Ritas/GH Ceremony

The ending to my conference was wonderful. After a great appointment with the Mills & Boon editor, I have the go-ahead to send my next book and to write the third book in the Irish medieval series. Since we only had ten minutes to talk, she was gracious enough to invite me out for coffee afterwards. She gave me a feel for the revisions I’ll be doing on His Chosen Bride, and I’m looking forward to getting the comments. It still amazes me to realize that a senior editor and an editorial director have comments for my book. You go through your life hoping that this dream will come true, and when things start to happen, you want to pinch yourself. Is this really happening? Then there’s the slight fear in the back of my mind—what will I have to rewrite? Will it be something easy to fix or is it significant enough that I’ll have to re-envision the entire opening of the book? Can’t wait to find out.

Last night we all dressed up for the Rita/GH ceremony. Nora Roberts was the emcee, and she was gracious and funny as always. Interspersed between the awards were film clips about writing. We enjoyed the classic “Romancing the Stone” moments, as well as clips from “As Good as It Gets” (love Jack Nickelson) and “Misery.” I watched my chapter mate Alesia Holliday win a Rita award (think Academy Awards for romance novels) for best novella and we cheered on several others. One of the things I love about the Ritas is that I come away with a list of must-have romances, books that are guaranteed to be wonderful. To be nominated is one of the greatest honors. The author receives a golden statue and the publisher receives a plaque.

Here are some pictures of friends at the Ritas. First, here’s me, Amy Knupp, and Jan Kenny of the Writeminded Blog. Next we have Kacey Pickens, Amy Knupp, and Jan Kenny. Then we have Tanya Starratt, me, Lori, Trish, and Julie Cohen And the last group shot is Kacey, Jan, me, and Amy I love dressing up, but I learned that I need approximately 115 bobby pins to keep my hair in an updo. I imagined bobby pins shooting out of my head to attack innocent bystanders, as the arrangement kept coming down. But then Jan Kenny came to my rescue and redid the hairdo, bless her. She pointed out that I didn’t have enough pins. In the end, I had to give up and take it down. Oh well, worth a shot.

I will be heading off to Ireland tomorrow and I have my blog programmed to post all my workshop notes from the Harlequin spotlight, as well as other workshops. Hope you enjoy the information! If I get a chance, I’ll check in from Ireland.

Dying was not on my “To Do” List for today

I was going to blog about the Rita/GH ceremony last night, but before I do that, I feel the need to relate my near-death experience.

I boarded my plane from Atlanta on the way to D.C. and the pilot informed us that there was computer error and that they would need to reboot, power down the plane, and start it again. No big deal. So they do that. Then again. Then a third time. A mechanic boards the plane, and we start to get a little nervous.

I called my husband, the aerospace engineer and asked, “Um, honey, is it a bad thing if there are electrical problems on a plane?” His reply? “It depends. They can fly without it, if needed.” So I didn’t worry too much.

After that, we taxied to the runway and began that lovely sensation of going high speed while the plane tries to take off. Then the pilot hits the brakes. I get the feeling that this is not a good thing. I’m shaking my head, ’cause I KNOW this plane is not getting off the ground. The pilot explains that there was an engine light that came on. :help:

By this time, of course, I am looking for the nearest exit. We get back to the terminal and the mechanic boards again. After 2 hours of waiting, much discussion, peering at the airplane, they determine that again, it’s a faulty electrical thing. I go forward and offer to get off the plane and take a different flight to another D.C. airport. A man tells me that due to FAA regulations, I have to stay on the plane. Many thoughts crossed my mind, along with the question of whether I could tackle the man and take him down if needed. Of course, I am convinced at this point that this plane will never leave the ground and the man did say that he was rebooking our flights. I relaxed and sat down.

Then the plane began to back up a few minutes later. I’m thinking, “Um…I really hope it was still an electrical thing. Flashing lights I can deal with. Engine problems? Not so much.”

But this time we actually take off. So far, so good. We cruise for about an hour at 30,000 feet. I take a little nap, thinking, what a nightmare. Then I hear a huge noise and oxygen masks fall from the ceiling.:confused2:

Okay, you put it together. Engine problems…oxygen masks….yeah, definitely not good. I’m kicking myself for not doing a huge Hasan Chop on the FAA man who wanted to keep me on the plane. If this man makes me die in a fiery plane crash, I am definitely haunting him.

But this was truly frightening. The pilot came on the intercom and said, “Flight Crew, prepare the cabin.”

Prepare for what? Our fiery death? Plane crash? Then the flight attendant (carrying her own oxygen) comes barreling down the aisle, slamming trays upright and telling people to put their seats up. I felt the sudden urge to study the plane crash guidelines. Let’s just say, we suddenly became a very religious flight. We were also wishing we’d taken the stewardess up on her in-flight wine offer. Along with a side cocktail of mild narcotics would’ve been good.

The plane is descending, and no one is telling us anything. The lady behind me keeps screaming, “Is the plane crashing? Are we crashing??” and the stewardess doesn’t answer her. I’m thinking that we might have dropped an engine somewhere over South Carolina and I’m wondering why planes aren’t equipped with parachutes for every passenger. But on the bright side, I do hear engines. But we’re still descending. I’m thinking an emergency landing in North Carolina may be in our future.

At last the pilot comes on. “It’s been a really bad day,” he says.

I think the man needs a lesson in How to Reassure Passengers Who are Convinced They are About To Die.

But he continues to say that we’ve experienced a loss in cabin pressure, everything’s okay, and we’re going to land immediately. I’m remembering my husband’s discussion on how planes tend to crash upon take off or landing. Landing is a bit scary.

Thankfully, we did land safely, and there was great applause in the cabins. As we taxied our way to the terminal, we were greeted by every emergency vehicle on the planet. I still wonder if we left an engine in South Carolina, because they were prepared for a crash landing. So that was my exciting day. I will post more positive Rita experiences tomorrow after I’ve enjoyed my nice little cocktail of valium, chocolate, and red wine. :drunk:

Nationals, part 3

I just want to thank everyone who has stopped by to send their good wishes. I am so grateful for all the support!

Today I spent the morning learning all about publishers and their current wishlists. Not to be a tease, but I have around 10-15 pages of handwritten notes on Harlequin/Silhouette and St. Martin’s Press for anyone interested. I will be posting those soon.

In the meantime, here are some highlights from the PRO retreat (a retreat for aspiring authors who have finished at least one manuscript). These are some tips from Meg Ruley of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.
1. Don’t give up–keep persisting no matter what.
2. Don’t be afraid to requery an agency. Even if one book didn’t work for them, another one might. Many of her current clients delight in reminding Meg that she once rejected them.
3. Rejections don’t necessarily mean the book is bad. It could mean that you and the agent would not make a good match. The business is very subjective.
4. Focus on the agencies who represent the authors you enjoy reading. (**She has her own advice about this. You’re better to go with a hungry younger agent in some of the really big offices, simply because the bulk of the agency’s time is taken up by the bestselling authors.)
5. Network, network, network. 95% of their clients come from referrals.
6. Make friends with booksellers.
7. Attend regional book shows. Learn as much as you can about the industry.
8. And one more thing–learn about the agency you’re targeting. Be informed about what they do and target your submission appropriately (in other words, don’t send them science fiction if they do non-fiction).

Last, but not least, here are pictures of the eharlequin pajama party!
Here is a picture of me wearing my special pajamas. There are three teddy bears with the faces of Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Mel Gibson. The caption reads: I sleep with my teddy bears every night.

Next, here are April Alsup, Stephanie Bose, and Cynthia Reese from my eharlequin friends at SubCare.

Then there’s me and Danica Favorite, aka Dream here:

And last, here’s a group shot of some friends at the Ritz Carlton. From the left, it’s me, Suzanne McMinn, Monica Pradhan, and Kacey Pickens.

And it gets better…

I think this conference has now morphed into the surreal. I met this morning with an agent and accepted an offer of representation. It sounds so strange to think of it, having an agent now.

I am thrilled at everything that’s going on, and am a bit shell-shocked at all that’s happened. To put it mildly!!

You know how you wait and hope and dream for something all your life? You work toward it, hang in there through the low spots, and then persevere with the hope that it will all come out right? I think I’ve gone past the euphoria moment and am now feeling a little intimidated. I didn’t expect so much to happen all at once, you know?

In any case, here are a few more photos to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for their support and for keeping me going!
Here are two of my best friends, Suzanne and Kacey.
Next, here are LaShon, Jena, and Suzanne:

And last, here are Lori and Suzanne, a photo from last night:

The Nicest Day Ever!

Long post warning!

I met up with April Alsup today: and later on I saw Karen Schwartz, who was such a delight to meet. Karen celebrated her first sale, at auction, after 27 years of writing. :hello2:

I also met up with Tess Harrison and felt like a complete moron because her name was so familiar to me and yet her face wasn’t. Duh. Blogland.

At the literary signing, I visited tons of authors (and yes, Robyn, I got your book). Here is me with Kristin Hannah: Then I went to find Teresa Medeiros. I love her historicals. My favorite is called Yours Until Dawn. Anyway, here is a picture of Teresa and me: . Next, I found Debbie Macomber: Last, I went to see Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

I was about to leave, and I thought I’d say goodbye to Julie Cohen (a Mills & Boon author) once again before I left. Guess who’s standing next to her? The goddess of all editors, you know, the one who has worked with me over the past year on my historical His Chosen Bride? Anyway, my heart leaps into my throat and my blood pressure just shot up. “My” editor (please pardon the use of my, since technically she isn’t my editor, but she’s been working with me for a while) is gorgeous, very tall, and very trendy. See the picture here.

So we’re chatting with Julie and the editor at first has no idea who I am. At last, Julie introduces us, and the editor yells, “Oh my gosh!” and hugs me. I’m thinking…okay, this is probably a good thing. I tell her how grateful I am to her for all her help and revisions. Truly, she saved me years worth of mistakes and I will always be thankful for it. Toward the end of the conversation I asked, “So is the book still sitting on the senior editor’s desk?”

She shakes her head no. Cue the heart attack on my part. Here I am, gearing up for some Really Bad News. :shocked: She said that the senior editor read it, and I almost made her cry at one point in my book. They passed it to the editorial director, who has also now read it. :worthy:

Cue the second heart attack.

She said, they like my book, and they have a few more revisions they’d like me to do. I blurted out, “I’m your girl! Whatever changes you want me to make, I’ll do them.”

She beamed and said, “Great. You’re very, very close. And I’ll work with you to help make it happen.”

SCREAM!!!!!! OMG!!!! THIS IS AN ALMOST-SALE!!!!!! :wave:

I’m supposed to meet with her again tomorrow. Other editorial folks will be there and we’ll chat a bit. Then she’s going to email me a detailed revision letter. I am just praying that these are minor revisions. But no doubt about it, guys. I will make this book work for them. No matter what it takes!
I’ve made it all the way through the editorial chain. Now I just have to do these revisions right and I’m there.

So, here’s popping a virtual bottle of champagne. Blog celebration time!! :drunk::streamer:

Meeting up with friends in Nationals

So this morning at Nationals, I met up with Amy, Jan, and Julie for breakfast. We opted for the $5.00 Food Court entrees instead of the $18.00 prices for eggs and bacon at the hotel. After that, we perused the Goody Room for free stuff. I always love getting chocolate, but this year there were some interesting giveaways. There were To-Do lists, fridge clip magnets, styrofoam airplanes, hairbrushes, and…wait for it…

condoms.

Yes, I thought I was getting a little piece of cherry candy. When I picked up the condom, I nearly fell over. Okay, it was for an erotica book. But holy cow! :confused2: I guess it… fits the idea of her book….okay then. Maybe I should give out miniature swords when I sell my first historical. :sword:

In desperate search of a ladies room, I finally had my first experience in a men’s room. They converted one of the men’s restrooms into a ladies room, given that there are over 1000 women here. Smart people. But they tried to hide the urinals with potted plants. You can see the evidence here.

So after that, two of my best friends Kacey and Suzanne met up with me in our room. Suzanne is signing tonight at the Literacy reception, and I’ll be taking pictures of the authors I meet. Can’t wait! There is nothing more wonderful than a room full of books.

Still more incriminating photos of authors behaving badly…

After an early dinner, I met up with several authors for drinks. Julie Cohen, may the Lord bless and keep her, brought me 10 Cadbury’s Picnic Bars. :woot: And there was great rejoicing throughout the land!

Here are photos of our night with the Struggling Writers’ Club:

First, here’s Julie Cohen, Anna Sugden, and Tanya Starratt/Kris Starr.

Next, we have Lisa Cochrann.

After that, we must discuss Sasha White. Sasha, as you can see, is quite the mature lady. She celebrated having her first book in print.

Then she got a little out of control as you can see her here squishing Cat Cody

and again here:

But after that, I met up with Christyne (left) and Trish (right), both of whom were very nice and taught me the proper way to put on a bra. Who knew you were supposed to bend over? And no, they did not demonstrate in public, thankfully.

Julie Cohen also enjoyed her ice cream…

It was a moment of Nirvana, clearly. No one gets between an expectant mother and her ice cream…:hungry:

Preliminary photographs from RWA

So, I met up with my first few victims friends from RWA. Here on the left is Amy Knupp who wrote an amazing book called Unexpected Complication for Harlequin Superromance. We had drinks, appetizers, and shared stories. And then I got to meet Jan Kenny who writes for Kensington. Jan was telling me about her hunky cowboy books, and all I could think was–why aren’t these books available, and why can’t I buy them right now? Can’t wait! And here’s a picture of me with Jan. We are suffering, I tell you. Suffering!!

More pictures later…

RWA Nationals, Day One

Day One of Blogging at Nationals

So, I flew out of D.C. at 10:00 AM this morning, and I am now in Atlanta! Woo. Currently I am in my lovely Marriott hotel room after surviving the travel. I have tried, without success, to become a lightweight traveler. I packed exactly one outfit per day. Why, then, does my suitcase weigh approximately 120 pounds? I suspect my two-year-old daughter is somehow hiding in there. I even took out my hairdryer, people! The suitcase should not be this heavy.

And of course, when I got out of Baggage claim, the Ground Transportation is not close by. The taxis are. The rental car buses are close. The downtown hotel shuttles? They are out in the middle of Egypt. I actually wanted to cry with relief when someone left a luggage cart on the sidewalk (You know, those $3.00 rip-you-off carts?). But on the bright side, I ended up being the last person to fill up the Atlanta Link Shuttle, and we were merrily on our way. I got the lucky seat with a broken seat belt, and our driver had a death wish. He nearly killed three pedestrians at last count.

I went to my special place and decided that God would not be so cruel as to let me die in a hotel shuttle accident when I haven’t sold my book yet.

Luckily, I made it to the hotel intact and had a nice conversation with Ken Casper (sp.??) who writes for Superromance and Everlasting. I admire men who write romance. I also had a Gena Showalter sighting and a Jill Monroe sighting. Jill wore a t-shirt that said, I am Jill Monroe. Gena had a shirt on that said I am Jill Monroe’s friend. Too funny.

My hotel room is on the 30th floor with a nice view of parking lots, cranes, and buildings. Scenic, don’t you think?

I registered for the conference and had a quiet little pity party that I do not have a pink First Sale ribbon to pin on my badge. Ah well. Perhaps next year. I did glory in the Big Honkin’ Bag o’ free books that they gave out this year as part of the goody room. There are 18 titles (some hardback, some paperback) by Lisa Gardner, Tori Carrington, Sofie Metropolis, Cheyenne McCray (oh goodie, I’ve been wanting to read one by her), and many others. Very cool.

I spent half an hour talking to the Internet gurus, trying to figure out why the heck I couldn’t connect in the hotel. Turned out it was a problem on their end! But I am connected now and will share events as they happen. I am now going to try to track people down. More to come!

So, for those of you who aren’t here, what sort of details would you like me to share? Publishing house information? Gossip? Incriminating photographs?

The Conversation

So my son and I were making the bed this morning and he turns to me. “Mom, why don’t I have a new little brother or sister?”:slap:

Me: Uhhhh….:confused2:

Him: (staring at my stomach) Is there one in your belly now?

Me: (thinking man, I have GOT to go to the gym more). No, sweetie, there’s no baby in there.

Him: Are you sure?

Me: (definitely gotta go to the gym) Yes, I’m sure.

Note to self–start working out more.

I am packed and ready for Nationals. Tomorrow I leave for D.C. where I’ll spend the weekend with my folks before flying out on Tuesday. With that happy note, let’s go ahead and do the prize drawing!

::drumroll:: The winner of the RWA Conference handouts from Reno is….Sue (aka Ms. Creativity)! Sue, e-mail me your address and I’ll send that off to you.

The winner of the signed book is…Robyn! Robyn wins a signed book by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Same drill as above, Robyn. E-mail me your address and I’ll try to send that off as soon as I can hunt Sherrilyn down.

Way to go and thanks to everyone for participating! Next week I’ll be blogging about Nationals. The laptop is coming with me and you’ll get to hear about
1) Coffee with an Agent
2) An Editor appointment where hopefully I didn’t make a fool out of myself
3) The Eharlequin pajama party. There will be pictures. :shimmy:

Have a great weekend everyone! :wave: