Name: Diane Rice
First clue you wanted to be a writer; tell the situation: Fourteen years ago, I was a recently-separated mom of five girls ages 3-14 with the goal of going to veterinary school. With no income, steadily mounting student loans and no nearby family support system, I realized that goal was just out of the question. So I decided to capitalize on what had always come easily for me: English/writing. I changed my major to agricultural journalism and haven’t looked back since. I was able to marry my passion for animals—horses in particular—with writing. It was perfect for me.
Earliest remembered writing and publishing experience: My job here at Appaloosa Journal, as assistant editor. I was SO fortunate to be hired into that position right out of college!
What part of your education helped you most on your path to writing?
Not to make light of the actual writing skills I was taught, I think the main thing college taught me was time management. Handling five kids and going to school full time made me utilize every minute and triage all the demands on my time. Those skills are exactly what I do now as an editor!
Who influenced you most along your way and how?
I think Robin [Hirzel-Hendrickson, previous editor] has. I have a tremendous respect for what she accomplished at a young age. She started here as circulation director right out of college and was editor before she knew what happened to her. J She has an incredible talent for magazine editing and writing, and has also taught me—pretty much an introvert—tons about relationships, both personal and professional.
Most satisfying piece(s) you’ve ever written-----audience:
Horse, of course! I think that would be the article I wrote about Linda McCartney’s memorial service in New York City at which an Appaloosa performed the Spanish walk. Having been a total Beatles fan with a huge crush on Paul McCartney in my early teens, I felt a real connection to that piece. And receiving a thank-you letter from him following the article’s publication was the highlight of my writing career so far. It’s framed in my office with a photo of the horse and rider who performed.
Your publications or venues for writing:
I write for Appaloosa Journal, of course, and have also written for several other equine magazines and a web site called meridianmagazine.com. I’m currently working on some freelance pieces for a new regional magazine about the Palouse that’s being launched soon by one of our former graphic designers who now lives in Sandpoint and works for Coldwater Creek. I’ve also submitted a children’s book for consideration.
Nuggets of advice for young writers in middle school and high school:
- Write about what you know and love. Passion will make your writing much more vibrant and interesting.
- Nurture your relationships by treating people with kindness, respect and consideration. Networking will bring you opportunities that you never expected if you maintain friendships with people you work with in any capacity.
- Read good writing. My favorite magazine is Oprah, and I treat myself to a copy whenever I travel, to read on the plane. There are many more great magazines and books out there, and you can learn so much from devouring them and figuring out what makes them great.
