Your Subtitle text
Above The Fold - April 12, 2010
DIANE BURKE
Insightful, Imaginative Author-On-The-Rise
Diane Burke resides in Queens, New York, and is the mother of a nineteen-year-old son. She recently retired from The NYC Department Of Corrections after nearly twenty-one years of service. She is an author, poet, songwriter, college student, and realtor and is currently working on her next book and the screenplay for her debut novel, The Divas.
www.dianethedivas.com
BOOK VIDEO TRAILER:
The Divas
(Diane Burke)
The Divas
(Diane Burke)
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Diane Burke (The Divas)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Diane. We're looking forward to sharing more about your book with our readers.
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Diane. We're looking forward to sharing more about your book with our readers.
What inspired you to put this revealing true-life drama together?
DB: I came up with the idea in 2008, I wanted to write a story for the ladies; sex, scandal, glamour, and glitz. One day I was sitting with my laptop, and the story started to unfold.
AR: Did you perform considerable research into the music industry prior to crafting the story?
DB: Actually as a teen and woman in my early twenties; I was interested in music. I took vocal lessons, and wrote songs. I also performed demos in the studio. I have always been intrigued with the music industry and used what I learned from those experiences, as well as researching the music scene as is it today.
AR: Are the women based on real people that you know or have known?
DB: All four of the women are based loosely on women that I have met in my lifetime. They also have a little bit of me in all of them. Each character possesses a dedication and devotion to the men in their life that many women can relate to.
AR: Is the entertainment industry truly as gritty and grimy as it is perceived to be?
DB: Honestly, I believe any industry filled with so many people competing for that top-spot will have its share of grit and grime. As far as the music-industry is concerned; people come in knowing that you have to take advantage of opportunities because often times you are only given one chance at fame. That’s when all of the back-stabbing and evilness comes out. At times people will sell their souls for a chance at stardom.
AR: What’s the main message that you’d like readers to take away from the story?
DB: I would like readers to understand that although you might have the money and the glamorous life; it doesn’t mean anything without family, love and integrity.
AR: Is there a sequel in the works?
DB: Yes, I am starting to write Divas II at this moment. This story will address all of the unanswered questions from the first installment. It will also allow the reader to understand Renee’s past and how she became the person that she is.
AR: How has your publishing experience been thus far with Xlibris?
DB: It has been a good experience; however I am planning on starting my own small publishing company for the next book. It is my dream to have my own company and publish my own work.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
DB: I have a plenty of stories and books to write; I am interested in writing for children and young adults in the future. I would also like to venture into screenplays. Somewhere down the line I will write a story about my 21 years as a female working in the NYC Corrections Dept. I have a lot of ideas and a vivid imagination. I would love to see my stories turned into movies—that would be my ultimate goal.
AR: How can people learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
DB: They can keep up with me at www.dianethedivas.com, and my Facebook pages Diane Burke; and Diane Burke diva club; and read my blogs at www.myspace.com/b9724
AR: How can they contact you directly?
DB: They can email me at b9724@aol.com or divaauthoress@aol.com, and follow me on Twitter @dianethediva.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
DB: I would like to thank the readers for supporting me and my future endeavors, and to look out for Divas II.
AR: Thanks again, Diane, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!