Photo by John Pagliuca
  www.johnpagliucaproductions.com

  Below photos courtesy of Ray Barwick (Two Shot Ray)

Topsail Island, NC – You would be pea green if you did not attend the pre-release dinner party for Diane Chamberlain’s new book “Before the Storm” on April 23rd, 2008. Diane was the guest of honor at a dinner party at the home of Sterling Bryson and hosted by Glen Pierce, who along with Sheree’ Alderman, co-founded Topsail Publishing and the web site www.Topsail-Island.Info.
(Click HERE for video diary on TI-Tube)
(click HERE to view the Book Trailer)

  Diane Chamberlain, John Pagliuca

Diane Chamberlain and her partner, John Pagliuca, came to Topsail to gain additional research for her soon to be released novel centered on Topsail Island. The party was well attended by the sixteen guests, who were treated to a private book signing by Ms. Chamberlain.

  Dawn Brannan, Craig Brannan                           Mike Harris, Cynthia Harris

During dessert, Diane exclaimed, “What an honor it was to be among such instant friends.“

Guests for the party included: Jean and Fred Beasley, Rose & Dick Peters, Lori & Charles Fisher, Cynthia & Mike Harris, Ray Barwick, John Brock, Brenda & Steve Sellers, and Dawn & Craig Brannan. All of the guests thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine of Sterling Bryson.

  (L to R) Jean Beasley, Dawn Brannan, Lori & Charles Fisher, Fred Beasley

While visiting Topsail Island, Diane and John were treated to a private tour by Jean Beasley, director of The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The Center is a non-profit, all volunteer sea turtle hospital located on Topsail Island, NC, dedicated to the recovery and release of injured or sick sea turtles.

  (Foreground) Jean Beasley, Rose Peters

  Brenda Sellers, Craig Brannan

Diane was able to receive more information for her sequel. It is always an honor to have a noted author highlight and promote Topsail as the wonderful place that it is.

  Steve Sellers, Sterling Bryson

“Before the Storm”, a novel centered on Topsail Island, is due to be released June 1st of this year, and the sequel, “After the Storm” is due out January 2009. An author signing event will be held July 3rd, 2008, at Quarter Moon Books, owned and operated by Lori Fisher.

  Dick & Rose Peters

  (L to R) Craig Brannan, Dawn Brannan (hiding behind Craig), Fred Beasley,
  John Brock, Brenda Sellers, Diane Chamberlain, John Pagliuca (hiding behind Diane),
 Cynthia Harris, Dick Peters (background), and Glen Pierce

Diane’s last book, “The Secret Life Of Ceecee Wilkes”, has been selected as a June Book Club pick for Target’s Bookmarked program. Target says Bookmarked “is all about discovering and enjoying great books”. “CEECEE” will have a special print run just for Target.

  (L to R) Sterling Bryson, Glen Pierce, Ray Barwick, (center-front) Diane Chamberlain

Diane Chamberlain is the author of 16 novels published in more than eleven languages. Diane writes mainstream contemporary novels and has won numerous awards, including the RITA and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her stories focus on relationships–between men and women, parents and children, sisters and brothers. Diane lives in North Carolina with her partner, photographer John Pagliuca, and her shelties, Keeper and Jet. Formerly a medical social worker and psychotherapist in private practice, Diane now writes full time. Several years ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which has changed the way she works. She occasionally types using voice recognition software. To find out more about Diane Chamberlain you can visit her web site at http://dianechamberlain.com/ or visit her blog at http://blog.dianechamberlain.com/.