This woman knows her romance and her authors, and today she'll tell us how she sort of fell into this job... Please help us welcome Barbara to the Playground today!
One of my most memorable experiences at RWA was meeting the Children. They charmed me with their stories and boundless energy. It was contagious and soon as I was as excited as they were about Kira’s first sale and the thrill of being interviewed by Publishers Weekly (little did they know that I was the excited one. This was the first time I was asked to guest blog).
The Playfriends enjoyed the story of my journey that led me to the enviable job of PW blogger for women’s fiction, so I’d like to share it with you.
In April 2006, I was fortunate enough to go on the Author’s At Sea cruise. This was my second trip with the authors that included one of the Mavens, Beverly Barton and her handsome husband, Billy. I am such an avid reader and fan that I read a book by every author on the cruise and had a spread sheet with the names, titles, characters and synopsis (nerd alert). Also on the cruise was Karen Holt, deputy editor of Publisher’s Weekly magazine. She was walking by with a tray of food and I asked her join me and Marjorie Liu, paranormal author extraordinaire. Being an avid book reader, I’d never heard of PW, so I thought Karen worked for a publisher. I immediately began to tell her everything I felt was wrong with the publishing industry from a reader’s point of view (and believe me, I had a laundry list).
To Karen’s credit, she was extremely gracious and took notes that ended up in an article in PW. Marjorie, sweet thing that she is, just smiled and nodded. Apparently Karen was taken with my quick wit and extraordinary knowledge of books and authors {blush}. She asked me if I’d write reviews for PW. I declined, explaining that I could never say a bad thing about a book since I felt authors put their hearts and souls into writing them.
Fast forward to March 2007. I receive an email from Karen asking if I’d be interested in a new venture for PW, blogging about women’s fiction. Once again I refused. After all, I’m a reader… not a writer. Then she moved on to hard tactics by calling me and trying to soften me up by saying how “perfect” I would be for the job. I called my son who explained what a blog was, told me it was just talking on the computer and showed me some online blogs. After reading a few, I thought, “I can do better than that and I even know spelling and grammar."
So began my blogging career. I’ve been kind of making it up as I go along. First thing I did was contact two local authors to practice interviewing, 2007 Rita winner Lori Handeland and Shari Anton. I also do surveys, talk about things that bug me and offer Your Turn Fridays where I tell what my reads are for the week and invite others to do the same.
In April, I attended the RT Convention in Houston and just returned from RWA in Dallas. Both amazing adventures that I couldn’t have imagined 6 months ago.
I should also mention that in the past 22 months I have lost 112 pounds. So, at the age of 55, I now have a new body and a new career. You never know what’s waiting for you around the next corner.
I learned my lesson and have stopped being a naysayer. My advice is to be prepared to say “yes” when opportunity comes knocking, it could be a dream come true.
Barbara before her weight loss:
Barbara after: She's in the middle. Check her out!!!
Isn't that awesome!!! In addition to any questions you'd like to ask Barbara, why don't we celebrate her wonderful accomplishment by posting the one dream we'd love to say yes to! What's the one phone call you'd love to get? Besides a publisher wanting to buy your book, of course!
As always, one lucky commenter will receive a prize pack. Today I'm giving out a beautiful metal bookmark I fell in love with in Dallas, along with three books from my replenished stash.
Angel
55 comments:
Hi and welcome Barbara; what an accomplishment for you - congrats!!! All I can say is wow, way to go.
My one dream to say yes to would be that someone would offer their services to cook for me and personally train me so I could lose weight. I need someone behind me pushing me. I've done it before but am losing will power.
Congrats on the weight loss. You look absolutely fantastic. What are some of your diet secrets?
Robyn, I should have mentioned that I lost the weight through Weight Watchers. You can truly eat anything (ask the playground group, they saw me chowing down breakfast), it's totally portions. And Subway is a personal fiend of mine. :)
Thanks Kimberly,
I'd have to say the "secret" is to realize that it isn't a diet, but a lifestyle. Once I got my head around the fact that I'd have to think about my choices every day forever, it actually got easy and now it's almost automatic. I find myself craving fruit and vegetables, something that never happened in my "former" life.
Welcome, Barbara! Thanks for sharing your story with us. Congratulations -- that is such an awesome accomplishment. My dream to say yes to would be a job where I could read all day and get paid to do it. I definitely would say yes to that!
That's a major accomplishment!! Congrats!! I've lost 29 lbs, but gained 10 of it back. I've kind of lost my way here. But I'm working on it.
Congrats on the weight loss!!! I'm at a -64 pounds and counting! I've got xxxxxxxx more to go. I never say the number, because it's so large, that i think i'll never achieve it. I do say, I have a few more to go, so that each time i lose, i'm right.
Now some questions from a (pre-published) author....
1. How do you know what to blog?
2. What is the best thing about your job?
3. What is the worst thing about your job?
4. Is your job an everyday job or do you write ahead of time?? How much?
5. Who was, not counting the Playfriends (i almost typed Playmates...), the one you said "OMG!!!!!" when you met?
I think that's it for now...
Congrats again on the weight loss.
Nini :)
Hi Barbara,
Great to see you here! :-)
Congrats on the weight loss. As someone who struggles constantly, I'm impressed. What an accomplishment!
It's wonderful the way you pretty much fell into a job that's just right for you. Very cool.
LJ
Barbara, I LOVE your story. LOL at telling Karen everything wrong with publishing. Uh...sounds like something I'd stumble into. ;-)
You look WONDERFUL. Congrats on taking the weight off healthily. You must just feel GREAT!!!
First congrats on your weight loss. You should be very proud. What an accomplishment.
My dream is for my daughter to lose weight, her continued happiness, to have her health improved and to present me with a happy, healthy grandchild.
Hey, Barbara!!! As one who struggles with weight loss, I'm so impressed. Losing weight and keeping it off is not just hard, its a very personal struggle. Congratulations.
I'm so glad you came to visit today! I think Maven LJ is right; this job IS perfect for you.
I think nini covered some of my questions. Oh, BTW, did you ever choose a new name for your blog? (This refers to a blog post from a few days ago over on Barbara's blog.)
Angel
Hey Barbara!
Great to see you on the playground :) Loved the before and after photos -- how wonderful to shoot for your goal and attain it!
Truly enjoyed meeting you in Dallas and totally look forward to seeing you at future conferences!
Kelley
www.kelleystjohn.com
Welcome to the playground, Barbara! We're really excited to have you on the swingset.
And congratulations on the weight loss! I'm working WW myself right now so I know what a great program it is.
I'd love for someone to call me up and say I can quit my day job. However, the reality is I probably wouldn't quit it even if I could. I work for my Dad so there's a feeling of familial obligation. But it would sure make my life easier!
Instigator
Welcome to the playground, Barbara! I was at the PRO Retreat when I heard you were going to interview the playfriends. (They were uber excited to meet you!) I can't tell you how excited I was to hear you were also going to appear on their blog!
You look fabulous! Congratulations on the weight loss. You've inspired me given me hope that I can do it too.
One dream. It's hard to pin down just one, especially when it has to be something other than 'the call'. I want to leave a legacy for my children. Any phone call telling me that I've accomplished that would be extremely gratifying.
Kathy
Hi Barbara! Wow, you look amazing! Congrats. I just passed the 50 pound mark, also on WW. I'm within 10 pounds of my goal weight. I decided when I started losing that if I got to my goal, I'd get a tattoo. Now all of a sudden, I'm within 10 pouns. Eek!
What a terrific story you have! I love that you ended up telling someone in the biz everything that's wrong with it. That's TOTALLY something I'd do. But it comes from a place of passion about the genre, you know?
What's the thing you find most impressive about the women's fiction industry?
What's your biggest gripe about it?
I know what mine are, I just want to see if we match!
Congratulations on your weight loss. What a wonderful accomplishment. Have you been featured in Weight Watcher's magazine or on their website?
Thanks for all the kind words. Let me just say congrats to all that are taking the weight loss journey. Any loss is a milestone and should be celebrated. Please know that I'm available, even after today, for any questions or just to listen. I know how hard it is.
Now to answer some of Nini's questions:
1. How do you know what to blog?
Actually, I've kind of been making it up as I go. I try to think of things that I'd be interested in and write about them. I hang out at libraries and books stores and talk to people about what they're reading and write about that. I've got lots of interviews left to post. So, if anyone has a topic, let me know.
2. What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing is all the great people I've met in the industry, authors, publishers, editors, agents, readers, they're all terrific. This is the most positive group I've ever encountered and their energy is contagious.
3. What is the worst thing about your job?
Fear of saying something stupid. I've never claimed to be a writer, so I always try to sound semi-intelligent. :)
4. Is your job an everyday job or do you write ahead of time?? How much?
Sometimes I get lucky and write a couple, but mostly I'm a "by the seat of my pants" writer. Like right now, I'm in Panera's trying to write up an interview to post today, but I'm reading a great book and I hate to put it down. Curse of the job.
5. Who was, not counting the Playfriends (i almost typed Playmates...), the one you said "OMG!!!!!" when you met?
Hands down, it was Linda Howard. If you look back on my blogs from the RWA, you'll note that Kelley St. John surprised me at breakfast by bringing her along. I was in awe and couldn't even tell you what I ate. I just didn't want to slop any food on me (which happens occasionally).
Mary Kate,
Congrats on the 50#!! I am 11 pounds from my goal, so I know what you're talking about, although I think I'll skip the tattoo. :)
Now your questions:
What's the thing you find most impressive about the women's fiction industry?
Truthfully, I never thought about it before I started blogging. I was just a happy go lucky reader, thrilled when "my authors" had a new book out. But now that I'm seeing behind the scenes, I'd have to say the most impressive thing is the sheer fortitude the women authors display. These are women who, for the most part, work full time jobs, have husbands, raise kids and run a household. They may get discouraged, but they never give up. And the support they offer each other is awe inspiring. It gives me goosebumps to see women united in such a positive way.
What's your biggest gripe about it?
My gripe about the industry as a whole is the bad rap that romance seems to get. If you look at most books out there, there is some element of romance anyway, so what's the big deal? I think it's fear of the unknown. A matter of people, once again, complaining or making comments about something they don't have first hand knowledge of. If they read a "romance/suspense-paranormal-historical-etc" and then don't like it, fine. But read one first before making generalizations.
During my interview with Sandy Blair, she mentions that 15% of her readership is men. Well, a man commented on that and said he thought her male readership would only be about 1%, because he reads them, but doesn't tell anyone. What a sad, sad culture we live in to have it ok to say you read about horror, slashers, or play violent video games, but are ashamed to admit to enjoying stories of people loving one another.
Ok, I'm off my soapbox now. :)
Wow! So many visitors and it's only 9:30.
I still remember the morning we were asked to be interviewed. Kim was leaving messages on cell phones and grumbling because we weren't answering. Hey! I was following my own advice to put it on vibrate and I never "felt" the first call.
If Barbara was nervous she didn't show it and she put us all at ease right away. We've invited her to visit us in Alabama; maybe she'll say yes to that too.
What I'd like to say yes to? How about a call saying "Marilyn, would you like to be a mystery shopper for Carnival Cruise Lines and take oh... 3-4 cruises a year free and tell us what you think?" :-)
Congrats on the weight loss, Barbara. I lost 5 pounds before nationals and would like to lose 5 more. My exercise is hampered by a bad shoulder and a bad foot, both of which need surgery. I think the spare tire around the middle is where the extra weight is.
PM
Angel,
No blog name picked yet. It's really up to PW, so I'm waiting for them, but the suggestions were a hoot! I would take any one of them (almost). So, feel free to post more until they pick one.
Crystal G.,
No Weight Watcher story yet. I still have 11 pounds to lose and then I'll be a lifetime member. I'll probably send my story in then.
To tell the truth, when I started WW, I just wanted to lose enough to be able to walk up stairs (which I wasn't able to do, I had resorted to crawling, which was extremely demeaning). I never dreamed I'd be where I am now, weight wise. Losing weight is a very mental process and I think I was just ready. Then a year and a half later and I fall into this blogging business. By losing the weight, I had more confidence to travel (I can now fit in airline seats). I really believe God had a plan for me and He's not done yet. I'm just glad I was ready.
PM,
Congrats on your weight loss! I thought you looked great, but it's more how you feel. When I first started, I couldn't really exercise a lot, so I took a class where you exercised sitting down. We did a lot of bending and it will really help your waistline. I think there's a show on PBS.
I've never been to Alabama, but let me know if you guys have something going on there that I can talk PW into sending me to. I'm always packed and ready to go.:)
MaryKate!!!!
First off - amazing that we live close enuf to head to 'Skins training camps - and yeah, DH got the tickets, but handed them out already. I'm annoyed. I would have told you when i was heading out there and perhaps we could have met.
2. We both lose weight...
3. We both have a tattoo in mind when we reach our goal. That's my gift to myself. Other than a new wardrobe, i want to get a tattoo that, after five years, won't end up on my akle from gravity. ( I want it on the small of my back)...
Nini ;)
Sorry I'm late, y'all. I was off having the MRI on my knee done this morning (no news to share yet, other than MRIs are loud.)
So great to have you here, Barbara. You're one neat lady--and I wish I could have a dream job like yours land in my lap (if you decide to retire, slip PW my name, okay?)
Right now, I'd love the call that said, "PC, we can have you in surgery and fix that knee first thing tomorrow..."
PC
Hey Barbara! Glad to have you visit the Playground.
Right now I'd love to get a call from my agent of choice saying she'd love to represent me. Of course, that would require the book to be done. Hmm...Maybe just an email saying she'd love to read some more would be good for now.
Either that or that some long lost relative has died and left me everything. That way I can quit work and actually, I don't know, finish what I'm writing at the moment.
Barbara - have you ever interviewed anyone who turned out to be completely different from what you expected?
SP
what a cool job. congrats on everything,
kim h
Congrats on the weight loss! What a difference in your pics!!!
Hmm, phone call...? Aside from The Call, I just don't know! Maybe just a nice call from old friends wanting to get together. Simple, but what the heck. I have everything I need and want right now in my life, except for selling a book of course. :)
Barbara, it was great to talk with you that morning in Dallas. I don't know what you ate, either, but I know what I ate: sticky bun French toast. I don't know why I ordered that, because I'm not a fan of sticky buns. It was good, though. Kelley and I both had it.
Okay, it's sad that I remember food. What is it with women and food????
But that morning was such a fun morning. First, meeting you and having such fun at breakfast, then calling PC (summoning PC, actually) to introduce her to you so you could set up a time for the interview, then watching her try to contact all the other Playfriends, frantically punching numbers on her cell phone as she descended the escalator. The Children's enthusiasm always makes the day seem brighter.
Linda
Ok Smarty Pants,
Here's your question:
Barbara - have you ever interviewed anyone who turned out to be completely different from what you expected?
The answer is yes, but I'm not going to mention names. I loved everything she wrote and I asked her about a series and she got very angry. Something about the publisher made her mad. I was very uncomfortable because she never stopped talking about it, even when I changed the subject. So much anger is not a good thing, especially when it's directed at me (for asking the original question I assume).
Congrats on this great accomplishment. It takes discipline and that is wonderful. Glad to learn all about this milestone. A dream would be to have won a trip to an interesting and fascinating destination.
Wow! What a great story. What are you hoping to change in the publishing industry?
Thanks for answering my question, Barbara. I'm almost afraid to meet the authors I hold in such high regard because I'm afraid they'll shatter my rosy image of them. I just can't read someone's book when I know they're unpleasant or rude to their readers. Ruins everything. I hope that one day if I become published, any fan that meets me goes away happy and excited about the chance, not disappointed. Of course, that means I'll have to work on my extroversion...
Wow! I go away for a few hours and everybody posts! :)
Remind me never to take a 3 year old to Chuck E. Cheese anywhere close to nap time. The results when you try to leave are not pretty!
Angel
Oh, I forgot to post my wish call... After The Call, I think I'd love to have someone tell me I hit the NYT best seller extended list with a first time category book. (How's that for dreaming? :)
Angel
You'll have people laughing in the isles, SP. You're very witty!
I hope the MRI clears things up for the doctors and that you can get this taken care of soon, PC.
Barbara, I've been wondering all day, if you could interview any author throughout time, which author would you choose and why?
And is there any specific genre that you prefer reading?
Thanks,
Kathy
Hi Maureen,
Here's your question:
What are you hoping to change in the publishing industry?
I guess I haven't really thought about changing anything. My goal when I started was just to have a place where readers and authors could go to and praise books, enjoy interviews by getting to know authors better and comment or vent about issues. I have talked to editors and publishers and let them know what I'm hearing from readers. (I belong to several online book groups as well)
Now that I've done the blog for a while, I'd like to get the word out on all the great reads there are out there and credit the terrific authors of our time. I try to do that by offering Your Turn Fridays where anyone can comment on what they're reading and why. I also have received a lot of ARC and will write about them.
The other part is to bring readers closer to the authors by attending the different conventions and reporting on them. The response has been tremendous. A lot of readers will never be able attend and love the feeling of "being there." I've noticed on a lot of bulletin boards the readers are home bound due to health issues and the internet is their window to the world. They love to read and hopefully my little blog will have them feeling closer to the action. I have received a lot of grateful emails about this.
We both have a tattoo in mind when we reach our goal. That's my gift to myself. Other than a new wardrobe, i want to get a tattoo that, after five years, won't end up on my akle from gravity. ( I want it on the small of my back)...
Congrats on the weight loss, Nini! It's an amazing accomplishment. Yeah, I'll go for small of my back too. A tasteful little shamrock (I'm a St. Patty's Day baby).
Barbara - I think what you're doing is amazing! What a terrific accomplishment and it sounds like you're already kind of living the dream (or at least the dream of a lot of readers). I love that you are so down to earth about it. Some bloggers seem to get a slightly inflated ego from the work they do, but you sound really grounded.
So, I'll ask, what's the last book that read that absolutely blew you out of the water?
What kind of romance do you prefer? Do you read all kinds, or only specific kinds?
Who do you think is the next BIG THING in romance?
Wow, things are really popping on the Playground!
Barbara, congratulations on your dream job and the weight loss! Having done the yo-yo thing for years and carving off 30#'s last year and keeping it off, I know that it's a great feeling. (Of course, I just ate 2 fudge stripe cookies, so clearly I have not beaten this pesky food addiction. :-)
Now if I could just meet this deadline...
Rhonda
www.readrhondanelson.com
Hi Kathy,
Your question:
Barbara, I've been wondering all day, if you could interview any author throughout time, which author would you choose and why?
Wow, that's tough. Oscar Wilde because of his great dialog. Wm Shakespeare to ask if he really wrote it all. And finally, the great Erma Bombeck. She was hilarious and I bet she would have been a great interview.
Some Bombeck quotes:
"The only reason I would take up jogging is so I could hear heavy breathing again."
"In general, my children refused to eat anything that hadn't danced on TV."
"When humor goes, there goes civilization."
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
And is there any specific genre that you prefer reading?
I really like to read it all, but right now my favorite is paranormal and the urban fantasy...oh and historical...and contemporary thrillers...oh yeah and military, conspiracy, medieval and humorous. I guess the only ones I don't care for are books that don't end "Happily Ever After." :)
Holy cow!! You guys are writing questions faster than I can answer them. Of course, if this was verbal, I'd do a much better job. lol
MaryKate asks:
So, I'll ask, what's the last book that read that absolutely blew you out of the water?
I'll assume you're talking about women's fiction because otherwise I'd have to say Harry Potter 7 (loved it...and proud to say it!!). So, other than that, I'd have to say Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It's not out yet, but she gave me an ARC at RWA (one of my favorite perks of the job, {grin}).
I love the Dark Hunter series and for anyone who's followed it, this explains a lot about Ash (be still my heart).
What kind of romance do you prefer? Do you read all kinds, or only specific kinds?
See my previous answer. Pretty much all HEAs.
Who do you think is the next BIG THING in romance?
I am totally unqualified to answer this since I absolutely, positive love romance. To me, a lot of writers should be the next big thing. So I guess I'm going to take the diplomatic way out and decline to answer. But know that I'm reading as fast as I can so I can say, "Oh her? I read her already when she was just starting out."
I must say that you ladies are asking terrific questions. I've had to think today a lot more than I've been led to believe.
I'd have to say Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It's not out yet, but she gave me an ARC at RWA (one of my favorite perks of the job, {grin}).
Hmm....how do you get into this business? I love SK and would love 'perks'....
Nini :)
I know Nini, I'm still pinching myself over this gravy job. :)
Congrats on the weight loss Barbara! You look wonderful. You are right about the portion control being the key. I just had a baby girl 9 months ago and I have lost 40 pounds using portion control. I am an emotional eater with a sweet tooth so it is not always easy but it is so worth it. I look and feel better.
Cherie,
Congrats on the weight loss and the new baby!!
I've never been to Alabama, but let me know if you guys have something going on there that I can talk PW into sending me to. I'm always packed and ready to go.:)
Well... as it so happens... Our RWA chapter has this absolutely fabu luncheon on May 17 of next year. It's totally about the reader, hence the name Romance Readers' Luncheon. We have a guest speaker (Rita winner Roxanne St. Claire will be with us next May) and not only our own great HOD authors, but others from neighboring RWA groups. There are loads of gift baskets and prizes to win along with a raffle to have your name in an author's book as a character. And afterwards, there's a multi-author booksigning where you can max out your credit card and go home with a ton o' books all autographed by your favorite authors.
We'd love to have you!
PM
PM,
I can see it now...."PW, can I go to Alabama for a luncheon? Oh and can I use the company credit card to buy a couple of books while I'm there?"
That sounds like it just might get approved. :)
Aren't there like any overnight things? You know, where you guys get all wild and crazy like at RWA?
Um, you met us right? Whenever we get together we get wild and crazy ;-) But probably more so at our annual retreat than at the luncheon (PC usually makes us behave at the luncheon - although we do party at the bar the night before). And it usually ends up being a Friday/Saturday thing for everyone who comes from out of town (and a few of us who use the excuse for a night away from the family).
Instigator
Oh gosh! We could introduce Barbara to the "Teeter Totter." *grin*
PM
Teeter totter??
I think I see or saw that. (I know, bad pun) :)
Congrats Barbara! That is wonderful! Why did you decide to defeat this weight at this time? Did you feel motivated the entire time? Best of luck.
Ruth asks:
Why did you decide to defeat this weight at this time?
I have a condo where my bedrooms are upstairs. One day I headed up there and couldn't do it. I had to crawl up and I was only 53 years old. As I lay crying on the ground, all I could think of was that I would have to live in my living room for the rest of my life (I'm single and live alone). It scared me enough to make me go to a Weight Watchers meeting the very next morning.
Did you feel motivated the entire time?
When I started, I wasn't thinking "I have 125 pounds to lose." I just kept thinking, "Just get through today." And I knew that I never wanted to have to crawl again. So, I guess I was motivated and as the weight came off and smaller clothes started fitting, people started noticing and it felt good to be noticed for looking good. Before that I hated for anyone to notice me because I was so embarrassed.
It truly is one day at a time and I will never take my weight loss for granted.
Congratulations, Barbara! You look great!
Wilde, Shakespeare and Bombeck, interesting choices indeed! Thanks for taking time to answer my questions, Barbara. And Erma's quotes were great. I miss getting to read her column in the paper.
I write historicals so I was glad that you mentioned you like to read them.
Happy reading and thanks for coming to play! I'll be the luncheon coordinator for the May 17th Luncheon. Maybe we'll get to see you then.
Kathy
Ladies, I'm calling it a night. Thanks so much for asking me to blog with you, I had a great time. Be sure to stop by my blog and leave a message or two.
I'll let you know when I'll be posting the interview with The Writing Playground.
Bottom line: Nothing finer than hanging with them 'Bama girls.
Congrats on the weight loss, this is a hard thing for anybody to do.
The phone call I would love to get would be Walt Diseny Studio's calling me and asking me to be part of their team. I would so love to do artwork for them. I also would not mind working at doing make-up and special effects in the movies.
Overcoming an obsticle like loosing weight is so hard! I know because I struggled with that for a great many years and even now I am still working some off. So you go girl! Pure inspiration.
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