Sep 1, 2010
I’m back from a busy, busy August. Big sigh of relief to sleep in my own bed. The squee you hear after the sigh? Lords of Passion (December 2010) is a featured alternate selection for the Rhapsody Book Club! And also picked for the “Heartthrob of the Month” centerfold. To celebrate, I’m giving away one ARC (advance reader copy) of Lords of Passion on the contest page this month. Just enter and tell me who your heartthrobby hero is—Hugh Jackman? Johnny Depp? The adorable Old Spice guy Isaiah Mustafa? I’ll run an informal survey and let you know who rises to the top. And check out the excerpt for Maggie Robinson’s Not Quite a Courtesan in LOP right here.
Thanks for all the summer comments! The winner of Margaret Rowe’s Tempting Eden is Maureen! Please email me at margaret@margaretrowe.net with your address, and Eden will be on her way. For a sneak peak at Any Wicked Thing and first chapters of seven historical authors, there’s another contest to enter this month too! Good luck!
Aug 2, 2010
Going to a writers’ conference has sapped my strength for writing! So I thought I’d share a list and take a little break from blogging this month–we are spending next week at a vacation compound with about a million friends and relatives and without TV or an Internet connection, and later in the month are going to Las Vegas for my yearly Roast-in-the-Sun-and-Read fest. Speaking of heat, Orlando was blazing, but meeting so many wonderful people warmed my heart even more.
Here, in no particular order (except for #1) are my positive experiences at RWA10:
1. Seeing Vixens J.K.Coi and Tiffany Clare for the first time ever. I am adopting them as extra adorable Robinson girls. Tiff (see above; thanks to PJ for the picture) and Kris made the days fly by and the nerves dissipate, and they are the cutest things ever. It would have been perfect if Ely had been in Florida too, but next year in NY!
2. Meeting the legendary Virginia Henley waiting for the Kensington tables at the awards ceremony. I introduced myself as the very junior contributor for Lords of Passion and she was graciousness itself.
3.Being in a giant room with 2000 like-minded individuals who made me tear up and laugh during the awards speeches, and realize the power of romance. I never expected to be so moved–it was way better than the Academy Awards!
4. Spending quality time with my family and friends, yet still managing to sign books both at the literacy booksigning (over $62,000 raised!) and Berkley event, go to three cocktail parties, an agent dinner, an appointment with my Berkley editor, take three interesting workshops, and meet countless absolutely fabulous women in four days. I’m sure some packed even more goodness into their schedules, because there was a dizzying array of possibilities, but I think I paced myself pretty well. That doesn’t mean I’m not tired and don’t have a ton of unpacking and laundry to do. 😉
5. Looking forward already to RWA11 in New York!
I have lots of new writers to discover and the rest of the summer to savor. So, as the old song says, see you in September–unless something earth-shattering happens. I’ll continue the Tempting Eden giveaway through the month if you tell me how you’re spending the rest of your summer in the comments.
Jul 23, 2010
I’m in the middle of packing and agonizing what to bring to RWA. Our son once drew the “Robinson Family Crest”—a mini van, a suitcase and crossed toothbrushes. We took the kids on lots of trips, and always tried to travel light (not easy with six people). My husband will never let me forget the time I went to Vienna with four suitcases (I was meeting my relatives for the first time and wanted to make a good impression. *g*). So I got accustomed to one carry-on.
But for this trip, besides making a good impression, I’m also trying to entertain a 2 1/2 year old, so I’m checking kind of a giant bag but bringing this cool rolling Liz Claiborne Work Bag (retail retail price $280, TJ Maxx $59.99!) on the plane with my travel docs, computer, a portable DVD player and about 1000 new things for Sadie to read and play with. I should even have room to bring back convention booty.
Once I get back, I’ll bore you with my WAR–uh,RWA stories and pick this month’s contest winner—you still have a chance to win stuff on the contest page . The answers I’ve been getting are marvelously creative, and someone is aaaalmost right.
If you’re going to Orlando, I hope to see you. If you’re staying home, keep cool! Where do you want to go next, and what’s a must-have in your suitcase? One random commenter will get a copy of Tempting Eden and other good stuff when I get home!
Jul 17, 2010
According to this fun site, I write like William Shakespeare. Uh, I hate to think what my high school English teachers would have to say about that. I plugged in the first couple of paragraphs from the latest thing I’m working on, and voila! Or should I say zounds? Anyway, go play.
Jul 16, 2010
The results from this year’s Bulwer-Lytton contest are here. Enjoy!
I’m back from a busy, busy August. Big sigh of relief to sleep in my own bed. The squee you hear after the sigh? Lords of Passion (December 2010) is a featured alternate selection for the Rhapsody Book Club! And also picked for the “Heartthrob of the Month” centerfold. To celebrate, I’m giving away one ARC (advance reader copy) of Lords of Passion on the contest page this month. Just enter and tell me who your heartthrobby hero is—Hugh Jackman? Johnny Depp? The adorable Old Spice guy Isaiah Mustafa? I’ll run an informal survey and let you know who rises to the top. And check out the excerpt for Maggie Robinson’s Not Quite a Courtesan in LOP right here. 
