Robyn DeHart gets 4 1/2 stars from RT
Robyn DeHart’s August release, Tempted at Every Turn, has been awarded a 4 ˝ star Top Pick in Romantic Times. [6/26/07]
Marian Stevens Finals in the “Barclay”
Marian Stevens’ long contemporary manuscript, The Rebel, has finaled in The Barclay! GO MARIAN! It is now off to be read byAvon editor, Esi Sogah. [6/24/07]
Joy Nord’s Second Publication
Joy Nord received news today that her book about the origin and story behind the adoption of our state flowers and trees has been picked up for publication by Statehouse Press which is a sub of Texas A&M Press. This is her second non-fiction book to be published – go Joy!! [6/22/07]
My Five Reasons My Writing is Good for My Family
by Emily McKay
Most romance writers I know feel guilty about the amount of time their writing takes from their family. I have a two-year old daughter, so this maternal guilt is something with which I have a wee bit of familiarity. However, after careful consideration, I’ve decided my writing is actually good for my family. Don’t believe me? Read on …
5. My love of writing will (hopefully) instill a love of reading in my daughter. If nothing else, children who grow up in homes with lots of books are statistically more likely to grow up into “readers.” And I’ve … um, got that lots of books things covered.
4. I need some kind of creative outlet. So if I wasn’t writing, I’d be doing something else like knitting sweaters for dogs or subjecting my family to bizarre recipes culled off the internet. Without writing, who knows how many times my family would have sat down at the table to face a plate of tofu quinoa pilaf.
3. Writing saves brain cells. If you’re a parent, then you know it’s a scientifically proven fact that child-rearing destroys brain cells faster than smokin’ pot. Writing helps to stave off the idiocy. Why, if it wasn’t for writing I’d … um, what was I saying?
2. It’s good to have goals. Let’s face it, books aren’t written in a day. Or a week. Or—for most of us—even a month. As my daughter grows up, she’ll watch me go through the arduous process of planning out a book, setting a deadline for myself, breaking that big goal down into smaller manageable chunks, and recording my progress on a daily basis. By the time she hits high school and has to tackle her first term paper, she’ll have a leg up on all those other students whose parents merely have to go to work every day.
1. It’s good to have dreams. (This one I’ve swiped from my cp, Robyn DeHart.) For most of us, being published is something we’ve dreamed about our whole lives. Even once we sell, it’s still something we strive for, and there are always new hurdles to pass. I read once that 84% of Americans want to write a book some day. I think of that every time I finish a book. I’ve done something most people only dream of doing. Not just once, but many times. And I’ve been paid to do it. I’ve pursued and achieved my dream. And I’ll do it again. Every time I sit down at the computer to write, I’m teaching my daughter to dream big. I can think of no better gift to give her.
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Emily McKay’s Golden Heart finalist entry became her first published book, Baby Be Mine, a Harlequin Temptation release, January 2003. Visit Emily at www.emilymckay.com
Deb Yates takes FIRST in the “Mary Reade”
Deb Yates’ Scottish historical, HEAVEN SENT, won first place in the Mary Reade contest and is now going to three agents! WOW! [6/8/07]
Laura Griffin’s new Amazon Short
You can read a new short story from ARWA author Laura Griffin on Amazon Shorts: Killer Eyes. [6/1/07]
Sherry Thomas featured in “On Campus” magazine
Our own amazing Sherry Thomas was featured in the June 2007 issue of The University of Texas’ On Campus magazine. Click to view the PDF. [6/5/07]
Harlequin Tries Nonfiction
Harlequin is looking to offer nonfiction of interest to women readers, to be published under Harlequin’s existing imprints. According to Loriana Sacilotto, Executive Vice President, Global Publishing & Strategy. “The editorial will concentrate on such categories as health, diet, fitness, self-help, motivational and relationship books as well as narrative nonfiction—nonfiction that tells a story, such as memoirs and biographies—and will cater to women 35 years and older.” All editors are seeking to acquire titles. To read more, check out Isabel Swift’s blog at http://isabelswift.blogspot.com/ [6/5/07]
ARWA’s Newest Pro: Courtney Murati
Congratulations to Courtney Murati on her brand-spanking-new PRO status!! [6/5/07]