Lena Diaz writes what she loves to read: romantic suspense and romantic thrillers. And she’s pretty good at writing them as well, having just published her 10th book for an imprint of HarperCollins. She’ll talk about her books and her career at the Ponte Vedra Library’s Book Talk Café program on Monday, November 16 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Lena didn’t start out wanting to be a writer, but after finishing a book and being dissatisfied with the hero’s actions, she decided to try writing one for herself. After joining the First Coast Romance Writers, she began her journey to publication.
Her first book, was published in 2011, and in just four short years the World Golf Village resident has published ten books. Exit Strategy, the first of a new series, will appeal to readers who love their fast-paced action mixed with steamy seduction.
Lena calls herself the proud and patriotic daughter of a career Navy father. She was born in Kentucky and moved to California, Louisiana, and ultimately to Florida where she has lived most of her life. Her books have garnered many accolades, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery and Suspense (twice) and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
Her background is in computer programming, and she told a reporter that writing and computer programming are quite similar. “When you write a computer program, you are creating something from beginning to end, with just a basic idea.” The same pretty much holds true when writing a book, she said.
Book Talk Café is sponsored by the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Library, and offers light refreshments as well as the opportunity to purchase the author’s book. The presentation is free and open to the public.
