Guest Blogger, L. Diane Wolfe

Please join me in welcoming author L. Diane Wolfe as the guest blogger here today at Thoughts in Progress as she kicks off her virtual blog tour.

Diane is touring blogdom during the coming weeks to announce the upcoming release of her latest book, “The Circle of Friends, Book V … Heather.”

Diane, thanks for stopping by and now I’ll turn it over to you.

Thanks for letting me visit today, Mason! Let me give your readers a little info about me and my next book.

 

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” I’m 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 seminar’s information together into one 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. Originally from Oregon, I now reside in North Carolina. “With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!” www.thecircleoffriends.net, www.spunkonastick.net www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com 

My March 16th release is the final book in my YA series. Described as “encouragement personified”, this five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. The Circle of Friends follows a group of friends from high school through college, and each book can be read on its own as well.

 

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, BOOK V … HEATHER

BY L. DIANE WOLFE

 

When confidence turns to frustration…

A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence.

Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.

Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…

 

Release date: March 16, 2010, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA

ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0 / 0-9816210-5-8

 

Heather’s my tough cookie. She’s dominating, assertive, and driven to perfection. Her choleric personality means she is tough on lesser souls who don’t measure up to her expectations. Basically, she’s a royal pain! Portraying her as a sympathetic character that readers would like was a challenge. However, this caused Heather to feel more real.

It received a 5-Star rating from Teens Read Too, and the reviewer stated she liked this book and character the most. I pondered how I’d accomplished this feat, too! I’d struggled with this story from day one. Heather is the complete opposite of me and it was difficult to identify with her motivations and behavior.

 

And therein lays the answer! Heather was so different. She was not my favorite character by any means. I’d adored my other characters, but Heather? There were days I didn’t even like her! Since I was not as wrapped up in this character, I was able to step back and view Heather and her story objectively. If that’s truly the secret, guess I need more ornery characters like Heather! If I don't strangle them first, of course.

 

I’ve spent so many years with these characters and it’s sad to see it end. But I’m proud of this final book and feel it will be a great sendoff for The Circle of Friends!

 

- Professional speaker & author, L. Diane Wolfe www.thecircleoffriends.net www.spunkonastick.net www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com

Links to purchase:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-Book-V-Heather/dp/0981621058/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265066454&sr=1-12

 

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Circle-of-Friends/L-Diane-Wolfe/e/9780981621050/?itm=12&usri=l++diane+wolfe

 

Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C. : http://www.dancinglemurpress.com/id18.html

 

Reviews:

“Heather deals with real life and real situations.” 5 Stars

- Teens Read Too

 

“Curl up onto your favorite reading spot and journey along with Heather as she seeks the balance of family and work relationships. Be prepared to be pulled into Heather’s world and you will find yourself cheering her on and wanting to scold her at the same time. L. Diane Wolfe has created amazing characters with believable attributes and flaws; making Book V in the Circle of Friends series a true gem.”

- Donna M. McDine, Write What Inspires You Book Reviews

 

“Even after reading the novel, I am haunted by these characters… These characters are real to me, living breathing people that I now feel like I’ve known for years. This is the power of Wolfe’s writing.”

- The Book Pedler 

Thanks Diane for stopping by and sharing this information with us. The Circle of Friends series sounds like a must read for adults of all ages (young and old alike). Wishing you much success on your blog tour and I appreciate you kicking it off here today.

 *****

Side note: Tetewa is the new winner in the giveaway for Judi Fennell's "Catch of a Lifetime." Please e-mail me with your name and address so we can get the book in the mail to you. Joanne of Whole Latte Life was an earlier winner, but had already purchased the book and asked that we select another winner.