HelenKay Dimon's Blog, page 57

RWA Chatting

I know the RWA conference in Orlando has been over for more than a week at this point, but I was out of commission last week (damn bronchitis!). So, you're stuck hearing my belated thoughts about the conference now.

-Orlando in July would not have been my first choice for a conference location, but it wasn't the first choice of the RWA folks either. Flooding in Nashville landed us in Orlando. I have to say it was nothing short of a miracle that the RWA staff and Board pulled off this...

Snippet Saturday

This week's topic is The Black Moment. For those who are wondering, that's a writing term for the all-is-lost moment in the book. Now, I admit I'm a little reluctant to set out a scene here because it feels a little spoilerish. Still, I thought this one from UNDER THE GUN (Harlequin Intrigue, March 2010) worked. Luke and Claire have been trapped in a room on the second floor of a mansion and break out to find…

The door clicked open but neither of them rushed into the hall. They waited...

Loose Ends

I'm finally feeling better. I've been having coughing fits. Apparently that's a good thing. Doesn't really feel like it when I'm hacking up a lung, but okay. I did want to sign on and say hello and thank everyone for sending good thoughts my way. I truly am better. Also wanted to tidy up a bit.

First, we have a winner for the July blog contest. The Amazon gift certificate goes to…Mary G. (comment #2 on the July 10th blog). Congratulations!!!

Second, my next Halrequin Intrigue is up for p...

Status

That allergy I thought I had at RWA? Yeah, it's actually sickness crud. Feeling kind of awful and plan to sleep most of the day. Will talk about RWA, books and some other stuff once I'm up and feeling better. I'm hoping that will be tomorrow.

Also, I know I need to pick a July monthly contest winner. Will do that tomorrow. Promise!

RWA – Wednesday

I am at the RWA conference in Orlando. Will be here through the end of the week. Some general observations so far:

1. I am allergic to Florida. Yes, I know that sounds nuts but there isn't another explanation. I've been a stuffy, sneezing mess since I got here. Honestly? I look like death. If you are here and see me, please know I usually look (a little) better.

2. I'm rooming with Jill Shalvis. She totally cracks me up. It's the first day and I've already had to stop her from going i...

Guest Blogging

I'm blogging today at Access Romance and talking about the upcoming RWA (Romance Writers of America) conference in Orlando. I leave Tuesday, so imagine me packing as you read this.

Snippet Saturday

This week's topic is vacation/exotic locales. Since I have an entire series of connected books based in Hawaii, this was not a hard one for me. The toughest part was figuring out which one to pick. I went with my first Hawaii-based book, YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY because I have a soft spot for it. Kane is Hawaii born and raised. Annie is definitely not.

"We're going to go on a little fieldtrip to your hotel." Kane poured another cup of coffee. "You just need to tell me where you're...

New Contract!

YYYYEEEESSSSSS!!!

During deadlines and final edits and everything else that's happened the last two weeks, I was offered a book contract. Wahoo!! I'm not quite ready to give away all the details yet, but I am wildly excited. This is a reality-based contemporary romance in the new True Vows imprint. The imprint kicks off in September 2010 with three terrific books by three terrific authors, including a book by one of my favorite authors (and dear friend) Alison Kent. My book comes out in M...

Saw This

Was playing on Amazon and saw this book. I'm really careful about buying paranormal romance and urban fantasy right now because there is so much of it out there. The burn-out potential is high for me. But this cover grabbed my attention…

BLOOD ON SILK by Marie Treanor

While in Romania researching historical superstitions, Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk comes upon the folk tale of Saloman, a seductive prince staked centuries ago, legend's most powerful vampire. Now, in the ruins of a...

Post Deadline

Book is done. Page proofs on another book are in. Character & synopsis info on third book are finished. I'm sure the blinding headache will go away soon.

There were a few things, in addition to my adorable hubby, family and dear friends, that got me through the last few weeks:

1. The Buffy marathon on the LOGO channel. Sometimes I just wanted a 15-30 minute break to do nothing. The Buffy marathon satisfied that need to zone out. I could tune in and stare, remember how much I enjoyed...