Kayleigh Diaz
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kayleighdiaz.com
Kayleigh Diaz
@kayleighdiaz.com
660 followers 700 following 3.5K posts
Mother, educator, bibliophile. Aspiring author with a penchant for acquiring entirely too many old books. 📚
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Kayleigh Diaz @kayleighdiaz.com · Nov 11
Sharing this stunning piece I had commissioned from @professoremily.bsky.social for my little post-apoc kiddos! Thank you so much, Emily!! You’re the best!

Featuring: Micah, Lennie, and the one-and-only Shrimp.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Digital art by @professoremily.bsky.social of a teen boy (~15), teen girl (~14), and young boy (~10): Micah, Lennie, and Shrimp, respectively, from my post-apocalyptic WIP. Upward-angle view of them, set against a backdrop of trees. They show signs of trekking through the woods—arms and knees scuffed up, clothes disheveled and muddy. Micah is closest in the foreground, with a dark crossbow partially raised, an arrow set in it with a purple fletching. He’s looking to his left, on alert. He has tan skin, medium-length brown hair, blue eyes, and wears a black, sleeveless vest, green v-neck shirt, and dark jeans. Behind him is Lennie, in a blue shirt and red shorts. She has copper hair (braided) and matching eyes with a smattering of freckles across lightly tanned cheeks. She’s looking off into the distance with an expression of concern, her face partially in shadow while she holds Shrimp’s hand. He is bald and pale-skinned, though partially illuminated by golden sunlight, smiling and seemingly carefree—a stark contrast to the expressions of the other two. He wears mismatched clothing: a loose red tie that hangs low on his chest, a wrinkled, orange-collared shirt, and a faded maroon robe. Golden hour sunlight shines through massive trees, a canopy of green obscuring the sky, foliage on the forest floor, mushroom caps on tree trunks. A single, bent 70mph speed limit sign is off to the left, covered in rust.
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | stone

Skippin rocks.

From my post-apocalyptic #WIP w/ a misfit trio of kids.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: The water was choppy, small peaks of waves that caught the sunlight, lapping at the sandy shoreline. Micah kicked around in the silt a bit until he found a wide, flat stone. “Here,” he said, putting it in Shrimp's hand and maneuvering behind him, holding his arm at a low angle. He swept their arms back and forward. “Hold it low like that, flat to the water. Out to the side, and then when you get here”—he stopped at the pinnacle of the throw—“let go.” He stepped back. Shrimp's brow was crinkled in concentration as he tried to mimic the motion. He swung out, released, and the rock hit a wave with a solid plop, sinking immediately. Shrimp frowned, then glared at Micah accusingly. Micah shrugged. “Water’s too rough,” Lennie called from farther back. “You need still water.” “Nah you don't,” Micah said. “Watch.” He found another, smaller stone and swung out wide. It hit the water and sank. Shrimp grinned, and Micah turned back to Lennie, a slight flush in his cheeks. She tried and failed to suppress a chuckle. “Can't be good at everything, I guess.”
December 23, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
tkingfisher.com
This is just a note to say
that I have eaten the falcon
in a widening gyre
and that you were probably saving for anarchy

Forgive me
it was delicious
so rough
and full of passionate intensity
December 22, 2025 at 8:11 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | silver

Repost because I like silver here lol.

Also important for the ending. 😁

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: “Mama believed in all that. The Second Coming. Said it was all prophesied, that all we had to do was wait, and we'd ascend into Heaven, right along with the rest of ‘em. The good ones.” “You believe that crock?” “No,” she said, poking at the dying embers. The logs settled and crackled, sending little sparks lifting into the sky. “If I ever did, I knew waiting alongside her that she weren't no chosen one.” She sighed. “Which means I ain't either.” Micah nestled up against the tree, cradling the back of his head as he gazed at the night sky. The moonlight caught in his eyes, casting a silver-white glow to them. “‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars,’” he said softly, “‘and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.’” Lennie stared at him as the logs popped. “That might be the most words I ever heard you say. Big ones too.” He shrugged. “My pa made us quote scripture.” “So what do you believe?” He glanced at her, then back at the stars. “I believe your ma was right on one thing.” “What's that?” He closed his eyes and settled into the dirt. “That you're one of the good ones, Lennie.”
December 21, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
pamelaelaela.bsky.social
I have something exciting to share…

My very first commissioned art from the one & only @nushdeco.bsky.social!

What have we here 👀 Lynx? Goshawk? Cyrus & Danbi on one of their walks? I want a happy ending for these two, but *sigh* I dunno… 😓

Nush, TYSM—your beautiful art has brought me such joy 🥹❤️
A gorgeously illustrated forest, golden afternoon light filtering in through moss-covered spruces. A handsome young man with dark, curly hair wearing a black t-shirt and jeans with a book sticking out of his pocket walks together with a cute young woman in a pink sweater and fitted pants. They’re captured mid-conversation, glancing shyly and affectionately at each other. A grayish goshawk flies through the trees toward the young man, while a blue-gray lynx steps over a mossy log beside the young woman.
December 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
badlitfriends.bsky.social
New BAD LIT FRIENDS is in the universe!!! You have GOT to listen to our interview with indie author Jessica Lunt. Her novella about a marriage unraveling during the Salem Witch Trials is 🔥🔥🔥
#WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #Podcasts #booksky #writesky

open.spotify.com/episode/3ygm...
December 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | high

Another one from my domestic suspense #WIP, and then I'll go back to my happy post-apocalyptic story 😅

MC sitting at a bay window, watching the world pass by.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: It’s a balmy, sunny day, laced with wisps of cloud. Distantly, she can hear peacocks cawing. It had once made her feel a sense of wonder—a slice of exotic novelty woven against the backdrop of her busy morning—but now it reminds her more of the call of the loon from her childhood, lonely and piercing. The espresso burns her tongue as she lifts her eyes to the clouds. “What are you looking at?” She jumps, and the steaming coffee slips down her chin, staining her white cotton robe. “Fuck,” she says, turning to Daniel. “You scared me.” He raises his brows. “I’m sorry.” “It’s fine.” She wipes at the coffee with one hand, like she can erase the stain, and sets her cup down. “I’m not looking at anything.” He hums. “You had a pensive look.” He lifts a mug to his lips and sips. “Like a painting.” She doesn’t feel like a painting—makeup-less, her curls more frizz than coil—but on second thought, she imagines herself frozen in time, plastered against canvas, strokes of acrylic slashing down her body, pinning her flat. He points out the window. “There, hon.” “Hmm?” She follows the track of his finger. “A pack of wild moms.” A group of five or six high-ponytailed, black-legging-clad women race by with their jogger strollers, the bright blond hair of babies and toddlers blowing in the wind, chubby cheeks whipped pink. “Maybe you could join them,” he says. She rolls her eyes. “I don’t need [redacted for title-related reasons]. I need [also redacted].” He chuckles, then does a double take when he sees her eyes narrow thoughtfully. “Wait, you’re not serious.” “Why not?” She chews on her lower lip, considering it. “They have Meetups for Mommy and Me. I’ll just make one for the Mommies. Without the Me’s.” There will be wine, charcuterie boards, double-dose SSRIs…
December 19, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
eliwoodsgheist.com
Hey, friends!! BLUDEYE BEACH is now up for digital preorders, and will be available on January 1st, 2026! (Physical version to follow!)

Can you believe how gorgeous this cover is?? My dear, dear friend @kitschmyarts.bsky.social designed it and I can't stop staring❤️

#writesky #writingcommunity
A book cover featuring an illustrated beach with a large cave just off of center. at the top it reads "No one walks home alone at night." In the middle it reads "Bludeye Beach" by Eliwood S. Gheist. At the bottom it reads "Book 1 of the Bludeye Beach Series" The cover is in the center of a graphic that reads "Book your vacation to Bludeye Beach. Gravity Falls x Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Written by Eliwood S. Gheist. Slowburn romance. Cryptid menagerie. Anxious bean FMC. If your'e scared, do it scared. Digital preorders open 12/18. Details Below"
December 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
adwills.bsky.social
2025 was pretty rough for most of us. But you're still here, bro. "But I didn't achieve my goals" Maybe not, but working toward them is never a waste. The things you managed to do, work on, learn, and create is plenty of an achievement. Give yourself some credit. You did your best. You did great.
December 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
nushdeco.bsky.social
comm for @tieflingpaladin.bsky.social of their character Nilak!! thank you for trusting me with her, this was so fun!!!
nilak
December 18, 2025 at 1:54 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
3 likes 🤣
publisherswkly.bsky.social Publishers Weekly @publisherswkly.bsky.social · 6d
AI isn’t coming to publishing—it’s already here. PW’s new AI for Publishing Bootcamp gives teams the tools and workflows to keep up.

First session is Feb 11. Early Bird pricing is now open.
👉 buff.ly/jTdumKC
December 18, 2025 at 2:07 AM
kayleighdiaz.com
My 5YO gave me a makeover in her beauty salon, but she had a slightly Russian accent, which is interesting 🤔.

She pointed out the lines in my forehead, which are "not good," but she corrected them with red marker and a makeup wipe, so I think I'm okay.

Maybe she'll be a plastic surgeon. 😅
December 18, 2025 at 1:34 AM
kayleighdiaz.com
Allllmost got four shots of espresso in my coffee. We'll see if three can get me through the rest of these essays...😅☕
December 17, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
gabino.bsky.social
Keep writing.
December 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
fromtreetobook.bsky.social
Happy Podcast Launch Day!!! 🎉Our first episode is LIVE!
Chapter 1: Historical Romance & Haunting Glances, OR: Introducing Anna!
You can listen to the audio most places you get your podcasts (search for From Tree to Book Writing Group) or watch the video episode on YouTube!
youtu.be/fd3HnI1vwdY?...
December 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | moist/damp etc.

Kind of forgot about my domestic suspense #WIP & honestly don't have the mental fortitude to write anything this week, so, presenting: whatever dynamic this is. 😅

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: The hallway to the master is lined with portraits, all gleaming teeth threatening to draw her attention, and she picks up her pace. When she pushes open the paneled doors at the end of the hall, her eyes are dragged like a magnet to the gun on the bedside table. The bathroom door is cracked, shower running, steam suspended in a wedge of light. She grits her teeth and storms forward, shoving it open. “There’s a gun on the table.” The sharp splash of water hits porcelain and skin. “It’s unloaded.” “I don’t care if it’s unloaded. What kind of cop leaves his gun out?” She can barely hear his sigh over the steady stream. He shuts off the tap and lets the shower head drip for a moment before stepping out onto the bath mat and snagging a towel from the wall. He pulls it roughly over his hair first, beads of water flying, before drawing it slowly down his face. Dark eyes scan her, assessing. He keeps his gaze locked on hers as he lowers the towel, knotting it at his waist. “It’s been a long day, Adela.” “There are children in this house.” “I know. I like to think I had something to do with their making.” “Well let’s not unmake them.”
December 16, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
badlitfriends.bsky.social
BAD LIT FRIENDS INTERVIEW ALERT! This Friday 12/19 we're talking to the amazing Jessica Lunt about her new novella THE WITCH HUNTER'S WIFE, an intimate look at a marriage unraveling during the Salem Witch Trials. Plus we ask a bajillion questions about indie publishing! #writesky #booksky #podcast
Book cover for THE WITCH HUNTER'S WIFE by Jessica Lunt. A woman in a white cap and collar walks through wildflowers and a copse of trees. An image of author Jessica Lunt. She is smiling and wearing glasses on her head and a white t-shirt.
December 15, 2025 at 8:58 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | blanket

From my post-apocalyptic #WIP w/ a misfit trio of kids.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: He tucked the blanket around her and Shrimp, frayed edges just long enough to seal them into its meager warmth, then set his pack in the dirt to use as a pillow. “What about you?” she asked. He waved a hand. “Nah, I run hot.” But when she woke in the night, the forest floor flooded with moonlight, she saw that he was shivering.
December 15, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social
I am very excited for my first ever piece of character art! 🎉

I would like everyone to meet Ray, from #AnthropomorphicNovel (Release date coming soon?👀)

Thank you @aowna.bsky.social !❤️
December 13, 2025 at 8:34 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | line

Reposting this because I couldn't figure out what else to write for line but ALSO bc this is the scene I hope to comm from @nushdeco.bsky.social. 😊

From my post-apocalyptic #WIP w/ a misfit trio of kids.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: “C'mere and take a look.” She sighed as she padded over and sat heavily in the dirt, reaching her arms back to cushion her head as she lay beside him. “What'm I lookin’ at, Micah.” He pointed up. “See that square with the line off to one side? And the smaller one that looks like it above?” She squinted and shook her head as a thin veil of clouds passed over. He took a long look at her, then moved closer, positioning his head next to hers and taking her hand. He waited until the clouds parted, closed one eye and held up her pointer finger, encircling the rest of her fist in his. Then he traced the stars. “That,” he said, voice low, moving her finger along the path, “is the handle and the bowl.” Their hands dipped down together, hard lines that cut across the midnight blue. “And this here”—he glanced at her—“these two that’re right next to each other, they point in the direction of the North Star.” She took over, stretching an imaginary arrow to the first star they led to. “Okay, and what does it matter?” He released her hand gently. “Well, that's how you can navigate, if you're ever lost.” He paused and moved back into his own space. “In case anything ever happens to me. You and Shrimp…that's how you find your way home.”
December 14, 2025 at 9:52 AM
kayleighdiaz.com
#WIPSnips | control vibes✨

Micah taking control of a situation with a little knife throwing.

(CW: violence, stabby stab blood etc.)

From my post-apocalyptic #WIP w/ a misfit trio of kids.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: His eyes went wide for a second as blood welled—lips parted in a barely exhaled oh—and then he fell to his knees and slumped forward into the dirt, blinking in a daze. “Jesus,” Lennie muttered, staring at the man. He was gurgling, clutching weakly at the hilt embedded in his neck. She looked up, pinning Micah with a glare. “What the hell was that?” Micah put his shoe to the man's shoulder, nudged him right-side up and retrieved the knife with a twist, wiping it on the hem of his shirt. “What?” “What?” He frowned down at the bloody blade as he continued to clean it. “He pulled a knife on you, Len. What’d you expect me to do?”
December 13, 2025 at 8:58 AM
kayleighdiaz.com
Welp, I had four kids today *genuinely* thank me for my help with their essays and wish me a great weekend, and one even commented on how much their writing has improved since their last essay with my feedback.

And just like that, burnout gone! All the hours, worth it. For four thank yous.
December 12, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
hopeengel.com
@sagetgreene.bsky.social breaks down the message of their novella "Touched" - and if you're looking for an affirming, cozy read, add this one to your TBR!

#bookreviews #authorlife #romantasy
December 11, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
hookandquillpress.com
Are you ready to book your vacation to Bludeye Beach?

Hook & Quill Press is thrilled to announce that our launch title will be available in digital formats on January 1st, 2026!

Keep an 👁️ out for more details!

#writingcommunity #booksky #hqpress #bludeyebeach
a collage of an animal eye, two hands clasped together, a full moon over a forest, two ghostly hands pressed against glass, and a close up of a cup of coffee and two muffins. Text overlaid reads January 1st, 2026. Bludeye Beach. Hook & Quill Press.
December 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
kayleighdiaz.com
Quickly reaching the point of burnout. *Heavy sigh.*

Teaching used to be relatively (ha) easy when I was able to go home and unwind, but there is no rest when you have young kids who also need *all* of you.

So tired of attempting to give it my all and falling short maaaan. /end rant
December 11, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
nushdeco.bsky.social
comm for @carska36.bsky.social !! as usual, it was an honor to work with you Kelsey 💜💜
three people against wall
December 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM