Diane, it’s wonderful to have you as a guest. Please give us a brief bio.
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” I am a member of the National Speakers Association. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties all of my goal-setting and leadership seminars information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. My YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents. Ten years associating with a motivation training system and experience as a foster parent gave me the in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principles. I travel extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintain a dozen websites & blogs, manage an online writer’s group, and contribute to several other sites and newsletters.When did the writing bug bite, and in what genre(s)?
It bit me when I was thirteen! I wrote like a maniac after that. I loved reading fantasy and science fiction, so those were my predominant genres.
Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?
Yes! Catch the spirit of hope and believe in yourself. Any challenge can be overcome, regardless of the circumstances.
Briefly tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is The Circle of Friends, Book V…Heather
“When confidence turns to frustration…
A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings at Clemson. Sadly, her father lies dying of cancer, her sister appears incapable of achievement, and a cocky player challenges her patience. Life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her feisty attitude. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…”
Described as “encouragement personified”, this five-book, Southern-based YA series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles.
How do you develop characters?
Characters always come first for me. I use a character sheet and outline the basics - background, personality, strengths, weaknesses, activities, appearance, and goals. I’ve studied human behavior and it’s amazing how much events of the past affect a person’s personality and behavior. Once I’ve factored in all of these attributes, I can drop a character into any situation and know how he or she will respond.
How do you promote yourself online and off?
You mean, what DON’T I do? LOL
Online I maintain two websites, a blog, and a writer’s club. I’m involved in several social networks and have a group fan page on Facebook. I post articles online, contribute to several newsletters, participate in online conferences, do online radio, and go on virtual tours.
In the real world, I do many speaking engagements, teach seminars, book signings, media interviews, attend book festivals, and promote myself with cards, brochures, postcards, and bookmarks. My website is even on the back of my vehicle! (So if you see a red Tribute, look for The Circle of Friends on the back.)
What are your current projects?
I’m still promoting the last in my YA series, but this summer I will conduct research for a teen version of Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! (Young people are in desperate need of hope in this country.) I also have plans for an urban fantasy novel.
Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
www.thecircleoffriends.net - YA series website
www.spunkonastick.net - speaker site
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - blog
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn7tSWQqdYc - book trailer
Circle of Friends Book V: Heather
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0 / 0-9816210-5-8
Winner of the TOP CHOICE Award - a perfect 10
“I couldn't sleep not knowing what was going to happen next… definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. It was brilliant. Props to L. Diane Wolfe!”- FlamingNet Reviews
“Heather deals with real life and real situations - 5 Stars”- Teens Read Too
“Wolfe has created amazing characters with believable attributes and flaws; making Book V…a true gem.”
- Donna M. McDine, Write What Inspires You Book Reviews
“Even after reading the novel, I am haunted by these characters… This is the power of Wolfe’s writing.”
- The Book Peddler
“She puts so much emotion into her stories…”- There’s Always Something to Read Reviews
“Five Flames - Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf For Rereading!”
- My Overstuffed Bookshelf
“… quite a refreshing read.”- Peace, Love & Pat Reviews
“I did not want to put down… You will truly be drawn into the story and will find yourself eager to see what happens next.”- Dad of Divas Reviews
“Thought-provoking, heart-warming, humorous and spirited.”- Red Headed Book Child Reviews
“A nice completion to the series - 4 Stars.”- Debbie’s World of Books
Diane, thanks for the interview from one North Carolina gal to another.
6 comments:
Hi! Are you posting early? I thought this was for the 26th. I'll take it today, though!
I have another writer scheduled for the 26th. This is the date I had for you. Enjoy!
wow, what an interview! Great stuff both of you. Love learning more about Diane. LOVE HER!
Thanks, Terry. Please help spread the word that Diane is here. Somehow I got my wires crossed, but Diane is a doll and we both appreciate your comments.
Hey, glad I found this interview! She does a ton of promotion. I'm in awe.
Thanks again, Susan!
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