Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Yosemite Romance Writers February Meeting

Hello,

Just an FYI to all of my Fresno/Clovis and California friends and writers.
Scott Eagan of Greyhaus Literary Agency will be our February 12th speaker. Please visit Yosemite Romance Writers for details and to RSVP for the meeting. Scott is coming in from Washington to speak, and listen to pitches. So get those manuscripts ready,,,

http://www.greyhausagency.com/

www.yosemiteromancewriters.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Joan Swan

Hello friends,

Author Joan Swan www.joanswan.com has agreed to be the speaker at "Yosemite Romance Writers" September 2011 Meeting.
If you are local to Fresno, feel free to join in. Check out our web-site at www.yosemiteromancewriters.com

Also, make sure to check out my current books at www.dianesstorys.com or www.whiskeycreekpress.com Books make awesome Christmas gifts that last a lifetime.

Happy holidays,

Diane

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Happy Saturday

Happy "Foggy" Saturday friends. Hope all is well, and you're enjoying the day.

Saturday -- Saturn's day



Middle English saterday


Old English sæter(nes)dæg "Saturn's day"


Latin dies Saturni "day of Saturn"


Ancient Greek hemera Khronu "day of Cronus"

Saturn is the Roman and Italic god of agriculture and the consort of Ops. He is believed to have ruled the earth during an age of happiness and virtue.
Cronus (Kronos, Cronos) is the Greek god (Titan) who ruled the universe until dethroned by his son Zeus.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Descriptive Writing

Trying to find new ways to describe your books hero or heroin?
I read an article recently about descriptive writing that I found useful.

Definition of Descriptive Writing:

A rhetorical strategy using sensory details to portray a person, place, or thing. One of the progymnasmata and one of the traditional modes of discourse.

Doesn't seem so hard, does it? But for some reason some of us find our wrists frozen in ice when we actually try it.

So here's a suggestion. Make a list of several items, such as 'left over food in your fridge' or 'a restroom in a train station'. Then sit down and write a two or three paragraph description. Practice doing this over and over, and when you feel up to it, start describing your hero's.

It works, and it's a great exercise.

Have a great night!

Diane

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Writers Block!!!!!!!

So, can planning a trip for a week in Anaheim CA at Disneyland cause writers block? You-bet-cha!!!
So I looked up Writers-block and found this description,,,,, what do you think? Agree? or Disagree?


"Writer's block is a condition, associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. The condition varies widely in intensity. It can be trivial, a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task at hand. At the other extreme, some "blocked" writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned their careers. It can manifest as the affected writer viewing their work as inferior or unsuitable, when in fact it could be the opposite."


I don't think my career as a writer will be compromised. I just need a few rounds on California Adventures Tower of Terror, and the Matterhorn,,, that should clear the mind!!!!!

Di

Monday, November 15, 2010

Group Speakers

Hi,
Yesterday I spoke to Chris Terrence about being a speaker at my local writers group. Being the great person he is, he agreed. So he will be with us on April 9, 2011.
Check him out: Chris Terrence He is a multi-published author.
Have a nice night,
Diane

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Yosemite Romance Writers VP

Hello,
Today I was elected V.P. of my local RWA chapter (Yosemite Romance Writers)YRW
It was wonderful to have my co-members elect me, and to know that they have trust in me to do the job.
I know the position will keep me busy with the group, and I look forward to the challenges throughout 2011.
Sheri Humphreys was elected president, and to her I give my congratulations, as well as all of our other new elected. I look forward to working with all of them.

We also did story book mapping for our current W.I.P's. and I have to say that it was quite fun. It was a little fast paced which made it a challenge. But what a blast!

Sheri recently made a trip to Aswan Egypt ( I am very jealous :-/ ) and she brought me two books that will be helpful with my manuscript "A Pharaoh's Kiss" THANK YOU Sheri!

Have a great night!

Diane

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Harlequine Freebie Fridays

Hi,
Just letting all of you 'Harlequine' fans know that I have a link on my web-site for the Freebie Friday specials.

This Friday's Deal

Buy 2 or more books and get our weekly featured book absolutely FREE!

Click this link Author Diane Story, to go to my site, then scroll to the bottom and look for this this photo...

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Numbers

Did you know that this year on the date 10-10-10 couples raced to the alter to get married because they thought the numbers would bring them good luck! I guess they looked at the day the same would when choosing their lottery numbers. When will couples learn that marriage should not be embarked upon based upon a number or a sign of luck and that love and intuition should be the driving force that brings two people together?


So I did some research and looked at the number 11-11-11, and wondered what will happen next year. Besides the obvious that those couples who decided to marry because of a number 10-10-10 could be having babies that might be born on 11-11-11. Did you also know that 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321 (how odd is that!) And that in the metaphysical world, 11 is a double digit and is considered a master or power number. In numerology the number 11 represents impractical idealism, visionary, refinement of ideals, intuition, revelation, artistic and inventive genius, avant-garde, androgynous, film, fame, refinement fulfilled when working with a practical partner. Eleven is a higher octave of the number two . It has psychic vibrations and has an equal balance of masculine and feminine properties. Because eleven contains gifts such as psychic awareness and a sense of sensitivity, it also has negative effects such as treachery and betrayal from secret enemies.
So, I wonder, what will 11-11-11 bring us next year.

Just my though for the day......
Have a good one!

Diane

Monday, October 18, 2010

Author's 'Julia Rachel Barrett' and 'Sharon Lathan'

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Julia Barrett at my local RWA meting. She was our guest speaker. She is a charismatic author of Erotic Romance. In fact I am in the middle of her book "Captured". Both myself, and my husband are enjoying the story. Is is SciFi Erotica, and really fun.
Julia really impressed me, and I find her writing both entertaining and interesting. I can't wait to read more!
Julia Rachel Barrett

I am also proud to be reading "Loving Mr.Darcy" by Author Sharon Lathan. She is part of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction Team, and she is a member of my local RWA chapter 'Yosemite Romance Writers' I love her style, and find that she takes me to the world's she creates within the first few pages of the book.
Sharon is a fantastic author, and I highly recommend her books to any reader looking for a great Regency.
I am loving this book, and hope to soon read more.
Sharon Lathan

Thanks for reading!!!!!

Love Struck Novice Interview on Wednesday

Hello everyone,
I will be on the Love Struck Novice blog on Wednesday. Please drop by for my interview.
Here's the link...
http://thelovestrucknovice.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Beware

Beware of "Security Tool"
This program attached itself to my computer and almost crashed it!!!! It is a nasty virus that tells you that you have other virus's on your computer and the only way to remove them is to buy the "Security Tool" software for $80.00. Their way of getting your credit card info. ***DON'T*** fall for it. It is not true. It took me two days to get this off my computer, and now I have a program that continually monitors to keep these things from happening. 
Anyway, I wanted to share my experience with my friends so that you don't have the same thing happen to you.
Have a great day,
Diane
www.dianesstorys.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

20% off Coupon for "Bewitching My Love"

Good Morning,
I posted a coupon on Smashwords for my book "Bewitching My Love"
To get 20% off today, just put in coupon code LV64L.
Have a great weekend,
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24743

Diane

Friday, September 3, 2010

Diane Story: Hello my friends,Have you ever noticed how stre...

Diane Story: Hello my friends,


Have you ever noticed how stre...
: "Hello my friends, Have you ever noticed how stressful it is when you try to combine your day job with your writing? I am sure you all have..."
Hello my friends,


Have you ever noticed how stressful it is when you try to combine your day job with your writing? I am sure you all have. I am lucky enough to have a day job that affords me time during the day to attend to my writing, but even still, I often find myself all wigged out over the small stuff.
So today I decided that I needed to Feng Sui myself and my writing area. (Basically, I need to de-clutter my mind and my desk).
So, I found some sites that I thought might be helpful to me, and wanted to share them with you.

Have an awesome night,,,
Diane
http://www.dianesstorys.com/
http://www.workhappynow.com/2010/08/how-to-feng-shui-your-workspace/
http://www.mindbodyom.com/2009/03/feng-shui-your-desk/
http://www.ivillage.com/increase-your-wisdom-and-knowledge-feng-shui/7-a-220538
http://www.fengshuiplaza.com/tips_archive.php?id=200810

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Networking

I linked up with a few free social networks today. Wanted to share them.

Merchants Circle is a great place to get your name listed, and share info with local merchants. Local.com is a fun place to get listed in your local listings. Craig’s List is a free place to list your books.
Let’s face it, free is good, but getting your name out there is even better.
“Desperate Hearts” is now listed on Amazon. Yahoo….

Word of caution: Watch what you say on your forums. Sometimes, others, dont like what you have to say.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Afternoon Movie

Took a couple hours off to take in a movie. Went with my husband and daughter to see “The last Exorcism” It was creepy and done somewhat pretty well, until the last five minutes. But I won’t ruin it for you. Go see it, and have a little fun when you jump!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Amazon Networking

Hello Gang,,

Ever used Amazon to network? Well, if you haven’t, I have news for you!! Amazon is a great place to build your name and at the same time, market your books. I read an awesome article that I took to heart, and today, amidst my writing, I took the time to follow the directions of the author. So, I’m going to put together a breakdown of what I did, and share it with all of you. I’ll keep you posted about the day of the event.
Di…

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Diane Story: Choices!

Diane Story: Choices!: "Lesson Of The Week “To Use, Or Not To Use” In other words, should we use our affiliations with someone famous to help us promote our own e..."

Choices!

Lesson Of The Week
“To Use, Or Not To Use”

In other words, should we use our affiliations with someone famous to help us promote our own endeavors? This was a question that nagged me all week. Especially when that “Famous Someone” is closely related.

I have used him in the past to get a VIP booth at a club!
I have used him in the past to get into some awesome parties in Hollywood!
I met one of my best friends “Ian Drew” from US-Weekly magazine because of him!
So, I had to ask myself again, do I use him now?

I happen to have a very, sweet nephew who comes from a large line of awesome family members. Because of this, I know he would be happy to help me any way he could.

You all would know his as K-Fed or K-Fat or the ex-husband of Britney Spears.

But the reality is… He is know by my family as Kevin Federline, and he is an awesome father, son to my sister in-law, cousin to my children, and nephew to me. And I will use him, and his experiences as a mentor. Who knows, maybe one day he will let me write his autobiography… hmmmm!

With that said, I would like to invite all of you to celebrate the release of my new book “Desperate Hearts. I am having a PRE-RELEASE sales event going on now at my web-site. Just click on my link and feel free to browse: http://www.dianesstorys.com/My-Books.html

Riddle Me This!!!!

Riddle

I have no voice and yet I speak to you,
I tell of all the things in the world that people do,
I have leaves, but I am not a tree,
I have pages but I am not a bride or royalty,
I have a spine and hinges, but I am not a man or a door,
I have told you all, I cannot tell you more,
What am I ?

Saturday, August 28, 2010

SO...Behind....

SO.... Behind...gotta get caught up today on my new book "A Pharaoh's Kiss", Pitched "Crystal Dreams" to lots of agent's,, so cross your fingers for me... Happy Weekend!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

What a DAY!!!

O.M.G.,,,,, what a DAY!!!


Not only did I find out that I might be getting “Desperate Hearts” in a MAJOR magazine, but I also managed to get the help of a publicist.
This could be BIG news for me, and need fingers crossed all across the internet!!!!!

Has anyone ever noticed how much time it takes to market a book? I just pitched nearly15 agents, and the time it takes to make sure I follow all of the rules boggles the mind. This one wants this,, that one wants that…… WHEW!!!! But, maybe the efforts will pay off for my COMPLETED manuscript “Crystal Dreams”

I told my dear husband that he is going to have to be my manager, because between a day job and pitching, I need to find time to now finish “A Pharaoh’s Kiss”



Good Night everyone,,, all my best!!!

Diane

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Author Diane Story


T.G.I.F.

Diane: Posted on 8/22/2010 7:38:00 PM

Hi Romance Lovers!!

This week has been a bear!!! With working on my new-web site, and trying to get my ISBN for my new book,,, I have not had a lot of time to write,,, YUK!!

But today is my FRIDAY,, and guess what? My house is clean, my office is clean, and all of the laundry is done,,,, so I now have 2 whole days to get caught up. AND,, In the midst of all of this, I was able to get my first 5 chapters of “Crystal Dreams” sent to my worlds best!! Editor Kathleen Marusak for editing,,, check her out at www.bookeditor-bookcovers.net

Now that all the fluff is done,, now it’s time to get busy marketing “Desperate Hearts” for it’s bid day-view!!

Does anyone!!! And I mean ALL of you!! Have any real GOOD suggestions??

Keep following my blog to find out my results,,,

Much Love,

Diane



RomFan Reviews: Review: Desperate Hearts by Diane Story

RomFan Reviews: Review: Desperate Hearts by Diane Story

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Desperate Hearts cover art

Hi Everyone,
The cover art for "Desperate Hearts" is done. I am just waiting for approval from the publisher. I'll send the cover as soon as I can.
Happy Writing!!!
Diane
dianesstorys@yahoo.com
http://www.dianesstorys.com/

Friday, August 6, 2010

New Look

Great News!


I have re-worked my Blogger site, and am happy to say that it is coming together.
I found a great program to build it with, and I think it looks a lot better. I’m still working on it, but it’s getting there!

News about my book Desperate Hearts: The cover is coming along. The artist has sent me one preview, but she has a few more things to do before it will be done. I’ll share it with you when I get it.

News about “Crystal Dreams”: Crystal Dreams is done. Pretty much!!!! Except for a few more editing issues here and there. And then I’ll be sending it to my editor Kathleen Marusak for final edits. Then I’ll be pitching it. Wish me luck.

Also, I have placed a Poll on my Blogger about 2012. Check it out.

My web-site has a new contest link. I will be giving away an autographed copy of “Desperate Hearts” to the winner.

Talk to you soon!

Diane