Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Bubba and Squirt, Reviewers Needed, and a Furry Star

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s question: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?

In my first book, I had my morally grounded main character going further than she should’ve. My husband asked if I would let my pastor read it and I said probably not. So, I adjusted that scene and its ripple effect.

In my upcoming release, In Darkness: The Alien, part of the story line revolves around the main character being forced to marry against her will. My husband, the ever patient beta reader, was really angered by that and I wondered if I needed to change it. Fortunately, by the time he finished, he said no, it had a happy ending anyway and was an effective ploy to get the reader really involved in the story and caring about the character. So, that one stayed.

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The Bubba and Squirt series by Sherry Ellis continues!

Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Creepy Underground Catacombs!

Release date – January 16, 2023
Print ISBN 9781939844989 / eBook ISBN 9781939844996

Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena

A Greek Goddess and a Mythical Monster!

Release date – May 7, 2024
$8.95 6x9 trade paperback, 114 pages
Print ISBN 9798988625100 / eBook ISBN 9798988625117

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I am also seeking sci-fi romance reviewers for In Darkness: The Alien.

Tons of sci-fi reviewers out there. Most of them dudes. And even though this has a twist of paranormal to it, paranormal romance reviewers aren’t interested.

So if you review sci-fi/paranormal romance and would be interested in reading this 22,000 word novella (which comes out next February) please let me know.

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And just an overdose of cuteness (and possible hangover) today:

Any conflicted scenes in your stories?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Garden Update

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s question: 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

I’ll let you in on a little secret—I came up with that question. Because yes, my stories all come from dreams. I used to always write down my dreams and they’ve inspired many of the books I’ve written.

I dreamed of a beautiful, blonde high school girl who was a swimmer – and that inspired the five book series, The Circle of Friends.

I dreamed of a terrible creature in a tall castle fighting people – and that became The Vampire.

I dreamed of being in a strange place and meeting this mother and son, from which a chase through a vineyard ensued – and that became The Alien.

I have dozens upon dozens of stories written or outlined and they all came from my vivid dreams. Most won’t make it to full story form, as turning a crazy dream into something believable (or sellable) doesn’t often work. But for those ideas that do, I will write them.

Where do most of your story ideas come from?

And on the garden front, green beans are winding down, blackberries still going strong, and I recently harvested my first potatoes ever! (Those are from just two plants.)

I’ve also been drying quite a few herbs – cilantro, oregano, catnip. And it looks like despite the fact I didn’t plant any tomatoes, I’m going to get a bunch thanks to my composter. I’ll take it!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Cooking & Gardening, and In Darkness: The Alien

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s question: If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

I’m getting into cooking, trying new things, which is fun since I have a garden. So that would be another creative outlet. Probably wouldn’t ever tackle cake decorating or anything. But some fancy dishes, more Thai and Chinese, more breads, and lots of pizza.

I love to sheet pan cook and have the most amazing sheet pan cookbook. These are some of my creations:

I’d do even more gardening, too! Here is one of my raised garden boxes:

Cover art for In Darkness: The Alien!

Release date – Feb. 6, 2024
Romance-Science Fiction / Science Fiction-Alien Contact / Romance-Paranormal
eBook ISBN 9781939844972
Amazon

The Alien is the fourth and final book in the series. It still has a paranormal element despite the sci-fi setting. It’s also loosely based on a story I wrote in my 20’s called The Frozen Soul. So, it was exciting to rewrite and reinvent the story for this series. And I'm just thrilled with the cover!

Two of the In Darkness books are already available:
The Vampire - Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads
The Shark - Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads

And the third comes out Sept. 5:
The Werewolf - Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads


What would you do if you weren’t writing?

I'm also setting up dates this fall for The Werewolf tour. I just had a review/interesting thing about werewolves post at Archaeolibrarian last week if you'd like to check it out. But I am open to guest posts, interviews, top tens, whatever! Just let me know.

Release Day – In Darkness: The Shark

I am very excited for the second book of my In Darkness series. I love great white sharks. And this one talks!

 

In Darkness: The Shark
By L. Diane Wolfe
Romance/Paranormal - Fantasy/Paranormal - Fantasy/Romance
eBook ISBN 9781939844910, $3.99

Souls shrouded in darkness…

Focused on her studies and duties at the aquarium, Jewels prefers her solitary life. Burned many times and short on trust, she has more in common with her aquatic friends than the people around her. But she never imagined coming face to face with a shark named Clarence…a shark who talks!

As their friendship grows, Jewels must overcome her deep set mistrust. There are dangers, both in the Australian ocean and on dry land. Can Jewels depend on the great white or will his animal nature betray her?

Links: Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads

“I am so shocked because I loved this book so much and it was a book that was so unlike anything I have ever read.” – A Ravenclaw Library

“I wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't a warm, sweet story of trust and friendship. I greatly enjoyed this short work and fell in love with Clarence.” – Nat Kennedy, author

“True love and trust can break most spells!” – Beth, Archaeolibrarian

I’m also doing a blog tour. Today I am visiting Tyrean Martinson

Tour dates:
May 8 Alex J. Cavanaugh
May 9 Tyrean Martinson
May 9 I Smell Sheep
May 10 Denise Covey
May 12 Elizabeth Seckman
May 15 Jemi Fraser



Have you ever read a love story with a shark?