About Diane by Diane
I first started writing as an escape. My life wasn't headed the direction I wanted, and even though I had an enviable job and lifestyle, I knew I wasn't on the right track. I wrote on domestic and international flights to distract myself from my fear of flying and discovered a creative outlet that I loved. Ten years after I starting writing that first book, I published it. My goals were simple: take control, have fun, regret nothing, and keep learning. I wanted to be motivated because I was inspired, not because I was trying to prove something. The people who inspire me are varied: Sara Blakely, Taylor Swift, Orson Welles, and Rocky Balboa, to name a few. I still watch Working Girl once a year because I connect so strongly with the idea that it takes hard work and smarts to get ahead (and it doesn't hurt if you dress the part too).
The books I write are the kinds of books I want to read. This is my journey. Maybe I can inspire you!
xo,
2006: California Dreaming
Diane move from Texas to California with the intent to focus on writing.
2011: CEO
Diane starts Polyester Press, her own publishing imprint.Every closet has a secret. What's hiding in the back of yours?
2013: Leap of Faith
Diane leaves 17 year career at Neiman Marcus to write full time and thus a frugal fashionista is born.
...and BUYER, BEWARE, Samantha Kidd series #3, comes out and hits #1 on Amazon's cozy mystery ranking!
...also Diane to write Material Witness fabric shop themed series for Penguin Random House!
...and inspired by a story about Diane's teddy bear in his Halloween costume, Diane's agent suggests a costume shop-themed series. Penguin Random House buys it!
...and THE BRIM REAPER, Samantha Kidd Mystery #3
comes out!
2016: Nomination!
CRUSHED VELVET is nominated for Lefty/Best Humorous Mystery!
New releases: A DISGUISE TO DIE FOR,
GRAND THEFT RETRO, MASKING FOR TROUBLE, and
PEARLS GONE WILD
2018: Back to her roots
Diane adds five books to her catalog: THE PAJAMA FRAME and LOVER COME HACK to the Mad for Mod Mystery Series, I'M YOUR VENUS and SATURN NIGHT FEVER to the Space Case series, and PANTY RAID to the Samantha Kidd series. She ends a twelve-year-stay in California and moves back to Pennsylvania.
2020:
After a brief hiatus from agented material, Diane signs with John Talbot Literary Agency to pitch new concepts for traditional publishing.
Stay tuned for next update! xo
2015: Countdown!
New Releases: SOME LIKE IT HAUTE,
WITH VICS YOU GET EGGROLL,
CRUSHED VELVET
SUEDE TO REST is nominated for Lefty/Best Humorous Mystery!
2002: The Kidd
Inspired by Trixie Belden and Janet Evanovich, Diane starts writing a mystery. Working title: THE KIDD, about a former fashion buyer turned amateur sleuth.
2009: Swimming With The Fishes
"Identity Crisis," Diane's first short story, is accepted for publication in FISH TALES: The Guppy Anthology. The book is published in 2011, marking her first publication credit!
JUST KIDDING wins the RWA Get Your Stiletto in the Door contest! This manuscript becomes
DESIGNER DIRTY LAUNDRY
2012: Head to the Beach!
DESIGNER DIRTY LAUNDRY is published and makes Los Angeles Magazine's Summer Reading list.
After 212 rejections, Diane signs with Bookends Literary Agency.
OTHER PEOPLE'S BAGGAGE is published by Henery Press
2014: Expansion
The first two Madison Night Mysteries are published by Henery Press!
SUEDE TO REST, Material Witness #1, comes out and hits national bestseller lists
2016: Oval Office?
Diane becomes President elect of Sisters in Crime, an international non-profit that advocates for the professional advancement and development of women crime writers
2017: A DISGUISE TO DIE FOR nominated for Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery!
New Releases: THE DECORATOR WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, CEMENT STILETTOS, DRESSED TO CONFESS, and MURDER ON MOON TREK 1
Diane launches The Weekly DiVa, her weekly emails meant to inspire, humanize, connect, and sometimes simply make you laugh.
2019: Deep Dive!
New Releases: BONBONS FOR YOUR BRAIN (non-fiction!), UNION JACKED, SLAY RIDE, and a collection of Mermaid Mystery Novellas: TAILS FROM THE DEEP, MURKY WATERS, and SLEEPING WITH THE FISHES.