I’m excited to welcome Diana Rubino, author of From Here to Fourteenth Street. This historical romance, set in 1894, is a fantastic read. I love that the author’s great-grandmother was the inspiration for the main character. Take a peek at today’s interview for all of the details.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: From Here to Fourteenth Street
Author: Diana Rubino
Genre: Historical Romance / Suspense
BLURB:
It’s 1894 on New York’s Lower East Side. Irish cop Tom McGlory and Italian immigrant Vita Caputo fall in love despite their different upbringings. Vita goes from sweatshop laborer to respected bank clerk to reformer, helping elect a mayor to beat the Tammany machine. While Tom works undercover to help Ted Roosevelt purge police corruption, Vita’s father arranges a marriage between her and a man she despises. When Tom’s cousin is murdered, Vita’s father and brother languish in jail, charged with the crime. Can Vita and Tom’s love survive poverty, hatred, and corruption?
INTERVIEW:
Welcome! How long have you been writing?
I always wrote short stories as a kid, but wrote my first novel when I was 22, with the encouragement of my college journalism professor. I completed my first novel in 1982.
Why did you decide to write a mystery?
Many of my books are mysteries or have mystery subplots; it’s my favorite genre, and I enjoy creating the red herrings, clues, and finally when the sleuth finds the killer, the surprise for the reader (I realize some astute readers can figure it out sooner, but I hope each one is a surprise).
Do ideas for plot or characters appear first?
I always create the plot first, but only one book I wrote, BOOTLEG BROADWAY, (the sequel to this book), I started with 3 main characters, with nothing to do yet. All I knew was that I needed to get the hero, the scatterbrained musical genius Billy McGlory, into one mess after another. That was easy once he was developed.
I do believe it can be an advantage to create the characters first; then you’ll know the story is character driven. But since mysteries are more plot driven, it’s best to have a solid logical plot developed first.
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
Very much a plotter; I draw up detailed thorough outlines, which I always deviate from once the story gets going and takes its own turns along the way.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Yes, my first historical, TO LOVE A KING, set in Henry VIII’s court—I went to England to all Henry’s famous sites, and CROWNED BY LOVE, set in Richard III’s court, I visited all the sites associated with Richard. This was pre-internet, and the trips sure were helpful.
How many hours do you dedicate each day toward writing?
No matter how long it takes, I complete 2,500 words (ten pages) a day.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Because I write historicals, the research is the best part. Losing myself in these long-ago worlds and getting to know these people is fascinating.
What advice would you like to share with aspiring authors?
Never give up on your dream! Find a critique group of like-minded authors who write in your genre and are your potential audience. Be disciplined—don’t wait for the muse to show up. You must show up.
If you could have dinner with another mystery author, who would it be?
I’ve always enjoyed Lawrence Block’s books, and when I first started out, we corresponded for a while. I asked him if we could meet for lunch but he said he was much too busy.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Besides mysteries, historical fiction, biographies, books about astronomy.
Do you write in other genres?
I recently started writing biographical novels, some have no fictional characters, some do. My latest novel, about Edith Roosevelt, (Theodore’s wife) has a cameo appearance by Vita Caputo, the heroine of FROM HERE TO FOURTEENTH STREET.
Did any books from your childhood influence you as a writer?
I never read Nancy Drew, but read most of the Trixie Belden books, which are similar. She’s a teenage sleuth, and she and her friends always find mysteries to solve.
What part of this book was the most fun to write?
It’s set in 1894 New York City and Vita is an Italian immigrant, based on my great-grandmother. Writing about Italian people and customs was a blast.
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
I do relate to Vita because she became successful, as a headstrong determined woman who had the confidence to know she’d make it.
Upcoming books, events, appearances, giveaways:
My next book, about Edith Roosevelt, doesn’t yet have a release date, but in the story Edith solves several mysteries in New York City, by finding a serial killer of the poor women she helped to escape poverty.
AUTHOR BIO:
Diana writes about folks through history who shook things up. Her passion for history and travel has taken her to every locale of her books: Medieval and Renaissance England, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, and New York. Her urban fantasy romance FAKIN’ IT won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. She is a member of the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. With her husband Chris, she owns CostPro, Inc., a construction cost consulting business. In her spare time, Diana bicycles, golfs, does yoga, plays her piano, devours books, and lives the dream on Cape Cod.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
PURCHASE LINK:
Jill Piscitello 
The post looks fantastic, Jill! I’m spreading the word. Thanks again for hosting me!
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My pleasure!
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