It has been a year since Professor Diane Brown's debut novel, "Black Candle Women," was announced on Today Show host Jenna Bush Hager's "Read with Jenna Book Club" March 2023 pick. Brown's novel was the first time a debut author had been showcased on the coveted list.
"This has been a lesson in not letting go of your passions," Brown said. "I wrote this book ten years ago, and I had put it away, but I could not let it go. I loved the characters so much."
Brown's year has been a whirlwind of festivals, panels, events, and community book clubs. She has also made multiple visits to the Today Show, appeared at Comic-Con, and even been featured as a Jeopardy answer.
She travels across the country sharing her experience with dynamic people, but quickly brings the conversation back to Orange Coast College.
"I want my students to know that they can have multiple passions, that they can have multiple careers," Brown said.
As a public health education instructor at OCC, she is passionate about instilling in her students the importance of getting involved and active in their studies.
Her peer health certification course teaches students how to be a resource on campus by connecting with other resources on campus. Brown is teaching her students hands-on experience in advocating for public health and the journey of event planning — from National Condom Day to the availability of Narcan on campus and reducing the stigma.
What's next for Diane Brown? Along with her everyday responsibilities and staying connected to friends and family, she is busy promoting "Black Candle Women" and dedicating time to focus on her next book.
