Author & Book Spotlight The Secrets of Yashire by Diamante Lavendar

Title: The Secrets of Yashire: Emerging from the Shadows
Author: Diamante Lavendar
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: December 29 2013
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Synopsis:
The Secrets of Yashire: Emerging From the Shadows is a young adult fantasy adventure that occurs within the framework of a young girl’s subconscious mind. The main character, Brianna, finds herself thrown into a world called Yashire where she is forced to deal with circumstances that are threatening Yashire’s existence. Against her will, she is sent on a journey to restore unconditional love back to the land while also contending with the evil force in the land, Zolan. Brianna is sent on her mission by Libban, Keeper of the Land. Along the way, Brianna travels with the mystical tiger, Angelos; a huge, whitish-tan tiger with thick black stripes who sings only the purest songs of love, and the wondrous little one-eyed bird named Abiba. During the journey, Brianna is also preparing to meet her soulmate—the one she longs to be with and the one who will bring complete healing back into her life. Together they travel through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures that could only exist in the wildest of imaginations. Through her treacherous brushes with danger and heartwarming experiences of love and acceptance, Brianna discovers many things. It is here, amidst the powers and phantasms of the mind that Brianna receives life lessons and virtues to help her. Will one of her greatest triumphs be achieved as she learns to believe in herself? For only then can she truly see all of the wondrous things that life has to offer.

Where did the inspiration for this story come from?  

What is the story behind the story so to speak?  This story is dedicated to my daughter who passed away.  It flowed out of me after she died.  It is about learning to be a better person, making the most of life and  achieving your dreams.  It is what I wished for my daughter and it is also my attempt to help young adults find their true calling and purpose in order for them to be happier people.  

Tell us about the book cover. How does it represent your book?  How did you choose the artwork?  

The book cover is a picture of the main character of my book and the characters she meets in Yashire, a place of dreams and fantasies.  I think it accurately depicts  the fact that this is a personal journey for Brianna, the main character.  I think it also accurately depicts the fact that Yashire is a surreal realm inhabited by the phantasms of Brianna's mind.  It shows the fantasy qualities of the book.

Where do the ideas for your books come from?  

My book ideas come from an accumulation of personal life experiences as well as experiences of others who are very close to me.  My books are also the product of my very active imagination!

Have you ever co-written book/books? If so was it difficult? If not would you ever consider co-writing with another author?  

No I haven't yet but it is something I would consider doing in the future.

Where do you get your character names from?  

I make them up.  Some are also names that I like a lot.  Some I choose to fit the personalities of the characters.

What type of research goes into your writing?  

I do internet research in order to make my writing accurate.

Are your family and friends supportive of your writing?  

Most of my family members are supportive.

Do you remember when your interest in writing came about?  

I have been interested in writing since I learned to write, literally.  I began writing very elementary poems when I was young and it just sprouted from there.

Other than writing what are your interest?  

I enjoy swimming, gardening, animals, nature, listening to music, painting and drawing.  I also make quotes and superimpose them on pictures.  

Did you learn anything from writing your books, if so what was it?  

I learned that things take time and I needed to be patient with the process.

What are your current WIP? Can you share with us? 

I am currently working on a fiction novel set in medieval times.  I am hoping to have it finished by the end of the year.

Faves

Food Peas and Spaghetti

Color Purple

Quote Take one day at a time

Movie  The Mask with Jim Carrey

Music  R&B, Contemporary rock and classical.

This or That

Day or Night  Night

Rain or Snow   Rain, particularly swimming in the rain!

Facebook or Twitter  Twitter

Mac or PC  PC

Coffee or Tea Coffee

Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. She spent many hours listening to her mother read to her when she was young. As she grew older, she enjoyed reading novels of all genres: horror, fantasy and some romance to name a few.
She began writing in college and published some poetry in anthologies over the years. After her kids were older, she wrote as a form of self expression and decided she wanted to share her stories with others.
Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories.
Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark in the world, to make it a better place for all. Writing is the way that she is attempting to leave her mark—one story at a time.

Places to find Diamante
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Website
Places to find The Secrets of Yashire:  Emerging from the Shadows
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