Dianne C. Braley is a gritty New Englander who discovered her love for storytelling early on, crafting her own tales as a means of escape from the harsh realities of growing up amid the turbulence of alcoholism in a tough inner-city neighborhood. After setting aside her pen for a time, she pursued a career as a registered nurse, finding strength and solace in caring for those unable to care for themselves. Yet, her passion for writing never truly faded. A chance encounter with a painting stirred memories of a childhood visit to Martha’s Vineyard, where she fell in love with the island the moment her bare feet touched the sand. This inspired her to move to the Vineyard, where she cared for Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist William Styron until his passing. What began as a caregiving role transformed into a profound friendship; Styron became both her patient and a source of motivation, reigniting her desire to write and encouraging her to share her own stories. Dianne now lives just north of Boston with her family, maintaining her city edge while embracing her New England roots. Her debut novel, The Silence in the Sound, received multiple awards and was published in 2022. Her acclaimed second novel, The Summer Before, is available now.