Diana Driver Write On

Odin

2011-12-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

One of the finest paintings of Odin that I've seen.

2011 - What a Year!

2011-12-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Cypress
(March 2011)

Dixie
(September 2011)

If I could keep Time in a Bottle, I'd sip it sparingly. As it is, time seems to spill out of control like milk poured over the kitchen countertop.

Our family has seen the birth of TWO beautiful children. Cypress Elaine was born to my daughter Beth (making me a GRANDMOTHER!) and Dixie Savannah was born to my nephew Christian (making me a GREAT-AUNT!)

Also, this year has seen some of my family members come together in a spirit of forgiveness after years of estrangement. Being united as a 'complete' family is a joy that's immeasurable and I'm very proud of the steps that everyone has made.

I'm also very proud of the grown children in my family; the choices they've made and the adults they've grown into. Beth and Brandon and Kelly and Christian are, of course, relishing their new roles as parents while Denise and Ben are continuing their passions of music, new technologies, and gardening fruits and vegetables with heritage seeds.

2011 has also been a great year to be a writer. The sales for my two little Indie titles, The End of the Tour and Ninth Lord of the Night have been in the thousands and believe me when I say that those are numbers I never dreamed I'd ever see. Of course, high sales numbers bring monthly deposits from Amazon, so I think about Amazon pretty much like kids think about Santa Claus. What new joy will Amazon offer to Indie Writers? The latest opportunity is Amazon's Kindle Select Lending Library and the promotional campaigns.

I'd be remiss if I neglected to mention my friends who've shared my joys this past year and who've allowed me to share theirs. I especially want to mention multi-published mystery author, Cherri Galbiati. Cherri and I have been friends for years and she not only began her career as an Indie Author before I did, but she's encouraged and guided me every step of the way. Her advice has been invaluable and greatly appreciated. Thank you, Cherri!

And, of course, I need to mention my husband who's always been my rock.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

I'm Interviewed by Mel Comley!!!!

2011-11-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Today I'm interviewed by Mel Comley on her blog!!!!!

http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com/p/interviews-with-other-romance-writers_06.html

Enjoy!!!!

NINTH LORD OF THE NIGHT

2011-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

NINTH LORD OF THE NIGHT - amazon paperback

Excerpt:

The open-air restaurant was completely empty except for the bartender. He looked up at Zack.

“I’ll have a Pepsi,” Zack said, walking over to the bar. The waiter put a bottle up on the counter and stuck a straw in it. Zack paid for the drink and went to a table by the small wall that separated the restaurant from the surrounding grounds.

While not elevated enough to see any of the temples through the trees, the view was still spectacular. Below him a gravel road lead to the ruins as well as the Jungle Lodge and Tikal Inn, both surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. He could see a modest building that was the museum and next to it a small shop that sold tourist items.

Suddenly, a large hand applied painful pressure to his shoulder. “Hi kid,” Raymond said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. Zack winced as the murderer tightened the grip on his shoulder. “Remember me? Yeah, I thought so. You and I need to have a little talk.”

Zack’s heart skipped a beat. “What about?”

“You have something I want.”

Zack forced his head around looking for the bartender, but he was gone.

“That’s right boy, we’re alone.” Raymond dug his fingers deeper into Zack’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t try to compete with the pros.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Zack mumbled.

“Sure, you do. Don’t play dumb. Dumb will get your throat cut from ear to ear. Slowly. Dumb will get you dead. Like Albie.” Raymond removed his hand from Zack’s shoulder and immediately Zack felt the sharp point of a knife through his shirt.

“I’m just a tourist,” Zack insisted. “Here on vacation for a month. I don’t know anything about anything.” Raymond stuck the knife deeper into Zack’s side and Zack winced as the cold steel cut through his shirt.

“You’re lying, kid. For openers, I know about Miguel.” Without removing his knife, Raymond tipped up his bottle of beer and took a sip. “Okay,” he said, setting the bottle down so hard that foam poured out the top. “I’ll make this easy for you. I’ll tell you what I know so you won’t feel you need to lie. I know you’re a member of the same group of dirt diggers that Miguel was with. I know that Albie was waiting for you in the alley when I showed up instead. I know Albie didn’t have the drawing. I searched him. That means you have it. You have it. I want it. And, I’ll kill for it. It’s that simple, boy.”

“I don’t know any Albie and I don’t have any drawing.” Zack tensed as the blade nicked the surface of his skin.

NINTH LORD OF THE NIGHT - Kindle Edition

Also Available at Barnes and Noble

Whither the Ring Givers

2011-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

WHITHER THE RING GIVERS

HUGH LONG
(Eoghan Odinsson)

AUTHOR OF NORTHERN LORE
A Field Guide to Mind, Body, and Soul)

Runic Yoga, Herblore, Heroes, Gods and Magic

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe - Read by James Earl Jones

2011-10-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

The End of the Tour - A Cozy Mystery

2011-10-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just as artists copy the masters to learn various techniques, I decided to write a short mystery in the style of Dame Agatha Christie. The result was The End of the Tour. Following upon Christie's examples, I had the setting in a closed environment with an amateur sleuth and a host of over-the-top characters who had both motive and opportunity. And, at the end, I had the typical reveal where the solution is explained.

I was so happy with the result that I've put the mystery up on Amazon as a 99 cent Kindle short story.

Here's the product description for The End of the Tour from the Amazon sales page.

A cozy mystery short story.

"Richard was a bully who insulted everyone around him. No wonder he was murdered. The question was, "Who did it?" His sister-in-law who despised him? Or, his trophy wife who had to beg for every penny? Written in the style of Dame Agatha, The End of the Tour is filled with campy characters, a cozy setting, and a final twist!"

Amazon link for the End of the Tour

Contest on The Writer's Lens!!!

2011-10-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Go over to The Writer's Lens for a chance to win two Amazon e-books!!!

http://www.thewriterslens.com/

Why I Love Author's Blatant Self-Promotion!

2011-10-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Since I purchased my Kindle from Amazon.com, I'm constantly on the Amazon site perusing ebooks. And, because I love to read - I bypass the expensive books and focus on the titles that are under $4.99. But, although there are many categories, it seems that the same titles pop up over and over again. So, what's a reader to do to find new books that haven't hit the best seller categories yet?

This is where Author Self-Promotion comes in. Contrary to most views on various email loops or Facebook groups or Blogs - I love reading an author's own blurbs about their books!

Yes, you read that last phrase correctly. If no one tells me about the book, I won't know it exists. And, if I don't know the book exists then the decision to check it out and possibly buy it is lost.

So, if you're an author and want to notify me of your latest Kindle book and if that book is under $4.99 and listed on Amazon.com, then this is another opportunity to post about your book in the comments section. Doesn't matter if you write romance or mystery or sci fi or fantasy as I read all genres.

Or, if you want to put me on your email notification list, you can do that, too. Use the email that goes with this blog - quanedster@gmail.com

I don't promise to buy every book I see, but I do promise to read every blurb and check out the book.

The Torah Codes by Ezra Barany

2011-09-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

THE TORAH CODES

My friend, Ezra Barany, just released a thriller that is now an award-winning bestseller. It's a Jewish version of "The Da Vinci Code" called "The Torah Codes," and asks "What would you do if you found your name encoded in the Bible?"

The reason I'm letting you know is because he's released it for the Kindle and Nook, and for his birthday he's having a launch sale reducing the price from $3.99 to $0.99!!! He wants to get as many sales in one day as he can. To add even more incentive, he's holding a raffle for all the people who buy his book on that day. The prize? A $50.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Winner's Choice).

Check out the book from the Amazon 'buy button' and if it piques your interest, buy it on Tuesday, September 20th.
I read The Torah Codes in one sitting - I just couldn't put it down!

Take a look at what other people are saying about his book:

"FIVE STARS - The book contains a healthy portion of suspense, action, and mystery. This book is a page-turner that I found very difficult to put down. The book has kind of a Dan Brown Da Vinci Code feel to it. The appendix is good reading as well as food for thought and should not be skipped. The author is donating a portion of the book sales to the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Schools. A good book and helping a good cause is a winning combination!" A.R. Cook, The Book Review

"FIVE STARS - I wish I could put an additional star on the rating system for this book." - Roseanne Schmidt, Goodreads.com

"FIVE STARS - Let me put this quite baldly: the question before us is not a fictional one. If The Torah Codes describes a real phenomenon, then we are talking about statistical evidence that the scriptures are indeed supernatural—that is to say, holy, inspired by a force with, at the very least, a god’s-eye-view of history. Including, one might presume, future history." - Ien Nivens, Berkshire Fine Arts.

Updating website

2011-09-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

I spent today mapping my dianadriver.com site over to my new Google website. It would have been a lot easier if I were more tech savvy. Now that it's all done, I look back and think it wasn't such a learning curve after all. My only problem is that if you put "Diana Driver" in the search engine, you'll get the "dianadriver.com link", but that link goes to a "page not found." If you do a "refresh", then the site comes up fine. Considering that the mapping process is supposed to take from 24 to 48 hours, I'm happy that it's showing up at all!

One thing I like about fiddling with websites it that I learn a lot. Although, remembering it is another problem.

Check out my new website at http://www.dianadriver.com/

You Promised Me - Irish poem

2011-08-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

Donal Óg

(anonymous eighth-century Irish poem)

translated by Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory

It is late last night the dog was speaking of you;

the snipe was speaking of you in her deep marsh.

It is you are the lonely bird through the woods;

and that you may be without a mate until you find me.

You promised me, and you said a lie to me,

that you would be before me where the sheep are flocked;

I gave a whistle and three hundred cries to you,

and I found nothing there but a bleating lamb.

You promised me a thing that was hard for you,

a ship of gold under a silver mast;

twelve towns with a market in all of them,

and a fine white court by the side of the sea.

You promised me a thing that is not possible,

that you would give me gloves of the skin of a fish;

that you would give me shoes of the skin of a bird;

and a suit of the dearest silk in Ireland.

When I go by myself to the Well of Loneliness,

I sit down and I go through my trouble;

when I see the world and do not see my boy,

he that has an amber shade in his hair.

It was on that Sunday I gave my love to you;

the Sunday that is last before Easter Sunday.

And myself on my knees reading the Passion;

and my two eyes giving love to you for ever.

My mother said to me not to be talking with you today,

or tomorrow, or on the Sunday;

it was a bad time she took for telling me that;

it was shutting the door after the house was robbed.

My heart is as black as the blackness of the sloe,

or as the black coal that is on the smith's forge;

or as the sole of a shoe left in white halls;

it was you that put that darkness over my life.

You have taken the east from me; you have taken the west from me;

you have taken what is before me and what is behind me;

you have taken the moon, you have taken the sun from me;

and my fear is great that you have taken God from me!

I Love Amazon

2011-05-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

First thing I do in the morning is log into my Amazon KDP account and see how many sales I've made during the night. Then, throughout the day I check the account again and again and watch those sales numbers increase. I'll be honest in saying that some days I don't see any sales, but those day are few and far between. My short story, The End of the Tour, has been on the Amazon top 100 list for Anthologies more days than it's been off that list. Wow!

Being an Indie Author is seeing all your dreams come true - not only of publication, but also of seeing money deposited in the bank account on a monthly basis. And, Amazon pays every month - on time. As an Indie Author I know how much money I made, when I made it, and when that money will show up in my bank account.

Amazon has made all this possible. No other publisher is so author friendly. No other publisher works with its authors to make magic happen. I do less promotion now than I've ever done before and yet, through the magic that's Amazon, I'm realizing sales that I never, ever dreamed I'd have.

Obviously, what's good for the writer is good for the reader. Through the magic of Kindle, readers have more choices of reading material than ever before and at an affordable price. I remember when buying books was inexpensive and when I automatically added a paperback (or two) to the shopping cart. Then, as book prices rose, reading for entertainment declined. Now, through the magic of Kindle, reading is once again in vogue and it's a win-win for readers and Indie Authors. I say "Indie Authors" because it's the independent (self-published) authors who're teaming up with readers to make novels affordable again.

Independent Authors have taken the necessary steps required to cut overhead and offer a product at a price that everyone can afford. Every book that's published as an e-book is available on Amazon. And, even if you don't have and can't afford a Kindle, Amazon offers Kindle for PC for free.

Happy reading!!!

This Picture Says It All

2011-05-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Bonny Raitt video - I Can't Make You Love Me

2011-05-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

Video's a bit blurry, but what a GREAT song sung by a GREAT singer!

Time to Get Back to Work

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Time is definitely flying! Won't be long until Amazon makes another deposit into my bank account. I'm so excited to see these monthly statements.

At the moment, I'm working on another short story that's in the same style as The End of the Tour. Then, there's the fantasy to finish, edit, and upload as well as a paranormal that I'm working on.

Being a writer requires a lot of self-discipline. There's no behind you cracking a whip and telling you to get off Facebook and get to work. There are times when I think that "Procrastination" is my middle name. But, as we all know, the work won't get done if you don't do it. So, I'll be disappearing from Facebook and my writer's loops and concentrating on new work that I hope will please my readers.

The End of the Tour - a 99 cent Kindle Short Story!!

Deer Guarding Goose and Goose's Nest

2011-04-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid51295468001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAB_xxTdk~,2G9NX7dxSucGnGzMLycYUKyubm2RqiC1&bctid=890318766001

The above link goes to a newscast which is well worth watching. In this case, a deer and a female goose have bonded and the deer has taken on the protective role of the male goose. Geese mate for life, so obviously the male goose is now deceased.

Enjoy the video!!

Sample Sunday - Excerpt from Ninth Lord of the Night

2011-04-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

SAMPLE SUNDAY

‎#SampleSunday Excerpt of Ninth Lord of the Night Supernatural action/suspense http://dianadriver.blogspot.com/ #www.dianadriver.com

The story at this point - Zack is exploring the ruins in Tikal, Guatemala. He's met and is attracted to Maria - a girl fighting the demons of her own heritage and who's just managed to verbally shoot him down. He's already had a run in with the murderer and he's already had a previous vision. The following is Zack's vision #2.

As Zack sat in the empty room, he imagined Maria as she’d been that night, frightened and vulnerable. He remembered the words she had said to him. “It could have been anybody. It just happened to be you.” Then, he thought of her as she’d looked at the dinner table. The way her white blouse set off the golden glow of her skin. The way her soft and silky hair fell over her shoulders. He sighed. She changed so dramatically from one minute to the next that he didn’t know what to really think of her. All he knew was that no one affected him the way she did. And, that her words could cut - just like the smuggler’s knife.

He set his hat on his head, got up and walked out into the hot sun. At least no tourists were in this area, not yet anyway. He heard birds, but didn’t see any. Likewise the monkeys’ chatter seemed muted and far away. He passed the sloping walls of the Mayan ball court and thought of the story Maria had told, remembering the words, “The only ones daring enough to play are dead.” He shuddered. He’d been raised on Disney fairytales. She’d been raised on myths about decapitations and ritual bloodlettings.

At the base of Temple III the lightheadedness he’d felt before at the Temple of the Masks enveloped him and a warning bell sounded in his head. He paused as he attempted to grasp what his body was trying to tell him.

Once again he found himself several centuries in the past.

He turned, lifted his foot, and began climbing the temple steps. The light dimmed. Heavy clouds of gunmetal gray covered the sun and obscured the blue sky. Within the clouds lightning flashed and he could smell ozone and the approaching rain. Trees bowed down from the force of the wind and groups of parrots screamed as they flew overhead, warning of the incoming squall.

Still he climbed, higher and higher. This time no crowd gathered below the temple waiting for him to speak. And, he wasn’t wearing the heavy headdress and backrack, but had his long red hair parted in the middle and wrapped in braids woven with red cotton strips. The wind picked up the braids and whipped them against his face. His thick leather skirt beat against his thighs and his sandals made a slapping sound on the limestone steps. He climbed with a measured gait. When a sudden gust pushed at him, he paused, steadying himself for a moment before beginning to climb once again. Just as he could feel the impending storm, he could also feel the threat of war and his determination to do what the gods demanded.

In his right hand he grasped a flint knife; its blade carved in his likeness. He kept his mind blank, deliberately not thinking about what was to come within the next few minutes. Slap. Slap. Slap. Slap. Steady, one step at a time. Slap. Slap. Slap. Slap. He reached the temple’s summit and stepped upon the platform in front of the chamber of rooms.

His chimán waited, dressed once again in the jaguar skin. In front of the priest, down on bent knee was the sacrificial victim, painted blue and naked except for his loincloth. His arms were tied behind his back and the chimán’s right hand rested on his neck.

Zack approached the victim and the priest forced the captive to stand.

The prisoner trembled as Zack tightened his grip on the flint knife and raised his arm. Suddenly, without emotion of any kind, Zack thrust the knife deep in the captive’s chest. Warm, thick blood spurted, covering both Zack and the priest. It gushed out, running down his arms as he twisted the blade violently, cutting out the victim’s heart. Zack’s hands and arms were red with blood as he raised the still beating heart and offered it as a sacrifice to the gods.

From a faraway and distant time, Zack heard himself scream.

When he woke up he was lying in the small room at the temple’s summit. A woman with long, dark hair was kneeling over him. She was speaking to him, but he couldn’t understand her babbling. She poured water on a napkin and wiped his forehead. Still, she kept talking. He closed his eyes. A cool breeze brushed over his face. He opened his eyes again and realized that the woman was Maria.

She was fanning him with his hat, her dark eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?” she asked. “What happened?”

Zack stared at her face, unable to talk.

“Zack?” she repeated, looking alarmed. “Zack!”

He licked his lips, but the words wouldn’t come.

She put the waterbottle to his mouth. He took a sip, choked, and pushed it away. She wrapped her arms around him and helped him to sit up. Finally he found his voice. “You’re here.”

Book Trailer - The Maya, People of the Maize

2011-04-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Maya, People of the Maize a nonfiction companion book to the fast-paced suspense novel, Ninth Lord of the Night.

April's Rune - Eihwaz

2011-04-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Eihwaz - my rune for April

Eihwaz is the 13th rune in the Futhark. and the translation of the word is yew, which represents the World Tree, Yggdrasill. Yggdrasill's branches reach up into the heavens and its roots reach deep into the lower worlds. It holds the nine worlds and it was from Yggdrasill that Odin hung for nine days and nine nights in order to receive knowledge.

"I know that I hung on a windy tree

nine long nights,

wounded with a spear, dedicated to Odin,

myself to myself,

on that tree of which no man knows

from where its roots run.

No bread did they give me nor a drink from a horn,

downwards I peered;

I took up the runes, screaming I took them,

then I fell back from there."

Eihwaz is a powerful rune. According to Freya Aswynn (Northern Mysteries and Magic) this rune can be used in "shamanic traveling" or in the killing of another's soul.

On a lighter and more positive note, its basic meaning is spiritual enlightenment, endurance, initiation, protection, and the motivation as well as the action needed to complete a goal. As I'm not into any kind of astral projection or travelling or stealing souls, I'm hoping that when I look back on the month of April I'll see that 1. I've used my time productively. 2. I've completed my writing goals. And, 3. I've continued on my path to learn and experience the deeper meanings of the runes.

Any accomplishments are dependent on a person's own will and desires. I look upon Eihwaz as a positive rune which is meant to inspire and encourage me.

Good Friends are Hard to Find

2011-03-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

As we go through this tough world it is always good to have a friend by your side to share your ups and downs and keep you centered. For me that's Cherri Galbiati. Cherri and I have been down the same publishing roads together. We've watched as our excitment over having our books "traditionally published" turned to dismay as our books languished in the ozone due to publisher indifference. For many years, I thought poor book sales were my fault. I spent money and time on marketing and promotion and I just couldn't get ahead. Then, Cherri helped me begin to think straight. She'd been watching how well the Indie Authors were doing financially and she was learning about the different avenues that were available for Indie Authors that just aren't available to traditionally published writer. Together, Cherri and I, saw the writing world open up.

I have to say, that I was a little leery about breaking with my publisher and going off on my own. But, I'd been down the Indie Author road before and I'd been making great headway when I gave it up and signed with a traditional press. I knew I could pursue avenues on my own that I couldn't pursue with a traditional press and it wouldn't hurt to try. After all, my last royalty check from my publisher wasn't even worth depositing. (In fact I have it here in front of me and every now and then I let my Bengal cat chew on it.) But, the proof is in the puddling so to speak. I uploaded my first Indie project on January 18, 2011. As of this date, March 29th, 2011, I've made more sales than I ever imagined! Obviously, I'm stunned. Me? Make money writing? Who'd have thought such a thing?

Good friends are hard to find. Friends that are truthful about the road less traveled and how that road is actually the better path than the one you're currently on - and why. Bless her heart. Cherri never let up, she guided me and lectured me and argued with me until my vision cleared and I saw the world and its opportunities through her eyes. Anyone else would have walked away from my stubborness.

Good friends are hard to find and I bless the day I found Cherri Galbiati. Cherri has two short stories Yesterday's Chance, and Halo and Holly on Kindle, but her first Indie Novel, Tracking Perception is now available (also on Kindle) for 99 cents. It's a good! mystery written by a cop's wife, and although Cherri is now retired from Search and Rescue, she writes about the lifestyle of being a handler, owning (and training) these incredible dogs, and what it's like to go on a "mission." All the elements of this well crafted cozy mystery will keep you turning the pages until you find out "who done it."

So, plunk down your 99 cents, sit back and enjoy a good, well-crafted cozy mystery, and when you're done send Cherri an email and say, "Diana sent me!"

Ninth Lord of the Night - Trade Paperback available

2011-03-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Ninth Lord of the Night - Trade Paperback

We're still in an age where readers enjoy holding a paper book in their hands so I'm pleased to have Ninth Lord of the Night out in trade paperback and selling for $9.99 on Amazon.com. The Kindle version of Ninth Lord of the Night is currently selling for $1.99, however that price will increase on April 1st to $4.99.

Speaking of pricing - there's a pricing war going on among Indie Authors with many dropping their novel prices down to 99 cents. They won't make much money, but they raising their sales numbers is more important to them than recouping expenses. At least, that's what I think their reasoning is. I set my prices according to the length of the work. Short stories are 99 cents. Novellas should be around $2.99 and novels - which take so very much time and effort to write - should be more than $1.99, but less than $6.99. And, personally, I think that the 99 cent range for novels simply cheapens the work effort. These are my thoughts only and the great thing about being an Indie Author is that each and every one of us is in control of our own pricing structure.

I've been pulling back this month - just as the Ingwaz rune predicted I would - to get Ninth Lord of the Night up in print and then finally I was able to get back to The Amber Stone, my work in progress. It's been so long since I worked on this manuscript that I spent a couple days rereading the material and I must say I'm happy with my work up to this point. Hopefully, this book will make its debut sometime this summer.

Right now, I'm researching Power Places and in particular Rollright Stones. The powers they are thought to possess are of peace, comfort and security as well as vibes of extreme negative energy. It's been reported that the ripples and vibrates in waves. It has also been reported that these stones house animal spirits and the forms of the animals can be seen upon occasion.

Ninth Lord of the Night - Print copy is coming!

2011-03-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

From its inception, Ninth Lord of the Night is a project that I've refused to let go away. First published independently, it was then re-released by a trade publisher whose business model was mainly selling books to their own authors. Doors that I'd opened as an Indie Author were no longer available to me and my publisher was lax about taking opportunities available to them.

I believe in this book. I've always believed in the storyline of Ninth Lord of the Night. And, I'm not the only one. The book was optioned by a local film production company for over 5 years. Also, when the book was Indie Published, the B&N CRMs selected it as one of the top books by a local Indie Author, showing that these CRMs believed in it as well.

The rights to Ninth Lord of the Night have reverted back to me and is NOW available as an ebook in the Kindle Store for the low price of $1.99.

Soon, the trade paperback version of Ninth Lord of the Night will be for sale for $9.99 on Amazon. Of course I'll make a Big Announcement when the print version is "live".

I've now come full circle and can hunker down and work on other stories. It's been a long road, but my novel - Ninth Lord of Night is once again all mine!

Isa and Ingwaz - Feb. and March - Ice and Creativity

2011-02-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

ISA

My rune for February was Isa and was that ever spot on. For the first half of the month we had freezing temps here in southeast Texas; something that's extremely rare. When I pulled the rune I couldn't imagine how it would impact my life and actually thought the worst as Isa can mean a variety of things - mostly negative. Never did I think we'd get the Big Freeze.

INGWAZ

The rune Ingwaz represents March. A basic meaning (again each rune has many meanings) IS "contained isolation necessary for internal growth and creativity."

Sounds like I'm going to be doing a ton of writing!

Cherri Galbiati, Coloring Outside The Lines: Writers' Night Out x's Three

2011-02-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

Cherri Galbiati, Coloring Outside The Lines: Writers' Night Out x's Three

Interview Today on Deatri Writes

2011-02-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Check this out! From Geophysicist to Fantasy writer - what a journey!

http://deatrikingbey.com/2011/02/25/meet-author-diana-driver/

Amazon Studios - Screenplay for Ninth Lord of the Night

2011-02-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I love Amazon.com.
This company has given and continues to give authors tremendous opportunities. Last November Amazon launched Amazon Studios for scripts and independent movies. On the surface this is a contest with monthly winners, but in reality it is much more than that as Amazon Studios keeps the scripts online for 18 months. This allows the screenplay to be visible to the public and others in a way that was never possible before.

Last week I uploaded my screenplay for Ninth Lord of the Night and for anyone who's interested, my project page can be viewed here - http://studios.amazon.com/projects/3825

Thank you Amazon for this wonderful opportunity!

The Saga of Biorn

2011-02-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

A Facebook Friend posted this yesterday and I wanted to share. Enjoy!

The Saga of Biorn

New Beginnings as an Indie Author

2011-02-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I uploaded my digital file and cover art to Amazon's CreateSpace for the print version of Ninth Lord of the Night. The Kindle version is already out and has been for about a month, but I delayed the print version - I'm not sure why. Saturday I received an email saying my proof was in the mail! Wow! I certainly didn't expect it to be both printed and mailed so soon!

I think that being with a traditional publisher for the past few years conditioned me to both long waits and being kept in the dark about release dates. Being an Indie author with Amazon is a new experience and one I'm really relishing.

In fact. one of my new experiences is seeing my short story, The End of the Tour in the top 100 in a couple of categories - Mysteries; Women Sleuths and Mysteries; Anthologies. And, yesterday it even went to # 8 of the top ten!

Nothing encourages additional productivity like success and hopefully I'll be releasing my next novel, The Amber Stone between now and June 1st.

I'm an Indie Author and it's all up to me.

Ninth Lord of the NIght

2011-02-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

This morning I uploaded the screenplay of Ninth Lord of the Night to Amazon Studios. In celebration, I've lowered the price of the Kindle book to $1.99!

Review for Ninth Lord of the Night

"In less than eight hours, seventeen-year-old Zack goes from California, the land of fun and sun, to the third world nation of Guatemala, where his life is changed forever. He expects to be bored, not tangle with murderers and artifact smugglers. He wants to go home, instead he’s swept into the world of Mayan myths and legends – a world that is his to claim if he only has the courage.

Seventeen year old Zack is one unhappy surfer dude when his folks sit him down and give him some very bad news, then top that off by telling him that he and his older brother Kyle are being shipped off to the jungles of Guatemala to stay with their uncle at an archaeological excavation. Zack plans to live up to his reputation as a teenage screw-up, and is determined to hate everything about this experience. It doesn't help his mood that on his first night in Guatemala he witnesses a murder and gains the attention of a major bad guy who wants something he thinks Zack has. Zack does, in fact, have it--a crude map leading to a priceless artifact--but it takes him awhile to realize that. As time goes by, Zack finds himself strangely drawn to the ruins, even having visions that both terrify and excite him. He has to deal with the usual teenage problems: standing up to bullies, fighting with his big brother, trying to understand teenage girls, and so on, while staying one step ahead of a band of vicious smugglers, finding the precious treasure, and, and learning who he really is.

Diana does a great job on every level--getting into the head of a teenage boy, creating realistic characters, and depicting the Maya culture and the lush jungle setting by showing, not telling, the reader. Her research is meticulous. I know that because in my misspent youth I did graduate work in anthropology as a Maya specialist.

S.W. Librarian-Rice University

The Rys Chronicles - The Goddess Queen

2011-02-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

The Goddess Queen: The Rys Chronicles Book II by Tracy Falbe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm currently reading The Goddess Queen and loving it just as much as I loved Union of Renegades. Tracy Falbe is MY kind of writer!

View all my reviews

Brittle Shadows

2011-02-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

Brittle Shadows by Vicki Tyley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Brittle Shadows by Vicki Tyley. It's a fast-paced mystery with a strong female protagonist and several suspects - and the ending took me completetly by surprise! I liked that it was set in Australia and Vicki Tyley knows how to set the mood, atmosphere, and give the reader a feeling for the country. I give this book a well-deserved 5 stars!!

View all my reviews

Yesterday's Chance by Cherri Galbiati

2011-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a day of celebration!

Cherri Galbiati has just released her second short story, Yesterday's Chance, a heartwarming romance, onto the Kindle Store for 99 cents.

She and I talked on the phone while waiting for the story to appear and then we waited some more for it to become "live". It is always a thrill for an author to release new work and to see it become available to readers. It not only signifies the end of a project, but also the forward momentum of the writer.

Yesterday's Chance gives the reader those laugh out loud moments, the "ah" ending, and shows that life can be cyclical and some opportunities are not lost forever.

This romantic short story can be enjoyed by readers of all ages and I give it 5 golden stars!

Yesterday’s Chance

Cherri Galbiati

Charlie Gardner embraced her recent retirement, packed up herself and her dog, and moved back to her childhood hometown of Norris, Texas. Now widowed, she looked forward to settle into a slower paced lifestyle. So what happens when Charlie runs into the man who broke her heart, stole her rifle, and used her car behind her back to move his ex-wife into the same apartment complex she lived in…thirty six years ago? Turns out Driscoll Parker is now the Chief of Police.

In every woman’s heart lies the question; what would she do if given the opportunity to run into her old sweetheart…not by a class re-union, but by happenstance? To be given another…yesterday’s chance.

The End of the Tour - Amazon numbers

2011-01-29T06:24:00.000-08:00

The End of the Tour, my 99 cent cozy mystery is still in the top 100 in the UK Kindle Store in the category of mystery/women sleuthes! Although, here, in the US, I have more sales showing on my KDP panel, but the ranking isn't as good. I don't know if my UK sales just haven't shown up yet, or if there's simply more competition here in the US.

Whatever! It's all good!!!

# 28 and # 80 in Amazon UK!!!!!

2011-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

What a thrill!!!! This says it all!!! 28 in the UK Kindle store for mystery/women slueths and #80 in BOOKS!!!

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 111 KB

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: Diana L Driver (18 Jan 2011)

Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.

Language English

ASIN: B004JXVWE2

Average Customer Review: Be the first to review this item

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #6,337 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

#28 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Crime, Thrillers & Mystery > Mystery > Women Sleuths

#80 in Books > Crime, Thrillers & Mystery > Women Sleuths

2011-01-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

Ninth Lord of the Night - Now available on Amazon Kindle!!

Be sure and read the blog below!

January's Rune - Nauthiz - Need, Necessity

2011-01-24T05:55:00.000-08:00

January's Rune - Nauthiz

When I did the rune reading at the beginning of this month and pulled Nauthiz, I must admit I was very disapointed. Nauthiz represents "need and necessity" and is usually thought of as financial distress. I couldn't see how this rune would fit into my life unless my husband got laid off - which in these days is always a possibility, although not very probable in his situation.

Of course, need comes in a variety of packages - as I've learned over the past few weeks.

My first goal for January was to get the rights back for my novel, Ninth Lord of the Night. I wanted to submit a screenplay to Amazon Studios based on the novel and in order to do that, I needed all my rights. Since my contract for the novel had expired, that wasn't too difficult to accomplish.

Once I had those rights back, I commissioned new cover art.

Then my publisher gave me back the rights to The End of the Tour, a short story previously published in one of their anthologies. I immediately got it in shape and uploaded it to the Kindle Store. Once that was done and I realized how easy it is to upload to Amazon Kindle, I got busy, formatted Ninth Lord of the Night and uploaded that to the Kindle store as well.

What does this have to do with Nauthiz?

Because yesterday, I realized that all month long I spoke of needing - I needed to get the screenplay of Ninth Lord of the Night finished; I needed to get cover art for the novel, I needed to find the original manuscript, I needed to learn how to upload the manuscript to Kindle. The same went for my short story, Then End of the Tour. I didn't have the original manuscript for this story, so I needed to retype it and I needed to acquire cover art.

None of these needs had anything to do with finances and yet each and every one became a necessity. I hadn't intended to get so much accomplished, but once I started on a project I needed to get it finished. Which, amazingly, I've done.

Now, as January draws to an close I'm wondering how February's rune, Isa will represent this month in my life. Again, like Nauthiz, Isa is not very positive. Isa's basic meaning is ice, cold, stagnation, although it can also mean stability. Like Nauthiz, that doesn't really seem to fit...

Time will tell...

The End of the Tour- The Ride Continues!

2011-01-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

The New Year's off with a bang and although the learning curve's been fairly steep, I feel like I'm holding my own.

So, far I've written a screenplay for my upcoming release, Ninth Lord of the Night, and I'm learning a new website design package - you can see where I'm going with my website here ww.dianadriver.com although it's still in the early stages of development.

I've managed to learn how to upload a ms to the Kindle Store. Three cheers for The End of the Tour!

Next on the list is uploading my novel, Ninth Lord of the Night, to Kindle - which will probably happen sometime this week. (I have the most fantastic cover!) Then, I'll tackle getting the novel up on Amazon through Create Space. For some reason, maybe because it's going to be a print book, that scares me a little, so the Kindle book will probably be up a couple of weeks before the print book. My goal is to have the print book of Ninth Lord of the Night up and "live" on Amazon by the time I submit my screenplay to Amazon Studios.

Then, there are all the other things I need to do - like go on vacation to CA and visit the kids. It's all happening during this same time period! No wonder I'm staying up late and getting up early! Sleep? Who has time for that!

The End of the Tour- What a RIDE!!

2011-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

One wouldn't think that a 99 cent short story would enter the world with a splash, but to my surprise oh contraire! Wow!!! Traditional publishers and writers who think "real" books have to be vetted through a publisher don't like it and are very vocal about their views on the subject.

Me? I'm sitting here wondering why are these people so upset? It's a 99 cent short story! 99 cents!! We're not talking about a lot of money here. We're talking very small change!!! One would think they'd just wish me well and go on to more important tasks. But, their rantings go on and on and on.

Meanwhile I'm sitting here reading the 5 star reviews posted on Amazon and watching my Amazon numbers go up and then down again. I'm reading "Congratulations" and "I love it!" postings on Facebook and I'm grinning from ear to ear. What a GREAT ride!! I haven't had this much fun as an author since ... well...it's been a long, long time!

The End of the Tour - 99 cent Kindle Short Story

2011-01-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

The End of the Tour - 99 cent Kindle Short Story!!!

The week I returned to the world of Indie authors by uploading my short story, The End of the Tour,

to Amazon.com as a 99 cent story. It was (to quote one of my friends) "Easy, Peasy!" If you can upload a photo to an email, you can upload a story to the Amazon Digital Platform. And, formatting wasn't a big deal, either I just followed the steps that Amazon provided.

I want to thank http://www.digitaldonna.com/ for my cover art. Digital Donna did a wonderful job creating a cover that depicts both short story's "coziness" as well as the humor.

"Richard was a bully who insulted everyone around him. No wonder he was murdered. The question was, "Who did it?" His sister-in-law who despised him? Or, his trophy wife who thinks only of money? Written in the style of the late Dame Agatha, THE END OF TOUR is filled with campy characters, a cozy setting, and a final twist!"

The End of the Tour!!! Mystery Short Story

2011-01-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

THE END OF THE TOUR

SOON TO BE RELEASED ON AMAZON

as a 99 cent KINDLE SHORT STORY!!!!

Richard was a bully who insulted everyone around him. No wonder he was murdered. The question was, "Who did it?" His sister-in-law who depised him? Someone he'd wronged in his past? Or, his trophy wife who had to beg for every penny?

THE END OF THE TOUR is dedicated to every author who's met a "Richard" and who's secretly wished for a convenient glass of poison...

I'm excited to announce the upcoming release of my cozy mystery short story, The End of the Tour, on KINDLE!! Written in the style of Dame Agatha with humor and campy characters, The End of the Tour is complete with a "reveal" ending!

The End of the Tour will be available on Amazon Kindle by the end of the week!

(Originally included in the anthology Dead and Breakfast.)

Christmas is over

2010-12-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

We took down all our Christmas decorations yesterday. Did it a bit early because Hubby and I were tired of fussing at Cricket and felt guilty as she's still very much a kitten and only doing kitten things. Still, I don't know how many times I restrung the Christmas tree's lower lights or how many ornaments I picked up that she'd pulled off the tree. I'd intended to only take down the tree, but once we got started we packed up all the decorations. Now, the house looks so bare.

On the bright side, it's done!!!!

The days between Christmas Day and New Year's Day seem like a warp in time. Because of the commercialization of the Holidays, we begin thinking about Christmas at the end of October. Now, the presents have been unwrapped, the feast's been eaten and it feels odd that Christmas is actually over for 2010 and it's a memory; just another Christmas Past.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2010-12-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes me stop and take notice of annual non-accomplishments like a couple of days before Christmas. I gave myself a ton of writing projects this past year and haven't finished any, but I'm very close! One of my newer projects is almost ready to be formatted for uploading to Kindle, Nook, etc. I still have to get someone to design my cover and I'm thinking a late spring/early summer release would best suit this particular storyline.

The screenplay based on the novel, Ninth Lord of the Night, should be finished by the end of January.

Book one of my Norse fantasy should be ready for sale in mid-spring and the first story in my contemporary series romance should be available by then as well. But, before they can be promoted I'll need booktrailers and ???

So, you see, I'm close to finishing several projects. And, I do have plans for my next work-in-progress which will keep me busy for the rest of 2011.

Along with my writing, I'm continuing my study of Asatru and have added a course in Norwegian as well as additional study in mathematics called "Vortex Math." And, then there's my interest in website design as well as my interest in digital art. These are all slow-going as the learning curve is a bit steep for me, although I'm really grateful that I have a background in physics.

But, for today, all other projects are on hold as I wrap my hubby's presents (did I really buy all those things?) and get some holiday cooking done.

Hugs to all!

Diana

A Special Solstice Gift - Odin

2010-12-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

Odin Pendant

This Odin pendant was commissioned especially for me by my sister. (She also commissioned one for herself as well.) The pendant is hand carved on Woolly Mammoth bone by an artist on the Island of Bali. If you click on the picture you'll be able to see the incredible detail. On both sides of Odin's head are the two ravens that represent memory and intelligence. One of the raven's wings covers the eye that Odin sacrificed for knowledge. Down by Odin's neck are his two faithful wolf companions.

My sister wanted Odin to be represented as a youth, right after he sacrificed himself on the World Tree and received the runic knowledge. The carver definitely caught Odin's youth, strength, and anima as well as his power.

My sister made the chain and chose bronze because of its history and the fact that over time it will develop a patina which will complement the age of the woolly mammoth bone. She patterend the linkage after an ancient style that goes back for centuries.

On this wonderful Solstice Season I wish everyone prosperity and happiness.

Diana

At the top of Santa's List

2010-12-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

George is at the top of Santa's GOOD list!!

Due for a lump of coal this Christmas

2010-12-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

Her name is Cricket, but I call her Trouble and she's at the top of Santa's list for naughty. I've had to redo my Christmas tree, but what's worse - hubby and I think she attacked and deflated my neighbor's blow-up Santa. She's a Bengal and has all the Bengal traits (didn't miss a one of those!) She's inquisitive, faster than lightning, and obviously a climber. She's also very social and extremely loving, so it's difficult to get really angry at her.

Click on the top pic and it will enlarge to show the devil in her eyes.

Oh dang!! Once again, the Christmas tree's moving and the ornaments are swinging. She's at it again - gotta go!

It's Time Authors Think About Who They (and their Books) associate with...

2010-12-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

I get tons of emails, both group emails as well as private emails, from authors promoting their books. I don't have a problem with the self-promotions, but I do wonder why an author of a mainstream novel would care to promote on a erotica site. Or, to even have their book listed on a site that deals mainly with erotica. Seems to me that readers who go to erotica sites want steamy novels - not mainstream novels and readers who enjoy mainstream novels (like me!) don't shop the online bookstores that primarily promote erotica books.

It's not a case of judgement, it's a case of common sense. I don't read True Crime, either so I won't shop at a retail shop that deals with only that genre. And, my books wouldn't fit in with that genre, so it doesn't make sense for me to promote them in such a venue.

My teen novel, Ninth Lord of the Night, and my nonfiction book, The Maya, People of the Maize, can be read by anyone and I know that a reader looking for my book(s) is not going to visit an erotica bookstore to purchase it/them! So, why would I want to advertise my book(s) on such a site? Likewise, my covers can be viewed by everyone and shouldn't be side by side with covers that have pictures of naked men and women.

To read a blurb about Ninth Lord of the Night and/or The Maya, People of the Maize click on the links. Both books are available in print as well as ebooks.

P.S. They'd make really good Christmas gifts!!!

Holiday Season

2010-12-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

This is turning out to be a wonderful Holiday Season for me and mine. Opportunities and special gifts keep popping up unexpectedly filling me with joy. The latest gift is a copy of Vicki Tyley's new release, "BRITTLE SHADOWS". I am so looking forward to reading this novel written by this best selling author.

Another gift I received that warms my heart is Cornelia Amiri's new release, "THE WOLF AND THE DRUIDESS". Ms. Amiri is my very favorite historical author and for her to give me her new book is very generous, indeed.

Arriving next week - just in time for Yule - is a custom pendant designed by my sister, Jaimie. It is carved by a woman in Bali from Woolly Mammoth bone and is of Odin. On either side of his head is a raven and one of the ravens has a wing covering the eye that Odin sacrificed for knowledge. His wolf companions are beside his neck. The chain is handmade by Jaimie, herself. I got a quick look at the pendant in October, (Jaimie is such a tease!) but knew even then that it was going to be a Yule gift. I'll post a pic of the pendant when I get it. It's absolutely incredible and there are only two of these in existence as Jaimie commissioned one for herself as well.

Hubby is all smiles lately and I think he has something special in mind for me this Christmas. I really can't believe that December 25th is NEXT WEEK!!!!

Happy Shopping!

Diana

Santa's Twin by Dean Koontz

2010-12-14T05:04:00.000-08:00

Written in the style of "Night Before Christmas" Dean Koontz's "Santa's Twin" is picture book (for both adults and kids) about a dastardly elf with evil intentions. He mugs Santa, ties him up, locks him in the basement, and then steals his sleigh with the toys as well as Santa's bank card.

Here's part of the blurb on the inside cover.

"Santa's Twin is the hilarious and heartwarming story of two little girls, Charlotte and Emily; who set out to save Santa from his mischievous brother - Bob Claus - who has not only stolen Santa's sleigh, but has stuffed his toy bag with mud pies, cat poop, and broccoli! Plus, he's threatening to turn Donner, Blitzen, and the rest into reindeer soup! And, look at the mess he's leaving under the tree!"

The illustrations are by Phil Sparks and he's done a fine job capturing the humor in Koontz's writing.

This book has become another Christmas Classic in my home; alongside A Christmas Carol, The Night Before Christmas and Robert Sabuda's pop-up books.

Brokeback Mountain, Sarah Palin, and other stuff

2010-12-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

I know Brokeback Mountain is an old movie, but it was only yesterday that I sat down and watched it as the subject matter didn't really interest me. Like any movie dealing with unrequited love, it tugged at the emotions and left me feeling a bit sad. One thing I did take away from it though - I now have a whole new idea of what's involved in a "The Boys Night Out" as well as a "Guys Only" camping trip. I am so glad my hubby doesn't like to hang with the boys or hunt or fish!

Saw a news clip (and I use the word "news" loosely) of Sarah Palin shooting a caribou. I just don't understand how anyone can get so much enjoyment out of Blood Sports. People who kill anything for the fun of it are just too, too weird.

Couldn't make the purchases I wanted off Amazon yesterday. I'm assuming it was because of the attacks of the Wiki Leaks supporters. Maybe I'll be able to get through today. If not, I'll just go shopping. This is one way to get consumers away from the computer and into the stores!

Another news story showed billboards put up by atheists. They read something like "Use Reason this Season - you know it's a Myth." That got me thinking of the saying, "Put Christ back in Christmas." Well...after studying Northern European history, religion and traditions, I realized that there isn't any Christ in Christmas to begin with. Historians say that Jesus was born in the summer. The Chrismas tree is an old pagan tradition as is putting food out for Odin who became St. Nick who became Santa. Same goes for Christmas stockings. So...I think we should move Christmas to sometime during the summer (Christmas in July?) and redesign it so that it doesn't include ANY of the old pagan traditions. Then we could celebrate Yule in the winter and not use Jesus as an excuse to enjoy this pagan festival. Just a thought - which pretty much ends my thinking for this morning.

The Maya, People of the Maize

2010-12-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

Halo and Holly

2010-11-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm filled with thoughts of Christmas which includes Christmas stories. Halo and Holly is a short story by mystery writer Cherri Galbiati. It is one of the best and sweetest Christmas stories ever written. Available on Kindle and Kindle for pc it's a real treat and guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

The story is centered around two Great Pyrenees, who are as sweet as can be - when they're asleep and playfully wrecking havoc when awake. Halo and Holly is a wonderful story, written from the heart by a writer who knows how to lift any one's spirits. Halo and Holly is destined to be become a Christmas classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Give yourself a treat this Christmas. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy this humorous short story. Halo and Holly is guaranteed to put anyone in the Holiday spirit!!

Halo and Holly by Cherri Galbiati is available on Kindle and Kindle for PC - just click on the above link for easy download.

My Biggest Accomplishment of 2010 - Cheesecake!!!!

2010-11-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

2010 Thanksgiving Cheesecake
click on picture to enlarge photo

I debated long and hard about making a cheesecake for our Thanksgiving dessert, but in the end I decided to give it a try. I couldn't find the recipe I'd used years ago, so I opted for the one on the back of the box of Keebler graham cracker crumbs. As you can see from the picture, it turned out beautifully! Not only tasty, but so pretty that it needed to be preserved in a picture.

By the way, the dessert plates were a wedding gift to my parents. They are "Satin Ribbon" by Fostoria.

Snow and Floral arrangements

2010-11-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Snow at my sister's house in the San Juan islands, Washington. She, her husband, and their cat are nestled inside all comfy and cozy.

Wasn't feeling too festive this season until my hubby cleared out the garage for the pickup truck and we found the boxes of autumn decorations. I put some of the silk flowers together for a couple of arrangements and Poof! my holiday spirit came to life! Now, I can't wait for Thursday's feast.

These are the only arrangments I'd going to do for Thanksgiving since time is so short. Come Friday we're putting up the Christmas tree! I'm very much in the holiday mood. I'm even watching all the Christmas movies I can find! Once again, I love the Holidays!

Hubby's New Project

2010-11-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

1952 Ford F1 Shortbed

The body is original and most of the rust is surface rust which (I'm told) can be removed fairly easily. Hubby can't wait to get to work on it!!!! It'll take awhile to get it restored, but when it is, it'll be beautiful!!!

Hyla E. Athey Watson, My Mom

2010-11-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hyla E. (Athey Forbragd) Watson

1924 - 2010

On Nov. 5th my mom lost her battle with breast cancer. She'd have been 86 at the end of the month. She was one of the most independent and free spirited people I've ever known as well as practically fearless. She was raised in an age where women didn't go to college or join the military and yet she did both. While in high school she earned a full scholarship to the College of Wooster
http://www.wooster.edu/ and when WWII broke out she enlisted in the Coast Guard. She was always very proud of both of these accomplishments. She felt that there was no greater gift than service to one's country.

She was also extremely proud of her heritage. It is because of her that I have so much information about my maternal lineage - including documents about ancestors who colonized America in the 1600's, ancestors who received land grants and settled Ohio after the Revolutionary War, and ancestors who fought for the Union during the Civil War.

Mom, like my grandmother, Elizabeth Athey, was a member of the Eastern Star. My grandfather, Clifton Athey, was a 32nd degree Mason. Mom was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She raised three children as well as a grandson and was never one to shirk responsibility. She believed in education for those who truly wanted it, but didn't think that it should be forced on everyone.

Because of her, I developed a love for both books and history and I'll be forever grateful that she opened this world to me. My adult life has been greatly influenced by her ideas and social attitudes and I can never thank her enough for what she gave me.

She was raised in the Presbyterian church and had a strong relationship with Christ. She wasn't afraid of death, but actually looked forward to meeting her Lord. I know He met her at the Gates of Heaven and she's with Him now.

Love you, Mom.

Diana

VOYAGE, a novel of 1896 by Sterling Hayden

2010-10-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Low in the east spread an ivory fan, and the moon's bleached skull peeked from the rim of the sea. Stars fell back, and a white road led from the raw Atlantic to the ragged coast of Monegan, where pines clung to granite, their backs to a northwest gale.

This is the beginning of Voyage, a novel of 1896 by Sterling Hayden. It is a classic. A bold masterpiece about American seafarers set in the turn of the century. I first read Voyage when it was released in 1976 and throughout the years have carted it along with every household move; keeping the book safe and always giving it a prominent place on my bookshelf. Knowing in some dark recess of my soul that this was/is a novel of importance that belongs alongside the likes of Hemingway, Steinbeck, and Melville.

Sterling Hayden was considered a true "man's man". His life was as active and as bold as this fiction novel and like his movie career, Hayden gave up writing after penning this one novel and his autobiography. His fans, among whom I'm included, wish he'd written more, but I understand his reluctance to do so. Hayden didn't need public acclaim. He is quoted as saying that the only reason he made any movies at all was to finance his voyages. Still, we are fortunate to have this one novel.

My Baby Got Married!

2010-10-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful wedding!!

Ahhhh!

Our two beautiful daughters.

Because of security & privacy issues these are the only pics I'm going to post - although I'd love to share all the pictures with the whole world!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BETH AND BRANDON!!!!

Me Oh My!

2010-09-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

We all know that time flies, but every now and again it really hits me. Today is the last day of summer and tomorrow autumn begins! My mom is still hanging on, but of course we don't know how much longer she'll be with us and my daughter's wedding in California is fast approaching.

I thought I had tons of time to prepare for the wedding, but now that there are only a few weeks left, I realize that there is a lot left to organize. Flowers have been taken care of and the smoked salmon is being shipped in from Josephson's (yummy!!) but my daughter needs to decide on the guests' dessert tray ASAP so I can get that ordered. Thank heavens for the internet!

I did go out and buy my mother-of-the-bride dress, (but still have to get shoes), and I have decided on the jewelery (pearls) and other accessories. For me a dress is a big deal as I'm a blue jeans mama and dresses aren't my most comfortable attire. But, as mother-of-the-bride, a dress is mandatory and at least I found one I absolutely love.

So, for now, my writing and superflurous emails have gone by the wayside, although I'm still reading and researching Northern traditions, myths, and music.

Runes - Northern Mysteries & Magic by Freya Aswynn

2010-05-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my sister Jaimie sent me some books on Runology and I've been reading almost nonstop. This book, Northern Mysteries and Magick by Freya Aswynn, has really impressed me. It's a very positive and beautifully written book. Ms. Aswynn goes into the deeper meanings of the runes (and the various levels of meaning that each one represents) and does it in a way that's easy to understand.

Like many people, when I began my study of runes, I thought they were just an alphabetic divining tool, but they are much more than that. They encompass the whole esoteric belief system of the Northern Peoples before the age of Christianity. This belief system is as complicated as any other religion or philosophy - including the Hindu religion.

Runology is a fascinating study one that will have a prominent part in my next novel.

The Maya, People of the Maize Book Trailer

2010-03-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

For more GREAT Quitus music by Latin Flutes go to http://www.latinflutes.com/

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, two different types of Chocolates and a dozen dark pink roses! This year, like every year, I tell my husband not to bother buying presents for Valentine's Day and every year he knows not to listen to me.

My short story in A Box of Texas Chocolates is a romance - a young wife telling her husband not to spend any extra money on her for Valentine's Day, only in the story, the young husband takes his wife at her word.

Of course, the wife doesn't mean what she says and secretly hopes that her husband will find a way so that their first Valentine's Day as a married couple is a day to remember.

Since the story is a romance it is required to have a happy ending and Valentine's Day brings on the required "ah" ending!

A Box of Texas Chocolates is sold on Amazon.com or it can be ordered (plus personalized & autographed!)from my website diana@dianadriver.com

In addition, order my new release The Maya, The People of the Maize along with my novel, Ninth Lord of the Night FROM MY WEBSITE and receive FOR FREE the award winning anthology, A Box of Texas Chocolates!!!

Tribute to Revolutionary Heroes

2009-07-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

On this 4th of July holiday, I would like to pay tribute to one of my Revolutionary War ancestors – Ranger James Riggs of the Pennsylvania Militia and member of the Continental Line.

The Corps of Rangers, (also known as Riflemen or Partisans) was created by the Continental Congress as a group of sharpshooters and long-term militiamen who were to serve out the duration of the revolution. Enlistment was expensive. Each soldier had to furnish a good long rifle, powder horn, charger, bullet screw, twelve flints, a pouch to hold four pounds of balls, knife, and whatever else he needed. The estimated total cost was somewhere between 20 to 30 English pounds. The most famous Ranger Corps were Morgan’s Rangers and Marion’s Brigade.

James Riggs is a descendent of Edward Riggs who came to the colonies in 1637. On October 30, 1666, Edward Riggs, along with 64 other residents of Branford and Milford of the New Haven Colony CT, signed an Agreement to found a common township at "New-Ark on Pesayack" – Newark, New Jersey.

On September 15, 1742 (a little over 100 years after Edward Riggs came to America), one of his descendants, James Riggs, was born in Rock Creek, Montgomery County, Maryland. The actual site of his birth is now the National Zoo in Washington D.C. In 1776 James, his wife, Mary, and their children; Robert, age 12, Thomas, age 9, Maxemelia, age 7, Mary, age 4, and Basil, age 2, moved to Friend’s Cove close to Bedford Pennsylvania. Right after the move, James enlisted in the Bedford County Militia as a Rifleman in Edward Rose’s Rangers and signed the following oath:

“I have this day voluntarily enlisted myself as a soldier in the American Continental Army for one year, unless sooner discharged, and do bind myself to conform in all instances to such rules and regulations as are or shall be established for the government of said army.”

The Pennsylvania Militia Riflemen as described by Dr. James Thatcher in his Military Journal of the Revolution:

“They are remarkably stout and hardy men; many of them exceeding six feet in height. They are dressed in white frocks or rifle shirts and round hats. These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their aim; striking a mark with great certainty at two hundred yards distance.”

Members of the Pennsylvania Militia Riflemen were with George Washington as he crossed the Delaware, and fought in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Whitemarsh, Long Island, and defended the southern end of the Schuylkill River.

After the American Revolution ended, James Riggs was personally granted 200 acres on the west side of the Ohio River. He and other Revolutionary War heroes (who were also awarded land grants for their meritorious service in the Revolutionary War and included the Dye family) cleared the area and James, himself, was the first settler to set foot on what later became the town of New Matamoras, Ohio.

I would like to thank my mother, Hyla E. (Athey) Watson, who compiled our family history (some of which is pre 1066) and includes the Athey, Dye, Riggs, and Ridgeway families. I would also like to thank the organizations of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution for their detailed documents and meticulous records. I would also like to thank Dr. George Athey of Houston for his contributions to the Athey geneological records and information.

Heroes

2008-12-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

I was a kid when I first read Lord of the Rings and other than Frodo and Gollum, the only other character I remembered from the book was Aragon. I fell in love with Aragon.

Today I'm thinking about qualities that make a hero really memorable. There's more to them than just good looks and strength. They possess an innate quality that touches the heart.

Diana

We Remember

2008-11-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day and my husband - a veteran during the Vietnam War is at work. At his company no one gets off on Veteran's Day off.

James Driver, my father-in-law was a Medic at Normandy on D Day and then served in the European Theatre. He passed away a few years ago and he still had pieces of shrapnel in his body.

My father, Dwayne Ellsworth Forbragd, served in the Pacific. When he was sixteen he hitchhiked from Clark, South Dakota to San Diego and tried to enlist into the Navy only to be sent home because he was underage. Six months later, he did it again and this time the Navy took him. He too, was injured in WWII. When the war ended, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was involved in the testing at Bikini Island. That atomic test left a horrible impression on him and most of his life he suffered from night terrors and cold sweats. He was Career Air Force - part of the Strategic Air Command and took us to places like Ankara, Turkey and Tokyo, Japan.

My mother, Hyla E. Athey, was a student at Wooster, a private college in Ohio, when WWII broke out. She, too, heard the call and joined the Coast Guard. Her job wasn't to fight, her job was to make travel arrangements for the members of the military. She and my dad met in Long Beach, California in 1944. I've seen the bench where he proposed to her.

Both my father and my father-in-law have passed away. My mother is still alive and I hope she understands how much I appreciate her service and the service of all the other men and women in the military.

So, today I'm thinking of all the people in our military who have given so much in the past and the brave men and women who are giving of themselves today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I'm awed and humbled by your service.

Thank you!!

Diana