Diana's Thrill Seekers 📚😱

80+ Ways Publishing Can Reject You AFTER a Book Deal

As an aspiring author, I thought once I got a book deal, things would be smooth sailing. Here's what I wish I knew...

Sep 17 • 

Diana Urban

32

26

August 2025

Explaining Publishing to Non-Author Friends is Like a Sitcom

Publishing often makes me feel like I'm losing my mind. My friends—and the looks on their faces when I tell them about it—remind me I'm not.

Aug 7 • 

Diana Urban

153

38

July 2025

How I've Been Recovering from Writing Burnout

After writing a novel in 6-7 months, here's how I'm taking time to refill the well and recover from burnout.

Jul 16 • 

Diana Urban

15

10

June 2025

7 Creepiest Facts I Wrote into my Paris Catacombs Thriller

Under the Surface was inspired by true events. Here's how the creepiest real-life facts made their way into the plot!

Jun 26 • 

Diana Urban

19

1

AMA with Author Diana Urban: Spring 2025

Diving into printing swag, advice for folks trying to break into publishing, why kidlit sales are down, what changed in Under the Surface edits, and…

Jun 10 • 

Diana Urban

6

May 2025

Under the Surface Is Out in Paperback (With a Purple Edge!)

It's a psychological survival thriller about four teens who go missing in the Paris catacombs for days—and the race to find them.

May 27 • 

Diana Urban

17

3

How I Promoted my Book Under the Surface

Sharing how I hustled my booty off to make this book a bestseller... at the cost of my well-being. Read at your own peril, honestly.

May 19 • 

Diana Urban

11

6

Hurry! Under the Surface is just TWO SMACKAROOS!

Get the romantic survival adventure in the Paris Catacombs for just two bucks on ebook!

May 8 • 

Diana Urban

9

April 2025

How it Feels to Write THE END When Publishing Hurts So Much

I just finished drafting my first adult thriller after publishing four YA books, and instead of feeling WAHOO I'm feeling all sorts of AHHHHH.

Apr 28 • 

Diana Urban

24

8

March 2025

When You're Writing a Thriller and the Twist Shocks YOU...

An exclusive Q&A I'm releasing from the vault about All Your Twisted Secrets, writing twists, my publishing journey, and more!

Mar 17 • 

Diana Urban

5

February 2025

How Music Helps Me Write + Under the Surface Playlist

Despite needing to write and revise in silence, music does play a big role in my overall writing process!

Feb 26 • 

Diana Urban

11

2

How I Came Up With the Idea for Under the Surface

The story behind the romantic survival thriller set in the Paris catacombs... inspired by true events.

Feb 6 • 

Diana Urban

15

9