Picture a Canadian storyteller who traded the glitz of the fashion world for the thrill of crafting bestselling novels—meet Whitney Dineen! A former plus-size model turned USA Today bestselling author, Dineen spins tales of romance, comedy, and conspiracy thrillers that captivate readers worldwide. From her cozy home in Edmonton, Canada, she’s built a literary empire, proving that life’s unexpected twists can lead to extraordinary stories.
The Making of Whitney Dineen
Born and raised in the United States, Whitney Dineen’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. While studying at the University of Illinois in Chicago, she was scouted by a modeling agent, launching a 20-year career as a plus-size Ford model in New York and Los Angeles. Despite her success on the runway, Dineen battled early reading struggles, which she overcame to become an avid reader and writer. Her time in the fashion world, filled with downtime between gigs, fueled her love for books, setting the stage for her literary career. After moving to the Pacific Northwest and later Edmonton with her husband, Jimmy, she began writing, driven by a desire to create strong, humorous characters.
Whitney Dineen’s Unforgettable Stories
Dineen’s bibliography is a delightful mix of romantic comedies, thrillers, and middle-grade adventures, reflecting her versatile storytelling. Her debut, She Sins at Midnight (2014), a romantic comedy that won a silver medal at the 2015 Reader’s Favorite Awards, follows Lila Montgomery’s hilarious journey through love and Hollywood drama. The Mimi Chronicles series, including The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan (2015), blends humor and heart, earning multiple awards for its relatable, laugh-out-loud moments. Venturing into thrillers, Dineen’s The Event explores conspiracy and extraterrestrial themes, showcasing her genre-hopping prowess. Her Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series, like Love is a Battlefield, delivers standalone rom-coms with matchmaking mothers and swoon-worthy romance. Dineen’s style—witty, emotional, and character-driven—draws from her own life, with settings often inspired by her experiences in small-town America and vibrant Edmonton.
Collaborating with Melanie Summers, Dineen co-authored the An Accidentally in Love Story series, including Text Me On Tuesday, a charming tale of mistaken identities and texting mishaps. Her middle-grade Wilhelmina Adventures, like Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory, captivates young readers with quirky characters and adventurous plots. With 27 books and counting, Dineen’s ability to weave humor, heart, and intrigue keeps her stories fresh and engaging.
Why Whitney Dineen Matters
Whitney Dineen’s impact lies in her ability to connect with readers through diverse genres and relatable characters. Her romantic comedies resonate with fans of Sophie Kinsella, offering a blend of humor and hope that uplifts. Her thrillers, though newer, add depth to her portfolio, appealing to readers who crave suspense. By overcoming personal challenges and embracing her multifaceted identity—model, mother, baker, and writer—Dineen inspires aspiring authors to pursue their dreams. Her stories, rooted in family, love, and resilience, reflect the vibrant community of Edmonton, where she raises her children and organic vegetables. With awards like the 2017 Gold Medal at the International Reader’s Favorite Awards, Dineen’s legacy as a versatile storyteller continues to grow.
- Key Works: She Sins at Midnight, The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan, Love is a Battlefield, The Event
- Awards: Gold Medal, International Reader’s Favorite Awards (2017); Silver Medals (2015, 2016, 2019, 2020)
- Hobbies: Baking, gardening, playing Scrabble, and dazzling her kids with 80s dance moves
Ready to laugh, love, and maybe unravel a conspiracy? Snag She Sins at Midnight or The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan and dive into Whitney Dineen’s irresistible world of romance and wit!