RWA 2011 Rocked!! Wanna see pictures?

My biggest accomplishment for this conference? I did it on 2 pairs of shoes. Total!! I'm really not kidding. Seriously though, the high I've been on since RWA 2011 in New York City hasn't lessened a single bit. I look forward to that conference every year and pretty much as soon as one's finished, I'm counting down the days to next year. This conference was a lot of fun for me because it was in NYC. I used to live there for about a year so it was incredible great to be able to be back in the city again. The hotel was located right in Times Square!! I've heard it described as the cross-roads of the world and it's just a vibrant and alive place, any time of the day or night. I loved that I had such an awesome view of it from my hotel room!

During the day it's spectacular, but at night? Incomparable!

I even had a chance to revisit some of the city. Can you guess where this was taken :)??

It's also important for me to volunteer to an organization that does so much for writers. This year, I signed up to help set-up for the huge literacy signing. This event is open to the public and the proceeds go towards literacy. So many authors, so many fabulous books and I got a bit of a workout. Perfect.

I didn't really know what to expect of the opening session this year, but it really was wonderful. 3 very different authors writing very different books and each one was fascinating. I certainly wouldn't have expected Diana Gabaldon for instance to mention blow jobs, but there you have it! It was a highly entertaining and educational panel :).

The keynote addresses are often a high light at these conferences and this year was no exception. Both Madeline Hunter and Sherrilyn Kenyon absolutely rocked, but it was Sherrilyn that delivered perhaps the most moving and inspirational speech I've heard. You really have no idea when you look at a person what they might have gone through, what they've overcome and how they've triumphed. Now I understand how she could have written Acheron. Not everyone could have written that book. She's my new hero and if I ever complain about writing, someone please pick up one of her books and hit me over the head with it!

The workshops have become less useful for me in terms of craft, but I still get a tremendous amount out of them. In fact, the entire conference is one big inspirational experience from start to finish. What could be better than spending several days in the company of writers and like-minded professionals? It really is a very liberating experience.

Some of the highlights in terms of more 'fun' events were the Romance Divas Divafest. There I connected with people I've only ever met online and got to try a butterscotch martini. OMG yum!

I also attended the RWA Passionate Ink party. Yes, she is doing what it looks like she's doing. But we're equal opportunity.

 And I can't forget the guys either!! I'd only recently joined this RWA chapter but it was SO much fun. Who knew I'd actually learn something useful about Burlesque while laughing my butt off and getting to see some performances that were just great!

I also went to the Harlequin PJ party. No PJs for me, but I was able to connect face-to-face with a number of folks who hang out on the eharl loops. Oh and of course, I can't forget 'naked, g-string guy'. Our window looked directly into the changing rooms for the Broadway show The Lion King. And he was changing. It was right there and it was spectacular. There was no-where else to look. Honest LOL. OK, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

The conference ended with the Rita and Golden Heart Awards ceremony. This is our chance to get dressed up, relax, hang with friends and recognize some of our best aspiring and established authors. It's always fun and some of the acceptance speeches are amazing. Meg Cabot did a great job as MC. Yep, even more inspiration!

Here's a pic of me and Rula Sinara! We only see each other once a year, but we make it count!

 And a self portrait :). I look tired, but it was a good tired!

So...I had an amazing time, caught up with new and old writer friends, got inspired and hopefully fired up enough to carry me through to next year!! Anaheim 2012, here I come!

Just Published - Wendy S. Marcus

It is with great pleasure I welcome Wendy Marcus to Just Published. Wendy has hung out here on my blog before and I was able to meet her in person at the recent Romance Writers of America (RWA) annual conference in New York. How awesome is that? Wendy published her first book with Harlequin this year and I'm sure she has some wonderful information to share with us about the process so far. First, the details of Wendy's first published book are:

Title: When One Night Isn't Enough
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Medical
Words: 52,000
Publisher: Harlequin
Date Published: June 2011 (UK), July 2011 (France, Australia)

Blurb:
Nurse Ali Forshay has found the perfect man for her. Dependable. Routine. Boring. Exactly what she wants to ensure a quiet, stable and anonymous life. Then his friend, Dr. Jared Padget, shows up and goodbye fairytale ending. The man’s a schmoozer. A womanizer. A whoo-a-woman-into-bed-using-any-means-necessary kind of man just like her father. And Ali wants nothing to do with him. But he’s so tempting. Thank goodness his temporary assignment at Madrin Memorial is over, and he’s heading out of town.

If only he hadn’t shown up at girls’ night out on the eve of his departure. If only he hadn’t taken her up on her drunken one-time offer. If only he hadn’t come back when he’d promised to stay away…

Sounds like your hero is a bit of a devil. I'm partial to that LOL. Okay, so let's get into the nuts and bolts of how it all came about for you!

How would you describe what you write?
I write fast-paced, sexy, contemporary romance. I’ve been told I have a sardonic wit and my characters have a real spark. I write banter and sarcasm, humor and emotion. My heroines are straightforward, and they go after what they want.

So what’s your writing process in a nutshell?
I am a pantser. I don’t recommend it! Sometimes, - usually in the murky middle of my manuscript -  I think it would be so nice to have an outline to follow so I would know where I’m headed. But my characters grow and develop as I write. Each one is unique, and while I know where I want the story to go, my characters decide how they’re going to get there.

As a contracted author with Harlequin, I must submit character profiles and a synopsis of each book for approval before I begin a new project. I am NOT a fan of the synopsis. How can I know specific details of a story I have not yet written. But I muddle through. (And usually stray from my synopsis by chapter two!)

Yeah, I hate the sucknopsis as well LOL. What has your submission history looked like? Rejections? Manuscripts written? Number of years ‘seriously writing’, etc?
I started writing seriously in 2007. I sold in October 2010. (During that time I took several months off after my father died.) WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH was my second completed manuscript. (But I also had two novellas and three short stories completed, as well as several other manuscripts in various stages of completion.) I can’t say I have dozens of rejections, simply because I was very careful where I submitted. But if memory serves, I was rejected by The Wild Rose Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain, Kensington, Harlequin Superromance, Silhouette Special Edition, Harlequin Spice Briefs, and Women’s World Magazine.

LOL that's quite a list! You said you were careful. How did you pick your publisher?
I targeted Harlequin because I liked their books and they have a great website with wonderful information for new writers. (And because you don’t need an agent to submit.) I submitted to my favorite lines. But it was purely by chance that I stumbled upon a pitch contest for Harlequin Medical Romance and decided to enter. At the time I didn’t know much about the medical romance line of Harlequin, but never one to pass up an opportunity, I gave the pitch my best shot. And was 1 of 5 winners!

Sigh.. What's your call story?
For me, ‘The Call’ came as an absolute shock. I’d been working on revisions for six long months and had completed the third version of my final draft on a Wednesday. So when my phone rang on Friday, my agent’s voice was the last one I’d expected to hear. She said, “How are you doing?” I said, “Good.” She said, “Real good?” I said, “Just good.” She said, “Well you should feel real, real, real good because Flo (my editor) wants to buy your book.” I don’t recall much after that. I didn’t scream or cry or carry on. All of a sudden the thought of being published, of people I didn’t know reading my book, scared the confidence right out of me! After I hung up with my agent I waited for my editor to call me from London. I don’t remember one word of that conversation. Thankfully she followed up with an e-mail so I knew it wasn’t just a dream.

In my post “call” excitement I made the mistake of getting out of the car when I went to pick up my then 13-year-old daughter from school. As soon as I spotted her I smiled and waved. I could tell she wasn’t happy about me talking to the teacher monitoring dismissal. When she got within hearing distance I yelled, “I sold my book.” (I’d waited years to scream those words. In hindsight, maybe yelling them outside the junior high school wasn’t the best idea.) Rather than a cheer on my behalf followed by a loving embrace, my daughter looked around like who is that crazy woman yelling at? I pity that kid. When she got closer she avoided eye contact and mumbled, “What are you doing out of the car?” as she walked right past me without stopping.

Reality slap. First sale euphoria put to an abrupt end.

LOL. Bet it still felt good! Did you have an agent when you sold? Now?

I hear of this happening all the time. I signed with my agent and finaled in the medical romance pitch contest in the same week. So technically, I did have an agent when I sold, but I’d already caught the interest of the editor I eventually sold to.

What’s it like working with a publisher and editor? Are revisions really as bad as you hear?
I love my editor. She gives me excellent feedback and is very attentive. She doesn’t tell me how to change things, just what isn’t working for her and why. And, while I’m not a fan of revisions, they are necessary to write a good story. Here are two of my favorite quotes:

“Writing is rewriting.  A writer must learn to deepen characters, trim writing, and intensify scenes.  To fall in love with the first draft to the point where one cannot change it is to greatly enhance the prospects of never publishing.”  Richard North Patterson

“Books aren’t written- they’re rewritten.  Including your own.  It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn’t quite done it.”  Michael Crichton

I've always loved that last one. How did you feel the first time you saw your cover? How much input did you have?
The first of my covers that I saw was the UK 2in1 cover and I LOVED it! I actually love all of the covers for WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH. I have them posted on my Facebook author page. (See link below.) I didn’t have any say in any of my covers – although there’s an art fact sheet authors or their editors fill out. Even so, my heroine doesn’t have blond hair, a pierced nose, or an affinity for sucking on heart-shaped lollipops.

What was release day like?
Release day was nothing special partly because my book first came out to Harlequin Medical Romance subscription members about 6 weeks before my official release. Then it went up for sale on the UK Mills and Boon website four weeks before release day. And on the day it went out on store shelves, it happened over in England. And I wasn’t there to enjoy it. (But friends sent me pictures!)

How did you market your book?

I market my book on my blog and I’m currently on a thirty-stop blog tour to promote it. At each stop I give away a book and have mailed them around the world! I also have bookmarks, business cards and pens. I set up two library book signings in my local area and I completed two magazine interviews, one for a Harlequin publication, the other for Love Letter Magazine, a German romance magazine.

Sounds busy! So, what’s next for you?

My second Harlequin Medical Romance, ONCE A GOOD GIRL, is coming out in the UK in December 2011. I’m still waiting for the U.S. and Aus/NZ release dates.

That's awesome. Congratulations! What’s the best advice you can impart to writers aspiring to be published?

Write. Don’t talk about it or complain about it. Just do it. Finish your manuscript, submit it to agents and editors, and while you’re waiting to hear back, start on your next manuscript.

Very sound! Now for some fun! If you were stranded on a desert island but could only take 1 thing from each of the following categories, what would it be & why:

Person  Channing Tatum. I think the reason is obvious.

Animal My dog, Buddy. Because he’s always happy to see me, he loves to cuddle, and he’s very protective of me.

Food Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Nuggets with Almonds. Because dark chocolate and almonds both have health benefits. (And if the chocolate melts I can spread it on….. I’m sorry, am I getting too detailed?)

Book I refuse to pick just one. And to tell you the truth, if I’m stranded on a desert island with Channing Tatum, I doubt I’ll want to spend my time reading!!!

Music Anything by Carrie Underwood. Because I love her music!

Personal Item Mouthwash. Because I’d want my breath to smell fresh for Channing.

LOL. Yeah, me too! You can read an excerpt from WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH here. The book is currently available for purchase at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Mills & Boon Aus and Harlequin. You can learn more about Wendy at her website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads.

Wendy, thanks so much for being here today. I loved your call story!! Best of luck with your writing and your books. I look forward to keeping in touch with you. Okay, now Wendy has a question for YOU and a giveaway!

So what’s your experience with medical romance? Have you ever heard of them before? Have you ever read one? If so, what did you think? If not, why? And would you be willing to make mine your first? Do you watch medical drama on television? If so, what’s your favorite show? One lucky commenter will win at copy of the 2in1 UK edition of my book which includes a complete novel by Janice Lynn!

I'm at RWA 2011 this week and...

Having THE time of my life! What's not to love about hundreds of writers all in one place talking about books, writing and how to be better at it? This is my 'girls weekend' I look forward to every year, but it's also so energizing, inspiring. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook as I post about the conference. I'll be posting here about it next week as well. Off to another day of heaven!

Wanna talk BDSM? Wanna win something?

I have a special guest here today with an 'interesting' topic :) to keep things moving while I'm making my way to the Annual Romance Writers of America conference in New York. I'll be checking in and hopefully posting some progress reports. Until then, take it away, Randi!

I want to thank Kaily for letting guest blog today. I’m Randi Alexander and I write cowboy erotic romance. My first book, Chase and Seduction was released May 27 from The Wild Rose Press' Cowboy Kink line.

The Cowboy Kink line is - just as it sounds - a line of kinky erotic romances focused on cowboys. Each of the books is written by authors who have their own version of 'kink.' And with cowboys, you know a lot of the kink has to do with ropes and whips.

But I want to talk BDSM today. If you're not familiar with the acronym, it stands for Bondage and Discipline / Dominance and Submission / Sadism and Masochism. It's not specific to sex, but in erotic romance, it is sexual in most stories. The reason I'm sounding like Wikipedia is that I've had a few people in a variety of age ranges ask me what BDSM was.

While I'm not familiar with it personally, except for a little 'slap and tickle' now and then, I did write some light BDSM into Chase and Seduction. The excerpt below is the opening of the scene, which takes place outdoors, making it extra-kinky.

I've read a few erotic BDSM books, where there is meticulous detail paid to the bondage, the discipline, the role playing. While it was titillating, it wasn't what I wanted to see my characters doing. It just didn't fit the character backstories I'd written for them. But Chase does have a kinky side, which he gladly introduces Reno to, but it's not BDSM. The outdoor 'slap and tickle' scene is just a little extra treat I threw into the book, and it's one of my favorite sex scenes.

But many readers love erotic romances with heavy bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, or masochism. They sell very well, and are exciting, seductive, and just as romantic as my light BDSM. And that's where I need your help.

I have a story in mind, and I'm considering including some BDSM. What do you like to read? Do you prefer a story without it, or with a little 'slap and tickle', or do you like a full-throttle BDSM story? I'm excited to hear your comments.

And, as promised, following the story blurb, I've attached the beginning of my BDSM scene.

Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything–and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno. 

Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase. 

Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame? 

EXCERPT: Over 18 only please.
“Woman! Don’t make me come after you!”
Reno straightened, showing him her profile. “You could never catch me, old man.”
“Old?” Chase leapt to his feet, and she jerked, dropping the flower.
He stalked toward her. “I’ll show you old.”
She let out a shriek and bolted in the opposite direction, laughing crazily.
He took a hop, then ran hard and fast, and was upon her in seconds. Grabbing her around the waist, he lifted her off her feet. “There’s no getting away from me, Reno.”
She slapped at his hands. “Let me go, you evil letch.”
He released her, only to grab one wrist, bend and grab her opposite knee, and lift her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry, her warm skin rubbing against his, kindling a fire in each nerve she touched.
She squealed and laughed. “Chase, you put me down.”
Dominating her this way sent a rush of desire through him, and her weight felt like a feather as he strode back to their blanket. Reaching up, he swatted her behind. “You hush now.”
Her indrawn breath was followed by a soft moan. Then she asked, “And if I don’t hush?”

To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I'm giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we'll choose a winner tomorrow. *Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.

I'm also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this contest, please go to my website, RandiAlexander.com  And while you're there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.

Good luck, and thank you!

RandiAlexander.com

WildAndWickedCowboysBlog

I should probably get out more often...

I went to my local Romance Writers of America (RWA) chapter meeting last Saturday. It had been awhile and a heck of a lot longer than I'd realized since I'd last attended a Florida Romance Writers get together. During the school year, it's difficult for me to make it to these gatherings, but it helps to know these wonderful folks are out there, willing and ready to support one of their own. At least for me that's huge!

It was a great agenda. There was a panel with multi-published authors and we could ask anytthing. Well, almost anything :). In attendance were Allison Chase (Penguin/Signet), Bonnie Vanak (Harlequin), Cindi Thomason (Kensington/Harlequin), Marcia King-Gamble (Kensington/St. Martin/Harlequin) and Linda Conrad (Harlequin) - left to right in the picture below.

OMG, can you imagine the collective experience and knowledge contained on this panel? They took questions from the group and answered with frankness, honesty and with a goal to help others navigate the mine field that is the publishing industry today. It was totally awesome ladies!!

I also had a wonderful surprise. I was given a gorgeous art glass art in recognition of my first sale last year. President, Kristin joked that at the last meeting I attended I announced my sale and then they didn't see me for another 9 months! I was writing, okay LOL?? Besides, it was probably more like 12. Isn't it just absolutely beautiful? Of course, if I'd known there was going to be presents involved, I might have been at a meeting WAY sooner!

It's just another one of those things that feeds the soul of the writer and gets the inspiration roaring and singing!

Latest News and...Wanna Win an eReader??

I was surprised to learn today that PAY UP is up for Book of the Month over at Happily Ever After Reviews. Woot! It's got some pretty stiff competition, but head on over and check out the awesome line up of books. You might see one you'd like to vote for ;).

I sent off my RWA Golden Heart entries this week. Yep, that's plural. Although I'm published, I'm still able to enter this year based on the eligibility criteria. It will be my last opportunity though, so I figured I'd go all out. I won't know anything until March, so I'll forget about it until then. Or try to :).

We're also having a fabulous contest over at Passionate Reads, the group blog I contribute to. There are daily opportunities to enter to win an ereader (winner's choice of either a Nook or Kindle) and we're giving away an ebook each day of the contest. Make sure you check out all the ways you can enter to maximize your number of entries and chances to win!!

Romance Writers of America

I just returned from a fabulous conference in Washington D.C.; the annual RWA conference. Joining RWA was one of the first things I did at the end of last year when I committed to this path. I recognized this was THE organization to belong to if I was serious about writing romance (and I intended to put my money where my mouth is). I have attended many conferences (in career 1 of 2) and was impressed with the professionalism of RWA at the event. I met many wonderful authors and aspiring authors and attended many informative and educational sessions. I even pitched to an editor who asked to see a partial manuscript so I am mad at work editing my first 3 chapters to send in! I had such a great time at the event, I wanted to thank the following specifically:
* Jayne Ann Krentz for helping me encapsulate my own core story
* Stephanie Bond for helping me realize that analytical thinkers can be romance writers too
* Angela Knight for reiterating that it has to be more than just hot sex (although I'd take it in a pinch)

I think my primary take away from the event was that there are all these really wonderful women out there who genuinely care about the books they pour their hearts and soul into and the readers that eagerly await their next work. I can only hope to be as gracious as they are.