Writer Works Coaching

WELLNESS ON A PLATE

What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?

The one luxury I absolutely can’t live without is delicious, nutritious food.

I call it a luxury not because it’s fancy, but because it’s often expensive to buy, time-consuming to prepare, and sometimes hard to find. The food I seek out is raw, fresh, and organic—carefully chosen for both flavor and health benefits.

For example, the produce I buy is usually picked the same day it’s sold. It’s crisp, vibrant, and immediately delicious. The meats are fresh from cold-tempered warehouses, and the vegetables often come from farmers markets, grown with heirloom seeds that preserve their natural integrity. Fresh seafood? Straight from the ocean to the table.

These aren’t just ingredients—they’re investments in my well-being. This kind of food doesn’t just taste better; it helps prevent illness and can even support the body in reversing certain conditions.

But like all luxuries, it comes at a price.

A pound of green seedless grapes at my local supermarket costs $3.99. That same pound at a specialty shop? $14.99. That’s the price of eating clean, and for me—it’s worth every penny.

So yes, delicious, nutritious food is my must-have luxury. It fuels my body, nurtures my health, and brings joy to my plate.

“WHEN THE WORLD WAKES UP”

Photo by Nichika Sakurai on Unsplash

What’s your favorite season of the year—and why?

Mine: SPRING.
More sunlight. Fresh blooms. Beach walks. Lighter clothes. Smiling strangers. Selling books in the park. What’s not to love?

It’s when I find myself getting out more, enjoying the elements, slowing down, and taking in the miracles all around me. Spring reminds me of the beauty our Creator gives us daily, free of charge: the mountains standing tall in quiet strength, the ocean breeze dancing across the beach, the fresh air scented with blooming flowers.

This is the season when the earth wakes up. Grass turns greener, trees fill with leaves, and vibrant flowers color the world again. It’s a time of natural renewal—and personal renewal, too.

I love the lightness of spring, including the chance to wear lightweight clothing and feel the sun on my skin. People seem more cheerful and open. I notice more smiles, more conversations, and more connections.

Spring is also when I’m most active—I visit parks, meditate, walk, exercise, meet neighbors, socialize, and even sell my books. There’s always something new unfolding in the spring.

It energizes me, connects me, and reminds me that life, like nature, is always blooming. Every year, spring reminds me: life is meant to be lived out loud.

YOUR TURN: What spring rituals or habits lift your spirit?

Read My Memoir*: The Invisible Child on Amazon
A powerful story of renewal, resilience, and rediscovering self-worth. Perfect for your spring reading list.

Coaching with Coach Diane: Spring is a season of transformation. If you’re ready to grow, shift, or start fresh, let’s have a coaching conversation.
Contact: writersworks@gmail.com

“BE ALIVE:LIVE LIFE FEARLESSLY”

If humans had taglines, what would yours be?

Mine would be: “Be alive. Live life fearlessly.”

It’s one thing to be living, but it’s something greater to truly be alive—to go after what you want without letting fear stand in the way.

Is there something you’ve always wanted, but fear kept you from pursuing it?

I’ve spoken with so many friends in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who reflect on their lives and quietly admit their regrets. They now have more years behind them than ahead, and often say, “I wish I had…”

Just the other day, a dear friend and I talked about one of her biggest regrets. At 73, she shared that she had always wanted to buy a home and become a real estate investor. Early in her marriage, she and her husband were in escrow on a property—but then he passed away unexpectedly before the sale was finalized. The heartbreak and fear that followed kept her from ever trying again.

In that moment, I wanted to offer her more than sympathy. I wanted to share my tagline: “Be alive. Live life fearlessly.”

It’s never too late to pursue something that matters to you. The only thing fear ever guarantees… is regret.

YOUR TURN: What would your life tagline be?

“Read My Memoir”: [The Invisible Child on Amazon](https://bit.ly/TheInvisibleChild)

If you’ve ever struggled to find your voice, your courage, or your purpose—my story may inspire your own.

“Work With Me”: I offer 1:1 coaching to help you move through fear and into bold action.

Let’s create your next chapter together.

Contact me at: writersworks@gmail.com

HEALTH AND WEALTH:TWIN PILLARS OF A GOOD LIFE

Photo by fauxels:

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

For me, the two most important things needed to live a good life are health and wealth. The two are deeply connected—your health can create wealth, and your wealth can protect your health.

When your health is compromised, especially by a severe condition, your ability to work at full capacity is often limited. Medical care, treatments, equipment, and around-the-clock attention come at a high cost—one that many simply can’t afford. Over time, that financial burden can become overwhelming.

Both health and wealth have a compounding effect: the more you prioritize and nurture one, the more it tends to grow. But the reverse is also true. If you’re constantly fighting for your health without real progress, the decline can be swift and irreversible. It’s a harsh truth—but one we can’t ignore.

On the flip side, someone who is wealthy may lose it all, but wealth-building skills and mindset are hard to erase. They often find ways to rebuild. It’s rare for someone to go from wealthy to completely broke, and even rarer for them to stay there if they’ve mastered how to rise again.

When you have both health and wealth, you’re not only able to help yourself, but you’re in a position to uplift others as well.

“Which do you prioritize more: health or wealth? Tell me why.” –

“TIME WELL SPENT: CONVERSATIONS WITH MY DAUGHTER”

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics

Who do you spend the most time with?

I spend most of my time at home with my lovely daughter—we both work from home, so our days often overlap. One of our favorite parts of the day is sitting down for lunch together. We share not only food, but great conversations.

My daughter is a wonderful conversationalist—knowledgeable, curious, and deeply thoughtful. She’s not afraid to share her unfiltered opinions, and sometimes that leads to a spirited debate between us. One of the things she believes strongly is that we are the result of how we were raised. I see things a little differently.

For example, one day we were watching as a woman in a wheelchair was being helped off an elevator. A young lady was holding the door open for her. Just then, a man—maybe in his early thirties—rushed out past the woman in the wheelchair without acknowledging her or even saying thank you. My daughter remarked, “If no one ever taught him to hold the door or be considerate, how would he know?” She sees this kind of behavior as a direct reflection of upbringing.

I see it another way. Yes, our parents shape us, but as adults, we have the power—and responsibility—to choose who we become and how we treat others.

Despite our differences in opinion, I deeply value the time we spend together. My daughter is adventurous, compassionate, considerate, and undeniably brilliant. She challenges me, teaches me, and brings joy to my every day.

Your Turn:
Who do you spend the most time with—and how has it shaped you?

The Day I Thought I Made the Bestseller List

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

I’d choose Taylor Brookes—and one day, I plan to use it as my pen name. It has a nice rhythm, it’s easy to spell, and it sticks in your memory. My hope is that if someone forgets the title of my book, they’ll at least remember the name Taylor Brookes.

My real name, Diane Williams, is much more common than I realized. A few years ago, friends spotted a best-selling book by someone named Diane Williams and called to congratulate me. I was stunned—had I made the bestseller list without knowing it? But when they sent me the link, I had to laugh. Yes, it was Diane Williams, but it wasn’t my book.

Something similar happened again when President Barack Obama read a book titled The Invisible Child. That’s also the title of my memoir. Friends reached out with excitement, thinking he’d read my story—but it was a completely different book with the same title.

That’s when I knew: I needed a name that would stand out. Taylor Brookes feels simple, elegant, and unique enough to spark someone’s memory.

Your Turn:
If you had to choose a new name—or a pen name—what would it be and why? Does your name reflect your identity or your writing voice?

What would your pen name be? Share it below!”

“Ever been mistaken for someone else with your name? Tell me your story.”
“Writers, have you chosen a pen name? Why or why not?”

TRICK OR TREAT, THEN REPEAT

Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

Describe your dream chocolate bar.

I love chocolate bars—maybe a little too much! While I don’t have a dream chocolate bar, I’ll always reach for a classic: Hershey’s milk chocolate. There’s just something nostalgic and comforting about it.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and part of the fun is loading up on candy for the trick-or-treaters. I get all the favorites: Snickers, Kisses, Milky Way, peanut butter cups… you name it!

Of course, once the night ends and the kids have come and gone, I’m left with way too much chocolate—and that’s when the real temptation begins. I try to pace myself… but let’s be honest: I usually devour more than I should. And I enjoy every bite.

Your Turn:
Describe your dream chocolate bar! Is it crunchy, gooey, filled with caramel, or peanut buttery perfection?

“Drop your favorite chocolate bar in the comments!” – “What’s your Halloween candy must-have?”
– “Tag a chocolate lover who’d devour this!”

The Power of Pages: 3 Books That Changed My Life

Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

What are three books that changed your life—and why?

My Three Life-Changing Books:

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
In 2008, Barack Obama made history—not just by becoming the first Black president of the United States, but by daring to hope in a country that had never seen a person of color in its highest office. Against all odds, he ran. Against all odds, he won.

This book reminded me of a profound truth: no matter what, keep going. Set your sights on your goal and stay the course. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. But with belief in yourself and faith in your purpose, you can rise above them all.

No Limits* by John Maxwell
John Maxwell’s message is simple but powerful: stop placing limits on your potential. He identifies 17 capacities we each possess—creativity, energy, leadership, and more—and invites us to grow them on purpose.

This book lit a fire in me! I was so inspired that I began studying leadership and personal development, ultimately becoming a certified coach, speaker, and trainer through the John Maxwell Team. Today, I use what I’ve learned to help others transform their lives and live on purpose.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou told her story with raw truth—her ache of abandonment, the pain of trauma, and the cruel sting of racism. Yet her spirit never broke. She discovered that love, kindness, and the power of words could set her free.

Her poetry is both spiritual and liberating. When I’m feeling low, I revisit “Still I Rise” or “Phenomenal Woman.” They remind me of how beauty and power can emerge even from suffering.

The thread that ties all three together?
Never give up. No matter what.

Your Turn:

What three books have had a powerful impact on you, and why?

✨

Amelia Bedelia and the Power of Childhood Reading

Do you remember your favorite childhood book?

I don’t remember many books from my own childhood, but I do remember the books I read to my daughters. Of all the stories we shared, the Amelia Bedelia series remains my favorite.

These books were more than just silly fun—though they certainly delivered plenty of that! With short chapters, fast-paced sentences, and Amelia’s unforgettable wordplay and misunderstandings, my girls would often burst into belly laughs. The humor was light and playful, but the stories also offered meaningful moments that opened the door to deeper conversations.

Amelia Bedelia became a bridge for teaching life lessons—about responsibility, respect, curiosity, and a love of learning. Her quirky adventures gave me a way to talk with my daughters about real-life values in a way they could understand and enjoy.

Today, both my daughters are avid readers. They own more books than anything else, and I truly believe Amelia Bedelia helped plant those early seeds. Her stories not only entertained them from toddlerhood through age ten—they also helped shape a lifelong passion for books.

Your Turn:
What was your favorite childhood book—or a book you loved reading with your children? Drop it in the comments or share why it still matters to you.

Let’s keep the joy of childhood reading alive.

“THE DAY FEAR KNOCKED AND GRACE ANSWERED”

Prompt: What fears have you overcome—and what did they teach you?

There was a time when I moved through life freely—fiercely independent, always able to rely on my own strength. I could cook, clean, care for myself, and go wherever I pleased. Then one day, everything changed.

In midlife, I was diagnosed with a degenerative illness that slowly robbed me of the use of my arms and legs. With it came a wave of fear I had never known before. Not just fear of the unknown—but fear of being completely alone.

I depended on caregivers for daily support—meals, grooming, bathing. But what happens when your help doesn’t show up?

I remember one morning so clearly. I was waiting at the table by the phone, hungry and thirsty, and my caregiver didn’t arrive. Thirty minutes passed. I called—no answer. Another 15. Still nothing. I called again. Silence.

I sat in my wheelchair feeling helpless. The fear crept in like a shadow: What if no one comes? What if I’m forgotten?

Then came a knock on the door.

It was my neighbor—stopping by, unannounced, to drop off a bag of lemons. She couldn’t come in, but her presence was a miracle. I shouted from the inside, “Please call me—right now.” And she did.

That moment shifted something deep within me.

I was never really alone. Even when I couldn’t move, couldn’t reach out—God was already sending help.

Since then, I’ve learned to let go of what I cannot control. I’ve released the fear of being forgotten, and I rest in the quiet confidence that I am always being cared for—even in ways I don’t expect.

So I ask you:
What fear have you faced, and what did it teach you about yourself—or about life?