Diane W. Keaster

I am a Salmon, Idaho author allowing ‘children’ of all ages to enjoy the life of a young girl (me) growing up on a ranch in Montana and also to enjoy my experiences riding and working in the mountains of Idaho. My ‘ZC Horses’ series of children’s books has colorful, easy-reading material for any level of reader. The true stories in my books are enjoyed by readers from two to eighty-two, men, women, children and youth. The vivid illustrations by Montana and Idaho Western artists bring the stories to life.

I was born and raised on a ranch in Central Montana near Belt outside of Great Falls. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Office Education from Montana State University in Bozeman. Immediately after my college education, I taught High School Business. After experiencing professions ranging from teaching to horse trading, commercial driver to legal work, ranch work to construction work, Diane has retired to spend her time writing her books.

Through the years, I have team roped, raised, broke and trained horses, traded them and enjoyed them. I have combined my knowledge of horses and writing, hands-on experience and training with horses, my ranch life and my love of both horses and children (brought on by having my own two wonderful sons) to produce thoroughly enjoyable stories.

I love the outdoors, especially water!! I spend my spare time kayaking, taking multi-day river trips, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, travelling, golfing, enjoying my family and dogs, and making more experiences to write about!!

I have taken time out from my writing to be a presenter at library and reading conferences (Pacific Northwest Library Association, Montana Reading Conference (evaluated most popular one year) and, was requested at Mountain Plains Library Association) and I have conducted self-publishing workshops for the College of Southern Idaho. I also goes into schools throughout the country making presentations to the children.

I love to hear from my fans, so PLEASE, after you read and enjoy my books, let me know what you enjoyed!!

Comments about the ‘ZC Horses’ books have included:

“My child hates to read but started loving it because of these books.”

“My husband compares these books to ‘Hank The Cowdog’ books.”

“My husband just loves these books.”

“I just love ‘Chick’.” (Forty-year old man)

“I love the books because I had a horse when I was young.” (Fifty-year old woman)

“My young child wanted me to reread the book as soon as I had read it to him.”

“Every night when I read a chapter to my son he begs me to read more.”

“The older kids that do not read well are enjoying the books because the story is interesting to all ages but it is easy to read.”

“The junior high boys are not intimidated by these books because they are good stories but not very long.” (74-80 pages)