Meet Diana de Avila, a Signature NAWA Artist/Author
Some of our NAWA Signature Artists are also recognized authors who have published their work in books, articles, and papers both online, and offline. Their writing is as diverse as their artwork, covering fiction, non-fiction, academic research, poetry, children’s books and more.
A standard set of questions has been proposed to each of our Artist/Authors. These are Diana’s replies.
NAWA IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE Diana de Avila.
Diana de Avila, a Signature Member of NAWA, has a writing and working collaboration with Wilma Davidson for their shared goal of inspiring others. Through their joint efforts, they explore how Diana navigates and responds to life’s obstacles and unexpected turns, drawing from personal encounters.
l.-r. Wilma Davidson and Diana de Avila
These are Diana’s responses to the Artist/Author interview questions.
- What are you focused on in your writing?
We find inspiration in many places and topics—our writing is aimed mostly at helping others, serving others with useful life lessons.
- What drew you to the subject matter of your work?
We both believed that my challenging life story and my persistence needed to be shared. When I told Wilma that I didn’t have the words, Wilma replied, “But I do.” We both have always wanted to serve others, to help others believe in themselves, to accept and respect themselves. The two books we have done together have these themes.
- What types of writing do you do? Fiction, non-fiction, sub-sections, etc.
All the above. We write an advice column for the quarterly Pen Women Magazine called “Words from Nerds.” We co-wrote Soldier, Sister, Savant, a combination memoir and art book. And a children’s story, Supercat! Splat! Splat! will be published in the next few months. Wilma has been a serial feature writer for decades.
- Who are you writing for? Who is your target audience?
Adults and kids who are in need of inspiration and a can-do attitude.
- Is your written work related to your artwork? If so, How?
Definitely. I am the illustrator and artist, and Wilma drafts the first words to describe the point/story. Together, we revise.
- How often do you write?
All the time for Wilma. Much of it may be proposals or quick pieces that have deadlines attached. Just as often, however, we are both creating longer pieces or artwork—alone and in collaboration.
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Soldier Sister Savant Book Cover
How do you balance your writing with your studio practice?
My art and writing about my art is in constant motion. Wilma’s daily writing IS her studio practice. Though both introverts, we are also A-type personalities.
- When did you write your works?
Either when a deadline was given and/or whenever inspiration compels us to stop whatever we are doing and get out of our heads what’s in there so we don’t go crazy.
- Are you currently writing articles or books for publication?
Yes and yes!
- How and where have your works been published? Online? Print?
Both online and in print. Online in blogs and our personal websites or book websites. On social media, in local and national newspapers, and online and print magazines. Wilma has several books published.
- Do you self-publish your writing?
So far we have been fortunate to have found publishers interested in our work and
collaborations.
- How do you market your written work?
Social media, bookstores, local TV, presentations to clubs, associations, and other organizations interested in having a program.
- Do you do book readings? Promo tours? Library lectures?
Yes, and we hope to keep being asked to do these!
- Where can people access your publications? Links? Libraries? Etc.
Soldier Sister Savant Amazon Book Purchase
15. In a few sentences tell us who and why people might feel compelled to read your publications.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to wake up with a superpower you never had before, our books are for you. We have a light-hearted and inspiring way of dealing with life’s challenges and changes.
If you want to know about Acquired Savant Syndrome, and see the art produced as a result of this rare miracle, our books are for you. We have a recipe for making lemonade out of lemons—and an abiding faith that makes life special—no matter what.
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Congratulations Diana and Thank you for sharing!
Mary Ahern – Chair: NAWA Public Relations Committee
National Association of Women Artists
NAWA. Empowering Women Artists Since 1889
