Diantha Jones on Greek Mythology, and All Things Writing

Last week I reviewed Prophecy of the Most Beautiful: Oracle of Delphi Book One by Diantha Jones and today I'm sitting down to ask her a few questions about life, writing and being sassy as PART TWO of the OOD Tour. Check it out:

1. Greek mythology has become almost a staple in Fantasy. What made you choose it and what makes yours so special?
   I've always has a love for the Greek myths and there was never a question about what my series would be based around. The hard part was finding a focus. I wanted to find a bit of mythology that hadn't really been dealt with on any grand scale. The Oracle of Delphi has always been a minor character in most Greek myth series, but in my series, she's center stage. The series is about her, in all of her mythical glory. Each book is about a single prophecy that surrounds a greater, darker prophecy. As far as I know, this hasn't really been done before. But I haven't read every book in the world so I may be wrong. Still, this series is special in its own way :)
2. What brought on the inspiration/need to write your short story series?
   I entered the first story, Unknowing, in a short story contest. I didn't win, so I turned it into a series after a few readers told me they'd like to see what happened next. I was down for that and the rest is history.
3. How has (or hasn't) your love of fiction (both television and books) influenced your writing?
   Oh man. What would I do without my books and TV shows? I get ideas from everywhere, but there's always stuff on TV or in books that spark ideas. Things that I wouldn't think would be relevant to my writing become relevant after I douse it with a little imagination. So basically, my love of fiction gives wings to my creativity.
4. Favourite Greek Myth?
   Definitely the story of Cupid and Psyche. What a cute love story. But I think I love the part Aphrodite played in it the best :)
5. What is the hardest thing you've ever had to write?
   My first thought was term papers in college. But then I was like, my newest novel, Prophecy of Solstice's End, almost turned my hair gray. It's massive and I was down to the wire with last minute edits and formatting issues. But I made it through, so that's all that matters I guess.
6. Can you tell my readers all about the Masquerade Crew?
   The Masquerade Crew is a site dedicated to Indie authors and their readers. It's run by Mark Lee and I. Mark does all the fancy marketing and promotions, and I run the review team. We have about 22 active reviewers right now who are from all over the world and read a variety of genres. I first caught wind of the Crew when I submitted my own book for review. I then later joined on as a reviewer, then eventually took over the team. It's a FANTASTIC resource for Indies but I encourage every author (and reader) to follow the site.
7. Have you ever thought of traditionally publishing?
   Of course. Who hasn't? Self-publishing is just the route I took because I didn't want to sit on these books for years while waiting for a publishing house to pick me up. I have other books on the way and maybe I'll try to get those traditionally published while I finish out the OOD series.
8. If you could vacation in any fictional place where would it be?
   I'd have to say the Fae realm of the Tuatha Dé Danaan in KMM's Fever series. The only downfall I can see is that I may never come back...and not because I'm having a blast either *lol*
9. How are you so sassy?
   I've been called sassy, fiesty, and a whole assortment of things. My mother calls it "attitude" lol. I just am and I have no idea how to turn it off. I think that knob broke :)

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