Diane Billas interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

When did your love of books begin?

My love of books began at a very early age. My mom would take me to storytimes at our local library and I was hooked.  I was the kid that always would check out from the maximum number of books. 


When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

I started writing and illustrating stories when I was six years old. I distinctly remember looking in the mirror in sixth grade promising myself that someday I would become a published author. 



How have you found the process for becoming an author?

It’s harder than I ever imagined. Not only is writing a book difficult but then the querying process and the many rejections is overwhelming. But I’m still determined to one day be a published author! I’m currently querying the second book I’ve ever written while finishing writing the first draft of my third book. 



What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

If writing is something you truly love, keep going. Some days you aren’t going to feel like writing or feel like a fraud and then other days you are going to feel so in tune with your writing. All of this is normal and part of the writing process. The best thing I ever did was join Twitter and connect with the writing community. Before that I didn’t have many writer friends to commiserate with. Now I have so many people that I can send a message to if I have any writing questions or even someone to sympathize with the querying process. Writing is such an insular and difficult process, so it’s really important to have people to support you along the way. 



Tell us about your book/books:

The book I’m currently querying, Does Love Always Win? is a young adult contemporary LGBTQ romance.  A seventeen year old girl, Shorty, is struggling with finding a guy to connect with. She had really been hoping her newest relationship would be “the one” but it’s as excruciating as the rest. The first day of her senior year she’s asked to show the snarky new girl around and as they get closer and bond over their love of writing, Shorty realizes maybe something is different about their connection. As they spend more time together, Shorty can’t get enough of Kristy and they secretly begin to see each other. Just as Shorty’s about to break it off with her boyfriend, her bitter ex finds out about Shorty’s secret and threatens to out her to the school and her conservative parents. Shorty has to overcome her ex’s revenge plot in order to get the girl.

My other book I’m currently writing doesn’t yet have a title but it’s a young adult LGBTQ action/adventure novel based on my love of superheroes.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

Everyone is so supportive! I’ve never met such a great group of people that celebrate successes but also are there for you for the inevitable disappointment of having your manuscript rejected. 



If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Thank you for wanting to read my stories and supporting me!



Where can people connect with you?

People can connect with me on Twitter at @dianebillas, on Instagram at @dianebillaswrites, and on my website/blog at www.dianebillas.com.