We're Not Blended, We're Pureed -- interview with Diana

Title: WE’RE NOT BLENDED, WE’RE PUREED
Authors: Diana Lesire Brandmeyer and Marty C. Lintvedt
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
July 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7586-1791-0
Genre: Inspirational/Christian living/family concerns

We’re all familiar with the term of blended family. Diana and her husband Ed, both lost their spouses to death, and then eventually remarried. Between the two of them, they have three sons, the two older ones are twenty-one days apart—almost twins. But the problems when they tried to merge the two families…

Written in first person, from Diana’s point of view, she told the story of the struggles she and Ed had in trying to merge their families, the different temperaments of the boys, and what to do about the deceased spouse. Following each segment by Diana is a section by a marriage counselor (Marty) telling what Diana did right or wrong, and giving suggestions to others who are planning to or are blending two families. There are also random comments included through the book by other women who’d been there, telling their story.

I enjoyed reading through WE’RE NOT BLENDED, WE’RE PUREED and recommend it to anyone who is considering blending two families—or have recently done it and want to have a quick “stepparent survival skills 101” class. $14.99. 228 pages.

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Christian fiction/nonfiction because time I feel my time on this earth is too short to waste with writing books that don’t introduce Jesus or encourage believers.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Every time I think ‘this’ is the happiest day of my life I get another moment. I don’t think there can be only one happiest day of your life.

How has being published changed your life?

Now I feel pressured with the, “When’s the next book coming out?” question.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished reading Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan, on kindle ap on my phone I’m reading Pride and Prejudice again. And on my nightstand waiting for tonight is Julie Lessman’s new book, A heart Reveled. I sure wish it was time for bed so I could start reading!

What is your current work in progress?

I’m waiting for edits to come back for A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee which will be released in May 2012.

What would be your dream vacation?

Anywhere near a beach with my husband.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I don’t have a method. Something about the area intrigues me or a character that’s waiting for a starring role.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Nate Berkus because my house needs help! As an interior designer I find his style appealing.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

I love black jelly beans, cotton candy and being driven places as I dislike driving.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Quilting, learning to cook new gluten free recipes and biking

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Doing it. Seriously, I find cleaning out the dust in corners easier to do than sitting down to start a new book. I overcome it by setting my timer for five minutes. Then when it goes off I picture my husband crawling on his knees to lay pavers in 100 degree weather. That usually keeps me in my chair writing.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Learn the craft. Study, but give yourself permission to just write the first draft.

Tell us about the book.

We’re Not Blended-We’re Pureed, A Survivor’s Guide is my personal journey of blending a family, but what makes in unique is the follow up from a licensed counselor. It’s like you can read about real life and get an answer on how to keep it from happening to you or maybe you’ll find you’re doing everything right.

What do you want readers to take away from the book?

Most important take away I’d like readers to get from this book is that your family may be blended but the family next door is having many of the same kind of issues you’re having. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other moms and dads and ask if they have any advice.