Speak Your Truth

Tomorrow I’m doing something completely new and different for me. I’m teaching 6-12 year olds about creative writing at the library that also hosted my book launch!

I first was feeling really nervous about this seminar. Who am I to teach creative writing? I’m still learning myself! One of the 2023 debut authors I know talked to me about how they have taught creative writing seminars and that helped me feel more confident in my abilities and gave me a place to start.

As I started to put together my presentation I realized I do have a lot to share. I can talk about my own experience coming up with an idea, writing a novel, and then ultimately getting it published. I entitled my seminar “Speak Your Truth,” because I want to help others express their thoughts and celebrate the fact that their stories and ideas matter and are worth expressing. And guess what, the seminar is completely full. The library had to close off registrations!

I also know high school Diane would have really appreciated the opportunity to take a creative writing seminar, and who knows, maybe something I say will spark an interest in writing in one of these teens. Maybe one of them will become a bestselling author someday, all because they got interested in writing from my seminar. I have learned with writing and publishing you just never know what can happen!