Monday, December 31, 2007
New Years Eve Dream Dates
But this isn't about reality anyway...I'll be watching the ball drop from the comfort of my own couch. New Year's just isn't the same without champagne, and since this babe has me on a dry spell, HubbaBubba and I are staying home. Which gives me plenty of time to fantasize about men who do not watch football at every waking moment, nor want to discuss the strategies of bowl games and the BCS...okay, taking a deep breath here...
Go and see all the men to fantasize about in my Pink Heart Society Post.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
What Does A Year Add Up To :: 2007
In terms of books read?
159 books -- up 19 from last year, and more romance. Good improvement I think!
In terms of novel submissions?
37 subs, 24 rejections, 3 sales, 6 contests, 4 pending -- 5 fewer submissions, 4 fewer rejections, 2 more sales...2007 was good for me and small press, but I spent the year in revision purgatory, so here's to leaving that in the past! I want to write something new!
In terms of short story subs?
27 subs, 17 rejections, 2 pending, 5 contracted, 2 published on websites, 1 pending -- half the subs of last year with half the rejections.
Last year's goal :: I'm hoping I contract at least 2 novels next year...and 5 more short stories. -- I think I did pretty good on that front!
I am so glad I get to clear the books for next year :) This hadn't felt like a good writing year until I put it in perspective. Next year I hope I can keep up my pace, contracting 3 novels...and 5 more short stories!
2008 reads
- Steamy Surrender by Ally Blake (Modern Extra)
- Natural Blond Instincts by Jill Shalvis (Flipside)
- Stress and the City by Stephanie Rowe (Flipside)
- An Impossible Dream by Emma Darcy (Presents)
- The Mediterranean Millionaire's Mistress by Maggie Cox (Presents)
- All Work And No Play by Julie Cohen (Modern Extra)
- Sleeping Partner by Kelly Hunter (Modern Extra)
- The Greek Billionaire's Baby Revenge by Jennie Lucas (Presents)
- Billionaire on Her Doorstep by Ally Blake (Romance)
- Just Once by Susan Napier (Modern Extra)
- Chance It by Joanna Gilpin (Temptation)
- No Competition (Harlequin Ginger Blossom Mangas) by Debbie Macomber
- Misunderstood (Harlequin Pink) by Roberta Leigh
- 500 Great Dates - Lisa Sussman
- Chocolate and Zucchini - Clotilde Dusoulier
- Man Catching Made Easy - E Jean Carroll
- Destinations South - Elizabeth Bevarly (Sillhouette Special Edition)
- BEYOND SEDUCTION by Kathleen O'Reilly (Blaze)
- SUMMER DESSERTS by Nora Roberts
- INA MAY'S GUIDE TO CHILDBIRTH by Ina May Gaskin
- FLIP FLOPPED by Jill Smolinksi
- LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE by Sylvia Browne
- WHERE THERE'S A WILL by Day LeClaire (Romance / Close To Home collection)
- MILLION DOLLAR LOVE CHILD by Sarah Morgan
- YOUR POWER TO CREATE by Caroline Myss
- WAKING UP THE KARMA FAIRY by Meg Barnhouse
- HOOKING UP OR HOLDING OUT by Jamie Callan
- Heart On Fire (Harlequin Ginger Blossom Mangas) by Charlotte Lamb
- Eden Burning by Elizabeth Lowell
- Maui Rose by Annette Mahon
- Just Business by Kathryn Attalla
- Island Dreamer by Robin Jones Gunn
- The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity
- Anything Goes by Debbie Rawlins (Blaze)
- Just Try Me... by Jill Shalvis (Blaze)
- Gotta Have It by Lori Wilde (Blaze)
- When She Was Bad by Cindy Kirk
- I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron
- A State of Mind: My Story by JZ Knight
- See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit by Mlynowski & Jacobs
- The Firefighter Lyons/Brooks/Mellor
- How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
- HIDDEN OBSESSION by Joanne Rock (Blaze)
- HIGHLAND FLING by Jennifer LaBrecque (Blaze)
- SCANDAL by Julie Kistler (Blaze)
- BEDDED BY A BAD BOY by Heidi Rice (Modern Extra)
- COME AND GET ME by Alyssa Brooks
- Sex Lives of Wives by Holly H. Hollenbeck
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
- Chocolate For a Woman's Soul by Kay Allenbaugh
- Receiving Prosperity by Louise Hay
- Einstein Never Used Flash Cards
- Power Sleep by James B. Maas
- Seeing Stars (MX) by Kate Hardy
- Lunch Lessons
- 4 Day Win by Martha Beck
- The Other Side And Back by Sylvia Browne
- Blind Date Marriage by Fiona Harper
- The Sex Diet by Rhonda Nelson (Blaze)
- Past Lives, Future Healing by Sylvia Browne
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Her Celebrity Surgeon by Kate Hardy (Medical)
- The Consultantant's Accidental Bride by Carol Marinelli
- Pregnant on Arrival by Fiona Lowe
- The Baby Rescue by Jessica Matthews
- Her Miracle Baby by Fiona Lowe
- Careful What You Wish For by Lucy Finn
- San Francisco Surrender :: Cops - Will Belegon
- Savior :: Bodyguard - Jade Falconer
- Into The Heat :: Smoke Jumpers - Kate Burns
- Fraternization :: Military - Cara North
- Stumbling On Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
- The Practical Guide For The Boyfriend by Felicity Huffman
- Girlosophy 2 : The Love Survival Manual by Anthea Paul
- The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
- The Leather Bride by Tilly Greene
- Satisfaction by Kim Cattrall
- Type Dirty To Me by Sammie Jo Moresca
- Collared Hearts by Angelia Sparrow
- Stage Fright by Jude Mason
- Chicken Soup: Christmas Treasury
- 10 Secrets for Success by Wayne Dyer
- Chosen as the Frenchman's Bride by Abby Green (Presents)
- The Muse by Leigh Ellwood
- Two-Week Mistress by Nicola Marsh (MX)
- The Frenchman's Captive Wife by Chantelle Shaw (Presents)
- Sexual Intelligence by Kim Cattrall
- Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert
- Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes
- Lady Beware by Jo Beverley
- The Perfect Score by Julie Kenner (Blaze)
- Cassolette by Iona Blair
- The Night After Christmas by Susan DiPlacido
- Grounded by Rose Middleton
- Life Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
- This is Chick Lit - anthology
- The Bachelor Chronicles by Lissa Manley (Romance)
- Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
- Laughing in the Dark by Chonda Pierce
- Dangerous Company by Kay Gregory
- The Invisible Man by HG Wells (audio)
- Jack of Diamonds by Leigh Ellwood (e-book)
- Breaking Becky by Stephanie Saint (e-book)
- CHICKEN SOUP FO R THE COUPLE'S SOUL
- CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WOMAN'S SOUL
- THINK LIKE A GUY by Giuliana DePandi
- WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS, MEN ARE FROM HELL
- HOW TO BE A GREAT LOVER by Lou Paget
- Private Confessions by Lori Borrill (Blaze)
- If You Could Read My Mind by Jeanie London (Blaze)
- Secrets :: Volume 12 by Saskia Walker, Jess Michaels, Leigh Wyndfield & Dominique Sinclair
- The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
- Breathless by Trish Wylie
- Around the World in 80 Dates by Jennifer Cox
- The Sugar Solution
- If Life's A Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? by Erma Bombeck
- Priceless by Kelly Hunter (Modern Extra)
- The Millionaire's Seductive Revenge by Maxine Sullivan (Desire)
- Staying Single by Millie Criswell (Flipside)
- In the Merde For Love by Stephen Clarke
- Detour Ahead by Cindi Myers (Flipside)
- On Angel Wings by Roz Denny Fox(SuperRomance)
- Better Single Than Sorry by Jen Schefft
- A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke
- Serial Bride by Ann Voss Peterson (Intrigue)
- I Lost Everything In the Post Natal Depression by Erma Bombeck
- Entre Nous by Debra Ollivier
- Shoe-ology by Karn Krutson
- The Perfect Fit by Meghan Cleary
- Make-Believe Cowboy by Terry McLaughlin (Super)
- Bit By The Bug by Michelle Pillow
- Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
- Feeling Good by David Burns
- The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell & Bill Moyers
- Don't Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Men are From Mars by John Gray
- Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
- Life Strategies by Dr. Phil
- Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
- Someone To Love by Karen White-Owens (Kimani)
- Simple Gifts by Shelley Galloway (American)
- 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet by Suzanne, Jennifer, and Amy Barnett
- Big Shot Bachelor by Nicola Marsh (MX)
- The Ranchers Redemption by Elise Mayr (Romance)
- Bibliotherapy by Nancy Peske & Beverly West
- Life According To Lucy by Cindi Myers (Flipside)
- The Nanny & Her Scrooge by DeAnna Talcott (Romance)
- All Cracked Up by Patsy Clairmont
- For Women Only by Shaunti Feldman
- Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women edited by Jayne Ann Krentz
- Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott
- Asking For Trouble by Leslie Kelly (Blaze)
- White Hot by Trish Wylie (Modern Extra)
- The Night Before Christmas (Anthology)
- Marriage Material by Ally Blake (Romance)
- For Better or Cursed by Mary Leo (Flipside)
- Share The Darkness by Jill Monroe (Blaze)
- Cry Wolf by Amanda Carpenter (Presents)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Thursday 13 - Resolution Revolution
- Throw out my fat jeans. Since baby and I are in a weight gaining stage right now, I can't set a number, but by next year's holidays I won't cringe when getting into the shower.
- Have confidence driving the minivan. Yes, I am that mom. And I am terrified to get behind the wheel of that bohemoth.
- Send out updates on the kids. Until I went all headache crazy, I used to send the older relatives an update every month or so. They miss them.
- Keep up with my girlfriends. After I have a baby, I lose my brain cells and become a lazy friend. I can do better.
- Exercise every day. I need to make this a part of life, like brushing my teeth. Since I got knocked up, I haven't done much at all. I hate to be cold when preggers. And it is COLD!
- Meditate. Seriously. I need to take 5 every day to just check in with myself. I get to frazzled.
- Keep my eyes open for oportunities to give back. I really want the kids to have a sense of community and helping others really does that.
- Keep a cleaner office space. My office is in my bedroom...and it is a bit overrun, which I know freaks out Hubba Bubba. I organize from time to time, but I need to maintain the cleanliness factor.
- Make the bed every day. Come on now, do you really? I did in 2006, but then gave it up to see if the man would notice. He didn't.
- Get back into the writing groove. After the emotional bumbs I took this year, I've had some time off. I miss writing.
- Watch movies! I miss movies. And they come On Demand now...no excuses really...
- Read more. Yes, I read lots, as We Call It Research can attest. But, my to be read shelves are bursting. I need to get through them. And it's not like I've stopped buying books...
- Count my blessings. This really helps maintain a postive outlook, and we can all use more of that!
What's your New Year's resolution?
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
12 Days of Christmas - Harlequin Presents style
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Twelve diamonds sparkling,
Eleven billionaires bidding,
Ten princes proposing,
Nine mistresses marrying,
Eight sheets – they’re silken,
Seven playboys pleasuring,
Six Greek tycoons a-laying,
Five desert kings!
Four virgin brides,
Three French men,
Two hired wives,
And the boss’s secret baby.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS FLOOD
Our entire kitchen was flooded. Our fridge sprung a leak in the middle of the night, and we were left with standing water on our hardwood floors. Joy, yes?
Hubba Bubba managed to undo the water from the fridge - the one we fixed last year when the defroster went out and, you guessed it, leaked all over the kitchen.
I hate this fridge. Why does it break all the freaking time? It is 6 years old. AND, to top it all off, GE can't come fix it until New Year Eve.
On the good side, BabyBoy said Christmas was a 'dream come true'.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Check me out...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday 13 :: 13 ways to find my blog
- lines from romance fiction novels (my T13 first lines post)
- international disturbed people's day
- free romantic reads (from the sidebar, I guess)
- christmas sleighs with popsicle sticks
- The Girls Next Door (this makes me laugh every time)
- jenna
- pink b-day cake (I stole this from Dana. Wonder if she gets hits from that cake as well)
- lovely romantic onliners for your girlfreinds (sorry ladies)
- online writing contests
- rr and rw challenge: 2008 (my reality TV addiction strikes again)
- tracy montoya (?)
- spying in high heels on usa network
- stories that warm your heart (awww...)
I am glad to be getting so much blog traffic as of late...not sure how to parlay it into anything but numbers, though.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Giving Season
And don't get me started on cleaning. I think I hate it more than most, and then today I hurt my back cleaning...and found out my carpet cleaner was being held together with electricians tape. Grrreat. So, the carpets are still icky and my back hurts.
Even with all the holiday hassle of crowds and cleaning, there are opportunities at this time of year that don't come along every day. Charity organizations make it easy to contribute, and to show you children how to give back. There are always food drives (which is fun to see which foods my kids want to give, it is either the uber healthy or the junk), giving trees (which I understand why they want all new things, but if they let us do gently used I could give a HUGE box), the annual room clean-up to get rid of the toys not in use and make room for Santa's gifts, and this year because of a tragic flood, Bay's school is collecting school supplies for a local elementary school that lost everything.
And there are always the Salvation Army bell ringers. Great time of year to clean out the change from your car.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
I love Kristi Gold.
I liked it so much I wanted to see what other articles she'd written and found one that really touched me and the year I've had, When Life Is Tough. It didn't turn me around, but it did let me know that someone else has come through the depths of it and their career has thrived.
It's all about positivity. My grandmother loved romance novels so much she never gave up her Nora Lofts novels, she designed romance novel covers in art school. I want that office I can decorate with those drawings. My grandfather and my aunt both found such light and enjoyment from my becoming a romance novelist. They both thought it was such fun, I need to embrace that feeling and see what I come up with.
One of these days something I write will be light, fun, and flirty again.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Congrats to the EPPIE finalists
Contemporary Romance
Perfectly Good Nanny - Paty Jager, The Wild Rose Press
Bride Of The Emerald Isle - Trish Wylie, Harlequin Romance
Historical Romance
His Majesty, The Prince of Toads - Delle Jacobs, Awe-Struck eBooks
Inspirational Fiction
Meagan's Chance - L. C. Monroe, Samhain Publishing
Poetry
Phaze in Verse - Kally Jo Surbeck, Will Belegon, Aurora Black, Kara Fey, James Buchanan, N (Nelli Rees), Michelle Houston, Eden Bradley, Sapphire Phelan, Alessia Brio, Charlotte Boyett-Compo, Missy Lyons, Dahlia Rose, Jenna Allen, Victoria Blisse, Kathryn Lively, Brenna Lyons, Sarah Winn, Mundania Press/Imprint – Phaze Books
Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
Falling - Imogen Howson, Drollerie Press
See all of the EPPIE finalists.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Who says lights go on the tree?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Is a hit a hit, or just a blip?
Seriously...google Girls Next Door...click on images...and who is first on that list? Moi!
If only the GND fans would buy a book, I could get BigBoy the big box of K'Nex, instead of the small one. Hey, it is worth a shot!!
Until I can afford the expensive toys at holiday time...I'll just be content knowing The Hills is extending the season so I get to see Lauren and Whitney in Paris, and Girls Next Door season starts on Sunday!
They must have been done with filming before the writers strike ;)
Friday, December 07, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The new look of Her Cinderella Complex
And...when y'all read the book, you'll agree that dreamy look on the heroine's face, leaning on the distant hero, is spot on. Pure perfection.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
INSTANT SEDUCTION
It’s an exciting time for Harlequin Presents: from January 2008, there will be 12 of our intensely passionate romances available every month (some of them from the line I write for, Modern Heat!). And with this increase of titles comes a great opportunity for aspiring authors – we will be looking to buy more books for publication!
The old saying goes that first impressions are lasting impressions – and when it comes to reading a Harlequin Presents, that certainly holds true. If the first chapter doesn’t immediately grip the reader with its pace, passion and intensity, then she won’t continue to turn the pages.
So Presents is inviting unpublished writers to show us how they can grab the attention of our readership with first chapters that really sizzle. The INSTANT SEDUCTION competition offers prizes that are chances of a lifetime for the lucky winner and runners-up:
Visit the I ♥ Presents blogsite for full details of the competition – and the chance to prepare for publication with an exclusive series of writing tutorials prepared by the editorial team at Harlequin Presents, including advice on First Chapters, How to Write a Synopsis, Loving the Alpha Male and Generating Emotional Conflict.
Entries for the competition will be accepted as on-line submissions only from 1st January until 14th February 2008. Entries should comprise of the first chapter and a synopsis of a previously unpublished/unsubmitted novel aimed at Harlequin Presents. Address for entries: instantseduction@hmb.co.uk
**Even if Presents/Modern Heat is not your ideal line, the information offered as a build up to the contest is a wonderful education for anyone who wants to write for any of the Mills & Boon lines. Everything is cooperative in the London office, so the basics of what they are looking for in Presents, Romance, Medicals, and Historicals doesn't waver. A solid chapter one, focused conflict, and knowing your characters will make your submission a winner for any line.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Review Thoughts...
Regardless of the storyline or genre, Jenna Bayley-Burke makes readers care about her characters and what eventually happens to them... Through clever wording and vivid descriptions, this gifted author lets readers experience every instance of the story, as desires and sincerity abound. Each story I have read by Jenna Bayley-Burke has been moving and profound, and this notable story is a wonderful example. FOUND will touch readers by stirring their own emotions with its heartwarming impact.
Who wouldn't want to find THAT on the web, hmmm?
Monday, December 03, 2007
Cooking Up A Storm is out in Germany!
The translated title means Dinner for Two, which I like more than Cooking Up A Storm, so that has to be a good sign. No clue who this couple on the front is, though.
And of course, the first thing I do is run the blurb through a web translator to find...
A dream man to the Vernaschen! refined are prescriptions Laurens passion! With her party service, she wants to conquer the business world of Seattle in the storm. When she meets at an organization the overturning attractive finance adviser Cameron Price, tremors it between them immediately. He makes a delicate proposal: Warmer friends should play on official occasions! In return she becomes acquainted with new customers. Yet the spicy arrangement wakes Laurens appetite... Can she have her dream man in a dinner for two with culinary delicacies and be named kissing to an erotic dessert - and more? Do - tempt?
OK...so I need to find better software...but I love that they focus on the dinner for two that they have because it is such a playful and provocative scene
Thursday, November 29, 2007
What is WITH email Thursday 13
- dealing with HOT FLASHES
- I crave your indulgence
- E-MAIL ADRESS LUCKY WINNER (great spelling)
- CONGRATULATION !!! (just the one?)
- Christmas Newsletter (I'm not fond of these from people I know...)
- Need gift ideas? We've got plenty. (braggart)
- The Winter Forecast Looks Delicious (yes, but will it snow?)
- BAD HAIR DAY MYSTERIES (OK...so this was author promo and turned out to be OK...still!)
- Get the benefits of a face lift without the plastic surgery (what are you saying?)
- LYSOL® Cold and Flu Guide (too late. I already have the plague)
- Interested in you
- Don't Give it All Back while Away (hmmm...what?)
- Important : Security Alert On Your Paypal Account (does anyone actually fall for these)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I love free!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Whisper has hit the shelves over at Ellora’s Cave
When it comes to winning women over, Jett Rich loves a challenge. With Whisper, he’s not only able to live out his sensual fantasies but he’s also found the freedom to open up about his magical abilities. He trusts her when he tells her he’s a modern-day witch, but does she think it’s all part of the fantasy?
When Roxanne discovers that her secret lover is her rival in real life, their sexy arrangement is about to become much more complicated. If they dare, they might end up gaining a much bigger prize than they both bargained for — love.
Buy it
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What do you want for the holidays?
Truly. I have done NO holiday shopping. I have a handful of things for the boys, but with Hanukkah coming early this year, I don't have enough. But with all the toy recalls, I honestly don't want to go out and buy something else I'll have to check the numbers on and send to the manufacturer.
And Hubba Bubba? Please. That man has everything. Everything I can afford at least.
I don't really want anything either. Diamonds and a trip to Paris, yes...but likely we'll be getting bunk beds and a minivan.
Anyone else not feeling the need to buy this year? I don't want to seem cheap at family gatherings, but I am just not into it.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Owning It
I know, I always say no excuses. But life kicked me hard, twice, and I was already down, and what I am writing is morbid and depressing. I don't care to read it. I won't subject anyone else to it.
Two weeks from Tuesday I should be better. I should be back to feeling like myself. And then I will write something someone may care to read.
I wish life had cooporated with NaNo, believe me. I'd love to be writing about beaches and sly glances and cake. I'd love to be able to hold those thoughts in my mind for more than ten seconds. I miss them.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday 13 - Back in the Saddle
1…. Chocolate! No list is complete without chocolate. 2…. Romance novels. Really, they do give us hope that everything will work out eventually, don't they? 3…. Falling Leaves. I am an autumn junkie. If it weren't so cold, I'd be watching leaves fall right now. 4…. Laughter. Thank goodness for the stand-ups on Comedy Central. And my Greg Behrendt CD. 5…. Friends. Especially the ones good at distracting you rather than asking how you are doing. 6…. Pineapple. So it may be odd, but it does make me happy. Looking at them, eating them... 7…. Library book sales. Supports my habit without giving Hubba a coronary. 8…. Nail polish. Somehow, when my nails look good, I do feel a bit better. 9…. Pedicures. A foot rub can do wonders for the sole. HA! I couldn't resist the pun. 10…. Photos. After all the losses I've had these last few months, seeing my loved ones smiling in pictures warms me. 11…. Statistics. Just don't ask. As long as they are in my favor, life is good. 12…. Reality TV. Not the dating shows. Those can be disturbing. But shows that show reality - like Little People, Big World, Kids by the Dozen, John & Kate Plus 8 (OK, not my reality, but fun) 13…. Sleep. It's all I want to do anymore. Too bad I am too busy to get my fill. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
http://thursdaythirteen.com/wp-content/uploads/luaugirl.jpg
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I sold another NaNoWriMo novel :)
Friday, November 09, 2007
I've been...reading
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Spooktackular Free Reads
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
CAKE, Baby!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Stealing Pictures
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Who Says Whining Doesn't Pay Off?
I cannot beleive I made it to an 8 am class. I must truly be serious about this writing thing. Who knew?
Ann Roth & Alexis Morgan presented Making Your Characters Real, showing us their character charts. Then it was on to Block Busting : Putting the Joy Back in Writing with Laurie Schnebly Campbell. This was a great class. She explained why writers block happens (self-preservation) and why white knuckling it through isn't the best option.
Mary Buckham's Seven Deadly Sins of Synopsis Writing was up next.
The most common stumbling blocks
1. Too many names to track
2. Too many details
3. Making it passive instead of active.
4. Not finishing the synopsis.
5. Not using transitions to change POV, time, or place.
6. Not unfolding the synopsis as the story unfolds.
7. Raising questions in a synopsis.
8. Vagueness.
Yes, there are 8...but the 8 deadly sins just sounds silly. Susan Lyons' Wild Mind workshop played into the writers block one, teaching us to let our mind do its work and get out of the way.
After the workshops were over it was time for lunch...and a moving keynote from Jane Porter which left the room in tears. She not only writes with emotion, she delivers it in person.
For a complete change of tone, there was the raffle for the baskets, proceeds benefiting DAWN. I was at a table with Cherry Adair, who closes the conference each year with her special brand of motivation. She was so excited to get to her presentation, she put her hands on her props and put 'magic' in them.
I beleive in magic...8 of the 10 people at our table won a basket! Gwen won another (called the Brazen Hussy basket, fitting for a 2 basket winner)...and I was up front, hoping with each basket that I was the winner. I didn't want to be the only one at the table without a basket...
My whinig must have been truly pathetic. One of the annoucers of the raffle (who had way too much fun listing what was in Gwen's basket) gave me hers! I kid you not!
Then it was time for Cherry! Each year, she asks politely (Ha!) for all the writers to commit to finishing a book before the next years conference. Those of us that rise to the challenge come up to the front and get certificates...and this year she even made up pins!
And the cherry on top (Ha!)...she gave 3 scholarships to next years conference, AND a scholarship to Nationals! WOWZA!
That is generous and amazing, but the best part was standing up with those who finished their book. Both of the women on either side of me said they wouldn't have finished their book without Cherry's enthusiasm and the fear of not being able to stand up when she asked who finished. How fab is that?
My Cherry book, HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX...comes out in January/October from Samhain.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
What to do when your middle sags...and drags...
For some reason, I didn't sleep well last night. Took me forever to fall asleep, then I was up at 2, and finally gave up at 5. Sad, all this space to myself and I can't even sleep!
Since I was awake, I had no problem making the early morning workshops. Susan Mallery talked about Writing Faster, and since people came to hear what I had to say about that, I knew it would be packed! She scared us all with a schedule, but had practical advice for how to increase our output. Namely :
- write every day. Writing in bursts leads to not writing in bursts.
- increase your daily page count slowly. When you are comfortable with that, increase it again.
- schedule in emergency weeks. Life happens.
- Write forward. If you like to edit, do that after your pages are in for the day
- Have a midpoint. This gives you somethingto write to, and once it is over, it is all downhill from there.
- The middle is what makes your characters relatable and likeable. It is where you explain what you introduced.
- If things are dragging, make something happen. (I use penguins, she suggested burning down the town!)
- Never have more than a half page of introspection.
I just ran up stairs to rip off my shoes...they were cutting of circulation in my swolen feet! No more of those until summer! So...now I am in comfier clothes (since I don't think tennies go with my dress) and off to learn some more :)
Leah Hultenschmidt has demons all over her desk!
I made it all the way to Bellevue without falling asleep! Quite the accomplishment, I assure you. I even found a killer parking spot and my room without a problem - except for the broken ice maker on my floor. But I digress...
Then it was time to find the conference gurus and sign up. Right in the lobby fellow Dreams & Desires and Samhain author Susan Lyons was waiting...with chocolate! She directed me to the registration downstairs where I picked up my goodie bag (more chocolate, bat erasers, a Kate Walker book and a mini notepad were the highlights). I found Shelli Stevens for a quick hug, then retreated to my room to relax.
At dinner I quickly latched on to PHS reviewer and the only person I've ever mat who may love category romance more than me, Marilyn Shoemaker. We gushed about the gift baskets and giggled as Jenna Petersen insisted on taking a picture of the three Jenna's at our table. She promised to put a 'Jenna is not fat, just pregnant' disclaimer on it, but we'll see...
Christina Dodd gave a funny talk about how there is no 'right way' to write a book, giving hilarious examples of how Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jayne Ann Krentz, Julia Quinn, etc do it...I'll have to be sure to give her an appropriate hand gesture for her insights. In case you were wondering...Christina can write a book backwards and Lisa Kelypas bought herself a HUGE diamond ring for inspiration.
Then it was time for the editor and agent panel. They were asked all the obligatory questions - what is hot right now, what have they seen too much of, what do they hate most in submissions. It turns out hte answer to the last one is tape. Seriously...stop taping your submissions. And be sure to get the postage right. And nobody send Leah Hultenschmidt demon stories for a while...she has them all over her desk!
more later...
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Long and Short of It
Raffling Off Editors...
Want a chance to get your book before a print editor???
Want a guaranteed that the editor actually reads it?
You don't ever get that request for a FULL manuscript??
Well here is your chance!! Win a chance to have your completed or nearly completed manuscript read and receive a one page critique from Hilary Sares, Kensington editor (Debut, Brava, Approdisia lines)
YES!!!! FIFTEEN people will win this amazing opportunity. How do you win this amazing chance??
RAFFLE -- $100 per entry. Enter as many times as you want.
Rules: You may enter as many times as you want at $100 a "ticket".The more times you enter, the better your chances are. Winners will be randomly selected from a drawing of names on December 21st, 2007
~~~~~~~~ RUNNERS up will get....
2nd place Runners up.... (#16 and #17 winners) Chris Keeslar, Senior Editor, Dorchester Publishing (Leisure Books and Love Spell) will read and critique 100 pages ~~you get to put a proposal of 100 pages before Dorchester's editor, and receive 1 page critique. Again, he will consider buying if you impress him! (Historical Romances, Magna, Contemporary, Paranormal)
Leah HultenschmidtEditor for Dorchester Publishing(Leisure Books and Love Spell) ~~ will read and critique a 100 pages! Again, she will consider buying if you impress her!(Historical Romances, Contemporary, Paranormal)
3rd place Runner up (#18, #19, #20 and #21 winners) Leanne Burroughs Publisher/Editor of Highland Press, will read and critique 4 full manuscripts -the publisher/owner of Highland Presswill read and giveeach a 1 page critique.Again, she will consider buying. (Historical Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary,Mainstreams YA, Childrens) Trade size PRINT Books
Details....The raffle runs through midnight EST December 15, 2007 The random drawing will be held on: December 21, 2007 so 21 people will have a very Merry Christmas!!! Winners will be notified by phone and email on that day. All monies raised go to help author Dawn Thompson's hospital and medical bills. Dawn recently had a bad fall. She is a new writer so has to wait for nearly a year or more to start receiving her royalties. She doesn't have family to help her and has a lot of needs not being covered by her insurance. Money will go to help her pay for medicine not covered, and other needs arising from her recovery. All drawings will be final. No Refunds
Any questions about the contest email ::
Deborah Macgillivray
Kensington, Dorchester, & Highland Press author
writer@deborahmacgi llivray.co. uk
To enter
Name:
email address (working email addy for you will be billed $100 through Paypal):
Penname, if any:
Your full address:
Your Phone number:
The Title of your manuscript:
The genre of your manuscript:
Is your manuscript completed? Yes NO If no - expected completion date
Once your email application is received you will be sent a "ticket" bill through Paypal at $100.00 for each entry.You pay enter has many times as you want to increase your odds. You will be helping a fellow writer get back on her feet after trauma, and you finally get that GUARATEED chance to be read by some top print editors.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
So I was...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Do you think this quiz thinks I'm a man?
Athletic Magnate's Headquarters
| |
Find YOUR Dream Home! |
Monday, October 22, 2007
Busy Busy
I don't know how those uber-scheduled kiddos do it. Mine only get one extra thing at a time (because Mommy can't handle more) and they get burned out with that! Hmmm....perhaps I'll have to explore this and try my hand at writing womens fiction.
Nah...I like the escape! I have two stories vying to be written as my NaNo, which is nice. Cupcake (which might not have a love scene) and Cake (again, with the prudish characters). If I wasn't writing something for Phaze right now, I'd swear preggo brain is rejecting all things sexy!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
For the love of Category...
I think it’s incredibly hard to write category. -- Charlene
TegliaWriting a single title is like producing Swan Lake–the big stage, all the
lights, the choreography, the cast, the costumes, the music. Category is
producing Swan Lake in a phone booth. It takes a lot of skill to pull it off. --
Nora Roberts (attributed to a freind of hers)Category romances are some of my favorite reading material when I’m extra
busy and need something to read for short periods of time -- Angela
JamesI’ve always considered them the hardest genre for an author to write. There’s
just so much that has to go on in such a short amount of time. I’m always in awe
of writers that do it well. -- Sarah McCartyI find great categoricals perfect when it comes to giving an emotional
punch–good story, goes straight into the relationship, then Pow! great conflict,
and very satisfying ending. -- Gennita Low