Birthday contest and giveaways!

January is my birthday month! Now a gentleman wouldn't ask my age, and I sure ain't tellin'. LOL

But to celebrate it, I want to give away goodies! A swag bag a day. Super easy stuff, right? At the end of the month, I'll be drawing a name for a Kobo Ereader and case. Just in case Santa wasn't listening when you sent in your Christmas list....

Here's how you can win AKA Da' Rulz:

1. Must be a member of Diana's Sizzlers List. (A low volume Newsletter/announcement list) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dianas_Sizzlers_List/
2. One name will be drawn via Random.org every day from January 1st through January 31st. The name will be announced on the loop and direct contact, and the winner will have 48 hours from the timestamp of the sent email to claim their prize or it will be forfeit. All claims need to be made direct via email, not through the Loop or Facebook, or any other extraneous means. Email will be included in the winner's announcement and notification.
3. All registered emails on Diana's Sizzlers List must be able to receive email, as these are the only means all winners will be contacted.
4. Replies must have BIRTHDAY CONTEST in the subject to ensure it is spotted and not dumped as spam.
5. At the end of the giveaway month, a name will be drawn via Random.org from all names registered with Diana's Sizzlers List. The chosen winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim or a new winner will be chosen. 
6. Each person is eligible to win one goodie/swag bag. All persons are eligible for the Kobo giveaway.
7. Due to legal issues and book rights, Contest is open to United States and Canadian residents only.
8. Postage is paid by the supplier for all prizes. All winners must have a valid mailing address to receive any and all prizes.
9. Supplier is not responsible for damaged, lost or misdirected prizes. All efforts will be made to ensure you receive any winnings. 

So now that the legal junk is out of the way, we're going to have a great time come January!
And don't forget, for every twenty readers on the loop, I'm giving away a backlist of any PDF copy of either name to a lucky winner. When we get to 100, I'm drawing for a print book! (Not a part of the Birthday Contest, but heck, who doesn't like free books?)

Authors After Dark 2012

Hey everyone! I know it's still almost a year away, but I wanted to drop a bug in your ear. Authors After Dark 2012 is going to be in NEW ORLEANS!! I know! I'm so excited to be going again next year. I'll be attending, along with 80 other fabulous featured authors! Some New York, some indie, and some small press, so you're going to get a wide mix of what you want, both to read and to learn about.

This con is a great way to rub elbows and just hang out, not only with the authors, but with other readers who share your interests and industry professionals who can give you a behind the scenes low-down on what really happens. Kind of like having the Hollywood backstage pass, this is THE place to be.

There will be panels, and parties and of course the Masquerade Ball. But... BUT!!! It's in New Orleans! The home of Mardi Gras! Can you tell I'm excited? I've never been (driving through and plane changes do NOT count LOL).

So you want more info? Want to know what the 411 is on all of this and more? Check out the website. But don't delay if you want to go. Word is it's already more than 50% sold out. Registration hasn't even been open a full 60 days and we're well on our way to tapping the hell out of this one.

Want to know who else is going? The list is growing! Want to know what kind of panels there will be? There's an app for that! No seriously! Check out the forum for the details. (If it's not up yet, it will be. It's Guidebook.com) The forum is free and open to the public, not just attendees or authors, though authors have been known to lurk.

So who do you wish you could meet? What kind of costume are you bringing? And what books are you reading to get in groove for AAD? Spill.....

I'm in bad shape

I won't go into details, but life sure does like kicking hard when a girl is down. A lot of people know that my family was affected by the Texas wildfires in September. They're doing well, getting things in motion to rebuild. I'm thankful every day that they are here (Not literally, just that they are well. Can you imagine? My parents here too? Eeep! :) ) and can do this when so many are struggling.
Well, three weeks ago, we had another kick in the teeth happen. This one is personal to just myself and my family and let me tell you, it sucks huge. I've been hiding in my bedroom for three days just because, well, I can. I have my laptop, though for the most part, I haven't been very visible online. I know we'll come out of this spiral. I am not looking forward to the upset stomachs, headaches and uncertainty that is sure to come with it all.

I've dealt with depression before, and I know things will improve, so I'm doing my best to not let it overwhelm me and get worse and make things for me and my family worse all the way around. But I think for the moment, I'm going to stay tucked into bed.

I'm going to end this with an upbeat note because I need some happy. The Texas Rangers are going to World Series for the second year in a row! I have my fingers crossed (When they're not typing. LOL) and I'll  be rooting for the home team!

Go RANGERS!!

We hit our inaugural twenty!

Thank you to all of you for being the first to join! As promised, I'm giving away an ebook to a lucky winner.

And by Random.org our first winner is...... *drumroll*

pommawolf

Congrats Darcy! Email me direct for your choice.

Ask your friends to join. Another 20 and we'll have a new winner!

Want a chance a free books, contests and announcments for releases? Join Diana's Sizzlers List!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dianas_Sizzlers_List/

Want a Kindle autograph?

Thanks to all the apps and programs out there, there is now the Kindlegraph, a digital page signing program for ebooks. If you have Kindle ebooks and would like an autograph, or a sentiment page, or a momento... You get it *wink*, then hit this link --> http://kindlegraph.com/authors/DianaCastilleja
It'll take you to all my books. It shouldn't take more than 24 hours for a respone. I'm pretty quick to get these out. And I'd love to get one to you!

Diana

Debut of an author's loop and books!!

A new loop debut!

Hey everyone! I'm debuting my new author's loop DIANA'S SIZZLERS LIST. For the debut, I'm giving away an ebook title for every 20 who sign on, and when I reach 100, I'll give away a print book. So, that's six chances to win just for signing up! Check out the front page for the details of the loop. It's not going to be insane or anything (Well, maybe a little *grin*), but I hope you'll come join me.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dianas_Sizzlers_List/

The seasons are changing

Did you hear that sound? It was a loud sigh of relief! Texas has been audtioning for Hell this summer, and I think, if it weren't for the fact that Hades would have to have give up his Otherworldly comforts, Texas would have had the job, hands down. A few other states were in the running: Arizona, New Mexico, but wow.... Just wow.

So the good news is we're done with the high heat. *crosses fingers* I mean really, we're almost to October, right? And please, no more wildfires. I'm so not a s'mores kinda girl. :D

I've been busy this summer with writing, and a few things related to those fires. My parents were affected, as were my brother and sis-in-law. It's been a struggle this month, but it's getting better. I'm trying to stay upbeat. It's all any of us can do. (P.S. If you want to help the many families affected, the RED CROSS has a mobile station in Bastrop, and you can donate to the RC to aid them. www.redcross.org) -- End pitch.

Other brighter, GOOD news... Wolf Brother's Legacy: Resurrection will be available by the end of the month in print. Yes, you read that right. It's only taken.... *mumbled* weeks. And that's been my fault more than anything. There's a step in the process called "proofing the galley", or eyeballing the final print book before it goes public. That is the stage we are in now, and I will have it done, or else. *waggles finger at self* So watch for more news on that front.

Also, I want to wish my Mom a happy birthday. She's going to be a lovely *crackle interference* this Saturday. Probably be taking her out to dinner or something. With the month they've had, a month at a spa probably wouldn't hurt either!

So for now, that's all the news from my corner of the world, AKA my office. Have a great day and weekend!
Diana

Relaunch of an old ship

Okay, I'm going to try this again. Hopefully the hackers have found better playgrounds and can leave me and mine alone.


I apologize for the interruption of the truly mundane mutterings of me and my blog. Join me in September for new updates and information.

Temporarily closed

Due to an extreme amount of hacks on this blog site, I'm closing it for the time being. I apologize for any inconvenience these people have caused.

Hopefully, I will be back. Look for news.

Thank you for following and for reading.

Sincerely,

Diana Castilleja

An appalling attack on a writer

A high school teacher in Pennsylvania has been outed for being a romance author, bullied by parents of students for her writing. It is proof positive that bullying is not only a child's problem.

The teacher writes with a pen name, never discusses her work, doesn't bring it to school and doesn't combine her two careers, yet the parents want her fired.

This is their take on it.

http://discussions.wnep.com/20/wnep/wnep-sny-parents-buranich-english-teacher-writes-racy-novels-20110426/10?page=2

Personally, I see nothing more than bullying, and small minds who can't and don't respect privacy. They should be appalled and embarrased, and at the least, the news channel needs to post an apology. What's next? Not letting our children GO to a school because the parent writes?

I'd be honored to know that I have a teacher who is published, who uses her chosen academic field in a positive manner. This is proof of a good education, not a demented mind. Quit confusing them!

If you'd like to show Judy support, please visit here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Judy-Mays-Mrs-Buranich/125856067491517?sk=wall

Monday blahs

Not sure what else to call this.

I've been trying to write for weeks. I finished a story that I turned in about mid-March, and I've done jack since. There have been repairs needed on the car, plans for the summer (that I don't really want to deal with), thoughts of what to do for Authors After Dark....

Really is it any surprise my muse has vanished? Not to me.

I've been reading a little, but sad to say, it hasn't been inspiring me. I have books that I have to write. Ideas that I need to focus on. Instead, I'm here, or on Facebook, or anywhere, but doing what I should be doing. Writing.

When someone finds my motivation could you return it please? My brain is likely attached to it.

Party animals.

A small interruption in our daily lives

Yeah, well, in mine anyway.

Okay, so I tried this thing with Facebook, to combine pages because it was hard to keep up on two pages. Didn't work so well. So I'm trying something with the hopes that it will be like wiping the slate clean for my email and I can go back in and recreate like I'd never been.

What does this mean?

Not a whole lot at the moment. I AM still there only it's just a holding page under my DeRicci email with my name all over it. I'm not going to be using it and will (if this works) be purging that one too.

So, for the next two weeks (14 days to purge--sounds like a really bad grapefruit diet to me) I'll be very quiet on FB waiting for this all to happen. Though I hope if this works, you'll come join me, ask me to be your friend (Facebook limits requests so there's no "abuse" How little they know I only want my listed friends. Not my fault I actually know that many people from all over online! *grin*) In doing this little experiment, I lost over 3,000 "friend" contacts, many of them I DO know, so don't leave me friendless. And keep your fingers crossed that this actually works.

No more linkedin

Sorry about all the hassle, all the "reminders" that I cancelled. I've closed the account. I can't babysit a "social network" when its own controls are faulty. My apologies to those are still getting "reminders" of the invite. I cancelled those days ago.

I'm boycotting you!

Yes, I am. No, I'm not going to list names, countries or even what universe you're in, but I am going to leave you and your entire book catalog in the dust. You're a bad example of professionalism. You're disrespectful to authors. You have no concept of voice, editing, or literacy. I'm appalled at how you trample spirit, voice, ethics, morals and imagination. You do not respect the written word--you rewrite the entirety to suit you. To me this is not a publisher I would trust with my garbage.

Oh, and if there's any doubt, this is a New York process I'm mentioning here, not even small press. No, this is the manhandling, bullying and downright maleficent treatment I've witnessed this year. So, that being my rant, as of today, I am not buying another book published by this esteemed New York conglomerate. I am sorry authors, for the minimal twelve cents of my purchase you will miss, but I can't in good conscience support this type of brutality on authors.

*end rant*

Japanese aid

If you haven't heard, Japan was hit with a massive earthquake today (now their yesterday). Authors all over are fund raising, doing matches and encouraging aid and support.

Here are a few links:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html (A list of committed organizations already for aid)
http://jesshaines.com/blog/2011/03/11/please-help-japan-after-todays-trajedy/#respond (Jess is doing an equal match up to $250 fund raiser on her blog. Details can be found there.)
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.quake/index.html (This isn't easy to watch, and for those who were close to Katrina, be prepared.)

Red cross is doing a text fund raiser: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10
Convoy of Hope Go to http://www.convoyofhope.org or text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10.
Salvation Army: Text either the word JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation or call 1-800-SALARMY or go to http://www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

If you can spare even the $10 for aid, it would help. Entire cities are destroyed, homes, oil refineries, airports. This has been the worst earthquake in their history since they began tracking them. And they're still suffering aftershocks.

There are warnings along the west coast and Hawai'i as well for tsunami waves. For those on the west coast and further, my prayers are with you.

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja 

  Diana DeRicci 

Draven's Crossing

 

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.
 

My apologies

Someone hacked my blog. I'm sure it was a direct result of the blanket invitation sent from LinkedIn. Please ignore that post, and if you wish to "friend" me through LinkedIn, please search me by name. I WILL NOT be processing any more auto emails from them.

Thanks, and again, my apologies.

Stylish Blogger Award!

Wow! This was quite the surprise. Thank you K.C. Kendricks for suggesting my blog for this. Like K.C. my week has been very full.


Monday, I was a guest blogger at Jojo's Book Corner. Tuesday was my birthday, and I helped host a forum day on Coffee Time Romance for their Bringing in the New Year party bash. Check it out for a chance to win a Pandigital reader. Also on Tuesday, I learned my alter ego was nominated for one of Love Romances Cafe's Best of 2010 awards. Color me tickled.

Then today was Sweeter Romantic Notions sweet pitch day! It was a total success, so this has been a week for sure!

So for K.C., I say thank you for this!

The rules are simple:
For those who have been nominated, there are few criteria to meet:

1. Thank and link back to the person who nominated you, only do not re-nominate them.
This I can do. I don't even need a compass! 

2. Share 7 things about yourself
Okay if you insist.

1. I love the snow. Don't see it often enough to hate it. LOL
2. I owned horses for years. Love them! Wish I still had them to ride. Miss them. 
3. I will probably never stop tyring to convert my mother to an e-reader. She will be assimilated! I've already converted my BFF. I have the power! 
4. I don't watch TV. Maybe an hour a month, or a movie with the fam. I rarely even have one on.
5. I'm a Cityville addict.
6. I love pens. PENS people. Sheesh.
7. I love fireworks and laser shows.

3. Pass along this nomination to 10 recently discovered stylish and cool bloggers
This is the only thing that will disappoint. I don't forward memes, but thank you so much for adding me in this one. :)

4. Contact them and tell them about their nomination.

So that's the blog. Hope you have a great weekend. Friday is right around the corner. 

Sweet Pitch Day

Sweet Pitch Day!

Title:		Sweet Pitch Day!!
Date:		Thursday January 20, 2011
Time:		All Day
Location:		Sweeter Romantic Notions Yahoo Group
Notes:		Pitch Day will bring to our group several Publishers of which you will have the opportunity to Pitch your story/book to. Please adhere to SRN guidlines as posted to our File Section.

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja 

  Diana DeRicci 

Draven's Crossing

 

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.
 

Places to catch me this week

On Monday, I'll be crashing at JoJo's Book Corner. A full interview, and whatever happens ... Well, let's just say, I'm giving away a $10 gift credit to ARe. I'm doing the sharing for my birthday.

Then on Tuesday, I'll be at the Coffee Time Forums, found here for the Bring in the New Year with Coffee & Books. One lucky person is going to receive the full PDF set of the Aiza Clan Shifters series. That's all four books to enjoy and savor. And CTR is giving away a Pandigital color reader (think iPad's little brother. Just as useful and half the size.) So check out the other authors who are showcasing through February 10th and check out how you can win the reader.

So come celebrate my birthday with me. It's as good an excuse as any to stay inside and stay warm.
 

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja 

  Diana DeRicci 

Draven's Crossing

 

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.
 

Celebrating my birthday next week

As part of my birthday shenanigans, I'm hosting a day at the Coffee Time Forums. There will be giveaways and other good stuff, and one lucky winner will receive the entire four book set of the Aiza Clan Shifter series. No telling what mayhem will break out.

Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, Jan 18, All Day.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1592

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja 

  Diana DeRicci 

Draven's Crossing

 

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.
 

Do you have items to sell? AAD wants you!

Authors After Dark is looking for vendors for its 2011 convention, August 11-14th in Philadelphia PA.

AAD is an eclectic mix of readers and authors, and I know this sounds a bit broad, but almost nothing is taboo at AAD! It is an 18+ convention, 99% women, and attendees are readers of romance, erotica, urban fantasy, scifi, and fantasy. Our attendees are interested in a wide range of products and services, and we are the only romance convention to have an in-house tattoo artist!

Are you interested in being a vendor at this up and coming event? Please contact Stella Price ASAP for info at blueflamesabove@yahoo.com and I will send the information! Space is limited, but this is our first year with a room the size of a ballroom for our vendors! Also, please ask for availability, as we only pick ONE vendor for each kind of goods (IE: one Bath and body vendor, one tattoo artist shop, one seamstress, etc) Though we do have several spots open for publisher tables still!

Please spread the word!

Stella P.

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