An Interview with Diana Raab: Author & Trainer

Sylvia: Welcome Diana. Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your book.

Image Credit: Diana Raab

Diana:Thank you. My name is Diana Raab and I am a memoirist, essayist and poet and author of 8 books, including 2 memoirs, 3 poetry collections and 2 anthologies that I compiled and edited. I also teach journaling and I am an advocate of writing for healing, whether it is prose or poetry. 

Sylvia: What inspired you to write your first book?

Diana: My first memoir, Regina’s Closet: Finding My Grandmother’s Secret Journal, was written after I found the journal of my maternal grandmother and depicts her years as an orphan in World War I and her subsequent immigration to the United States. More than 3 decades after she took her own life in my childhood home when I was only 10, my mother discovered it and gave it to me. At the time I was doing a lot of soul searching because I had been recently diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. I was hoping my grandmother’s journey would help shed some light on my situation, since I was the first person in my family to be diagnosed with cancer.

Sylvia: Wow that is amazing. How you must treasure that journal. Is there a message in your BOOK that you want readers to grasp?

Diana: In general, I want my readers to understand the power of writing to heal and how sometimes sharing our stories with others can also help others in their own journey.

Sylvia: Yes, I agree with you. Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Diana: Be persistent and consistent. Graciously receive feedback from those whom you trust and respect, but also be true to yourself and the work that comes from your true self. Another great reason to keep a journal – it’s truly the place to express yourself freely, which can translate into other writing and life in general.

Image Credit: Diana Raab

Weekly blogging and “blog tours” have been helpful. I am very active on the web, keeping my web site current and participating in social networks. I also facilitate writing workshops and conferences around the country. 

Sylvia: How nice. You are very talented! Why should we buy your BOOKS?

Diana: My writing is clear and accessible and shares a universal truth which will resonate with readers.

Sylvia: Is there a special place that you prefer when you write?

Diana: Most often I write in my studio. But, being outside in natural surroundings is another favorite environment. When I need stimulation or white noise, I write in public places like bars and cafes.

Sylvia: What is your POWER WORD? Why this word?

Diana: PERSISTENCE

Sylvia: Thank you!  Please share your social media and book contact information. Please use full links.  

Diana:  You are welcome. My contact information is below:

• Website: www.dianaraab.com
• Blog: www.dianaraab.com/blog
• Website:  www.redroom.com/author/diana-raab
• Website: www.shewrites.com/profile/DianaRaab

Sylvia Browder

Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.