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
Tag: Books
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
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
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
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!
My Publishing Journey
With only 20 days left until the publication of my debut YA sapphic novel, Does Love Always Win?, it's made me reflect on the arduous journey that got me to this point. I've also been thinking about how grateful I am that I've been able to publish a novel with another one being published next … Continue reading My Publishing Journey
That Dreaded “M” Word
When sixth grade Diane promised herself she was going to someday publish a book, the marketing aspect of being an author did not cross her mind. Nor did it cross my mind until I was signing my publishing contract and even then I had no clue what it actually meant. I knew some stuff about … Continue reading That Dreaded “M” Word
Impending Publication Thoughts
The publication date is looming for my YA LGBTQ+ contemporary romance novel Does Love Always Win? Actually, my pre-order campaign begins in two days as of this posting on April 3rd! My cover and blurb have been revealed and the rest of the ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) are being sent out shortly. Reviews are even … Continue reading Impending Publication Thoughts
Special Feature-Q&A with Shorty Daniels
For a very special edition of my blog, this is going to be a Q&A with Sam "Shorty" Daniels, the main character of my upcoming YA LGBTQ+ contemporary romance debut Does Love Always Win? This is as if she was featured in a senior spotlight in her school's newspaper. DALE'S DAILY-SENIOR SPOTLIGHT with Shorty Daniels … Continue reading Special Feature-Q&A with Shorty Daniels
Diane Billas 