Body Count Blogging, Inc.

Why I love my job ... life of a fiction writer ...

2010-08-04T19:20:00.001-07:00

I can think of many reasons why I love my job. The fact I am a grown up with imaginary friends is just a side benefit. Right now, actually, I have this guy named Davis, really wants to be in his own book. Met him about five or six days ago and man is he demanding and adorable --Seriously Adorable -- I think I am in love after just a few days -- or is that merely a crush? Lust? I don't care what it is, I just want more of Davis.

It's just too bad I have a character and no story for him yet but we do keep talking.

"Honey, who are you talking to?"

"Davis."

"Okay dear, let me know how that goes." (hubby backs away slowly)

The other side benefit of my work? I work alone -- well me with five chinchillas in my office because -- be real -- shouldn't everyone have five chinchillas in their office? Okay, okay, wasn't one of my best plans, but damn they are cute and I think they might love me even with that brain size. I swear they get this look in their eye when they are all lined up on the side of the cage, staring at me all at once with that mixture of creepy and "Mom!!!"

I enjoy the company of "people" like Davis and though he is annoying in his persistence, he really is wonderful. And the above cartoon, which I loved? I don't think I would make in this the kind of job market and if I did, not quite sure where I would end up on the chart. Know I wouldn't be at the bottom and rarely feel clueless, though again, most of the people I am talking to are imaginary and well, you can sorta manipulate that conversation -- unless it's Davis. But to make it to the top? Really? I know people like Davis like to talk -- and I have a hundred Davis' in my head, filed away, but that just makes me a fiction writer and not a sociopath, right? I don't know ... maybe there is some sort of "path" in there somewhere with my job choice!! But I do know I love it!!

Artilce: Really Great Sex ... :)

2010-08-04T07:26:00.001-07:00

I am still trying to figure out how to post other articles with cute little icons!! In the meantime, thought this was a pretty good article to share!!

http://waterytart23.blogspot.com/2010/08/really-great-sex-writing-lesson.html

"Forward Motion ..." by Me!!

2010-07-27T07:51:00.001-07:00

Guest blogging today on my amazing insights -- I'm kidding --into moving forward in writing, fame and what life is all about! Please come by and say hi!!I always enjoy the company!! :)

http://terryodell.blogspot.com/2010/07/forward-motion.html

Successful People Never Stop Learning ...

2010-07-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

An article I really liked and think we can all learn from ...

Successful People Never Stop Learning

By Bud Bilanich

http://ezinearticles.com/?Successful-People-Never-Stop-Learning&id=3561249

My Next Workshop: The Ticking Clock

2010-07-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

My Class Confirmed: August 2010 — The Ticking Clock, An Online Workshop on Organization for Writers: Dates: August 5-27. Deadline: August 2. Check with the Lowcountry RWA for more details or just holler and I will answer!! :)

2010-07-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

I am not a believe in writer's block but tonight I sure did have trouble trying to figure out what to write for this piece I have due tomorrow. Even got a little nervous ... when I remembered one of my all time favorite writer's quotes:

"Just start at the second paragraph." ~Lucien Carr

And you know what? Mr. Carr was right. Sometime if you stop worrying about how to start, jump in the middle and then go back ... it works out just fine. I made my deadline thanks to Lucien Carr!!

Photo: Lucien Carr, left with Allen Ginnsbergn Carr(left) at Allen Ginnsberg's wedding, 1953

To those who noticed I was missing ... :) I'm back ... :)

2010-07-16T00:53:00.001-07:00

This might explain a few things ... :)

Seekerville: Surviving the Abyss

Back in the Blog

2010-07-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

The battle of the blog has been won!! It locked me out and after days of trying I am back in! And yes, there was quite a long hiatus, which will be explained in my guest blog on Friday, but I have missed everyone and I hope everyone is fine!! Will post more details soon!! Please check in and let me know how you are!!

All the best,

Jacqui

Back at Work ....

2010-02-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

Wow ... it is hard to believe it has been seven months since I last updated the blog or had a guest. I suppose that is not the best way to keep up a profile in the business, but for me, it was necessary. I got sick. I had to recover. I'm better now, though still getting used to the "Really ... back to work now?" Still have the stories in my head so I guess there is no where else to go but the keyboard.

Coming up next, we will have Golden Heart Winner (and new mother --Hi Ben!! Two weeks old!!) Anne Marie Becker with us. I will then start getting in touch with everyone I had lined up and get things moving again.

Sure have missed everyone!! And just for your amusement, here is a photo of my beloved hammock, where I get so many ideas in the summer. Photo taken last week!!

Guest Post by Myra Johnson: The Lessons of Wicked"

2009-09-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Lessons from WICKED: villains we love to hate!

In August I had the pleasure of attending Wicked, the musical stage production based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire. This enchanting story of how the Wicked Witch came to be . . . well . . . wicked . . . begins with her birth and takes us through some surprising twists and clever takeoffs from the story’s inspiration, L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Not to give away any spoilers if you haven’t seen the play or read the book, but Elphaba (as she’s named in the story) didn’t start out bad, just green. And anyone who’s ever felt their differentness to any degree can relate. Elphaba is shunned by her own father, teased by her classmates, despised by just about everyone except . . .

Galinda (yes, that’s how she originally spelled her name). Though the bubble-headed Galinda starts out as one of Elphaba’s worst detractors, she soon finds herself Elphaba’s reluctant best friend and finally her champion.

But enough about Wicked. The moral of this story is that (most) villains have hearts too. Who’s the baddie in your novel? Have you thoroughly investigated his or her backstory? Do you know why the antagonist acts the way he does, why she so badly wants whatever it is she wants? If not, then you haven’t dug deeply enough. Your villain will be one-dimensional and not nearly as interesting.

In The Fire in Fiction, Donald Maass writes, “[M]ost of the time bad actions have a comprehensible basis no matter how hard they may be to discern. In any event, villains whose motives we can understand are much scarier than those whose motive is merely Mwoo-ha-ha-ha!”

So let’s talk about villains and antagonists, the ones who stand out as truly memorable because we can see their humanity despite their evil intentions, and possibly even identify with them in some small way.

Here’s one example. Mary Connealy has done a great job of humanizing the antagonist in Montana Rose. Wade Sawyer is dangerously obsessed with having Cassie Dawson for himself. But when we see how his father treats him, how he struggles for any semblance of confidence or self-esteem, he becomes much more understandable. We want him to get what he deserves, but even more, we hope he can be redeemed.

Your turn. Describe a villain you’ve read or written about recently. Can you trace his or her descent into badness? Can you understand this person, maybe even relate? Why or why not?

About Myra Johnson: Myra’s roots go deep into Texas soil, but she’s proud to be a new Oklahoman. Empty-nesters now, she and her husband share their home with two loveable dogs and a snobby parakeet. Her debut novel, One ImPerfect Christmas, released in August 2009 from Abingdon Press. She also writes for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line. Autumn Rains, winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript, releases October 2009, soon to be followed by Romance by the Book and Where the Dogwoods Bloom. Myra writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups. She and her husband, Jack, have been married since 1972. The Johnsons have two married daughters and five grandchildren.

About One ImPerfect Christmas: Christmas is the season of miracles, but when blame and guilt keep people apart, a miracle needs a helping hand. Natalie Pearce loves Christmas so much she’d gladly make it a year-round celebration—until her mother suffers a massive stroke while taking down the decorations. Natalie’s guilt over not being there to help her mom soon builds a wall that separates her from the rest of her family, including her husband, Daniel, and their teenage daughter. As the next December approaches, the last thing Natalie wants to be reminded of is another Christmas season. Only her family’s tenacious love and an unexpected Christmas gift from her mother can help Natalie mend the broken pieces of their lives.

Rosemary Clement-Moore Winners ...

2009-09-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

The follow were the winners of the Rosemary Clement-Moore drawing, each one receiving and autographed copy of one of Rosemary's books.

Gwynlyn MacKenzie
Tracy A. Ward and
Kelly Ann Riley

Congrats!!!

The Flu vs. Work ...

2009-09-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Doesn't matter how big the bug, you still have to show up for part of the days work. Must admit, I am behind in a lot of areas, but at least I am now back at the computer and typing. But damn, anyone ever notice how loud a keystroke is?! ;)

And out guest today ... Rita Winner .... Rosemary Clement-Moore

2009-09-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Please welcome our special guest today, two time finalist and 2009 winner of this years Rita Heart(c) for the Young Adult Category, Rosemary Clement-Moore.

#1. Last year you were up for your first Rita Awards, as Best First Book with "Prom Date From Hell". How did the conference this year compare last year to this year? RWA does treat their finalist as royals but it was your first time and now you are an old pro with a beautiful statue (can we see it?). How did it feel both times around?

Old pro? Does anyone ever feel like this? I am a big geek, and the best I can do is try to hide it. Last year I was so nervous about the dress, and the heels, and what I might say, and being on time, I left my tickets to the event in my room, had to run and get them, run back down all flustered and hot. (And not in a good way.)

This year at least I knew what to expect. Also, I’m friends with my fellow nominees. I knew their books were awesome, but very different from mine (which is also awesome), so there was no way I could lose--I could only not win, if that makes sense.

That said, winning was amazing! I don't remember anything I said. I don't even remember walking to the stage. I just remember thinking: Don't let on what a dork you are, or they might take back the statue. (I think I did, but they didn't. She's still on my desk!)

#2. I like your description of your series, Girl vs.Evil as Nancy Drew meet Kolchek -- and yes -- I remember Kolcheck. I even remember when he guested on the X-Files!! Can you elaborate more on this description?

My protagonist is sort of a hybrid of Nancy Drew, Brenda Starr, Kim Possible, Veronica Mars-- The Plucky Girl Detective archetype. But I love fantasy novels and television, including Kolchek, the X-Files, Buffy, etc., I knew I wanted to have her solving supernatural mysteries.

I’d envisioned her as a recent college graduate. But when I had the idea for Prom Dates From Hell, and the vague ideas for its sequels, I knew Maggie would be the perfect heroine, so I made her a recent High School graduate instead. That lets me tell college stories--which Hell Week, the Rita winner, definitely is--and revisit one of the best times of my life. (I loved college. Probably had a little too good a time, actually.)

#3. It seems as if you were able to breach the dreaded "not in a particular genre" by putting your series character, Maggie Quinn in the area between teenage and adult/young adult books and full blown romance novels. Kudo to that for it is a very difficult feat. You described your books, in a quote I love, as: "I write in that bubble between tradition teen books (15-16 year old heroine) and grown up books. My characters exist in that stretch where they can vote, have credit cards, serve in the army, but can't buy beer." This is very different then a lot of other areas of RWA. How does it compare?

You pretty much put your finger on it when you said "not a particular genre." The Young Adult/Teen shelves aren't divided into genres, which is how I get away with writing fantasy/mystery/horror/romances. (I didn’t pick YA for this reason; I just wrote the book I wanted to write.) I think we’re seeing more and more blending of genres in adult books too, but the advantage in YA is that you don’t have to pick a section of the bookstore to put it in. It all goes on the “teen” shelves.

Rather than content, what sets YA apart is theme. It's about the steps we take to prove ourselves in the adult world. YA books are about the apprentice who defeats the sorcerer, the young prince who has to rescue the princess (or vice versa). It's the cheerleader who has to correct a mistake that, for the first time, neither her parents or her popularity can solve.

You see everything in a YA book that you might see in a 'grown up' book. The difference is how you handle the material. Restrictions or conventions usually come from the line or the house. For instance, some YA imprints are comparable with “sweet” romance lines, and may have shorter word counts, or younger heroines, or language taboos. Others go for an older or edgier market. Just like the adult romance market, you have to do some research to see where your book is going to fit.

#4. How does this translate into terms of RWA? When paranormals and inspirationals and eroticas are so hot, how does it work to be in a genre that is so different?

Maybe it’s not so different. Paranormals are the hottest trend in YA. (Erotica, not so much.)

Young adult is a vibrant, growing market. Not only with teens, but adults (even not so young ones) are discovering it as well. Authors of adult series are now writing YA books. Harlequin just launched a teen line, and I don't think anyone can look at the success of certain vampire romance novels and say that the YA market isn't something relevant to the RWA. Teen readers are the future romance readers. (If they're not reading them already. I certainly was, both the ones Mom knew about and the ones she kept under her bed.)

Everything I learned from RWA, in my local chapters and at national conferences, helped me get published, even without a special interest chapter for YA. That said, we are in the process of forming one: (YARWA-- I say it like a pirate.) Craft is craft, but I'd like to see a venue for writer's to share information more specific to our target market.

#5: If you were starting today, writing your first book, what advice would you want to hear from the winner of the Rita Award? What one question would you ask them and what answer could they give you that would make you *know* that you could do it, too?

The science fiction geek inside me appreciates the conceit of going back in time to tell myself the actual thing that made the difference for me. See, I’d STARTED a LOT of first novels, but I kept getting into that vicious, perfectionist cycle of revising and never going forward. I was terrified of getting it wrong. Then, I read a book. And I’m not going to say what it was, because I HATED it. This was a popular novel from a bestselling author, so probably it was just me, but whatever. I asked myself: Why is this person published and I’m not?

Duh. She’d finished a book. That was my light bulb moment: “Wrong” is much preferable to “unfinished.” For one thing, “wrong” can be fixed. For another, there is no such thing as “wrong” as long as you’ve given it your best effort.

Writing isn’t about perfection, it’s about potential. The crappiest book in the world has more potential than the greatest unfinished novel in the whole history of the printed word. I could have the first two chapters of To Kill A Mockingbird on my hard drive, but that and $3.50 will buy me a latte. So, who knows. People may read Hell Week and want to ask me: how the hell did this win a Rita award? Answer: I finished it and someone (besides my mother) liked it.

So, aspiring writer, go finish yours. Maybe only your mother will like it. Maybe a whole LOT of people will like it, and it will be a blockbuster, or a literary masterpiece, or a respectable mid-list novel. But you’ll never know as long as it’s just in your head.

#6. And of course, the most important question of all: In Gunga Din ... who played the better hero, Cary Grant or Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and explain why? Ballantine or Cutter ... who would you want in your next book? ;)

Cary Grant trumps all others. Why is this even a question? Cutter is much more fun than Ballantine. Usually I go for the responsible, dutiful types. But… Cary Grant. Hello.

Thanks for joining us Rosemary ... ... and thanks for all the great advice. For those who want to participate, there will be a drawing for several of Rosemary's books from all those leaving a comment by midnight, September 7th.

Goal/Reward Update ...

2009-08-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

It does work!! Having filled out order form for my coveted new watch and kept it on my desk all day, I was motivated to follow through and get the book proposal out the door and to New York last night. It was really a simple processes: Hit Submit on Proposal -- two seconds later add credit card info to order form and hit submit on that!! Since I already programed the new goal into Miguel -- everyone knows Miguel, right? -- now it's time to go pick out a *new* watch and print out the photo to stare at for the next month or so. Yeap ... goals, motivation and rewards ... I am sooo easy!!

Goals and Rewards ...

2009-08-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

As most everyone knows I travel closely with a day planner named Miguel who keeps me in line on most days. Most days I do listen to him and when I do, it can be very good. When setting out a writing goal, I tag a reward to go with it and in my case, I don't do shoes, I don't do purses. I have a watch obsession and every time I have a major accomplishment in my career, I treat myself to the next watch waiting in line. That way every time I wear it I can remember "I got this watch when I ..."

Welcome in the newest addition. Today I finished my proposal for my co-authored non fiction book and tomorrow I send it in. The minute I hit submit, I am off to www.Fossil.com and my new friend -- which happens to be on sale -- double points!! -- will be on its way to me!!

I can't buy it early ... like right now as I stare at it. I have to wait until I hit "Submit" and then the order is in!!

Does anyone else play the goal/reward game with themselves?!

Benefits of the Job ... Motivation and Research ...

2009-08-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of this kind of work is the travel -- if you are lucky, you actually get the chance to visit the places that appear in your stories and these places will inspire you to no ends in creating the Happily Ever After.

My family and I traveled to Tombstone, Arizona this weekend not for work, but because it was where my oldest daughter wanted to spend her 24th birthday. She inherited more from me then the big eyes and brown hair -- she has the love of the old west and adores stories of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. I was not only excited about revisiting the setting to the opening scene of a western I had been working on a few years ago, but I also knew by just being there, I would be dying to get back to work on it as soon as we got back.

We saw the old courthouse, built in 1882 -- one year after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It was the setting in my novel of the great jail break. We saw The Bird Cage Theater and Crystal Palace where Doc and Wyatt, along with Morgan and Virgil used to hang. We even saw the Oriental where, in the movie with Kurt Russel as Wyatt, he acquired a stake after Billy Bob gets on the wrong side of Wyatt.

It was a great trip with a lot of good things to see and old west all around. I'm afraid the burning desire to work on the book didn't take a hold again, but then, that is okay. I do have four books ahead of it on "need to get submitted." I will go back to it soon and now I have even more photos.

I mean look at this place ... have you ever seen skies so blue or that went so far up into the heavens? It is a great place to get inspired ... even if it wasn't this trip. It was still with the drive.

Where have you gone for 'research'? ;)

Editing and a mad ink cartridge ...

2009-08-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the editing is going good and I am on my way to shipping out the most current round of edits when my ink cartridge doesn't just go empty ... it is **depleted** and the computer is flashing this big red message, practically swearing at me at the audacity of me letting the ink get so low.

"You let the ink get ****depleted****, how dare you ...?"

I thought these machines were supposed to be working for us? Then again, I've seen Terminator. I know how this ink cartridge scenario might turn out!! ;)

Our Guest Today Kelly Ann Riley talks about the Golden Heart and How She keeps going ...

2009-08-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Please welcome our special guest today, three time finalist and 2009 winner of this years Golden Heart(c) for the Inspirational Category, Kelly Ann Riley. Kelly and I have been friends for over a decade. She is a great writing partner and an even better friend.

#1. Welcome Kelly. Let's just get right into the questions I have lined up for you. You have been entering the GH for years, been a finalist three times and a winner this year in 2009. What has been the drive behind entering? The editor, the chance with an agent? What keeps you coming back year after year?

I have to admit I'm a contest junkie and have entered many contests over the years. I've used contests for feedback, motivation to finish manuscripts and proposals, and most importantly to get work in front of agents and editors. There are a lot of excellent contests out there, but I've always considered the Golden Heart and Rita on par of the Academy Awards for romance. The chances of finaling in the Golden Heart are slimmer due to the volume of entrants, but there's always hope that this will be the year to make the top cut.

#2. And year after year had been a wonderful experience for you. I have heard you say on more than one occasion how wonderful RWA treats their GH finalists. As a winner -- and now presenter at the 2010 awards -- will entering still be on your list of things to do in October 2009?

Going to the RWA conference as a finalists adds sparkle to the whole experience. RWA provides a special reception to honor the finalists, and finalists get first pick of agents and editor appointments. And then of course the Golden Heart and Rita ceremony is an awesome event. I'd love to get a contract and be ineligible for the Golden Heart this year, but if that doesn't happen, I most likely will enter again.

#3. Two part question: That first call, what raced through your mind as you got it? Was it the same as the 2nd and 3rd time? And in your case, I know that you were not able to attend the awards in 2009 due to another obligation so hearing that you w

on -- that was even a fourth call?

The first Golden Heart call was in 2007, and I almost didn't answer the phone. I'd forgotten that finalist calls were supposed to go out that weekend. When the phone rang, I didn't recognize the number on the Caller I.D. and thinking it was probably a telemarketer, I ignored it. My husband finally asked, "Aren't you expecting a call about a contest?" I was hoping for a call, but wasn't really expecting one, but he answered the phone.

Turned out to be a wonderful call!! My manuscript, Tread Softly: A Want Ad Mystery, had finaled in the Romantic Suspense Category. I think my screams of joy could've been picked up by satellite. I was thrilled and excited. I'd been entering the Golden Heart for many years, and had a hard time believing I'd actually finaled. I'd placed in other contests at this point, and even won a couple, but finaling in the Golden Heart was a dream come true. Then next two years the finalist calls were thrilling too, and yes, I answered the phone for those calls. With the excitement, there also came a sense of relief and amazement that'd I'd been lucky enough to have done it again. In 2008 my inspirational Romantic Suspense, Kitty's Fire, finaled in the new category "Contemporary Series Romance Suspense/Adventure." This year, Kitty's Fire finaled in the Inspirational Category.

I've been attending RWA National for years and love it, but the earlier dates of the 2009 conference collided with our conference's annual Teen Mission Trip. My husband and I started volunteering 5 years ago when my son wanted to take the trip to Alberta, Canada. This year we

were going to Monument Valley, Utah to work with the Navajo children and do work projects for the community. My husband was the trip's co-director, my son (now staff age) was the music director, and my daughter attended as one of the 35 teen

participants. I tried to figure out a way to do both the trip and the conference, but as the VacationBible School Coordinator, I'd miss out about half of VBS program. My family was very supportive and urged me to go to DC, but in the end, I felt God wanted me to stick with trip.

The night of the Golden Heart Ceremony, I'd gone downstairs to have supper with the teens. We were in a different time zone, so I mistaken thought the GH announcements would be later.My phone, which I usually keep with me, was upstairs in our sleeping area. When I got back up there, what a surprise! There were a string of text messages from my good friend and critique partner, Caroline "Cee" Dunsheath telling me they were announcing the winners. The one message I zeroed in on immediately was "YOU WON!" I was so stunned, I had to read it several times and call her before it sunk in. Then I started jumping around with excitement. People started congratulating me, although they weren't sure what for. My family knew the significance of the news, but I had to explain what the Golden Heart was to the others. It was really cool, and I kept smiling during the long bus trip back home to Alabama.

I wish I could've been in DC, but I'm happy the way things turned out. I feel truly blessed by the mission trip

and by winning the Golden Heart.

#4. Would you recommend the Golden Heart contest to writers just starting out, mid way or even "almost there?" For what reasons?

Contests can be costly but if you can afford it, I'd recommend entering them as soon as you have completed and edited a manuscript. The Golden Heart Contest provides only numbers (1 to 9) as feedback, but it can give you an idea for how those judges perceived your entry. Ideally, it would be great to enter some other contests that can provide more extensive feedback before you send your entry to the Golden Heart. This will give you time to correct any problems and polish rough areas.

Remember, there is also a huge element of luck to contests. Judging is subjective just as the publishing world is. Sometimes you can have a wonderful manuscript, but it just doesn't connect well with some judges. As for using negative feedback, only change something if it rings true to you. Usually, if I'm not sure about the advice from a judge, I wait to see if several other judges or my critique partners point out the same problem. If you feel ready for the Golden Heart, then go for it. You never know, the first time you enter, you could win. Also if you final in the Golden Heart or other contests, an editor or agent might make a request to see your whole manuscript. This could lead to a sale.

# 5. If you were starting today, writing your first book, what advice would you want to hear from the winner of the Golden Heart award? What one question would you ask them and what answer could they give you that would make you know that you could do it, too?

Some of the useful advice I've heard from other writers is:

a. Keeping writing until you finish the book. Resist the urge to stop and edit. Once you have a rough draft, you have something to mold and rework into something wonderful.

b. Edit, edit, edit until it shines. If you have a writing partner and/or a critique group, get some feedback. I have a critique partner, Cee Dunsheath and a hands-on agent, Kelly Mortimer, who are helping me learn to edit better. So don't be afraid to seek the advice of others, but also remember to stay true to your voice and the vision of the book.

c. If you have time, let the manuscript sit for a while, and then go back and reread it before submission. You'll be surprised what you find that could be made better.

d. Let it go. Some writers tend to think their manuscripts are never good enough. I tend to have trouble with this. If perfectionism is a problem, and you have spent considerable time on editing and polishing, then you need to convince yourself that your manuscript is as good as it can be given your current skills. Then package it up, and send your baby off into the world, whether it be the Golden Heart Contest, another contest, or to an agent or publisher.

What's one answer I'd like to hear from a GH winner, so I'd know I could do it too? That's a tough one. I suppose hearing what keeps other writers motivated to write has been helpful to me. Some of the best advice I've heard is: "No matter how tough the going gets, have faith. God gave you the talent to write, and He expects you to use it. Believe in yourself and dream big."

#6. Can we see the Golden Heart pendant? On? Like you wearing it? Or are you keeping it in a safe place?

Since I

couldn't be at the ceremony, my friend and 07 GH finalist, Donnell Ann Bell, read my speech for me at the Golden Heart Ceremony and accepted the pendant on my behalf. I have to admit I wore the GH pendant day and night for a while after I received it in the mail. Right now, I'm on another kid-club camping trip, so it's home safely tucked in its box.

Thanks for joining us Kelly ... ... and thanks for all the great advice. For those who want to participate, there will be a drawing for a a $15.00 Barnes & Noble card from all those leaving a comment by midnight, August 21st

Next Up ... GH Winner, Kelly Ann Riley ...

2009-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Next up in our Writer to Writer Series, Kelly Ann Riley will talk to us about her journey from just starting out to becoming a three time Golden Heart Finalist and the 2009 Golden Heart Winner!!
Up with her will be a $15.00 Gift Card to our lucky comment winner!!

Look for Kelly on the 15th of August.

Publishers Weekly Likes Us ... ;)

2009-08-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Wow ... our blog got a plug in Beyond Her Book, Barbara Vey's blog for Publisher's Weekly. We are now famous. Check it out at: http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288.html

Thank you, Barbara!!!

~Jacqui

A New Sunday ...

2009-08-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

It's a New Sunday in the new "scheduled writing time with the day off ..."

I seem to be repeating last Sunday, different rooms. Hum ... ;)

RWA's Nora Robert's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Jennifer Greene

2009-08-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

To kick off the new Writer to Writer Series, RWA's Nora Robert's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Jennifer Greene, has agreed to talk to us. She talks about her award, the honor and offering advice.

She is also offering several copies of her award winning book to be mailed out to the winner of the comment contest so let Jennifer know what you think!!!

Welcome Jennifer!!

Q: This was a Life Time Achievement award and was not run like your everyday, standard contest. Was this an honor you were expecting as you wrote the book that pushed you into the running, or was
it a phone call out of the blue?

A: You're right, the Lifetime Achievement Award isn't a contest, nor is it based on a book. The Ritas celebrate the best books in our genre. The Lifetime Achievement Award is based on an author who's contributed to the genre, above and beyond her body of work. (The RWA site has a more complete explanation.) The call from the Board of Directors--and believe me, I couldn't have been more stunned! I was thrilled!

Q: How did you celebrate? celebrating? ;)2. How did you celebrate?

A: Initially I celebrated the same way I did after hearing about my first sale in l980--by putting the phone off the hook. I was terrified they'd change their minds. In D.C., though, the award enabled me through the conference to talk about the genre with media and others...which I'm still doing. It's been a super opportunity to open dialog, especially with people who are unfamiliar with the field.

Q: Did knowing you were already getting the award make the awards easier, as opposed to those of us who were up for the GH or the Rita and we had to hear the names read off and wait our turn?
Or do you think knowing they were saving the best for last would make you
more nervous? They did a wonderful presentation on you -- all for you -- how did
that feel?

A: I'll never stand up at a podium without shaking in my shoes...this time, more than the times I'd won the Rita, because it was such an extra big thing? But knowing ahead that I was getting the award made it possible to do things through the conference, and back at home, related to pushing our genre and the ideals of our genre. I never felt nervous about that. I love doing that. :)

Q: At the presentation ... which just rocked – they debated your two names back and forth in a very entertaining show. You obviously choose the route of pseudonym, but also use your real name. Is
this a route you would recommend to a new writer and why?

A: When I first started writing and first sold, using a pseudonym wasn't a choice--I had to. Things are different today (thankfully.) I think it depends on a writer's name--and what a writer wants, in terms of a long term career--as far as whether a pseudonym works best. It's an individual decision. For myself, though, I DO wish I didn't have so many names behind me...each one was a 'start over'. Not my choice or doing, just the way the industry was at the time.

Q: In your acceptance speech, you gave a lot of advice to writers and women. All of it good. For those who were not there can you consider this: If you were starting today, writing your first book,
what advice would you want to hear from the winner of the Life Time Achievement
award? What one question would you ask them and what answer could they give
you that would make you *know* that you could do it, too?

A: The most important lesson I've learned over the years (and am still learning) is to keep what matters on the front line--and that is: if you want to write, WRITE. Forget the distractions, from promo to contests to industry buzz to critique groups--to anything else. There is no fast ride to selling and continuing to sell. There are lots of rejections and down times. Those won't get you down--if you continue to do what you love, writing stories that matter to you, building your craft skills, giving yourself the time to write.

Q: So, most importantly .... ... where did you put it in your house and can I get a photo of how it looks?

A: I don't have a photo....because temporarily, this Beauty sits right next to me. Eventually I'll give her a place on the shelf with my other Ritas. (I promise--they GLOW, even in the dark, and really shine by lamplight.) But I can't seem to let her get far from me right now. She's breathtaking...

Writer to Writer Series ...

2009-08-04T08:45:00.001-07:00

Previously on my web page, I ran a Writer to Writer Series where authors shared their insight on what it was like taking those first steps toward just starting out, "look ... I got a call ...", to published author. I am going to continue with that series on this blog with twice a month interviews with people in the writing community. I hope that you will follow me along.

Our first guest will be the 2009 winner of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, Jennifer Green and she will be with us shortly.

How do Writers Work?

2009-08-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

How do writers work? Stephen King, in his book On Writing used to tell people that he worked everyday but his birthday, the Fourth of July and Christmas. He then admitted -- he lied!! He works everyday because working is what makes him happy. He just didn't want anyone to think he was a geek!!

Writing makes me all sorts of happy, too. But alas, I am trying to cut back on my hours and work like a real person works instead of "Oh, NOW!!! I have to write this scene NOW!!"

I started "Office Hours" this week, limiting my writing time to four to six hours a day, six days a week with Sundays off.

So I took Sunday off.

I did the laundry, cleaned my office, accepted an exchange student (from France, arrives in two weeks), cleaned the entry way, re potted two plants, mopped the floor, Learned three new computer programs, one blackberry program, woke up old exchange student at 1am her time and packed up three boxes of books to get rid of tomorrow when I run errands.

Wow ... yeap ... yes writers ... we know how to have a good time on our days off! ;)

Back at Home. Back at Work.

2009-07-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the writer in me wants the world to know that I came back from this amazing conference where I did get amazing things done -- and I did ... it really was a successful conference for me -- and I want to say "Yes, I jumped back into work, have written three articles, done three interviews and set up my class and started the new book ..."

But the truth is, conferences are exhausting endeavors and though I can claim to have everything in place for not only the Firefly Online workshop I teach next week to the winners of the Brenda Novak Online Auction for Diabetes; *and* say I am ready to start the eight month mentor program I gave away for the same cause, the closest thing I can say I have done to writing is I thought of a short story and have yet to type two words on it.

I'm just too tired!! LOL ... but I foresee that I will be done with tired tomorrow. Tomorrow I go back to work for real with a book to send out to the agent, a short story for a magazine and an article I have due for the KOD in September.

Yeap ... these tired fingers are ready to start typing again. I look forward to it. And I hope to hear back from the readers out there. I still have the workbook for sale and if you are interested, just let me know. I will make arrangements to get a copy to get to you. The first printing is almost sold out, though. Hurry!! Remember, 100% of proceeds go to assist The Northern Arizona Romance Writers. I am just the messenger!!

Tuesday Morning ...

2009-07-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

We have five hours before our plane leaves with the airport fifteen minutes away. How much can we see in this one morning without cutting our flight too close?

Alington, Sixth Set of Photos ...

2009-07-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

Everyone should see this once in their life. Apparently I have seen it twice (in 1972, too) but I do not remember it. I wish I did. Because the honor, the exactness, the respect paid to the ... how did I see it written online ... "To these men, these special men, the continuity of this post is the key to the honor and respect shown to these honored dead, symbolic of all unaccounted for American combat dead ..."

I could not have worded it better myself. These guards take this job serious, doing it 24/7/365 whether there is a crowd or not. And the training ... it might be one of the most scared monuments in our country. I am glad I got to see it with Larry.

Alington, Fifth Set of Photos ...

2009-07-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

From Wiki: "Audie Leon Murphy (June 20, 1926 (?) – May 28, 1971) was a much-decorated American soldier who served in the European Theater during World War II. He later became an actor, appearing in 44 American films, and also found some success as a country music composer.

"In 27 months of combat action, Murphy became one of the most highly decorated United States soldiers of World War II. He received the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military's highest award for valor, along with 32 additional U.S. and foreign medals and citations,^[ including five from France and one from Belgium.^[1]^[2]^[4]

"Murphy's successful movie career included the extremely popular To Hell and Back (1955), which was based on his book of the same name (1949.)He also starred in an impressive 33 Hollywood Western films. He died in a plane crash in 1971and was interred, with full military honors,^[3]^{[unreliable source?]} in Arlington National Cemetery. Audie Murphy's grave site is the second-most vvisited grave at Arlington, after that of President John F. Kennedy."

We tried to find Murphy as our son, Bryce, had studied him and we thought he would like to see the memorial. This was as close as we got, though. For being "elaborate" we never found it!!

Alington, Fourth Set of Photos ...

2009-07-29T19:34:00.001-07:00

Located a mere 30 to 50 fifty feet form JFK, down a little path that goes off to the left ... RFK. Now that is enough said.

Alington, Third Set of Photos ...

2009-07-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

JFK's Grave site. It would be enough to say expect that I did find the photo of me here when I was nine years old. That would be on the left. The new shot is on the right.

A writer not writing?

2009-07-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

I still have not written anything in the last few days. Thinking the vacation with Larry is going good!!

Alington, Second Set of Photos ...

2009-07-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

I wanted to see Robert Lincoln's grave. I am a well established grave hunter by hobby and seeing Robert Lincoln, the only son of Abraham buried in Arlington, was important to me. As I have said, I have been studying Lincoln and read about Robert, as well. I was very impressed.

So this was our first stop in Arlington. Up this beautiful staircase to the tree lined area. Beautiful!!

Alington, First Set of Photos ...

2009-07-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Direct Quote from Germany, 2006:

"What is it about German's and stairs?" I asked.
"I don't think it is German's and stairs," Bridgette said. "I think it is American's and elevators."

Apparently the founders of DC got a lot of advice from the Germans.

Vietnam Memorial ...

2009-07-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

I always carry my little black book with me. It's a writer's thing. To take notes as ideas hit. This is what I wrote as I quietly sat alone in front of the Vietnam Memorial"

"I personally do not know anyone who died in Vietnam. Not that I know of, at least. But I sit here in front of this memorial and I see name after name -- I see kids names who were young and maybe in love, maybe in school with dreams. A new bike on an 8th birthday. A book they always wanted to read for their 12th Christmas. I see them getting an envelop from the government and being afraid, of saying good-bye to family and friends. Of going to boot camp where they were maybe thrown into a life they never planned or expected. I see them boarding a plane to go to a country that maybe, before, they had never heard of to do things and live things I cannot even imagine. And now I see their names carved into a wall -- letters carved to represent something they never saw coming. I see the names and though I never knew any of them, I feel the lives lost and the families left behind."

I think that is enough said.

Larry's Sister Laura with Simone ...

2009-07-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to be treated to all of Larry's sister's family, but her oldest daughter got sick so Evelyn and her dad, Bob, had to stay home. We did get to have fun with Laura and Simone, though. Laura and Bob are home schooling and I was very impressed with how smart little Simone was. At the last minute, they decided to stay the night with us and Simone got the wear my brand new Hard Rock shirt and I let her wear my watch. She seemed pleased.

We had dinner at a Japanese Restaurant and had a lot of fun site seeing with the two of them.

Top photo is of Larry and Laura at the Vietnam Memorial. Larry and Laura, as well as Larry with his west coast sister, Marilyn are all very close.

First Day Memorials ...

2009-07-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

2009-07-29T17:56:00.001-07:00

The photo to the left is very important. In 1972 my parents took me to Washington, DC and took this exact photo in, I think, the same spot. I am still looking for the photo and have found the ones from JKK's tomb, from the Statue of Liberty and from Mt. Vernon, all taken on the same trip with the same purple dress my Mom made for me. Very 70ish.

Seeing the Lincoln Memorial after doing so much personal reading on the Great Emancipator was surreal. I don't remember much about the first trip except that I was sorta into Lincoln after doing a report on John Wilkes Booth in the fifth grade. But seeing the great Lincoln staring down at you, with the words of the Gettyberg Adress beside you ...

Next summer I hope to go back to DC with my whole family and take a photo of all my kids in this same place. Maybe by then, I would have found the original.

Has anyone noticed there is no writing talk on this writing blog now? Does this mean I get a small vacation after a seven say conference? ;)

Retro-Date Invite ...

2009-07-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

One day too late.

As a student of french, I sometimes answer with a "merci" and not a "thank you." Don't do it on purpose. It just comes out. So I do it to this man working the conference who I had spoken to the day before.

"You speak french?" he says in shock.
"Well, a little," I say. "I am learning it but can do okay in a conversation."
"Why didn't you tell me this *yesterday*?" he demands.
"Ahhh ... " I am thinking. "Didn't really come up."
He explains. "I had tickets to the french ambassadors house last night for a formal dinner. My date got sick the hour before I left and I had to cancel. If you had told me you spoke french, I had your card form your book order!! I would have called you!!"

Yes, I would have said no -- the whole happily married for 26 years part -- but oh, to get so close to dinner with the french ambassador at this house!!

The Golden Heart ...

2009-07-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Okay .. figured alot of you were waiting with waited breath.

The results of the 2009 Golden Heart Contest:

Anne Marie Becker, friend extraordinary, WON!!
Kelly Anne Riley, friend forever and forever supporter of my career: WON!!
Jacqui Jacoby, person who loved being a finalist, but sincerely did not want to win for reason that are too complicated to explain but sincere and from the heart ... remains forever a finalist. And is very happy.

But look at this ... my 12 seconds of fame:

Fords Theater ...

2009-07-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhh man ... forget the conference ... Fords Theater blew it all away.

The photo to the right is the actual box -- the tour guy explained they don't like to call it a "booth" anymore (ha ha) -- where it all went down. I don't know about other people but I have been accused of being able to go on a "history high". It's better then drugs with no hang over. That picture in the middle is of George Washington. In 1865 it was the equivalent of a presidential seal and this photo, is the actual photo that was there that night.

"Lessons of Firefly ..."

2009-07-18T14:21:00.001-07:00

Take my love, take my land
Take me where I cannot stand
I don't care, I'm still free
You can't take the sky from me
Take me out to the black
Tell them I ain't comin' back
Burn the land and boil the sea
You can't take the sky from me
There's no place I can be
Since I found Serenity
But you can't take the sky from me...

~Joss Whedon

Theme of Firefly

Yes, I did my class. Saturday morning at 8:30am. It was as much fun as always with a crew of Browncoats who looked from where I was standing to be having a good time. Joss Whedon is a great writer, and Firefly is a great way to learn excellent writing skills. Watch it enough and you will see the character development, world building, and most especially, dialogue:

"That's why I never kiss them on the mouth."
~Jayne Cobb
"Our Mrs. Reynolds.

Great show and it is always a pleasure to stand up in front of a group of excited people and share...

Larry got here ...

2009-07-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

We have been planning this trip a long time: Larry came in Friday night so he would be here for the awards -- where the photo was taken -- and then we had three more nights to play in the city. His sister was coming down to visit and then we were going to do more site seeing. I cannot wait. With our schedules, it is not always easy for the romantic get aways!!

I am so glad he came on this trip with me!!

Golden Heart Reception ...

2009-07-18T14:19:00.002-07:00

I was the first person to the reception and I got the first seat. Don't know if that is because no one was guarding the door when I got there and I just walked in, or I was supposed to wait in line after the fact with others. I do know I got to play with the photographer Ken, a really nice guy who (shhh) watched me steal a cupcake early.

He took alot of photos-- he liked my tat with the red shoes -- but I didn't get to use my camera. So there is not even a photo of me getting presented with my Golden Heart Certificate by the President of RWA, Diane Pershing. She didn’t do all of them, so I felt pretty honored.

The heads of the reception had a "silence" rule -- no one was allowed to clap until the end of the category. But to hell with that, when they announced my friend Kelly's name, I not only whopped and yelled, I said she was in Utah and got scolded "She's in Utah so you get to break the rule ..."

Yeap!!! I do!! And since she won, I would say my response was appropriate!!

Death by Chocolate Party, Thursday night ...

2009-07-18T14:19:00.001-07:00

The Kiss of Death's Death by Chocolate Party is probably the single most important affair of the conference for me. It's the one night that I get to see all my online friends from my primary RWA Chapter. I look forward to this one Thursday night for months and months and months.

It was also the night I got to show off the custom made copy of a Marilin Monroe dress )-- complete with wearing Channel #5 -- --) I had made for just this occasions. Of course, none of the photo's of it turned out so all we get is a close up of the the pleating and the red shoe pin I wore the whole conference. It was part of the Golden Heart finaling: We named ourselves "The Ruby Slipper Sisters" and this is the pin we got to wear for the next -- well -- forever!! Every conference after this, we will wear this pin.

The DBC, as the party is known, was amazing as always and I saw all my old freinds as well as contected in person with some I had only known online. It was a wonderful night.

Watergate ...

2009-07-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

The last time I was in Washington, DC was in 1972 and I was nine years old. We stayed at the Watergate hotel. I drove by it, and without seeing a single sign, I still recognized it!! Yes, I do have a memory ...

Autographs ...

2009-07-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

Gave my first autograph tonight -- actually, two. For the workbook Anne Marie and I put together. This might be a cool new feature of the career I had not previously seriously considered!! I mean, I thought about it ... but I never really thought about it -- does that make sense?

Later Wed Night ...

2009-07-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

It's late Wendesday night and I am back at the room and I can't even remember how to spell Wened ... Wend ... Wedens ... whatever!! Oh, the conference is exhausting and that is even before it starts. Thursday is the offiical kick off day and I have already had several meetings, several group settings and a few "let's meet for -- fill in beverage of your choice ... .

Don't get me wrong ... conferences are a lot of fun, but they do make you look at that great big queen bed at night -- probably earlier then you would at home -- and think "Yes ... salvation!!"

I tried wearing a pedometer today just to see how many steps one of these things takes in a day, but it fell off at about about 9:00pm and re-set to zero. When I looked at it at about 7:00pm, it was at about 5000 steps ... and at that point, I was still going.

And like I said, that was the first day, *before* the actual conference starts. So I am off to get a good nights sleep and then start off right tomorrow. I have a lot of meetings and the Death by Chocolate party and a whole lot of fun planned!! Can't wait!! I really do love being at the National Conference!!

My friend Nina ...

2009-07-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Wed Night: Met up with my friend Nina and got to watch her work the Literacy Signing. Always a good time with Nina, too *and* I get to see her one on one tomorrow when we met for coffee!!

My friend Suzanne ....

2009-07-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Wed: Had a cup of coffee with my friend Suzanne ... always a great time!!

Money, money, money, money...

2009-07-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

Got back to the room and thought we had hit the jack-pot. Turns out some water had just gotten spilled on the change for the Moonlight Madness Bazaar and the money had to dry. Too bad -- looked pretty damn good ... ;)

2009 Golden Heart Red Slippers Sitters ...

2009-07-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Golden Heart Finalist crowd named themselves the "Red Slipper Sisters." In honor of that, even though I rarely wear high heels and even more rarely red red, I had to go buy a pair of $14.99 shoes to get me through the week. So far, I do believe they have been a success!!

Kiss of Death GM and Roxanne St. Claire ...

2009-07-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Last night my mentor for the summer of '08 gave the speech at the Kiss of Death General Meeting. The General Meeting is usually a pretty great affair as it is the kick off of the conference and I get to see all my friends I normally only see online. There were hugs and great comments and Roxanne saying:

"We don't write because of the voices, to see our books on the shelf or because we want to tell a story. We write so that we can make someone feel the same feeling we felt when we read that one first book that hit us in the heart and make us go 'Wow' ..." ~Roxanne St. Claire, Washington DC, 2009.

2009-07-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, Anne Marie and I are finally here! I realize the photos are not the best as they were taken from a moving taxi, but I swear, they are what they look like: The Lincoln Memorial and The Washington Monument. It is really, really beautiful here ... I had no idea the city was going to be this green, this pretty and really, the people are great!!

I have to work the conference the next few days, but I am really looking forward to the weekend when Larry gets here, and then his sister and her family come visit. We will be able to explore some of the sites that I am seeing right this minute on the "Visit DC Channel" on TV.

Writing Partners ...

2009-07-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

I sure wish my writing partners of thirteen years could be with me this year. But I understand they each had to be in other places for their own personal reasons. I Miss You!! Hi to Cee ... to Kelly ... To Nancy ... I love you guys!!

The "Airplane ...?"

2009-07-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Kid sitting next to me on the *big* plane going into Newark described the connecting flight as a "Pack of Gum with Wings ...". He wasn't far off. This sucker had *propellors* that vibrated so hard your butt shook!! In fact, when I walked in the door and my head almost hit the ceiling, I almost turned around and grabbed a train. Sucking it up, knowing I would miss my 7:00pm meeting, I got to my seat and immediately found out the couple next to me was **french**!! I got to practice my french and she got to practice her english and we had a blast!! All of a sudden the pilot says "We are making our final decent ..."

And FYI ... Brent Spinner sat at the very back of the plane, to the right!!

Bon Soir ...

2009-07-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Bonne nuit. Mai, nous avons de beaux rêves ands un bon voyage de demain ...

New Poll .. Very ... Important ...

2009-07-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Please cast your votes at the poll to the right. Your answers could make all the difference! ;)

The Journey Has Started ...

2009-07-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

We are still a long, longs ways from DC, but my traveling companion, Anne Marie, and I have made it to Phoenix. It was a pretty uneventful day -- just packing and getting everything into place -- but we know it is just the beginning of a whole lot of fun. And there was some toe nail polish being applied to the perfect shade to match all the outfits, so that was extremely important --- -- just ask any man who is traveling with his conference attending wife or companion. ;)

We started off with some errands in the Valley of the Sun -- control my excitement please -- and then had a great dinner at Chevy's in Scotsdale, Arizona. I got to enjoy the Happy Hour -- but not too much; while Anne didn't get to share at all!! Poor Anne Marie ...

Now it is early to bed so we are early to the airport (both flights before 7:00am) and then off we go ...

... Next stop ... Washington, DC!!!

Workbook Ordering Information ...

2009-07-13T20:37:00.001-07:00

To answer those who contacted me: if you are not going to be able to pick up a Workbook in Washington DC, then I can take care of you.

Remember 100% of *all* proceeds go to The Northern Arizona Romance Writers of America.

* The price of the workbook is $17.00

* If you are interested in the supplemental 52 week calendars that is not shown, is $10.00 and that is just covering printing price.

* Shipping: an even $3.00.

If you send a check made out to NARWA to:

Jacqui Jacoby

c/o Body Count Productions, Inc

Post Office Box 3478

Flagstaff, Arizona 86003

... I will take care of it the week I get back from DC.

And thanks for not only the interest, but for the support, too.

"Get Down to Work Workbook ..."

2009-07-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Memo to everyone going to National: the newly released "Get Down to Work Time Management Workbook by Anne Marie Beck and myself will be available for the first time ever at the Moonlight Madness Bazaar on Thursday night in DC. Anyone interested in one who can't attend, contact The Northern Arizona Romance Writers of America (NARWA) or one of the authors (Anne Marie or me!!). 100% of proceeds go to help NARWA.

Note what Lifetime Achievement Recipient, Vicki Lewis Thompson had to say about the book: "A focused writer is a selling writer. Bravo to Becker and Jacoby for providing such an indispensable tool!"

Thank you Vicki!!

Sons Always Know What to Say ...

2009-07-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

I fly out of Arizona at the crack of dawn on Tuesday morning, get into New Jersey mid afternoon, where I have literally **36** minutes to change planes. I can almost understand how *I* will get there, but not quite sure how my luggage will.

When I told my son, Bryce, that the the plane I transfer to seats a whopping **29** people, he didn't miss a beat. His instant reply was: "Well, at least you don't have to die alone ..." ;)

Man, I hate flying!!!

Heading to Washington DC ...

2009-07-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

The custom made dresses are done, the suitcases are packed -- everything is ready to go. I have been thinking for a long time about doing a blog, but always seemed to put it off. This trip to Washington DC for the Romance Writers of America's 29th National Conference seems like a really good time to start. There is so much going on at this conference, with my Firefly class being offered and the Golden Heart Awards -- for which amazingly up for this year with my book Magic Man -- there is going to be a lot to think about.

It's going to be fun. It's going to be exciting. And once my hubby arrives on Friday, it is going to be romantic as hell and hell, what better way for a romance writer to spend their time!!