Faust Sonnet Contest

The "Faust Sonnet Contest" is now accepting submissions.

There is no entry fee, and the sonnets may be written in Shakespearean, Petrarchan, Spenserian, or non-traditional form. Only previously unpublished sonnets are eligible. 

Each entrant may submit one to three sonnets, maximum, with sonnets to be received no later than June 1, 2024. Cash prizes total $2,000.  When you visit the site, you can review the winning entries from the last few years. For more information, visit http://www.sonnetcontest.org/

Not sure how to write a sonnet? Try reviewing these guidelines, tips, and examples: http://examples.yourdictionary.com/sonnet-examples.html

Have you ever written a sonnet? Does this seem like something you might want to try?

New Release: In Darkness

Special boxed set of the In Darkness series in both print and eBook out now!

In Darkness

By L. Diane Wolfe

Romance-Paranormal / Fantasy-Paranormal / Romance-Science Fiction

Print ISBN 9798988625148 $17.95, 342 pages

eBook ISBN 9798988625155  $8.99

Four souls shrouded in darkness…

A wary vampire relying on the assistance of a young woman to guide his clan to an ancient fortress. A talking shark with no knowledge of his earlier life who befriends a girl with issues of her own. A werewolf trapped by his secret smitten with a young woman battling trust issues of her own. And an alien devoid of all emotions pledged to a Terran woman determined to keep her own feelings intact.

These souls must discover the power of love if they hope to escape the darkness surrounding them…

LINKS:

Amazon print –

Amazon eBook - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWYM915Q  

iTunes - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6476887107

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940167675377

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9798988625155\

Gardners - https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword=9798988625155

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206112336-in-darkness

A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

“…it’s a brilliant read and I found myself engrossed in the story…” The Strawberry Post 

“I am so shocked because I loved this book so much and it was a book that was so unlike anything I have ever read.” – A Ravenclaw Library 

“The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind!” 5 stars – Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

TWITTER:

In Darkness boxed set by L. Diane Wolfe Amazon- https://tinyurl.com/ymu9488u iTunes- https://tinyurl.com/4s2t9nzf B&N- https://tinyurl.com/jpw6a8j4 Kobo- https://tinyurl.com/5rbb3cx2 #parnormal 

IWSG: Distractions and Determination

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

MAY 1 QUESTION - How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?

MY ANSWER - Honestly, it depends on what type of distraction is occurring. Sometimes, the distraction are severe issues that result in emotional burn out, so, I just have to walk away until I can rest and heal. Sometimes, it's simpler and I just have to guard my writing time carefully. Every day I try to be honest with myself about whether I am using something as an excuse to procrastinate, or if I need to prioritize other matters for a while. Either way, if you are determined to succeed and feed your craft, you learn to balance. There will always be times when it is more of a struggle than others. That's what makes us human.

What about you? How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?

2024 Shakespeare Day

It's "National Talk Like Shakespeare Day"! It's observed on April 23, in honor of the author's birthday. To learn more about this celebration, check out the official site at: http://www.talklikeshakespeare.org/

Folger Shakespeare Library also hosts a variety of events, activities, contests, and programs for both kids and adults.

I've previously shared my own interest in Shakespeare in an article with Southern Writer's Magazine. You can check that out here: For the Love of Shakespeare.

For other great reads, Shakespeare fans should check out:

25 Romances for Shakespeare Fans
English, Irish, and Scottish Poetry

All the World's a Stage: Great Drama

Are you a Shakespeare fan? Will you be celebrating? What is your favorite Shakespearean creation? 

I'm a Semifinalist

I'm so excited! It's not very often that I enter contests, but this one felt right to me. Congratulations to everyone who made the list and good luck in the final round!

How about you? Do you ever enter writing contests? Why, or why not?

Spring 2024 Submission and Reading Opportunities for Veterans, Graduates, and More

It's almost May, that time of year to gear up for high school and college graduations, as well as honoring our Veterans.  It's also an opportunity to enjoy some extra time reading, or prepare a submission for a few anthology calls:

1) Southeast Missouri State University Press and the Warriors Arts Alliance have joined together once again to create the 13th volume in a series of anthologies about military experiences. The deadline for this issue is April 26, 2024
. They accept fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography, essays, and interviews. I was fortunate enough to be included in the second volume with my interview of award-winning author Tim O'Brien (The Things They Carried). For more information on supporting these great Americans or to learn more about the Proud to Be series: http://www.semopress.com/events/proud-to-be-writing-by-american-warriors/

2) Interested in a graduation flash fiction? Read mine here, or try writing your own. You can also see my list of 5 Books for Graduates.

3) Chicken Soup for the Soul has a call out for six different anthologies right now. To learn more, check out: https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

4) Challenge: Compose a letter of thanks to a soldier you do not know or donate books to the troops. For more ideas on how you can help: http://www.give2thetroops.org/

Have you ever written for veterans or graduates? Does this seem like something you might want to try?

2024 National Library Week

It's the annual National Library Week (April 7 - 13, 2024) in America. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for National Library Week 2024 is "Ready, Set, Library!"

Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. National Library Week 2024 will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.

National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery and Pura Belpré-award winning author Meg Medina will serve as 2024 Honorary Chair.

“I’m thrilled to serve as the honorary chair of National Library Week for 2024! Libraries connect our communities and enrich our lives in ways we may not realize, and one of my greatest pleasures is discovering the unexpected and beautiful things libraries offer. From book groups to lending sports equipment to providing a safe after-school hangout space and so much more, libraries support us wherever we find ourselves on the roadmap through life’s journey. Join me and the American Library Association in celebrating the gift of libraries everywhere and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day. Ready, Set, Library!”

For more ways to celebrate, visit: http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek

- First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Most writers and readers adore their local libraries, and it's often an included vacation locale. However, many don't realize the full range of services a good library offers. For great examples, check out this article at The Write Life.

Do you celebrate this event? What is your favorite aspect of libraries?