It's been three years since my debut novel, Does Love Always Win? published! In one way it feels like it was just yesterday, and on the other hand, it seems like a million years ago. Since Does Love Always Win? (DLAW) came out, there have been some really amazing things I never expected to happen. … Continue reading Happy Birthday Does Love Always Win?
Tag: creative writing
Oh Hello 40
I turned the big 4-0 last month and some people have told me that they feel different after they hit that large number. I'm here to tell you, physically I feel the same but mentally I have improved because I am doing things that make me happy and am having no qualms about it. I … Continue reading Oh Hello 40
Taking a Step Back
Since February I have been querying my young adult murder mystery manuscript called The Final Chapter. It's set in a fictional small-town near Philly and takes place primarily at an indie bookstore during Halloween. The main character, Emmie, and her friends team up to solve who killed a bookstore patron, Bette. Emmie was the last … Continue reading Taking a Step Back
Venturing into New Territory
The first book I ever wrote was an adult rom-com but after trying to query it, I ultimately decided to shelf the manuscript. I wasn't getting any bites what-so-ever and the more I was learning about querying and publishing, the more I realized this book did not follow the rules, for example, my main character … Continue reading Venturing into New Territory
Shifting Priorities
I've been asked a lot how I do it all. Write my books, market them, have a day job, and be a mom/wife. Simply put, I have to have priorities and a schedule. And there has to be some kind of give or take. I had been trying to do it all when I first … Continue reading Shifting Priorities
Writing in Different Genres
I've been a guest on various podcasts and have been getting asked the same question a lot: You write in a lot of different genres. How did that happen and how does it work? It's a great question and might reflect my reading tastes. I read all kinds of books, therefore it makes me interested … Continue reading Writing in Different Genres
Reflections on 2024
This year has gone by like a blink of an eye, but I have to say, despite having a lukewarm second book launch, my writer mental health was much better this year than 2023. In 2023, my debut book, Does Love Always Win?, released and for some reason I decided to set up my own … Continue reading Reflections on 2024
Asking for Help
This summer I finished writing the first draft of my newest book, a young adult cozy murder mystery set in an indie bookstore during Halloween. After going through and making edits, I made the next important step on my manuscript's journey; I sent it off to a beta-reader. What are beta-readers? Beta-readers are readers that … Continue reading Asking for Help
Second Time Around: Publication Thoughts
My sophomore book, SUPERFICIAL, a young adult superhero book, just released a week ago, and it was a whole different set of emotions from when my first book, DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?, was published. With my first book, a couple of weeks before it was due to publish I couldn't sleep. I had so many … Continue reading Second Time Around: Publication Thoughts
One-Year Book Birthday
It's now been over a year since my young adult sapphic romance Does Love Always Win? has been out in the world and what a journey its been. Just like querying my book, publication has been a roller coaster of emotions, but overall, it's been a really fun and rewarding experience. One of my favorite … Continue reading One-Year Book Birthday
Diane Billas 