Literary nonfiction author, editor, and freelance journalist whose work explores love, loss, faith, identity, and the emotional landscapes that shape a life. 
Before turning her focus to literary nonfiction, Diana worked as a court-appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children. Those experiences deepened her commitment to advocacy, compassion, and giving voice to stories that matter.
Diana is the author of Really, God?: Child Loss, Faith, and the Unlived Years—a literary memoir exploring the enduring ways love lives forward. 

Filters & Sorting
Diana Renee •

Lucidity

I found this song in his room after he died. It was written in his handwriting, on a legal pad, among the loose papers of a life interrupted. It asks the question I have carried ever since: have you ever wondered where the flame of a candle goes when it burns out?“I found myself drifting back toward Zakk’s room. His computer sat exactly as he had left it. Papers were scattered across the desk, nothing arranged or intentionally preserved, just the loose fragments of a life interrupted mid-thought...
Substack •

The Access You Grant

Did you know Dolly Parton was covered in tattoos? She’s said so herself in interviews.The wigs. The rhinestones. The laugh that filled a room before she walked into it. The woman who turned down Elvis, built an empire out of a Tennessee holler, and wrote “I Will Always Love You” in the same sitting as “Jolene.”She slept in her hair and makeup — full face, done up — because, as she said, you never know when the fire alarm may sound in the hotel.
Diana Renee •

The People in Memoir Didn’t Ask to be Characters

The night before, he had sent me an audio recording of a song he was working on. The next morning, I texted him: You should be really proud of all the music you’ve made over the past couple of years. And also I guess you know you are in a lot of my book. I hope I do our friendship justice. His reply came quickly. Aww, thank you, that’s so sweet. And I’m proud of you for finishing your book. I know it’s been a heavy experience. I wish you great success. Then came another text....

Georgia’s Own Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song" at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre.

Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been – and continues to be – a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather,” said Jason Carter, President Carter’s grandson and chair of the Carter Center Board of Trustees. “I can think of no better way to celebrate him and his 100th birthday than a night of music.

An Improvised Moment of Glory

There’s a beautiful story about great jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis in The Atlantic Monthly written by David Hadju. In the article, Hadju described a time that he was at the Village Vanguard & watched Marsalis play, “I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You.” When Marsalis reached the climax of the song, he began playing the final phrase of his performance when someone's cell phone went off, fully wrecking the moment. Marsalis paused, put his trumpet down at his side & after a few seconds he took the rude interruption & did something amazing.
Diana Renee's Blog •

Lament of War, Ukraine

How can I save my little boy from lies of men who use un-winnable wars as deadly toys? Who is behind the mask of delusion, I don’t believe in anymore? Who will write the sadistic rhetoric of traitors who bury the truth under masochist feet? A masquerade of the fool whose impregnable victory is found in the ashes of defeat? Where is the glory in fanning flames of ideology while dormant seeds of shared biology refuse to fertilize inglorious streets? Is the barren fragrance of annihilation ever sweet
Diana Renee'sBlog •

The Heart of my Garden

The Heart of my Garden Always ~Zakkary ☀️ 🌺 As winter’s chill fades away, the warmth of spring rushes to greet us. The ground beneath us begins to soften and dormant seeds burst into full bloom, resulting in new life. The bright blooming azaleas and lush green landscapes reappear and once again, our city will showcase its natural beauty. In Augusta, the azaleas signature blooms makes them a perennial favorite—they survive the winter and bloom again. Perennials are often considered the hear...