuff’ and everything is just that bit less valued.
When you agreed to become an LS Editor, did you realise it would take over your life?
No – not at all. We had spent a lot of time on the other writing site where we met, but that was nothing compared to the hours we put in now. It’s incredible really how this has grown. None of us had any idea. I can’t imagine life without it now, though.
Why do birds keep coming back for more window bouncings–are they self destructive?
Don’t repeat this – I actually think it’s because they are a bit stupid.
literally stories 
Enjoyed learning more about Ms. Diane. Strangely some sound like things I might have said. LS is a bit like a stock theatre company isn’t it? A lot of the same actors show up in many shows, then there are the walk ons or the multiple walk ons. The regular actors also show in other projects.
People put stickers on their windows to keep them from crashing.
Keep on.
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Yes, that’s a good analogy I think. Interesting that you identified with some of my answers.
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Specifically “Shite (or shit for this side of the pond), genres, mirror, and what I’ve written has told me about myself. Reminds me how much editor means to me. Some things I’ve written reflect on her.
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As I wandered off – all the editors (including former) should get similar treatment, possibly with more about their editing ideas and aims.
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Hello Diane
Great replies as expected. You nailed it with the supermarket. It destroyed all the shops on the street I grew up on except the bakery and dirty book store.
Also a great favorite line.
Yes, sadly, not all Birds appear to be geniuses. Possibly due to small skull issues.
Excellent to see your interview up today!
Leila
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thanks for sending me the questions Leila it’s interesting having to look at yourself in a way that you can describe it. x
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I do admire Diane’s dedication both to Literally Stories and her volumes of world. I particularly liked her book, “Leaving George,” and do recommend reading it. Lovely to have a brief insight to her thoughts and ideas. best wishes.
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Thank you James and thank you for your support. Interesting that you mention Leaving George, that was my first published novel. I cringe a bit now at some of my older pieces so it’s nice to know you enjoyed it.
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Hi Diane,
Try olive bread, it may ease you in.
Try a Gibson with one olive and that may also ease you in.
Have both!!
I was the same, I couldn’t stand them but was determined to like them (A bit like Guinness) and I now do, that started in a Tapas Bar in Edinburgh with the bread.
But there is no help for those black ones – Too me, they are just rank.
Oh and after what you have said about our feathered friends, never change your name to Tippi!!!
Great to let folks know more about you.
Hugh
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Thanks Hugh, I have tried to eat them on Pizza and in bread but I think I baulk at them now just out of habit. I didn’t want to be rude about the birds but we have a Robin here who is constantly trying to batter his way through the window into the office. I’ve had to cuddle him back from a coma a couple of times. What’s that about repeating the same things and expecting a different outcome?
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Green olives stuffed with pimento in a martini are the only ones for me. I make it very clear upon placing my pizza order that none of those gross black olives be on it. Hmmm, birds like olives, might be a connection
Leila
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Aha – we had a cat once that loved them – olives not birds – althooooo. He was very partial to mushy peas as well.
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In a Manhattan (the Bronxs and Staten Island too), otherwise black olivesl.
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A lot of wisdom in Diane’s post – thank you. Shame about the olives.
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Thanks Mick. Not sure I’ve ever been considered wise but I’ll take that!
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Thoughtful, interesting and with a nice touch of humor. Thanks for sharing this with us and thanks to Diane for all she does for LS readers and writers.
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You are very welcome – I consider it a privilege to help to get the writing out there where it belongs
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I’m really enjoying these weekly interviews and the insight they give. Thank you Diana – throroughly enjoyed your answers.
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I am glad you enjoyed reading, thank you for commenting.
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Loved reading this. Thoughtful and it made me laugh, does it get better than that?
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