SWFRW Conference

UPDATE TO CONFERENCE

PITCH SCHEDULE – updated February 23, 2012 at 8:30 PM

To view the updated pitch schedule, click here. PDF.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ROMANCE WRITERS is hosting an intimate conference on February 25th with an amazing opportunity to mingle at a Friday night social, plus great workshops!

Keynote Speaker: Jennifer St. Giles

Editors taking PITCHES:

Leah Hultenschmidt – Sourcebooks – FULL

Jhanteigh Kupihea – New American Library

Wanda Ottewell – Harlequin

Whitney Ross – TOR

Leslie Wainger – Harlequin

Agents taking PITCHES:

Mary Sue Seymour – The Seymour Agency

Nicole Resciniti – The Seymour Agency

 

Amazing raffles include:

YA Author Stacey Kade: 3 chapter manuscript critique

SF Author and Rita Winner Linnea Sinclair: 3 chapter plus synopsis critique (SF or paranormal preferred)

YA Author Heather Burch: 10 page critique and query to her agent, Jennifer Schober of Spencerhill Associates

Debut romance author Diane O’Key: 20 page critique

Multi-published author Joyce Henderson: 50 page critique

Agent Mary Sue Seymour: first 10 pages

Agent Nicole Resciniti: FULL manuscript critique

Harlequin Editor-at-Large Leslie Wainger: 3 chapters and synopsis (75 pages max)

Harlequin Senior Editor Wanda Ottewell: First 3 chapters plus detailed synopsis

Bookmarks, cards, an Amanda Flower tote, a Mary Ellis book, and over 12 gift baskets!

Questions? Comments? Hope to see you there!

…and stay tuned for the follow up CONTEST with Agent Nicole Resciniti!

Debut Author Amanda Carlson

Today I’m welcoming Amanda Carlson to my blog! Amanda is an Agency-sister and a debut author. She willing allowed me to ask her personal questions that I, as an unpubbed writer, wanted to know. Hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

1. Tell me your call story.
The call story about my books selling was one of the best phone calls I’ve ever gotten in my life! It came from my agent in the middle of the afternoon. I had no idea it was coming — my agent didn’t text me or email me, she just called. The first thing I remember coherently was her telling me, “you have an offer! And it’s a three book deal!” After that it was a little foggy, but there was lots of screaming and ohmigods involved. I’d been on sub for three months. We’d received a few rejections up front, but the majority of the editors were still sitting on it. I called my husband first, and then my parents. My husband left work and surprised me at home an hour later with flowers & wine. My parents brought over dinner and we all celebrated. It was an absolutely fantastic day! I will remember it always.

2. What are you most looking forward to in this year before your book releases?
I’m most looking forward to finishing the next two books in the series. I’m having a lot of fun immersing myself deeper into my world and flushing out all the characters. I have to pinch myself daily because it’s been so much fun. I’m also looking forward to jumping into the writing community, attending more conferences, networking with other writers and earning my street-cred as an author.

3. Please tell me about your book. What’s your blurb?

FULL BLOODED (Jessica McClain book one): Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up to find she’s in the middle of a shit storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

My publisher (Orbit) wanted me to pare down the teaser for now, but you can find more about the books here: www.amandacarlson.com, links to goodreads, facebook & twitter are there. I’m hoping to add more, give more detailed teasers, unveil my cover art, plus lots more — so if you want to find out more about my books the best place is my website.

4. I loved the picture of your office! Share with me your writing environment. Where/when do you write best/most productively?
I write the best in the morning. I love my office, which happens to be a sun room attached to my bedroom. Lots of windows, so it gets bright, but during the long, dark MN winters it’s a blessing. When I absolutely have to get out, I usually head to a local coffee shop. I don’t usually do a lot of writing there, but I do edit.

5. How do you de-stress/stretch from a long day of writing?
My husband and I try to have “date night” every Friday. We’ve been trying to tour all the local foodie restaurants in town. Or we go see a movie if anything good is showing. I also love taking a long, hot bubble bath with my US Weekly magazine! Nothing clears the brain quicker than mindless entertainment. There’s not a lot of downtime between my writing day and real life stuff, because I try to wrap up writing right as the kids get home so I can jump into the mom stuff. Late in the evenings and Friday nights have become something I look forward to! It’s a much needed decompression.

6. You gave a workshop at a conference. Care to give the cliff notes version of your workshop?
I had a blast in GA this fall giving a workshop entitled: “Finding Your Voice.” I highlighted what voice means to me as a writer in two categories. How you get your voice on the page, i.e. finishing your WIP, and once your manuscript is finished, how to make it your voice POP.

Just for your blog readers, I’d be happy to link my workshop notes here. Previously, it was only available the workshop attendees. Your readers can find it here: www.amandacarlson.com/findingyourvoice

Thanks, Amanda, so much for answering my burning questions. I can’t wait to read your books!

Interview with Author Joyce Henderson

For your pleasure, I interviewed author Joyce Henderson. Joyce is an outstanding person, and I’ve mentioned her in an earlier blog here. She is one of my favorite authors, as indicated in the left sidebar under “Authors I Love,” and her most recent book, Promise the Moon, was one of the first books I purchased with my new Kindle.

Joyce Henderson is a member of Romance Writers of America, a charter member of Southwest Florida Romance Writers, Florida Romance Writers, Published Authors Network, and Published Authors Special Interest Chapter, as well as Novelists, Inc. Her books have been nominated for National Readers’ Choice Award and George Romance Chapter’s Maggie Award. During Joyce’s 27-year writing career, she has mentored dozens of writers.

MC: Thanks, Joyce, for taking the time to answer my questions.

JH: Thanks for having me, Marisa. As you know, I can runoff at the mouth endlessly! So, let’s get to your excellent questions…

MC: When you’re not writing, what’s your preferred way to spend time?

JH: Other than writing? Reading, because I read everything except erotica, YA, and inspirational. That’s not to say I never read those three since I judge more writing contests than I should (about 10 per year), and oftentimes contest coordinators need judges for those sub-genres, so I help out.

Schmoozing with friends is a fun way to spend an evening or afternoon at the pool. Adult libation anyone?.  

However, I find myself at the computer schmoozing with friends and fellow writers far more often than I can get to the pool at our condo complex. We’ve lived in this condo for 22 years, so we have met a ton of folks who’ve come and gone. I tend to keep in contact with friends by way of the internet. As an example, I have a friend I went to high school with who lives across-country. Oh, and my school days came to a screeching halt waaay back in 1952 when I graduated from high school, and married 11 days later. Now you know…I knew dirt while it was still a rock. LOL I’m also on 10 writers’ loops, and I’m never shy (Can you tell?) about hopping into discussions.  

Back to reading… I’m an eclectic reader, which means I read everything, burning through two or three to a half-dozen books in a week. Depends on how long a novel is. BTW, I’m a night person. Right now I’m reading Nora Roberts’ Chasing Fire. That woman is a phenomenon. No matter her subject, one would swear she’s been there, done that! It’s astonishing. Since I write historical that’s my first love for pleasure reading. It’s also the sub-genre I fell in love with from the get-go.

MC: If you could eat only five foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?

JH: Well, I was raised in a meat-eating home. That’s red meat. My husband would like it if I made more strictly veggie meals, but that ain’t gonna happen, folks. Veggie affectionados, I do like veggies so don’t get your dander up!  I grew up working in my folks’ grocery store, my dad the butcher; in today’s lingo, a meat-cutter. I grew up eating the best of cuts, T-bone, New York strip. If you don’t know what sweet-breads are…a bull would no longer be a bull without them. Got it?

Mexican dishes are my favorite cuisine, nachos, tacos, chimichangas. I make a bi**hin’ salsa! I’m not much on sweets. So many writers I know get orgasmic over chocolate. I can take it or leave it. Chocolate martini? No thanks. But I love colorful salads, so if I have them available I include nasturtim petals, along with cheery tomatoes, different types of lettuce, onion…green or red…celery, shaved carrot. You name it, it’s in my salads. I can make a meal of salad. I often do in a restaurant.

MC: Share with me about your writing career. Have you had more ups or more downs?

JH: After wearing many career hats, I began a writing career in 1984, with the thought, shoot, I can write one of those. My rash thought came from reading icons of the romance genre like Kathleen Woodiwiss and Bertrice Small. Piece of cake…right? WRONG. Took me awhile to discover there are techniques to writing fiction, which I spent an inordinate amount of time learning because I wrote from ’84 to 1989 before I realized I needed to take a class or three in writing for publication. (Uh-oh. One of my critique partners is going to jump on the run-on sentence.) I was 20 years getting published. Not surprising, is it? 

One might think during all those years I’ve had more downs than ups. Au contraire. I’ve never done anything without enrolling in the “school of hard knocks,” but I’ve learned sooo much that way. In the process I’ve attended a gazillion workshops, dozens of conferences, and secured lifelong friendships; people who are like family. No matter where I go in this life, besides my husband I’ve been married to for 59 years, those friends will always be my strength, never farther away from me than this keyboard.   

MC: Are you more productive/creative (in regards to writing) in the morning or the evening?

JH: Writing is a career…a job. I’m “most” productive when I plant the fanny in the chair and write…every day. It doesn’t really make much difference what time of day. Although, I tend to run out of steam around 3:30- 4ish in the afternoon. I’m fortunate to have two critique partners (Did I tell you I have lifelong writer friends who are like family?), two excellent writers that I admire and who are really sisters of my heart after upward of 15 years together in the writing trenches. (Ack, another run-on sentence that she’s gonna jump me about. LOL) We have been fortunate to get away once or twice a year for weeklong writing retreats. One lady has a second home in South Carolina, the other in Georgia. We usually manage to get to SC in the spring and GA in the fall. All three of us have verra supportive husbands. And isn’t that nice?

MC: If you could give advice to your younger self (the age when you first began actively pursuing a career in publishing), what advice would that be?

JH: I was in my mid-fifties when I began writing. Okay, I suppose that was a younger self.  Had I been privy to the pitfalls in this business, I would have taken classes and hopefully found Romance Writers of America sooner than five years into the process, more or less spinning my wheels those first years. And I would have submitted more often than I did. I’d sometimes go for a year between submissions. Not the way to get published anytime soon, was it?

Joining RWA was the best thing that ever happened to a romance writer who was trying to find her writer’s legs. It’s an unsurpassed organization that is 10K strong. Aforementioned Nora Roberts and Bertrice Small are but two excellent writers who give so much to wannabe authors. Kathleen Woodiwiss was also a member until her death. We miss her in our ranks. Ann Stewart! She’s one of the best workshop presenters in the universe! 

MC: If you have a nifty tidbit or anecdote you’d like to share, please do so!

JH: I’m pathetically inept at techie stuff. Fortunately, I can call Michael, another writer, who gets me through many shaky moments, oh heck, days, of wearing myself out trying to understnad this “magic box” we call a computer. Don’t get me wrong. I love that I can write, delete, rewrite so easily. I began writing on a legal pad with pen. Btw, some longtime published authors still write first drafts with pen and paper. Fortunately, Michael is my web master or I’d not have that presence on the internet. I guest blog like I am doing today, but have yet to bite the bullet and try to write my own. I don’t twitter either. Am I shootin’ myself in the foot promotion wise? Probably. Still, I like to write, I like to interact with fellow writers, and if I sell my Native American and Americana historicals in the process, I figure I’m a part of the best of all worlds.

MC: Thanks, Joyce. I love having permission to ask probing questions!

JH: Thanks again, Marisa. I love your blog, and it’s an honor to have been a guest. I like to interact with fans, too. By all means, visit my web site: www.joycehendersonauthor.com

Cheers everyone. I wish you all happy reading and productive writing! 

Please don’t hesitate to leave comments or questions for Joyce! I know after each response I had a million comments and follow up questions!

Joyce will give a free pdf of Promise the Moon to one lucky person who comments, so if you comment, be sure to check back to see if you are the winner. Winner will be announced when Joyce says so, but probably on or about two weeks from today.

CONGRATS TO MIA MARLOWE FOR WINNING JOYCE HENDERSON’S BOOK!

MIA, JOYCE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SOON. THANK YOU FOR COMMENTING ON MY BLOG.

You can purchase Promise the Moon here, or you can click on the book’s image.

Hope you enjoyed my author interview with Joyce Henderson!

Not Tiffany’s Nationals

I have a totally appropriate girl crush on an author I have only seen in passing.

I follow her on Twitter, and I can’t even tell you how I found her…

But her tweets make me smile, and I love to smile.

Last week, we were both at RWA’s National Conference in New York City.

Amazing. Exhausting. Thrilling. Expensive.

I thought I’d blog about staying in the Marriott in Times Square, eating too much, and seeing celebrities.

Then I read Tiffany’s blogs (more than one about her adventures in NYC), and I admit, I’m stunned and more than a little envious of how her conference went down. Mine was completely vanilla. Perfectly delicious and even better than what I expected, but maybe next year I’ll try to add some strawberry to the mix.

Anyone care to join me?

Exposing My Agent

This is my bold and daring expose of agent Nicole Resciniti. Why would I do an expose, you might wonder? Well, one, because she’s awesome and who wouldn’t want to know about her?!? …and two, I am a writer and understand the panic and sweaty palms upon meeting an agent you’d absolutely love to represent you.

Nicole heads the agency office in Southwest Florida, and you can check out more vanilla info about her in the About Us section of the agency’s website found here: www.theseymouragency.com.

When I met Nic four years ago, she immediately wowed me with her sincere nature and genuine smile. She’s one of the most well-read people I know, and it’s no wonder she’s succeeding in her career.

But this post is as its title suggests. An expose. The not so easy to find secret information that will give you that personal connection with the woman with the eagle eye able to find publishable clients.

With nine books sold in less than three months, unpubbed writers can’t help but wonder, who is this agent with the Midas touch? How does she know which queries should lead to partials and on to fulls and the golden call? And how can you strike up a conversation that may end in an offer of representation?

“You have to be my best friend; you know too much.”

Well, now, because of me, you will know just enough to be able to break the ice at a conference or include that personal one-liner in a query.

Secret number one: she knows how to make Sangria to rival all others. That one bit of knowledge drew me to her kitchen counter like the golf course calls to her husband – notice how I snuck two secrets into that last statement.

But… back to the bar, because if you’re at a conference and you’re hoping to approach an agent, we all know the bar is the best place to socialize.

Secret number three (because I already gave two secrets above): If I want to buy Nic a drink, I order an unsweetened iced tea. Why do I order this drink for her? Because I know she likes it, and now you know too.

Secret number four: She has prepared meals fit for the Empress of the Universe. Her culinary skills are beyond comparable, and I know many people addicted to her Chateaubriand. I refuse to make it myself, because it just won’t turn out as delicious as hers. Not sure how you’d use this to break the ice, but it’s pretty impressive and I thought it should be included.

Aaaaaand, that’s all for now, because I value her friendship and wouldn’t want to spill too much all at once. IMHO, even though Nicole drinks an unsweetened iced tea, she is like a vintage champagne: sparkling, genuine, and classy.

Check back for the interview with Nicole, where she can answer your questions in her own words.

So if you have questions, please message them to me or include them in the comments.

Cheers!

 

 

Review: Turbulence by Dana Mentink

When Harlequin editor, Emily Rodmell, tweeted, I replied. She offered a free book to anyone interested in trying something new, and I’m glad I decided to give inspirational romance a try.

Dana Mentink’s Turbulence surprised me in a good way. I started reading after dinner and didn’t stop until I finished. The suspense held my attention, and the way the characters mentioned God sounded practical rather than preachy.

This was my first Love Inspired Suspense, but it won’t be my last.

 

 

My New Kindle

My new Kindle makes me feel so powerful! Unlimited books at the touch of button.

Because my wonderful hubby knows how much I love to read, he thought the Kindle would be the perfect present. He was right.

I am now in the process of organizing my paperbacks and hardcovers, updating my Goodreads account, and tackling my tangible To-Be-Read pile.

While I am embracing the ebook, I will continue to enjoy the benefits of bookstores with book signings, knowledgeable staff, and novelty items… because until they invent a waterproof Kindle, I won’t trust myself near the pool, and I’m honest enough to admit that there is something supremely satisfying about reading the last word and closing the physical book.

But yeah… Hubby did better than good with this gift!

 

 

Why I Want to be a Romance Writer

A romance novel is the world’s most perfect “how to” book.              

Romance novelists learn:

- how to construct an argument to achieve a productive outcome

(not many writers I know argue for the sake of arguing – there must be a purpose for the argument to move the relationship forward)

- how to forgive

(after that constructive argument, the characters must truly forgive one another to move the relationship forward)

- how to face obstacles

(sometimes the characters must be independent and sometimes they must learn that life’s challenges don’t always need to be faced alone)

- how to repair relationships

(not just between two people but relationships with the world around them – in order to survive in a romance novel, the novelist must develop a deep understanding of how their characters relate to each other and their environment)

- how to develop empathy for everyone

(romance writers battle the entire spectrum of emotions through their characters)

- how to keep working toward that happily ever after

(for the book to truly be called a romance, the HEA must exist – and romance novelists create entire worlds where the HEA is not only possible, it is expected)

Romance novelists know how to make the world a better place…

and that’s why I want to be one.

Swedish Fish

Swedish Fish make me smile, and I love to smile!

Fat free. Soft and chewy.

Says so right on the box.

But more than the delicious, sweet, tender… hold on!

Ah… just opened a fresh box and sliced open the bag inside. Yummy!

Okay, more than being the perfect “brain” food (fish!), this snack is part of Kraft Foods, and for a big, corporate company, Kraft Foods understands “that actions speak louder than words.” That’s right. Says so right in their 2010 Kraft Foods Fact Sheet, and the fact that they would include such a wise statement also makes  me smile.

So if you haven’t tried Swedish Fish, I recommend them, and if you have a better snack food, let me know. I love snacking and am always trying new bite-sized snacks.

English Teacher Harassed For Being Erotica Author

What a wonderful response from a former student in defense of a remarkable teacher!

The Royal Wedding

Excellent news coverage. Lovely television angles. Unbridled excitement among my friends.

What’s missing?

Well… the one part of Kate’s attire I seemed to have missed. Yes, the tiara was gorgeous. Her earrings received their due credit. The dress — remarkable, flattering, and very royal-like.

But what about her SHOES?!?

Ask anyone who even thinks they know me (that is, if you care to know)… I am a footwear fanatic! But the shoe must fit the occasion.

So, if anyone has any pics or links or knowledge about the new Princess Catherine’s footwear on her wedding day, please share!

Bunny Love

Easter Sunday… Breakfast, mass, dinner, and time spent with hubby.

The following pictures are brought to you by my childhood friend who has no time to visit me, but I miss her all the same.

Huh. Now what?

Our last dance competition happened this past weekend. Our team took two solos and three ensembles (pom, jazz, and hip hop), and we returned with trophies, medals, and smiles.

But now, besides the recital, our season is over. Which means, I am over. Done. Finished.

This was my final season with the team.

…and in a weird way, even though I still see them daily, I miss them already. Especially my seniors. I’ve spent four years with them, sweating in the sun, aching after long workouts, laughing at inside jokes, and healing hurt feelings. I never asked them to be best friends, just to respect each other for what they’ve been through together, but I have a suspicion that they would have each others’ backs if it came down to it.

Every team I’ve ever coached has taught me something, and I hope I’ve left the better part of me with them.

Showstoppers 2011

So, as I enter the final stage of my time with this team, I can’t help but wonder…

Huh. Now what?

A Day In My Life

So, this is a misleading title… it’s not really a day in my life. It’s a productive day in my life. But it’s also a rant, a vent, and an explanation all rolled into one.

Why do new people I meet measure my worth based on my job? Hello, how are you? I’m fine, and you? Fine. So… what is it you do?

I’m a romance writer.

Oh. Blank stare. Crickets. And then… Are you published?

No.

So, what do you do all day? Write?

YES!

I wake up with my hubby, between six and seven, and just like my hubby, I get ready for work. I drink coffee, preferably Starbucks, but sometimes Dunkin’s or Bad Ass, and I always get dressed. I might go for a walk. Maybe there’s a beach involved, but there’s also a laptop, a jump drive, and a hope that today will be the day.

My day is split into four parts. That is part one. The morning.

Part two lasts between noon and two o’clock, when I travel to the local high school and teach ninety ladies split into two classes: guard and dance.  Both classes have some amazing girls, and I love that I get to be part of their lives.

The afternoon is part three, where I critique what I wrote in the morning. If I’m inspired, I add to my word count for the day. Then, I clock-watch, waiting for part four when hubby returns!

…and that’s my day.

I’m not that interesting, but that’s okay. I prefer to save the drama for my characters.

 

JamFest

What a weekend! I am so proud of my dancers. We attended a competition with back-to-back-to-back performances. We’ve never been to JamFest. My team handled themselves with spirited showmanship and stamina. I love watching them dance, and they certainly did me proud. Thanks, ladies!

JamFest 2011

Girl Crush

I admit it.

I have a girl crush on Amanda Hocking.

…and it’s not because she’s awesome…

Okay, it is because she’s awesome.

Because she’s real. Or at least she sounds real. On her blog.

But you can judge for yourself.

Go here: http://amandahocking.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html

Waiting for Pigs to Fly

Yesterday my agent called to tell me that an editor loved my book.

An editor (that’s right, one of those beautiful and elusive beings positioned in a golden tower with winged cherubs serving them chilled grapes and delivering manuscripts from hopeful writers – don’t burst my bubble and shatter my illusions of editors) told her she loved my book.

She loved my book!

She couldn’t offer a contract.

But she loved my book!

I always thought catching the eye of an enthusiastic editor would be impossible, but I did it.

Next on my list… a contract.

Until then, I’ll keep waiting for pigs to fly.

Review: Burning Darkness by Jaime Rush

Wow, I think I swallowed the sun!    

BURNING DARKNESS was sooooo super hot and emotionally engaging on all levels.

The brilliance of the offspring books pertains to how expertly Jaime weaves their “ability” as something they must accept and learn before it becomes their strength. This really gives me a chance to connect and root for her characters!

…and what an amazing read! As a fan of the Offspring series, I couldn’t wait to see how Jaime Rush finds Eric a match for his fiery disposition. Imagine my delight when she pitted him against the one woman keen on killing him – because he killed her lover! From page one through the edge-of-your-seat middle to the nail-biting-don’t-forget-to-breathe end, this book delivers an adrenaline rush! Well worth the lost hours of sleep to stay up and finish it.

Even though I won and read the e-arc in one night, I couldn’t wait to get the paperback signed by Jaime!

Excuses, Excuses, and Reasons

Time is so relative, and yet it’s also concrete.  When did summer switch to fall and disappear into winter, changing not only the seasons but also the year?  I wasn’t looking, that’s for sure!  In one moment I had my bag packed for RWA Nationals, and then I blinked… Happy New Year, what’s your resolution?

Excuses, excuses, but really all my excuses are justified reasons (in my mind) why I lost touch, barely emailed, and maybe, just maybe, forgot a birthday or two or five, and ended up sending belated cards.

September, October, first part of November: marching band, football games, and… oh, yeah, marching band competitions.  Every Friday and Saturday.  As the dance instructor who works with the dancers who are part of the band, football season consumes my time.

Dear hubby then whisked me away on a two week cruise!

By the time we returned… well… *big grin*

Hectic Christmas shopping, overnight postage for mailing gifts, and then Happy New Year!

And since I started this blog to keep an account of my writing, I’ll end with this: one agent, two manuscripts, and three partials!  I am definitely enjoying the journey…

Just Saying…

Today, as I judged entries for the “Hold Me, Thrill Me” contest, my mind wandered back to when I first joined Southwest Florida Romance Writers and had no idea I would become part of such an incredible group of writers.

As a little girl, I never dreamed I’d be able to say that I critiqued the work of a New York Times Best Seller… and I certainly never expected multi-published authors to offer to critique my work.  I’ve found so much support and encouragement just by being around other writers that it constantly fuels my belief that when your job matches your passion, it ceases to become a job at all.

So, a standing ovation and a huge thank you to Tina Wainscott and Joyce Henderson for the welcoming smiles I will remember forever and for founding a group that has become such a wonderful part of my life.  Joining the group was one of the best parts of moving to Florida.

Just saying…