Dianne, a relative newcomer to romance fiction, is best known for her nonfiction work under the name JJ Despain. She has written seven nonfiction books, and her magazine articles have appeared in Country Living, Oxygen, Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies' Home Journal, Better Homes & Gardens, Parenting, Teen, Seventeen, and Writer's Digest. In addition to her writing, Dianne teaches a dozen writing workshops every year and also teaches a writing and publishing course at a state university. Dianne's formal educational background is in classical music and nursing, with college degrees in both. She was a former symphonic bass player in her first career go-round, then a critical care nurse/anesthetist in her second. An injury caused a permanent disability, forcing Dianne to retire from nursing. As a consumer nonfiction writer today, one of her specialty areas is health. Dianne's hobby and passion is antiques; she collects antique European oil lamps, vintage American kitchen utensils, and brooches from everywhere, circa 1600 – 1900. Her book, Everyday Antiques (Storey), was a Doubleday Book Club Antiques Roadshow alternate feature. Besides her passion for antiques, Dianne has a passion for animals—all six of hers are rescued from animal shelters. Dianne is married to Joel, and their daughter Jennifer is a college student. In 2000, Dianne was the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery & Suspense. Dianne loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to write to her at P.O. Box 51343, Indianapolis, IN 46251-0343 or email her at DianneLynDrake@aol.com.