Picture a South Louisiana storyteller who traded crime scenes for demon summoners and brain-hungry zombies—meet Diana Rowland! This urban fantasy author has spun her eclectic past into gritty, captivating tales that blend supernatural thrills with real-world grit. Best known for her Kara Gillian and White Trash Zombie series, Rowland’s unique voice and authentic storytelling have earned her a loyal following and multiple accolades.
With a career spanning bartending, blackjack dealing, and morgue assisting, Rowland’s life is as colorful as her novels. Her ability to weave her experiences into her work makes her stories resonate with readers who crave fantasy grounded in reality. Let’s dive into the world of Diana Rowland and discover what makes her a standout in urban fantasy.
The Making of Diana Rowland
Born and raised below the Mason-Dixon line, Diana Rowland has always called South Louisiana home. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a BS in Applied Mathematics, she quickly ditched higher math for a life of adventure. Her career path reads like a novel itself: bartender, pit boss, street cop, detective, computer forensics specialist, crime scene investigator, and morgue assistant. These roles gave her a front-row seat to humanity’s highs and lows, shaping her authentic, no-nonsense writing style.
Rowland’s writing journey kicked off with a bang when she attended the 1998 Clarion West Writers Workshop. Her talent shone in 2005 when she won first place in the Writers of the Future contest for her short story “Schroedinger’s Hummingbird.” This victory marked her shift from law enforcement to full-time writing, setting the stage for her urban fantasy career.
Diana Rowland’s Unforgettable Stories
Rowland’s Kara Gillian series, starting with Mark of the Demon (2009), follows a Beaulac, Louisiana, homicide detective who’s also a demon summoner. Kara’s investigations into arcane murders blend police procedural with supernatural intrigue, creating a thrilling mix of mystery and magic. The series, spanning nine books, culminates in Rise of the Demon (2022), showcasing Rowland’s knack for complex worldbuilding and character growth.
The White Trash Zombie series, beginning with My Life as a White Trash Zombie (2011), introduces Angel Crawford, a drug-addicted dropout turned zombie after a mysterious accident. Angel’s journey from rock bottom to redemption, fueled by her craving for brains, is both hilarious and heartfelt. With six books, including White Trash Zombie Unchained (2017), this series highlights Rowland’s sharp humor and ability to craft flawed, relatable heroes.
Rowland’s writing stands out for its gritty realism, drawn from her law enforcement and morgue experiences. Her South Louisiana settings pulse with authenticity, from swampy backroads to humid air. Themes of resilience, identity, and redemption run through her work, making her stories as emotionally compelling as they are action-packed.
Why Diana Rowland Matters
Diana Rowland has carved a niche in urban fantasy by blending supernatural elements with the raw authenticity of her diverse career. Her heroines, like Kara and Angel, resonate with readers for their imperfections and strength, reflecting Rowland’s belief that growth, not perfection, defines a hero. Her awards, including the 2012 RT Reviewer’s Choice for Best Urban Fantasy Protagonist for Angel Crawford, and nominations like the 2012 Audie Award for My Life as a White Trash Zombie audiobook, underscore her impact.
Rowland’s influence extends beyond her books. Her vivid portrayal of South Louisiana has put the region on the urban fantasy map, while her trailblazing path from cop to author inspires aspiring writers. Her ability to infuse fantasy with real-world stakes has made her a beloved figure in the genre.
About Diana Rowland
- Birthplace: South Louisiana, USA
- Key Works: Kara Gillian series, White Trash Zombie series
- Awards: 2005 Writers of the Future winner, 2012 RT Reviewer’s Choice winner
- Fun Fact: She has a black belt in Hapkido and can’t rollerblade to save her life!
Snag Mark of the Demon or My Life as a White Trash Zombie and dive into Diana Rowland’s thrilling urban fantasy world! Whether you’re craving demon-summoning detectives or brain-munching redemption arcs, her stories will keep you hooked.