Local author debuts fourth book in series

Local author Diane Nielsen has successfully published another book in her "Guardian Series."

"Omen Lake" is Nielsen's fourth book that entails suspense, drama, romance and death.

Originally from the Nebraska Panhandle, Nielsen moved back to Sidney seven years ago to help take care of her mother and be closer to family.

"I was born in Scottsbluff, and then we moved to Potter, where I graduated from high school," Nielsen said. "I moved back to this area from Colorado."

Nielsen has always had a passion for writing and telling stories.

"I remember in the fourth grade, a teacher keeping my story and actually reading it to my brothers and sisters as they came up, so I've always liked to write," Nielsen said. "When I lived in Colorado, I worked in casinos writing their policy and procedure books, so I've always been interested in writing things. Who would've though I could write and publish four stories?"

Nielsen considers her books to be paranormal romantic dramas because they include supernatural elements.

"I have guardians, which are kind of like angels, but a little darker," she said. "They have the attitude and tempers. There's also the bad and dark sided characters that fight for destinies and human souls."

When it comes to the writing process, Nielsen said she takes a nontraditional approach.

"When I start writing I write the prologue and the epilogue, so I know how it starts and ends," she said. "I've really learned how to manage my time better because I work [at the Salvation Army] during the dar and I take care of my mom who has Alzheimer's, so I don't get to write until she goes down at night."

Nielsen believes that picking out the names for characters is one of the hardest parts of the writing process. Although her books are fiction, she usually names the characters after her friends and family members.

"I've already started on my fifth book, and that will be the end of this series," she added. "However, I have ideas for the next series already floating around."

Nielsen said there's a little bit of something for everyone in her books.

"I get a lot of people who said my books made them cry or made them laugh or that they hated a certain character," Nielsen said. "I figure if I can make people feel then I have done a good job. I keep that chapters short and sweet, and I want everyone to be entertained."

Nielsen will be holding a book signing for "Omen Lake" this Friday from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Sidney Public Library.

"Everybody should follow their dreams, whatever it is, don't have regrets." Nielsen said. "I regret that I didn't start this sooner, I could've been writing for years. I had a dream and I'm making it happen, so I am very proud of myself."