I was at 42,000 words in my new young adult murder mystery work in progress when suddenly the developmental edits (the first round of edits that are more big picture) hit my inbox for my upcoming young adult superhero novel, Superficial. No! I was in a really good spot with the work in progress and … Continue reading Pivoting
Blog
Plotting vs Pantsing
I'm a known pantser in my writing, aka, writing by the seat of my pants. This can be freeing and a lot of fun, not knowing what will come out of my fingers as I type, but it also can be a detriment and makes for extra cleanup during the editing phase of a story. … Continue reading Plotting vs Pantsing
Having Fun Again
It's been so long since I've had fun writing. Things have been hectic in my life with publishing one book, editing a second book, and trying to balance that with a full-time job and my family, that it was hard to find the time to write, and when I did, nothing was sticking. I couldn't … Continue reading Having Fun Again
Welcoming a New Year
Last year I decided not to have any resolutions because I knew 2023 was going to be more exhausting and difficult than I ever had experienced because my first child was born on December 23, 2022. I didn't want to set myself up for failure having no idea what to expect. And I wasn't wrong. … Continue reading Welcoming a New Year
A Change in Perspective
I had everything I've dreamed of. A loving husband, the baby we were trying to conceive for over four years, a fulfilling 9-5 day job, and a published book. I should have been deliriously happy, right? Wrong. I was depressed and I wasn't telling anyone. I was putting on a happy face saying everything was … Continue reading A Change in Perspective
NaNoWriMo
It's November first which means it's...National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo. There's even a website to help you track your progress, connect with friends, and set goals. The idea is to write 50,000 words in the month of November or you can set your own word count. Shockingly I've never participated in this before. I … Continue reading NaNoWriMo
Writing Conundrums: Tried-and-True or New and Challenging?
It's so hard to start a new project, especially after finishing two books. That's the place I'm at right now. My young adult sapphic novel, Does Love Always Win?, has been published for three and a half months, and my young adult superhero book, Superficial, comes out in a year. So now what? What kind … Continue reading Writing Conundrums: Tried-and-True or New and Challenging?
Change of Scenery
I was in desperate need of a break. Even just the thought of doing more marketing for my debut book Does Love Always Win? or my new book Superficial was stressing me out. I was at the point where when I saw one of the bookmarks I ordered with my book's cover image for marketing, … Continue reading Change of Scenery
Speak Your Truth
Photo by Polina Kovaleva 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 … Continue reading Speak Your Truth
I’m an Author!
It's official. I'm a published author! My young adult sapphic romance Does Love Always Win? came out on June 20, 2023, and it's been a whirlwind ever since! My virtual and in-person launch parties were fantastic! My publisher hosted my virtual launch and we had great participation. I had a lovely time at my in-person … Continue reading I’m an Author!
Diane Billas 