Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my friends & fans!

May you achieve all of your goals & dreams in 2008.

Watch for a change here, as the focus of this blog is about to shift to writing, publishing and author tips.

With a continued dose of optimism, of course!

How To Promote Your Book Now!

And happiness is having my new seminar outlines & notes all prepared ahead of schedule!

For those getting ready to promote a book, I give you this expanded list:

Recommended Web Sites:
https://www.writersdigest.com/pcd.asp - has list of 100 best sites
http://www.parapublishing.com/sites/para/ - self publishing & promoting resource
http://www.literarymarketplace.com - book publishing industry resource
http://www.publicityhound.com/ - publicity resource
http://www.sellingbooks.com - book publishing, marketing & writing resources
http://www.inktreemarketing.com/ - self publishing & book marketing
http://www.bookmarket.com - John Kremer’s site
http://www.aeonix.com/ - independent publisher resource
http://www.mysterypromotion.com - book promoting
http://www.bookcatcher.com/ - book publicity & book publishing
http://writingshow.com/ - writing & promoting tips
http://www.sellingbooks.com - promoting resource
http://www.anniejenningspr.com/publicitypro.htm - expert publicity resource
http://www.rtir.com/index.html - Radio & TV Interview Report
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/SiteMap/northamerica.htm - lists all newspapers
http://www.ontheradio.net - lists all radio stations
http://www.mediapost.com - media listings
http://www.oxbridge.com - Standard Periodicals Directory, magazine listings
http://www.contactanycelebrity.com - for celebrity addresses
http://www.prweb.com - press release service
http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com - virtual tour
http://www.blogads.com/index_html - blog ads
http://www.booktour.com - author/tour listings
http://www.authorsden.com/ - free author websites
http://www.myspace.com - My Space, free website
http://www.bookweb.org/index.html - American Booksellers Association
http://www.quality-books.com - library distributor & PCIP
http://www.pma-online.org - Independent Book Publishers Association
http://www.bookwire.com/bookwire/bookwire.html - Publisher’s Weekly
http://www.ala.org/ - American Library Association
http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/bookfair.html - lists major book festivals
http://www.bookexpoamerica.com - largest US book festival

Self-Publishing Websites

For those looking into the possibility of self-publishing, here is a short list of website resources you will need:

www.writersdigest.com
www.parapublishing.com
www.pma-online.org
www.copyright.gov
www.bowker.com
www.isbn.org

Happiness Is ...

Happiness is ...

Being just three chapters from completing your novel!

Author Websites

I have always jokingly said I had almost a dozen sites on the Internet!

In addition to the sites below, I belong to numerous community groups and have detailed author listings & interviews on sites such as Teens Read Too and Fresh Fiction.

http://www.thecircleoffriends.net/
My Main Site

http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/
My Blog

http://www.booktour.com/author/l_diane_wolfe
Book Tour

http://www.spunkonastick.deviantart.com/
Deviant Art

http://thewritersmeow.deviantart.com/
The Writer’s Meow on DA

http://www.myspace.com/spunkonastick
My Space

http://www.authorsden.com/ldianewolfe
Author’s Den

http://www.shelfari.com/
Shelfari

http://bookmarket.ning.com/profile/SpunkOnAStick

Book Marketing

http://morganmandelbooks.ning.com/
Book Place

http://www.guestfinder.com/guest.asp?guest=10282
Guestfinder

http://www.webcom.com/poughton/
Author-Illustrator Resource

http://home.earthlink.net/~wolferock/

Earthlink site

Okay, I have just boggled my own mind!!

Merry Christmas & God Bless!

Merry Christmas everyone! I'll not hide the fact that I celebrate the day as the birth of Christ, my Lord and Savior! Craig and I always treasure the day together, just us and the kitties. I pray everyone's day is equally blessed with love & family!

Christmas Traditions

Everyone has their traditions around the holidays.

We always have a spread of snacks on Christmas Eve, followed by the opening of one gift, and then snuggling on the couch to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol. (This year that will be followed by Monday night football!)

Saturday morning will be the opening of the gifts and watching the cats tear through the wrapping paper and boxes. Christmas dinner is usually around 1pm and is a much smaller spread than Thanksgiving.

It's just the two of us and the cats, but don't feel sorry for us!

It's our favorite type of Christmas!

Kicking Off The Christmas Season!

We saw Trans Siberian Orchestra again in concert in Raleigh, NC. Fan Club perks got us eleventh row floor seats and we were allowed to bring cameras! I took pictures with my little Nikon CoolPix until the battery died and ended up with almost a hundred good shots.

TSO is just the most amazing experience - one cannot describe it! I've only been through a couple things in my life that were beyond words, and their concert is one of those moments. And I have seen A LOT of concerts, but nothing compares to TSO! It is moving, breathtaking, and almost life-changing.

Christmas has now offically begun!

Christ in Christmas

The news media can be very liberal, but I love this commentary on CNN.com by Roland S. Martin:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/20/roland.martin/index.html

Amen!

Author Tracey Bateman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
Distant Heart (Avon Inspire January 2, 2008)
by Tracey Bateman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman is the award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, including Defiant Heart, the First in the Westeard Hearts series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and recently served on the board as President. She loves in Lebanon, Montana, with her husband and their four children.

ABOUT THE BOOK
In the second book in the Westward Hearts trilogy, will the promise of a new life out west heal the scars of Toni's past?This series tells the stories of three strong women as they struggle to survive on the rough wagon train and lose their hearts to unlikely heroes along the way/ Thin Little House on the Prairie meets Francine river's Redeeming Love and you begin to get a sense of the riveting historical series that Tracey Bateman has created.In this second installment, we follow Toni Rodden, a former prostitute who sought to escape her past and build a new life, and a new reputation, when she joined the wagon train. Despite much resentment and distrust from the other women, Toni has finally earned a place on the wagon train and found a surrogate family in Fannie Caldwell and her two siblings. For the first time in her life, Toni actually feels free.But while Toni once harbored dreams that her new life might include a husband and family, she soon realizes the stigma that comes with her past is difficult to see beyond and that she'll never be truly loved or seen as worthy. As the trip out west begins to teach her to survive on her own, she resolves to make her own living as a seamstress when the train finally reaches Oregon.But despite Toni's conviction that no man will be able to see beyond her marred past, Sam Two-feathers, the wagon scout and acting preacher for the train seems to know of a love that forgives sins and values much more than outward appearances. Will Sam have the confidence to declare his love? Will Toni be able to trust in a God that can forgive even the darkest past? Faith, love, and courage will be put to the test in Distant Heart.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061246344

Trans Siberian Orchestra

We will be seeing them in concert VERY soon! We're sitting on the floor, eleventh row - gonna get snowed upon!

In the meantime, I found them on YouTube. A guy in Ohio decorated his house and set the light to go with their song, "Wizards in Winter" - it's absolutely incredible!

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMhCDvzr3nY

And this was LONG before Miller decided to make it a commercial!

Famous

Last night at our photo club Christmas party, one of the members told me that a woman in her mom's group had recommended my books. Ashley laughed and said that she knew me. The other woman didn't believe her! Ashley told me that was the definition of famous - when people don't believe you know a celebrity, that means they are famous.

I don't know about famous, but I did think it was pretty darn funny!

Writer Quote

From Dan Poynter's book, "Self-Publishing Manual":

"Recognition is evrything you write for: it's much more than money. You want your books to be valued. It's the basic aspiration of a serious writer."
- William Kennedy

Author Karen Ball

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
What Lies Within Multnomah Fiction (November 20, 2007)
by Karen Ball

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Ball , bestselling novelist, is also the editor behind several of today's bestselling Christian novels. Her love for words was passed down through her father and grandfather - both pastors who shared God's truth through sermons and storytelling. Blending humor, poignancy, and honesty, Karen's writing style is a powerful force for revealing God's truth. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their "kids," Bodhan, a mischief-making Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-terrier mix who should have been named "Destructo."

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nothing’s going to stop Kyla…
until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.
Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.
Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.
Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

The book link is:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1590524152

Book CLub Link

For those looking for a book club, either reader or author, this site has listings for all fifty states, plus a list of all independent book stores:

http://www.readerscircle.org/index.html

Publishing & Promoting

I have numerous Publishing, Promoting and Overcoming Obstacles seminars scheduled for next year!

Go to my Current Events page to see when I am coming to a city near you : http://www.thecircleoffriends.net/id6.html

The Circle is Complete...

My last and final stop for 2007 was yesterday at my favorite Waldenbooks. It was a repeat visit, and I'd not planned to do any appearances after Thanksgiving, but they'd begged me to return.

I have to admit I am a little beat. The tour for JAMES was exhausting, too. Fortunately HEATHER will not be out until 2009, which gives me a chance to recover next year. I'll still make appearances, of course. I've numerous seminars and book festivals, plus I'll do some signings in the spring. But it won't be at this fall's break-neck speed.

I have no regrets though - this has been an incredible year, full of new opportunities and a slew of new friends. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world!

Important Book by Jocelyn Andersen

An author and friend of mine currently has a book out that many women need to read!

Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence
Is packed with information which not only empowers battered / abused Christian women to navigate the minefield of abuse and domestic violence, but it also empowers churches, Christian Ministries and individuals to offer compassionate, effective and biblical support to the battered or abused women within their congregations and spheres of influence.

Her website is: http://jocelynandersen.com/

Merry Christmas!

Season’s Greetings! Thank you again for your support. This year yielded incredible results, both for myself as an author and for my series, The Circle of Friends. Book IV of the series, MIKE, was released last spring and enjoyed a successful promotional launch. This resulted in numerous interviews and another flurry of book signings, of which I have done close to 250 now in my career, and some great reviews for the fourth book.

Internet presence increased tremendously for my books. In addition to my main website and blog, there are now dozens of sub-sites and numerous book clubs featuring my series. I co-manage an online writer’s group and contribute articles for several other sites. My series now has readers in over a dozen new countries, including South Africa and New Zealand. Two virtual tours have also increased online awareness and garnered many new fans.

My previous experience as a speaker began to pay off this year as I began conducting seminars at North Carolina colleges. I cover publishing and all of the options open to writers today; promoting and marketing; and overcoming obstacles, a very interactive and creative seminar. My appearances now include middle and high schools, where I teach the students how to design and build a believable character. The greatest honor came when I was asked to be a featured speaker at the Book 'Em Festival in Virginia, alongside authors Catherine Coulter and Ellen Hopkins, and participating in a panel discussion on best sellers and a solo talk on book tours.

Next year promises many things as well. While HEATHER: Book V will not be released until 2009, (as it is now under the guidance of a publishing house), I will continue to tour and promote my series. My seminars are scheduled well into May and will continue through the fall. I also intend to complete my first science-fiction novel, a non-fiction book on publishing & promoting, and begin a historical romance. There will also be revisions to the first four books of the series, including new graphics for Books I and II.

None of this would be possible without the support of fans, book industry people and those in the media. Thank you for your enthusiasm and belief! Salacious material may sell, but I refuse to compromise and will continue to push uplifting and positive books for young adults and adults. Making a difference is what truly matters in life!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Author Virginia Smith

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
Bluegrass Peril (Steeple Hill December 4, 2007)
by Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker in the summer of 2005. Since then she has contracted eight novels and numerous articles and short stories.She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including her debut, Just As I Am (Kregel Publications, March 2006) and her new release, Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007). Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines.An energetic speaker, Virginia loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”

ABOUT THE BOOK:
WHO KILLED HER BOSS?

Local police had tagged single mom Becky Dennison as their prime suspect. But she'd only been in the wrong place at the wrong time...admittedly, with her boss's lifeless body. Sure it looked bad, but Becky had no motive for killing...even if she had opportunity.When the director of the retirement farm for thoroughbred champions is murdered, Becky Dennison teams up with the handsome manager of a neighboring horse farm, Scott Lewis, to find her boss's killer. Soon the amateur detective are hot on the trail of the murderer...even as their feelings for each other deepen.The amateur sleuths uncover a trail of clues that lead them into the intricate society of Kentucky's elite thoroughbred breeding industry. They soon find themselves surrounded by the mint julep set - jealous southern belles and intensely competitive horse breeders - in a high-stakes game of danger, money, and that famous southern pride.And for Becky and Scott, this race on the Kentucky tracks has the greatest stakes of all: life or death!

Romantic Times awarded Bluegrass Peril* * * * FOUR STARS! * * * *

Book 'Em 2008 - Charleston!

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina will be hosting their 1st Annual Book 'Em Event on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Book' Em will take place at Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Book 'Em originated in Waynesboro, VA in 2004. They will be holding their 5th Annual Book 'Em on Saturday, October 18, 2008.You can visit their Book 'Em pages by visiting www.bookemfoundation.org.

This ground-breaking Book Fair highlighting the connection between illiteracy and high crime rates features dozens of authors who will be signing their books and giving talks on writing, the publishing industry, and other topics of interest throughout the day.

Seeds Of Greatness

From Denis Waitley's book, "Seeds Of Greatness":

"The First Best-Kept Secret of Total Success is that we must feel love inside ourselves before we can give it to others."

"The Fifth Best-Kept Secret of Total Success is that the reason so many individuals fail to achieve their goals in life is that they never really set them in the first place."

Book Production Services

These come from several publisher's email groups I belong to and offer a variety of services. If you're publishing a book, please check them out:

If you need proofreading, any type of editing, ghostwriting or other help with a book, please take a look at my writing services and editing services page at A Writer's Edge. The Writing Help page also contains some free articles authors might find useful.
Georganna Hancock
10725 Escobar Drive, San Diego CA 92124
858-571-5390
http://www.writers-edge.info/http://www.hancockwebsites.com/

Do you earn as much as you would like from your book? Chances are, your income from book sales is not enough to support you.
My Cash Content Formula course will be officially released next week, but you can get a free preview at http://www.IdeaLady.com/pe.htmWhen you sign up for my free newsletter you will get an ebook and one hour audio about creative ways you can profit from your content. You will also be among the first to be able to purchase the new Cash Content Formula course, and you will have access to special bonuses offered only to my newsletter subscribers.
Cathy Stucker
Author of "The Mystery Shopper's Manual"http://www.MysteryShoppersManual.com/

One of my several hats is providing Cataloging-in-Publication blocks forindependent and self publishers. I have over 10 years of experience inlibraries and with cataloging, and when I started learning about selfpublishing I soon discovered there was a need for CIP data done quickly,at a reasonable price, and with the customer's needs in mind. Please think of me for your CIP block needs!
Adrienne Bashista
CIP Blocks for Independent Publishers
http://www.cipblock.com/

If you ever need a professional and fast turn around on a book project, we provide editing, interior design and layout, and cover design services. With almost eight years in book retailing and eight successful years in publishing, we know what works. Having written over 1,000 book reviews since June of 2002, we know where the trends are headed.
Bob Spear CEO Sharp Spear Enterprises
www.sharpspear.comhttp://www.sharpspear.com
sharpspear@kc.rr.com
410 Delaware, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Store (913) 682-6518
We know how to do all stages of book writing, production, and selling.