Diane Dignan

An e-chat with Diane Dignan
Farmington Hills author exposes glass ceiling in her debut, life's-dream novel The Boy's Club

What sparked this novel for you?
The novel was sparked from a need to share the issues and struggles I feel many women face today within the context of a character that readers could relate to. I wanted Alex to share her story so that, women in particular but anyone who has encountered career setbacks and taken stock of their personal priorities can see how she works through the problems and rises above them. Women don't always talk to each other about events or situations they may feel are strange or demeaning in the workplace for fear of looking weak or insecure when, actually, the forces that make them feel that way are coming from outside of themselves.

Did you do any research into corporate culture or was this more from your own experience?
There wasn't much research involved in this one, other than information on the west coast of Michigan. I have been in the corporate culture since my early twenties. I drew from my own knowledge and observations in developing my novel.

Has the work done towards equality for women really been effective on the practical side?
I have seen more corporate development and freedom for women in the past 20 years, and a bit more equality in compensation though salaries in typical "women's" professions are still below those of men. There are many more successful role models out there to guide and encourage us. But it is a slow process and the disparity still exists. The types of places Alex finds herself; dealing with sexual intimidation, being discounted and overlooked, not taken as seriously and paid less for the same work, manipulated to accept a lesser role rather than groomed and encouraged to excel, are still alive and kicking in many corporate settings.

Do you see yourself as a feminist or a feminist author?
I'm certainly not what most would deem a feminist. However, I strongly believe that every person, male or female, should have the freedom to express their gifts and should receive the edification to grow and expand in knowledge and experience without any preconceived notions of what they should or should not be simply because of their gender. While Alex has been very successful in business, she still yearns within her heart to be truly cherished by a man and has had to force from her soul the desire for motherhood. I feel these are base desires that most women experience; some more than others. Yet, life doesn't always work in predictable ways.
Women should not simply base their value and worth on their roles as a wife or mother. While very important and precious, there are many other aspects of life that offer methods of expansion and creativity that women should not overlook or discount - either for themselves or others.

Alex is a well-drawn character, how much is you?
Just a tad. She is actually a compilation of several people, and part fiction, of course.

How did you feel at the end of the process?
Exuberant! This story has meant so much to me, it has been a mission for a long time. I feel as though I have given birth to something that will go out into the world and accomplish something on its own as people read its pages.

Some writers groups open only to published writers don't consider a self-published book as fitting with that criteria. Have you experienced any criticism along these lines and how did/would you address it?
I really haven't experienced any personal criticism regarding being self-published. First Page and I worked very hard to make darn sure the book was a professional package and could hold it's own alongside the commercial publishers. Further, First Page doesn't publish everything that comes through the door. If they feel the material is not marketable or not a good reflection of their name, they won't pursue it. That is not always the case. Writers should do their research and insist on professional content and proof editing, layout and graphics assistance, and marketing exposure. I strongly feel that publishing today is very political and very profit oriented. Publishers don't take want to take the risk of publishing an unknown author.

What's the toughest part about being a published author? Has anything about this surprised you?
I've always thought that I'm a strong person who doesn't worry too much about what others think. Well, it was very unnerving knowing that anyone out there could read the story, could get into the character's lives. Writing is a very personal thing; and most writers are very personal people.
The exposure is a bit different that what I'm used to, but very necessary if the book is to fare well. Yet, it has been very enjoyable and helpful receiving feedback from readers! I can look at the story from a more removed position and say, "yes, that was done well but, you know, I should have developed this scene or character aspect more," etc.

Are you working on a second book and if so, would you be willing to give us an idea what it's about?
I am. This story is quite different, with a man as the main character. It deals with finding the balance between nourishing and cherishing our loved ones and charging ahead at all costs to be the best at whatever our passion is. It's down to earth and spiritual all at the same time and I can't wait to get into it. It will involve lots of stock car racing in the 1950's and '60's and plenty of action - and is requiring a LOT more research on my part!

Who have been the women mentors in your life? Who are your favorite authors?
My women mentors are varied - I respect greatly women who pursue their dreams, who work hard and refuse to accept NO for an answer when they feel in their heart they were meant to accomplish their given task. Women who are well known or famous don't do much for me. It's those that work through the challenges and heartbreaks of everyday life to raise their families, love those around them, and stretch beyond fear to be the best at whatever they have chosen to do. They are the real heros. Yet, my greatest individual mentor would have to be Julia Cameron, author of The Right to Write and The Artist's Way. I have pored over her words and listened to her tapes repeatedly for encouragement in finishing and publishing this book. I highly recommend her works to anyone striving to write, or to express themselves creatively in any form.