My Dreams.......

When I find something that touches my heart, I follow it.  One of my dreams is to help children achieve their dreams.  I have always wanted to be involved with organizations that support children.  I hope to make a difference, somehow, in the world with my writing, which is inspired by my own journey in life.  I know how difficult life can be from personal experience.  My passion comes from seeing and experiencing how important support and encouragement  are to children and their families.  No matter how difficult the circumstances along the way, anything is possible eventhough at times we only have hope keeping us afloat.  I feel that every problem brings with it an opportunity for things to be much better than we ever imagined.

There is a strong connection for me with the WithKids organization because I have struggled with believing in myself my entire life.  Knowing that someone cares makes all the difference in the life of a child, single parent or family.

“Once Upon a Time” was a gift to me in the form of amazing actors portraying fairytale characters, as well as their alter egos in a reality-based world where no happy endings existed.  At a time in my life when I felt there would be no happy endings, it gave me hope that the curse could be broken and that magic in my life was possible again.

Having had a love of fairytales since childhood, I was drawn to “Once Upon a Time” from the beginning and discovered actors I had never seen before which opened up an entirely new world for me.  I was fascinated by Mr. Carlyle’s portrayal of the infamous character of fairytale lore, Rumplestiltskin.  In my search to learn more about his previous work late one night, I found the interview he had done with WithKidsGlasgow, which captured my heart.  His interview was so heartfelt in every way, especially when he spoke about the children and families, and of his father.  I was inspired by his relationship with his father, the love he had for him, the care and sacrifices that were made, and how his father supported him unconditionally and without question in his quest to be an actor.  His father encouraged him to do what was in his heart, which I feel is the key that opens the magic door to the life we are all meant to have.  Mr. Carlyle’s interview and the information I found inspired me to move forward to find a way I could help. 

After this, I started seeking out information about WithKidsGlasgow, as well as following the “Once Upon a Time” fan sites and noticed that people were undertaking various fundraising efforts which drew me in even further, and I wanted to find some way to be a part of this effort.  I was quite taken with WithKidsGlasgow and their work in connection with instilling hope and confidence in children’s lives.  I feel every child should have access to someone in their lives who will give the support they need, such as WithKidsGlasgow who provide services to both children and families who need help in overcoming difficulties and to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The interview and WithKidsGlasgow’s work resonated with me beyond words and was a catalyst for me to promote my book and not stop this time.  I now have a reason that compels me to not give up.   As Mr. Carlyle said in the interview, “…..don’t drop the ball”.  And, “……don’t ever let anyone take your dreams from you”.

I am hoping that others will become aware of all that is going on in this world today more than ever and be open to helping in any way they can and use their talents as a catalyst to do so.  There are so many children, families and organizations that are in need of support and wonderful ambassadors such as Mr. Carlyle.   I believe that anything is possible and that there are people in this world that really care and “Once Upon a Time” has brought a very giving group of people together who want to contribute in any way possible in connection with WithKidsGlasgow work in helping children and families work through the issues they face each day.  WithKidsGlasgow is an impressive organization in providing a myriad of support services to children and their families.

I have offered to donate 50% of all profits from the sale of my book, “Clams in Cups:  Legends of the Heart” for the next year to WithKidsGlasgow, with the hope it will help support some part of their extensive and amazing efforts.

I am grateful to have been asked to contribute to the WithKidsGlasgow site and want to thank the staff, as well as Derek Howie for allowing me to be a part of their efforts.  One of my dreams is coming true.  My message - please remember that no matter what, you are not “less than”……..you are MORE!

Always believe in your dreams......

In my efforts to promote my book in connection with my work as an aspiring fundraiser.........I am continuing to seek out more ways to connect with people.  As in a previous post, 50% of all profits from sales of my book for the next year will be given to WithKidsGlasgow in Scotland..........a wonderful organization that works to support children and families in every way possible.  Following is a link to the Once Upon a Fan site's Amazon Store where my book can also be purchased:  http://astore.amazon.com/onupatifa08-20/detail/1425948499    

Please watch for a new post coming soon that will be revealed on the WithKidsGlasgow blog site......a post I was asked to write as a "guest" in connection with their fundraising efforts.  Follow your dreams!

Once Upon a Time Fans UK - New Post!

Once Upon a Time Fans in the UK has recently included an article about my book and fundraising efforts in connecton with WithKidsGlasgow.  To view the full article, please go to:  http://www.onceuponatimefans.co.uk/apps/blog/entries/show/17500066-diane-caron-donates-50-of-book-profits-to-with-kids-glasgow

My Goal.......

.....I feel I now (and have always known in my heart) have a real reason to promote my writing and truly know without a doubt my "passion" is to be involved with children's charities and use my writing as a catalyst.  My present and future goal is to donate a percentage of all book sale profits to various charities for children, working with them to promote fundraising efforts. Connect with me on www.twitter.com (RebelMuseDesign) or  www.facebook.com (diane.caron.2012).

WithKids Glasgow

The following was posted by the "With Kids" organization recently and I would love to be a part of this wonderful effort.  A percentage of profits of any sales of my book in the next year will be donated to this worthy charity.  I am hoping they will have much success with their auction in September!

"The Once Upon A Time fans fundraising total now stands at £3,310 and that's before the auction in September! The lovely Robert Carlyle will be donating the chipped cup from the Skin Deep episode which is fantastic. We're very much looking forward to seeing what other goodies there will be!"

Now on Kindle E-Book!

Now available as an e-book for Kindle on www.amazon.com!

July 12th Press Release Article

SUNAPEE: Listening to Diane Caron talk about Sunapee harbor, it is easy to see why some of the stories in her book take place there. “Someone once told me I should be a spokesperson for Sunapee,” says the author of Clams in Cups: Legends of the Heart.

Originally from northeastern Vermont, Diane relocated to Lake Sunapee in May of 2004. “Someone sent me photos [of the harbor] in an e-mail, and I knew I had to see this place,” she says. Within a year, she moved. “I have a sense of peace here I haven’t felt anywhere ever…I feel a connection to this place, it feels like home.”

Diane describes her book as “a collection of short stories that are based on memories.” And as with any fiction writing, she acknowledges that some of it is based on fact. However, “usually the ending [of the story] is the ending I’d like to have in real life.” While she doesn’t name any places, Diane does say that several stories in her book take place in the area in general, and in her harbor specifically.

Diane has been writing forever, starting with a science fiction story in grade school. “Over the years I’ve written different things…the first real story was Clams in Cups, the title story,” she says. Though it was written about a childhood event, the back cover of the book explains that Clams in Cups is also a metaphor for a larger picture: “Every event in our lives is a cup that holds a different clam; an experience that touches our hearts. Like clams, we create barriers to protect ourselves from sadness, though these barriers are like brittle shells that often can be easily broken.”

Aside from being the title story, Clams in Cups was also the one that prompted her to write the rest of the stories in her book. “The first year I was here I met someone, who said, ‘you need to write more of these,’ No one had ever said that before.” She also remembers a writing group giving her very positive feedback on the same story, even though she hadn’t been present for the meeting.

Though the self-published book is in itself a complete volume, with distinct sections, Diane is quick to point out that she is by no means done writing. Two other books sharing the same title are also being planned. Diane hopes that Clams in Cups: Legends of Angels will be on the shelves by spring. And though there has been only one story penned for it so far, Clams in Cups: Legends of Heroes is certainly on the horizon.

The book is divided into sections (Beginnings, First Love, Discovery, New Love, and Truth). But even within the sections, each story is very different. Volumes of short stories are always good, because one can open them in the middle and just start reading. Also, the variety found lends itself well to the marketplace—there is something for everybody. In the dedication at the beginning, there is a quote that reads: Life is an endless journey of the heart. It is this that has been Diane’s theme throughout the book; it is her wish that the reader will identify with the stories and that one will reflect not only upon the memories written, but on personal ones too. “I hope there’s something in each story that fits that,” she says.

Clams in Cups: Legends of the Heart, by D.C. Legendre, is available at the Wild Goose Country Store in Sunapee harbor, as well as at Morgan Hill Bookstore in New London.

Adam Whittier/Intertown Record News Service