Friday, March 19, 2010

The One. The Only. L. Diane Wolfe: The Exclusive Interview with the author of The Circle of Friends series


L. Diane Wolfe "Spunk On A Stick"
Professional Speaker & Author

Welcome Friends! Thanks for stopping by my interview with L.Diane Wolfe. Hopefully you all got a chance to read my review of her new book Circle of Friends Book 5: Heather. It's a good one! I could not pass up this opportunity to ask some questions from one feisty redhead to another. :)
Enjoy!

red headed book child

GET TO KNOW L.Diane Wolfe

1.Tell us about your beginnings with writing and becoming a professional speaker. How did it all begin?

I started writing when I was thirteen. It was a great way to express my feelings and thoughts and to satisfy my over-active imagination. Most of my story ideas came from dreams, including The Circle of Friends. I didn’t intend for this to be my first fiction attempt, but I was so inspired by that one dream, I ended up creating four books!

I learned public speaking through a motivational business team, but it really took off about three years ago. I started teaching a class on promoting at local community colleges. I enjoyed the experience and meeting all the people, and eventually I expanded my speaking topics to seven.


2. Tell us a bit about The Circle of Friends series. What inspired you to write these?

Back to that dream again!

I knew I wanted to write something uplifting and positive. My motivation training had taught me so much about relationships, success principles, attitudes… how could I not write something in that same vein? Once I began forming the outlines, I could see how each character faced a challenge (or two) in his or her life, so I poured a message of hope into each book. The stories overlap and entwine as the characters discover that through friendship, love, and belief, they can accomplish anything!


3. Do you have a favorite character of yours?


Sarah! I used to be a lot like Sarah - and many days, I still feel like her. I identified with her self-esteem struggles. I also really liked Matt, as he was just so much fun, and pairing the two together was a joy!


4. How would you best describe Heather?


I think the word you used in your review sums up Heather pretty well! LOL

She’s strong-willed to a fault - both dominating and demanding. She expects 100% effort from everyone, herself included. Heather is responsible, independent, and devoted, but she craves devotion as well. Of all the characters I have ever created, Mark is definitely the only one who could match Heather’s strength! (Which ups the ante in terms of conflict!)


5. Who would you like to see reading your series? Who is your desired audience?


I want to see both teens and adults reading my series. Young people need to know there is hope and older adults need to be reminded of spirited, youthful dreams. Those who needs inspiration and a positive message among the all the negatives of our world need to read and enjoy these books.


6. Where can we get your books?


Online, retail, or at the library - if they don’t carry the titles, ask!

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-Book-V-Heather/dp/0981621058/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265066454&sr=1-12

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Circle-of-Friends/L-Diane-Wolfe/e/9780981621050/?itm=12&usri=l++diane+wolfe

Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C. : http://www.dancinglemurpress.com/id18.html



SOME FUN STUFF about L. Diane Wolfe:


1. As a Professional Speaker, do you have a favorite event that you have been a part of?


I always enjoy the Book ‘Em Festival, as I’m a presenter and I go into the schools the day before to do characterization sessions with the kids.

But my favorite story is a health event in DC with Michelle Obama as the keynote. At the last minute, she was unable to attend. However, I still have the program guide to prove I was the last scheduled speaker before the First Lady!


2. I know you love Roller Coasters. Do you have a favorite?

Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg! It’s so smooth and has the most drops of any coaster in the world. Pure Heaven to this thrill seeking junkie!


3. As a Vegetarian, can you recommend to this meat lover (meaning me) a yummy Vegetarian recipe? :)


Just one???


Tortilla Pie!

Chop into small pieces 3-4 small potatoes - cook in boiling water and drain without mashing

Chop and sauté 1 small onion

Dice and add to onion 1 tomato (or use a drained can of chopped tomatoes)

Add to this mix 6-8oz tomato sauce and dashes of chili pepper, salt & pepper to taste. (You can also add a little salsa for taste!)

Add the potatoes and a bag of MorningStar Farms veggie beef crumbles to this mix

Cover the bottom of a deep baking dish with a layer of tortilla chips. Spread a layer of the mixture over chips and sprinkle with Galaxy Foods shredded cheese. (Pick you flavor!) Continue with tortilla, mixture, and cheese layers until done.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

This dish will please (and fool) even die-hard beef eaters!




HAVE A GREAT DAY AND MAKE SURE TO PICK UP HER BOOK OUT NOW!

Circle of Friends Book 5: Heather





8 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you again, Michelle!

And hope we get to see the hubby's reviews here, too.

Tales of Whimsy said...

Oooo a recipe! I like :)

Julie@My5monkeys said...

good interview and a recipie

L. Diane Wolfe said...

It's a tasty recipe!

Morgan Mandel said...

If it works for you, I've got to try it. I'm keeping a pen and paper by the bed in the hopes of remembering any good dreams I get!

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Morgan, you never know!!!!

Becca said...

Great interview! I now want to visit Busch Gardens more than ever! lol

Lori Johnston said...

Great interview, Michelle and Diane!

Diane, I love what you said about your target audience - - what a great concept, to have a book that teens will enjoy and that will remind adults what being a teen is all about.

Thanks so much for the recipe - - it sounds yummy!