Dianne Sweeney is the debut author of Kissing Frogs in Cyberspace. You can read my review here. In short, it's a hilarious tale of her experience with online dating. Dianne was kind enough to stop by for an interview.
When did you decide that you wanted to write a book about your online dating experiences?
I would tell my friends about my strange encounters, and they would laugh and laugh about them. Then I thought that I can't be the only person who is going through all of this, so I started writing down my experiences.
How long did it take you to write Kissing Frogs in Cyberspace? Where you writing it as you were experiencing it?
The whole process took two years. That is a long time! I am hoping my next book doesn't take that long.
What was the most challenging aspect of putting your experiences into a book?
The most challenging aspect was that I had never written a book before. Luckily, I had a dear friend who took me under his wing. He showed me how to write the book, and he was a huge help in the beginning. He would edit pieces and say, "Look, this is what it needs to look like." Without the four people I acknowledged in the beginning, Kissing Frogs would still be sitting in my computer. Thanks again, Josh, Chris, Ellen and Alison.
What was the easiest thing about writing Kissing Frogs in Cyberspace?
The easiest thing about writing was that the stories were already there. I just had to work on my voice and style.
Tell us a bit about the road to publication process...
The road to publication was not an easy one. I was rejected so many times by big publishing houses. Most of them would tell me, "If you were somebody, this could be a hit, but nobody is going to care about you." I think that is where they are wrong. I am just like everybody else. I struggle with my looks, my weight, my mortgage and with my relationships.
Luckily, a dear friend of mine knew someone who owned a small publishing house. They read the book and said,"we will take a chance on you, but you are going to do all the work."
Have any of the guys you've dated online found out about your book (or have read it)? What did they think of being in your book?
There have been a few men who I dated who have read the book. They like it. I sent a copy to Nick, but I never heard from him. A few of them have asked if they can be in the next one, too!
Why online dating?
I am a really busy person. I don't go to bars, so this is the next best thing for me.
Is the first meeting awkward or easier (since you've already gotten to know the person online)?
I think that going to the movies is still the best thing to do. You can watch the movie, and then if there is chemistry go out afterwards. I mean it is painful if you have no chemistry whatsoever and you are on a dinner date.
Was there a 2nd date with Mr. Ironman? (If not or if it didn't end up working out with him, why not?)
Mr. Ironman and I dated a couple of times, but in the end, he said that he wasn't looking to get married and he didn't really see marriage in his future with anyone. We all know what that means, "I don't see myself being married to you!"
Do you still talk to Nick? Have there been any more dates?
No, Nick and I do not talk anymore. I am happy to report that he is in a relationship and very happy.
Are you still dating online?
I still dabble in online dating, but it isn't my focus right now.
What's something that most people don't know about you?
Most people do not know that my cats pretty much run my household.
Who would you recommend to try online dating?
I would recommend everybody try online dating, what is the worse that can happen? It gets you out of the house and meeting people!
What is your advice for online daters?
My advice is be safe out there. Don't believe everything you read. Dating is hell, but just remember I am right there with you. =)
Any plans for Valentine's Day?
For Valentine's Day I am hosting a sexy singles party!
What's next for you? Is there a sequel in the works?
There is a new book in the works and you can check out my web site for the first two chapters. I am not sure where it is going yet, but it will be in the same style of Kissing Frogs.
If you purchase the book from the Dianne's website, part of the proceeds will go to Haiti.
Great interview -- I find interviews with first-time published authors very inspiring. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the title of this book, it's super cute! Fun interview, I might just check this book out soon :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds cute! I"m not sure I could ever write about my own dating experiences.
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview! I actually went over to her webpage and purchased a couple of copies!
ReplyDeleteNice interview BV and Dianne. Congratulations on your debut!
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