I’m Diana Rowland, and I’m submitting my candidacy for the position of South/Central Regional Director of SFWA. I have been an active member of SFWA since 2008, and am a graduate of Clarion West (1998).

About me:

I’m a first place winner of the 2005 Writers of the Future contest (3rd quarter).

I currently write urban fantasy/police procedurals. My first novel, Mark of the Demon, was published in 2009, and my second, Blood of the Demon, will be out in February 2010. Moreover, I’m under contract for six more novels with DAW.

I’m a member of the Romance Writers of America.

I worked in law enforcement and death investigation for nearly a decade, and now write full-time.

I live in south Louisiana with my husband and daughter.

As South/Central Regional Director, I intend to provide outreach, support, and accessibility to members in the region, while also working to promote and continue all that the current SFWA board has accomplished. Moreover, I feel it is vital for this organization to do more to bridge the divide between science fiction/fantasy and other genres. With the current popularity of paranormal and urban fantasy, with its extensive crossover appeal to romance, mystery, and even mainstream, I consider this to be an ideal time for SFWA to increase cooperation and communication, and feel that I’m well-positioned to assist with this.

Though I’ve been an active member of SFWA for less than two years, I have a long history of involvement in the genre, both as fan and author. I’m encouraged and excited about the changes coming to SFWA and am highly motivated to help the organization continue to improve and better serve all its members.

Diana Rowland