Books by Diane C Hundertmark

Spring Newsletter
Lots of News this time!

UPDATE TO MY WEB SITE
My web site Alabaster Moon Studio at www.angelfire.com/scifi/dragonrose/index.html has been updated with new links, repaired links, and some additional information.

New Project
I have started an Author Collaboration Platform (ACP) here at my www.AuthorsDen.com web site. Considering starting a small group for fantasy and science fiction writers to have collaborative works, as well as share ideas on marketing and publicity. It is still in the formulation stage. If any of you are interested in this please email me at dragonrose1@lycos.com or leave me a message on the AuthorsDen message board.


Recent Events
April 17th 2002
Library Week Celebration at U.S. Customs showcased Customs employees who are published authors.
A total of three authors gave presentations:

Ron Rocke-author and co-author of several--12 or more he didn't bring them all--travel and information books about Hawaii. Most are out of print. A small local publisher in Hawaii, and the University of Hawaii Press published them. Some of them were beautiful travel photo books, and one was an instruction book on how to make a Lei!

David Mudrick-author of a book of comics collected during his time working on a small newspaper in Alaska. He and the newspaper owner self published the book, only 1,000 copies. David only has three copies left. He says the sales accomplished what he wanted. They funded his family's move from Alaska back to Virginia.

And ME-your local Customs Fantasy author. I talked about the pros and cons of POD publishing, and managed to sell 2 copies of The Dragon and The Rose Part 1.

There were books on display from other Customs authors all told about 6 or more. Yes I know promised to get their names.


April 20th-Maryland Writers Association Writer's Conference
Okay as promised here are my impressions from the Maryland Writers Association Conference. Held on Saturday, April 20th at the Chesapeake Center for the Creative Arts, it was a packed schedule with 25 sessions from "Writing for Children and Young Adults" to one-titled "Tricks of the Vivid Dream." It was my first time at the MWA conference and spent sometime networking. Lots of self published and POD authors in attendance. Nancy Kress, a Hugo and Nebula award wining Science Fiction author was the morning Keynote speaker. She has a column in Writer's Digest. Ms. Kress was also the moderator for the session "Writing Science Fiction That Will Sell." Both were entertaining and educational. You can pick up some the tips she spoke about in her column in the April Writer's Digest. Baltimore Sun Columnist Michael Olesker was the closing speaker. He gave an excellent comparison of his work writing for the Baltimore Sun and his work as a nightly commentator on a local TV station. I kept wishing I had a twin to send to some of the other sessions. The one I had the most fun at was "Tricks of the Vivid Dream." It was series of writing exercises that the participants had to complete. Fast furious and fun. Some of others read their results...not I...they were impressive. I was left with bits and pieces that I'll have to try and work into a story. Most of the presenters where captivating and provided good information. All in all a fun filled packed day. I didn't sell any books at the "bookstore" but did make some contacts for a joint enterprise at the Fairfax, VA festival coming up June 5,6, & 7th. There will be 6 POD and self published authors selling our books there.
Wish some of you could have been there!


April 25th 2002
Bring Your Child to Work
This year's celebration at U.S. Customs included an essay competition. I was asked to present the first prizes to the two winners (10-12 age group and 13-15 age group). I donated autographed copies of my first book The Dragon and the Rose-Part 1: The Turning Point.

Upcoming Events
May 11th 2002
Book Signing
I will be speaking at an event at Books-A-Million Booksellers at Arundel Mills Mall, Glen Burnie, Maryland at 2 p.m. Both of my books will be available for purchase. If you are in the area, do stop by. (please!)

May 17th and 18th
Washington Independent Writers 2002 Conference
This year's conference is looking very impressive. Pulitzer Prize Winner, Bob Wooward will be kicking off the Conference as the keynote speaker on the Friday evening reception May 17th. Daniel Pink, former Vice President Al Gore's chief writer will be the plenary speaker on Saturday. Saturday's luncheon speaker will be Diana McLellan author and local Washington journalist. In between all this is packed four tracks of sessions, nineteen in all on Saturday and 4 special sessions on Friday. The place to meet an eclectic group of writers, agents, and editors. Check out their web site for all the details www.washwriter.org
This will be the third one I've attended. I found them to be lots of fun and walk away with lots of information.

June 7th to June 9th
Celebrate Fairfax, Fairfax, VA
This is not a county fair but a street festival with music, entertainment, and crafts. It is held at Fairfax County Government Center, 1200 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax, VA. More details about the fair at http://www.celebratefairfax.com
A group of Print-On-Demand Authors with various companies who all live in North Virginia and Maryland will have a booth at the festival. The group is an eclectic mix and includes:

Kat Brooks-spy novels check out more at http://www.ksbrooks.com
Sharon Burtner-a gripping psychological thriller, details at http://sharonburtner.com
Austin Camacho-a hard-boiled mystery find out more at http://www.ascamacho.com
Chales Sheehan-Miles-a tense tail of the Gulf War, from a man who was there. Check it out at http://rumayla.com
Arline Chase-a romance novel entitled "The Ghost Dancer." It is listed at www.ebooksonthe.net
Diane C. Hundertmark-fantasy series

It should be an interesting time. Come visit if you can.


GREAT RESOURCE
Author's Den Member Dehanna Bailee has put together a wonderful resource tool -- a spreadsheet of a Print on Demand Publishers. It is very detailed --http://www.geocities.com/delannabailee
Do check it out.

A YOUNG AUTHOR TO CHECK OUT
I have a young fan in Romania, who has posted some short stories on his web site. He would love feedback and reviews.
http://rave.scs.ubbcluj.ro/~da20068/

Send comments and suggestions of items you like to hear about.

Thanks All
Dee