Guidelines on Turning Fact into Fiction

For my fellow authors and writers seeking to incorporate real-life experiences into fictional novels and/or stories, I have started a multiple-part series on my Dariaanne blog. Today's post revolves around Water Signs' hero, Ken Lockheart.

Fact into Fiction: The Pitfalls and Positives

Over at my Dariaanne Wordpress blog, I am offering tips to my fellow writers on everything from self-publishing to the unusual evolution of my loosely autobiographical tale, Water Signs. Based on a back-and-forth email conversation with a friend, I was inspired to write today's latest update, chronicling copyright laws and respect for the real-life inspirations behind my characters.

Bottom line: Copyright laws only offer protection when authors comply with them. Therefore, I will NEVER divulge real-life identities. It's not a matter of "trust" but a matter of legal protection in a town where there's "six degrees of separation", particularly in the business community.

Tim Graney - Ron Paul's Worthy Opponent in Texas CD-14

For those of us fed up with the 9/11 Truther-Anarchist crowd and their blind devotion to a 20-year incumbent whose foreign policy outlook can be summed up by the simple phrase, "Blame America first," there is a wonderful alternative. Social, fiscal and national security conservative, and small businessman Tim Graney is challenging Ron Paul in the Republican Primary in Texas Congressional District 14. Please click here for my full interview with Tim, now posted on Parcbench. Join his Facebook page here.

As I've repeatedly pointed out, the kook fringe on the right is just as bad as the left -- actually, they are even more dangerous because many are avidly trying to usurp the Tea Party Movement to achieve their own ends. In most cases, this involves pushing for third-party candidates who have absolutely zero chance of winning, and whose candidacy would only serve to push the government even further to the left by splitting the vote on the right.

Moreover, when it comes to intelligent, respectful debate, let's just say the far-right is just as incapable as any troll I've encountered on the left. Just last night on Facebook, a Ron Paul supporter called me a CU&*^% because I have the audacity to believe that 9/11 was caused by radical Muslims, and not the US Government. By the way, this person was a female, and probably one of the only US Marines on the planet to buy into the Truther nonsense.

And if you attempt to explain that you are not simply a "blind sheep" but someone who vehemently disagreed with President Bush on a number of issues, yet still supported him in his efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, you are derided as a "neo-con", their favorite pejorative for anyone who disagrees with them.

Forget about explaining the intertwined concepts of freedom and responsibility; these people want nothing to do with that. In their minds, liberty means doing anything you want, whenever you want, and to hell with how your actions affect other people. If they had their way, we'd all live in complete chaos, without the benefit of a criminal justice system, police force or military.

On that last point, these folks conveniently forget that the United States is the only country in the history of the world to use our force in the defense of freedom -- not to plunder land from other countries. Further, we are the only country whose outstanding military conducts humanitarian missions for the benefit of mankind, such as their efforts in Haiti immediately following the devastating earthquake.

And yet, some Ron Paul supporters had the audacity to accuse the United States of occupying Haiti!

If there's any difference in terms of foreign policy between left and far-right, I've yet to discern it based on countless interactions on Facebook and Parcbench. Just look at the comments following my piece on Palin's Tea Party Convention speech -- instead of engaging the arguments, they resort to the kind of petty, nasty name-calling that would make any Daily Kos commenter beam with pride.

But I'm a big girl, and I can take it. My larger concern is for our efforts in 2010 to rid Congress of socialists and communists who want to "remake" America. And Ron Paul's enthusiastic, bordering-on-paranoia followers pose a real obstacle to that worthy goal.

I don't know what part of "Death to America!" these people don't understand; or how they can reconcile the fact that freedom cannot exist without the protection of our men and women in uniform. We can reduce the size of government, uphold states' rights, slash taxes, drill for domestic oil and implement free-market health insurance reforms and meaningful immigration reform. That's all welcome and fantastic. However, none of it will do us any good if we don't remain vigilant against radical Islam for whom the left and the far-right are perpetual, useful idiots.

So be sure to choose your candidates carefully in the primaries. 9/11 Truthers may have a right to free speech and expression, but they have absolutely no place in government.

UPDATE: Via Newsbusters, National Geographic special debunks 9/11 conspiracy theories.

Truth(er) and Consequences, Facebook-style

One of the few silver linings in the otherwise dismally bleak consequences of the 2008 Presidential Election has been the nationwide revival of commonsense conservatism. With a renewed appreciation and respect for the United States Constitution, Americans from coast-to-coast have joined forces and channeled their energies into a productive, passionate movement now recognized as tea party activism – inspired by patriots like Seattle mom Keli Carender, and further incited by CNBC’s Rick Santelli. Throughout 2009, the momentum steadily increased in size and scope, as cities and towns all across America held passionate protests against massive government spending.

In tandem with this revitalized sense of patriotism, concerned right-leaning citizens finally mastered the medium that the left had used so effectively to propel their chosen “historic” candidate into office – social media and the internet. From Facebook to twitter to countless excellent blogs, conservatives began to employ technology to effect meaningful “change”.

Using this powerful, 21^st Century medium, they found other like-minded Americans with whom they could disseminate important information on issues, candidates and meetings; take action wherever necessary and possible (e.g. donating to grass-roots candidates, flooding the Senate switchboards); and generally keep each other energized and motivated for the long battles ahead.

As one of the aforementioned, I joined Facebook and twitter sometime in 2008, right around the time House Republicans took a stand for domestic drilling, but weeks before John McCain thankfully chose Sarah Palin as his running-mate (a woman whose career I’d been following for the better part of a year). I delighted at the ease with which I located other well-informed members of the citizenry, who were also horrified by the prospects of an Obama presidency, and equally angered by the fiscal recklessness we’d witnessed with the previous administration and congress.

Having the ability to communicate, plan, instruct, and otherwise commiserate with them was a welcome source of comfort and strength in an age of stimulus, czars, government takeovers of private industry, tax cheats, apology tours, and slobbering media sycophants.

And then came the truthers.

Oh I’d read about these folks on reputable blogs like Hot Air, Michelle Malkin and Gateway Pundit, who documented nut-job radio host Alex Jones’ attack on Malkin at the DNC in August, 2008. Along the way, I’d even come across an excellent City Journal piece, Conspiracy of Crackpots, by John Avlon in which he chronicles the surreal – but not to be underestimated – nature of the movement, which at the time of his September, 2008 article, comprised over thirty percent (!) of the population, according to a Scripps poll.

In spite of YouTube evidence of their self-appointed hero Ron Paul’s attendance at a 9/11 Scholars for Truth meeting in 2007 – during which he promised to investigate the “real” cause of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks with none other than Dennis Kucinich – it just never occurred to me I’d inadvertently “friend” any of these conspiracy loons on Facebook, thanks to a philosophical overlap on economic policy. For this same reason, I’d also friended “non-truther” but in most cases, no less fanatical, Ron Paul supporters. However, for the most part, we’d all co-existed in harmony, mainly focused on curtailing and ultimately destroying horrid legislation like Cap and Trade and Obamacare.

That all changed the day after the underwear bomber from Yemen tried to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on approach to Detroit on Christmas Day, 2009. Object of truther-worship Ron Paul appeared on CNN where he openly – and might I add, stupidly – blamed the attack on “US occupation of Yemen and Nigeria”, a statement that is patently absurd. No matter: immediately following Paul’s treacherous appearance, the truthers who’d been lurking in the shadows of my friends’ list took it upon themselves to post video of the entire Ron Paul versus Ben Stein spectacle on my profile page, enhanced with paeans to Paul’s alleged “brilliance”, and Stein’s apparent ignorance in branding the Texas congressman an anti-Semite.

The debate threads that ensued contained such delusional comments as “Al-Qaeda is a CIA fantasy”; the Tea Party Movement was started by “libertarians” but hijacked by “neo-cons” (every truther’s favorite pejorative for anyone who accepts the reality of Global Jihad); and my personal favorite, “Everyone knows Bush and Cheney hired the Israeli Mossad to fly the planes into the buildings!”

Needless to say, it is impossible to employ logic with those who are willfully illogical. After many painstaking attempts, most of which included a timeline of terror predating and following September 11, 2001 (1993 WTC bombing, Embassy bombings, USS Cole, Madrid bombings, London Subway bombings, etc); and then inquiring as to whether all of these were also “inside jobs” on the part of the US government, I finally gave up. They would simply ignore my question and respond with another rant about Israel, or another diatribe against “Darth” Cheney.

Good riddance to trash, right? You betcha!

However, there is one aspect I find terribly disturbing—the holier-than-thou, Bible-quoting Ron Paul supporter. This type uses scripture to back up the insane belief that we have no right to defend ourselves against radical Islam, as God is “punishing” us for the scourge of abortion. Now, let me state forthrightly: I am ardently and fervently pro-life. I believe life begins at conception. I believe that innocent life is sacred, regardless of circumstances (e.g. handicaps, financial situation of the parents, etc). I also believe that from a procedural standpoint, Roe versus Wade is unconstitutional, and should be overturned, thus sending the abortion issue back to the states, where it rightfully belongs. Sounds libertarian enough, no?

Voters of each state should determine the legality of abortion for their state, as well as decide on the ancillary issues, like restrictions on the procedure after the first trimester, and parental consent for minors. Yes, abortion is evil. So are beheadings, honor killings, rape rooms, stonings, destructive and deadly riots over Danish cartoons and suicide bombs strapped onto two year-olds. But try explaining that to a true Ron Paul believer.

To attribute the cause of Islamofascism – a rabid, hateful and oppressive political system wrapped up in a strident religious ideology – on the legalization of abortion in America is beyond ludicrous. Muslims have been attacking western civilization for centuries, long before the United States even existed. The difference is that they now have the benefit of modern technology to assist them, requiring evermore vigilance on the part of freedom-loving people everywhere. And as the leader of the free world, the American President has a solemn duty to do everything within his power to prevent the United States and our allies from experiencing further acts of bloody, murderous aggression at the hands of Jihadists.

As a self-professed Christian, Ron Paul has an obligation to speak out against evil. It may be enough for the Christian Paulnuts I’ve bumped into that their guy is “pro-life”, but it’s certainly not enough for this lifelong Catholic. Paul was the ONLY Republican to vote against sanctions on the Iranian regime; I guess he’s ok with the mullahs unleashing a brutal reign of terror against their own people for the “crime” of wanting their freedom.

Hey, if President Obama can go out for ice cream on a hot summer night while innocent Iranians are shot and killed on the streets of Tehran, why shouldn’t Paul vote against sanctions?

When my Christian Ron Paul supporter sanctimoniously inquired if I was a follower of Christ, my response was “Yes, and I’d like to stay that way. However, the ultimate goal of Global Jihad is to impose a worldwide Muslim caliphate in which infidels either submit to Allah or die. Therefore, I will only vote for candidates who espouse a sane foreign policy that includes staying on offense against radical Islamic terror.”

Again, no response to my statement; just some blathering about how it’s all God’s will anyway.

I patiently replied that obviously, whatever God wills ultimately prevails, but that the Almighty also expects us to speak out against evil; that we have an obligation to confront it. I then asked why she wouldn’t support Paul’s primary opponent, Tim Graney, a man who is simultaneously pro-life, pro-limited government and pro-national security. Why settle for someone who may be economically sane, but woefully naïve at best and perilously ignorant at worst, in matters of foreign policy? She offered no useful rebuttal, other than to malign me for my dislike of “the good doctor” who is after all, a “Republican” like me.

Gee and all this time I believed groupthink was only a requirement for lefties!

Needless to say, I’ve been exercising my God-given and Facebook-approved right to approve or deny friend requests, delete and block friends who’ve become abusive or simply illogical, and screen all friend requests for truthers and Ron Paulnuts prior to approving. For that I’ve also been condemned by some as (you guessed it) “un-Christian” and in many cases “anti-American” (Choosing the friends with whom you associate is now considered “blacklisting” in some circles. Who knew? My poor mom, a woman who always taught me that people judge you by the company you keep, will be devastated).

In the meantime, while this avid Tea Party protester will continue to fight against statism, socialism, Obamacare, Cap and Trade, and every other travesty the “gangsta” congress and president try to ram down our throats, she’ll also continue to stand up for freedom by calling out “truthers”, condemning Global Jihad and supporting only candidates with the moral rectitude to do the same.

The Liberty Belle Hour Photo Montage

At a good friend's suggestion, I decided to create a photo montage to use for my new show on wafs. It's far from perfect, but nevertheless, a good retrospective of the past year that includes Water Signs book events, tea party protests and family gatherings.

I tried to incorporate enough symbolism to reflect my birth in the City of Brotherly Love, traditional upbringing in a nearby suburb and conservative activism in South Florida.

"I've Got A Name" by Jim Croce (another native Philadelphian) was selected, since it is a tribute to the power and strength of the individual when allowed to live in freedom. "Independence Day" by Martina McBride, a metaphor for domestic violence, is also rather appropriate, since our tyrannical federal government is behaving very much like an abusive spouse.

Hope you can tune into the show next Thursday, January 14, when my guest will be the author of Blue Water Comic's Reagan Comic Book, Don Smith.

Introducing the Reagan Comic Book

The latest edition to Blue Water Comic's Political Power series hits the stands at the end of this month. Recently, I sat down with Reagan Comic author Don Smith to get his take on America's 40th president as a man, leader, husband, father and architect of the collapse of the "Evil Empire".

Click over to Parcbench for the full interview, but here's an excerpt:

“Was the Soviet Union an ‘Evil Empire?’ Was President Ronald Reagan at the right place and right time when it collapsed? Or was he one of the shrewdest occupants of the White House? Find out how this Mid-Western-turned-actor-turned-President went from B-movies to orchestrating the total collapse of the Soviet Union.”

Such were the questions comic book writer Don Smith sought to answer in his brief re-telling of the story of the man countless Americans remember with utmost pride, respect and admiration.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Don about his latest effort, his foray into comic-book writing from newspaper journalism, and any future Blue Water projects he’s collaborating on.

In the interest of Full Disclosure, I also had the opportunity to read and review the Reagan comic back in October, per Smith’s request:

“In his own inimitable mixture of wit, creativity and humor, Don Smith pens a striking comic book biography of the man I consider to be America’s greatest modern President,” said author Daria DiGiovanni.

“Both those old enough to remember Ronald Reagan and those for whom he’s simply a chapter in a history textbook will delight in Smith’s vivid recollection of out 40th President’s remarkable life and impressive eight-year tenure. Thank you Don, for introducing him in such a brilliant way to a new generation of Americans, and for reminding the rest of us about Reagan’s patriotism, courage and integrity,” she noted.

Note: Don provided the first professional review for my book, Water Signs for Temerity Magazine back in May, 2009.

Delray Beach Library Eleventh Annual Author's Showcase

How exciting to be chosen to participate in this event this year! On January 10, 2010, I will be one of several authors speaking at the Delray Beach Library Eleventh Annual Author's Showcase. Later today, I will be interviewed by a local Boca Raton reporter - also a native Philadelphian - which should be a lot of fun.

If you live in South Florida, I hope you can join us on January 10. In the meantime, you can find Water Signs on Amazon.com and my website. Within the next few months, I plan to launch a site for my forthcoming sequel, Sea To Shining Sea. If I can keep myself on a disciplined track, the new book will be available by late-spring/early-summer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Broward Tea Party Thank You Vigil for the Troops

The longest running Tea Party in the USA organized a thank you vigil for the US Military tonight at the corner of US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. What a pleasure it was to stand with like-minded Americans in support of our troops and their families. We cannot thank them enough for all they do! May God bless our men and women in uniform this Christmas Season and throughout the year. We love you and support you always!

For more photos, click here.

UPDATE: My friend Donna Dunn took this wonderful video. Enjoy and God bless America and our Troops!

Sea To Shining Sea

I've been hard at work on the sequel to my debut novel, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, which is available on my website in PDF and paperback, and on Amazon.com in Kindle and paperback. Hey, if you're looking for a Christmas gift that doesn't require a trip to the mall, check it out!

For those who've read Water Signs, Sea To Shining Sea picks up six months later in the lives of newly married couple, Ken and Madeline. Unlike my first effort, this second novel will take more of a political turn, reflecting current events and culture through the trials and tribulations of my main characters:

After sixteen tumultuous years, destined lovers Ken and Madeline Lockheart finally have it all—a blissful marriage, a beautiful home, two healthy children, fulfilling work and a renewed sense of faith and patriotism. But during one significant business trip abroad, the couple will personally discover just how treacherous and absurd the world has become.

When a joyous event becomes a source of contention with the “medical experts”, and an important telecomm deal implodes thanks to government-imposed political correctness, Ken transitions from successful sales executive to determined candidate for office. And while he’s always enjoyed a good reputation and the respect of his community, he’s in for a rude awakening as Sunshine State politics quickly turns friends into enemies.

Having landed her man at last, Madeline valiantly endeavors to create close bonds with his offspring, in spite of their mother’s endless attempts to discredit her. In the wake of unexpected and simultaneously uplifting and tragic news, she’s forced to summon the same strength and courage that has always guided her in the past.

Spurred on by steadfast faith in God, genuine love of country and unwavering fidelity to each other, Ken and Madeline will ultimately come to understand the broader significance of their star-crossed union and the esoteric value of their journey to shining sea.

UPDATE: Somehow I'd forgotten to post a link to photos from my book signing at Saquella Cafe last month in Boca Raton. A big thank you to Avi, the owner and to Facebook friend Denise Righetti for setting it up.

A US Navy Vet's Response to a Seriously Misguided Journalist

Here's an excerpt from my latest Parcbench piece, inspired by a friend:

In yet another example of a liberal journalist bemoaning the concept of American pride and exceptionalism, Nick Fierro of the Chicago Tribune offers this response to the question, “What sports tradition would you like to see eliminated?”:

The national anthem should be eliminated from all but the most important sporting events in this country, such as Super Bowls, World Series and Ultimate Fighting title bouts.

Just kidding on the last one, but you should get the idea by now that having to stand for this song at every event and every level of sport from T-ball to the pros has become just a little ridiculous.

At one time, such as when this tradition began during World War II, it might have been a good idea to promote patriotism. Now, all it promotes is … nothing. It has become a mindless exercise.

Mindless exercise? Perhaps for people with no understanding of history and no concept of the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of a country founded by ordinary, courageous men who took on the world’s greatest power and risked certain death because of an unwavering commitment to freedom.

At great personal peril, our Founding Fathers forged ahead, spurred on by their deep conviction for Judeo-Christian principles and the right of individuals to control their own destiny. Pardon my patriotism, but I am proud to celebrate and acknowledge the fact that — well over 200 years later — I am a benefactor of their passion, determination and willingness to die for the cause of liberty. Singing the national anthem at a sporting event is a privilege, not some meaningless act “promoting nothing”.

To read the whole thing, click here.

Introducing "The Liberty Belle Hour with Daria"

Beginning on January 7, 2010 I will be hosting an internet television program called The Liberty Belle Hour with Daria on wafs.tv every Thursday night at 7 p.m:

Pursuing happiness with passion and patriotism

Join conservative writer, blogger, activist and author of the book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, Daria DiGiovanni for a high-energy hour of passionate debate, insightful analysis and fascinating conversation on everything from pop culture to politics. Every Thursday night at 7 p.m., Daria will apply her unique blend of humor, intelligence and eloquence to the relevant topics of the day, as well as feature exciting and interesting guests from a variety of backgrounds including small business owners, singers, health professionals and authors. Freedom rings every Thursday night at 7 p.m. on wafs.tv with The Liberty Belle Hour.

Special thanks to my friend and WAFS founder, John Sottilare, for extending the opportunity. My show will debut just ahead of host Paul Harvey's excellent broadcast, Let's Get Loud, on which I've been a frequent guest along with my Conservative Republican Forum co-host, Steve Rosenblum.

My first guest on The Liberty Belle Hour will be multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress and patriot, Ava Aston, who will share her experiences of being a passionate conservative in an industry dominated by lefties. A recent guest on CRF, Ava's debut CD Gone is available at her website, as is her latest single, the patriotic anthem, We The People.