Interview With Author Dyva Gibbs
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always been someone deeply moved by the power of words and the way a well-crafted story can transport a reader or offer a new perspective on life. My journey in writing has been driven by a desire to explore the complexities of human emotion, resilience, and the quiet moments of beauty we often overlook in our busy lives.
To date, I have written three books.
Each project has been a labor of love, representing different phases of my creative growth. Whether I’m diving into the nuances of personal wellness or weaving a narrative that tackles the “warrior” spirit within us all, my goal remains the same: to connect with readers on a level that feels both intimate and universal.
Writing is a continuous journey for me, and I’m always looking forward to the next story waiting to be told!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “A Fallen Star: The Rise, Fall, and Heart of Rhys Gibbons,” which was released in 2025.
The inspiration for this story is deeply rooted in my fascination with the golden era of pop icons, specifically the life of Andy Gibb. While the book is a work of fiction—a roman à clef—it is heavily influenced by the tragic and meteoric trajectory of his real-life journey.
I was inspired to explore the “human” behind the superstardom: the emotional isolation that often accompanies immense fame, the weight of family legacy, and the internal battles with addiction and self-worth. It was important to me to tell a story that wasn’t just about the glitter of the stage, but about the heart and vulnerability of a person trying to find their way through it all.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I also have a habit of writing dialogue out loud. If you were to walk past my workspace, you might hear me arguing with myself or repeating a sentence five different ways. I find that if a line doesn’t feel natural when spoken, it won’t feel right on the page. It helps me catch those little rhythmic stumbles that the eyes sometimes miss.
Lastly, I’m a big believer in the “change of scenery” method. If I hit a wall with a manuscript, I’ll often switch from my laptop to a physical notebook and a fountain pen. There is something about the tactile connection of ink on paper that forces me to slow down and think through my sentences more deliberately than a keyboard allows.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my greatest influences is Dominick Dunne. I’ve always been captivated by how he could peel back the layers of high society and fame to reveal the raw, often tragic human truths underneath. His ability to blend the glamour of the elite with a deep sense of justice and empathy really informed how I approached the world of Rhys Gibbons in my latest book.
Oh, I absolutely couldn’t leave Jackie Collins off the list! She was the ultimate master of the “insider” narrative.
What I’ve always admired—and tried to emulate in my own way—was her fearlessness. She didn’t just write about the rich and famous; she wrote about them with a sharp, observational wit and a complete lack of judgment. She understood that power, sex, and ambition are universal drivers, whether you’re in a boardroom or a Hollywood mansion.
What are you working on now?
You caught me—I am indeed stepping into much darker territory with my current project!
While my previous work explored the vulnerability behind the spotlight, this new manuscript pulls back the curtain on the more unsettling, hidden corners of the industry. I’m currently deep into researching and writing about the clandestine rituals and occult undertones that have whispered through Hollywood’s history for decades.
It’s a fascinating, if chilling, shift for me. I’m exploring the idea that the “magic” of the silver screen might have a much more literal, and potentially more sinister, origin than most people realize. I want to look at how power is consolidated in those circles and the lengths some might go to—beyond just talent and hard work—to maintain their status at the top of the food chain.
Think of it as the glamorous facade of a Jackie Collins novel meeting the psychological dread of a modern noir. It’s been an intense process, often requiring me to go down some very deep research rabbit holes into urban legends, secret societies, and the specific locations in Los Angeles that are rumored to be the epicenters of these practices.
It’s definitely a story that’s keeping me up at night, but those are usually the ones most worth telling!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually start a “wave” on Twitter to spark a conversation, follow it up with a visual Reel to capture the mood, and then link everything back to a long-form post on my blog where I can offer a deeper look or a free chapter preview.
Since you mentioned you’re using these too, do you find that your blog readers engage differently with your posts than your followers on social media? I always find the comments on my blog to be much more in-depth!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If there is one thing I’ve learned from years of navigating the world of words, it’s that the industry is as much about resilience as it is about talent.
Here is my best advice for those just starting out:
Write the “Dangerous” Book: Don’t write what you think the market wants; write the story that keeps you up at night. Whether it’s the glitz of Hollywood or the dark rituals hidden behind the scenes, your passion for the subject is what will make the reader turn the page. If the topic scares or excites you, you’re on the right track.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard—and something I carry with me every time I sit down at my desk—is this: “Don’t wait for the muse; she has to know where to find you.”
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that writing only happens when inspiration strikes or when the stars align and you’re feeling particularly “creative.” But the truth of this industry is that professional writing is about discipline.
What are you reading now?
Since I’m currently researching the darker side of Hollywood and secret societies, my reading list is a bit more intense than usual!
Right now, I’m toggling between a few books that are providing some incredible (and occasionally creepy) inspiration.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Beyond finishing the current manuscript on the rituals of Hollywood, I’m really looking forward to expanding how I connect with my readers.
I’m in the early stages of planning a limited podcast series that mirrors the themes of my upcoming book. I want to take the research I’ve gathered—the history of secret societies, the “cursed” film sets, and the legends of the occult in Los Angeles—and discuss them in a more conversational, immersive way. It feels like the perfect companion to the blog posts I’ve been writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Lucky” by Jackie Collins: If I’m going to be alone on an island, I want to be in the company of Lucky Santangelo. She is the ultimate survivor—strong, fierce, and unapologetic.
“The Collected Poetry of Maya Angelou”: I would need something with rhythm and heart. Her words are so musical and grounding; I could read a single poem and let it sustain me for an entire afternoon. It would be my reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier: I never get tired of the atmosphere in this book. The mystery of Manderley is so thick and delicious that I could re-read it a hundred times and still find a new shadow or a hidden secret in the prose. It’s the perfect “escape” within an escape.
A Blank Journal (with a very sturdy pen!): I know it’s technically a “cheat” answer, but as a writer, I think the isolation would drive me to create. I’d need a place to document the stars, the silence, and perhaps start drafting that next manuscript about the “darker rituals” of survival.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dyva Gibbs’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.