How the Rockville 8 spent our Summer Vacations

Wrapping up the summer here at the Rockville 8, and turning our thoughts toward the fall. What did you do during YOUR summer vacation?

Marjanna Bogan:

Horseshoe crab. Stuck on the rocks. You have so many legs and a very spikey tail.

Horseshoe crab. Stuck on the rocks. Are those really eyes on your shell or just camo?

Horseshoe crab. Stuck on the rocks. Stretching your stretchless exoskeleton to free yourself.

Horseshoe crab. Stuck on the rocks. If I rescue you, am I going against nature?

Horseshoe crab. Stuck on the rocks. I feel you are a metaphor for my summer.

This summer.

I buried my father and rescued a horseshoe crab that was stuck on the rocks.

Technically, we threw Dad under the boat.

I did, however, actually pull the horseshoe crab free from where he (she? who the hell knows) was wedged in the rocks by the surf.

I also drank a lot of vodka. With and without family and friends. I'm not sure if one or the other makes it taste better. Perhaps I should experiment more with that.

But I expect I have the autumn for that.

 

Nichole Christoff:

Twisted! That sums up my summer. First, the spring weather got twisted and thought it was summer. Then, summer cooled down and behaved like spring. That make for great opportunities to get outdoors--until I twisted my ankle. My high grade sprain should be all healed by New Year's. In the meantime, I'm ready for full-on fall. Bring on the pumpkins and falling leaves! I'm nearly done with my latest novel and I'm starting a new day job. I'm an adjunct professor at a small, private university. So no more twists and turns, please. At least, not until winter.

Misha Crews:

This summer my husband and I celebrated our anniversary with a trip to our favorite getaway: Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. If you've ever been there, you'll completely understand why we're in love with the place. If you haven't had a chance to see it for yourself, then you should go. Now. (I'm not kidding, get going!) The time away from work, phones and even (gasp!) the internet gave us a chance to decompress and reconnect with each other. And it even brought me to a breakthrough on my latest writing project. It was a winner, all around! I hope that everyone reading this had a wonderful summer, and best wishes to you for a beautiful and happy autumn!

Mackenzie Lucas:

Low-key summer for me. Pretty much my full vacation encompassed RWA Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia in July; the road trip to and from Atlanta on the I-81 corridor through the Shenandoah Valley (two nights down, two nights back); and a trip to Pittsburgh to take my oldest to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for a Summer Studio program so he could figure out if he’d be interested in applying to their Game Art & Design program after high school. He’s sent in his application and is waiting on letters of recommendation from his high school teachers. Sigh. Yes, we’ve started the college search and application phase for No. 1. The other two will follow in quick succession. So hold on for the ride! The big news for me this summer was that I sold my first manuscript to a traditional publisher. My debut contemporary romance novel Essence will be published by Soul Mate Publishing in spring 2014 in e-book and six to eight months later in print. I’m very excited about working with Soul Mate Publishing on this project! That’s about it for me this summer. Ready for fall to commence. ;0)

Lisa McQuay:

Summer is my favorite season of the year.  I’m happiest during this time of year.  I love all of the daylight hours we have.  Being able to run out the front door without bundling up.  Not having to study with my daughter for a vocabulary quiz or run around and get tons of things for a school project.   Walk the dogs in the evening after the day cools off. 

This past summer was a busy one for me.  Working full time, volunteering as treasurer, attending the RWA National conference, and shuttling my daughter between summer activities, doctor, dentist and orthodontist appointments left little time for deep introspection.  The week long vacation to Nags Head, NC was a welcome break that ended all too quickly.    

My father’s birthday always falls somewhere around Labor Day weekend, so a family party is always on tap sometime in the three days we’re off.  This weekend, the party falls on Sunday so I’m busy baking a cake, making macaroni salad and buying a gift.   My brother volunteered to bring the ribs so I took him up immediately on his offer. 

I did some writing in between all this but not as much as I wanted to.  So, now that fall is around the corner and school has started, I’m rededicating myself.  Right after the birthday party…

Evie Owens:

Evie is on deadline, hard at work finishing up a piece for an anthology, so she was not able to submit something for this blog piece. We’re super excited for her coming publication. Go, Evie, go!

Keely Thrall:

Summer seemed like it took an awful long time to get started. All that rain and cool just didn’t say summer in DC. It wasn’t until July that things kicked off for me – I attended RWA Nationals mid-month, then was home for a week before heading to Paris for 4 days (see my post on that here). August has seen me get loads of writing in, as well as happily receive the news that I’m a finalist in the Lone Star Writing Contest (paranormal category). Looking forward to more writing this fall and reconnecting with my WRW pals.

Shellie Williams:

Sometimes life IS a bowl of cherries and like "sudden fame" a lot goes on before the bowl of cherries arrives. This summer I had to dance with my own special devil: patience. I'm not good at patience. I'm more of an action kinda girl. But all summer, I had to wait and be patient. Would I get the job I had set my heart on? Would I final in the Claymore Contest for unpublished authors writing in mystery, thriller and crime genres? Patience, grasshopper was my mantra...and my reward. Yes, I got the job and I've already dreamed up a story idea: Murder at the Arts Barn. (Yeah, the title needs some work.) Lastly, I finaled in the Claymore contest. I was one of 10 finalists. Killer Nashville hasn't released the final winners yet, so I'm still practicing patience.  Breathe, grasshopper, and have a cherry.

Gone To The Big Apple

Many of us from the Rockville8 are packing our bags for the RWA national conference in New York City this week. Please stop back over the next few days to enjoy our bite-size commentaries on the goings-on at the premeire romance writers' event of the year. We can't wait to be in the company of so many successful, smart authors. Come join us for the latest buzz.


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Tuesday - June 28, 2011 - Times Square

Okay, I've been in NYC less than twenty-four hours. There's been one bomb threat at Times Square and this morning some guy decided to climb a traffic light and sit on top, right at the corner of Time Square and Broadway (I think). Crowds gathered round to watch both times, pulling out their video cameras and trying to capture the latest scoop. Gotta love NYC!

Officially events start (for me) tonight with the Literacy signing. So I was off at 7:00 a.m. to hunt or gather, I'm not sure which. My youngest sprog designs jewelry. So I found a few wholesale bead shops in the Garment District. Happy Day! Yes, only a mile away from my hotel. Resting my feet now while I wait for my roomie to arrive from Canada.

Dinner last night at Ollies with friends. Great Chinese. Yum. Stay tuned for lots more literary/romance writing nuggets as the conference kicks off tonight and I'm sure a few culinary delights as well. I'll be sure to start carrying my camera to get pics, too.

Ciao!

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Wednesday - June 28, 2011

Opening Session - Tess Gerritsen, Steve Berry, Diana Gabaldon

Awesome panel with these three NY Times Best Selling authors. Great sound bites. Diana Gabaldon's analysis of characters as either an onion (with layers), a mushroom (someone who pops up and walks away with the scene), or a hard nut (a character you need to do the best with you can) was brilliant.

Steve Berry's perseverence in the face of 85 rejections and writing from 6:30 to 9:00 every day while holding down a career as a lawyer and a county commissioner was awe-inspiring. His encouragement to "stay long enough for the world to change" and "make your own luck" were words taken to heart by the crowd.

Tess Gerritsen admonished writers to "keep the forward motion" by continuing to write the first draft, even when it gets hard. "Only once you finish the book do you know what the story is about."

The panel's favorite authors were:

Tess Gerritsen ~ Stephen King

Diana Gabaldon ~ Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson, John E. McDonald, Dorothy Sayers, and P.G. Woodhouse

Steve Berry ~ Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum, James Michner, and David Morrell.

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Wedesday night - Fabulous dinner out at Trattoria Del Arte on 900 7th Avenue. The Brooklyn-born waiter was funny and played along with the antics of our group of ten romance writers who teased and gave him a hard time. We ate lasagna, tuna, warm sea food salad, pasta bolonaise, and for the vegetarian among us--mashed potatoes and mushrooms. Limoncello topped off a perfect dinner. Thanks, girls. A night to remember.

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Thursday - June 30, 2011

Sherilyn Kenyon gave a heart-wrenching motivational speech that had us all laughing, crying, and cheering. We'll all fight a little harder for our dreams because of her words this afternoon!

Several members of the Rockville8 pitched their projects to agents and editors today. Hopefully a few of them will report on their successes later in the post.

Tonight members of WRW donned their fancy dresses and headed to the St. Martin's party, thanks to Jen Enderlin's generosity.

Stay tuned to more updates tomorrow . . .

Another Perpective of RWA Conference

Let me start with full disclosure. I am the president of Romance Writers of America (RWA). Two weeks ago, RWA's 30th anniversary culminated with its Annual Conference and celebration in Orlando, Florida. Since then, many blogs have reflected the attendees' experiences --writers, bloggers, librarians, editors with networking, attending workshops, reunitng with friends, going to agent/editor appointments.

I will share the unique conference perspective as president of this great group of romance writers.

Friday, July 23

Arrived at World Dolphin Resort with my son. The sales rep literally whisks us away. I felt as if I was a celebrity making a mad dash from the paparazzi - only there weren't any. We head up to the 20th floor and straight to the presidential suite. The suite is huge - two floors - 3 bedrooms. But I had family and non-RWA friends coming in so it wasn't empty. I deliberately filled the space with family and friends to give me that oasis from the hustle and bustle of the conference. Then the luggage arrived, along with the rest of my suite mates. Before long the suite was buzzing with the activity of three adults and three teens.

Met with the executive director. Got a quick report on conference, along with any updates.

Saturday, July 24

I've unpacked the suitcases so I can feel relaxed, as if I was at home. Luckily my brother had a car so I went offsite to eat and also to buy food items for the suite. I have to go clothes shopping. I spent my last few days at home before heading to conference shopping for my daughter who was going on a three-week camp in NYC. Since I knew Orlando had a couple big malls and tons of outlet stores, I wasn't worried about finding clothes. Chico's and Macy's came to the rescue. But I didn't have anything for the awards ceremony and I was exhausted, especially after the ton of makeup I bought from the MAC store.

Sunday and Monday, July 25 and 26

Board meeting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. And we used almost every minute of that time each day.

Tuesday, July 27

My birthday. But I have to go shopping for that Saturday outfit and wine for a couple receptions that I'm hosting.

Wednesday, July 28

Working on intro for Nora Roberts. Want to make it special and personal, rather than reading off all her accomplishments. By 1 p.m., people are already lining up for the literacy signing with over 500 authors for an event that won't start until 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, a few of my buddies are coming over so I had to head out once again to pick up my food orders. By the time I return, the signing is underway. I head out to the first timers orientation. Pleasantly surprised by the amount of first timers in the room. Standing room only. I welcome them and then head back to my suite to greet my guests.

Thursday, July 29

Headed to a breakfast meeting with publishers and an RWA grant recipient who is working on a romance-related documentary. I have to cut them short and head to the Annual General Meeting. After the AGM, I head to my suite. Now the nerves which have been increasing at each official activity are now in full blown flutter mode. After all, it was time to make the introduction of the keynote speaker -- Nora Roberts. Nora didn't make me nervous. It was the 2,100 lunch attendees, the bright lights on stage, and the oversized screens that had me feeling nauseous.

Headed to the suite to slap on the MAC make-up. I keep an eye on the time, knowing that I had no desire to eat before the introduction. About 10-15 mins before I would have to go onstage, I head down to the lunch from my suite. And then it was time to get on the stage. I prayed with every step that I would stay upright on my new wedge heels. I prayed that my feet would not trip on the steps onto the stage. I look out to the crowd and can see nothing. That doesn't relax me because I was calling out names for people to stand and be recognized. But in the darkness, I couldn't tell if they were standing or what side of the room they were on.

Finally I read my intro for Nora. All is going well. A friend who kept me company while I wrote the introduction joked about me ending the intro with "my friend Nora." Although I'm not a stranger to Nora, I'm certainly not a bud. I'm more like the farthest outer ring of Saturn. Tongue in cheek, I went with the dare and said my BFF Nora Roberts. Lightening didn't zap my arse. Nora was still smiling. All was well.

Hosted two receptions. By the end of the night, exhausted, but pleased with the outcome of the receptions.

Friday, July 30

Have administrative duties to complete. Then, working on introduction for Jayne Anne Krentz. Unlike Nora where there has been interaction, I don't know Jayne Anne. However, I still want her introduction to be special. I concentrated on what she means to the genre and industry, with the result being that she is an icon.

By now, I'm beginning to breathe normally. I've been checking off all my presidential duties. Unfortunately I'm not making it to any workshops because my nerves are too shaky for me to sit through a workshop. I'm sure that I wouldn't hear anything the person said or be able to concentrate on the subject matter.

I attend the Golden Heart/RITA finalists reception. This is a fun event to celebrate with all the finalists before the ceremony. This year is especially fun because I personally knew three of the finalists: Lena Diaz - Secretary of First Coast Romance Writers (my home away from home chapter), Jane Sevier - we go way back - I can picture sitting with her at a workshop at one of Washington Romance Writers retreat many moons ago, and Keely Thrall - President of WRW, critique mate, and bud.

Later, I head to the suite and welcome the reprieve from the conference bustle to hang out with family and friends.

This night is also my trek to the Harlequin party. This event turned into a great stress reliever as I danced to 70s, 80s, 90s, and current hits. The DJ is on his third year with Harlequin's party and he's a hit!

Saturday, July 31

This is a busy day, especially since I slept in because my body was trying to recover after the Harlequin party. I had the Publishers Summit to host in the suite. This event went well and immediately after I had to head to the awards rehearsal. Another moment for me to project what I would look like on stage and if I could read the teleprompter correctly.

The time came for the awards dinner. Again, I chose to skip the meal. Eating before a nerve-wracking task is not wise. Finally I come down from the suite and took my place. Because time doesn't stand still, eventually it was my turn to take the stage. At the end, when I joined emcee Sabrina Jeffries and Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement winner Debbie Macomber on stage to close the awards and mention NY's conference next year, I was a happy camper.

Although I didn't have the normal attendee experience, I still had my share of enjoyment from the enthusiasm of the members.

I look forward to next year when I will be simply a general member attending the NY conference.

Photos: personal photos, belonging to the blogger

Live From Orlando

Yesterday, I arrived to a whirlwind of activities. First, I registered and received a canvas tote filled with swag. Next, I attended the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing. It was well attended by many authors in residence including Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jayne Ann Krentz, Courtney Milan, and Roxanne St. Clair. Everyone met with their favorite authors and had a great time.

Today's Keynote Speaker for the luncheon, celebrating 30 years of the Romance Writers of America, was the witty and fabulous Nora Roberts. She told everyone that writing was hard but that was what made it special. We think she's special as well.

Nearly all of the Rockville 8 joined me at the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) reception at Todd English's Bluezoo. (We missed you, Nicole!) In addition, I also saw Golden Heart Finalist Jane Sevier. This evening, both Jane and our very own Keely Thrall are attending a reception for the Golden Heart Finalists. Good luck to both of them!