Author's Interview with Diana Gallagher

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

My name is Diana Gallagher. I’m originally from the UK but now live in Germany, and I’m the author of Beneath the Highland Sky, my first published novel. I never really expected to be able to call myself a published author, so seeing my book out in the world has been a very special experience. I’m currently working on the sequel and continuing Callum and Isla’s story.

2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?

The story started with my love of Scotland and the idea of two people whose lives bring them together despite very different experiences and circumstances. I wanted to write something emotional and romantic, but also a story about family, healing, difficult choices and finding your way home.

As I began writing, Callum and Isla became much more real to me and the story grew around them. What began as one idea eventually became a whole world of characters that I wasn’t quite ready to leave behind when the first book ended, which is why I’m now writing the sequel.

3. What is your book about?

Beneath the Highland Sky is a contemporary romance centred around Callum Fraser and Isla. At its heart, it's a story about love, family, separation, healing and the things people carry with them from their past.

There is romance at the centre of the story, but it also explores the relationships and experiences that shape people and the choices they make when life doesn't go quite as planned. I wanted the characters to feel human, imperfect, emotional and capable of making mistakes, rather than everything being easy for them.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

’ve always enjoyed stories that make you emotionally invested in the characters, so romance felt very natural to me. But I didn’t want to write only about two people falling in love. I wanted the story to have drama, family relationships, difficult moments and real emotional consequences too.

For me, the best romances are the ones where you care about the characters as individuals as much as you care about them being together.

5. How long did it take you to complete the book?

It took me roughly a year to complete *Beneath the Highland Sky*. Like many people, I was fitting my writing around work, family life and everyday commitments, so I wrote whenever I could find the time.

There were periods when I could write quite a lot and others when life simply had to come first. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t rush it. It was very much a journey, and seeing the finished book published made all those hours squeezed in around everything else worthwhile.

6. What makes your book special?

For me, it’s the characters and the emotional journey they go through. Beneath the Highland Sky isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about what happens when love has to exist alongside distance, family, responsibility, painful experiences and the unexpected turns life can take.

The Scottish setting is also a big part of the atmosphere of the book. I wanted readers to be able to picture the places around Callum and Isla and feel as though they were stepping into their world with them. The fact that readers have told me they became emotionally attached to the characters means a great deal to me.

7. When can we expect your next book?

I’m currently writing the sequel to Beneath the Highland Sky, so Callum and Isla’s story definitely isn’t over yet! I’m already working through the early chapters and I have a clear idea of where I want the story to go, although the characters still manage to surprise me along the way.

I don’t want to give myself a strict publication date just yet because I’d rather take the time to make the book something I’m genuinely happy with. But it is very much underway.

8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?

Definitely. There were times when I knew where I wanted the story to go but couldn’t quite work out how to get there. I’ve learned that forcing yourself to write just because you think you should can sometimes make it harder.

My advice would be to give yourself permission to step away for a while. Think about your characters, listen to music, go for a walk, read something or simply do something completely unrelated. Sometimes the answer comes when you stop trying so hard to find it. And don’t expect the first version of everything you write to be perfect, you can always go back and change it.

9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

I love spending time with my family and walking my dogs. I also really enjoy cooking, especially with music playing in the background, there’s nearly always something playing while I’m in the kitchen!

When it comes to relaxing, I’m definitely more of a series person than a film person, although if a good film comes along, I’ll happily give it a go. And I have a real soft spot for Disney. I don’t think you’re ever too old for a bit of Disney!

10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview?

I really enjoyed it! It’s quite strange but lovely to be asked questions about myself as an author because publishing my first book still feels quite new to me. It’s also been nice having the opportunity to talk about Beneath the Highland Sky and reflect on the journey from having an idea to actually seeing the finished book published.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a little about myself, my book and what comes next.

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