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.

Ron Paul's Campaign for Lunacy

The editors at Parcbench liked my latest piece so much, I am featured prominently next to Dick Morris on the home page! Head on over to the site to read it.

A special note of thanks to commenter Doug for mentioning my book: It has a five-star review from Amazon and has been well-received by everyone who reads it, including a very dear evangelical Christian friend. Oh, and how could I forget to mention -- Sarah Palin herself, a devout Christian who took the time to send me a signed thank-you note! If my scanner was working right now, I'd post it here, but suffice it to say, it was a thrill to receive such encouraging words about my first novel from the Governor herself.

So thank you Doug for telling all of your friends about it, too. If you'd like to read more excellent reviews, you can visit my freelance blog here.

Not sure why my book has any relevance to my well-documented and sourced position on Ron Paul, but I sure do appreciate the free advertising!

Lastly, I am in good company: my views on the Texas congressman are shared by such prominent Reagan conservatives as Michelle Malkin, Allah at Hot Air, and Jim Hoft at Gateway Pundit. I'm proud to count myself among their ranks on this, and many other issues. And whether the Ron Paulnuts like it or not, I will continue to call him out on his treachery.

Thanks again, Doug! God bless you.

P.S. Do you think we should "take out" the CIA, too?

P.P.S. What's with Ron Paul's disdain for Sarah Palin, a politician you claim to support?

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.

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!

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.

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.