LANSING, MI --Michigan Bulletin staff writer Diane Gardin will host a book signing of her first published book of poetry entitled, “Echoes of My Soul,” at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 5200 Pleasant Grove, on Sunday, May 16, 2004 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Diane has also been invited to be the featured author/poet at Gregory’s Ice & Smoke, 2510 N. Martin L. King, Jr., Blvd. on Thursday, May 6, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

Diane has been writing since the early age of nine-years-old. She believes that writing is God’s gift to her. Diane is a Christian who believes that every door that is opened is because God has allowed it to be.

Diane has published devotionals and poems. She believes her writing is a ministry that brings joy, comfort, enlightenment and peace to all who read her works.

Diane’s day job is a federal government employee, where she has 19 years of service. However, with own time, Diane have been realizing her dream to be a writer.

Besides serving on the staff of the Michigan Bulletin, she has clocked a pile of personal hours as a free lance writer. Diane’s writings have appeared within the pages of: Small Business News; The Motivator, Northwestern Region Newsletter for the United States Geological Survey, Water Resources Division; Huachuca Scott, Army Base newspaper in Huachuca, AZ, and Moments with God Devotionals to name a few publications.

Two years ago, Diane started a writer’s group which has served as a source of encouragement for other local writers. She was also a guest reader of her poetry on a local radio station.

A couple of Diane’s significant community activities includes working as a commissioner, appointed by the Mayor of the City of Lansing, to work on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission which provides scholarships for middle school and high school youth. She is also a member of the National Organization of Professional Negro Women of the Greater Lansing Area Club, which raises money to give back to the community in the form of scholarships for educational or retraining efforts of women. In addition, at its annual brunch the women’s group also recognizes individuals and businesses that have contributed to the African American community.

Diane is a charter member and officer of People United to Lead Lansing (PULL). At work, she was recognized as “Employee of the Month” and has served as the Women’s Program Manager and a member of the Civil Rights Committee. In addition, she has penned several motivational and informational articles for federal publications. Diane was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Flint, Michigan. The freshman author has been a resident of Lansing for approximately nine years. She has served the country as a member of the Army Reserves for eight years and was involved in training and active duty assignments in Germany, Belgium, Arizona and Michigan.

Currently, Diane is completing a bachelors degree in Communications at Michigan State University. She is an active member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Diane has served in the Women of Excellence and Women of Love (Baptismal and Communion) ministries; a Sunday school teacher; coordinated the Easter Program for 2004 for Sunday Enrichment Ministry, and coordinated and wrote a devotional for the Women’s Day Program.

Diane, a single parent and proud mother of son, James Patrick, 19 and daughter, Janene Patrice Gardin, who is nearly 16-years-old.

Diane is a dedicated and caring individual who will continue to make a difference for human rights. Congratulations Diane on your first book and for a job well done!

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