Welcome to the new home of Author & Professional Speaker, L. Diane Wolfe (AKA "Spunk on a Stick") and The Circle of Friends!

The Circle of Friends series follows a group of young adults as they face different challenges and learn to overcome. The emotionally gripping stories focus on love, friendships and the pursuit of dreams. Aimed at adults/young adults, these books defy the growing trend of salacious titles, especially for teenagers. Positive and uplifting, this series will leave readers determined to overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

This blog is now the home of the original The Circle of Friends website.


Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Special Middle Grade Project and Holiday Specials

Every year, I do a special project with a local school or two. I do a characterization session with the kids and then they write stories based on their characters. The best ones are published in an anthology - children writing stories for children.

Now available:

Otter Tales Volume II
Edited by Michelle Rutledge and Lorie Tillman
Print ISBN 9781939844583
EBook ISBN 9781939844590
Juvenile Fiction

It’s an Otterly Amazing Adventure!

Don your armor and prepare for adventure!
From the far reaches of space to the North Pole, you’ll set off on a quest filled with the exploits of princesses, heroes, and real life journeys.
From the imagination of children, these stories will delight and inspire with their originality, courage, and heart.
Speak with animals. Fly on a robotic dog. Shift into a unicorn. And even battle some zombies along the way!

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / Kobo


Holiday Specials

See Dancing Lemur Press for a list of available titles.

To redeem and conditions:
Purchase a print, audio, or eBook from any retailer and send a copy of your receipt, less payment information and shipping, to inquiries @ dancinglemurpressllc.com State the free eBook or audio book you wish to receive.
Books purchased directly from our site will automatically get swag and a free book shipped.
(Free eBook cannot be over $2.99. CassaSeries audio book excluded in the free giveaway.)
Offer good until December 15, 2018. Delivery of print books not guaranteed by Christmas after December 10, 2018.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Is Someone in Your Family Struggling With Addiction?

Every family deals with baggage, dysfunction and conflict to some degree, and it’s further compounded when addiction enters the picture. Unbroken by Annie Highwater tackles this difficult subject in a very real and personal manner. Available today.


Unbroken
Navigating the Madness of Family Dysfunction, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Heartache

By Annie Highwater

I feel like I’m drowning!

Does that describe you at times? Addiction, conflict, and dysfunction can destroy a family. But even in the depths of adversity and despair, there is hope. You can learn to cope and overcome the pitfalls:
• Drama, drama, drama
• The silent treatment
• Enabling
 • How do I detach?
• Arguments and denial
• Relapses
• Division and grief
• We won’t be victims
You can find the means to not only persevere and find peace but create a life that is manageable and even amazing!

$13.95 Print ISBN 9781939844521
$4.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844538
Self-Help - Substance Abuse & Addictions/Personal Growth/PTSD
Freedom Fox Press

“Unbroken promotes boundaries and provides examples of self-care; something that can easily be overlooked when we love and care for an addict.” - Elsie Amata, author of Steps Along My Shore

“With input from experts in the field of addiction, alcoholism and family therapy...this book is a guidebook for anyone needing direction, hope and healing.” - Sherry Gaba, LCSW, Certified Recovery Coach and author

“Unbroken’s most important lesson is that we are all vulnerable. And only after we acknowledge this vulnerability can we truly start living.” - Daniel Skinner, Ph.D, Ohio University

Annie Highwater - writer, speaker, podcast host and family advocate. She is a life-long researcher of Behavioral Science with particular interests in family pathology and concepts of dysfunction, addiction, alcoholism and conflict. Annie resides in Columbus, Ohio and enjoys writing, long distance running, hiking, the great outdoors and visiting her son in Southern California as often as possible.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Write With Fey - A Great Resource for Writers

Today, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C./Freedom Fox Press is delighted to announce the release of an amazing book that’s perfect for writers!

Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You From Idea to Publication 

Catch the sparks you need to write, edit, publish, and market your book!

Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication offers an abundance of data in one handy book. From writing your novel to prepping for publication and beyond, you’ll find sparks on every page, including 100 bonus marketing tips. You’ll also discover how to write specific scenes and characters, adding depth to your work.
• Spark One: Being a Writer
• Spark Two: Story Essentials
• Spark Three: A Book’s Stepping Stones
• Spark Four: How To
• Spark Five: Character ER
• Spark Six: Editing
• Spark Seven: Publishing
• Spark Eight: Marketing
• Spark Nine: Writing About
• Spark Ten: Final Inspiration
With so much information, you’ll take notes, highlight, and flag pages to come back to again and again on your writing journey.

Available June 5, 2018
6x9 trade paperback, 370 pages, Freedom Fox Press
Creative Writing / Publishing / Marketing
$19.95 Print ISBN 9781939844484
$5.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844491

“Publishing a book can seem overwhelming, but Chrys Fey breaks it down in this indispensable guide for writers. Fey's step-by-step instructions and encouraging style help with everything from pre-writing to marketing a published book.” - Elizabeth S. Craig, author

“Solid, sound basic writing book for the writing daring to be an author. The "10 Sparks" cover a wealth of topics with abbreviated, concise guidance, giving authors a fantastic place to check off all the necessities.” ~C. Hope Clark, The Carolina Slade Mysteries and The Edisto Island Mysteries, Founder of FundsforWriters.com

“A must-read book for those who are serious about writing, but are clueless or doubtful of their writing capabilities. I would suggest this book to all who write as a desk reference book - it will be worth it!” 5 stars - Readers Favorites

Chrys Fey is the author of the Disaster Crimes Series and an editor for Dancing Lemur Press. She started her blog, Write with Fey, to offer aspiring writers inspiration, advice, and hope. At the age of twelve, she started writing her first novel, and since then she has been a dedicated citizen in the writing world.

Now, are you ready to Write With Fey?

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Middle Grade Mayhem

A lot of great books for boys.

Brand new release:

SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC
By C. Lee McKenzie

Pete’s stuck in medieval England!

Pete and his friend Weasel thought they’d closed the Time Lock. But a young page from medieval times, Peter of Bramwell, goes missing. His absence during a critical moment will forever alter history unless he’s found.

There’s only one solution - fledgling wizard Pete must take the page’s place. Accompanied by Weasel and Fanon, Pete’s alligator familiar, they travel to 1173 England.

But what if the page remains lost - will Pete know what to do when the critical moment arrives? Toss in a grumpy Fanon, the duke’s curious niece, a talking horse, and the Circle of Stones and Pete realizes he’s in over his young wizard head yet again...

$13.95 Print ISBN 9781939844460
$3.99 EBook ISBN 9781939844477
Juvenile Fiction - Fantasy & Magic (JUV037000) / Boys & Men (JUV005000)

“A gripping adventure back in time, with action around every corner.” - Stephanie Robinson, author of The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

“A great addition to middle school classrooms and libraries, as well as your own private library.” - Beverly Stowe McClure, award-winning author of stories for children and teens.

“This third book in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel series was as much fun as the first.” - Kai Strand, author

“A rich cast of characters who bring the story to life – both in modern and historical times. I highly recommend librarians and teachers get this series on their shelves.” - Hall Ways Reviews

C. Lee McKenzie has a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days her greatest passion is writing for young readers. When she’s not writing she’s hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot questions about things she still doesn’t understand.
Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase/find Some Very Messy Medieval Magic at Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes / Amazon / Foyles / Goodreads

Plus check out the book trailer for the series:


Released in March:

CORNERS
By Corrina Austin

Everyone needs their own special corner...

“Austin’s message of true friendship and selflessness will resonate...strong addition to the realistic fiction genre.” - Library Journal

$10.95 Print ISBN 9781939844392
$3.990 EBook ISBN 9781939844408

Purchase/find at Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes / Amazon / Amazon CA / Goodreads




And coming September 4th:


BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S BIG DIG TO CHINA
By Sherry Ellis

You can’t dig a hole to China!

$7.95 Print ISBN 9781939844507
$3.99 EBook ISBN 9781939844514

Pre-order at Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Books-A-Million

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Revolution 2050 - What if There was Another Civil War?

Releasing today!

Revolution 2050

Jay Chalk

Samuel Moore is living a dystopian lie…

After a civil war, the North American Commonwealth now dominates the eastern half of the former United States. Controlled by a totalitarian regime called the Directorate, the NAC demands compliance, awareness, and unity. A Directorate member and teacher, Sam enjoys the benefits while skirting the forbidden.

Then Sam encounters Katie Spencer. She sneaks him a short wave radio and he hears the Western Alliance broadcasts. Katie also reveals a video she captured of NAC death camps. Sam realizes he’s involved in a nightmare that could shake every foundation.

With the video broadcast date approaching and several students desperate to escape to the Western Alliance, Sam is forced to decide. Remain loyal to the Directorate? Or abandon all he’s ever known to fight for freedom?

Release date - April 3, 2018
$19.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 330 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science Fiction (FIC028000) /Dystopian (FIC055000)
Print ISBN 9781939844439 / EBook ISBN 9781939844446
Order through Ingram, Follett Library Solutions, or from the publisher
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Jay Chalk is a twenty-year veteran high school teacher of government, U.S. history and English. He's the author of several novels, two of which are speculative fiction, and he's currently working on a third, hoping to tie them into a possible trilogy. He lives in East Texas and when not teaching or writing, he's flying or playing the guitar.

Purchase at Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM / iTunes / Nook / Kobo / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Goodreads

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Captivating Shocker Bloodwalker by L.X. Cain Now Only 99 Cents

One week only - March 1-8, 2018 - eBook just .99 cents!

Bloodwalker

By L.X. Cain

“Cain’s frightening tale about family relationships, whether by blood or by bond, with its multidimensional characters, eerie European setting, and an unpredictable plot, is bound to chill paranormal and horror readers alike.” - Library Journal

“...captivating shocker... Cain immerses the reader in the working life of a struggling circus and in the daily chores of a fascinating, albeit fictional, Slavic folkway.” - Publishers Weekly

Lightning flashes. Another child disappears...

Zorka Circus’s big top roars with laughter and cheers, but when it moves on, children vanish.

Circus Security Chief Rurik suspects a killer hides among the performers, but they close ranks—they’ve always viewed lightning-scarred Rurik as the monster. He must find the culprit before anyone else disappears and his home is destroyed by the murders.

Into Zorka Circus comes the Skomori clan, despised as gravedigging ghouls. A one-day truce allows bloodwalker Sylvie to marry. Instead, she finds a body. Alerting others will defy her clan’s strict code, break the truce, and leave her an outcast.

When more bodies turn up, the killer's trail becomes impossible to ignore. Rurik and Sylvie must follow the clues—even if they lead to something unimaginable…

Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror
EBook ISBN 9781939844262

Grab it at: Barnes & Noble / Amazon / Kobo / iTunes

Monday, January 29, 2018

Book Sales!

Today through February 10, 2018 - just .99 cents:

CassaStar
By Alex J Cavanaugh

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.

Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.

As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?

Science fiction/adventure (FIC028010) and science fiction/space opera (FIC028030) - eBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

EBook available at Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Kobo / Amazon UK

Ready to take a chance on a .99 book?

Friday, January 12, 2018

#IWSGPit Coming Soon - Don't Miss It @TheIWSG

Twitter Pitch Party!

#IWSGPit

January 18, 2018

8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time

All writers and authors are invited to participate.

Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 18, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.

Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.

Rules:

Writers may send out 1 Twitter pitch every 1 hour per manuscript.

Publishers/Agents will favorite/heart pitches they are interested in. Publishers can either Tweet basic submission guidelines or direct writers to their submission guidelines. (Writers, please do not favorite/heart pitches.)

No images allowed in pitches.

Pitches must include GENRE/AGE and the hashtag #IWSGPit.

Ages:
#C - children’s
#MG - middle grade
#YA - young adult
#NA - new adult
#A - adult
Genres:
#AD - adventure
#CF - Christian fiction
#CO - contemporary
#F - fantasy
#H - horror
#HI - historical
#LF - literary fiction
#MCT - mystery/crime/thriller
#ME - memoir
#NF - non-fiction
#PB - picture book
#PN - paranormal
#R - romance
#SF - sci-fi
#WF - women's fiction