"Romantic Times" review

"Romantic Times" gave Courting Miss Adelaide a 4 1/2 ****star review, the highest number they give!!! I'm thrilled and very grateful!!!

Romance Writers of America conference

I had a great time in San Francisco at the Romance Writers of America conference! It's always fun to reconnect with friends, attend the Faith, Hope and Love mini-conference, the Rita and Golden Heart Awards ceremony and the fabulous Harlequin party!

Several authors went to lunch with Editor Melissa Endlich, head of the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical line.

Our workshop "First Year on the Job: From the Call to Publication" Debby Giusti, Missy Tippens and I put on with Steeple Hill Senior Editor Krista Stroever went well. I dislike public speaking, but was relaxed, definitely an answer to prayer. The picture is of me, Debby and Missy at the Harlequin party.

One of the highlights of the conference was a workshop given by Blake Snyder, successful screenwriter and entertaining speaker. I got lots of valuable information but plan to buy his book Save the Cat for more.

While at conference I learned Courting Miss Adelaide received a 4 1/2 star review from "Romantic Times," the highest rating they give. I'm still thrilled and grateful!!!

I enjoyed chatting at Starbucks with Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical authors Allie Pleiter, Carla Capshaw, Laura Kingery and Winnie Griggs.

Two friends won Ritas, that lovely lady published authors would love to have sitting on their desks.

This is Helen Brenna and I with her Rita for her debut novel Treasure, Harlequin Superromance. Treasure is a terrific book!!

Inspirational Rita winner Linda Goodnight with her Steeple Hill Love Inspired book, A Touch of Grace, is surrounded by her fans and fellow writers. From left to right: Debby Giusti, Lenora Worth, Janet, Missy Tippens, Linda, Allie Pleiter, Debra Clopton, Pamela Tracy and Merrillee Whren.

After the conference my husband and I drove up the coast. More on that later.

Blessings, Janet

Romance Writers of America conference

Around 2,000 writers, agents, editors and other professionals in publishing will gather in San Francisco to attend or give workshops, network, and socialize during the Romance Writer's of America conference. Unpublished writers get the opportunity to pitch their stories to editors and agents with the hope they'll one day see their words in print. The grand finale is the Rita and Golden Heart Awards Night, RWA's version of the Oscars. The conference is an exciting, hectic, informative, and exhausting few days.

The morning before the conference officially opens Faith, Hope & Love, a special interest chapter of RWA, hosts a mini-conference for inspirational writers and professionals that ends with a wonderful time of worship, fueling our spirit for the days ahead.

I'll participate in giving a workshop entitled: First Year on the Job: From "THE CALL" to Publication. I'll attend my publisher's party, a gala event, and see my editor at lunch and other functions. Best of all, I'll hook up with writer friends I've met at prior conferences and only see once a year/ Those friends are one of the many blessings of being a writer.

Whatever your dream, grab the opportunities like this conference to bring it to fruition.

Blessings,
Janet

Shirley Jump at Seekerville today

Shirley Jump, my critique partner and friend, is at Seekerville today talking about Show Not Tell. She's the author of thirty-three books. Her latest release, Boardroom Bride and Groom is on sale now. Stop in and pick her brain at www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Blessings, Janet

Happy day!

Mary Connealy, author of Calico Canyon, a good friend and Seeker pal suggested I get my picture taken holding Courting Miss Adelaide. Since I know better than to ignore Mary's advice, here I am in my office holding a copy of my debut novel. In two months it will be in the stores so you can hold it, too. :-)

If you haven't read one of Mary's book, pick up a copy of Calico Canyon. I loved it!

Janet

Susan Meier's Ten Minute Solution

If you have too much to do and not enough time to do it, stop in at http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/ today and chat with Susan Meier. Her ten minute solution will increase your productivity. Post a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing to win one of Susan's backlist.

Blessings, Janet

The winner is...

My author copies arrived! After a two year wait, I'm thrilled to hold the book in my hands! The colors are vibrant. Miss Adelaide is even prettier in person. ;-) I'm very proud of this, my debut book.

I put the names of those who left a comment about the cover in the pot for a copy of Courting Miss Adelaide. And the winner is...Pamela. I'll be contacting her by e-mail.

Thanks for entering!

Janet