DIANE VALLERE

I've been thinking a lot about my writing journey lately, probably because five years ago I published my first book. But before that, before having a book to publish, before getting my very first rejection letter, was a moment I remember very clearly. And it started with a Chanel Suit. Allow me to provide some background info first. When I graduated from college with a degree in fine arts, I, shall we say, lacked direction. I didn't know what life in the grown up world would

It's that time of year: goal setting time. And truth: I love goals! I love the feeling of setting challenges, tasks, mapping a road plan for getting somewhere that I am not. I love thinking "what else could I do?" and stretching to see if it's achieveable. BUT. I don't always achieve what I set out to do. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew, sometimes I feel like my feet are being held underwater, and sometimes I get frustrated by the lack of control I have over what

It's December 17, and I can't stop thinking about 2016. I know, I know. There are fourteen more days to 2015, and a lot can happen in fourteen days. Even just today I approached somebody about something that now looks like it's going to happen. In 2016. I get giddy this time of year--the possibilities of the new year all shiny and exciting like the pile of wrapped presents under the tree. I reviewed my 2015 list, and am pleased to note that as of yesterday, I completed nine o