Let’s Meet Diane . . .
Just like the process of writing, my journey to becoming a freelance writer and writing consultant has not been linear.
I have always had two great loves professionally (and personally): writing and teaching. And for the past almost three decades, I have dedicated my career to teaching literature, writing, and gender studies students at both the university and secondary school levels. As an educator, I have worked as a university English professor, taught literature and cultural studies at an independent secondary school, and directed writing programs, but coaching college essay writers and running college essay writing workshops over the past decade has always been my most joyful and meaningful work. It’s where I have had the privilege of supporting writers as they unveil and actualize their own life stories. As a cultural studies scholar, my research and writing have focused wholly on centering the voices and narratives of women that have historically lived on the margins of society. And this work has allowed me to empower these women by giving them voices, ultimately helping to make our society a more just and inclusive place.
In February 2023, my plan was to turn my focus fully on my writing and in June, 2024, I would retire from teaching, move to Cornwall with my husband, and write full-time from there. But, life had a much different plan for me and my daughters. We lost my husband unexpectedly that February and my world shifted. The detailed outline he and I created for our next chapter needed not only total revision, but a full reimagining. The slate was laid bare and I had a canvas on which I had to re-envision my life. And as I’ve always shared with my writing students, when you have to start fresh, find the focus that holds the most meaning to you and follow it. So that’s what I have done. I went back to the stories, the people, and the thoughts that have always centered me, and realized that what has always given my life meaning, teaching and writing, writing and teaching, can still do so, but now with a new twist. And thus, this business was born. I knew I wanted to continue teaching, but not in the traditional classroom forum. And I knew I wanted to keep telling the stories that have been the focus of my scholarship. Now, I’m doing it; I’ve found my focus and I’m following it through to where I’ll continue to collaborate with student writers as they discover and write their truest selves, and I can shift my own writing from only producing scholarly texts to extending my reach by crafting and narrating women’s stories and power in multiple genres and for a wider, more diverse audience. Is it a bit terrifying to start a new career at this point in the game? Absolutely. But I am so excited to be taking this on at this moment. And I am so thrilled you’ll join me.
