Diane Asitimbay
Award-winning Author
REVIEWS OF MY LIFE AS A CACTUS
“Smart, lively and insightful.”
—Jennifer Barclay, author of Falling in Honey
A funny, frank, and delightful read from former Mexico City journalist Diane Asitimbay.
—Julie Doherty Meade, author of Moon Mexico City (Travel Guide)
“There is no place on Earth like Mexico City, and anyone who has lived there will recognize the many foibles and triumphs of novice journalist Sara Tortellini as she struggles to find herself (and some peace of mind) in a 20-million-resident metropolis. I laughed, I cringed, and I rooted for Sara as she navigates a broken heart, broken Spanish, and a pay-peanuts day job at a local newspaper, slowly letting Mexico work its magic on her.”
—Julie Doherty Meade, author of Moon Mexico City (Travel Guide)
“A compelling, deftly crafted, and strikingly memorable story of friendship, of healing, and of self-discovery.” —Midwest Book Review
“Although a work of fiction, Diane Asitimbay's debut novel "My Life as a Cactus: Tales of a Rookie Reporter in Mexico" was inspired by her actual work as a reporter for a Mexican newspaper in Mexico City. She went to live in Mexico with no magic beans and the result was this novel based on her misadventures!
An original and fully entertaining novel. "My Life as a Cactus" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community and academic library Contemporary Fiction collections.”
20 new books by San Diego County authors, by Pam Kragen, San Diego Union Tribune
Content Creator
Hi, there! I’m Diane!
I write lively, engaging, & compelling copy in a variety of styles for online and print publications. Click here to see my portfolio
Come along with me on my newest adventure, a health and culture blog.
My hope is to share with you the latest in news and deliver it in an easy-to-understand way.
Press on the bumble bee and it will take you to my cultural buzz blog.
What’s Up, America? (Fresh Voices Award)
A book that answers questions international people have about American culture.
No Perfect, People, Please! (Mom’s Choice Award)
An A-Z poetry collection that describes 26 children and their quirky personalities in rhyme.
My Life as a Cactus
(San Diego Book Award)
A comic novel about working as a rookie reporter in Mexico.
Coach: How I have helped my clients:
Communication Trainer
Communication smart programs at work for you
“DYNAMIC READING STRATEGIES FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS”
Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital | Research and Education Institute
Sao Paolo, Brazil
WEBINAR: May 17, 2021 | 10:45 am - 12:30 pm (PDT)
This interactive webinar examines effective reading strategies for health care workers.
Want strategies to read academic and science articles more effectively?
Three reading strategies will be covered:
How to ask questions about the structure of a reading.
How to annotate a reading.
How to analyze a reading for one's academic and professional purposes.
COMMUNICATING YOUR SCIENCE
Am I making myself clear? Presenting science to the public.
Want strategies to communicate your research so it’s more compelling?
Three communication strategies will be covered:
How to verbally and non-verbally communicate with your audience.
How to break down complex concepts and jargon into story-telling.
How to use rhetorical devices so your research shines in your presentation.
COMMUNICATING ACROSS TEAMS
Concrete strategies to equip yourself to successfully work across research teams
Want to work more collaboratively as a researcher on a cross-functional team?
Three team-building strategies will be covered:
How to build trust when working with members of other research teams.
How to improve communication channels so collaboration is efficient.
How to reach win-win compromises with colleagues on cross-functional teams.