DIANA L. GUERRERO’S ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Volume 2, Number 7 July 1, 2004
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
E-mail: guerreroink@yahoo.com or website http://www.arkanimals.com
Copyright © 2004 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved
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Welcome to all new subscribers and welcome back to all veteran subscribers!

Don’t forget to check out the July 4th Pet Precautions Article in my area at authorsden.com!
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Request For YOUR Comments!
2. Animals: Blessings of All Sorts & Wildlife Festival Drawing Winners
3. Animal Adventures: Pending
4. Alliance of Writers: Fiction Writing Workshop July 18th
5. California Writers Club Seminar August 28th
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1. Request for YOUR Comments!
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At the beginning of June, my publisher officially announced that, “What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality” is going into second printing. For those of you who did not know, “What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality” was written in 3.5 months and on the market in just eleven months! Most books take two to three years to appear on the market. Needless to say I am looking forward to a more leisurely paced writing experience…since the other big news is that my NEW book will be released in spring of 2006.

This is where I need your help! The book is tentatively titled, “Animal Blessings.” It will be a short book with blessings, activities, and sentiments about animals of all types. Drop me an email or letter with what you would find useful, your favorite animal quotes and prayers, etc. I can’t promise to use them but your feedback on what you would like to see is valuable!
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BOOK TOUR BREAK
As most of you know I have been touring heavily and it is time for a break! Instead I am going to concentrate on updating my website, appearing on more radio shows, and working on the new book.

Earlier in the month I met with other authors, booksellers, and publishers in Chicago for the annual Book Expo America. It was exciting but tiring. I was invited to attend one of the biggest book industry parties and received great comments about my book from some big industry notables. I reconnected with Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul—I seem to run into him a lot these days) and met self-publishing icon Dan Poynter along with some other notable authors and celebrities. My niece and nephews were most impressed over my meeting Elmo and Dora the Explorer.

This month I only agreed to do two local events and one workshop in the Big Bear Valley. The poetry festival is actually a fun event and something I am addicted to! I look forward to reconnecting with my western pals Curly Musgrave, Belinda Gail, Paul Hendel, and the New West gang. If you hanker for the good ol’ Roy Rogers & Dale Evans type of music--this is it. Lots of poets, cowboys, and related artists gather together for a weekend of fun and frolicking! The creative energy is incredible--if you want to give yourself a different treat you won’t want to miss this three day event.

July 16-17, 2004 (Friday-Saturday, All Day) Cowboy Poetry Festival in Big Bear Lake, CA

July 18, 2004 (Sunday, 9:30am Blessing, 9:45 Signing) Fawnskin Festival Animal Blessing in Big Bear Lake, CA

July 24, 2004 (Saturday, Noon-2pm) Edelweiss Books in Big Bear Lake, CA

July 25, 2004 (Sunday, 10am-3pm) Fiction Writing Workshop in Fawnskin, CA

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2. Animals: Blessings of All Sorts
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My most rewarding event for June had to be the “Animal Blessing” and book signing held at the Church of Truth in Pasadena. Two weeks prior to the event I traveled down to Pasadena to be filmed for the Cox Cable show, “Truth to Tell.” Reverend Donna Byrns was a fabulous host and dedicated the entire interview to, “What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality.” The program aired a week prior to the event and then again on the actual event day.

I attended the church service held on the day of the event and enjoyed the informal luncheon with book club members and other congregates. Three ministers were on hand to bless the animals individually. Each minister had her own unique method and blessing live animals, deceased animals, and pictures of animals who could not attend. The serene setting of the event was the fabulous garden behind the church. I met visitors and autographed books from 1:30pm until about 4pm. Needless to say, it was very fun and rewarding.

The animals loved the attention and actually cooperated to receive the blessings. Most were dogs, but we had a winged critter and a slithering creature who participated. All the canines left wearing new fancy bandanas and with some new toys! Shadow and Happy were two large dogs who did not want to leave their minister buddy and who stayed for ages before they meandered out. They made a new friend onsite who also happened to be a local petsitter!

If time allows and I recharge enough, I may head back to the Church of Truth’s book discussion group later this month. Several people from the church have already emailed me with great comments about the book.
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For those of you who entered the drawing this month I want to thank you for supporting the animals! The book recipient was Joe from Colorado and t-shirt recipients were Joan and Kathy from California.
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3. Animal Adventure: Pending
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AUTHOR TOUR DELAYED
It looks like we have to delay the Costa Rican tour until 2005. If this changes I’ll let you know. When I get new dates I’ll announce it. In the meantime, check out the 2004 rates below—2005 might be slightly higher but you can’t beat the price. I’ll be touring through the schools this next year and young adults would benefit from the trip…I believe they can also get credit for it.

Departures from different airports in the United States are available just specify “special travel request” when enrolling. Adult Fares:
Los Angeles, California (LAX): RT $1986
Ontario, California (ONT): RT $2131
San Diego, California (SAN): RT $1986

The advance preview of the August 2004 trip is now on the website at www.arkanimals.com or at www.eftours.com just enter tour ID#180396—you can enroll online today! (The 2004 fares do not include optional insurance and extension fees add $220 if you wish to extend your trip.)

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GIFT IDEA: ARMCHAIR SAFARI SHIRTS NOW FOR SALE ONLINE AND AT EVENTS
The t-shirts and sweatshirts are now available from the website and at select events. Prices include tax, shipping and handling and support the website. They are the perfect gift for any animal lover and any book enthusiast! Both shirts include the Ark Animals Armchair Safari artwork. The short-sleeved t-shirt is a natural color ($15 events/$25 online) and the long-sleeved sweatshirt is a khaki color ($35 online). You can view the lovely design and order directly from www.arkanimals.com/dlg/newanimalshirt.htm.
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4. Alliance of Writers: Fiction Writing Workshop
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The magazine writing workshop was a dynamic interchange with some talented writers. The next workshop is scheduled for July 18th. There are only a couple of more days to enroll to avoid the $10 late enrollment fee. Make sure you enroll before July 1st! You can enroll online at www.allianceofwriters.com in the events area.

Brown Bag Symposium
Writing Fiction-Taking the Plunge.
Date: July 18, 2004
Discount enrollment deadline: July 1, 2004
Time: 10am-3pm (Includes 1/2 hour lunch break.)
Location: Fawnskin, California
Instructor: Mike Foley
Enrollment is limited.
Fee: $49 (Non-Members) prior to July 1, 2004 (add $10 to fees on/after July 1.)
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DETAILS: BROWN BAG SYMPOSIUM (Bring your lunch.)
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Join instructor (writer and editor) Mike Foley and facilitator, Diana L. Guerrero for a workshop designed to take your fiction to a new level.

The second of our brown bag symposiums, this writing workshop covers all the basics of fiction writing. Novice or veteran writers will take home a wealth of information. If you have not experienced Mr. Foley's guidance before-- you certainly will not want to miss this!

Topics to be covered include:
-viewpoint
-dialogue
-action
-description
-characters
and more!

You'll receive valuable handouts and writing exercises, learn tips on submitting material, handling rejection and more. This event begins at 10am. You'll have a break for lunch and then get back to work. Instruction ends at 3pm, but you'll want to continue networking after!

About the Instructor: Mike Foley works as a journalist, freelance writer and editor. With a wide variety of experience and over 700 published works, he has a wealth of knowledge to share. He runs Writer's Review (a critique service), teaches writing for the UC-Riverside Extension, and conducts writing retreats.
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5. California Writers Club Seminar August 28th
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Don’t miss “Covering Your Ass-ets: What You Need To Know After Your Book Is Published.” Discover the secrets behind successful book sales and promotions. Learn inside tips relevant for after your book is published. This interactive session will answer your questions and reveal:
• What you can expect from your publisher/publishing partner
• Bookseller basics and alternative markets
• How to insure you reap an income in between royalty statements.

This seminar will be presented to the California Writers Club (Inland Empire Chapter) from 10am until Noon. A luncheon will follow. The meeting is open to non-members for $5. The luncheon will be held at a nearby restaurant immediately following the event. (You will pay the server directly for your order.)

Details: Saturday, August 28, 2004
(10am-Noon; Luncheon to follow)
California Writers Club Inland Empire Chapter
Borders Books Montclair
5055 S Plaza Lane
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-0424
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Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who is on the lookout for new books, speakers, and courses related to animals or writing.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about this newsletter and recommend that they sign up. To subscribe to this newsletter enroll at www.arkanimals.com or www.allianceofwriters.com.

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If you signed up at an event, you were entered into that private database and can be removed by following the instructions sent to you in the verification email.

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Thanks for joining me. If you have a topic you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please email your suggestion to: guerreroink@yahoo.com. If you would like to advertise or sponsor an event, contact me below.
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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2004 by Diana L. Guerrero
PO Box 1989-215
40729 Village Drive Suite 8
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
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