Newly Released Audiobook, "Fire and Ice"by Dianna Bellerose

I had the great pleasure recently of narrating a fantastic book from Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winner, author Dianna Bellerose, I asked her to join me in an interview so we can learn more about her and this moving story. First, a short synopsis of “Fire and Ice”;

Award Winning Author, Dianna Bellerose captures the romance of two people who madly fall in love and their turbulent life because of parent’s disapproval. The main character Nancy is a beautiful, heartwarming, loyal wife and mother. But, her traits are not enough for her disapproving and manipulative mother in law, and as a result, she is constantly exposed to abuse and violence. Lonely, confused and having no one around to help, she decides to alter her life. Determined to keep her family and seek happiness, she is forced to flee her native country. As a big recession hits, she has to overcome so many obstacles from abusive relationship, financial down turn, to being betrayed.

Dianna, thank you so much for joining me today, can you explain to the people who don’t know you a little about yourself?

“First of all thank you so much Rebecca for being so kind to have me as your guest, very kind of you I am born and raised in Europe, my parents were working people struggling to make two ends meet. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Most of my childhood, I spend with my grandparents who were the most wonderful, heartwarming people. I learned a lot from them, and I cannot have words to thank them for helping me become the person I am today.”

Can you give me a synopsis of what your book Fire and Ice is about?

“In Fire and Ice, Nancy, a naïve but resourceful, kindhearted woman, marries her high school sweetheart. As a working wife and mother, Nancy perseveres, despite having an abusive, alcoholic husband.”

Is this book based on personal experience?

“Well Rebecca, thank you for this question, a lot of people do ask me this question because my editor made it like a narrative, but it is not from my life experiences personally. There is a reality involved in my book taken from life's encounters. In all of the fiction novels there is a chunk of truth, but it cannot be different. My book is a result of my calling, the voice inside my head which made me write it.”

What made you want to write this book?

“I think I answered your question patricianly, but I feel that I was meant to write this book. This voice is a proof of this which did not give me peace. There were other signs which I was seeing on a daily bases which triggered the whole process from writing until publishing of my book. I did not have to think about title and the main characters, everything was falling to place.”

How difficult was it for you emotionally, to write a book about domestic violence?

“It was not easy for me to cope during the whole process because I consider myself companioned person. I get involved in other people's pain very easy, and I am taking it as a personal thing. There were times when I had to stop and even cry. It was not easy task, but I was able to do the job I have been chosen to do.”

What kind of message do you want people to take away from reading your book?

“First of all and most important thing is that no one should prefer someone else before him/herself. When you love yourself first, you set standards for the other person. We all know that love is a magical thing and that what life is all about, but there should be boundaries. Never, never put yourself second and ignore what you God has given you to do with your life. Always believe in yourself, know your value and do not discount yourself for anyone, no matter what. If you do not follow these simple rules, the outcome could be devastating. There is a power in each one of us to overcome everything that gets on the way, but we do not have to tolerate unhealthy relationship.”

As an advocate for ending domestic abuse, what advice can you give others who may want to join in this cause?

“Love this question Rebecca, please, please if you know someone who experience abuse and domestic violence, just tell them to leave as soon as possible. It is not worth it to endure it, and it could destroy person’s soul, self-esteem and love for life. Love does not have to hurt if it is real. Tell them to love themselves and give support as much as you can. Let's make this world a wonderful place to live, free of drama and suffer. Your actions count, do not think for a minute that you cannot make a change.”

What advice do you give to men and women who find themselves in an abusive relationship?

“For men and women in a abusive relationship Rebecca, I have this advice, find help if you do not know what to do as soon as possible. Do not let yourself to continue being exposed to violence and do it now. The sooner the better, it is your life after all.”

Do you have a message of hope or encouragement for families in turmoil?

“My advice for these families is to start taking charge of the situation right away. Most of the time communication can do miracles, people get carried away because of job, relative's involvement and other factors. Please talk to your partner, tell them how you feel. This is a good way to know if you are on the same page with your spouse and if both are willing to work on having a healthy relationship. Please, do not allow yourself to be influenced  by anyone, listen to yourself and your partner only. Nobody knows what is going on in your marriage, but you and your partner. Always be open to listen, be sensitive and do not try to get your way by manipulation. If you really love your partner in life, you will always find a way to work things out for the benefit of both of you.” 

Do you have any other books in the works?

“I will be glad to share that I work on my second fiction novel, it is second part of Fire and Ice. It is going to be a surprise, so I do not want to tell more than that.”

What made you want to translate “Fire and Ice” into an audiobook?

“Nowadays, people are very busy, and I thought that an audio book would be a great thing.”

Where can people find your book Fire and Ice?

“My book is available on all major online book sellers’ websites, Amazon, B&N and thankfully to you on Audible.com and iTunes.”

Dianna, as someone who read your book, and had the opportunity to work with you to bring the audiobook to life, I think this has a powerful message, I hope it reaches peoples hearts and minds, and am honored to work with you on it.

Thanks for sharing your time and this wonderful book with us. Any last thoughts?

“Rebecca, I want to thank you for your support and opportunity to have interview with you. I feel grateful   for the wonderful  job you did with my book. Congratulations on your professional job and the ability to make the heros of my book come alive. I wish you all the best and thank you for your kindness.

My last thoughts are that no matter how hard life is, what kind of obstacles you are forced to overcome, YOU have the power to do it. Never give up, no matter what and do not allow your bad experiences to define you. You are wonderful and loving person and nothing can change that.”

Best wishes, Dianna Bellerose

Thank you Dianna, and I look forward to you new book when it comes out. 

For all of you out there that wish to download the audiobook version of “Fire and Ice” by Dianna Bellerose, follow these links to Audible, Amazon and ITunes. 

For more on the author and to follow her blog and her continuing struggle to end domestic violence please visit her here.