Kayleigh Diaz
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kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Kayleigh Diaz
@kleighdiaz.bsky.social
650 followers 700 following 2.8K posts
Mother, educator, bibliophile. Aspiring author with a penchant for acquiring entirely too many old books. 📚
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kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Kayleigh Diaz @kleighdiaz.bsky.social · 16d
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.
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Today, I'm thankful for the friends I've made here. The #WritingCommunity in general and the #WIPSnips community, specifically, without whom, I would not have met those incredible friends. They are talented (*so* talented, multitalented, all the talents), kind, inspiring, kinda hot, more adjectives…
reaper-man.bsky.social 🖼️ Samuelo da Vimci 🖌️ @reaper-man.bsky.social · 2d
Brand new sketch! 😁 My friends and I were joking about what animals we'd be if we had the choice, and it resulted in this. Presenting...

Almost Home.
A picture of some woodland animals sitting on a wall, looking at a forest. From left to right, a crow laughing with a deer, an owl leaning on a beaver, then a rabbit and a fox. Done in pencil, with the contrast, clarity, and brightness slightly raised because I'm terrible at taking proper photos. 😅
November 27, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
pamelaelaela.bsky.social
Forgive me for the sentimentality, but this Thanksgiving, I’m so grateful for this writing community that’s welcomed me in. You’ve given me joy, wonder, hope, and friendship during a tumultuous time in my life. Thank you. ❤️

Here’s a poem I love. No machine can dig this way. So let’s keep digging.
Digging By Seamus Heaney Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests; snug as a gun. Under my window, a clean rasping sound When the spade sinks into gravelly ground: My father, digging. I look down Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds Bends low, comes up twenty years away Stooping in rhythm through potato drills Where he was digging. The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft Against the inside knee was levered firmly. He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep To scatter new potatoes that we picked, Loving their cool hardness in our hands. By God, the old man could handle a spade. Just like his old man. My grandfather cut more turf in a day Than any other man on Toner’s bog. Once I carried him milk in a bottle Corked sloppily with paper. He straightened up To drink it, then fell to right away Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods Over his shoulder, going down and down For the good turf. Digging. The cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge Through living roots awaken in my head. But I’ve no spade to follow men like them. Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests. I’ll dig with it.
November 27, 2025 at 1:13 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Sits down with fresh, steaming cup of coffee. *Sigh.* ☺️☕

Spills steaming cup of coffee. ArghhSIIIIGHH
November 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
reaper-man.bsky.social
Brand new sketch! 😁 My friends and I were joking about what animals we'd be if we had the choice, and it resulted in this. Presenting...

Almost Home.
A picture of some woodland animals sitting on a wall, looking at a forest. From left to right, a crow laughing with a deer, an owl leaning on a beaver, then a rabbit and a fox. Done in pencil, with the contrast, clarity, and brightness slightly raised because I'm terrible at taking proper photos. 😅
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
The thing I love most about writing is when you don't know what's going to come out of your fingertips next, or exactly where you're going, and you write a line that's *close,* but not quite there.

And then the inspiration hits, and you make a small adjustment, and it's just 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.
November 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
hookandquillpress.com
Hello, friends! We came across this fellow, and don't quite know what to make of him. He calls himself Quillbert, and says that he's on a crucial mission to investigate some exciting book news. I'm not entirely sure where he's from, but this news does sound exciting...
#writing #writingcommunity
A yellow plush octopus sits in the middle of a star drawn on a sandy beach.
November 24, 2025 at 7:38 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#Novmemeber
November 24, 2025 at 6:44 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
'Bout right. No further comment. 😅

#Novmemeber
November 23, 2025 at 4:40 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#WIPSnips | global/world ✨🌎

Lennie mostly talking to herself (😅) w/ her otherworldly friend who doesn't speak.

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

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: “Do you think there are other worlds out there, Shrimp? Ones where they got it right the first time over? I like to think there are. That maybe somewhere there's another girl and her uhh”—she elbowed him in the ribs and he shied away, grinning—“trusty sidekick.” She chuckled once, but the smile slipped from her face as she contemplated the distance between them and the heavens. “Only, they're dining on the best foods out there, maybe dancing in moonlit halls. Wearing clothes made of starlight…” She trailed off, and Shrimp turned to look at her. She glanced at him. “Okay, yeah, you're right, that may be a bit too much, but anything's possible out there in them other worlds, right? ‘Specially if it's in a different time.” She sighed and shook her head, but she met Shrimp's gaze—saw the frown digging between his brows—and offered a small, encouraging smile. “Well, I don't know if you dream, but that's what I see when I close my eyes at night.” She grabbed his hand and held tight. “All them silly renderings in the stars.”
November 23, 2025 at 10:39 AM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#WIPSnips | crystal

🌊

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

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: She stood staring out at the crashing waves for a long time. She wasn't sure what she'd expected—crystal-clear water lapping at her ankles, warm and soothing, welcoming her with whatever secrets it held on its salty breath. This water was cold. She could tell without touching it. And some small part of her knew that if she waded in, she would never leave. Shrimp slipped his hand into hers and looked up at her. “Well, it ain't exactly what I thought,” she said, watching the gray waves slosh. “But it's still beautiful in its own way, isn't it?”
November 22, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
thecrumpet.bsky.social
Listen to the third and final part of our award-winning* podcast series which is stuffed with really** useful*** advice! You'll hear that @kirkrafferty.com does not write THE END when he completes his manuscripts which... what a heathen.

*I may have awarded us this award
**debatable
***debunkable
November 21, 2025 at 5:31 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
This 💯 Story and vibes. 🎶

#Novmemeber
November 21, 2025 at 10:15 AM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#WIPSnips | direction

Bit of stargazing. ⭐

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.”
November 21, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Reposted by Kayleigh Diaz
stevewestenra.bsky.social
My partner & I are currently trying to claw our way out of a debt hole that keeps getting bigger, and to be honest I don't know how we're going to get out.

Any shares or sales appreciated, as my income as an author has helped me pay my minimum cc payment the last year

books2read.com/u/boB9YL
November 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Hmm. How about...

#Novmemeber
November 20, 2025 at 1:27 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
I don't even have a working title 😅

#Novmemeber
Document with my current WIP entitled: Writing Stuff
November 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
A year ago, I stumbled across this cool #WIPSnips tag and figured it might be fun. Never imagined I'd find so many incredible, talented people too.

Thankful for the #WritingCommunity here. Y'all keep me inspired and motivated daily. ♥️
kleighdiaz.bsky.social Kayleigh Diaz @kleighdiaz.bsky.social · Nov 17
This will be a fun distraction from my insomnia. 😅

#WIPsnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #amquerying
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#WIPSnips | run vibes✨

(“Run over by a truck,” except they don't have trucks in the apocalypse.)

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

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: “How you feelin’?” Micah asked. She groaned, massaging her throbbing temple. “Like somethin’ chewed me up and spat me out.” She eyed the near-empty bottle and her stomach lurched even at the sight of it. “Oh, that's bad. That is some no-good, rotten, devil's-own—” She stopped and put the back of her hand to her mouth, swallowing and shaking her head. “No kidding,” Micah said, picking up the bottle. He tilted it to the side and watched the sediment settle. “Stuff’s poison.” Then he chucked it as hard as he could out into the woods, and as he did, the light caught on his skin, the ridges of scars all up and down his forearms. He never had told her where they'd come from. “Why do you think we're out here in the first place?” His eyes flitted toward her and away again. “All it ever did was make my Pa meaner than mean an’ dumber than dumb.”
November 16, 2025 at 9:02 AM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Calling all nature enthusiasts! Open concept, rugged mountain appeal with breathtaking views (no, rly, hold your breath). No, that’s not popcorn ceiling, it's nuclear fallou—ahem. Commune with wildlife in your own backyard! Don't mind the—*shoos away three-eyed possum*—Look, a bird!

#Novmemeber
sagetgreene.bsky.social Sage T. Greene, Author @sagetgreene.bsky.social · 13d
#Novmemeber 15

Describe your MC's home like a real estate listing.

A peasant's mud hut? That's a rustic nature-lover's retreat!

A secret lair inside a volcano? Sounds like a private getaway with heated floors!

Get creative! Feeling stuck? Let's brainstorm together!
15. Describe your Main Character's home like a real estate listing A prompt game for the month of November, titled #Novmemeber (as in meme). Hosted by @sagetgreene.bsky.social . The bottom says "Have fun, interact, and remember alt text!" There is a silly emoji face with wild eyes and tongue sticking out, and some fall-style leaves in the corners.
November 15, 2025 at 3:56 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#WIPSnips | progress vibes✨

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

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: “We're not goin’ fast enough,” he muttered. “Need to find a trail.” He moved closer to the edge, and a couple pebbles came loose, rattling down the slope. Lennie reached out reflexively and pulled him back. He frowned at the tight grip she held on his shirt. Then his eyes slid up to the flush in her cheeks, and a slow grin unfurled. “What, you think I ain't sure-footed?” “I think you're a lot of things,” she said. He quirked a brow and she cleared her throat, releasing her clenched fist. “But I like ‘alive’ and ‘in one piece’ best.”
November 15, 2025 at 10:15 AM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Student today gave their speech on the history of motorcycles, & I had to pretend I wasn't psyched.

There were pictures. Pretty pictures. 🏍️

I took notes.

100 percent, A+ 👏😅

(Although one slide said the road conditions were poor "in the late 1900s" & the next slide said "In the modern era...") 🫠
November 14, 2025 at 10:15 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Made this a family affair! (If you're going to get bad from me, you're at least getting cute from my kids.) 😅

The prompt: Draw a bad-guy cowboy in 60 seconds. (Mine, husband's, 7YO’s, 5YO’s)

Thrilled by the 5YO’s flowers, tbh.

#Novmemeber
My pen sketch of a smirking cowboy bad guy with an oddly long chin, impossibly high and slanted smirk, and two eyes that are not the same size. Angled eyebrows meant to express bad-guyness. Pretty decent cowboy hat tho. I promise he is scarier than the hasty lines suggest. 😅 Husband's pencil sketch of a cowboy bad guy. He took too long shading the hat and had to scribble a beard and eyes without irises. He's actually not a bad artist; this is not representative of his skills. 😅 7YO's teal marker drawing of a cowboy bad guy. Full body, very long neck, angry face with angled eyebrows and a wicked grin. Missing feet and shoes. Well, obviously, can't have shoes without feet... 5YO's red marker drawing of a bad guy cowboy. He's looking up with a very cute grin. Full body. 5YO counted the fingers on each hand. 😁 This one has shoes! And flowers! Very impressive.
November 14, 2025 at 1:26 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Wondering how tf I hurt my knee this morning when all I did was get dressed and curl my hair...

*Thinks about it.*

Ohhh, I jumped to get into my jeans. 😅😅

Aging is fun, y'all. Very cool, very fun. 🫠
November 13, 2025 at 4:47 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
We need to fundamentally restructure the educational system if we're going to combat AI.

Unfortunately, education doesn't have a great track record of quickly pivoting to address societal concerns.

#teaching
November 12, 2025 at 6:07 PM
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
#WIPSnips | shirt = vest

Lennie's first (& probably last) time being intoxicated. She's gonna have a hell of a hangover. 😅

From my post-apocalyptic #WIP w/ a misfit trio of kids (one a little stranger than the rest).

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #amwriting
Writing snippet: The drink had gone to her head, and she had to steady herself, hiccuping as she walked past the fire to where he lay asleep. She crouched over him. “Shrimp,” she whispered, inches from his face; her own breath bounced back at her in a cloud of ethanol and she winced. “Shrimp, wake up.” His eyes snapped open. She examined them closely, the mismatched hazel and blue, only there seemed to be four now instead of two. “You an alien, Shrimp?” she asked, squinting to focus. “Blink once if yes. Twice for no.” He stared at her, unblinking. She watched a minute, then muttered, “Gaddamnit,” went to stand and fell back, catching herself inches from the fire with a whoop of laughter. Micah stoked the logs. “Careful, now. He might be fireproof, but you ain't.” She groaned and ambled over to him on shaky legs, sitting beside him on the overlarge stump. She reached down for the bottle of shine at his feet, but he snatched it up, taking a long swig and grimacing before setting it on the other side of him. “Absolutely not, ma’am.” “Aw, y’old curmudgeon,” she said, but she laid her head on his shoulder, the leather of his vest warm and soft from the heat of the flames, smiled, and closed her eyes.
November 12, 2025 at 1:20 PM