Diane Billas

I’m Diane Billas, a pansexual YA author that lives in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metro area with my husband and baby son. I’ve been writing books ever since I was six years old. I can remember looking in the mirror when I was in sixth grade, promising myself that when I’d grow up, I’d be a writer. Outside of writing, I love reading, traveling to other countries, exercising (running, swimming, hiking etc.), playing the French horn and piano, and all things Marvel. Does Love Always Win? is my debut novel, which was released in June 2023 from Creative James Media. This book was drawn from my personal experiences as a queer individual who has struggled throughout life being comfortable identifying and expressing myself. I wrote the book I wished was available when I was in high school.

Meet Diane Billas

Questions on Writing

What was the hardest part of writing Does Love Always Win?
For me, writing Does Love Always Win? wasn’t difficult, it was the editing of the book while I was querying that was hard. I kept getting so many rejections that I knew it needed to be reworked so I spent all of 2020 revising my manuscript (perfect time to lock myself away and write) and shaped it into what the novel is today.

What have you learnt about yourself when writing?
I learned more about my sexuality while writing Does Love Always Win? and was even able to come out to my parents the day my book deal was going to be announced

Do you make yourself write everyday/regularly, or only when inspiration strikes?
Before my son was born, I had a ritual of everyday I’d write from 8-9 a.m. before work and then sometimes in the evening from 5-6 p.m. Now it’s harder to find extended time like that to write but I still try and write every day, even if it’s only 200 words.

How much planning/world building do you do before writing, and how much comes along as you write?
I’m one hundred percent a pantser. I was trying to do more planning for my next book, but then my pantser nature came back into play. I just sit down at my keyboard and start typing, as if I’m in a trance. Then the world building/planning comes later.

What was it that attracted you to this particular genre?
Before Does Love Always Win? I wrote a women’s romance book. While I was trying to get that book published, I was doing a lot of reading to try and get my mind off the querying process, including reading a lot of young adult books. That got me thinking, I love reading young adult books, why not try and write one, especially one that I wished I could have read in high school.

How do you celebrate when a book is published?
I had a launch party at my local library and was able to celebrate the publishing of my book there with my friends and family. To prepare for it, and to treat myself, I got a mani/pedi so I could make sure I had nails to match the cover of my book and it allowed me some time to myself to really recognise that I’ve accomplished my dream.

Questions on Books and About You

Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘on your bedside table’?
I’m usually reading or listening to two to three books at a time. Right now I’m currently reading The Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis and have just started the Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I’m also currently listening to Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. I honestly read all types of genres.

What does your writing space look like?
My writing space right now is my kitchen table or sometimes when I have a second, I go outside on my deck and write. That’s my favourite place, having nature as my background and drinking a flat white.

How many books do you think you own?
Between physical and kindle books I probably own 150-200? I think? I also am a huge proponent of using the library; I actually serve on the board of directors of my local library, which has been a great experience so far.

Who is your literary icon?
I really am inspired by Becky Albertalli. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda was the first YA LGBTQ+ book that I’ve seen receive mainstream attention in the publishing world, and it was even adapted into a theatrical release. I feel Becky’s work paved the way for expanding the LGBTQ+ market and showed its relevance even to individuals that do not personally identify as LGBTQ+. There is clearly an interest in this type of content and subject matter beyond the immediate LGBTQ+ community.

Is there an author who you always read?
I always read every single book that Rachael Lippincott writes and can’t wait to read her newest book Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh.

And finally, are there any plans for any new books? If so, what teasers can you give us?
My next book, Superficial, is a young adult superhero book based on my love of Marvel superheroes. It’s being published September 2024 by Creative James Media. I’m SO excited about this book. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written and a lot of fun. The one main character, Lea, is pansexual like me and is currently available as “Want to Read” on Goodreads.

“Both Lea Anderson and Jake Johnson would rather be any place else but WizCon, the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. While Lea is dreading being the third wheel to her BFF/former lover and her other friend, Jake is tired of yet another appearance as famous superhero, The Amazing Boy. When a convention wide power failure unexpectedly throws Lea and Jake together, they must team up to try and figure out why all of the occupants of the convention have disappeared without a trace, including Lea’s friends. Things get even stranger when Philadelphia’s iconic treasures go missing one by one at the hands of a one-eyed pirate determined to become the most powerful villain in the world. Lea, Jake, and a few new friends they meet along the way must defeat the sinister One-Eyed Barnacle to save not only the city of Philadelphia, but the world.”

Thank you Diane 😊 Your 2024 book Superficial sounds really fun!

Diane Billas’ Books