Sunday, August 31, 2008

Fall Touring Schedule

For a full list of my schedule this fall, go to my author website -
But next Tuesday kicks it all off, with dozens of seminars, numerous book signings and a couple festivals. I've even got several events booked for 2009 as well,
And I am happy to report in additon to numerous contributors of quotes, I have seven authors who have contributed chapters to my non-fiction book! Cover art for that is coming along and should be up soon, too.
Some days I wonder if I will get it all done - but I won't know unless I try!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Chapter One of Next Book!

I am proud to unveil the synopsis and first chapter of the book!
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK I … LORI
By L. Diane Wolfe

Inspired by Olympic dreams…
To the outside world, Lori Anders has it all. The only child of affluent parents, she is a gifted swimmer with Olympic dreams. Armed with a winning attitude and genuine spirit, Lori appears destined for success.
Yet despite her certainty in the pool, something inhibits Lori from achieving her full potential. Her focus on swimming has left little time for relationships. Lacking in confidence, Lori’s light has few opportunities to shine.
When an altercation with the school bullies brings her to the attention of the star quarterback, Lori finds herself in a unique position. Jason’s affections renew her hope and force the shy swimmer out of her comfort zone. But, will it be enough to achieve her lifelong dream?
$20.95 Release date: March 31, 2009
ISBN 9780981621005 / 0981621007
Dancing Lemur Press – http://www.dancinglemurpress.com/

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Author Julie Lessman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
A Passion Redeemed Revell (September 1, 2008)
by
Julie Lessman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law.
A Passion Most Pure was her first novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought. Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. Her stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is.
Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants--one way or another.
Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever? Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.
Praise for the first book in the series:
"Full of romance, humor, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page." --Historical Novels Review "Superb! Incredible!
"I loved Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure from the second I picked it up until the very last moment I stopped reading." --Armchair Interviews

"I devoured this book and loved every single page. . . . This is a thick, juicy read, and one I would pick up again in a heartbeat." --christianreviewofbooks.com

If you would like to read an excerpt from
A Passion Redeemed, go HERE.
The book link is:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/080073212X

Monday, August 25, 2008

Author Lori Copeland

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
Twice Loved Avon Inspire (July 22, 2008)
by
Lori Copeland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren. They are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995 after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has more than 95 books published including
Now And Alwaysand Bluebonnet Belle.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Texas, 1865 Willow Madison and her friends, Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas communities until the Yankees rode into the area and burned them out. In the midst of fear and chaos, survivors banded together to fight for what remained of their homes. Then word reached the people that the terrible war was over.
Now penniless but still hopeful, Willow vows she will take care of her friends, Copper and Audrey, and her ailing uncle, in Thunder Ridge, Texas, even if it means having to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, a man thirty years her senior. But standing in her way is handsome sawmill owner Tucker Gray, with his enticing eyes and infuriating headstrong manner—the man Willow cannot get out of her head . . . or her heart. Even though her friends beg her not to give up her dream of happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those who are dearest to her. But which path does God want Willow to take: a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of
Twice Loved, go HERE
The book link is:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061364916

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Defining Success

Our pastor did a sermon today that touched on success. Ultimately, we will be remembered for what we did for our immediate family, spiritual family, and human family. This means it is not what we accomplished, but what we accomplished for others. That is incredibly powerful - and so very true.

As I've always said, true success is based on how many people were touched because you lived!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Interview with Author Austin Comacho!

I met Austin a few years ago at a large book festival and receive his newsletter every week. He is always on the go, too! (I thought I was a road warrior, but wow!) Austin was gracious enough to give me some quotes for my upcoming non-fiction book, "Overcoming Obstacles With Spunk! The Keys to leadership & Goal-Setting", and even had time to answer some questions.
Thank you, Austin!
I envy anyone who can write mystery/thriller! How did you come to select that genre for your main series?

I think most of us write what we love, and I love to read mysteries and thrillers. After reading a few hundred one day I was about a third of the way thru a book and suddenly realized I knew everything that was going to happen for the rest of the book. I said to myself, “I can do better than this!” Thus is arrogance born, and a mystery series too.

From where did Hannibal Jones spring?

Hannibal grew from an effort to recreate the hardboiled detectives of the 30s and 40s, then drag them into the 21st Century. The world has changed a lot with women’s liberation, cultural diversity and relative morality, but the basic iconic hero remains the same. I enjoy watching him deal with today’s world. Also a lot of my son’s personality slipped into Hannibal as they are both young men of mixed race. There are few fictional heroes who recognized both a white and African American heritages. It just gave me so many fun concepts to work with.

You are very successful with signings and promotions. Is there a secret? Is there something that gives you an advantage over other authors?

Um, the aforementioned arrogance? Seriously, the whole secret to success at book signings is to make the bookseller happy. Even if you don’t sell a lot of books, if you make the customers smile and feel part of something special, (“Borders is featuring my mystery novels today, and asked me to come in person so I can sign one for you”) book sellers invite you back. And I arm them with posters, brochures, and a script to read announcements.

Time is my biggest challenge. (I need a 40-hour day!) How do you accomplish so much online and in the physical world and STILL keep up with your writing without neglecting your family?

It’s all about being organized and having a plan. I sincerely don’t believe that I spend as much time away from my family as the guy who shoots 18 holes of golf every weekend and stops after work a couple times a week for a drink with friends. I believe we always have time for those things that are important to us.
Book signings ARE time away, but writers conferences are often mini-vacations for both of us. As for online work, you learn to repurpose content. I write my newsletter in 5 discreet sections. That’s 5 days of blog posts to 7 different blogs I maintain that are aimed at potential readers. My main blog, aimed at writers and those who want to know about us, gets more personal attention, but I do recruit very capable guest bloggers from time to time. ;-)

What types of writing courses do you teach? What seems to be the biggest challenge faced by writers?

I teach the basics of craft. One class is on creating great characters and another is on the use of setting. I also give classes on dialog and plot, mostly at writers’ conferences.

“Public Affairs Specialist”! Is it as exciting as it sounds? What can you tell us about your work in the media?

As a public affairs specialist for the Military Health System my job is two-fold. Most visibly, I respond to media queries. That means I answer their questions when I can, and set up interviews with subject matter experts when I can’t. The media also often have bad data that I need to correct. Recently I read an article that referred to the thousands of amputees returning from the current war that need treatment. I had to let that paper’s editor know that in fact there are fewer than a thousand Iraq/Afghanistan amputees, and that have me a chance to talk about the care they are getting.
But I also work to proactively put out information. That means I write press releases, draft articles for various publications, and run a Blog Talk Radio show with military medical guests.
Fun? You bet. Exciting? Not since the first Gulf War when I was in the field covering the troops.

You’ve obviously traveled a great deal. Is the Virginia/Maryland area what you consider ‘home’?

Despite being born in NY City, growing up in Upstate NY, and the many interesting places the Army sent me, Northern Virginia is now my home. I love being in a suburban atmosphere, but only a 20 ride to the heart of the nation’s capital.

Tell me about Princess the Wonder Cat!

Princess is a black and white Maine Coons with some definitely non-cat habits. She greets us at the door when we get home and wakes me in the morning for work. And if there’s a bottle cap or small enough ball handy, she fetches. She’s really a dog in a cat suit. One day I said something like, “Watch as Wonder Dog fetches this stick.” My lovely wife Denise corrected me that she is indeed a Wonder Cat and it stuck. I’m looking for the right plot right now to feature Princess in her own short story. Got any ideas?

What is next for Austin?

My agent has the 5th Hannibal Jones novel, and the first of a new series I can’t tell you about, and is pushing them hard. I’m cautiously optimistic that my readers will be able to see one of them in print next year. I’ll continue to place short stories in anthologies whenever I can, and I’ve got the third Stark & O’Brien story just about wrapped up so stay tuned!

Austin S. Camacho, author of the Hannibal Jones Mysteries - www.ascamacho.com

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Olympic Gold in Beach Volleyball

In case you missed it, our girls beach volleyball team of Kerri Walsh and Misty-May Treanor won the gold last night! The torential rain did not discourage them and they pulled off another victory. This is the first time any beach volleyball team has won back to back gold medals in this event and the first time a team has won every single game in the Olympics. (14 total) The girls have also not lost a game for about a year, too! Now that is what I call an incredible story! And Kerri Walsh is known as "Six Feet of Sunshine" - what a great nickname!

There's been many great stories this year. Dara Torres in her fifth Olympics at the age of 41 and winning two silvers. Our girls gymnastics team came away with many medals. And the gymnast from Germany who won a silver on vault - at the age of 33!

I no longer feel so old...

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Author Matt Bronleewe

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
House Of Wolves Thomas Nelson (August 12, 2008)
by
Matt Bronleewe

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally. To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. His first book
Illuminated began the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.
Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
A mysterious book with a dangerous secret.
An evil brotherhood out to conquer the world.
One man stands between them . . . with his family in the balance.
In the twelfth century, Henry the Lion collected the rarest relics in Christendom. And to protect his most precious acquisitions, he encoded the whereabouts in a gorgeous illuminated manuscript called The Gospels of Henry the Lion.
The manuscript has been showing up and disappearing ever since. No one knows where the relic has been hidden . . . or its ultimate power.
Only one man holds the key to the mystery.
He's carrying it in his briefcase at his son's school for show-and-tell, and he thinks it's a fake. But he's about to find out just how real it is.
Because the wolves are rapidly closing in. And if August Adams can't decode the secret in time, the world's balance of power will forever be altered.
If you would like to read anexcerpt of
House Of Wolves, it will be HERE
The book link is:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595542507

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Target Audience

More and more I appreciate the wisdom of selecting a target audience. Knowing not only who - what age, gender, income bracket, etc. - but where they shop, what they like, where they frequent - especially online. And how to reach these people!
This is definitely one of the key topics in my online promotion seminar - which I am teaching for the very first time this Thursday!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Guest Spot on Austin Camacho's Site & Upcoming Interviews

I was honored with a guest spot on Austin Camacho's site - http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html#1562190259869820450
I met Austin a few years back at the Virginia Festival of the Books. He has also agreed to do an interview for me and I should have that up next week.
Watch for an interview with French author, Anne Jutras as well! It will be fascinating to see the similarities and differences between being an author here in the USA and being an author in France. (Fortunately, Anne is very good with English!)
Next month I will also have interviews with authors p.m. terrell (who has a new book coming out!) and Bob Johnson, who was a chaplain at Ground Zero during 911.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Advertising

** And I also have an short piece on Austin Camacho's site - http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html#1562190259869820450


Isn't it wonderful that the rules of advertising have changed?

Online there are no commercials - and pop-ups can easily be blocked.

Printed ads are small - banners and click-throughs.

And best of all, we as authors do not have to participate in either of those two types of ads. Our website is our best advertisement. If we want to do a 'commercial', we can put a video on our site or YouTube for free. Click-troughs are better that ads in magazines, but through affiliate marketing, we can have click throughs that only cost when some makes a purchase. We also control the power of our listing through SEO and actively participating in or commenting on other sites, blogs, & communities.

All in all, I think we've got a pretty good deal now!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Life is Precious

It has been a difficult week. There's been several funerals, including one for a dear friend, and last night I received word that my stepbrother had passed. He was just diagnosed with terminal cancer last week and went very fast.

Craig and I are also completing a Dynamic Marriage course, which has brought us even closer, and our associate pastor just preached on it's not enough just to believe or have salvation, but we must love others.

All of this combined has made me realize that we take life for granted sometimes. We take people for granted. And loving others is really the most precious gift we can offer. We don't know how long we have here, but we can love and appreciate each other while we are alive.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Outlines

I'm amazed how many authors/writers do NOT outline their work.

I think it's VITAL!! How can one aim at an unknown target (in the form of the end of the story)? I'd meander off on tangents constantly if I did not outline my fiction work. I not only outline, I use a timeline to keep all of the actions consistent from one story to the next and have detailed character sheets as well. Guess with five overlapping books, it was a necessity! And I certainly could not be writing my non-fiction book without an outline!

Actually, I love that outline! I did not have to begin at the beginning - I wrote the second section first! It's like building blocks - just keep doing them one piece at a time and stack them together.

Anyone else feel outlines are important?

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Author Tracey Bateman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore FaithWords (August 14, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2)
She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years. She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.
Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.
She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.
"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline
If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Death Puts it all in Perspective

There is one certainty about death - it tends to put life in perspective.

All the little things that bother us; all of the pressing matters; all of the annoying people; all of the endless deadlines; all of the to-do lists; all the worries that will never come to pass...

They really hold no meaning when you consider how precious is life.

Today was a tough day. A church friend's father died, we found out another dear friend just died and will be attending a funeral tomorrow, and my stepbrother has terminal cancer with not long to live.

God has a reason and we shall continue to pray.

And thank Him for what really matters in life.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Saturday, August 09, 2008

My Friend, Stephany

One of my biggest fans is a young lady by the name of Stephany.

I happened to wander into her parent's place of business several years ago. In talking, I mentioned I was an author and they purchased a copy of LORI for Stephany. Not long after that, I had the pleasure of meeting this young lady in person. She was so excited about the series and has eagerly awaited each new installment. Stephany even test read one of the books for me and I named a character in MIKE after her!

I got a chance to see her again this weekend. As always, she was a delight! Not only is Stephany a fireball and so full of encouragement, but she is the sharpest, most mature young woman I know. Whatever she decides to do with her life, I know she will be incredibly successful!

Thanks for your support, Stephany! You keep me going!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

When exploring your options as a writer...

Look beyond The Writer's Market. Look beyond the agent directory books. Explore The Literary Market Place in depth - it's a two-volume set, available in the reference area of most libraries and at a few book stores. Read Publishers Weekly - again, available in most libraries or subscribe to the magazine. Get several books on publishing so you understand all of your options, including Dan Poynter's The Self-publishing Manual. And do your research online! Check out Preditors & Editors before pursuing any publisher, editor or agent – http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/peall.htm

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Author David Bunn

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
All Through The Night (Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by
Davis Bunn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in fifteen languages. His audiences spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings.
Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include
My Soul To Keep, and Full Circle . A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was named Novelist in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
A loner, trying to forget. A community--and a woman--who need for him to remember...
Broken relationships and unfulfilled promises scatter themselves across Wayne's past like burned-out craters. His background in military special-ops is something he's trying to forget. But when he gets himself sweet-talked into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed, he discovers it will take a lot more than muscle and nerve. Breach a conman's high-security estate to recover stolen money? No problem. Become part of community? Love again? Not on your life.
A lawyer with her own painful past is intrigued by Wayne and asks him to take on another unusual case--Tatanya's wealthy employer believes he's been visited by...an angel? Did a messenger from God in a pinstripe suit truly bring a divine warning, or is this merely another cruel hoax? Tatanya is willing to trust Wayne with her boss's life, but she's not sure she's ready to trust him with her own wounded heart.
With a financial analyst's skills and a warrior's tenacity, Wayne races to unmask dangerous forces hiding behind a corporate veil. But he will need all his resources--and then some--against an unseen enemy bent on destroying his fragile bid for a second chance at life...and love.
All he wanted was to put his past behind him. But now it's the only thing that will save them...

If you would like to read the first chapter of
All Through The Night, go HERE
The book link is:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764205420

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Delightful Phone Call!

One of my dear author friends is Jocelyn Anderson. She and I have corresponded back and forth for over a year now, sharing stories, doing web features for one another... We had even hoped to meet last fall when I was on my Fall Southern Tour, but her duties as a speaker/author prevented that from happening.

However, we got to converse on the phone for the first time yesterday morning! Jocelyn's book "Woman Submit!" is about domestic violence, but you would never know the trauma & struggles of her life if you met or spoke with her. She is so full of spirit and life! I delighted in hearing her energy as it oozed through the phone line...

My author & speaker friend, Darlene Wofford, is the same way. Amazing that despite horrible occurrences in their lives, they were able to overcome and now give so freely of their spirit.

Thanks for the morning spunk, Jocelyn!

Jocelyn's book can be found here at Hungry Heart Ministries -
http://hungryheartsministries.com/id16.html

Monday, August 04, 2008

Making Good Impressions

I was pleased with how the chapter on making good impressions came together and wanted to post a snippet here!
"Overcoming Obstacles With Spunk! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting" will be available next spring.

"So how does one go about making a good impression? If a first impression is critical and poor one difficult to overcome, how do we ensure a pleasant recollection in the minds of those we encounter? Let me outline a few simple rules you should follow:

· Offer a smile. Nothing conveys acceptance of friendliness quite like a genuine smile. It also reduces or eliminates your fear. You cannot smile and feel scared or worried at the same time!
· Maintain eye contact. This conveys respect for the person and belies a good self-image on your part.
· Use their name and often. You will convey courtesy and respect, not to mention remember their name by repeating it several times during the course of conversation.
· Focus on them. As we discussed earlier, do not dominate the conversation, but rather allow them to become the center of attention.

As with all people skills, there are no gimmicks, but there is a secret when it comes to impressions. One surefire way to make a good impression on someone is to let them know they are making one on you! If you follow the basic rules during the encounter, they will regard your behavior as a vote of confidence. They will conclude that you view them as important, valuable, and respectable. In their minds, they think, “Hey, he believes I’m really somebody!” Your consideration will in turn impress that person in a most meaningful manner."

Sunday, August 03, 2008

A Little Inspiration

I am now thoroughly enjoying working on my non-fiction - and feeling more inspired by the minute! What began as difficult is now growing easier. I think I have found my groove!
"Remember, if you believe in yourself and act as if you believe in yourself, others will believe in you."
- Les Giblin "How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing With People"