Jitters, Gerard, and Golden Heart®

Song of the Day: St Elmo’s Fire by John Parr

Eek!

It’s that time of year again. The blurry vision, the twitching, the anxious pill-popping, no, it’s not pollen induced allergies brought on by the first kiss of spring. It’s time for Romance Writers of America to announce the 2010 Rita® and Golden Heart® finalists.

Bling for the unpubbed.

Tomorrow, in fact.

Tomorrow, many of us will either pace the floor by the phone waiting, praying, willing for it to ring with our ever-powerful mind control or go about our day blissfully pretending not to notice it’s the morning calls go out.

Tomorrow, for better of worse, we will be put out of our miseries. The months long wait will be over.

Sure, there’ll be crying.  Tears of defeat or tears of blubbering joy, it doesn’t matter. Just keep the Kleenex handy.

Please don't eat me!

This year will be hard for me. As a finalist last year, I wonder if lightning will strike twice. Do I have a better chance winning the lottery or being eaten alive by a great white shark than obtaining the coveted Golden Heart® distinction? Probably. But a girl can hope, right? And I can hope Gerard Butler will shower me with his undying devotion.

I digress.

As they say on the many cereal box contests, ‘many will enter, few will win’. There are up to 1200 entrants and only a handful, eight, possibly nine per category, will walk away finalists. Your momma is right – we are all winners. But some of the judges might not agree. And so we must remember the golden rule…say it with me class…it’s all subjective.

This is what I call women's porn. A naked movie star doing my laundry. And I cropped it!

Some will hate an entry and want to use it to line their kid’s hamster cage. Others will think it’s the next best thing since women’s porn. Move over Nora, Linda or <insert famous author’s name here>. This entry smokes! But the reality is it’s the luck of the draw.

Did I get the right batch of judges willing to decree me into the 2010 GH knighthood? Oh dear. I don’t want to think about it. I might take up drinking – more heavily.

Now if YOU final, I have a few suggestions.

First, celebrate! This really IS a big deal!

Second, connect with the other 2010 finalists. These are the ladies whom with you will share a special bond. Together you will create a major support system. We 2009 Golden Heart gals came together and formed the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood. We delighted in getting to know one another and trumpeted our sisters’ successes. Your new pals will grow, nurture and do a cheerleader pyramid of encouragement. You will swap advice, prepare for RWA® Nationals in Nashville and build lifelong friendships. You may even shop together. Anyone at last year’s conference in D.C. could spot a Ruby Sister. We wore red heels and Ruby Slipper pins.  And get hooked up with The Golden Network, an RWA® chapter devoted to Golden Heart® finalists and winners, past and present.

Next, polish your manuscript and query it within an inch of its life. Get it in front of as many agents and editors as you can. Don’t be afraid to mention your new title. Cue music – 2010 Golden Heart® finalist! Wear it proudly. Scream it loud enough and long enough and people will begin to take notice. Note: I do not recommend doing this in state or federal buildings or airports. You may find yourself in a cell lined with iron bars or soft padding.

"There's no place like the best sellers lists. There's no place like the best sellers list."

I raise a cyber glass of champagne to my fellow 2009 Golden Heart® finalists, the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood. Our reign has come to a bittersweet end. Wow! What a ride.

And I welcome the new Golden Heart® elite. Your journey has just begun.

Good luck to all who entered!

RWA DC Photo Gallery

Song of the Day: Photograph by Def Leppard (my all-time favorite 80′s rock band! <giggles>)

Hi Folks!

With the arrival of my daughter fast approaching, I’m a bit overwhelmed with what my DH & I have left to do. There is desperation to become organized both within the home and with my writing schedule.  And let’s not forget  getting my 8 year-old ready for second grade, research for my next WIP, contest coordinating, contest judging and juggling everday life. I’m a little behind, so I thought I’d add some pictures of RWA Nationals in DC. Something to tie you over until my next post. <tee hee>

 

Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Janet Evanovich - Gotta love her!

 

 

Dianna Love - She's just awesome

Anne Stuart - A very funny lady!

PJ Mellor - Erotic writer

Colleen Thompson - Suspense writer

 

 

Typical Stacey - my roomie

Hey! How'd he get in here?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christie Craig and Pirate Yoda t-shirt wearing me

 

Pj, wine & chocolate party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner with some Texas locals

   

Ruby Slippers anyone?

 

Golden Heart finalists - Ruby Slipper Sisterhood

 

Golden Heart finalists - Ruby Slipper Sisterhood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Heart finalists - Ruby Slipper Sisterhood

 

 

 

 

Laurie & Pat - Unique and fun Ruby Sisters

Ruby Sister Heather McCollum and I getting ready to PITCH! Nah - we're not nervous.

My new bud and Ruby Sister - Amy Talley

The Golden Heart Diaries: Following the Yellow Brick Road

Song of the day: Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson

What a week at RWA® Nationals in D.C. So overwhelming – so fantastic!

My brain is fried and my sleep-deprived body is still on strike. Workshops, meetings, hobnobbing, receptions, retreats, autographing, spotlights, the list goes on. Where, oh where, to begin. How about the highlights?

Tuesday: The day of travel.

You're breaking our hearts, too, Zac

It’s been 15 years since I’ve traveled solo but I’m glad to report no body cavity searches, no queasy turbulence to scare precious years from my life, and my luggage made it on the same plane.  I intended to write my stunning pitch, you remember, on this flight. Instead I watched the in-flight movie. Damn you, Zac Efron.

Washington Monument

Once on the ground, Washington D.C. kept me awestruck with its incredible beauty. And not a politician in sight!

I realized after reaching the hotel I stood in the midst of romance greatness. Within minutes I sat eating a salad (based on the price, made with the finest produce from Atlantis topped with chicken born of golden eggs) just tables away from Nora Roberts.

Ruby Slippers

The fun heated up when for dinner I met my fellow 2009 Golden Heart® finalists – The Ruby Slipper Sisters. We wore our red shoe pins, snazzy red heels and chanted ‘There’s no place like the best-sellers list. There’s no place like the best-sellers list.’ Lifelong friendships were forged this night.

 Wednesday: The RWA® conference officially begins.

Thus the flurry of my conference schedule takes hold and the next several days become eerily reminiscent of high school. The bell rings, class is dismissed and there are just minutes to visit the ladies room, add more band-aids to mangled feet, and move along to your next destination. Thanks goodness no tardy slips were handed out!

The Chapter Leadership Seminar and the Golden Network Retreat took up most of my day. Let me say, by the end of these two events, my brain shifted into overload with useful info.

The retreat had a panel of agents and editors who imparted the 411 on what they looked for from authors and then gave their opinions on a select number of queries. My query happened to be among the lucky (or unlucky) ones to which the panel made mincemeat. Though I did well, my query failed to ‘wow’ them.  Painful as it was to be torn apart by industry professionals I gained valuable insight. No anesthesia necessary.

 Thursday: Speakers and Workshops.

Janet Evanovich, Stacey Purcell & Me (+ 1)

Janet Evanovich and Linda Howard were quirky, fun and hilarious speakers. The various workshops turned out to be gold mines addressing everything from business and craft issues to Brad Pitt. And who doesn’t like to talk about Brad!

On this evening, I attended a fun dessert reception with my fellow Ruby Slipper Sisters and members of the Golden Network. It was here I had my first pitch (unprepared, mind you, as I still hadn’t written one – Damn you twice, Zac Efron!). Much to my horror, I spent the entire evening with my pants on backwards. BACKWARDS! My roomie, in her most sweet, innocent voice, said, “I wondered about that. But then I figured it was some new maternity fashion.” What?!

 Friday: Take a deep breath.

More workshops, meetings and a luncheon with Eloisa James. I became inspired at the afternoon Rita/Golden Heart® Reception by the talent that floated and mingled throughout the room, all aglow with giddy excitement. Gotta love the camaraderie.

Also on this day, I had my pitches scheduled. The arctic air and overwhelming need to run screaming from the room did not sway me from doing my duty – selling myself and my story the best way I know how. I charmed the agent and editors, wooed them, enlighten them to seek the path of my greatness. Okay. I’m exaggerating just a touch. They made me work hard for their time, but I walked away from them feeling pretty darn good, managing three requests. However, I came to the conclusion agents and editors do not necessarily want the same thing. Hmmm…amusing fodder for another blog.

A bus tour of the city and then a party on the sixth floor, complete with the neighbors pounding on the wall, finished up an exhaustive day.

 Saturday: THE day!

The Ruby Slipper Sisters

In truth, I had forgotten that the Golden Heart® was a competition. Something special solidified among the Ruby Slipper Sisters and I am honored to be among them. There is no doubt that we will continue to encourage each other and celebrate all that we as writers reap. They have come to mean very much to me. Simply put, they rock! Thank you for the memories, ladies.

Brad, why haven't you called?

The Rita/Golden Heart® Awards were indeed much like the Academy Awards – this is purely a guess since, to date, Brad has failed to bring me along as his arm candy. The velvet ropes, the flashy lighting, the superstars of the romance industry sitting among us, the words “And the award goes to…” it was all so awesome!

I did not win the Golden Heart® in my category, but I truly believe the right Ruby Slipper Sister did. I also believe that each Sister is a winner. We are rich from this experience and I am grateful to be a part of such a prestigious group. Congratulations to all the winners!

 For a complete list of the 2009 Rita/Golden Heart® winners please visit:

 http://www.rwanational.org/cs/2009_award_winners

Golden Heart Diaries: Dresses, Dawdling & Ducks – Next stop D.C.

First – Let me start by giving an update on “Agent Shop”.  At the time of this post, MuseTracks is still awaiting word from Ms. Cameron at Reece Halsey Literary Agency on whether or not she will request any pitches from this round. WIll will let you know as soon as she contacts us. Thanks for your patience.

Okay . . . on to business.

 

Song of the Day: Struggle by Ringside

 

Got my plane tickets? Check! Got my schedule? Check! Wardrobe? Essentials? Business cards? Camera? Check!

I’m heading for Washing D.C. in just hours. My nerves have definitely ratcheted up a few notches. Not just for the exciting week ahead at RWA Nationals, but for the plane trip, as well. I’m what you call a “white knuckle flyer”. I imagine I’ll settle my nerves by wondering if I forgot anything. Did I pack enough undies? Is my luggage making the trip to Bangladesh instead of D.C.? Will DH and offspring survive my absence? Or will I return to a home that looks like a regurgitation of Daddy Day Care and Animal House?

Aside from packing, preparing for this trip has not been easy either. Self-imposed deadlines on polishing my manuscripts. Sending out queries. Braving the rejections. Rejoicing the requests. Several visits to the office. And the shopping.

Normally shopping would be something most women find some type of enjoyment. But for me, it’s been a tear-inducing experience. Let me explain. 

Choosing a formal dress for any occasion can be difficult. Make that for the Rita/Golden Heart Awards ceremony and it’s a daunting task. Finding a style that you like, that is flattering, in your size, at a price that doesn’t require a loan, is sometimes darn near impossible. Especially for someone that is 7 months pregnant. ACK! Now add in the shoes, jewelry, and evening bag. Did I say only near impossible?! Oh – what’s a preggo to do?

After scouring the malls in the area, I decided on a pretty lavender and black maternity cocktail dress I found on eBay. In a moment of delusional weakness, I measured myself twice, took a deep breath and placed the order. Ordering clothes on-line is risky. But hey, I like to gamble. So when the dress arrived, I was anxious to try it on. It fit – sort of. The dress is a bit, well, snug around my boobs. Let’s just say my cups runneth over. My DH suddenly thought that maybe I needed an escort to D.C. – or perhaps I intended to be the escort!

Time for plan B. I have a red Marilyn dress; you know the one, from the movie The Seven Year Itch. This number still fits, even with the bun in the oven. But there is a tiny flaw. Because the oven door is practically open, the back of the dress puckers out. And the tailor couldn’t fix it. <Insert heavy sigh here>

Plan C? Cry, stomp my feet, and shop more. I eventually found a black dress much like my Marilyn dress a couple of days ago.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I carry on with my agent search. I continue to receive positive response to my manuscripts. Hopefully I will soon find someone as excited about my pirate tales as I am.

So how about wowing D.C.? My bright, shining smile and sparkling personality <cough, cough> should do it. Plus I’ll have a trusty horn tooter. Maybe I’ll just attract attention because I’ll look like a waddling drunken duck smuggling beach balls.

And true to my form, I’ll be preparing my awesome editor/agent pitch and GH acceptance speech <insert belly laughter and knee-slapping here> on the plane.

I’m in awe of the opportunities that being a GH finalist has presented. I’m going to step off that plane with my nerves intact and soak in everything that the convention has to offer. There’s so much to do and learn. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, attending the workshops, meetings and seminars, autograph parties, dinners, retreats and a sightseeing tour or two. Whew! It’s going to be a wild ride!

Next stop: D.C.

Hope to see some of you in Washington!

Golden Heart Diaries: Strike Up The Band

Golden Heart Diaries: The Great Agent Search

 Song of the Day: Crawling in the Dark by Hoobastank

 

With a title like Golden Heart® finalist, I began to realize something magical had happened. People started to take notice of me. Now those of you who personally know me are probably rolling their eyes and thinking “Phssh, well duh. Kinda hard NOT to notice Miss Brassy Pants.” Yet, I have been amazed and humbled by people’s reaction to my newfound accomplishment.

Some of the attention may have been overlooked had it not been for a few special friends of mine I like to dub my Horn Tooters. Everywhere I go, the wind section of these pals blow shiny horns, announcing my final and subsequent requests. After the rousing musical introduction, flags are raised, flowers are thrown and I am expected to do my very best Queen of England hand wave to the adoring crowd. Bless my merry band of Horn Tooters.

Once the delirious fog of my pirate historical Upon a Moonlit Sea actually making it in the finals lifted, I set to work to capitalize on the Golden Heart® name. I generated a new query and promptly sent it out to ten acquiring agents and sent follow-up emails to those who had my manuscript fermenting in their slush piles. Some of these agents had already sent their beloved, unsigned standard rejection letters. But, hey, why not give them a second chance at greatness, right?

The response blew me away. Eight of the ten asked for a partial or full – one within TEN minutes of me pushing the send button. Imagine, if you will, my giddy excitement; the falling to my knees, the tears of joy, the shameless bowing to my ornate agent shrine. Perhaps giddy isn’t the right word.

Now, this is where an old eighties rock tune pops into my head. “Sometimes high, sometimes low, easy come, easy go.” That sound you hear is the escaping air from my high flying balloon. I have received almost as many rejections as requests, deflating my ego at an alarming rate. Feelings of inadequacies burrowed deep and no amount of horn tooting or elegant hand waving would help. I confirmed that Moonlit Sea wasn’t at its best. Nausea had set it.

So why did I only send out ten queries? Surely the more agents I send to the better chance I’ll have of landing one. The proverbial iron is hot, after all. I should be hitting up every agent in the known world and beyond. The short answer is that I was scared. I hadn’t read my manuscript since last summer and I have come light years as a writer from where I was those months ago. Moonlit Sea needed a good buff and I knew it.

I didn’t want to send it out to anyone else until that sucker shined. But I fashioned a self-imposed deadline that I had to meet. I wanted, no, I NEEDED to finish my second pirate historical, A Kiss in the Wind, before I could move on. There were only a few chapters left. No way could I abandon the story, even for a month. My salty main characters would probably string me up on the gallows. Arghh.

I’m happy to report, I’ve met my goal and I’m done.  Now, I am feverishly working to blind agents with Moonlit Sea with crisper authenticity and tighter phrasing. Though there is some head slapping at the little mistakes I’ve come across, the nausea is starting to abate. Bring me my Horn Tooters!

Yes, there is a smidgen of regret for sending out my manuscript so soon to those agents. With the story not at 100%, I can understand receiving the rejections. However, I’m reminded that if I didn’t have a great story, I wouldn’t be a finalist. Before long, I’ll be flooding the agent market again, hopefully with equally exciting results.

There has been a lot of success from other Golden Heart® finalists finding great agents. Congratulations to them all! With any luck, I’ll join that bandwagon soon. I believe in my pirates. I believe in my story. And the iron is still hot.

In my next installment of the Golden Heart® Diaries, I’ll prattle on about preparing to wow DC, dress anxiety, and any new agent developments.

Golden Heart® Diaries – The Beginning

Song of the day: The Pretender by the Foo Fighters

Many of you know that I recently placed in the finals in the RWA Golden Heart® contest with my historical pirate novel Upon A Moonlit Sea.  Since then I have been asked lots of questions. How did I found out? What was my reaction when I received the call? What does it feel like to be a GH finalist? It was also suggested that I journal this remarkable event.

Well, I decided I would keep a cyber diary of my Golden Heart® experience, once a month here on Musetracks. Don’t worry. I won’t write “I love Orlando” and draw girly pictures of pirates and puppies all over the page. Maybe.

It all started pretty unremarkably. I had this novel, my very first, which I was quite proud of, with characters so real to me that I often forgot they were figments of my imagination. Shhh. Don’t tell them that. It makes them cranky. On the contest circuit, Moonlit did average. The judges who read my story for enjoyment and style seemed to love it. Those who buckled down on strict rules and mechanics scored me more harshly. I’ve taken first place and scraped along the muck at the bottom of the contest barrel with the exact same, unchanged manuscript.  And I learned that magical word – subjectivity.

Last fall, I decided to enter the Golden Heart®. Why not? I had just as good a chance as anyone else. This was solely wishful thinking, but I approached the contest like I had approached everything else in the wacky world of writing – jumping in with both feet.

Fast forward to March. I knew the announcements were near; the chatter on the various Yahoo loops was hard to miss. I tried to ignore it.  If I got excited about the prospect of a final, I’d set myself up for a huge disappointment. Let me tell you, March had been a doozy of a month. Life had me in a tight stranglehold. False hope would probably send me to drinking – heavily.

The day the calls went out, I purposely occupied my time. I did fun things like working out, getting the rag-a-muffin off to school, and laundry. After a thrilling morning of grocery shopping, I arrived home to three messages on my answering machine. All three were from Terri Brisbin at RWA. What in the world would she be calling me for? She’s got exciting news? Could it be? My finger couldn’t dial the return number fast enough.

As Terri told me that Upon A Moonlit Sea had indeed made the historical finals for the Golden Heart®, I hopped around the kitchen, mouthing expletives like a seasoned sailor. Ecstatically thanking her, my voice rose about 6 octaves too high and a small crowd of stray cats had gathered at my back door.

Poor DH thought something horrible had happened when I called him with my news. He couldn’t make out a single word through my pathetic sobs of joy. “Oh jeez. Who died?” he had asked.

I must say I had wondered if there might have been a mistake. A really big snafu. I had only started writing 18 months prior to the contest. There is still so much I have to learn. Surely there had been an oversight. Yet, I coveted the final like a toddler with a new toy, ready to wail if someone even thought about touching my shiny new title.

I floated around the next few days in a surreal fog. There were loops to join, friendships to forge, deadlines, and press releases. What’s this about a photograph of myself being plastered on a big screen? There is the National conference, agents and parties. Oh no! What will I wear? I gradually began to realize that this GH thing was much bigger than I ever imagined. Holy Moly! It’s like the Emmys!!

Thanks to all the judges who found my pirate story Upon A Moonlit Sea entertaining enough to it make a Golden Heart® finalist.

Stay tuned for my next installment of the Golden Heart® Diaries where I’ll be discussing horn tooters, agent searches, and my nagging feelings of inadequacy.