Dianna Morales, 2017 alumnus, published two books in 2017. Morales’ books “Everything is Now” was published in the summer, and “Singing with the Pasture,” was published in December.

“I’ve always been a writer and honestly, it was my childhood dream to publish something before I turned 20,” Morales said. “I was inspired to write because for a long time, writing was my way I could hone my emotions and healthily release my feelings.”

Morales started writing “Everything is Now” when she was 15, using her writing as a way to vent about her struggles with mental illness throughout her high school career.

“I’d describe “Everything is Now” as raw, real and depressingly hopeful,” she said. “It’s about depression. It’s not sugar-coated. It’s not even that happy, except for some moments, but that’s because how my life was when I was writing it.”

Morales’ writing not only helped her release her struggles with mental illness, but helped others understand her point-of-view as well. Although the book was not published in her point of view, it brought an understanding of the struggles she faced throughout her life.

“After publishing it, my mother read it for the first time, as did several other adults, both family members and non-family members,” Morales said. “To my surprise, they told me that it was important for adults, especially parents, to read as well.”

“Singing with the Pasture,” Morales’ book of poems, was written for her grandparents.

“I did write the book of poem for my grandparents, but the poems aren’t just about them. It’s about me,” she said. “Both of those works are about my own relationship with the world, my family and friends, and myself, honestly.”

The feedback to both works has been positive for Morales who plans on writing more in the future.

“I probably won’t focus on writing books and poems as my main job, but I’ll probably keep doing it,” she said. “I’m very grateful that so many people are enjoying the books. I’ve had very positive responses to both of them and it means so much to me.”

To purchase Morales’ books, click here.