While the Playfriends attend the RWA National Conference, we're answering your questions about life, writing, and everything else on the blog. Comments are open and there are prizes to be won!
Jane asks: Do the Playfriends communicate by phone or email daily? How often do the Playfriends get together in person?
More like seven hundred times a day. :-) Very little goes on in our lives we don't feel the need to share with the others immediately. We have our own yahoo loop, and on busy days there could be fifty emails flying around. As for in person gatherings, that can vary. Sometimes we'll go a couple of weeks without the whole group getting together, but we're usually planning something -- a dinner, a shopping trip, breakfast before our chapter meeting, a movie trip -- and it's not uncommon for us to get together in smaller groups. PM, Angel, and PC went shopping for Nationals, but SP and Insti were at work and couldn't come.
Check in next week to see how conference went!
*Jane, send us your address to claim your prize!
Showing posts with label Ask Us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ask Us. Show all posts
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ask us: Conference Edition
While the Playfriends attend the RWA National Conference, we're answering your questions about life, writing, and everything else on the blog. Comments are open and there are prizes to be won!
Avi asks: How much time do you spend doing research after you have come up with a plot. Does location play a big part of that research?
PC: Since I'm a pantser, I tend to research on the fly. Usually right after I've written myself into a corner. :-) Location is important, and I do research that up front, because I need to have a feel for where my characters are. I can't really say how much time I spend on research, simply because I'm usually in a panic, trying to figure something out so I can write myself out of the corner!
PM: My book is set in Atlanta, and while I was familiar with the overall layout and flavor of the city, I needed help with some of the details. My nephew attended Georgia Tech and my sister became very familiar with Atlanta during his four years there. Additionally she has to go to Atlanta on business at least once a year. So, she and I took one of our infamous girl's trips to Atlanta last December and scoped out all the places I used in the book. We stayed at the Georgian Terrace Hotel where my hero and heroine had their honeymoon, looked up the house in the Virginia Highland area of town that I'd patterned my heroine's house after and visited the Biltmore Hotel where I set a charity ball scene. After those three days of living in the setting of my book, it really came alive for me. Now let's see... wonder if I can set the next one in Paris?
SP: I am a plotter, but there are only certain elements that I research in advance. I'm not big on tons of research, which is why I could never write a historical. Usually I look up things as I go along, but I try to keep my book fairly general if I feel I'm treading into an area that I could really mess up with too many details. Currently, the book I'm working on involves a poker tournament. Before I started writing, I had to get a general idea of how they're run, the basics of the game, and how anyone could manage to cheat. Aside from that, I set a fictional hotel in a fictional location on the strip (smack dab on top of the Tropicana, actually, but I only know that because I lived there) and only add the specifics I need to make the story ring authentic to readers but not bore them with the mechanics of the game.
In terms of location, I tend to set the stories in places that have the right 'feel' for the story. I throw in seasonally appropriate details and landmarks that I look up online, but I'm not really one to make the location one of the characters. Its important where they are and how it impacts the story, but I don't use it that heavily. I do, however, let the location help me build characters, like proper southern ladies and laid back beach dwellers.
Insti: The short answer is that it depends on the book. I do as much research as I need to. Some require more - like Afterburn. I was dealing with a setting and occupations I didn't know, not to mention the military. I often don't realize I need a piece of information until I get into the writing but I don't want to interrupt the creative flow so I tend to write myself notes. My first draft is dotted with red text reminding me that I need to google this or that.
Location can play a huge part in the book. I do tend to try and stay with places that I either know or with making up locations that I use. Every place has it's own quirks and it's hard to capture those if you've never been there (or don't know anyone who has).
Angel: Since I write contemporary, a large part of my research is simply location. I make up most city or small town names, just to give myself some leeway, but I definitely check out the region. Especially pictures! I'm a visual person, so I love to google pictures and find houses and landscapes that give me a feel for the area. Otherwise, I just make notes in the manuscript about things I need to look up later, and do so.
Avi, please email us to claim your prize.
Avi asks: How much time do you spend doing research after you have come up with a plot. Does location play a big part of that research?
PC: Since I'm a pantser, I tend to research on the fly. Usually right after I've written myself into a corner. :-) Location is important, and I do research that up front, because I need to have a feel for where my characters are. I can't really say how much time I spend on research, simply because I'm usually in a panic, trying to figure something out so I can write myself out of the corner!
PM: My book is set in Atlanta, and while I was familiar with the overall layout and flavor of the city, I needed help with some of the details. My nephew attended Georgia Tech and my sister became very familiar with Atlanta during his four years there. Additionally she has to go to Atlanta on business at least once a year. So, she and I took one of our infamous girl's trips to Atlanta last December and scoped out all the places I used in the book. We stayed at the Georgian Terrace Hotel where my hero and heroine had their honeymoon, looked up the house in the Virginia Highland area of town that I'd patterned my heroine's house after and visited the Biltmore Hotel where I set a charity ball scene. After those three days of living in the setting of my book, it really came alive for me. Now let's see... wonder if I can set the next one in Paris?
SP: I am a plotter, but there are only certain elements that I research in advance. I'm not big on tons of research, which is why I could never write a historical. Usually I look up things as I go along, but I try to keep my book fairly general if I feel I'm treading into an area that I could really mess up with too many details. Currently, the book I'm working on involves a poker tournament. Before I started writing, I had to get a general idea of how they're run, the basics of the game, and how anyone could manage to cheat. Aside from that, I set a fictional hotel in a fictional location on the strip (smack dab on top of the Tropicana, actually, but I only know that because I lived there) and only add the specifics I need to make the story ring authentic to readers but not bore them with the mechanics of the game.
In terms of location, I tend to set the stories in places that have the right 'feel' for the story. I throw in seasonally appropriate details and landmarks that I look up online, but I'm not really one to make the location one of the characters. Its important where they are and how it impacts the story, but I don't use it that heavily. I do, however, let the location help me build characters, like proper southern ladies and laid back beach dwellers.
Insti: The short answer is that it depends on the book. I do as much research as I need to. Some require more - like Afterburn. I was dealing with a setting and occupations I didn't know, not to mention the military. I often don't realize I need a piece of information until I get into the writing but I don't want to interrupt the creative flow so I tend to write myself notes. My first draft is dotted with red text reminding me that I need to google this or that.
Location can play a huge part in the book. I do tend to try and stay with places that I either know or with making up locations that I use. Every place has it's own quirks and it's hard to capture those if you've never been there (or don't know anyone who has).
Angel: Since I write contemporary, a large part of my research is simply location. I make up most city or small town names, just to give myself some leeway, but I definitely check out the region. Especially pictures! I'm a visual person, so I love to google pictures and find houses and landscapes that give me a feel for the area. Otherwise, I just make notes in the manuscript about things I need to look up later, and do so.
Avi, please email us to claim your prize.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Ask us: Conference Edition
While the Playfriends attend the RWA National Conference, we're answering your questions about life, writing, and everything else on the blog. Comments are open and there are prizes to be won!
Patsy Lynn asks: I know that most publishers/editors have a minimum word count for submissions. I am new to submitting and would like to know if word count alone can get your manuscript rejected. Also, do you have any suggestions on where I could go to help me write my synopsis. What if your book is wonderful, but your synopsis falls short?
PC: Word count can get your manuscript rejected -- but don't panic yet. Part of avoiding this is doing your homework. For instance, Harlequin has a word count range for each line. If the range is 50-55k, your 100k masterpiece will be rejected. Harlequin just doesn't publish that length. At the same time, a story that's only 30k won't be long enough to publish.
But outside of the extremes, I wouldn't panic too much. A great story that's 5k too short is fixable. A great story that's 5k too long is also fixable.
For synopsis help, I recommend Charlotte Dillon's fab website (www.charlottedillon.com). You can also Google "synopsis" and find a lot of advice.
As the fabulous Miss Snark used to say, the purpose of a synopsis is to assure the editor that aliens don't suddenly arrive in chapter 14. Your synopsis just gives the editor a chance to see that you know how the book ends, and that it ends without an unnecessary alien invasion. The writing is what really matters. (Remember, you're talking to the girl who cut and rewrote everything after page 50 of her first book.)
PM has nothing more to add since PC did such a great job.
SP concurs. :)
Insti: Slackers. :-) But yeah, I agree with PC. I'd like to add not to let worrying about manuscript length infringe on your creative abilities. Don't get bogged down in minute details that in the grand scheme of things don't matter. What's more important is that you're writing a good book with believable/identifiable characters. Concentrate on that first. When you have a first draft - and only then - worry about things like word count.
As for writing a synopsis I like to use the layer method. Start with the things that are most important - and leave out everything else! Once you know how long the important things are (character, turning points, voice/feel of story, a tiny piece of backstory) you can add anything else that's important if you have the room. Putting a 50K word book into 5 pages can be tough but you need to be ruthless with what's important for the editor to know up front.
Angel: The only thing I have to add is for the synopsis: try to write it with the same voice as your book, so it reflects the tone and word usage of the rest of your writing. AND, if you don't have it by the time you're done writing (and rewriting) it, you haven't done it right. :)
*Patsy Lynn, send us your address to claim your prize!
Patsy Lynn asks: I know that most publishers/editors have a minimum word count for submissions. I am new to submitting and would like to know if word count alone can get your manuscript rejected. Also, do you have any suggestions on where I could go to help me write my synopsis. What if your book is wonderful, but your synopsis falls short?
PC: Word count can get your manuscript rejected -- but don't panic yet. Part of avoiding this is doing your homework. For instance, Harlequin has a word count range for each line. If the range is 50-55k, your 100k masterpiece will be rejected. Harlequin just doesn't publish that length. At the same time, a story that's only 30k won't be long enough to publish.
But outside of the extremes, I wouldn't panic too much. A great story that's 5k too short is fixable. A great story that's 5k too long is also fixable.
For synopsis help, I recommend Charlotte Dillon's fab website (www.charlottedillon.com). You can also Google "synopsis" and find a lot of advice.
As the fabulous Miss Snark used to say, the purpose of a synopsis is to assure the editor that aliens don't suddenly arrive in chapter 14. Your synopsis just gives the editor a chance to see that you know how the book ends, and that it ends without an unnecessary alien invasion. The writing is what really matters. (Remember, you're talking to the girl who cut and rewrote everything after page 50 of her first book.)
PM has nothing more to add since PC did such a great job.
SP concurs. :)
Insti: Slackers. :-) But yeah, I agree with PC. I'd like to add not to let worrying about manuscript length infringe on your creative abilities. Don't get bogged down in minute details that in the grand scheme of things don't matter. What's more important is that you're writing a good book with believable/identifiable characters. Concentrate on that first. When you have a first draft - and only then - worry about things like word count.
As for writing a synopsis I like to use the layer method. Start with the things that are most important - and leave out everything else! Once you know how long the important things are (character, turning points, voice/feel of story, a tiny piece of backstory) you can add anything else that's important if you have the room. Putting a 50K word book into 5 pages can be tough but you need to be ruthless with what's important for the editor to know up front.
Angel: The only thing I have to add is for the synopsis: try to write it with the same voice as your book, so it reflects the tone and word usage of the rest of your writing. AND, if you don't have it by the time you're done writing (and rewriting) it, you haven't done it right. :)
*Patsy Lynn, send us your address to claim your prize!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Ask us: Conference Edition
While the Playfriends attend the RWA National Conference, we're answering your questions about life, writing, and everything else on the blog. Comments are open and there are prizes to be won!
kimh asks: Who was your inspiration for writing, and if you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
PC: I don't know who I'd list as an "inspiration," but someone told me once I reminded them of Jenny Crusie when she first started out, and that made me very happy indeed!
Realistically, if I wasn't writing, I'd still be teaching. Since I don't like students all that much, I'm very glad that's not the case.
PM: I worked as a book reviewer for a romance website and had so many of the authors there offer advice and encouragement -- Kathie DeNosky, Kristi Gold and Elizabeth Sinclair especially. Leanne Banks was the first romance writer I met online and she continues to cheer me on. I met Roxanne St. Claire at my first conference and I want to be like her when I grow up. Our Mavens at Heart of Dixie RWA -- Beverly Barton, Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones -- have been a source of constant help and information (and the occasional boot in the rear when I need it). And last but certainly not least the other Playfriends have paved the way for me as I straggled along behind them in the whole process.
If I wasn't writing, I'd probably still be reviewing books.
SP: My earliest writing influences were writers like Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Mary Higgins Clark. I was definitely drawn to thrillers early on. As I got a little older and got my hands on spicier stuff, I started reading historicals by Bertrice Small and Jude Deveraux. Turns out I couldn't make myself write it, though. Right now, I'd have to say that the work of writers like Maven LJ and Charlaine Harris push me to write better within my genre, which I consider to be quirky paranormals with fun characters.
If I couldn't write, I'd probably throw all my energy behind starting a wedding business. Own my own chapel or coordinator company. Wedding cakes and such. I really enjoy doing it, but I simply don't have the energy to chase both dreams at once.
Insti: There are sooo many influences in my decision to write. Every last author I've read since I turned thirteen and discovered Harlequin and romance novels. They all brought me something different, took me to different places and opened worlds to me that I wouldn't have seen without their work.
*kimh, send us your address to claim your prize!
kimh asks: Who was your inspiration for writing, and if you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
PC: I don't know who I'd list as an "inspiration," but someone told me once I reminded them of Jenny Crusie when she first started out, and that made me very happy indeed!
Realistically, if I wasn't writing, I'd still be teaching. Since I don't like students all that much, I'm very glad that's not the case.
PM: I worked as a book reviewer for a romance website and had so many of the authors there offer advice and encouragement -- Kathie DeNosky, Kristi Gold and Elizabeth Sinclair especially. Leanne Banks was the first romance writer I met online and she continues to cheer me on. I met Roxanne St. Claire at my first conference and I want to be like her when I grow up. Our Mavens at Heart of Dixie RWA -- Beverly Barton, Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones -- have been a source of constant help and information (and the occasional boot in the rear when I need it). And last but certainly not least the other Playfriends have paved the way for me as I straggled along behind them in the whole process.
If I wasn't writing, I'd probably still be reviewing books.
SP: My earliest writing influences were writers like Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Mary Higgins Clark. I was definitely drawn to thrillers early on. As I got a little older and got my hands on spicier stuff, I started reading historicals by Bertrice Small and Jude Deveraux. Turns out I couldn't make myself write it, though. Right now, I'd have to say that the work of writers like Maven LJ and Charlaine Harris push me to write better within my genre, which I consider to be quirky paranormals with fun characters.
If I couldn't write, I'd probably throw all my energy behind starting a wedding business. Own my own chapel or coordinator company. Wedding cakes and such. I really enjoy doing it, but I simply don't have the energy to chase both dreams at once.
Insti: There are sooo many influences in my decision to write. Every last author I've read since I turned thirteen and discovered Harlequin and romance novels. They all brought me something different, took me to different places and opened worlds to me that I wouldn't have seen without their work.
I might have met the Mavens after I'd made the decision to write but they are a HUGE part of the reason I'm published. They're also hugely responsible for the fact that I didn't quit and for the fact that I was ready and aware of the industry I'd decided to become a part of.
What would I be doing if I wasn't writing? Probably still doing my day job (office manager for a small company). Although, I'd also need a new obsession to take the place of my writing time. I'm not sure what that would be. It would probably involve something that would drive the girls batty and/or embarrass them to death. Honestly, I'd probably turn into a stage mom. The girls appreciate my editor more than she will ever know.
Angel: Early in my reading of romance, I was influenced by authors like Phyllis A Whitney and Mary Stewart. Since I started writing, my biggest influences have been our Mavens (Linda Winstead Jones, Beverly Barton, and Linda Howard) who have taught us both craft and the business side of writing, and the Playfriends, who are available for a pep talk or to help solve a plot problem at any given moment.
But I have to say my biggest influences aren't writing friends. They are my husband and my mother and sister. Both have encouraged me from the moment I first said out loud that I wanted to write a book. They ask me about my writing and listen when I try to explain the ins and outs of this challenging industry. More than anything, they believe in me. Whether I ever sell a book or not, that belief is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Without writing in my life, I'd have a heck of a lot more free time, I can tell you that! But I honestly can't imagine my life without it anymore. So I can't answer that part of the question.
*kimh, send us your address to claim your prize!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Ask us: Conference Edition
While the Playfriends attend the RWA National Conference, we're answering your questions about life, writing, and everything else on the blog. Comments are open and there are prizes to be won!
Claire asks: How did all of you get started writing? Was it something you always wanted to do? Do you write anything besides romance novels?
PC: It sounds cliche, but I've always wanted to write a romance. I didn't start writing until after my daughter was born, though. I'm not sure what the spark was that was different from all the times before that I said I wanted to write, but it felt like the right time. I'm so glad I found RWA and my chapter, Heart of Dixie, at the very beginning. I learned so much so quickly.
As for writing something else, unless you count blog posts and notes to my daughter's teacher, then, no :-)
SP: I actually started writing in elementary school. I'd take our simple writing assignment and manage to spin it into some melodrama. I got my hands on a typewriter in junior high and started pounding out pages. Although all my stories had a romance element, I never really considered them to be romances. I considered them to be thrillers or mysteries because there was always a whodunnit thrown in with my story. When I got older, I realized that the relationship in the story was so critical that perhaps they were more romance than anything else. Since then, everything I've written has had a romance at its core. (Unless you count those miserable technical documents I write for work.)
Insti: I started writing when Sweet Pea was a year old. I think I needed something that was just for me - something that didn't involve drool and diapers. Honestly, I grew up thinking my younger sister would be the writer in the family so it never occurred to me to think about doing it. But when she decided to be a chemical engineer (yeah, as far from writing as you can get) I thought why not? I grew up with a book permanently in my hand and I have to admit sometimes I didn't like the way the book ended. I thought the story should have been different...MY way. So I decided to try it. It was worth the gamble. I found a piece of myself I hadn't realized was missing.
Angel: As with most writers, I started out as an avid reader. All through my teens and into adulthood, I devoured books and received a Bachelor of Arts in English. I also spent a lot of time day dreaming about the characters and what I would have done differently, but it never occurred to me to write a book until a dear friend suggested I attend a workshop for writers. From then on, I was hooked! Now I write romance, short fiction for the Trues magazines, non-fiction articles, and even resumes (for the day job).
Claire, please email us to claim your prize.
Claire asks: How did all of you get started writing? Was it something you always wanted to do? Do you write anything besides romance novels?
PC: It sounds cliche, but I've always wanted to write a romance. I didn't start writing until after my daughter was born, though. I'm not sure what the spark was that was different from all the times before that I said I wanted to write, but it felt like the right time. I'm so glad I found RWA and my chapter, Heart of Dixie, at the very beginning. I learned so much so quickly.
As for writing something else, unless you count blog posts and notes to my daughter's teacher, then, no :-)
PM: I never started out to be a writer. I sorta stumbled into it. Actually you can read about my journey to writing romance on our website this month. I've completed one manuscript and I also write short stories for the confessions magazines (True Confessions, True Story, etc).
SP: I actually started writing in elementary school. I'd take our simple writing assignment and manage to spin it into some melodrama. I got my hands on a typewriter in junior high and started pounding out pages. Although all my stories had a romance element, I never really considered them to be romances. I considered them to be thrillers or mysteries because there was always a whodunnit thrown in with my story. When I got older, I realized that the relationship in the story was so critical that perhaps they were more romance than anything else. Since then, everything I've written has had a romance at its core. (Unless you count those miserable technical documents I write for work.)
Insti: I started writing when Sweet Pea was a year old. I think I needed something that was just for me - something that didn't involve drool and diapers. Honestly, I grew up thinking my younger sister would be the writer in the family so it never occurred to me to think about doing it. But when she decided to be a chemical engineer (yeah, as far from writing as you can get) I thought why not? I grew up with a book permanently in my hand and I have to admit sometimes I didn't like the way the book ended. I thought the story should have been different...MY way. So I decided to try it. It was worth the gamble. I found a piece of myself I hadn't realized was missing.
Angel: As with most writers, I started out as an avid reader. All through my teens and into adulthood, I devoured books and received a Bachelor of Arts in English. I also spent a lot of time day dreaming about the characters and what I would have done differently, but it never occurred to me to write a book until a dear friend suggested I attend a workshop for writers. From then on, I was hooked! Now I write romance, short fiction for the Trues magazines, non-fiction articles, and even resumes (for the day job).
Claire, please email us to claim your prize.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ask us: Conference Edition
While the Playfriends attend the RWA National Conference, we're answering your questions about life, writing, and everything else on the blog. Comments are open and there are prizes to be won!
jeanne asks: I would love to know what authors you are all excited about meeting at the conference.
PC: Oh wow. Thanks to RWA conferences, I can say I've gotten to at least say hello to authors I get all fan-girl just thinking about: Jenny Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Julie Garwood, Nora Roberts. Most of the authors I'm looking forward to meeting are the ones I've "met" online, but not in person. The Mills and Boon "Newbies" are planning a breakfast meeting and I'm really looking forward to meeting all the authors I've been talking to online for the last year.
PM: This will be my sixth conference and like PC I've had the fan-girl moments meeting Meg Cabot, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Suzanne Brockmann and more. But I'm also always excited to meet the authors who've made their first sale since last year. You can spot them by the pink ribbon on their badge and the absolute glow that surrounds them. Last year PC had her pink ribbon and year before it was Instigator. Our good friend and chapter mate Lynn Raye Harris will be wearing a pink ribbon this year.
SP: Hmm...this is my fifth conference. I've met so many cool people, so its hard to say. I don't know that its any one author that I'm excited about, so much as being in the author-zone. Everywhere I look will be people who 'get' me. People who live my dream. Its a comforting feeling. Its also cool to bump into someone, read their nametag and realize - "Hey! I know you from such and such but I've never met you in person." Those are fun moments. I have to admit though, that I'm glad Stephenie Meyer is not a member of RWA that I know of. I'd hate to go fangirl on her, and I don't think I could stop myself.
Insti: Like the others, I've been to several conferences and have had my share of fangirl moments - Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Suzanne Enoch, Jenny Crusie... This year I wish Charlaine Harris were going to be there because I'd completely wig out. But what I look forward to most is seeing people I can only connect with once a year - especially the other Blaze Babes.
Angel: Like the other Playfriends, I've been to enough conferences to have met many of my favorite authors, including Sharon Sala, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney. This year, I'm looking forward to hearing JR Ward and Jessica Andersen speak during a workshop. Most of all, I'm looking forward to meeting my fellow Golden Heart finalists -- the 2009 Ruby Slipper Sisterhood. I've gotten to "meet" them online, but this will be a chance to see them in person.
*jeanne, send your snail mail addy to the Playground Monitor to claim your prize!
jeanne asks: I would love to know what authors you are all excited about meeting at the conference.
PC: Oh wow. Thanks to RWA conferences, I can say I've gotten to at least say hello to authors I get all fan-girl just thinking about: Jenny Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Julie Garwood, Nora Roberts. Most of the authors I'm looking forward to meeting are the ones I've "met" online, but not in person. The Mills and Boon "Newbies" are planning a breakfast meeting and I'm really looking forward to meeting all the authors I've been talking to online for the last year.
PM: This will be my sixth conference and like PC I've had the fan-girl moments meeting Meg Cabot, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Suzanne Brockmann and more. But I'm also always excited to meet the authors who've made their first sale since last year. You can spot them by the pink ribbon on their badge and the absolute glow that surrounds them. Last year PC had her pink ribbon and year before it was Instigator. Our good friend and chapter mate Lynn Raye Harris will be wearing a pink ribbon this year.
SP: Hmm...this is my fifth conference. I've met so many cool people, so its hard to say. I don't know that its any one author that I'm excited about, so much as being in the author-zone. Everywhere I look will be people who 'get' me. People who live my dream. Its a comforting feeling. Its also cool to bump into someone, read their nametag and realize - "Hey! I know you from such and such but I've never met you in person." Those are fun moments. I have to admit though, that I'm glad Stephenie Meyer is not a member of RWA that I know of. I'd hate to go fangirl on her, and I don't think I could stop myself.
Insti: Like the others, I've been to several conferences and have had my share of fangirl moments - Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Suzanne Enoch, Jenny Crusie... This year I wish Charlaine Harris were going to be there because I'd completely wig out. But what I look forward to most is seeing people I can only connect with once a year - especially the other Blaze Babes.
Angel: Like the other Playfriends, I've been to enough conferences to have met many of my favorite authors, including Sharon Sala, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney. This year, I'm looking forward to hearing JR Ward and Jessica Andersen speak during a workshop. Most of all, I'm looking forward to meeting my fellow Golden Heart finalists -- the 2009 Ruby Slipper Sisterhood. I've gotten to "meet" them online, but this will be a chance to see them in person.
*jeanne, send your snail mail addy to the Playground Monitor to claim your prize!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Ask Us: Golden Heart Final
While the Playfriends are away at conference this week, we decided to do a little Q&A with our readers. But I get to answer Monday’s questions all on my own: What is it like to be a Golden Heart ® finalist? Several people have asked me this, and of course, the Playfriends have had to put up with the goofy grin on my face for months. So today, I’ll try to give you a little glimpse of what being a GH finalist has been like.
Let me start off with a little explanation for those of you who aren’t immersed in the romance writing community like we are. The Golden Heart is a contest for unpublished authors, sponsored by Romance Writers of America. It, along with the published author RITA contest, has been described as the Oscars of the romance writing community. The winner of the awards are announced on the final night of National Conference (Saturday) during an awards ceremony, followed by a dessert reception. This is a really high honor in our field. In my case, I consider it an incredible achievement, as my category had over 80 entries, with only 8 finalists. I’m truly honored and excited.
The journey started with lots of excitement and disbelief. You can read my call story in the March 2009 archives. I was practically useless for a week, as I got to enjoy the fun of telling others, celebrating with my peeps, and meeting the other finalists online. The 2009 finalists have a yahoo group, and we’ve been steadily logging in the emails as conference approaches. It has been wonderful to get to know this group of women, whose perseverance, encouragement, and advice have boosted my own writing output and confidence throughout the last few months.
My local RWA chapter (north Alabama’s Heart of Dixie) celebrated along with me and the Playfriends went out to dinner, of course. We have a tradition in our chapter of giving silver charms when authors make their first sale. The Playfriends gifted me with a silver charm bracelet in honor of this momentous event, with a silver heart charm engraved with “2009 Golden Heart Finalist” and the name of my book. I can’t contain my smile every time I wear it. I know that one day, I’ll add that first sale charm to it.
After the initial rush of excitement, I finally had to face reality. Not only had I finalled in this contest, but my picture was about to be seen all over the world on the Romance Writers of America website and on the jumbotron at National Conference before at least 2000 people. Yikes! Luckily, I felt confident in handling this for myself. I gathered my mother-in-law and sister-in-law together and we trekked over to Maven LJ’s house for an informal studio session. We were able to get some pretty good shots, and I didn’t feel like I would completely disgrace myself when my picture flashed up on the screen.
Then came the flurry of decisions about conference appointments. You see, at National Conference, attendees can sign up for agent and editor appointments where they can pitch their books. This year, I’m pitching a single title for the first time, so I had to make choices about who to see. As a GH finalist, I got to sign up on the first day appointments came open. This is the first time I was able to actually sign up on a day that I didn’t have to worry about the server crashing. :)
But one decision leads to another… in this case, the most important decisions of all: what on earth am I going to wear? The dress for the big night was taken care of rather quickly. I’ll be wearing this goddess dress that Maven Linda Winstead Jones so graciously gave me. This isn’t a great picture of it, but I love the peach color. That’s the silver shawl I’ll wear with it. Isn’t it beautiful?
And though I know it sounds pretentious of me, I’ve been really uptight about what I’m wearing throughout the conference this year too. I’ve heard about all the attention GH finalists get and I know that I’ll feel more comfortable with people noticing me if I feel confident in how I look. So I bought some new dress pants, some skirts and cocktail shirts, shoes, and makeup. I even had my sister-in-law over the other day to help me with my eye shadow. I’m not very good with makeup, so she showed me what to put where. :)
Now, as amazing as it seems, I’m down to my last step in the obsessing process. I’m conference-bound (as of today!) and the nerves have kicked into high gear. I’ve spent weeks writing my pitches and my acceptance speech (I wasn’t trying to be presumptuous. I’d rather write it and not win, than win and stumble over myself like an idiot. And I would, trust me.). I have extra events to attend at conference: RWA’s reception for the GH & RITA finalists, the Golden Network (a chapter exclusively for GH finalists) retreat and their dessert reception, rehearsal, and the RITA awards ceremony on Saturday night.
I honestly don’t understand how one person can be so excited and nervous at the same time. I feel like I’ve been smiling for months, even through revisions, finishing my single title, and more revisions. Through writing pitches and angsting over submissions. Yet I can honestly say I feel happier than I ever have about my writing. I think that’s one of the greatest gifts of this unexpected award. It takes a high caliber of writing to become a Golden Heart finalist. And I did it. Me. Little old Angel. I’m amazed and humbled… and so very grateful. Whether I win or not, I’m grateful.
So there you have it, the roller coaster ride I’ve been on since March. It’s been wonderful, exciting, and at times scary, but I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I’ll be checking in with you next week about how conference went. If you have any questions for me today, please feel free to post them. I’ll be travelling, but I’ll be happy to answer them as I get the chance from my iPhone.
And before I go, let me say one last thing. Saying thank you in front of 2000 people at conference would be wonderful, and scarier than one of those inverted loops on a roller coaster. But the people that I want to say thank you to the most are the ones who have gone with me on the journey: YOU. Thank you all for being there. It means more than I can say.
Angel
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Ask Us (Almost) Anything...
Today's the last day--we'll be home from Dallas tomorrow, and we'll be wrestling control of the blog back from DG and our blog friends.
Kim W poses an unusual question...
Name five things that can always be found in your grocery cart.
Playground Monitor: Starbucks coffee (for the DH), lettuce (we eat lots and lots of salads), strawberries (when they are in season and reasonably cheap), plain yogurt and lowfat mozarella cheese.
Instigator: Pretzel goldfish, chocolate milk, Special K chocolate drizzle bars, a smart ones meal (or several) and cheese.
Smarty Pants: Granola bars of one variety or another (this month I'm loving the Kashi Chewy Trail Mix bars), 100 calorie snack packs to keep at work (love the Grasshoppers and the Quaker Mini Cinnamon Streusel), cheese (string cheese, bonbel, laughing cow), Yoplait light and water flavor packets. I'm a snacker.
Problem Child: Diet Coke with Splenda (the "with Splenda" is the important part. I can't stand the taste of the other stuff.), Quaker Caramel Quakes for snacking (yummy and crunchy and diet-friendly), organic milk (because it really does taste better), various cheeses like Laughing Cow, BabyBel, white cheddar, and American for AC (seems we're cheese freaks here on the Playground), tofu (I can whip together dinner in 5 minutes with a box of tofu. It's kind of my fall-back meal option).
Smarty Pants: Granola bars of one variety or another (this month I'm loving the Kashi Chewy Trail Mix bars), 100 calorie snack packs to keep at work (love the Grasshoppers and the Quaker Mini Cinnamon Streusel), cheese (string cheese, bonbel, laughing cow), Yoplait light and water flavor packets. I'm a snacker.
Problem Child: Diet Coke with Splenda (the "with Splenda" is the important part. I can't stand the taste of the other stuff.), Quaker Caramel Quakes for snacking (yummy and crunchy and diet-friendly), organic milk (because it really does taste better), various cheeses like Laughing Cow, BabyBel, white cheddar, and American for AC (seems we're cheese freaks here on the Playground), tofu (I can whip together dinner in 5 minutes with a box of tofu. It's kind of my fall-back meal option).
Angel: Dr. Pepper (for the hubby), juice of various flavors (for the kids), paper plates (I don't believe in dirtiing up dishes unless I absolutely have to, because then I have to wash them.), cheese (the pre-shredded kind, usually for some meal or another), and milk (2% for the kiddios, 1% acidophilus for me).
****Thanks, Kim. Contact PC for your prize.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Ask Us (Almost) Anything...
Friday the 13th is a lucky day...you get two questions today for the price of one.
Beth R asks,
What's the hardest discipline for you as a writer?
And
Do you ever suffer from writer's block, and if so, how do you handle it?
Playground Monitor: The hardest discipline for me as a writer is simply making myself sit down and write. I can find a dozen and one excuses NOT to write and they include laundry, ironing and pulling weeds in the flower beds. Pathetic, huh? As for writer's block, I have had it and still get it from time to time. What I usually do is set aside whatever isn't working and work on something else. I've had this vacation romance short story that I've been angsting over for months. It just doesn't want to translate from my brain to the page. So I shelved it and began working on something else and the new story went fairly smoothly. Hopefully I can get back into the vacation romance soon. I sell to magazines and the money from those stories funds a lot of my writing activities. I've learned that dollars can be a powerful motivator.
And
Do you ever suffer from writer's block, and if so, how do you handle it?
Playground Monitor: The hardest discipline for me as a writer is simply making myself sit down and write. I can find a dozen and one excuses NOT to write and they include laundry, ironing and pulling weeds in the flower beds. Pathetic, huh? As for writer's block, I have had it and still get it from time to time. What I usually do is set aside whatever isn't working and work on something else. I've had this vacation romance short story that I've been angsting over for months. It just doesn't want to translate from my brain to the page. So I shelved it and began working on something else and the new story went fairly smoothly. Hopefully I can get back into the vacation romance soon. I sell to magazines and the money from those stories funds a lot of my writing activities. I've learned that dollars can be a powerful motivator.
Smarty Pants: The hardest discipline for me, like PM, is to just write. If the words are flowing, great, but when I hit a wall, write myself into a corner...I haven't quite learned how to push myself to write anyway. To get words on paper, even if its crap, and trudge ahead. I tend to get stuck in the middle - I think a well arched plot is one of my weaknesses. I can't see where I'm supposed to go next, so I just stop. I don't know that it's writer's block, so much, but avoidance. When I do hit a wall, though, talking with others about the story really helps. It gives me ideas and gets me fired up about the story again. If I'm not fired up, I have a lot of trouble making myself work on it.
Problem Child: Yep, that whole "Butt in the Chair No Matter What" is the toughest thing for me. If I get stalled or frustrated, I'll be rearranging my sock drawer in no time. I'm working on it, though. I think if I can just get back into the habit, I'll be in good shape (and I'd better get my butt in the chair--I have requests!!) As for writer's block, I think the first thing to do is to figure out if it's really writer's block or if it's something else. Being sick, caring for someone who's sick, dealing with a stressful situation with the family (or work)--tragedy and emergencies often makes us think we're blocked, but in actuality, it's just stuff that has to be dealt with before the words can come. All of my writer's block can usually be traced to something external--once the external is dealt with, I can usually get back to the book. True writer's block? Ummm, thankfully I've never been there. I'm not sure how I'd deal with it.
Instigator: Well, the obvious answer is finding the time to devote to writing. And it is difficult. But I think the thing I struggle with most is feeling guilty over taking that time. Inevitably, it's time I could have (and often feel I should have) spent with my family. Yes, I know my girls aren't neglected and the fact that I worry means I'm not as crappy a mother as I sometimes feel I am. That doesn't always take the guilt away though :-) However, now that my writing is bringing in money, that guilt is slowly diminishing.
I suffered from writer's block when I was pregnant with Baby Girl. There were literally 10 months I couldn't write a single word. However, the creativity returned about 6 weeks after she was born. Other than that, I don't really get writer's block. Yes, I get stuck, but I've discovered several things I can do to combat the snarl in the story (and it can always be traced back to a problem within the story. Every last time). I brainstorm with the playfriends and/or take a shower or bath (not at the same time though). Different people can often pick up on the problem I'm too close to the story to see (and when they do I always smack myself in the forehead because it was soooo obvious). And there's just something about water that helps me brainstorm. I'm weird that way. What can I say?
Angel: I think PC and Instigator make a great distinction between types of Writer's Block. I've suffered from both. Like Instigator, my first serious bout with WB came during my second pregnancy. Oddly enough, at the same time she was pregnant too! We definitely helped each other through that tough period. I swear it was the "boy" hormones that completely drained my brain of its ability to function. My creativity started to return when Little Man was about 6 weeks old, though it didn't really take off until he started sleeping through the night at 11 months.
In this instance, I don't think there was anything I could have done to bring back the easy flow of words, because it was a physical problem. But I worked as best as I could in spite of it and sold my first (and second) short story during this time. Book length was just beyond me. I could only embrace my creativity and protect it as it returned.
But I've also experienced what PC talked about. Recently I did renovations on my old house, sold it, and moved, within a short period of time and among many family issues. The problem here was that I simply couldn't devote time to writing. And when I did have time, my brain couldn't function well because of so many worries.
I wish that I had continued to make writing a priority from the beginning, if only for 15 minutes per day. It seemed hard at the time, but not nearly as hard as trying to re-establish the habit. If I had it to do over again, I hope I would make that choice.
But after the fact, I've had to learn to re-establish that habit. I've set aside time early in the day to at least focus on my book (not easy with kids at home for the summer). For the first week I just brainstormed and immersed myself in plot, reconnecting with the characters and conflict. Then I set up a writing challenge with our RWA Chapter's Goals Group to have someone else to hold me accountable. I only required myself to write 1 page per day, 5 days a week. But it's been enough. I'm in love with my story again, and it's flowing so well I almost dread Nationals because I know it will once again interrupt the cycle.
Guess I've gone on enough, huh? :) Definitely the hardest discipline is making writing a priority, especially when you don't see the light at the end of the publishing tunnel anytime soon.
***** Great questions, Beth. Contact PC for your prize!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Ask Us (Almost) Anything...
Today's question comes from blog friend Robyn L:
What did you pack for your trip that you just couldn't leave home without?
Problem Child: If you could see my luggage, you know there's more than one thing I can't leave home without. :-) But if I had to narrow it down, it would be a toss up between the Downey Wrinkle Release and Diana Drummond Hand and Body Lotion. Wrinkle Release is the greatest thing--especially if you hate to iron. You just spray the item, give it a good shake and maybe a smooth or two, then hang it to dry. Voila! No wrinkles--no ironing. No, it doesn't give the same sharpness of a real iron, but it's wonderful when your "business casual" clothes have been shoved in a suitcase. My Hand and Body lotion multi-tasks. I use it under my makeup as a moisturizer because it's so light, but it's hardy enough to use all over. Temperature, altitude, humidity levels--that lotion helps my skin cope.
Now, let's talk about shoes and clothes...
Playground Monitor: I absolutely, positively cannot leave home without my medications. I have RLS -- Restless Leg Syndrome -- a condition that causes you to have a creepy-crawly feeling in your legs at night. But I'm sure that's not what you really wanted to know about my suitcase. I've discovered PC's Wrinkle Release and it's handy for sure. But I'd have to say it's a toss-up between comfortable shoes and a sweater because I'm always cold.
Instigator: Hmm, that's a hard question to answer, everything is essential (or I wouldn't pack it. I swear. Seriously. Stop looking at me that way you guys!) While the clothes, shoes, coordinating accesories and matching make-up are all important...I think the most important thing is my schedule. And for those of you who know me, the fact that I have one at all should tell you something :-) There's so much to do, I have every hour of each day scheduled with workshops, lunches, meetings... Without that schedule I'm liable to forget something very imporatnt.
Smarty Pants: I must must must have my hair products, especially the spray detangler -Pantene and V05 are my favorites. My hair tangles into a big ol mess when it gets wet and without it my hair ends up frizzy and poodle-like by the time I get it unknotted. Add in a cheap bottle of hotel provided 2-in-1 shampoo instead of my Pantene Curl Definition shampoo and conditioner and I might as well forget it. For proper curlage, I must have my Pantene Curl Definition gel too. My hair care regime cannot be altered - if I change brands expect a catastrophe of massively frizzy proportions.
Angel: I must respond along the same lines as SP once again. Though it isn't the shampoo and conditioner I need. It's the curl defining spray and my blowdryer/difuser. It doesn't matter if a blow dryer is provided by the hotel, I still have to take my own. Why? Because my difuser will probably not fit on the hotel's dryer. If I don't use a difuser on my hair when I fix it every morning, my curly hair ends up frizzy and flat. Not pretty!
Since we were trying to save space in our luggage for the Scotland trip, I went to a beauty supply store and bought a "universal" difuser. Supposed to fit on any dryer. Since PC had a dryer with the right plug, what's the point in carrying mine? Problem? My "universal" difuser wasn't so "universal". It kept sliding right off the end of PC's dryer. I couldn't even get it on the few hotel blow dryers we came across. It didn't technically matter that my hair looked like crap in Scotland, because the wind made it necessary to use a headband. But still.... Not taking that chance for Nationals, let me tell ya!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ask Us (Almost) Anything...
The Playfriends are at the RWA National Conference in Dallas. We've turned blog control over to some of our best blog friends and will be answering some of their burning questions...
Lois asks,
If you were the last lady on the face of the earth, and Sean Connery, Gerard Butler, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Ewan McGregor were the last guys on the face of the earth, but you could only pick one to be with, which one would you pick?
Problem Child: Geez, I've left the Darling Geek in charge of the blog this week. He's going to see the answer! Oh well... I think everyone (including DG) knows how much I love a man in a kilt, so it would fall to Ewan to help me repopulate the planet. I'm a long-time fan of his, and do not hold his Star Wars appearance against him. And Ewan is way hot in a kilt.
However, Sting would be my first choice, but he wasn't on the list. :-(
Playground Monitor: Piece of cake. Pierce Brosnan. I've been in lust with him since I discovered reruns of Remington Steele back in the 90's. Then he became James Bond and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Then they fired him as 007 and I thought I could never watch another Bond movie. Of course, now I'm in lust with Daniel Craig, the new 007. Can we add him to the list of possibilities????? Sadly, if you're depending on me to repopulate the earth, you're out of luck. The oven is gone -- and what's left has an expired warranty. ;-)
Instigator: Well, I am a fan of Pierce but I'd have to say that Gerard cranks my tractor just a little more. There's just something about a man who can wear a mask and armor, practically cover everything good, and still be sexy as hell.
Smarty Pants: What? No Johnny Depp?? Sigh. What a beautiful place the planet could have been! The list is good. Well, I guess I'd settle (...snicker...) for Ewan McGregor, then. He'd have to sing songs from Moulin Rouge to me all the time. This of course is assuming that Kim is not on another remote continent with him already. If so, Colin Firth is a nice second. Never underestimate the power of a sexy accent.
Angel: I'm not in love with any of these choices... I guess Pierce Brosnan. I'll just pretend he's a bit younger than he actually is. I'd go along with SP and vote for Johnny Depp to be added to the list! Or better yet, Oded Fehr.
*****
Thanks for your question, Lois. Contact PC to claim your prize!
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