Happy Halloween

Many of us celebrate this holiday by taking the little ones trick-or-treating, giving out the candy to them from our own homes, or dressing up and going to Halloween parties.

But did you know this was a Celtic Festival many years ago, where people would, (and probably still do) set out a plate for their loved ones who've passed on in a way of remembering them. It was also a time for them to take stock in their supplies and yes, slaughter the animals needed for food in the winter. Just thought that was interesting.

So maybe this year as you're dressing up, taking the little ones, out, or getting ready to hand out your treats, take a few moments to remember with the happy times of those who've passed on.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween. Check back tomorrow for this week's winner.



WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Check Out Diana's Cover for Rampant and Carrie's Website and Excerpt...Wow for Both

Check out Diana Peterfreund’s blog. She has the cover up for Rampant and OMG, it’s amazing!

The girl is beautiful, but it goes beyond that. It’s like she knows something and you really want to know what it is.

This is a cover that if I was browsing in the bookstore, (and I always do after I’ve pick up whatever I’ve went for), the cover alone would draw me in and I’d have to pick it up to read the back.

Okay, now you’ve check out Diana’s blog, go over and check out Carrie Ryan’s new website. And while you’re there, read an excerpt of The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Amazing.

It’s not a long excerpt by any means and yet I was immediately drawn into her world.

These are two books I’m dying to read and can’t wait till they come out.

So, now you’ve check them out, what do you think?

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Which Austen Heroine Are You?

I found this on violetcrush’s blog and thought it was pretty cool. It comes from Strangegirl on her Emma Adaptations Pages.

Take the Quiz here!

You are Marianne Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are impulsive, romantic, impatient, and perhaps a bit too brutally honest. You enjoy romantic poetry and novels, and play the pianoforte beautifully. To boot, your singing voice is captivating. You feel deeply, and love passionately.

Check it out and then come back and tell us which Austen Heroine you are.



Don’t forget this weeks contest is for Jessica Andersen’s, Knight Keepers. All comments all week go to the randomizer.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Golden Pen Contest and Knight Keeper's Giveaway

Before I do the contest for this week I must give props to the Golden Pen Network and their contest. In case you’re not sure who or what this is, they are a group of people who have all been Golden Heart winners, many of which are now published and alumni of the group.

They hold a contest each year called the Golden Pen and I can’t say enough good things about it. Although you don’t have to be entering the RWA Golden Heart to enter this contest, if you are it’s a fabulous thing to do. Think about it. Your entries are judged by former GH finalist. How cool is that.

Did I enter this year? Yep. Did I final? Nope. But I received amazing feedback from all my judges. There is one judge who went above and beyond and to that person I am here to say, WOW. The person opened my eyes to an area I needed to fix and to look for areas I could cut.

Did they like the story and my writing? Yep. What I did have (no more) was a few areas which could slow the pacing and I needed a stronger GMC for my heroine. She has an incredibly strong GMC after the moment where her world changes, but her GMC until that point wasn’t really strong enough. Now it is. :)

I would highly recommend this contest to anyone who truly wants feedback AND you’re ready to make those changes/cuts.

Now for this weeks contest:



Jessica Andersen’s Knight Keeper is an amazing story using the Mayan Calendar. Check out the blurb below.

As a Miami narcotics detective, Leah Daniels never knows how her day will turn out. But she certainly never expected to be strapped to a stone altar, the human sacrifice in an ancient Mayan ritual meant to coax up a demon from the underworld. Or that she'd be saved by a handsome warrior-priest king who claims to recognize her from his visions...

Jaguar Strike wishes he hadn't made the mistake of reuniting his fellow warrior priests, or broken the law by saving their chosen human sacrifice. Now, he has no choice but to join forces with Leah and invoke dangerous magic in a death-defying race against the end of time.
To read and excerpt, click here

Leave your comments this week and on Friday the randomizer will choose a winner.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Check It Out

Over on Much Cheaper Than Therapy is a fabulous post by editors, Laura Kelly and Vicky Reed.

IMVHO, this is a must read for all writers, especially those of us who are aspiring to become published authors. Not only are they giving us ten of their top pet peeves, but they've provided examples of what their talking about.

Check it out and come back to leave a comment of your thoughts on the post.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Writing the Stand Alone Series

You’re writing a stand alone book and yet it’s a series. Sounds great, right? Well, it’s sort of this double edge sword thing. I’ve been using that word a lot lately, but with stand alone series, it’s true.

The first book is completed, shinning so bright, if it was a hotrod you’d seen yourself in it. And you’ve got it out there. People have requested it. Not quite to the point that it’s ‘your people call my people’ yet, but you feel it’s getting close.

You start the second book. Fingers tremble slightly as they pose over the keyboard. For the last month you’ve been dying to start this book. The first chapter flows and you smile. Of course it’s mostly POS, but not to worry, you’re writing forward and besides this is book two.

The screen is white, not a hint of black fills the page. You’ve now decided white is no longer one of your favorite colors. Shaking your head to clear out the proverbial cobwebs, you get another cup of coffee, grab a couple dove chocolates and head back to the laptop.

Maybe if you put on sunglasses it’ll stop the glare of what you are sure is now the brightest white on computer screen you’ve ever seen. And then it hits you. OMG, you’re going to need to plot this out. (Imagine hand slapping forehead here)

Two of your secondary characters from book one are the hero and heroine in book two. Shouldn’t be a problem, you’ve heard them in your head for months. They’ve been dying to get their story told.

Hero and Heroine decide to clam up. Oh yeah, they aren’t saying a word. You cajole them with promises of really listening to them and writing what they want you too. Nothing. What the heck is wrong with these two? Where have they gone? Don’t they know you’re ready now?

And that’s when you finally get it. You don’t know them at all. Sure you knew them in book one as secondary characters, but that’s all. You really didn’t care to much about their GMC’s and now all of sudden you think you can sit down and just spew it out.

You’ve got to plot, BUT more importantly you’ve got to LISTEN to them.

After pouring yourself a glass of wine, and taking the bottle with you, (hey this could be a long night), you settle down and begin. You talk about personal dreams, goals, and desires. Things no one else might know. During the course of the conversation you laugh and you cry and then you’re ready.

Electrical current charges through your fingers and mind, you’ve a real story to tell and it’s theirs. Not something left over from book one, but their lives, hopes, and dreams.
Book two, a stand alone series comes alive and you smile.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Her One Desire - Winner

I'm so excited to give away a copy of Kim's debut book! The winner is....the anticipation gathers...fingers are crossed, heck, maybe even toes...


Carol!!!! Email me your snail mail addy at vickilanewrite @yahoo.com and I'll send the book along.

A little housekeeping, I never heard from Karin who won Susan Grants, Moonstruck. If I don't hear from her by Tuesday of next week, the randomizer will choose another winner.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Awarded the I Love Your Blog - and Paying it Forward

You may have noticed the new award sporting on the side bar, (and above). Shaunesay nominated me for the award. How cool is that?

Now here are the rules. Come on, you knew there’d be rules. We’re writers for goodness sakes. We always have rules. We learn them and learn them well and then—we break them. Heehee.

Here are the rules for the award -

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog (Did that one quick. VBG)

2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you (Yep, did that first thing in the post. Gotta give props where they’re due)

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs (See below the rules for this one)

4) Add links to those blogs on your blog (Um, they’re already there)

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs (This is part of the fun)

Below are seven great blogs. Some have been blogging for a while and some are new to the land of blog. Most of them are writers, but a few are bloggers who…well, read below and you’ll find out.

I hereby award the following blogs:

Hawk - her blog is relatively new and yet it’s one I check each week to see what goodies she’s sharing with us. Everything for ghost, to health to really cool cars. She’s currently posting once a week, getting her feet wet so to speak, but this is a must read blog. Check it out.

Karen Lingefelt - Her blog is glimpse into her life. Not always perfect, but always love abounds. Her words draw you into her world where you’ll laugh one minute and sigh with wonder the next.

Stephie Smith - Not only does she have a great blog, but for those who want to be in know for upcoming contest, this is the place to go.

Patricia - Her blog will keep you up to date on new releases and you’ll travel her writing journey along the way. Tips galore can be found here.

Alyssa Goodnight - Alyssa shares her writing life and the joys cooking, tending to her family and so much more.

Writers At Play - Published Authors, Unpublished but working hard towards their dream, an Editor, and friends, make up this blog. You’ll find writing tips, sexy guys, give a ways, interviews with other authors, agents, and editors. All in all this is a fabulous must read blog.

CL Wilson - Cheryl’s entire website is amazing. The graphics alone could you keep there for hours. You’ll find info on her upcoming signings, how she does her world building and all around great stuff.

Check them all out and then come back and leave your comments. Oh and don’t forget about Kimberly Killion’s book, Her One Desire. Your comments left on today’s post will go in the proverbial randomizer’s hat along with the others for Friday’s winner.



WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Yummy Historical - Kimberly Killion's Debut Book

I first met Kimberly Killion at RWA’s San Fran Nationals. She is not only an amazing writer, but a really cool person.

I’m so excited to be giving away a copy of her debut book, Her One Desire.

F O R H I S L O V E

Astride a stolen horse, encircled by the shackled arms of Broderick Maxwell, a Scottish spy escaping certain death in the Tower of London, Lizbeth Ives rides to the north, hidden by the merciful darkness. By stealth and by cunning, the daughter of the Lord High Executioner has undone her father’s cruel work, compelled to save the innocent man with her. There is no turning back—they are bound as one in his iron chains.

Consumed by mortal fear, driven by passion, they disappear into the night…
A single raven follows them. Is it an omen? Or only the first of those who would capture them? They must ride on. If captured, they will face death together. But if they reach Scotland, he will claim her for his own…forever.
Check out the excerpt.

Kimberly’s website is full of wonderful surprise for this book. Here you’ll find a glossary of terms and other interesting pieces of information. And check out the book trailer.

You know the drill, but just in case there’s someone new to the blog, leave your comment(s) here and any other post this week to be entered. On Friday, the randomizer, (I love this thing) will choose the winner.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVISE FOR WOMEN

This was sent via email to me and I'm thinking it just might fit most of us on a Friday.

Do you have feelings of inadequacy?



Do you suffer from shyness?



Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?



If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Chardonnay.



Chardonnay is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Chardonnay can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything.



You will notice the benefits of Chardonnay almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.



Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.



Stop hiding and start living, with Chardonnay!



Chardonnay may not be right for everyone.. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Chardonnay. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.



Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, erotic lustfulness, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke and play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth Or Dare, and Naked Twister.



WARNINGS: -

· The consumption of Chardonnay may make you think you are whispering when you are not.



· The consumption of Chardonnay may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.



· The consumption of Chardonnay may cause you to think you can sing.



· The consumption of Chardonnay may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.



· The consumption of Chardonnay may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.



· The consumption of Chardonnay may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.



Now Just Imagine What You Could Achieve With a Good Dry Red!!!

Check back on Monday for a new contest...who will it be...hmmmm???

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Lack of Sleep, Tons of Craft Poured in, New and Old Friends = Moonlight and Magnolias 2008 Conference

The conference brain is receding, my eyelids aren’t being forced open with the invisible toothpicks, and I’m working on AToD.

I had such a wonderful time at M&M. GRW, (Georgia Romance Writer’s) knows how to put on a conference. From the lineup of workshop speakers, the keynote speaker, the photographer, makeup artist, the amazing hotel staff, (thank your Reggie!!), editors and agents, and to reconnecting with friends from past conferences and internet land, to the never sleeping, it was so much fun.

Workshops are wonderful and I love them so don’t get me wrong, but sometimes just the networking alone is worth the cost of a conference.

I’m not talking about the hopeful ‘elevator pitch’ or the corner and editor / agent and ask if you can send your book, (side note: you so should NOT do that). But what I’m talking about it is sitting around, having a drink, (okay a couple, maybe more) and laughing and joking around.

Really, the editors, and agents, like it when you treat them like they’re real people. Not once did I ask someone for their card or ask if I could send them my manuscript. If the day comes that I submit to one of them, I’ll mention how much fun it was and hopefully they’ll remember I wasn’t one of the drive them crazy people.

Then again, I’m not the normal person, (just ask my cp’s), I don’t walk into a room scanning to find where they are. That’s not to say I won’t say hello if passing in the hall, just won’t overstep the boundaries.

Funny thing is more often than not, I end up spending time with them along with others and I think it’s because of the above.

My favorite workshops were, She said, She said, with Michelle Grajkowski and Anna DeStefano, Empowering Character Emotions, with Margie Lawson, and Write Well, Write Fast, with Stephanie Bond.

Anyway, the last night, the night of the Maggie Awards and dancing was unbelievable. Very much like RWA’s Rita’s / GH’s. Picture a big group of romance writer’s on the dance floor add in Jay (the makeup artist) and you have one heck of a fun time. Dancing in the circle…well, let’s just leave it at romance writer’s have moves.

Sleep is never really an option when you attend a conference, but it’s always the last night you return to your hotel room somewhere in the wee hours of the morning. By wee hours, I’m talking 4:00 AM or later. You know when you fall into bed the morning is not going to be your friend. But the night…yeah, the night, was full of friends (new and old), shared drinks, war stories, (we have ours, trust me, they’re just funny) and if you’re lucky, a great executive chef named Reggie.

I’m already planning next year’s trip.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,

Vicki, I’ll post pics later.

King of Sword and Sky Winner

Ack...it's way past this afternoon, but I'm finally back to announce the winner of last week's contest.

The randomizer has done its magic once again and the winner of CL Wilson's, King of Sword and Sky



is arkiern! Email me with your snail mail addy at vickilanewrites at yahoo.com and I'll get your book out to you.

And, this is a signed book. Cheryl was at M&M, speaking and signing her book and I had her sign it.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Quick Update

The conference was wonderful, sleep was...well, there wasn't much sleep, old friends and new friends were a blast to see.

I'll be back this afternoon to announce the winner of this past week's contest. :)

Need a bit more sleep now.

Vicki

It's Conference Time - WhooHoo!!!

Quick reminder: Contest this week is for CL Wilson’s book King of Sword and Sky. I’m still drooling over the cover. Leave your comments all week on any post to be entered. Cheryl's going to be at the conference, so the winner will receive a signed book. How cool is that!



Tomorrow we leave for Atlanta, GA. Moonlight and Magnolia conference is finally here. Another three days of workshops, pitch appointments, and spending time with writers.

For most of us who are writers, this is a solitary journey. We are members of RWA, our local chapters, and / or online chapters. But the writing its self is something we do alone with the voices in our heads.

Sure, we send the written pages via email or hard copies to our cp’s and get their feedback, and share ours on their wip as well. We need this, we thrive on it, and we love it when our partners in crime get our story and know our characters so well, they can tell us, X wouldn’t do that or don’t you think Y would say this.

All of that is important and it’s what keeps us going when we have those days (or weeks) where we wonder why we thought we could do this. Yes, if you’re reading this and you’re not a writer, we all go through this, from the unpubbed on the brink of publishing to the multi pubbed who’s beginning the next book.

Of course, we continue on, because it’s in our blood. It’s who we are. This is why we get excited when there’s a conference happening. Imagine if you will a room full of people, all writing, and yet writing many different genres. Everything from Mr. Darcey’s take on life and romance to the future lands where anything can and will happen.

We laugh together about our journey, build each other up, and meet new friends, who become cheerleaders of sorts for each other. And we rubbed shoulders with the very agents and editors many of us hope to work with.

When I say rub shoulders, I’m not talking about walking up and immediately pitching to them. Nope, I’m talking about sitting around the bar (or wherever) and just plain ‘ole talking about kids, vacations, how we’re liking the conference and what was the last book we read that blew us away.

Brace yourself for this one…agents, editors, and even the big time published authors are human. I know, right. You’re thinking there’s no way everything in their lives doesn’t just flow perfect and so forth. When you find out many of them clean their own bathrooms and have to strongly encourage with their kids to get the homework done, buy groceries, and take their animals to the vet, you begin to realize we’re all the same. Different roads of the journey, yet the same.

So, I’m excited to go spend a few days with those who understand what I do and why I keep doing it. The laughter will be heard for miles, the excitement for someone who has a first sell will be celebrated (even if it’s the first time you’ve met the person) and the drinks will flow.

We’re driving to this one, four writer in one car, talking about our books, and plotting out the next ones. Yep, it’s going to be a great weekend.

What about you? Do you like to go to conferences? If you’re a reader, do you go to meet your favorite authors? If you’re a writer, is this the time you get to refill the well so to speak?

Remember to leave your comments to be entered into this week’s contest.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki