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New Novel Marks Literary Departure for YA Author

What could an international spy thriller and “chick lit” possibly have in common? The short answer: more than you may think. After penning three young adult (YA) novels that could be labeled chick lit, author and Naval Square resident Diana Rodriguez Wallach has ventured into a new genre with the recent publication of Proof of Lies. Chick lit is a dismissive term used to discount a sub-genre of fiction written by and for women. Maybe some authors contributed to this problem by hyping $800 stiletto pumps and sugary cocktails. However, talented writers have also been placed in this category (see: Jennifer Weiner). Good chick lit celebrates women’s penchant for thoughtful observations on the human condition as well as their superior verbal abilities.  I dare to posit that Lev Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina belongs in this oft-maligned genre. But I digress!

Diana has proudly reclaimed the term to describe her first series of novels that debuted in 2008. Amor and Summer Secrets, Amigas and School Scandals, and Adios to All the Drama recount the poignant and often humorous efforts of teenager Mariana Ruiz to navigate the murky waters of high school friendships and romantic relationships while she simultaneously embraces her Puerto Rican heritage.
Proof of Lies, the first novel in a series of three, introduces readers to Anastasia Phoenix, a young woman drawn into the world of international espionage that whisks her away to various Italian locales. Although Diana notes that it is very different from her earlier work, she consistently strives to include independent women who attempt to “solve their own problems” before looking to others for answers. Men are not altogether absent from Diana’s novels. Romantic relationships are key and do drive the storylines, but Diana has also received positive feedback for her portrayal of the unique bond between Anastasia and her older sister Keira.

Proof of Lies was 7 years in the making, partly because two cute but demanding people entered the lives of Diana and her husband Jordan since the publication of her first books: Daughter Juliet (age 6) was born in 2011, and her little brother Lincoln (age 2) arrived in 2015. The responsibilities of motherhood—including the fun stuff—have compelled her to work more efficiently, but completing projects now requires more time. Diana also conducted extensive research before and during the writing process. She tracked down former Czech Communist spy Lawrence Martin-Bittman (formerly known as Ladislav Bittman), a now retired Boston University journalism professor who specialized in disinformation (“fake news”) to discuss groups of “renegade spies” to integrate into the plot. Moreover, Diana visited all of the cafes and historical landmarks described in the novel, which is set mainly in Italy. Indeed, she describes Italy not as a setting but as another character that shapes the novel.

Diana herself majored in journalism at Boston University. She has always been an avid fan of YA fiction and aptly summarizes recent themes that have driven the genre. First came the supernatural (Harry Potter, the Twilight series), followed by a wave of dystopian visions (The Hunger Games), which was rounded out by stories of horror and adventure. One of her favorites is The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma, who marries the supernatural with realism.


One of Diana’s proudest moments occurred shortly after the publication of Proof of Lies. When  Juliet saw the book on the shelves of the Rittenhouse Square Barnes & Noble, “It just clicked for her that mom wrote this!”  In fact, the book is dedicated to Jordan, Juliet, and Lincoln. Diana looks forward to the day when her children are old enough to enjoy all of her novels; expectant readers can look forward to the continuing adventures of Anastasia Phoenix, coming to a bookseller near you in the near future.

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