Meet Diane Estrella and learn ways she helps Authors!

~ Let's start with a couple "Lisa Definitions" ~

Rafflecopter: In a nutshell, a way to spread the word about a product 
and give away a FREE item. In my case, it is a way to share 
Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey with readers I might not reach 
and to give away another FREE copy 
of Where's Heidi? Are you excited? I know I am!

Diane Estrella: An amazing woman, marketing expert and 
a great person to contact if you have a book coming out or one 
you wish to promote. In addition to organizing Rafflecopters, 
Diane's blog and creativity will gain exposure and new readers 
for your book or product. I've known Diane a couple years and continue 
to be amazed at her heart to help others.

An Interview with Diane Estrella to help us all 
(yes, even me) learn about this great "Rafflecopter" give-away.

Lisa: What is a Rafflecopter, anyways? 
Diane: Below are some of the 'what's' on how to run a giveaway using a Rafflecopter. Haven't heard of this??? Here is some info on what they are, what they look like, and even a little Rafflecopter for you to jump on and enter to win a $5 Amazon gift card! How's that sound??!!?! Yes, please!

Lisa: What is a "rafflecopter?"
Diane: Only the funnest and easiest way ever, to hold giveaways on your blog/website or even on your Facebook fan page! I run anywhere from 3-6 giveaways http://dianeestrella.com/"at my site every week. Usually they are book giveaways but you just never know what goodies will appear on my sidebar under "Current Giveaway." There is no cost at all to enter, and I feel it is heavenly joy to discover you've won!!! Go to www.rafflecopter.com to find out more info. The basic Rafflecopter I use is totally free, but there is an upgrade available that you can purchase also.

Lisa: How does it work? 
Diane: The one below has a "Free Entry" as the first thing you need to do. Click on the green "+1" button, then hit "enter." Score!!! You have one entry already toward that $5 GC. The Rafflecopter then 'opens up' for more possible things to do to earn additional entries. Earn as few or as many as you want.

Lisa: How long does it take to organize one? 
Diane: Depending on how many entries you want to offer people, it usually takes me, from 10 to 20 minutes total. There is an option Rafflecopter offers, where you can duplicate a previous giveaway and then edit it for a new, similar one. It most definitely saves a lot of time.

What is your favorite aspect of the Rafflecopter?
Diane: Other than the prizes (obviously), it is a quick way for people to enter, with all the links you need right there supplied. Very little jumping through hoops and when the giveaway is over, Rafflecopter will even pick a winner for you using random.org.

Lisa: Favorite aspect of organizing a Rafflecopter and assisting authors?
Diane: Getting to check out all the social media sites the author uses. I like looking at their web pages too, for new ideas on how to improve and always be moving forward. Book giveaways are always a popular way that authors can promote their books and give back to their readers and fans.

Lisa: Why is this one way you choose to minister to other authors?
Diane: Authors are busy and need some love too. This is a way I can encourage and help authors get their books out there to my readers and as many as I can connect to through social media. I love being a conduit!

Lisa: How about a little giveaway? 
Diane: Open to US addresses only. One person will receive a $5 Amazon gift card e-mailed to them. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered:

A winner will be chosen from those entries and announced April 1, 2013 (no foolin'). Good luck! Gift card provided by Diane Estrella @ That's What I'm Here For....http://dianeestrella.com/.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I extend a huge thank you to Diane for taking time out of her schedule to do this interview with me, and even more, for offering you all a chance to win $5 Amazon gift card. In April, Diane will be doing a Rafflecopter for Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey for me. This time you could win an Amazon card, next time...Where's Heidi?

There is one thing Diane didn't share with you in this interview yet I feel is important to note. Yes, Rafflecopter is free. Yes, most could set this up and organize it on their own. BUT like myself, most authors are working full-time jobs in addition to writing and possibly speaking. Time is a valuable commodity and is precious. Diane's desire to help others motivates her to set time aside to help others.

This comes with a cost ~ time away from her family, her personal writing, and reading books for upcoming reviews. Diane doesn't charge for her time to set up Rafflecopters or organize blog tours yet she does this because she believes in helping others, especially when it comes to sharing Jesus. 

As Diane's talents become more known and her schedule fills up, the time away from her family for this part-time job requires her to make some changes. Diane doesn't want to charge yet due to her cost, she started requesting donations. This isn't a mandatory payment, it's an opportunity for those Diane helps to support her in return. 

I could set up a Rafflecopter on my own but instead I chose additional time with my family. The least I can do is bless Diane for the time away from her family, so that I can be with mine. This isn't a money making business. We are one, helping the other, so more will know there is hope in our ever growing dark world.

I hope you'll enter for a chance to win a FREE $5 Amazon Card!