Picture a storyteller who weaves voodoo magic and family secrets into a spellbinding debut—meet Diane Marie Brown! A professor and public health professional from Southern California, Brown burst onto the literary scene with her novel Black Candle Women, a captivating blend of magical realism, generational trauma, and heartfelt resilience that’s left readers enchanted.
With roots in Louisiana’s rich cultural tapestry, Brown’s stories pulse with the mystical and the deeply human, drawing you into worlds where curses and love collide. Her unique voice, shaped by her public health expertise and fascination with voodoo, makes her a rising star in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Diane Marie Brown
Born and raised in Stockton, California, Diane Marie Brown grew up crafting 'make-believe stories' for her mother and friends, hinting at the storyteller she’d become. She pursued a BA and MPH at UCLA, diving into public health and disaster preparedness, before earning a fiction degree from USC’s Master of Professional Writing Program. Now a professor at Orange Coast College and a public health professional in Long Beach, Brown balances academia, family life with her husband, four daughters, and dog Brownie, and her burgeoning writing career.
Her Louisiana heritage and interest in voodoo culture sparked her imagination, inspiring her to explore themes of family, legacy, and the supernatural. Writing became her outlet to blend her analytical mind with creative flair, culminating in her debut novel at age 50—a testament to her perseverance and passion.
Diane Marie Brown’s Unforgettable Stories
Brown’s debut, Black Candle Women, published in 2023, is a mesmerizing tale of the Montrose women—Augusta, Victoria, and Willow—who live under a decades-old voodoo curse that dooms their lovers to death. Set in Long Beach and New Orleans, the novel explores sisterhood, motherhood, and the power of belief, earning praise from Ava DuVernay as 'propulsive and poignant.' Its magical realism and rich character arcs make it a standout, selected as a Read with Jenna Book Club Pick.
While Black Candle Women remains her flagship work, Brown’s shorter pieces have appeared in outlets like Bomb Magazine, Scary Mommy, and the Audible Blog, showcasing her versatility. Her writing style is warm, detailed, and emotionally resonant, weaving complex family dynamics with a touch of the supernatural. Themes of resilience, forgiveness, and breaking generational curses run through her work, reflecting her public health lens on healing and community.
Brown is reportedly working on her next manuscript, promising more stories that blend magic and human connection. Her ability to craft relatable characters and unexpected twists keeps readers eagerly awaiting her sophomore novel.
Why Diane Marie Brown Matters
Diane Marie Brown’s impact lies in her ability to make magical realism accessible and deeply personal. By centering Black womanhood and New Orleans’ voodoo culture, she brings fresh perspectives to contemporary fiction, resonating with readers seeking stories of hope amid adversity. Her debut’s success, including potential adaptation into a television series, signals her growing influence.
At the 2024 Literary Women Festival of Authors, Brown captivated 800 attendees with her journey, inspiring aspiring writers, especially those balancing demanding careers and creative dreams. Her work encourages reflection on family bonds and the courage to rewrite one’s destiny, making her a vital voice in modern literature.
- Born: Stockton, California
- Key Work: Black Candle Women (2023)
- Notable Recognition: Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
- Current Residence: Long Beach, California
Snag Black Candle Women and dive into Diane Marie Brown’s enchanting world of magic, family, and resilience!