Books make great Christmas gifts!

Are you wondering what to get that hard to buy for person on your list? Books, books, books! They are easy to wrap and less expensive to mail - so check out my fiction book at the Holly Shoppe, Stevens Point Area Convention & Vistors Bureau.

Holiday Book Signing

Join me for a holiday book signing and reading from Decision or Destiny,  on Thursday, December 6 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Holly Shoppe inside of the Lincoln Center in Stevens Point.

A love story about coming home...

Dianna left her  hometown after graduation in 1962 and promised herself never to return. Two years later she is a floral designer in Chicago and her roommate arranges a blind date for her with a handsome shoe salesman. Was he a good match for Dianna?

Did Dianna still think about Michael, her first love, who placed a silver ID bracelet on her tiny wrist at the Christmas formal in 1959 -  and later proposed marriage?

What lead her to make the decisions she did to come full circle and find her true path - her destiny?

Read Decision or Destiny and find out what and who changed Dianna's mind and why she went back to her small hometown thirty-four years later!

A Holiday Book Signing

Author Darlene Biese Schultz 

A holiday book signing  on Thursday, December 6, from 2p.m. - 4p.m. at the Holly Shoppe inside of the Lincoln Center in Stevens Point, WI.

Come and meet my granddaughter who is the inspiration for the storyline and helped Dianna talk about why she made the decisions she did to follow her destiny.

My fiction writing students published books are on display at the Lincoln Center, 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point, until the end of November. Six students wrote ten books - and they all get excellent grades! and their stories are excellent reading too!

Stop in the main  lobby and check out the showcase of books - five children's books, one book of poetry, one short story collection, an autobiography and two fiction books all written by Portage County authors.

I'm so proud of all their hard work and persistence in finishing their projects. They inspired me to finish my book which  I started writing in the 1980s. We all read and listen to each others work and offer suggestions for improvement and those tedious rewrites!

I thoroughly enjoy teaching as much as writing!

Books published by fiction writing students to be showcased

Ten books written and published by six of my fiction writing students will be showcased at the Lincoln Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The date and time will be announced soon. Books included are: Five children's books, two short story books, one book of poetry and two literary fiction books. I've taught the fiction class for the past six years and I'm so proud of all of my students. They have inspired me to finish my book and have proven that dreams do come true with work and persistence!

First anniversary of Decision or Destiny

This week is the first anniversary of my first book. Thanks to all who purchased it on Amazon.com, and locally at the Holly Shoppe and Book Finders Bookstore in Stevens Point, WI. Check my Facebook page for eBook specials. A free download will be offered on October 27 and 28 at Amazon.com..

Here's what readers are saying about Decision or Destiny

Loved this book! Written with passion and undeniable charm and wit. I could hardly put it down.Darlene wove a story that transported you on a journey that swept through decades of the characters lives seamlessly while relating the events in Dianna's life to her granddaughter, Noel. The story telling approach, using the granddaughter was very touching and even brilliant as it brought all the characters to life immediately.
Judy Danczyk and Ken, author of Grandpa's Farm.


Decision or Destiny is a warm story of life and love. Throughout this engaging tale, this reader found herself drawn to compare it with her own life and wondering if there is a fine line between decisions made and one's destiny...or if life is based on all decisions made.
Faye Harleben, poet and author.


Decision or Destiny, a new book book out by local author Darlene Biese Schultz is a real page turner. It's a heartwarming story about a small town girl who leaves home, experiences many difficulties and finally returns to fine true love with her high school sweetheart.
Cliff Leary, poet and author of three books.

Shared with cancer support group

The beginning of August,I spoke to the "Living With Cancer Support Group" that I was part of in 2000. I shared my cancer experience and read a few passages from my book where Dianna is dealing with the news about having cancer. I realize how fortunate and grateful I am to be in good health.

Quote from Chapter 12

"Maybe it was maturity or being in my fifties, or just simply finding love again," I said to Noel. "Yes I found him again and went after him like today was all that mattered. Our life together is real because I decided to make my own destiny - not wait for it to happen as I did most of my life." From Chapter 12, Desision or Destiny

Book Cover

The cover of Decision or Destiny is the covered bridge at the Chapel in the Woods at the Red Mill in Waupaca, WI. My husband Dave and I will be celebrating our 16th Anniversary on May 31. "Today I will marry my best friend; the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love...More perfect than I had planned, my wedding day brought me full circle..I was finally home! Clear blue Wisconsin skies and warming sunshine highlighted the freshly opened pink and white blossoms as we walked down the winding path to the covered bridge...to the Chapel in the Woods." Chapter 12, Decision or Destiny

What is considered good drama? Is it something that entertains us? Is it good even when the bad guy goes unpunished? What about the good guy - does he get noticed or rewarded? My favorite high school English teacher stressed that a book, play or movie is considered good ( worthwhile drama) if the bad are punished and the good rewarded! Do most stories today really end that way? What if the criminal goes free or disappears and lives a life of luxury and appears happy? That is the question - what is happy or good? Is it only shown on the outside or described in the characters actions? These are questions to ponder as I write book two - and fictionalize an ending. Shall I create this universal perception that the bad guy is always punished and the good guy rewarded?

"Circle of Love", a poem for book two.

My love gave me a silver bracelet, and we danced the night away dreaming that love would always stay. My love asked me to marry him as we hugged in the dim light of the streetlight. My love stayed - though I went away for many a day and night. The circle of life and love was so right even out of sight those many, many years. Oh my love,destiny decided it was to be...you see. I chose to come back. The circle of love is still going around and around.

From Decision or Destiny

A poem written by Noel and used for Michael and Dianna's wedding:

Love lot, love more, love grow in a pot; but sometimes tore...never on the spot.
But our love is never tore...it is always more.


"Maybe it was maturity, being in my fifties, or just simply finding love again," I said to Noel. "Yes, I found him and went after him like today was all that ever mattered. Our life together is real because I decided to make my own destiny..."

Book Signings

More book signings are planned for April and May. I will publish the times and places soon. I have plans for a local reading and signing at a popular Bed & Breakfast in town - TBA.

Waupaca is another site for a book signing - close to the covered bridge and Chapel in the Woods. Part of the story takes place in that location and with spring and summer weddings coming up, I would enjoy telling my story to prospective brides and grooms too!

Stay turned for the exact dates,times and places. And enjoy spring - even though our Wisconsin winter may not leave us alone.

What is Dianna's anwer to Michael's question from almost four decades ago?

I was living my destiny, I was happy and life was good. Something was still missing...

Okay Dianna, I said to myself. It's the right time to make a decision. Michael loves me and I love him with all of my heart and I tremble with excitement whenever he walks in to room. I won't procrastinate or tempt fate - it's now or never.

Michael was relaxing in his recliner and I knelt next to him, smiled and said, "You know that question you asked me in 1959? Yes!"

Another letter from Michael to Dianna

August 3, 1993

My Lady D,
It's only 6:47 p.m.and I miss your presence, your smile, your charm, your warmth. Lady, I just simply miss you!

I used to wonder what I was waiting for, and why there was always something that felt "not quite right." But since you've come into my life, I've learned the answer to my question...I was simply waiting for you!

My heart is heavy, but I know you're coming back. That makes waiting much easier. Please tell that train to hurry and get back home.

Just knowing you again, reading all your charming love notes makes a grown-up man like me realize just how lucky I am.

Always, with deepest love,
Michael

Book signings

My second book signing at the Holly shoppe was very successful and fun too!! Looking forward to the third - on Friday, Feb. 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Book Finders, 1001 Brilowski Rd. Suite A, Stevens Point, WI

From: Decision or Destiny, a letter from Michael

Dianna,

Seems like s life time ago, and in reality it is. If you were trying to impress an old man - you did! Thank you!

Your invitation to meet is a neat idea. After that many years we should have plenty to talk about.

When you arrive in Wisconsin please call me.

Till then,
Michael

Book available for purchase

"Decision or Destiny" is now available at the Holly Shoppe inside of the Lincoln Center on Water Street in Stevens Point, WI.

Join me for a book reading and signing at the Holly Shoppe on February 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Drawing for a signed copy of "Decision or Destiny"

Win a signed copy of "Decision or Destiny" by emailing me at: darlenebieseschultz@yahoo.com and in the subject line write: "I Love Fiction"