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.

Palin, Paulnuts and the Tea Party Movement

If you are so inclined, head on over to Parcbench for my latest post on Governor Palin's excellent Tea Party Convention speech, which in typical fashion, has attracted all of the 9/11 truther trolls. Did you know that Sarah Palin is "bloodthirsty" simply for demanding that enemy combatants be treated as such? Or that she's single-handedly "driven a stake" through "Ron Paul's" Tea Party Movement? I know it to be true because the Paulnuts tell me so.

As I've been repeatedly pointing out, the far-right poses just as big of a threat to the successful take-back of Congress in 2010 as liberals -- actually, I submit they are even more dangerous. While promoting the concepts of limited government, individual liberty and low taxes, they inexplicably fail to acknowledge that none of that amounts to a hill of beans if radical Islam gets it way with the west. I don't know why these people refuse to face the reality of a rabid ideology wrapped up in a cloak of religion that demands total allegiance to Allah, subjugates women and infidels, and salivates over the imposition of Sharia Law worldwide.

If there's any conspiracy going on, surely it's Global Jihad. How many successful attacks, nearly successful attacks, beheadings, honor killings and screeds of "Death to America"! is it gonna take?

Ironically, Debra Media, candidate for governor in Texas, has finally been "outed" by Glenn Beck as a 9/11 Truther today. Having been familiar with Medina, and being Facebook friends with those well-acquainted with her, it comes as no surprise. But now at least the rest of the country is on to her loony trutherism, thanks to her own bumbling of a perfectly reasonable question.

Finally, I am hosting Diane Student on The Liberty Belle Hour tonight at 7 p.m. And as with last week, I am prepared for the troll calls, which will most certainly arise with the publication of my latest Parcbench article.

Bring it on!

And Happy Birthday, Governor Palin! God bless you!

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.

The Liberty Belle Hour debuts tomorrow night!

I am very excited to announce the debut of my new show on Thursday, January 7 at 7 p.m. Eastern on wafs. My first guest will be beautiful, talented singer/songwriter, Ava Aston, whose "We The People" video is an anthem to American freedom and the tea party movement.

Last month, Steve and I interviewed her on Conservative Republican Forum, and it was such a pleasure to speak with her, I decided to bring her back for my own show's kick-off broadcast. You can also read my Parcbench interview with her, here.

A huge thank-you to John Sottilare for offering the invitation!

Join my FB Group page here.

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.