The full circle of life…hit me square in my writer’s heart this past week. Two lovely and very talented published authors, that I know personally, have suffered the ultimate loss. Two husband’s deaths, so close together, really makes you stop and think. A day later, we find out a third writer’s husband is now on the heart transplant list in addition to the kidney transplant list he’s been on this past year. To say it’s been a sad week is like saying trees are tall. Well, this week I’m standing among the Giant Redwoods of sadness.

We attended my critique partner’s husband’s memorial service yesterday. Yes, we shed some tears, a lot of hugs, and impressively, real laughter. That’s who he was and his service to our world was a true tribute to his character—a lifelong dedication to knowing and understanding the common man, the principles which make you tall among your peers, and a son-brother-husband-father-grandfather we’d all be proud to know.

Life will go on. Our dear critique partner is a beautiful, strong woman. We will be there for her like the family we’ve become. Her loss is our pain, but when shared—even just this tiny bit—maybe this new phase of her life will be less void. This, we can only hope and pray. Because, guided by our Giant Redwoods of friendship—prayers reach the heavens.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. I get it. Of all the people to write on this particular subject, what makes me an authority? I guess you could point to my less-than-stellar track record of blogging, right here on my own webpage, and say I'm the last person who you'd learn a thing or two from about blogging. But from where I sit, that in itself gives me more than enough fodder to take the time to figure out this darned thing--prioritizing time and projects. Because, that is the key: prioritizing your list of projects against the paltry bit of time not already chewed from your day by things in which you have little or no control.

Since my last blog post (which, I'm ashamed to admit was about nine months back) I've accomplished many things--including entering the Golden Heart. So, here we go again. Fingers crossed and holding my breath. Those GH calls go out on March 26th. I'll have my cell phone within reach at all times. So, did I simply re-submit last year's pages? Oh, heck no! The whole story has been poked, critiqued, edited, prodded, revised and polished. Yes, I like it so much better. No, it wasn't easy. True, it was worth it whether I final or not. It's all about writing the best story possible and I'm proud of the improvements.

All the other accomplishments these past few months include tackling a few health issues (worked off 25 lbs and still going!), critiqued my four local partner's (The Quinners) pages, critiqued my on-line partner's (The Lalalas) pages, judged a boat load of contest entries, volunteered at my local chapter in various capacities, enjoyed a couple writer's retreats and a few workshops, and last but seriously not least, welcomed two new grandbabies to the family. When you think about it, that's a lot of writing activity scrunched in between all the family stuff and the pesky day job. Yeah, we all have those responsibilities...including scrubbing floors and loads of laundry. Ugh! These past few months, I've chosen to spend my moments working on issues other than blogging. This year, I've raised blogging on my list of priorities. Hmmm. I wonder what project(s) will take a back seat. Laundry? Ha!

The not-so-good news: Nope. I didn’t make the Golden Heart finals.

The fabulous news: Yea! Two of my online CP’s from the Lalala Sisters DID!

     Huge congratulations to Valerie Bowman for SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT, and to Aislinn Macnamara for A TALE OF TWO SISTERS. Both ladies finaled in the Regency category. Woot-Woot!!  I’ll be there in New York City cheering them on. Even though they’re competing against each other, I know they’re each just as happy for each other as I am for the both of them. We’re sisters. ‘Nuff said. <g>

     As for me, I’m already putting my game plan together for entering the 2012 Golden Heart. I’ll be entering Historical category this time. Yup, 2012 will be a good year. How can I miss? I’m writing a whole new book. Yes!

 

     Yes, it’s begun. The annual ritual of clock watching. If you’ve entered the Rita or the Golden Heart, you’re unable to take your eyes off the calendar. Is it Friday, March 18, 2011 yet? Just one little old week to go and the calling begins at 8:00 a.m., Central Daylight Saving Time.

     First to be called will be International finalists, and then they make the nationwide calls rolling across the good old U.S.A. from East Coast to West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii. Oh my, oh my. This last week is going slower and the pressure is building higher than I’d ever anticipated. It’s a kind of sweet torture where kindred souls gather in chat rooms, on loops, via texting, Facebook postings, and yes, Twitter. If you weren’t already a little insane wondering, hoping, and praying, then all this clock watching might just push you over the edge. LOL!  

     Yes, I’m a first timer. A GH virgin. Never before entered this one. Am I excited? Yes. Do I expect to final? No, but it sure would be nice! I realize the odds are against me, but I believe in my book. If not this year, then maybe another book in another year. This one’s proven itself already by winning third place out of four finalists in the 2010 New Jersey Romance Writer’s – Put Your Heart In A Book contest. I’ve been told that’s a very tough contest to final in, let alone to win. I felt like a winner regardless of the standings. What a thrill!

     Will I get the GH call?

     In 6 days, 8 hours, 29 minutes, and 5 seconds—we’ll know. Yikes!

 

     A friend asked me that question today. Hmmm. Rejection. What a novel concept. Without rejection, we are incapable of appreciating acceptance. In reality, one can’t truly enjoy the absolute thrill of getting The Call until one has experienced the throes of rejection—numerous times.

     Rejection keeps me humble. From contest judges who didn’t like my Irish heroine’s first name (Briana) to being told by my number-one-hoped-and-prayed-for editor they’re passing on my submission, I’ve learned through the years to take rejection with grace. Okay, yeah. First, I pout, cry foul, and throw a tantrum—but that’s all done in private. I’ve learned from life in general that it’s a whole lot easier to move forward when I take my next steps without the shadow of guilt and shame—no regrets.

     So what do I do? I take a long walk, and then sleep on it. If I’m still riled the next day, I start scrubbing pots and pans. Seriously, I do. By the time my cookware is shining (and ruined a great manicure) I’m usually in more control of my emotions. Face it, I’m worn out by then. <g>

This is when I let myself pick up the phone or type an email. With encouraging words, a few cyber-hugs, and a lot of laughter, I’m finally ready to garner whatever gems of wisdom the experience holds for me to learn. Because, it’s all about growing and moving forward, right?

     Oh, by the way, ice cream helps, too. Lots of chocolate ice cream. J

 

Last time I was here, my house looked a lot different. We now have gorgeous hardwood flooring throughout most of the ground floor…with the exception of new stone tile in the master bath. Love, love, LOVE the result. Remodeling isn’t quite done, though. We’re looking at new windows and adding a sun room. All will be quite grand but we’re not yet there. The really good news, writing-wise, is that I’ve met all my chapter obligations and am now diving in to serious writing time. Yippee! I’m starting a new book, a true Historical this time. I’ve written the first 15 pages and it’s looking good. Sent the first five pages to critique’ers and it appears I’m on the right track so will do my best to blow through the story as fast as I can, right to The End. I’ll be checking in more often now and that’s not just a new year’s resolution. It’s a promise that will keep me moving forward. Tally ho!

We all know the months of November and December just don’t have enough days on the calendar for us to get everything done that we need to do. It’s bound to happen. Something just doesn’t get done. It’s the first week of December and, for me, it’s ‘so far, so good’. I managed to meet all my November deadlines in spite of falling victim to the Houston flu. I hate being sick. I’m a rotten patient. For a change, I knuckled under to the Rx and took to bed. A week later, I crawled my way back to the day job…just two days before the Thanksgiving break…and then gratefully spent my four days off resting. Well, to be honest, writing happened, too. The kind where you spit-polish-shine a manuscript in order to submit to a professional in the industry. That’s sent off, yea! I’d planned to take the rest of December to draft a storyboard for the next book. Well, guess what? Hubby made a deal with a flooring company. That means everything around here has to get packed up and moved…and there went my writing plans. The good news is, when the flooring is done, I probably won’t get sick so often. Carpeting will be gone and so will all those allergens. My new plan? Let the new book simmer in December and then treat January like it’s NANOWRIMO. Yeah, I can do that. Woot!  

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. That’s because I’ve been in revision mode trying to meet the entry date for the Golden Heart contest. In so doing, I’ve accomplished two other goals. Two agents have requested my book, The 25^th Hour, and I just sent off the material. Done, done, and done! So fingers crossed on all three fronts. It’s a great feeling to know you’re seriously writing toward publication. Woot!

OMG!  I'm flying on an emotional high and just have to share. My chapter's one-day conference was absolutely awesome. Our workshop presenter (all day) was Randy Ingermanson who presented his Snowflake Method of drafting your story. I missed the AM session because I was working the Agent Pitch sessions. Randy's PM workshop was all about drawing traffic to our websites and creating our Tribes. Awesome stuff.

 

Our three agents in attendance were Naomi Hackenberg with the Elaine English Literary Agency, Amy Boggs with the Donald Maass Literary Agency, and Christine Witthohn who is the founder of Book Cents Literary Agency. Christine was our Luncheon Speaker and talked about 'How To Get and Stay Published in this Volatile Market.'

 

Okay, where do I start? I think I'm just going to give you the run down, start to finish. So, our chapter’s 1st VP hosted a private party at her home Friday evening for the guest speaker, three agents, finalists in attendance (we had four show up, all from out of town and as far away as Toronto and New York), and the first 35 who registered for the conference. After work on Friday, I drove straight to the hotel, met my critique partner/roommate and got checked in. We all met in the hotel lobby and offered rides for those from out of town to Stacey's house, about a 30 minute drive in Houston's rush hour. Christine Witthohn and her client, Liz Lipperman, a published author from the Dallas area, and a NWH chapter mate, Elizabeth, ended up riding with me. Christine rode in the front seat. So, you know what's coming, right? Right. After we get on our way and I've made it up onto the freeway, she asks me to pitch my book. <This is me, taking a huge calming breath while I'm dodging brake lights and trying to remember what my book was about...>

 

I managed to spit out the gist of my pitch, in between lane changes, brake lights, and answering Christine's questions. She seemed intrigued, commented that my Time Travel could be a tough sell but that it wasn't impossible. I mentioned I was a finalist in the Put Your Heart In A Book contest. She asked who the final editor was. I said St. Martin's Press. Christine nodded and said, "That's impressive. If Holly Blanck is the editor reading your pages, you've got a good chance." (My heart rate zipped into orbit here.> I nodded, that yes, she was the editor. She said then, "I'll give you my card." By this time I was feeling like I might actually survive the Indy 500 to Stacey's house when I realized I'd missed my exit. Elizabeth, my chapter mate, said, "Well, I didn't want to say anything because you were PITCHING!" We all laughed and I joked that I wasn't about to go straight to Stacey's house when I had an agent in my car. <Insert mucho jokes and evil laughter now about child lock doors, etc.> 

 

The Meet & Greet was awesome and the drive back to the hotel went without incident...but this time, the travel arrangements had changed. Riding with me now was Christine, Liz, Naomi Hackenberg, and Randy Ingermanson. To say I played like a fly on the wall the whole drive back to the hotel is an understatement while these industry professionals enjoyed a mind meld. <Yes, that’s me, with the devilish grin right about now...>

 

Okay, so we're back at the hotel and it's still Friday night. One of my chapter mates has this tradition of hosting an in-room Wine/Cheese/Chocolate/Pajama party at every conference she attends including Nationals, and she had the room directly across the hall from mine. I could hear the laughter before I got off the elevator so dropped off my purse, kicked off my shoes, and joined the fun. I didn't stay long but it capped the evening nicely...and I got to tell about my new ability to multi-task: pitching while driving. <Picture lots of High-5's for a successful pre-pitch.>

 

Now to the 10-minute pitches on Saturday: My first pitch was to Amy Boggs. It went quite well and she asked for the first 50 pages and the synopsis. I can't believe I forgot to tell her that I'd finaled in the PYHIAB contest, but got the request anyway. Cool. I didn't pitch to Naomi because the Elaine English website says specifically that they don't do Time Travels. Had fun chatting with her all weekend, but oh well!

 

My 'official' pitch to Christine was a bit more sane than the night before. She asked a few hard questions and I didn’t embarrass myself with dumb answers. This is right about the time we got the one-minute warning. Christine was brainstorming with me and she nodded to the timer. We went deeper into the brainstorming and the timer opened the door again. Christine said, "Give me a couple more minutes, please." <My heart beat soared back into orbit…> More brainstorming and it's really gelling. We're both excited. Door opens again. Christine said, basically, "Go away!" We finish the brainstorming a moment later, she hands me her card and wants the FULL. OMG, can you hear me screaming? But wait! The day's not done.

 

Christine gave the most awesome speech at lunch. She announced that she's predicting big changes in how we market and sell our books, and that we're actually in a very good position right now if we've got great stories to sell that are complete and polished. New York publishing houses are being rejected by big name authors because they’re not getting what they want or deserve in renewed contracts. The result is these houses now have funding available to buy manuscripts they would have had to pass on because their budgets were maxed by the big name authors.

 

After the conference, the chapter executive board took Randy and the agents to dinner. We enjoyed ourselves and hated to call it a night but poor Randy was exhausted after a full day on his feet. We went back to the hotel...and everyone but Randy joined the second night’s Wine/Cheese/Chocolate/Pajama party. Here's where things really began to boil. Christine pretty much led the night with great stories. Wow, it was great stuff! We had so much fun, got a little crazy but everyone stayed sober and respectful. 

 

When we got up to leave, I was saying good bye to someone while Christine was saying good bye to my critique partner so was a bit side tracked right then...but Christine grabbed me in a great bear-hug to say good bye and whispered in my ear, "CONTRACT STUFF!" Okay, do you think my critique partner and I got any sleep last night??? OMG!!!

An unexpected new detail landed in my Inbox yesterday. As noted in previous blogs, I finaled in New Jersey Chapter’s “Put Your Heart In A Book” Contest. The contest coordinator sent out a blanket email to all the finalists requesting Head Shots to be used as slides during the Conference Ceremony, and we're to send the photos as soon as possible. Yikes! Who knew? Even if I'd finaled in the Golden Heart, I would have been surprised at having to send a head shot. Of course, I know they are used in the GH presentations but I never suspected other conferences would put on a similar ceremony. I feel like I've entered a new level in my push to publication, like the stratosphere of contest infamy. My head is swimming with all the preparations to attend the conference as a finalist. So this evening after work, I sat on a wrought iron bench in the garden and Dear Hubby obligingly snapped picture after picture in hopes of capturing a glimpse of my sparkling personality, sans flaws. We all have flaws and I'm no cosmetologist, nor am I proficient in Photoshop. After about 30 different shots, I narrowed the selection down to five, and then to one and sent that photo off. To be honest, I'm still freaking out a bit knowing I'll be sitting in the audience and will see my face up there on a 10 foot screen. Oh my!   

Writing is like living on a rollercoaster. You can't have any ups without the downs. The thrills only come with the work. This weekend is work. I'm hiding out in my house, not going anywhere, no errands to run, no chatting on the phone, no messing around with time-consuming-though-entertaining internet games, and no TV. Just me and my writing. Well, a load of laundry, a few dishes, and vacuuming are allowed…and, I did clean the cat litter box. After all, housework gets my derriere out of the chair for a bit, and also counts as exercise. That kind of work needs doing, too. I have a whole book to tighten and polish. So far this weekend, I've edited over 125 pages. WooHoo! That's over one third of my book and it's only lunchtime on Sunday. I just LOVE my weekends!

When do you get your best work done?  Happy writing to all, J. 

 

So, I didn't imagine that phone call. The one from Jessica at New Jersey RWA when she called to tell me I was a finalist in the Put Your Heart In A Book contest. The chapter now has the 2010 finalists and honorable mentions listed on their webpage. Woot! What an awesome feeling seeing your own name right there on the list. My Paranormal entry, THE 25th HOUR, is on its way to the final round judges. The final ranking won't be revealed until the chapter conference which is held October 22nd and 23rd. I can't hold my breath for two minutes, let alone for two months! What is a girl to do in all that time? Oh yeah, polish the entry until it shines, and then get crackin' on the next book, which is already underway. With all the commotion about finaling, I kinda got derailed for a bit but I'm back on track. This is me, off to spit, polish, shine. In the mean time, if you'd like to check out the finalist announcement for yourself, click on the link below. Thanks! J.

http://njromancewriters.org/index.php?/njrw_contest/put_your_heart_in_a_book_contest_finalists/

Four days after being told I’ve finaled in the NJRWA PYHIAB contest, I’m astounded by the amount of good wishes I’ve received. I have yet to see the official announcement of finalists on any of the loops or on the NJRWA webpage so it’s all been by word of mouth, as in emails via chapter loops and YahooGroups! It’s been an amazing week. With everything else going on in my personal life, I’ve done my best to respond to emails but I’m afraid I’ve overlooked someone’s post. For that, I apologize but I do appreciate the congratulatory notes. It’s just so awesome to receive so much support. We are a unique industry. Through the years, I’ve witnessed good news happen with my chapter mate’s, on the loops and at conferences. There is truly a deep, warm, heart within the membership of RWA. It’s that camaraderie that makes us special over any other writing organization. I’ll always be grateful. Hugs! J.

 

What does it feel like to final in a major writing contest? Until today, I never knew. My cell phone rang late this afternoon and before I could answer, the call had already gone to voice mail. The caller had an out-of-state area code that I didn't recognize and was leaving a message. I wondered why a wrong number would bother leaving a message. Well, I was on my way out the door so never bothered with the message right then. An hour later when I returned home, I remembered that call. The lady's voice on the message was absolutely lovely as she identified herself. I briefly wondered why she'd be calling me when I knew full well that contest coordinators only called the finalists. Could I possibly have finaled? Oh my! She went on to ask me to please call her back as soon as possible because she had some good news to tell me. Oh my good Heavens! I hit the call-back button and waited, breathless, as the same soft-voice answered. At this point, I tried not to let my head get ahead of the conversation. I needed to hear the words and she obliged. I did final and she wanted to know if I might be attending the conference! Well howdy, if I could have said yes right then I would have. I did my level best to hear everything she said but I'm sure I missed bits and pieces. I'm still peeling myself off the ceiling. The rest of the evening has been spent sharing my good news with family, my two best friends who are also writers, and my online writing group extraordinaire. What else can I say but Lalala!!!!!

Yesterday, I joined in the Lalala Sister's challenge to write 100 words a day for 100 days. Ideally, I'd have 10,000 new words written at the end of the 100 days but my focus right now is revising an otherwise completed manuscript. On this challenge, we're allowed to count editing for 30 minutes a day as our 100 words fulfilment. Yesterday, I edited. Got in two hours of editing which, for me, is like discovering gold. (What can I say? There's a serious lack of extra minutes at my house.) Today, I wrote on a new project. Granted, it wasn't exactly free writing the story. This writing was creating the bare bones rough draft of the synopsis for this new story. I'm jazzed about getting that story down on cyber-paper so will have to tap dance between the two projects in this 100 day challenge. Love progress!