Staying Home

Many authors I know are going through an annual tradition of shopping, dieting, ordering business cards and trying on every pair of shoes they own. Yes, the RWA National Conference is starting this week. Last year I had a blast attending the conference held in Anaheim, CA so thought about going this year, but I just couldn't justify going to Atlanta so I'm staying home.

I'm happy with that decision since I'll be heading to San Diego for four days next week! I don't miss the frenzy of getting ready for RWA. At least that's how it felt to me and based on the Facebook posts from this year's conference-goers, some of them feel the same way.

But I do enjoy reading about everyone's preparation and packing. The pics of shoes crack me up. How many pairs of shoes does an author need for a four day conference? The number would surprise you!

So I'll be around this week and blogging. What will you be doing?

RWA Conference Days 5 & 6

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Saturday at the RWA conference in Anaheim was a working sort of day. First up in the morning was a meeting with my agents to discuss career planning. Then it was off to the Harlequin author forum to hear about the new lines, reintroduction of older lines, new covers, a new digital only publishing program and a new way for authors to follow sales, releases and other info.

From there, I headed to Disneyland to do pick up gifts for the kids. Outside the entrance were lots of protestors. Inside were lots of police, police cars and K9 dogs. The park was the most crowded I'd seen it all week. I wasn't planning on riding anything. That turned out to be a good thing. I couldn't believe the lines. After checking a few stores, I found the perfect items in the Star Trader store in Tomorrowland.

Back at the hotel, I dropped off the souvenirs at my room then met up some Harlequin Romance authors. After a nice discussion, I was off with my roommate Shirley Marks and her daughter Kim to The Catch for a yummy dinner. Love their Fixe Prix dinner menu! We hurried back to the hotel, changed for the awards banquet and met my friend Sarita Leone in the Grand Ballroom. Sarita had graciously saved us seats.

I remember how nervous being a RITA® Finalist made me last year. I enjoyed Saturday night's ceremony a lot more. I was happy to have Harlequin Mills & Boon authors Sarah Morgan (Presents) and Fiona Lowe (Medical). Sarah won Best Contemporary Series Romance and Fiona won Best Single Title Romance!

The most exciting moment for me of the night was when my friend Barbara O'Neal won the RITA for Best Novel with Romantic Elements. Not only did she win that RITA, but her win qualified her for the RWA Hall of Fame. During her speech, Barbara said she wasn't going to enter the contest. (She's won seven RITA's) which made me a bit misty-eyed. She's such a talented writer with a big, loving heart!

After the ceremony, I attended a champagne toast hosted by the Mills & Boon office then went to a party for a yahoogroup I belong to. Barbara and her two gold ladies were in attendance. I rubbed their heads for luck!

My agents stopped by to congratulate Barbara. (We're both represented by Jane Rotrosen Agency.) I enjoyed seeing how the conference had gone for all my friends and hearing what workshops they'd attended, who'd they'd spoken or pitched to and what they planned on doing writing wise when they arrived home.

This conference seemed so much more positive compared to last year in New York. The industry is in transition, but the word "possibilities" seemed to resonate through everything at least for me. Authors have options, and it's up to us to figure out what's best for our careers. And bottom line, Stephanie Laurens really nailed it during her speech on Thursday when she said (paraphrasing here) that it's really a author's book and the reader that really matter.

Sunday morning, I forced myself up. Another writer friend, Laura Hayden, wanted to go with us and offered the use of her room for our luggage. We were at the park at 8:30. Our first stop was Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racer. That line was long, but the park wasn't that crowded. We rode lots of rides then headed to Disneyland to ride a few more. Then it was off to the airport where we just missed being in a car accident on the freeway and then I left my purse in the bathroom. Thankfully the pixie dust was still in effect and someone turned it in to the police.

Now I'm home! I was so happy last night to see my family waiting for me at the airport. And my pets seem relieved I'm back. I also enjoyed sleeping in my own bed. But I must admit I miss my Pixie Dusters! That's what Jenna Bayley-Burke, Terri Reed and I decided to call ourselves after six days of Disney fun and magic.

RWA Conference Day 4

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Friday was all about the RWA Conference. No side trips to Disneyland today. But I still had fun since it was the day of the Harlequin party.

In the morning, I knew I didn't have much free time at all, but that was a good thing since I needed to get serious about conference stuff! Okay, not really, but let's keep that between you and me. But I did attend a few workshops so that counts, right?

First up was a double-time-slot workshop with Michael Hauge. I can't tell you how much I've learned from him over the years. I first learned to plot from a weekend workshop in Berkley I took when I lived in the Bay Area. This was back in my pre-pub days! I'd heard most of it before, but I was glad about that. His process of talking about external and internal conflict makes so much sense to me and really helps with my plotting. It's something I want to become so organic in my writing process I don't have to refer to my notes.

Lunch was fun. I met a few new writers, sat with one of my chapter mates who I was hoping to connect with and also got a chance to chat with RITA® Finalist Fiona Lowe who I know from Twitter! The speech by author Robyn Carr was so wonderful. I almost cried in a couple of spots. Very humorous, touching and motivating.

After lunch, I was back to listen to Michael Hauge for two more hours. This time he was analyzing Pretty Woman. It was interesting to have him play scenes then dissect them per his Story Mastery method. It really pulled everything I'd heard in the morning together in a concrete way.

From there, I headed to listen to Margie Lawson discuss openings. I love Margie's workshop packages. I took my first online class from her back in 2005. I still have my binder and refer to it. I downloaded two more of her classes a few months ago. Good stuff that really improves a writer's craft!

I met Sarita Leone for a quick bite to eat then it was time to get ready for the Harlequin Party. While I was busy preparing for that, my roommates and Sarita settled in to watch the Olympic opening ceremony. I can't believe I missed it, but I'm going to hope I can catch it on-Demand.

 The Harlequin Party is all about dancing and dessert and drinks. It's the time for authors to kick off their shows, forget deadlines and just have fun! My agents Christina and Annelise were there, too!

This year's soiree was at the Hyatt Regency, a lovely hotel. I must admit I was disappointed there wasn't a chocolate fountain. I think this is the first party I've attended without one. But I did splurge on a chocolate eclair. Yum!

Two sips was enough for me!

The same DJ was back again. This time he brought an assistant so he was out on the dance floor more. No complaints about the music and dancing! If you want to see me dancing check out my Facebook Books page! (Hit the f button on the right hand side bar!)

I got lots of compliments on my new dress and my short hair. That was nice! We ended up leaving a little early. All those late nights at Disneyland have finally caught up with me.

Fiona Harper and me

Back at the Marriott, I bumped into Harlequin Presents author and RITA finalist, Sarah Morgan, who invited me to join her, Sharon Kendricks and Melanie Milburne in the bar. I was ready for bed, but I love Sarah (I got to know her last year when we were both finalists in NY) and I'm a big fan of all three of their books so how could I say no! I tried hard not to embarrass myself by being a total fangirl.

Then it was off to bed so I'd be ready for the final day of conference. I have a meeting with my agents in the morning so I wanted to be rested for that. We aren't leaving until Sunday night. That means more Disneyland on Sunday. Jeah! (That's in honor of Ryan Lochte, who is Finn's favorite swimmer!)

RWA Conference Day 3

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Thursday at the RWA conference in Anaheim was a pixie dust kind of day. Lots of things just went my way!

I slept in an extra hour. I decided to skip the opening speaker at the PAN retreat and do a little work instead. I went to the connect/network room where you can access free Wi-Fi and also pick up goodies (aka author promotion items.) While I was there, I met Barbara Vey. She has a great romance novel/industry blog through Publisher's Weekly if you haven't checked it out yet. I also met Sheila Clover English from Circle Seven Productions (great book trailers) and a new-to-me venture called Reader's Entertainment. Our topic of conversation—movies!

I went from there to the PAN Retreat. Brilliance Audio provided refreshments and a free audio book. I got a J.D. Robb one! So look for that to be a prize on the blog one of these days! Then Mark Coker of Smashwords spoke. I learned some interesting things about epublishing. I particularly liked his slide on pricing. $2.99 seems to be the most effective price point for an eBook. I appreciated his not saying ePublishing is the only way. As many authors are learning, you can do both. That is Traditional publishing (as I do with Harlequin) and self-publishing.

 I met up with a friend, Alice Burton, who I knew when we both lived in the Bay Area at the luncheon. We had fun catching up and meeting a conference first timer CM Doporto at our table. She happened to be from Dallas where Alice lived so was filled in on all the writing stuff down there.

The keynote speaker was Stephanie Laurens. She gave a very brave talk about publishing and authors in this time of change and transition. Lots of quotes from her talk were posted via twitter. Just search on #RWA12 or #SL if you'd like to see them. You don't have to belong to twitter to search. I loved her tying it into the movie Flashdance at the end.

During lunch, I realized I'd lost an earring. I was bummed. I'd had these earrings forever. I'd forgotten the back so had taken ones from another pair. They must not have fit as well as I thought they did. I figured they were gone, but decided to check Lost and Found anyway. Tinkerbell had definitely been at the Marriott because one person had turned in my earring and another had turned in the back! I was so happy.

As my friend Mary Strand and I headed back to my room to exchange the earring backs I heard my name. I turned and saw someone I didn't recognize. I looked at the name tag and I'm sure my mouth gaped. It was Sarita Leone who comments on this blog! More pixie dust! We've been blog friends for years, but had never met. I had no idea she was coming to the conference! We exchanged numbers and made plans to meet on Friday!

I hung out with Mary until it was time for the Mills & Boon Meet & Greet (aka open house) for their authors. After an hour of schmoozing with authors and Harlequin people, the editors took the Romance line authors to Cheesecake Factory for the Harlequin Romance author's tea.
We ordered eight different cheesecakes and all took a bit from each. The authors in attendance were Donna Alward, Theresa Carpenter, Fiona Harper, me, Patricia Thayer and Barb Wallace. The Harlequin folks included Lucy Gilmour, Bryony Green, Dianne Moggy and Tessa Shapcott. It was a lovely afternoon filled with conversation and cheesecake!

From there, it was back to the room. I was ready to head to the theme parks again. My roommate's daughter decided to stay at the hotel so I was going off on my own until the others could meet up with me. I decided to text Sarita to see if she wanted to go. She texted back that she had just entered the gate at California Adventure. I told her I'd be right there.

The one ride I hadn't been on at DCA was the Radiator Springs Racer. Sarita was game even though she'd never been on a roller coaster before. We hopped in the Single Rider Line. We ended up in two different cars, but we cut the wait time significantly and was worth it. It was so much fun! Love the ride!

Sarita only had a ticket for DCA so we went on the Monster's INC ride, then I gave her a plan for the rest of her evening there. My Disney crew was on their way so I needed to get over to the Magic Kingdom.

We had two goals for the evening—to watch the fireworks from Main Street and to ride the Matterhorn. We'd been in line two or three times, but either the ride broke or we needed to be somewhere so would have to leave.

While others got snacks, I asked a cast member where would be the best spot to watch from if we wanted to get to the Matterhorn fast. She asked another cast member if the Front Row seats were open then had him escort me to a spot right behind a rope. He told me this would be the best spot to watch. Just then two more of the crew arrived. I sent them into get the others.

As we waited, another cast member came up to see how we were doing. I asked him if our plan to get the Matterhorn ASAP was right. He said yes. He asked if there were any other rides we wanted to go on. I told him we'd tried to get Fast Passes for Indiana Jones when we arrived, but they were all out. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and gave us what is known as a Golden Fast Pass, a coupon all six of us could use to skip the line. More pixie dust.

One of the crew had never been on any of the big rides like Indiana Jones, so this was huge. I asked if I could hug him. He said yes! I told him we were romance writers and he'd be the inspiration for our new heroes! Needless to say, we ended up with a couple more passes! Lots of Pixie Dust.

The fireworks were amazing! Choreographed to music and spectacular. None of my iPhone photos came out well unfortunately.

Then it was off to the Matterhorn! In two hours we managed to ride that, Indiana Jones, Star Tours (one of our group Lynda Aicher was pictured as the Rebel Spy), Space Mountain, Peter Pan and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. It was so much fun!

Half the group left before Peter Pan, but Jenna Bayley-Burke, Lynda and I closed Disneyland again. Third night in a row for Jenna and I. We were dragging a bit, but it was so worth the magical time!

RWA Conference Day 2

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Wednesday was the official start of the Romance Writers of America conference in Anaheim.  I had breakfast with a good friend, Mary Strand, then headed to Disney California Adventure with Jenna Bayley-Burke, Terri Reed, Kim S. (my roommate's daughter) and Leah Vale.

Our first stop was Soarin' Over California. I love that ride, especially the scents as you fly over the river in the forest and the orange grove. We picked up a Fast Pass for the Color of Wonder show at 10:15 pm and Grizzly River Run, then headed to Tower of Terror. I was so excited to step in line even though it was a thirty minute wait!

A little backstory on Tower of Terror....

Each time one of the kidlets turned five, we took them to Disneyland to celebrate. That's three trips between 2003 and 2008. We haven't been back since. But each time something (usually youngest kidlet) kept me from riding Tower of Terror. The last time in 2008, I even had a Fast Pass that I never managed to use. I was really excited to ride it. But then I got nervous since I have a fear of heights.

Surprisingly, I was fine until the window opens and you see the view of California Adventure park. I didn't want to see that view while I fell so I kept my eyes shut. The falling ride part didn't bother me. Just that and my fear of heights, but it turns out you don't look at that as you drop. I might have to try it again with my eyes wide open!

We checked out Cars Land. So cute. It's like being in the movie. But by then all the Fast Passes were gone for the Radiator Springs Races and the wait was 140 minutes. We decided to pass. We hopped on Ariel's ride (very sweet.) We headed back to Soaring to use the Fast Pass we'd picked up. Then Grizzly River Run was next. We got wet, but it was hot so dried quickly. While Leah and Kim used a Fast Pass to ride the big roller coaster, we got a spot for lunch.

My post-Whole 30 treat for today was a Ghirardelli Hot Fudge Sundae. I used to live in San Francisco and this was my fave thing in Fisherman's Wharf.  So very yummy and worth the splurge food-wise.

We headed back to the hotel. I took off my shorts and put on a skirt. It was time for the conference to really start for me. I met Bryony Green, the Senior Editor for the Harlequin Romance line at Starbuck's. We had a nice chat about the line. Then it was off to the Literacy Signing.

Four hundred authors were signing. I must admit I loved not participating this year. I supported literacy by be a buyer instead. My mom will be receiving an autographed copy of Barbara Freethy's latest release! Usually I sell a couple of books (less than five) and have to sit there for two hours (three this year). This year I got to walk around and talk to all the authors, bump into people and buy books. It was so much more fun!

I dropped off my things at the room, changed from the skirt into a pair of jean capris, grabbed my jacket then headed off to the annual ROMEX party (ROMEX is a loop I've belonged to since 1995.) I couldn't stay long because we had to get back to California Adventure to see Color of Wonder.

Wow! That's all I can say about the show. It was water, lights, other special effects and clips from Pixar and Disney movies over the years. So awesome! I didn't take any pictures because I just didn't think my iPhone 3GS was up to the task!

We had fifteen minutes until the park closed at that point so hopped on Goofy's roller coaster. I thought it would be a silly little ride, but it was actually pretty fun. We then went to Disneyland. The Matterhorn line was too long so we rode Snow White and Buzz Lightyear's Astroblasters again.

By then we needed to get back on the shuttle bus to return to the hotel. Even though the conference started, it was still very much a vacation day. But today I have to buckle down and get to work. Though I will be hitting the parks around six! I want to see the fireworks from inside tonight!

Hope all is well where you are!

RWA Conference Day 1

Romance Writers of America conference starts tonight in Anaheim! So here's my recap of my first day here. 

It felt like I'd just gone to bed when my alarm rang at 3:15 am yesterday! I was the first of the group of four to arrive at the airport so I used the time to input cell numbers into my iPhone and check email. Jenna Bayley-Burke arrived next. Terri Reed and Lissa Manley were next. Before I knew it we were on our way.

First, I have to say that Virgin America is an awesome airline. Granted the planes are new, but they are so nice and comfy. Each seat has a monitor where you can watch movies, follow the flight on the map, play games! There is a handhold remote to use with the games or you can even chat with others on the plane! Flirting at 35,000 feet!

We arrived in LAX, hopped on the Karmel Shuttle we'd reserved and were in Anaheim faster than we expected. No traffic at all!

Even though we were at the Anaheim Hilton early, we were allowed to check into our rooms. We took a few minutes to freshen up and unpack, met up with Leah Vale then were off to Disneyland. The hotel gift shop sells ART passes, which is the transportation to the resort area so we're set for a few days.

The entrance to Disneyland has changed a little, but there was the same anticipation mixed with excitement in the air. Our first stop was Thunder Mountain to get a Fast Pass, then we headed over to the French Market for lunch. We were starving!

During lunch a jazz band played. Leah was dancing in her seat. She caught the eye of the sax player who was really funny. He made the "I'm watching you sign" then fanned himself with his hat. After lunch, we'd made a bathroom stop. Leah was putting on her lipstick when he walked by. The sax player gave her a strand of gold Mardi Gras beads for being his "inspiration." Leah was blushing every shade of read imaginable. Of course, Jenna and I were giggling so hard we totally forgot to take a picture of the moment!

Disneyland was packed, but we had lots of fun catching up while we waited in line. I had my splurge from my healthy eating/post-Whole-30 by having a frozen banana. I used to eat those there when I was a kid. So yummy!

I really like the new additions to It's a Small World. I remember it closing right after we left the last time we were there (back in '08 to celebrate Rose's 5th birthday.) I don't know if that's when they added in the specific Disney characters but it was so fun to see new stuff in there.

We managed to hit a lot of the big rides in spite of the crowds. We headed back to the hotel to meet Harlequin Romance authors Donna Alward, Fiona Harper and Barb Wallace for dinner. After that we were back on the shuttle bus to the Magic Kingdom. We caught the tail end of the fireworks then after an attempt to ride the Matterhorn which ended up breaking, rode Space Mountain and Star Tours.

I love, absolutely love the new Star Tours! So cool. And you get to wear stylish glasses.

We headed back to the hotel around midnight. I was crashed in bed by 12:17 am! A long, but very fun day.

Today I'm off to California Adventure! I can't wait! What are you doing?

Disneyland or Bust

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Forget Kansas! Today I'm on my way to Disneyland. Well, LAX first. Then the Anaheim Marriott second then Disneyland. I cannot wait! I'm hoping we're there by 10 am! Fingers crossed!

It's conference time again. Imagine fifteen hundred romance authors in Mickey Ears! Okay, I can't quite see that, but the Happiest Place on Earth is the perfect place for a conference. The last time I was in Anaheim for Romance Writers of America's national conference was in 1998. I was a Golden Heart Finalist, had sold my first two books and had my four month old daughter Mackenna with me. Hubby played nanny. That was fourteen years ago. How time flies!

I'll be blogging about the conference this week and posting pics! If there's any romance author in particular you want me to take a pic of let me know in the comment section and I'll see if I can find them at the Literacy Signing on Wednesday evening.

Manic Monday

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This LOLcat made me laugh this morning. After a busy weekend (four days really) where I was away more than I was home, my cats definitely got into some trouble. Not quite as bad as dying a white cat black, but there was some clean up to do.

I'm busy packing for the national RWA conference in Anaheim. I leave tomorrow morning on a super early flight with three writers from my local chapter: Jenna Bayley-Burke, Lissa Manley and Terri Reed. The timing means getting up when it's still nighttime, but that will get us to Disneyland that much faster. Sleep or Mickey Mouse? Easy decision!

I'm not doing the literacy signing this year for a couple of reasons. One, I was thinking it might be fun to just walk around and visit people who I never get to see. One thing about conference is I keep seeing the same people over and over again. Somehow I miss a whole bunch who I know are there, but never end up running into. And two, the deadline for sign-ups came at a bad time. They sent out a reminder but with all that was going on with my friend in San Diego going into a hospice facility and writing, it just slipped by.

My prayers go out to all affected by the theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado. I don't know about you, but this has hit me really hard. My fourteen year old had been at the movies earlier that night. She and I have gotten into it this past year about her wanting to go to midnight premieres with her friends. I've always worried about what could happen after the movie got out. Never ever considered something would ever happen inside the theater.

Well, I've got lots to do today to get ready for tomorrow. I will be blogging about the conference this week. I still haven't figured out how to sync photos from my iPhone to my MacBookPro, but I can always email them to myself if I can't find my cord!

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!

Hugs

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The kidlets are still away. One on the east coast (Washington D.C. now) and the other two at my parents. I'm missing my morning hugs a lot. That's how we always start are day as soon as they wake up. I've tried hugging the cats, but it's just not the same since they don't hug back. Sigh...

My local RWA chapter got a mention by one of the speakers this weekend. Check out this post Larry Brooks wrote on his Story Fix blog. It was waiting for me in my inbox this morning. If you're a writer, I highly recommend subscribing to his blog. That's what I've been doing for a long time now.

It was an interesting talk. Pretty much the same 3-Act structure that most story/plot gurus teach, but each has their own terms and nuances. Larry's division into four parts is something I'm still thinking about. But I've got a proposal due so will have to get back to it. I do know his 4-Rs (Delilah Marvelle, who I was sitting next to on Sunday, and I actually turned it into 5-Rs) is turning out to be a huge help with this proposal!

A couple years ago Michael Hauge presented his Story Mastery workshop at our chapter's Winter Intensive so Larry's type of plotting method wasn't new to most of us. (I think he was a little disappointed about that!) But what I've realized is each method of story structure has a place because the semantics (best word I could think of for this) are different. Story Fix's vocabulary and definitions might make clearer sense to one writer while another can't see beyond Story Mastery's terms and concepts. Add in Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet (and I'm sure there are others I've missed) and a writer can find a method they understand and what works for them.

And they should.

I'm a plotter, not a pantser. But I think even pansters can get something from these guys, even if it's only internalizing the structure.

I rarely talk about writing craft, so this my post for the quarter, possibly even the year!

Have a great Wednesday. I'm off to talk to a volcano scientist. It's research for my current manuscript!

Seventeen

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Seventeen years ago today, I married hubby. Hard to believe it's been that long, considering we're still using most of our wedding presents. Oh, a few things have gone by the wayside because they broke, but it's only in the last two weeks we replaced our blender. And only because the kidlets kept complaining about how it didn't work well making smoothies!

We don't have any big plans, but we are kidlet free at the moment. With the oldest kid (aka free babysitter) on the east coast, we did what any normal couple would do...call my parents to see if they wanted the two younger kids for a couple of days! (This is our spring break week!) Hubby drove them down yesterday. (I left my RWA chapter's Spring Intensive early so I could at least spend a little time with them.) I must admit last night was so quiet while hubby and I ate dinner and watched Once Upon a Time.

As for the Spring Intensive, if you're a writer and interested in knowing what went on, go here to the Rose City Romance Writer's Blog. There are recaps of the various workshops!

Enjoy your Monday! I plan to write and then spend time with hubby!

Spring Intensive

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The above LOLcat has a reason for attacking—Narnia. Yoda and Beauty, not so much. But that doesn't stop them from jumping on each other and the older cats. I think their reason is—Because I can.

I'm at my RWA chapter's Spring Intensive. I'm staying at the hotel, rooming with my good friend Terri Reed. Last night was the kick-off. After dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, we bumped into some chapter mates so went to one of their rooms to catch-up. I haven't made it to a chapter meeting since I rejoined in 2010, and this is only the second chapter sponsored event I've managed to make, too! It was nice to see people I knew, but most everyone is new-to-me.

We headed over to the conference center to listen to an Editor/Agent panel. It was interesting to hear their take on things. Jenna Bayley-Burke (she, Terri and I went on a weekend writing retreat in the Fall) moderated the panel. She is so funny and very entertaining and more than once posed a challenging question to the group.

Who was there?

Amy Boggs – Donald Maass Literary Agency

Natalie Lakosil – Laura Bradford Literary Agency

Lauren Ruth – BookEnds, LLC

Holly Blanck – St. Martins Press

Heather Howland and Liz Pelletier – Entangled Publishing


Emily Ohanjanians – HQN/Harlequin

Today there are lots of different talks scheduled. I'm looking forward to hearing Larry Brooks' Advanced Writing Workshop!

Hope you have a nice day!

Next up on the TBR pile...

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Like the LOLcat above, I'll be reading Catching Fire next. It's Hunger Games 24/7 at my house or in the minivan or wherever my oldest will be so I figure I'd better get caught up with the entire series.

Not much to report here. The RITA calls went out yesterday. I entered, but wasn't expecting a call and didn't get one. I've entered every year since 2000 and only been a finalist once (last year). I know the odds! But I'm so psyched for my friends who are finalists. It's a special time and there's nothing like being treated like a princess at the national RWA conference! I hope every romance writer gets to experience that. Here is the list of the finalists from the Contemporary Series Romance category:

A Bravo Homecoming by Christine Rimmer (Harlequin Special Edition; Gail Chasan, editor)

Donovan's Child by Christine Rimmer (Harlequin Special Edition; Gail Chasan, editor)

Doukakis's Apprentice by Sarah Morgan (Harlequin Presents; Lucy Gilmour, editor)

How a Cowboy Stole Her Heart by Donna Alward (Harlequin Romance; Sally Williamson, editor)

I'll Catch You by Farrah Rochon (Harlequin Kimani Romance; Glenda Howard, editor)

A Mother's Homecoming by Tanya Michaels (Harlequin American Romance; Kathleen Scheibling, editor)

Rancher's Twins: Mom Needed by Barbara Hannay (Harlequin Romance; Meg Lewis, editor)

The Texan's Bride by Linda Warren (Harlequin Superromance; Kathleen Scheibling, editor)

I'll be in Anaheim at the RWA conference in July. I can't wait to see who wins!

Hope you have a nice Tuesday!

San Diego

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I didn't find myself in Narnia last Thursday, but I was in Southern California. The first thing I noticed when I arrived was the weather. It was pouring rain when I left Portland. I didn't find a clear, sunny sky, but there were patches of blue and I didn't need my jacket. Definite progress from the late winter weather we've been experiencing in the PNW.

I picked up my rental car. I thought I might hit early afternoon traffic, but there wasn't any as I drove north on I-5 then east on 8. It wasn't far to Hotel Circle where I was staying. I checked in, dropped my bags off in the room then headed to my friend's place.

When I'd first looked at how I would get there, I thought I'd have to take the freeway. But thankfully my friend emailed me her way of getting to Mission Hills, the neighborhood where she lives. She said if you know the way through all the canyons you can cut down driving time. No kidding. I was there in a little over five minutes. And no freeway!

As I parked, I noticed all the cute little bungalows and the palm trees blowing in the breeze. All I could think about was the Girls' Weekend in Vegas series I wrote with Myrna Mackenzie, Shirley Jump and Jackie Braun. I could imagine Shirley's heroine, Molly, and mine, Jayne, living here. I easily saw the four of them walking on the sidewalk going out to dinner together at one of the many restaurants or slipping inside one of the shops. It was a bit surreal. I'd wanted to make a trip to San Diego before I started writing my book Wedding Date with the Best Man, but there hadn't been time.

That four book series was about four friends who find romance, three during a girls weekend in Las Vegas and one, my heroine, a little while after that. I was so excited to be in San Diego seeing one of my oldest and dearest friends, Elizabeth. My oldest daughter's middle name is Elizabeth if that tells you anything about what she means to me.

It was so easy for us to get together before I had children, but with each passing kidlet I never seemed to have the time to get away (not to mention nursing from 1998 to 2005!) The last time I saw her was in Disneyland years ago. So we had a lot of catching up to do!

I'm going to be back in San Diego with Mackenna in a couple of months so there was no need to see any sites now. I'd just have to repeat them with my daughter. Instead I spent my time with Elizabeth filling each other in on what's been going on with us and our loved ones, talking about our cats and my dog, reminiscing about things we've done together (Days of Our Lives fan gathering, same time next year trips to Sonoma, etc.) and eating!

Thursday night was a pizza from Bronx Pizza. It's a small, hole in the wall kind of place in the Hillcrest neighborhood, one of those places I probably would have walked right past. But that would have been a big mistake. The pizza was so yummy with a great thin crust that hubby would have given a New York thumbs up to. (He's found few places on the west coast that compare to back home on Long Island.)

Friday lunch was Mediterranean food from the deli. It's the white building on the corner.

 Elizabeth had a Hummus dinner plate. Think two different kinds of hummus, stuffed grape leaves and some sort of garbanzo bean salad that probably has some special name along with pita bread. I had a tossed green salad and tabouli. Yum! That night we ate leftovers.

Since I didn't really see any of the popular sites, I didn't take many pictures and unfortunately waited until Friday, not Thursday when the weather was better. But this is the view from Elizabeth's balcony. I took pics from different spots, but my favorite portion was that of the ocean. It's lovely, especially at sunset, as the sun slips beneath the horizon. During the summer she can see the fireworks from Sea World, too!


Saturday, it was pouring rain, something I hoped to leave behind back home. Oh, well... It didn't matter much since I was going to be inside attending the San Diego RWA Chapter meeting that was being held at the same place I was staying. When I checked in, I was directed to a table that had empty spots. There were lots of new members at the table. All were very nice. I put in a plug for Margie Lawson's on-line classes to one of them. It turns out the empty seat next to where I was sitting was being saved for Teresa Carpenter who also writes for Harlequin Romance. We'd met at the RWA Reno conference back in 2005. A very small world. She was joining another woman at our table, Jill Limber, a past president of RWA who happened to know my friend Elizabeth. A very small world indeed!

The meeting was about digital publishing, a very hot topic for writers these days. The morning session featured agent Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and two of her authors Jackie Barbosa and Anna Randol. The panel answered questions we might have about digital publishing. After lunch, Jackie Barbosa talked about digital self-publishing. Her handout was amazing. A list of everything you might want to know and links. Very informative.

I haven't been to anything writing related since RWA's national conference in NYC back in June. (Not counting my writing retreat this fall with my two friends since that was more casual.) It was great to be surrounded by writers and talk writing. Plus I learned a lot. Writing for Harlequin, my books appear in eBook form without me knowing the whats or hows of it!

My take from both sessions is to do what works best for you and your goals in regards to digital publishing. For some that's self-pubbing. For others that's going a more traditional path (which is what I've done so far.) And there's always a combination of the two.

After the meeting was over, it was off to the airport to return my rental car (I only drove 20 miles the entire weekend.) Unfortunately the rain kept coming down. I don't mind getting wet. If I did, I wouldn't live where I live, but that meant lots of flights were delayed, including mine! But the San Diego airport has nifty seats with plugs on them so I got lots of writing done without draining my MacBook Pro's battery.

So that was my not-quite-two and a half days in San Diego.

Reading

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I love this LOLcat! My house if full of cat traps in a variety of sizes. It never fails that the smallest of the cats loves the biggest box while Yoda who is neck-and-neck with Rocket for biggest-boy status always chooses the smallest, giving a new definition to muffin top!

Slowly life is returning to normal after my working to reach my deadline. It's always crazy the week before. I haven't written at all the past two days after my writing marathon to get the manuscript in time. I wanted to take a short break and catch up on my sleep and some other things I've neglected.

I have been reading RITA books instead. If you're not familiar with Romance Writers of America aka RWA, they put on a contest (the RITA which is considered the romance genre's "Oscar") each year to select the best romance novels published the past year. The books are judged by published members (i.e. author's peers.)

I have eight books to read with some new-to-me authors. I can't say what books, but I'm hoping there is a finalist or two in the bunch. We'll see. One down... seven to go!

What are you doing?

RWA Conference Day 3

Pictures still to come!

I last left you on Wednesday night at the conference. We'd seen Anything Goes and had a blast. I was hoping to make it to the tail end of the eHarlequin Pajama Party, but it was after eleven when I got to the hotel and was too tired.

Thursday morning, I had breakfast by myself across the street at Junior's. The restaurant is known for their cheesecake, but at that hour of the morning I passed. I was surrounded by groups of writers eating and chatting. That's what I get for being too involved with planning the family vacation and not making plans to meet up with people at the conference. But all was not lost. I pulled out my Alphasmart and roughed out an opening to my new book!

After breakfast I returned to the hotel. I popped into the Save The Cat workshop, then went to the Michael Hauge's workshop. I've been using his and Blake Snyder's plotting methods for over a year now. I think that's why my synopses have gotten so much better! I wanted to hear what he had to say again, and I wasn't disappointed.

After the workshop, it was lunch time. I met up with my roommate and two other friends from the SFRWA chapter who I've known longer than my husband! I just realized I didn't take any pics of us. We ate and chatted and cried over Sherrilyn Kenyon's speech. Wow! Is all I can say. I hope somebody taped it because I'd love to share it with all of you. Amazing!

That afternoon I attended a Meet and Greet with overseas editors. It was so cool to meet the people publishing my books in so many different languages. I was so happy to meet someone from the Brazil office. I have reader mail written in Portuguese that I need translated!

From there, I went to the Golden Heart and Rita® Finalists' Reception. Each of us was called by name to receive a certificate and have our photo taken. It also gave me a chance to chat with some of the other finalists!

After that, I wondered around talking to people. There's a lot of that at the conference though this one was a little different. Due to the layout of the hotel I felt like I missed a lot of people. I grabbed an energy bar and a drink from Starbucks, which turned out to be my dinner! Again, I must make better plans. I got ready for the Harlequin Party and met my friend and new Love Inspired author, Jean Gordon, downstairs to catch a cab over to the Waldorf Astoria. Harlequin Historical author Michelle Styles joined us.

I don't know what I can say about the Harlequin party except it was so elegant and a total blast. Everyone dressed in black and white. They decorated the Starlight Roof ballroom to resemble the 1930-40s. They even brought in white carpet!

We were given black Harlequin socks when we arrived. No dancing in high heels or bare feet! A photographer snapped our pictures as we waited to entered. Waiters handed out flutes of champagne as we stepped inside.

Desserts were the name of the game. A custom cupcake station, an ice cream sundae station and a buffet with a dessert assortment to choose from. There were bars on either end. You could order whatever you wanted to drink. The waiters were so attentive you couldn't sit your drink down or they'd take it.


The evening opened with authors getting their 25 books, 50 books, 75 books and 100 books pins. I can't remember if anyone had written more than that.

Then it was time to dance. They flew in the same DJ who'd been in San Francisco. I thought the music selection was better back then. A few others agreed, but it was still fun. Though very loud!

The party was supposed to end at midnight. We left about twenty after, and people were still dancing!

Quick update

I'm so sorry I haven't been regularly blogging. I usually hang out in my hotel room to get away from the conference happenings, but this year I've been so scheduled there's little time to do that. I've also been out so late each night when I get back to my room I want to crash!

I'm heading to my mother-in-law's place and hope to have a little more free time. If not then, when I'm home.

I did want to tell you I didn't win the RITA® last night. I am so okay with that. Being a finalist in such a tough category was winning enough for me. I'm also thrilled that Karen Templeton won. I've known her for years, before I sold and before Mackenna was born! So yay!

This week at conference has been magical. Wearing the green finalist ribbon is equivalent to wearing a tiara. I really did feel like a princess!  Anyway I'll make sure I get all the pics posted and tell you about everything including the elegant Harlequin soiree at the Waldorf Astoria!

Don't forget I'm running a contest that ends on the 4th of July. Just post a comment. 

Talk to you soon!

RWA Conference Day 2

It's been a hectic time at conference. Hectic but fun. So here's a rundown of my Wednesday... (I'll add the photos later. It's taking too long for some reason!)

I didn't set the alarm and woke up at 8:30 am. This was the start of the conference opening so I missed those speeches. At ten, Harlequin had a Meet & Greet for their authors. It was fun to reconnect with Fiona Harper, who I met in Dallas and wrote the blinddatebrides.com trilogy with, and Jackie Braun who I did the Girls' Weekend in Vegas series with.  I also got to see Linda Goodnight, a good friend and Wedding Planners author.

After that I headed down to the networking area where I sat with Presents authors Jennie Lucas and RITA® Finalist Kate Hewitt. I also met Natasha Tate.

Then it was off to lunch. I sat at a random table. It was so much fun. Everyone was so nice. We had both published and unpubbed authors. First timers and old timers. Golden Heart and Rita Finalists. It was a good mix! One of the authors brought chocolate to pass out since dessert isn't included with the lunches this year.

After lunch I uploaded the pics to the blog and then it was time to head to my literary agency party.  I misjudged the time it would take to get there so had to leave my walking partners Christie Ridgeway, Barbara O'Neal and Susan Anderson to get to the Harlequin Romance tea at SaraBeth's across the street from Central Park. I ended up being a few minutes late to that! Darn those red lights!

The tea was lovely. I sat at one end of the table with Jackie Braun, Theresa Southwick and editors Jo Grant, Byrony Green and Sally Williamson. It was a great time.

Jackie and I walked back. I arrived just in time to meet some writers from Portland to go to dinner. The concierge made us reservations at this really cute little Italian place on 46th Street. We had to eat fast though (no time for dessert) to get to the Sondheim Theater to see Anything Goes.

I had no idea what Anything Goes was, but my good friend Terri Reed asked if I wanted to go and I'm never one to turn down the chance to see a musical. I loved it! Sutton Foster is one of the most amazing performers I've ever seen. She's the total package, the triple threat. Joel Grey along with some other vary talented actors were in the cast. So much fun. We also saw Ellen Burstyn in the Ladies Room during intermission. My first star sighting this trip!

After the show I went back to the room and caught up with my roommate Shirley Marks. A busy, but fun day!

RWA NYC Day 1

I'll catch up with the vacation later, but I didn't want to fall too behind with the conference. Yesterday I said goodbye to my family. They are out on Long Island with hubby's mom. They were so excited to see Grammy.

I took a taxi to the Marriott Marquis. This was my first taxi ride of the trip. I love using the bus and subway system, but not with luggage! There were no lines at check-in so before I knew it I was unpacked and picking up my registration info from RWA.

So the coolest thing in the reg. package was the green ribbon that says RITA finalist. I probably won't take off my nametag for a couple of days! LOL!

So the view from my room is incredible. The pic was taken from my room. We can see Times Square and all the billboards. It's so bright we have to make sure the curtains are completely closed.

I was a little tired from all the sightseeing and kidlets so decided to have a quiet lunch in the Atrium. I sat at a table for two. Immediately the woman sitting next to me asked if I was a writer. Turns out it was historical romance author Kieran Kramer. She's a double RITA finalist. I'd actually emailed her a few months back about her romance trading cards. Small world.

Then my friend Elizabeth Boyle, her oldest son and her agent, Karen Solemn, showed up. Nick and I sat and talked while his mom chatted with her agent. I'd suggested they ride THE BEAST and they did. It was fun to listen to him describe it.

After that I went to the Harlequin digital workshop to learn how to use social media. I got a quick lesson in Tweetdeck. Then it was off to the goodie room to pick up promo stuff. After that I rested in my room.

The literacy booksigning was jam-packed. People stood outside in a line that wrapped around. At one point we (authors) were asked if we'd stay longer.

 The literacy signing is great because people can come around to see you. I had people from the foreign offices of Harlequin stop by including Sweden, who said they publish many of my books, and Eastern Europe. That was very cool. I also met readers who said the follow me on Twitter.

I handed out some of my Romance Trading Cards. The one with the kitten drew many comments. Seeing it made me really miss
Yoda. Our house/cat sitter said that Yoda is being very shy. Poor kitty!

After the signing, I headed up to a suite for the annual gathering of Romex, an online group I've belonged to since 1995 or 1996. We hugged and chatted. Not a lot of catching up to do since we do that online, but it was so wonderful to see people in person. They also handed out awards. I received lightening bolts for writing complete books in less than 100 days!

It took me awhile to make my way out of the suite so I could get back to my room. I had to hear about Barbara O'Neal and Christie Ridgeway's trip to Staten Island to eat at a little restaurant run by Italian grandmothers. But I finally made it to my room. Of course, by then my roommate was sound asleep. When I woke up this morning, she was already gone!

So that was my first day at conference. Ready to head down now for Day #2!

Romance Writers of America NYC Conference!

I'm here! Checked in at the Marriott Marquis Hotel at Times Square. Not a lot of time today to get caught up on blogging. The internet at my other hotel just came back on late last night, but by then I was too tired after another full day of sightseeing and ballet. This morning was all about packing to transfer hotels.

In less than an hour, I'll be at the big booksigning. All proceeds support literacy. Hundreds of authors. Readers are already lined up outside the hotel, including my friend Dru! Now that's dedication. But romance readers are a loyal bunch.

Not much else to say. Today was a much needed quiet and slow down time for me. It's been nice not to have a little time alone. There hasn't been much of that lately! I'm looking forward to some adult conversation, too!

What have you been up to?

Your Love is My Drug

My good friend and Love Inspired Suspense author Terri Reed emailed me the url for this video which features several romance writers. It's from the the RWA National Conference's Literacy Signing and will show you a little of what happened a week ago Wednesday in Orlando, Florida.

The booksigning is a really cool event. Publishers donate the books. Readers buy the books. The authors sign them. Literacy groups get the proceeds. A win-win situation for all involved! You can see how much money was raised at the end of the clip.



Do you read any of the authors you saw in the video? If so, who?