Progress

Finally, my partial and synopsis are ready to send off!

I had two hard and fast deadlines this week both January 15th, yesterday. One was a contest where I entered the revised partial and synopsis, the other my proposal for a workshop on writing software for M&M in October. I hit the send button on one Friday night and the other last night at 8:30pm after spending the day 90 miles away with a writing buddy brainstorming career choices and publishing options.

It feels good to have accomplished that goal two weeks early but now comes the query writing, ugh!

With my background in sales I ought to be able to write a helluva query but it's different somehow. Maybe I'm making it too difficult. I'll let you know how it goes in two weeks or less.

Moonlight and Magnolias pt 2

Though the draw to the GRW Atlanta conference was Allison Brennan and Michael Hauge, it was great meeting more members of this great RWA chapter. I joined GRW back in 2008 but living so far away wasn't able to go to meetings. Rejoining this year and making it to the M&M conference was a goal for 2010.

Here are some of the fabulous people who participated and volunteered to make this truly wonderful experience. (Please be patient while they load. I got some good ones and I'd appreciate it if you'd point me to some I've missed).

 Jana Oliver offered her time in the pitch practice sessions. She has a new Demon Trappers series coming out soon.

 Bestselling author Kate Brady and I shared an outlet! in the Michael Hauge workshop. Lovely lady. Her sequel to One Scream Away comes out soon.

I recognized Leslie Tentler from her website. She also helped with pitch practice.

 Nina Bruhns who has a new series with Nocturne started out writing some of my favorites Silhouette Intimate Suspense. She was most gracious in offering her expertise.

 Tamara

 THe lady in pink, Sally Kilpatrick was the chairman of the conference and did a fabulous job. She teaches teenagers so often we found ourselves sitting up straighter and listening for instructions, lol. Thanks for everything, Sally.

 Serissia Green has an urban fantasy series and generously offered advice on my current project. What a great picture of Serissia.

 Tamara McLean has a sexy book coming out with a clever cover.

 At registration we got some critical advice from Anna Steffl about our pitches and went straight to our room to work on them. Thanks Anna and Marilyn. You're the bomb!

 These lovely ladies, Ava Malone and Madeleine

 Suzanna Ives whose book Rakes and Radishes just came out with Carina Press, and Cadence Denton.

 Elise Lee, whose book High Stakes, is published by Sourcebooks

 Me and the token Scot, Mr. Kerr.

 Me and GIAMer friend Walt Mussell. Yes, Walt writes romance AND nonfiction AND does parenting articles. The only one I could talk football with. Go Auburn (and Maryland)!!

 Anna Steffl's sister. Don't they look alike? Cute dress!

 Cadence, Brenda Davis (a very cool lady) and me.

 Karen Hall (who I was really beginning to think was German she affected the accent so well) and Cadence.

And my favorite author pose of Cadence's. Now all she needs is the contract! You go, girl

We're back...from Moonlight and Magnolias, Part1

What a perfect name for a brilliant event put on my the most gracious writers and volunteers I've ever met. We drove in Sunday night at 10:30 on the last of the gas, adrenaline, and euphoria. I haven't had time to get anything done, not even unpacking, except to gather a few pictures I thought you might enjoy. 

Tomorrow, I'll post the majority of the pictures and links including many of our gracious GRW members. Meantime, check out the forum at the GRW site for links to other M&M blogs.

My lovely critique partner, Cadence Denton, on the first morning of our pitch appointments

 and in the background on her right, Leslie Tentler, who was 

one of the authors lending her advice in the pitch workshop.

In the Michael Hauge workshop with fellow writers and Blame It On the Muse bloggers, Robin Kaye, on the left and Grace Burroughs, right.

Me, and Michael Hauge at his book signing. He had to be tired but he suffered his adoring fans taking pictures with him graciously. (Lois L is in the background awaiting her turn.)

The most generous with her time toward other writers, Allison Brennan, presented her No Plotters Allowed workshop and delivered a wonderful keynote speech at the Maggies Dinner.

Cadence, a real sweetheart, Brenda Davis, and me at cocktail hour before the Maggies

Our fearless GiAM leader, Amy Atwell, who is always doing something on our behalf. 

It was wonderful to finally meet her.

Oops, you caught me and Thomas. We had to have a mini break on the way to dinner Friday.