The first words written on Diana’s preschool report card were, “Diana often speaks in fantasy.” Since her elementary school years, Diana has gone on to pursue many passions. These interests have led to many achievements, including directing media for clients all over the world and starting her own podcast Healer Dealer. Now a published author, Diana is ready to reach children around the world with her empowering message.
Following the publication of Peyton and the Magical Compass, Diana and I took some time to chat about her publishing experience:
Miriam Laundry: Diana, what inspired you to become an author?
Diana Zalucky: Being a storyteller is part of who I am. I did not realize I wanted to be an author until I completed this book.
ML: When did you start writing Peyton and the Magical Compass?
DZ: I had the idea for many years but did not start until I met you. I knew when I met you that the universe was inviting and nudging me to make it happen.
ML: I’m so glad our conversations helped you discover your calling to write for children. What inspired Peyton’s journey?
DZ: The inspiration for this book came from a mix of the people around me, my love of all the fantastical 80’s Jim Henson movies, and the images/scenes I am shown in my channelling work as a spiritual advisor. I also wrote the book I wish I had when I was little that would have supported me and my intuitive gifts.
ML: It’s always so rewarding knowing that your book is providing children with the message you might’ve missed out on as a child. Why was the message in this book particularly important for you to share?
DZ: There is often a gap between when children are encouraged to explore their imagination and when they turn off this magical side of themselves to become an adult. I want to close that gap and inspire every child and parent to embrace their imagination. We are all uniquely magical and that magic is what is going to move us forward to living and creating heaven on earth.
ML: You’re right — there is often a disconnect between adulthood and the imaginative. I’m excited for this book to inspire children to hold onto their imagination even as they grow older. What was the most memorable part of your publishing journey?
DZ: I really loved collaborating with my wildly talented illustrator Shany Ahmed. I am based in Los Angeles, and she is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It cracks me up thinking about our many zoom calls that were so focused and would have appeared serious to anyone who was listening. However, many of our meetings entailed me asking to add to the illustrations a baby dragon, more fairies, or an alien. The illustrations are a true reflection of what was in my mind and to have an artist see my vision the same way was very exciting!
ML: Did you face any challenges as you published this book?
DZ: I took longer to complete the process than anticipated. I had so many other projects I was working on I had to surrender that it would all be done in Divine Timing. But I learned how important the editing process is. As Stephen King said, “To write is human, to edit is divine.”
ML: I had the pleasure of working alongside you in the Publishing Mastermind. Why did you decide to join the program?
DZ: When we met in a business mastermind and you mentioned your Publishing Mastermind, I wanted in immediately. I had an idea I was excited about but had never written a book and had no idea what I was doing.
ML: In your opinion, what was the biggest value in Publishing Mastermind?
DZ: The loving and supportive energy you bring to your groups. You really care about every author and their story. Also, I was introduced to my illustrator by another author in the mastermind. I was having a hard time securing an illustrator whom I felt aligned with and as soon as I met Shany, I knew she was always meant to be the one! Not having to worry about the book design and all the Amazon processing was also a huge value to me!
ML: As a published author, is there any advice you’d like to share with the other aspiring authors out there?
DZ: Research who you want as your illustrator and book them even before you are ready. It’s best to get on their radar as soon as possible as you may have to wait a few months for them to be available.
ML: Lastly, what do you hope parents and children will take away from this book?
DZ: I want both parents and kids to get curious and explore the inner worlds of their imagination, become more open to their intuitive gifts, and feel supported and seen in who they are and who they want to be.
ML: Thank you, Diana! Here’s to you, Peyton, and the Magical Compass!
Peyton and the Magical Compass is now available on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon Marketplaces worldwide.
To connect with Diana and learn more about her many projects, you can visit her on Instagram (@dianazalucky).
Diana Zalucky
Diana went from an imaginative schoolgirl to a multi-passionate woman living her life as a creator and an adventurer. At 21 years old, she was the youngest and first woman in-house advertising photographer for Disney—a position she held for eight years.
In the last decade, Diana’s fresh, intimate and cinematic visual storytelling has given her the
opportunity to shoot and direct for a wide range of clients all over the world.
Diana’s love for mystical and magical realms guided her to launch the spiritual podcast
Healer Dealer. During the lockdown of 2020, she stepped out into the world as a spiritual
advisor helping creatives trust their intuitive gifts and share their unique creative expression with the world.