C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 232

The 411 on Editing

For those of you who joined me last week, I am on a journey to learn more about the publishing business as a whole. Last week I covered some tidbits I found on why you'd need an agent and this week, I'm covering editing.

The more I read about editing, the more I realized that it is a very broad definition. In very basic words (when applied to the world of books), it means to condense, organize and modify. Depending with whom you decide to sign your manuscript, you may work with one editor who does a variety of roles (small presses usually have editors who are pretty much jacks of all trades in the editing process) or you may work with several editors who each specialize in a particular part of the editing process—most likely at a big publishing house.

Just to give you an idea, here are a few of the editors or types of editing you may find:

Copy Editing: Corrects, spelling grammar and conform the manuscript to the style of the publishing house. Also may check to make sure different parts of the book aren't conflicting.
Acquisitions or Commissioning Editor: Obtains or recruits authors for a publishing house.
Sponsoring Editor:  Finding marketable ideas and presenting them to appropriate authors.
Editing:  In addition to the list above, editors also look for accuracy in your work and make sure the content is marketable and "in order". They insure a smooth production process which requires they have a hand in everything from design to content to marketing. Basically, they are the webs that hold the publishing of our great manuscripts together.

So this is pretty much a basic introduction to what editors do (there may be more duties that I haven't named here). When you start to see all that goes into the publication of a book, you can get a better understanding of why editors want clean manuscripts and why they there are so many guidelines to submissions. It also helps you understand why rejection is so much a part of this industry especially in this age of information where more and more manuscripts arrive on agents' and editors' desk.

The takeaways here are basically remembering to do your research in every aspect (conform your manuscript to the style of the house you're looking to publish with and make sure your content is accurate) and read through your manuscript carefully to correct those easily missed mistakes. It is something I have yet to try, but I've heard reading your manuscript backwards really helps in the grammatical area. That's all folks, happy writing and good luck!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writing Topics

Lindsay's Tuesday

He pulled over to the side of the driveway. From this vantage point, the entire front of the hotel was exposed. He'd timed his arrival so the sun would be behind him and in the eyes of a sniper.

From the visor he retrieved a specially designed pair of sunglasses and slipped them on. The lenses were coated in a  special polarizing material designed to cut through light glare on almost any window. He did a quick scan of the building from bottom to top. Nothing.

He repeated the process. This time, slowly, with military precision. If the threat lurked in one of the windows he knew he'd be able to spot the individual. Threat elimination would be the problem. A problem for most. Not him. That's why he was here.

Once he was certain the approach was safe, he pulled into the parking garage. He chose underground instead of roof top parking. Each had their own advantages and disadvantages. And risks.

After retrieving his overnight bag from the trunk, he set the custom auto alarm. Custom build to silently alert him if there was any tampering to his car.

As he entered the hotel lobby his eyes automatically scanned the faces in the crowd. Several people looked his way, but only for the briefest of seconds. No, they were safe, he thought to himself.

With relaxed confidence he registered and left his bags in the assigned room. Next on the agenda, a brief but detailed evaluation of the different areas he might have to go. Escape routes and the quickest ways to them catalogued.

With luck he might find a familiar and safe face in the one place where safety was a given.

He headed for the bar.

Standing on the top step leading down to the lounge, again he scanned the faces and in some cases the back of heads for that familiar hair style. Blonde and naturally curly. His eyes drifted to a group in the nearby corner. A person seated, back to him, leaned over to say something to their companion. Hidden from view was-the target. Actually two.

He smiled.

The target smiled.

Mission accomplished.

He knew he'd be safe. His back covered.

He let out a sigh of relief as he approached, his heart pounding in his chest. The sound of blood pumping deafened his hearing. It had been two year since their paths had first crossed. Then, as now, in a bar.

Some things never change.

He looked in her eyes. Eyes that still had that certain sparkle. A mix of humor and seriousness.

Here they were, not only a world away but genres away. Then a romance writers conference. Now a mystery/suspense/thrill writers conference.

For both of us the first time here at the New England Crime Bake.

While I was at the conference I had the greatest time. Good food, actually the chicken was really eatable for a change, great friends and a chance to pitch my military mystery to an editor who actually accepted mysteries.

An impromptu séance and tarot card reading along with a vampire ball added to the festivities.

One of the better aspects was, I wasn't the only guy at the conference. Yes, the women outnumbered the men but at not such a high percentage as found at a romance conference.

Is it 2011 yet? I can't wait to go back next year.

Filed under: Lindsay Downs, Mystery, Suspense

Mason's Paranormal-Scope ~ 8

I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. I do however; have practical advice for those of you that might encounter paranormal of some sort.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Whatever world ending event is on the horizon for you (Hell on earth, apocalypse, hell mouth etc.) will happen after Monday. Don't sweat it. You are ready for it, so bring it on.

Taurus

It's a lazy river ride through hell on a lava-proof inner tube with a demon that's got some decadent fun in store for you. Enjoy!

Gemini

Your role in the future of our world hangs on Monday, so let's hope you don't end up with a noose around your neck.

Cancer

The higher realm authorities are keeping an eye on you so make sure all your other worldly activities are above board.

Leo

Just because you can burst into flames doesn't mean there ain't other Phoenixes around. Play nice or you might go up in smoke.

Virgo

Seek the assistance of someone with the third eye.

Libra

You are still struggling to come to terms with strange events. You'll need to accept that what once was, is no longer. This is your new norm.

Scorpio

Mysteries. Unknowns. Weird stuff. Don't be afraid to seek help from those in the know. I don't suggest you go at this one alone.

Sagittarius

Don't forget where you set down…this and that. You might be absent minded with small items. The force within you is strong this week. Use your powers for good.

Capricorn

The safe circle has been breached. What is the weak link creating/allowing the added tension? It's time to set them and you free of this disruptive force.

Aquarius

The world is one giant oyster with a pearl of wisdom waiting for you. However whether you find it depends on what train you're traveling on. And how traditional the destination it's headed in is.

Pisces

You are an oracle and must bear all of yourself to inspire others to do the same.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope

Fighting off the Black Dog

Yes, I have a thousand tongues,

And nine and ninety-nine lie.

Though I strive to use the one,

It will make no melody at my will,

But is dead in my mouth.

~ Stephen Crane

You can feel him loping up behind you, ready to nip your heels. Churchill called him the black dog, but it doesn't really matter what you call that notion of despair that grabs your ankle and starts pulling you down. You sense it in the sigh you breathe as you wake up and face a perfectly ordinary day. Small disappointments cause you to question the direction of your entire life. You're more sensitive to any perceived slight, assuming the worst of everyone around you as it only confirms what you fear. Simple tasks begin to seem impossible. It hardly seems worth the time to take care of yourself as there's no point. You chew all your nails down to the quick (that's my sure sign anyway).

Worst of all, everything you write is terrible.

It's never been clear whether writers and other creative people suffer from depression more or whether they are simply able to capture the horror of it more vividly than other people. I've always liked the rather serious line in the funny film Arthur, where Dudley Moore's character says quietly, "Some of us drink because we're not poets." However, I think the fact that we creative folk rely on accessing the deepest contents of our heads on a daily basis means that being cut off from that source also leaves us unmoored from the center of our lives.

The very first step is medical care: there are amazing drugs that can help the chemical imbalances of your body balance. I have seen them make a huge difference. But they're only the first step. The rest of the answer comes through developing habits to counteract the self-defeating behaviour you've created over time and have them firmly in place, so when the black dog bites, you can bite back.

Move: Start every day with some kind of physical activity, even if it's just walking. It's easier to do at that time because you do it before you've really woken up and can think of many reasons why it's not worthwhile. If you're accustomed to going to the gym, be sure to continue, but if you're not, it may be better to do something solitary rather than face a crowded space full of fit people against whom you'll compare yourself unrealistically.

Eat well: You may be tempted to indulge in excess, eating sweets or fats and junk food, drinking too much or other self-medicating measures. They may feel good temporarily, but after the initial lift you will fall even lower because you'll know it was a mistake and probably berate yourself for being so "weak" again. If you find yourself particularly affected by seasonal changes, you may be especially prone to this sudden surge of excess. The forced change to daylight savings time screws up your natural rhythms. Be aware.

Surround yourself with positivity: If someone can be counted on to make you feel worse about yourself even at the best of times, do your best to avoid them when you're feeling vulnerable. Of course you should aim to eliminate negative people from your life as much as possible, but that can be difficult if they're family or part of your work situation. Make changes to your environment: if clutter distresses you, clean–but don't do it berating yourself. Instead focus on each task as an accomplishment. Stop and appreciate each task's completion. Think about the effects of color and light: what can you change to make your day more comfortable? What music lifts your heart? Keep pictures of happy times and letters from friends nearby to cheer you. Confide in friends who understand depression that you're having difficulty. See a therapist. Be useful to someone else: volunteer.

Laugh: Read books and watch movies that make you laugh out loud. Sometimes a movie or book that makes you cry can be cathartic, but beware of the downward spiral. I always loved the way Woody Allen had his character snap out of an existential depression when he happened to see the Marx Brothers' Duck Soup. A fantastically fun movie! Get out your "comfort food" movies or books and indulge yourself. Who cares if you've seen The Philadelphia Story two hundred times? See it again.

Keep writing: Even if you throw everything away, even if it does no good at all, even if it seems absolutely pointless, keep writing–or painting, drawing, singing. You have a gift that most people would kill for, one that most of the time you take for granted. Maybe all you can manage are morning pages in your journal, detailing why writing is completely pointless and you're not going to be able to complete anything worthwhile. Write letters to friends–yes, by hand–remembering fun you've had together and things you hope to be able to do soon. Write down a list of accomplishments and congratulate yourself for having achieved them. You have done a lot. Write down the dreams you still wish to pursue. Use social media to connect. There's so much to be done. Just as in your daily life, breaking down tasks into small pieces can help you make progress. Don't think about the novel you haven't written: just write one paragraph. Don't give up.

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Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Emotions, romance, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Romantic Rants, Announcements, and More

I have been living in overwhelming for some time.  I've turned in Mrs. Bright's Tea Room to my editor.  It puts the steam into steampunk romance. LOL  Definitely four flames.  Due to a family emergency, I missed my original deadline.   But everything's okay now and getting back to normal (whatever that is). 

The passionate member sof Nights of Passion are in process of designing a wonderfully fun Holiday Blog Party for you starting Monday, Nov. 29th and ending on Sunday, Dec. 5th.  There will be guest blogs, holiday memories, recipes to share, and contests.  All our guest authors have not confiirmed yet, so it's still under wraps.  I will say that I plan on giving away an autographed copy of The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, a pdf ebook from my backlist, and a T-shirt.  You'll have to wait though.

I've started work on another Vampires in Manhattan book and also another series.  I'm helping to set up Albacon 2011, preparing for Arisia 2011 and Authors After Dark 2011.  The AAD site has just opened for registrations.  AAD will be in Philadelphia and is the greatest readers conference ever. When you register, be sure to say I recommended it–REGISTER HERE.  I am an attending author.  We'll have fun plus tons of free books.  Check out their website to see all the fun.

In addition to working on my steampunk romance and writing in the  NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) or write 50.000 words in a month, I've read Mortal Touch by Inanna Arthen.  WOW!  I loved this book.  Now I'm trying to mellow out with The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. 

Now for some writing contest  info.  For more complete information, visit http://www.rwanational.org/cs/chapter_conferences_and_events  or the individual websites.

December Contests 

*National Readers Choice Awards

Sponsor: Oklahoma Romance Writers of America (OKRWA)

Fee: $25.00 per entry, plus $5.00 if entering Best First Book

Deadline: December 1, 2010

Eligibility: Books published with an original copyright date of 2010, or "First U.S. Printing" date of 2010 as evidenced by the copyright page or a letter from the publisher, and must have been available for sale sometime during 2010.

Entry: Five printed books for each entry (ebooks eligible but must be submitted in either perfect bound or spiral bound, galley-printed book form with an ISBN (no 3-ring binders) and evidence of copyright date of 2010 is provided).

Categories: Traditional Series, Short Contemporary Series, Long Contemporary Series, Single Title Contemporary, Young Adult, Historical, Novella (approximately 25,000 words), Futuristic/Fantasy/Time Travel/Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Inspirational, Mainstream with Romantic Elements, Erotic.

Judges: Readers.

Final Judges: Finalists and Winners chosen on basis of point system.

Top Prize: Trophy and pin to author, plaques to editor and agent.

FMI, http://www.okrwa.com/NRCA/nrca.htm or email NRCA@OKRWA.com.

**The Write Stuff 2010/2011

Sponsor: Connecticut RWA

Fee: $20–30.00

Deadline: December 1, 2010

Eligibility: Non-PAN Recognized Authors.

Entry: Electronic entry only. First 20 pages, no synopsis.

Categories: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Adult Mainstream Fiction, Young Adult Fiction.

Judges: Trained published and unpublished authors.

Final Judges: Editors & Agents TBA.

Top Prize: $100 for 1st place in each category.

FMI, http://ctrwa.org/writestuff/.

*First Annual Picture Perfect Cover Contest

Sponsor: Dunes & Dreams RWA

Fee: $10.00 per cover

Deadline: December 8, 2010

Eligibility: Open to all covers for full-length romance novels (60,000 words minimum) from non-vanity, non-subsidy publishers with an original copyright date of 2009-2010. Entry: All electronic entries; submission includes front cover and back cover blurb.

Categories: Historical, Contemporary, and Paranormal/Science Fiction.

Judges: Panel of experienced judges that include PAN and PRO members, trained and unpublished members.

Final Judges: Esteemed cover artist Elaine Duillo.

Top Prize: Engraved plaque, button for author website, display of cover on Dunes & Dreams RWA website for one year.

FMI, http://dunesanddreams.org/picture-perfect/.

Great Expectations

Sponsor: North Texas RWA

Deadline: December 30, 2010

Entry: Query Letter, first 25 pages.

Judges: trained first round, editors final round.

FMI, www.NTRWA.org or Angi Morgan, GEcoordinator@ntrwa.org.

January Contests

 

*2010 Award of Excellence

Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers

Fee: $20.00

Receipt Deadline: January 8, 2010

Eligibility: Books published in 2009. Bound hard copies of e-books also eligible.

Categories: Short Contemporary (60,000 words or less), Long Contemporary (over 60,000 words), Historical, Romantic Suspense, Single Title, P/TT/F/F, Inspirational, Mainstream w/Romantic Elements, Spicy Romance.

Judges: Readers, booksellers, published authors.

Top Prize: Award of Excellence Trophy and certificate; letter congratulating the editor.

FMI, Lori Corsentino (aoecoordinator1@coloradoromancewriters.org) or Melissa Hansen (aoecoordinator2@coloradoromancewriters.org), www.coloradoromancewriters.com.

*2010 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Award

Sponsor: New England Chapter RWA

Fee: $25.00

Deadline: January 8, 2010 (postmarked)

Entry: romance novels published in 2009. E-books eligible in printed form—loose. No short stories, novellas, or anthologies, please.

Categories: Short Contemporary, Long Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Historical, Erotic, F&P/TT.

Judges: readers, booksellers, librarians.

Top Prize each category: $50, certificate, engraved Bean Pot.

FMI, send SASE to Valerie Harris, 13 Poole Street, Medford, MA, 02155; 781-874-0771, vharris94@comcast.net, www.necrwa.org.

*Book Buyers' Best Award 2010

Sponsor: Orange County Chapter

Fee: $30–40.00

Deadline: January 9, 2010

Entry: romance novels.

Final Judges: Book Buyers.

FMI, BBBContest@occrwa.org.

*Write Touch Readers' Award Contest 2010:  Published

Sponsor: WisRWA (Wisconsin Romance Writers)

Fee: $25.00 (WisRWA members are entitled to one free entry.)

Receipt Deadline: January 9, 2010

Entry: Novel-length romances with 2009 copyright, first printing, first North American printing date (eight categories).

Judges: romance readers.

FMI, www.wisrwa.org or contact contest coordinator, Lori Ann Kriescher, loriannkriescher@aol.com.

*2010 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence

Sponsor: Southern Magic Romance Writers

Fee: $20 first book; $15 subsequent books

Deadline: January 15, 2010

Eligibility: All published authors of novel-length or novella-length romance fiction.

Entry: Books must have a copyright of 2009. Electronic books may be entered provided they are printed and bound with a copyright page produced by the publisher.

Categories: Historical, Romantic Suspense, FF&P, Contemporary, YA, Inspirational, and Novella (20,000–40,000 words).

Judges: Avid readers of romance, booksellers, and librarians.

FMI, http://www.southernmagic.org, Contest Coordinator Karen Beeching at GWContest@southernmagic.org.

**The 2010 Marlene Awards

Sponsor: Washington Romance Writers

Fee: $25 for WRW members, $30 for all non-WRW members

Deadline: January 15, 2010

Eligibility: The Marlene Awards are open to unpublished writers who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline. Published authors may enter if they have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length romantic fiction (regardless of publisher) within three years of the contest deadline OR if s/he has a book with a small press but has not earned at least $1,000 in royalties. The entry must have a projected minimum length of 50,000 words. All entries will be submitted electronically.

Categories: Young Adult, Series Contemporary, Romantic Elements, Single Title, Paranormal, Historical.

Judges: TBA.

Final Judges: TBA.

FMI, http://www.wrwdc.com.

*Booksellers Best Award Contest

Sponsor: Greater Detroit RWA

Fee: $22–33.00

Deadline: January 15, 2010

Entry: first print romance novel published between January 2009 and December 2009.

Judges: booksellers, librarians.

FMI, http://gdrwa.org/contests.html or bba@gdrwa.org.

*Golden Quill 2010: Published

Sponsor: Phoenix Desert Rose RWA

Fee: $25.00

Deadline: Received by January 15, 2010

Eligibility: Romance novels authored by RWA members in good standing. Titles must have a copyright date or first North American printing/release date between January and December 2009.

Entry: Five autographed copies of each title. E-book submissions printed and bound. No ARCS—no advanced reader copies accepted. No entry limit.

Categories: Historical, Historical Romance Regency Period, Mainstream/Single Title, Long Contemporary, Short Contemporary, Traditional, Paranormal/Time Travel, Fantasy/Science Fiction/Futuristic, Inspirational, Romantic Suspense, Hot/Sexy/Sensuous, Erotic, Best First Book, Novella.

Judges: Romance readers, librarians, writers.

Top Prizes: Plaques for winners in each category, certificates for finalists. Representation in a full-page RWR ad, lapel pin, and website graphic.

FMI, contact: goldenquill@desertroserwa.org or visit www.desertroserwa.org.

*Judge a Book by its Cover

Sponsor: Houston Bay Area RWA

Fee: $15.00

Receipt Deadline: January 15, 2010

Eligibility: Published in 2009. Entry: The cover of your book or novella published by a traditional house, ePublisher, POD or self-published. Electronic files (JPG or GIF) only.

Categories: Contemporary Series, ST/Mainstream, RS, Historical, SF/F/P, Sexiest Cover.

Judges: Booksellers in North merica, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Top Prize: Winners will be featured in a full-page RWR ad.

FMI, www.hbarwa.com, judgeabook@hbarwa.com.

2010 Winter Rose Contest

Sponsor: Yellow Rose Romance Writers

Fee: $15–$30.00

Postmark Deadline: January 23, 2010

E-Mail Receipt Deadline: Midnight CST, January 23, 2010

Entry: First 25 pages.

Final Judges: TBA.

FMI, visit www.yellowroserwa.com.

*2010 Winter Rose Award for Excellence in Romantic Fiction

Sponsor: Yellow Rose Romance Writers

Fee: $15–25.00

Postmark Deadline: January 23, 2010

Entry: Four (4) print copies of a romance novel published by a non-subsidy/non-vanity publisher with a 2009 copyright date.

FMI, visit www.yellowroserwa.com.

*2011 HOLT Medallion Awards

Sponsor: Virginia Romance Writers

Fee: $30.00

Deadline: Books must be received by January 31, 2011

Eligibility: Published works of romance fiction with an original copyright date (not the release date) of January–December 2010, regardless of format (e-book or print).

Entry: 4 copies of each book or 4 CDs with a non-DRM PDF file of the ebook.

Categories: Short Contemporary, Long Contemporary, Short Inspirational, Long Inspirational, Romantic Suspense, Mainstream/Single Title, Historical, Paranormal, Extra Spicy/Erotic, Novella, and Novel with Romantic Elements.

Judges: Avid romance readers. Each entry will have at least three judges.

Awards: Winner will receive a pewter HOLT Medallion; Award of Merit recipients will receive a certificate. All winners and merit recipients will appear in a full-page ad in RWR and RT Book Reviews magazine.

FMI, visit www.virginiaromancewriters.com.

Now for some workshops.

 

December Online Workshops

The Write Environment

Sponsor: From the Heart Romance Writers

Fee: Free for members; $10 for Non-Members

Date: December 5–18, 2010; Registration Deadline: December 1, 2010

Presenter: Jeanne Adams.

FMI, http://fthrw.com/workshops/wkshop_2010_12.php.

Creating Suspense

Sponsor: Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter

Fee: $10.00 for FFnP members, $20.00 for non-members

Date: December 6–9, 2010

Presenter: Pepper Smith and JD Webb.

FMI, http://www.romance-ffp.com/event.cfm?EventID=145 or http://www.romance-ffp.com/workshops.cfm.

Love Scenes with Emotional Punch

Sponsor: Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter

Fee: $10.00 for FFnP members, $20.00 for non-members

Date: December 6–12, 2010

Presenter: Shayla Black.

FMI, http://www.romance-ffp.com/event.cfm?EventID=105 or http://www.romance-ffp.com/workshops.cfm.

May the Force be with You: Adding Realistic Law Enforcement & Legal System Elements to Your Novel

Sponsor: NEORWA

Fee: $15–20.00

Date: December 6–17, 2010

Presenter: Kerri Nelson.

FMI, www.neorwa.com.

 

January Online Workshops

Creating Your Space Military: Using What We Have to Invent What You Need

Sponsor: Kiss Of Death

Fee: $15.00 Members, $30.00 Non-Members

Date: January 1, 2011

Presenters: Linnea Sinclair & Michael Helfstein USNR (Ret.).

FMI, http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org/coffin.html.

Using Grammar to Develop and/or Strengthen Your Distinctive Writing Style

Sponsor: Kiss Of Death

Fee: $15.00 Members, $30.00 Non-Members

Date: January 1, 2011

Presenter: Annie Oortman.

FMI, http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org/coffin.html.

Beginnings

Sponsor: Passionate Ink

Fee: $15 for members and $20 for non-members

Date: January 3, 2011

Presenter: Christine Amsden.

FMI, http://www.passionateink.org/workshops/.

Nurturing the Writer Within

Sponsor: From the Heart Romance Writers

Fee: Free for members; $25 for nonmembers

Date: January 3, 2011

Presenter: Mary O'Gara.

FMI, http://fthrw.com/workshops/.

Completing Your Mystery

Sponsor: Southern Tier Authors of Romance (STAR)

Fee: $20–25.00

Date: January 3–28, 2011

Presenter: Jacqueline Corcoran.

FMI, carolhenry@frontiernet.net; www.starrwa.org.

Tax Issues and Reporting for Writers

Sponsor: Carolina Romance Writers

Fee: $15 CRW and HCRW members, $25 non-members

Date: January 3–28, 2011

Presenter: Diane Orien Kelly.

FMI, www.carolinaromancewriters.com.

The 3nd Annual New Year's Resolutions and Revisions

Sponsor: Lowcountry RWA

Fee: $16.00

Date: January 5–29, 2011

Presenter: Regan Black.

FMI, www.lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#JAN.

Grammar Workshop

Sponsor: Lowcountry RWA

Fee: $16.00

Date: January 5–29, 2011

Presenter: Susan Greene.

FMI, www.lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#JAN.

The Naked Hero

Sponsor: Lowcountry RWA

Fee: $16.00

Date: January 5–29, 2011

Presenter: Misa Ramirez.

FMI, www.lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#JAN.

Work. Pray. War. Capturing the Essence of the Middle Ages

Sponsor: Lowcountry RWA

Fee: $16.00

Date: January 5–29, 2011

Presenter: Keena Lykins.

FMI, www.lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#JAN.

The Dreaded Synopsis

Sponsor: Lowcountry RWA

Fee: $16.00

Date: January 5–29, 2011

Presenter: Elizabeth Sinclair.

FMI, www.lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#JAN.

11 Senses – Who Knew?

Sponsor: Carolina Romance Writers

Fee: $10 CRW and HCRW members, $20 non-members

Date: January 10–21, 2011

Presenter: Marilyn Kelly.

FMI, www.carolinaromancewriters.com.

Story Structure

Sponsor: Elements of RWA

Fee: Non-member $25; Member $15

Date: January 10–February 4, 2011

Presenter: Larry Brooks.

FMI, http://www.elementsofrwa.com/workshop....

Going the Distance: Goal Setting and Time Management for the Writer

Sponsor: Orange County Chapter

Fee: $20–30.00

Date: January 10–February 5, 2011

Presenter: Kitty Bucholtz.

FMI, http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html.

Improve Those Titles! (and strengthen your pitch!)

Sponsor: Inland Empire Chapter

Fee: $15–20.00

Date: January 15–February 9, 2011

Presenter: B.R. Paulson.

FMI, www.iecrwa.com.

His Personality Ladder

Sponsor: Phoenix Desert Rose

Fee: $20–25.00

Date: January 17–28, 2011

Presenter: Laurie Schnebly Campbell.

FMI, www.desertroserwa.org

That's all for now.  I'll be looking for more workshops, conventions, and contests to post.  All the best in this busy holiday season.  Hope to see you at our party.

–Susan

Filed under: Blog Party with Contests, erotic romance, Inanna Arthen, paranormal, paranormal romance, Readers Conference, romance, Romance News, romance novels, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires, What Are You Reading?, Writers Conferences, Writing Topics

Mason Friday is a hodgepodge day!

Hot or HOT?

This week has been wonderful and exciting. If you haven't yet heard the news last week I contracted SURRENDERING TO THE RIGHT MAN, book one of the SOUL FOOD DINER series to Decadent Publishing.

The story of Indy (heroine) and her two suitors Liam and Tim is one very close to me. More on this another time.

Back to my question: Is the cover of SURRENDERING TO THE RIGHT MAN hot or HOT?

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Hodgepodge day!, Mason Friday, romance, SOUL FOOD DINER, SURRENDERING TO THE RIGHT MAN

Attend the Margie Lawson Master Writing Workshop!

NEW! Margie Lawson Master Class

Saturday, November 20, 2010

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Holiday Inn Conference Center

201 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Connecticut

Want to hook the reader viscerally?  

Want to write the full range of body language in fresh ways? 

Want to add psychological power and turn your work into a page turner?

If so – this is the Master Class for you!

In this power-packed, high energy master class, Margie will cover the following topics and more:

The EDITS System


Four Levels of Powering Up Emotion


The Full Range of Body Language: Facial expressions, Dialogue Cues, Proxemics, Posture, Gestures, Deception Cues


Fresh Visceral Responses


Cliché-busting                                                          


Motivation Reaction Units                           


Ideomotoric shifts                 


Subtext Power


Emotional Authenticity


Backstory Management


Emotional Hits          


Deep Editing techniques                                                                


Rhythm and Cadence and Beats                           


Carrying a Nonverbal Image Forward       


Projecting Emotion for a Non-POV character      

Pricing:

Members of CTRWA, CORW, and CoLoNy: $60*

Non Members: $70

Prices include breakfast and lunch

Register Now!

–Note from Susan:  This is an all writers' events sponsored by the CTRWA.  I highly recommend this all day workshop.  I will be there.  If you go, please, drop by and say hi.

Filed under: Characters, Emotions, romance, Writers Conferences, Writing Topics

More than Writing

Okay, so I haven't checked in about my writing and it may have seemed to disappear completely but I can assure you it hasn't. Currently due to querying and feedback, my first novel is going through its umpteenth rewrite while in the meantime, I've made it near a third of the way through my second novel. In addition to this I've begun to research agents and various ways of publishing (specifically e-publishing vs. print and print-on-demand) as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. I've come to one conclusion, I know wayyyy too little about the publishing business and the process of publishing a book; therefore, I've gone on a mission to know more.

Why? Well, as much as I enjoy writing, it is only part of an author's job. Sure there are those who believe you can just get an agent to handle the rest for you but I believe it is the writer's job to contribute to the process as well. So, for the next few weeks I will be blogging about tidbits of information I gather. Today we'll start with agents. All in all, it depends what you as a writer are looking to do with your work. If you write as a hobby and prefer to keep stories within your household, you most likely aren't looking for an agent; however, if you want to make a career of writing, here are a few reasons why you might consider an agent:

Many big-time publishing houses do not accept unagented submissions. Their purpose is not to be snotty but this is a business and they are out to make money. Without a first line of defense, these publishing houses would received an immense number of submissions- hence their and your need for an agent
The right, knowledgeable agent can be a valuable coach. I stress the word right because it is very important for you to find an agent who fits you and vice versa. Sometimes we spend so much time looking for a big name when really we should be searching for someone who understands our visions as writers and can enhance them.  Most important is they have to love your work as much or more than you do.
Contracts and rights. Admittedly, most writers like to write and that is about it. While I do believe it is important for us to become familiar with some of the intricacies of contracts and rights, we certainly aren't experts and should look to our agents for guidance in this area.
A buffer.  While we'd like to think that once we sign a contract everything will peaches and cream, that is rarely the case.  There may be disputes about the occasional royalty statement, late check or your ability to meet deadlines.  While much of this is your concern too, an agent can work as both a coach and buffer through these issues.

Despite these great reasons to have an agent, I do stress this is a two way street. Agents have a livelihood as well and as much as they get picked on for being harsh and rejecting our queries, the truth is none of us would want an agent who wasn't quite sure about our work. Think about it, have you ever tried selling something you didn't like?

Now, I will state these tips have been gathered via research and others' experiences so if any of you out there have other thoughts, please share. Happy writing!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Mason's Paranormal-Scope ~ 7

I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. I do however; have practical advice for those of you that might encounter paranormal of some sort.

The week ahead for:

Aries

The world is about to end. The call to action has been placed. Will you answer?

Taurus

You are having some type of identity issues. Reality check. You aren't Willow from Buffy.

Gemini

You may need to join a team of paranormal investigators to get to the bottom of strange occurrences in your life.

Cancer

Ignoring the demonic vortex in your living room won't make it go away. It might be time you deal with it.

Leo

Don't give up the goods until someone pays for the voodoo shop.

Virgo

You need your own weapons depot to deal with the coming evil. I hope you have purchasing power.

Libra

Weird isn't working for you anymore and you'd like to return to a more normal life. Sorry, there is no such thing.

Scorpio

It is possible. Isn't everything?

Sagittarius

You're out to lunch at an alien buffet and as you look around you realize. You are the maincourse.

Capricorn

The Fates have taken notice of your hard work and will shine some praise your way.

Aquarius

Circumstances around you are veiled. You will uncover information but at this time all you have is a tiny light to help you.

Pisces

A group of Zombies have chosen you as their leader. Step onto the serving platter.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope

Love Him Like a Reptile!

You know you want to see it! Visit the London film fest and you can!