Interview with Diane Estrella

At the beginning of a new year I am so honored to host an interview with fellow blogger and book lover Diane Estrella. You do not want to miss this. Diane always has the coolest give-away's on her blog as well as tons of other great stuff for readers and writers alike!

Please, introduce yourself… anything special we need to know about Diane Estrella? 

I’m Diane Estrella, wife, cool home-schooling mom, aspiring children’s writer, part-time blogger, (full-time social media recreationalist) and semi-professional encourager. I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and I’m still not sure. I do love connecting people, writers, businesses, and anyone trying to turn their dreams into a reality though. I’m hoping that my epitaph will be that I lived and even made a difference in this crazy, mixed-up world. I’m good for a moments distraction from life, and any help I can be to others. That’s my purpose….That’s what I’m here for….. Like, totally! (That's my Big 80's Valley Girl-ness coming through.) 

How and when did you start your blog/website? 

My blog started up in May of 2009.... aaaack! Time goes fast! I started out with blogger and then switched over to Wordpress. I had some moving jitters but am glad I made the jump. 

What is your drive behind blogging? What do you hope to accomplish? 

Initially, I just wanted to be "out there" and be heard. The biggest struggle I have had with my blog is figuring out what my "niche" is. It's kind of hilarious to me that I can write a post on Finding your blog's niche, but I can't find my own. I guess I see it as, I am good at and like a lot of things, but not great or love any one thing the most. This is where the "That's What I'm Here For...." byline got it's start. If you need a laugh, advice, book or product promotion, encouragement, etc. then "That's What I'm Here For...."! Whatever you need, I'll try to fill it for ya. I guess like many others, I hope to either make money from my blog or use it as a springboard for my writing and when I become a published author. 

You are an aspiring children’s writer. Tell us a little bit more about that, any specific dreams or goals? 

I have written two picture books and have started a series of chapter books for ages 7-11ish. They have a Magic Tree House feel to them, and is a mystery/adventure series. Each book will focus on one of the Fruits of the Spirit and in the final book the mystery will be solved and the treasure found. Although I love sci-fi stories, and it kind of has a "Goonies" feel to it, I wanted to write it as if it really could happen to any kid out there. 

What role does your faith in God play in your daily life, especially for you as a home schooling mom?

We began homeschooling my son in January of 2010. We pulled him out of school because of some social difficulties he was having. We left our daughter in to finish out the school year. This is the first "official" year I am homeschooling both of them. Each family has to do what is best for their situation. I am not pro-homeschooling or pro-public schooling. I prayed and told God, I would do whatever I had to do for my kids but my husband and I HAD to be in agreement with this one. Initially, my husband was opposed to it, but then when the difficulties continued he ended up being the one to suggest homeschooling to me. God knows what we need to do. When we put things in His hands, He leads and directs our steps. 

Top three on your ‘favorite books’ list… 

Too many to mention. Blogging has introduced me to so many great authors. I love the programs that the major publishers have set up where you can be sent a book for free, and you provide an honest review of it on your blog and also post the review on a commercial retail website (i.e. Amazon, etc.) I have some sites listed on my blog's sidebar where you can sign up. 

Top three struggles in your writing journey… 

Honestly..... My laziness is a big one. There are so many things that I can distract myself with, with not much effort.... My brain.... I wrote a blog post on a) even admitting I was a writer was hard enough and b) figuring out what kind of writer I am and not being ashamed or embarrassed by it. My blog! Keeping it up, doing research, getting giveaways together is like a part time job which I do love, but it is a lot of TIME. 

Do you have any authors or specific books that have been an inspiration to you? 

For me my thirst for reading, and unknowingly to be an author, started when my mom came home from a garage sale with this pile of Trixie Belden books. I was probably 10 at the time and a little too young to read them and really get them. I did, however, love the brightness of the hardcovers and the pictures within. I often would look through them. A few years later, I started reading them and instantly fell in love with Trixie and the whole gang. I actually loved them so much that I looked for the address of the publishing company and specifically wrote a letter to the author to tell her such. I did get a letter back from the publisher (probably more like a secretary that felt pity for me and my naivety) and it made me think more about the wonder of books. There is power in them to change, sculpt, persuade, and ultimately to dream, for myself and others. Wowza! 

Any words of encouragement to us bloggers? 

My all-time favorite quote was found on a sugar packet in a greasy diner. My sister made a cross-stitch out of it for me: Richard Martin Stern : If you have tried to do something and failed, you are vastly better off than if you had tried to do nothing and succeeded.. 

My favorite Bible passage is from Habakkuk 3: 17-19 

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. 

Both speak of overcoming and not giving up, which I love! 

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