Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Sabitha: We love queer novels, and Diane Billas is here to tell us about her sapphic coming of age. Diane, introduce us to your book! 

Diane: Does Love Always Win? is a sapphic coming of age young adult novel that explores coming out and understanding one’s sexual orientation. Sam “Shorty” Daniels has a plan for her senior year, but her romantic life being a hot mess was not part of the agenda. Shorty quickly discovers she’s not attracted to her newest boyfriend and fellow marching band member Zack, despite her many hours of daydreaming of what it would be like to date him. Their previous flirting had been so intense that those feelings have to come back again, right?

When Shorty’s asked to show the snarky new girl around high school, Shorty’s instantly intrigued by Kristy’s wit, and they bond over their love of writing. They quickly become inseparable, and Shorty has a breakthrough moment realizing why none of her other relationships worked out. Just as Shorty is about to break up with Zack, her bitter ex-boyfriend Bryan threatens to out her to the entire school and Shorty’s conservative parents. Will Shorty be able to overcome Bryan’s ridiculous blackmail scheme and get her dream girl?

Sabitha: It sounds both fun and meaningful. Is there a personal element to this story which inspired you to write this book?

Diane: When I was growing up, I struggled with similar issues that Shorty does, questioning my sexuality, but I didn’t have any books available to me that I felt I could relate to. My hope with this book is that someone who might be going through something comparable will look to Does Love Always Win? and see themselves reflected in it. I created the book I wished I could have read in high school.

Sabitha: We have a lot of writers in our community. What’s your writing process?

Diane: My writing process is all over the place. It’s funny, for my writing day job I make an extremely detailed outline before starting a project, but for my creative writing, if I have an idea, I just sit down and write. The details and character plotting come later after I have written a scene.

Sabitha: How did you choose the title?

Diane: I chose Does Love Always Win? as my title because of the saying that deals with marriage equality, ‘Love Wins.’ I thought it was fitting for an LGBTQ+ centered book.

Sabitha:  It fits perfectly. If you could pick any author to read your book, who would you want to read it? Why them?

Diane: I would really like Becky Albertalli to read my book. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda was the first young adult 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+. It would mean a lot to me if she read and enjoyed my book.

Sabitha: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

Diane: Does Love Always Win? is currently on pre-order and out June 20, 2023. You can find me here.