Diane's Writing Journey

I'm Back!!

2007-06-26T09:28:00.000-04:00

I know, I know its been a while, but I'm back now. I promise to blog a little more frequently now. I'm getting back into my writing full force so hopefully something will be ready to send out soon. In the mean time I've been tagged by Tawny Taylor. (http://tawnytaylor.blogspot.com/ )So for now here it goes.

Here are the rules:A. Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.

B. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I've always wanted to sing in commercials

2. I am an extremely picky eater. I usually go by looks (worst than a kid)

3. I can watch all the murder shows and watch live operations, but bugs freak me out.

4. If I can move anywhere in the world it would be Aruba. I love it there.

5. I can eat a full meal with desert and still have room for shrimps. (my favorite food.

6. When I was young, my mother always bought me blue sweaters, so now I refuse to buy a blue sweater.

7. I want to ride (okay, maybe more than just ride) on the back of a moving fire truck.

8. I'm scared of dogs, it doesn't matter how small they are.

Okay, now who to tag?

amanda , sherice, sela, alessiabrio, natasha-moore, moragmckendrickpippin, juliescott,
amandacarrell

Check out this hot read!

2006-10-26T10:33:00.000-04:00

Deidre Knight Cranks up the Heat in Her Latest Installment in the Parallel Series: PARALLEL HEAT

“Intelligent characters, hot romance and breathtaking adventure with epic feel—exactly what I want to read!” - Susan Grant, New York Times bestselling author

“A fantastic and riveting new voice in paranormal fiction.” -Karen Marie Moning, New York Times bestselling author of Spell of the Highlander

“At times humorous, at others heart-wrenching, but always compelling, Deidre Knight offers readers a fresh, wonderfully creative glimpse at the complexity of human decisions. What a page-turner!” - Gena Showalter, Author of Playing with Fire

In the unforgettable, alternate world of Parallel Heat, two enemies are bound by betrayal, vengeance—and forbidden passion.

Warrior and royal guardian Marco McKinley has been assigned a vital mission on Earth, where a war between human fighters and otherworldly soldiers is rising in the far reaches of Wyoming. But he's also been warned about twists of fate yet to come-ones that will transform him into the enemy of his own people and appoint him the personal protector of beautiful soldier Thea Haven.

Little do Marco and Thea know, but they have met before in an alternate universe, and they are bound by betrayal and vengeance. Now, on a world at the brink of destruction, forbidden passion ignites—but will the destiny Marco has glimpsed unfold a second time?

Sign up for Deidre’s newsletter and be eligible to win a $50 Amazon gift certificate, signed copies of her books, and plenty of other goodies! Just click here.

Check out the book that launched the series, PARALLEL ATTRACTION or order your copy of PARALLEL HEAT today! And coming in April, PARALLEL SEDUCTION.

A Great Time Was Had By All

2006-08-02T07:32:00.000-04:00

I attended my first RWA conference and I have to tell you how great it was. First I must admit, meeting all of my fellow Divas (from romancedivas.com) was wonderful. I think it made a big difference in my experience. And of course hanging out with one of my crit partners Dani. We went everywhere together and had so much fun. I also had the pleasure of meeting my other crit partners. Amanda, we live in the same city approx 30 min from each other and had to go to Atlanta to meet. Go figure - lol. And my other crit Partner Denise. It was great meeting you girl.

Now the wonderful news. I got requests!!! Yep for my romantic suspense story and my erotic novella. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Now I have to get busy and fine tune a few things and get these babies out the door. I will keep you posted.

I hope I make it to Dallas next year. (I already have conflicting dates) so I'll see.

Great Things Going on

2006-07-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

Another great release. Check it out. SHE'S GOT LEGS AVAILABLE from Amanda Brice from www.freyasbower.com.

Here's the blurb:

WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES
Daria Wyatt didn’t want to go to her fifteen-year high school reunion. Although she has blossomed from a wallflower into a powerful Capitol Hill attorney, she knew seeing those girls in person wouldn’t exactly do wonders for her self-esteem. If only her younger sister Kara hadn’t insisted she go. Giving in to shut her sister up, Daria borrows Kara’s high heels in an effort to jumpstart her confidence. But in her rush to get out the door, she picks up the wrong pair, a butt-ugly purple platform creation with bright green sequins…

AFTER MIDNIGHT
Greg McCauley can’t believe his bad luck. He finally meets a beautiful, intelligent, intriguing, confident woman, but she rushes off before he can get her number. He knows he should put her out of his mind, but there’s just something about her. Those lips, those eyes, those legs, those crazy shoes…

To celebrate her first release, Amanda's giving away a free copy of SHE'S GOT LEGS. To enter, just send an email to amandabrice@myway.com.

It's All New

2006-07-05T07:33:00.000-04:00

I have a wonderful new website. Check it out at www.ddblackman.com. Thanks to Jodici Designs (http://www.jodicibelle.com/web.html) You can learn a little more about me and read a short intro to my WIPS. So visit and take a look around, drop me a note and say hi.

Other News

I'm fine tuning my WIPs with hopes of finding those babies a home. I will be attending the Nationals this year for the first time and I'm excited. I got some heavy shopping on my list and I'll be sure to check back soon with updates.

Talk to you soon.

Check out this hot read!

2006-06-02T11:10:00.000-04:00

Enslave Me Sweetly - Now in stores!
Enslave Me Sweetly by Gena Showalter

She has the heart of a killer, and the body of an angel. . .

Eden Black walks among humans, protecting them from the murderous evil of other-worlders who abduct and enslave. And though she appears to be human herself, Eden is an alien, a Raka, distinguished by her golden hair and skin, and gifted with the ominous ability to kill without remorse – and with total accuracy. That is, until the fateful night she has one shot to eliminate her target, a human slaver – and misses.

“Failure” is not in Eden’s vocabulary. Neither is “partner” – but that’s what she is forcibly assigned after recovering from her disastrous mission. A sexy, steely-nerved human agent, Lucius Adaire enjoys nothing more than sparking the fury – and rousing the desire – of the fiery female assassin to proud to admit defeat. Locked in an assignment they cannot afford to lose, Lucius and Eden find themselves bound in two high-stakes, heart-pounding games: the dangerous web of kill or be killed, and the erotic dance of seduction. . .

Showalter first demonstrated her skill at blending sizzling romance and nail-biting suspense set in a convincing futuristic society in Awaken Me Darkly (2005). She now continues the roller-coaster-like adventure in an equally entertaining tale that will please a wide cross section of readers. *Starred Review* Booklist.

Order your copy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or BooksAMillion.

For more information, visit Gena’s website at http://www.genashowalter.com/ and her blog at http://www.genashowalter.blogspot.com/

Also check back soon for news of my new website!!!

What A Great Day!

2006-05-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

I'm talking about Mother's Day. I got to take the entire day off. No fixing lunch, baths, no kids calling mommy. My hubby did a great job! I'm talking breakfast and lunch in bed, napping, and lots and lots of writing. I managed to finish typing up my notes for my second novel "Sway" (tentative title). Well it's really rough but at least I got it out of my notebook and on to the computer. Now if I can get my other novel finalized and submitted, I'd be so, so happy.

It's Been Rough

2006-04-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

A rough few weeks. I've been getting writing done, but in little bits. No where near where I want to be. I've got to complete my second novel and also a short erotic piece I've been working on. Not to mention time is not on my side. Lord knows I need to focus. I can get this done if I focus. I did write a couple of poems - mostly just for me, but at least I got something completed. Well, I'm moving forward.

Latest Reviews

2006-03-15T08:03:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,

Check out my latest reveiws at: http://romancedivas.com/bookreviews.html

Dangerous Medicine by: Jane Toombs
Her Passion by: Denise Belinda McDonald
Dangerous Affairs by: Kelle Z. Riley
Rock My World by: Gayle Eden
Truth or Dare by: Delilah Dawson

All highly recommended to put on your reading list. Now if I can just get my own book out the door, I might have a review of my own to post. Okay, back to work now.

Learning To Move On

2006-03-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

Just like in life, with writing you have to learn to move on. It may be from getting a rejection or someone's negative opinion. In my case I'm talking about moving on when you get stuck in your story. I tend to stay in a chapter until it's the way I want it to read and that's not necessarily a good thing. Then you're stuck on that same chapter forever. So, I've learned to mark the passage and move forward. Whew, glad I figured that one out or I'll never complete nothing. So, I'm moving forward and getting back to work.

Chow.

Get Organized

2006-02-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

Lord knows I'm trying. My writing is all over the place. Working on too many projects at once and getting nothing done. Yikes. I have corrections to two ms and working on a short erotica story. I'm critiqueing chapters, writing reviews (check out the latest at romancedivas) you know the usual time crunchers. Seriously how do my fellow writers do it? Where do you start to get organized and more importantly, how? Okay folks, need some direction here. How do you keep your writing organized? Is there some trade secret?

Special Thanks

2006-02-02T07:49:00.000-05:00

I want to thank Haven Rich (http://havenrich.blogspot.com/) for redesigning my blog. It looks fabulous. I didn't have a clue how to do it and she came to my rescue. Thanks you, my fellow Diva. Find out more about her on her blog. She's great.

Diane

Your Blog

2006-02-01T04:05:00.000-05:00

Has just been hijacked!! I hope you like it.

Have a wonderful day,
Haven Rich...posting as Diane

My Very First

2006-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm planning on entering my very first contest. So if you want to call me a virgin, its okay. Romance Divas is holding a Best First Meeting contest and I'm going to enter. So you never know. It's a good way to get feedback from my fellow writers. Who knows, this could lead to something beautiful.

On another note, I'm still working hard on my MS since I want to pitch them at the RWA convention this year. I'm excited about going to the convention. I'll say it again, this could lead to something beautiful, agent, contract, etc. Got to stay Positive.

I'll keep you posted on the contest.

A Promise is A Promise

2006-01-04T07:37:00.000-05:00

Well sort of a goal.

First let me say Happy New Year to All. 2005 was a tough year so I'm looking forward to 2006.

Next, I promised myself that I would write each day and I don't care if its just a paragraph. Sure I've been writing reviews for Romancedivas.com. (feel free to check them out), but I need to get on track with writing my novels and focus. If I'm ever going to pitch my books, I have to get them ready. So here I go. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Hello Gang,

2005-11-10T13:35:00.000-05:00

I know, its been a minute since I posted, but what can I say? Trying to get this writing thing together. I've been writing, reading, critiquing, which is all good. Got to keep those brain cells functioning. I would really like to take a creative writing class, but where do I find the time? Oh well, I'll figure it out one of these days. Maybe on the bus ride to NY this weekend, I'll come up with something.

Good News ~ Chat With Exciting Authors

2005-10-04T07:19:00.000-04:00

Exciting Chat coming up

Hey everybody, I have a great chat to tell you about.

http://www.romancedivas.com/ is having a multi-cultural chat featuring three excellent authors:Karen White Owens who writes for BET books

Wayne Jordan who writes for BET books. This is his first novel and he is the first male I've ever known to write for Arabesque BET books.

Beverly Jenkins writes for HarperTorch and Avon. She writes both historical and contemporary.

I tell you, it doesn't get any better than this! So mark your calendars.Date: Friday October the 7th 2005Time: 9ESTWhere: www.Romancedivas.com

This should be fun and informative. I know I'm looking forward to it. Come on out and support your fellow writers.

Tell all your friends.

Thanks

One Way Or Another

2005-09-20T08:43:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a Time Management workshop and a AOTM workshop. So between the two I should have my first draft completed real soon. So far it's going well. My main goal is to keep writing. Too much procrastinating on this end.

However, I have been writing reviews! Check out my latest two - Racing Hearts by Ashley Hopkings and Overnight Sensation by Christy Gissendanar at http://romancedivas.com/bookreviews.html

Both are great reads. Well I'm back to my workshop because I have 20 pages to write today. If interested log into romancedivas.com and you can join in the fun too.

Heart Felt Prayers

2005-09-06T08:53:00.000-04:00

My prayers are with those who have become victims of Katrina's wrath. I also pray that they get the help and services that they need to move forward. Yes, we can all send money, clothes, etc and that's a wonderful thing. But I still wonder just how much it's going to take to get these people lives back on track. Yes, school starts here this week, but what about the kids who no longer have one to go to? I want to reach out and touch each and every one of them in some way, but for now, I send my prayers and hopes that they will be back to normal (whatever that is for them) real soon.

Hugs and prayers

No Time on My Hands

2005-08-30T12:55:00.000-04:00

My fingers have been keeping busy these days. I've been writing book reviews, judging contests, editing my first manuscript (neglecting the second) and helping out folks near and far. I'm not complaining, busy is good and keeps you out of trouble. Let's not forget school's started so I have to take time out to check homework. I'm going to put my time management training to use and buckle down. I'm hoping to be able to submit by the late fall - if I'm lucky. Well, it's a goal and gives me something to reach for.

My First Book Review

2005-08-17T07:41:00.000-04:00

Well, it's not a review of my very own writing but of Shirley Harrison's "The Proposition" Check it out at http://romancedivas.com/bookreviews.html

You'll have to scroll down to the E-Book section, but it's there. Oh yeah, the name is D.D. Blackman. Yep, that's the name you'll see when I get published. Stay tuned because I'm working on it. My first MS should be edited soon and I'll be ready to submit that baby somewhere. But for now, I'll keep the creative juices flowing. Okay, I have to get back to work. Stay tuned.

It's Official

2005-08-12T07:22:00.000-04:00

I have become a Staff Reviewer at Romance Divas.com which is by the way a hell of a site. Stop by some time and give a shout out. What a nice gig for someone who loves to read. I mean we all have opinions, right? why not share. At any rate my plate is full. On my list is: Finish my prologue for my WIP "One True Love" by today so that I can read it at my writers group tomorrow. Next, I have to critique chapters for both of my two CP's, then I have to edit my first ms "You Know I Love You"

Yep, my plate is full, but I'm up for the challenge, my only question is what to do first? I know, I know prioritize, prioritize. Well, this work is not going to get done by itself, I'm off.

Let's Lend A Helping Hand

2005-08-08T07:25:00.000-04:00

Permission to Forward

A Writer In Need

Author Marianne Mancusi came home from Reno to find her apartment had been struck by lightning and burned to the ground. She lost everything. If there is anything you can do to help please check out http://www.literarychicks.com/ for details of where to send donations and the like.

The Auction Is Live!

From Lani Diane Rich:
As many of you know, author Marianne Mancusi (A CONNECTICUT FASHIONISTA IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT) returned home from the RWA national conference to discover that she had no home - it and all her belongings had burned to the ground while she was in Reno. While we're grateful that neither Marianne nor her dog were hurt, the loss of everything she owned - including childhood photos and mementos, things she can never replace - was simply devastating. Now there's a single girl in Boston who needs absolutely everything, so the girls here at Literary Chicks (http://www.literarychicks.com/) are circling the wagons, and the writing community has come out like gangbusters to show their support by helping us set up this AMAZING auction to benefit Marianne.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmariannefirefund

Thank you.

Don't Rush Your Words

2005-08-03T10:50:00.000-04:00

Trust me on this. I rushed to get my prologue done and it was crap. Some things are better when the time is spent to make it right. Sometimes in our haste to get something written, we get a little sloppy with our words. We're all a little guilty of us, well okay, maybe just me (didn't want to go down in a sinking boat by myself). At any rate, I've slowed down a bit to keep from rambling and to have some flow to my writing. Haven't edited the prologue yet, but when I do, hopefully it will make a little more sense.

A New Notebook For Inspiration

2005-07-18T07:52:00.000-04:00

Crisp clean new paper, your favorite pen or pencil, a song that fills your heart everytime you hear it. Many writers have loads of inspirations to jumpstart their writing. Mine just happen to be a new notebook. Somehow the opening of a new notebook signals new words to be written. Hey, whatever it takes. It doesn't matter the size, shape or pattern, if it's new paper or a pen, I want it. Now with the stores putting school supplies on sale, that's my sign to go and buy my new paper for the season. Oh yeah, I guess I should get some school supplies for my kids too.

Two of my weaknesses are: pens and notebooks or paper. Tell me as a writer, that's not a good weakness to have. Well I'm off to write in my brand new notebook. (and school supplies)

Back in the Groove

2005-07-07T11:42:00.000-04:00

All right now, I'm putting pen to paper and getting back on track. I plan on finishing chapter two before Saturday. My monthly writers group is meeting and I need to have something for them to critique. Having a critique partner keeps you on track and motivates you. Well so does my sister in law. She keeps asking "have you finished that chapter yet?" It does help me to keep moving although life tends to get in the way. I tell you every writer's life is different. Like most time is my biggest factor. Perhaps when I get my new office built things will be different. I can only pray.

Thinking, Thinking, Thinking

2005-06-28T13:48:00.000-04:00

Oh man, I know what I want to write about, but as they say the words fail me. Well, I'll keep thinking, in the mean time. And let me tell you, it aint easy. My head hurts. Reading is much easier, no thinking going on there. I currently reading Island Interlude by Linda Hudson-Smith and it's pretty good. Like they say the first few pages has to hold your attention or else, it's outta there. I can read a good book rather quickly. I just have to make sure to have another one on standby. I hate not having something good to read. Hopefully my book will have people wanting to read, read, read. Keep those pages turning. Of course I have to get published in order for that to happen. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Chow

Back From Disney!!!

2005-06-19T07:37:00.000-04:00

Hello out there,

Well I survived Disney. We had a wonderful time. Because of the special plan we had, we were able to come and go to any theme park we wanted, as many times as we wanted. People thought we were nuts, but we hit 2 parks a day. Of course mid-day we had to let my son take a nap, but after that we were off again. If it had wheels, we rode it, if there was a show or play, we saw it. We hit so many parts of Disney, it was crazy. We had a little rain on Wed or Thur, can't remember, but that didn't stop us. We ate lots of wonderful food (I really have to hit the treadmill now), lots of junk and we even tried to keep eating those veggies.

At any rate, even though I had lots of fun, I'm so glad to be home. Like they say, there's no place like home and your own bed. So now back to reality. By that I mean, back to work and back to writing. Well writing doesn't necessarily mean reality - not for me anyway.

Let Us Pray

2005-06-09T10:12:00.000-04:00

For good weather that is. I'm noticing the storms/hurricanes whatever category you want to put them in and I'm not liking it. If it stays away from Orlando, hooray!!. Just want to have a good time with my kids when we go on Monday. I will however, keep a notebook handy - just in case I find a minute to write; although I seriously doubt it. At any rate, I have a couple of days to get a chapter to my cp, and crit hers. Talk about keeping on track, this is a good thing. Let us pray - for good weather, that is.

The Weekends Seem to Fly By

2005-06-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

Another Monday morning and I woke yet again with the disbelief that it's Monday again. Where do the time go? I managed to read some emails, read my cp's chapter two, but not much else. There aren't enough hours in a day for what I have to do. I'm hoping I can get some writing done before I leave for Disney, but with hubby out of town, I doubt it. Three cheers for single moms. I don't know how they do it.

I have to give a special thanks to Jax. She is a techical genius. Check out her site and blog listed in my new links section. Thanks a million Jax. You can also find her and a host of fabulous writers at the Romance Diva website. Come by for a visit.

Well I'm off to try and learn a few things.

Moving Right Along

2005-06-03T08:10:00.000-04:00

It's always a good thing when you connect with someone. Me and my cp are doing great. I was always skeptical letting people I didn't know read my writing, but I've gotten a lot better at it. It's helpful to have a different set of eyes. They see things that yours don't. Your writing can only improve. I'm happy to say my writing is moving right along, with the exception of the Disney trip coming up in a week or so. I don't expect to get any writing done duing that time. At any rate, if things keep progressing at this rate, I'll be able to submit somewhere soon. Wish me luck.

Back on Track

2005-05-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

Here I am calming down from a very busy, but good long weekend. Well the bad news is I didn't have a chance to write one single word, but I thought about it. Today I plan on getting back on track and finishing up a couple of things. My main goal today is to revamp my first chapter of my second ms. We'll see how that goes. I'll keep you posted.

Today's Goal

2005-05-25T07:28:00.000-04:00

Today, I really need to get some work done on my ms. I know, I know, but it's been a struggle. I've been trying to counsel a friend that's going through some mess and it wears me out so I can imagine what it's doing to her. It does give me a few ideas for future stories. See if you look, not necessarily very far, there's stories waiting to be told, real life stories. Of course you have to change names to protect the innocent. Well, it's back to work for me. Happy Writing.

I've Been Tagged!

2005-05-24T14:26:00.000-04:00

Okay, here we go,

Total number of books I own: It’s sad to say only about forty. I buy them, read them and pass them on. With the exception of my reference books – those I hang on to. I just don’t have the space for all those beautiful books.

Last books I bought: Addicted, Zane, Coldest Winter Ever, Sister Souljah, Along Came A Spider, James Patterson, Master of the Game, Sydney Sheldon

On the 'To Buy' List: Triangles of Sin.

Last Books I Read: Maintenance Man, Michael Baisden, Married But Still Looking, Travis Hunter, Milk in My Coffee, Eric Jerome Dickey.

Five Books That Mean A Lot To Me: Indigo, Bevery Jenkins, Growing up Black, Bebe Moore Campbell

I'll keep you posted on who's to be tagged next!

I finally got a Blog!!

2005-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

It took a while, but here I am. This is such a great way to express one's self. Today I must concentrate on my writing. I got a critique partner and I'm very happy about that. Hopefully now I will have some direction and movitvation. Time is never on my side, but then again is it on anybody's side these days with everything that's going on in this crazy world? On I go to chapter 2. Wish me luck.