Lacey Devlin

And The Winner Is...

2012-01-26T14:46:00.002+10:00

Hi all!

This is just a quickie post today to announce the winner for the Helen Lacey giveaway.

And the winner is... Anne MacFarlane.

Congratulations, Anne! Just pop over to Helen Lacey's website and leave your details on the contact form to claim your prize.

Happy writing all!

Think About What You Want ...

2012-01-24T09:06:00.001+10:00

I'm so excited to have Harlequin Special Edition author, Helen Lacey, on the blog today! Welcome, Helen!

I’ve been writing most of my life and penned my first bookwhen I was seven years old. Finally, after twenty three years of submitting toHarlequin, I sold my first book to Harlequin Special Edition last year. Duringthose years I purchased dozens of ‘How To’ books. I also attended many conferencesand road shows, and participated in countless workshops, both online and inperson - on subjects such as Creating Compelling Characters,Goal/Motivation/Conflict, Maintaining Sexual Tension, Writing The BreakoutNovel, World Building etc. I listened to best selling authors, editors, agentsand publishers offer advice on the craft of writing, on the world ofpublishing, and the commitment needed to have a successful writing career. I hada dream of being an author and did whatever I needed to so I could break intothe ranks of the published.

But strangely, it wasn't at any of these events, or in anyof these books where I learned what would become the most important piece ofcareer advice I’d heard. And it’s something I remind myself of every morningwhen I fire up my computer and sit down to write. Like most writers, during myyears trying to get published I had a ‘real’ job. I worked for a nationaldepartment store as a sales manager. While I was there I was fortunate enoughto be given the opportunity to participate in a half day session given byAustralian motivational speaker PaulHanna. Since every “How To’ book I read was about the craft of writing, Ihad limited knowledge of who Mr Hanna was. But along with a conference roomfull of my colleagues and staff, I listened to him speak for close to twohours. And mid way through this session he said something that resonated sostrongly within me, I can barely remember anything else which was said. Andthis one statement changed the trajectory of my career and my belief that Icould sell my books, and that I could fulfil my ambition to be a publishedauthor.

“Think about what you do want .. . . and not what you don’t want.”

Perhaps not exactly the most grammatically correct sentenceever written. But as I sat in that crowded room, the message was loud andclear. For all the years I’d been writing and submitting, I always had this impendingsense of doom once the manuscript was posted off. I was, I realized,anticipating a rejection. Every time. I expected it because that’s what I’dalways received. Never did I think, “What I want from this submission is theopportunity for revisions.” Or, “What I want is the editor to love this story.”Instead, I’d have this internal monologue going on, insisting, “What I don’twant is a rejection.” Or, “I don’t want to get that dreaded letter in themail.” In a way, I was pre-empting my fate.

Then I deliberately changed how I approached submitting. Istarted entering contests and did it with a different mindset. Every time Isent off a contest entry I wrote down what I wanted - which was to place in thatcontest because the editor for the line I was targeting was the final judge.And it worked. I got the editorial request and a within two years had sold myfirst book.

I guess what it taught me is that I could learn all aboutthe craft of writing, I could go to conferences and workshops, I could investtime and money in professional critique – but if didn’t know what I wanted, how could I possibly getit? Suddenly, I was no longer in the dark – I had a plan and a purpose. Sodefinitely learn the craft, and attend conferences and network with other writers– but know what you want. And it’ll find you.

Thank you Lacey for having me visit today – I have agiveaway of my January release, Made ForMarriage from Harlequin Special Edition. I also have giveaways right acrossmy blog tour, and a grand prize of a $50.00 Amazon voucher and for those youlike a little bling, a fabulous silver Pandora Bracelet.

***

MADEFOR MARRIAGE

Equestrian CallieJones was used to difficult parents at her riding school. But Noah Preston tookthe cake.

How dare he questionher teaching abilities, after his headstrong daughter paid no heed to rules—herteacher's or her father's?

Single dad Noah wasready to apologize for overreacting. But he wasn't sorry for the way thestunning American riding instructor made him feel. And he soon learned thatthere was more to Callie than her smarts, sass and fire: a shattered heart thatthreatened to splinter even further. Could he make her see that he—and hisfamily—were for keeps?

Buy Links:

Amazon Amazon UK Book Depository

Helen Lacey on the web:

Website Facebook Twitter Blog Helen's Page at RomanceWiki

For full itinerary on Helen's Celebration tourcheck out Helen Lacey- Author Page

Thanks so much for stopping by, Helen!

Dust Off Your Medical Professionals

2012-01-18T20:49:00.005+10:00

The Editor Pitch Challenge for Harlequin Medicial Romance 2012 has launched. So, if you have a delicious doctor, playful paramedic, naughty/nice nurse or vivacious vet clambering to be written now is the time to get those fingers working on the keyboard.

You have until February 10th to write a mind-blowing two paragraph blurb. If you're chosen by Assistant Editor, Flo Nicholl, you'll be pitching on March 1st and you'll need to have a fabulous partial manuscript to hand over.

For all the official information have a looksee at: http://community.harlequin.com/forums/write-stuff/editor-pitch-challenge-harlequin-medical-romance

You'll also want to keep an eye on that site because those official dates have been changed once. I don't expect they will be again but, hey, you never know. CONSTANT VIGILANCE! ;-)

In other news, you can download Nicola Marsh's special ops short story TAG TEAM for FREE from Amazon at the moment. Just click here.

Also, the fabulous Liz Fielding has released a new craft book! Liz Fielding's Little Book of Writing Romance is now available to all aspiring romance writers. Get it here.

So, are you pitching for Harlequin Medical Romance? Did you pitch for Harlequin Romantic Suspense? If I don't know I can't wave my pom poms for you!

Happy writing!

Start The Year Off With A Bang

2012-01-12T11:14:00.000+10:00

I’m not a fan of resolutions. It’s not their fault, they’re a great concept but the New Year has never been a big event for me. I tend to just continue on with whatever goals or aspirations I had in the previous year.

Exciting stuff, right?

That being said, I’ve been reading a new book called The Seven Secrets of the Prolific by Hillary Rettig. It’s actually targeted to perfectionist writers and overcoming writing blocks etc but it has some great content that I think any writer would find beneficial. For example, Hillary offers strategies for dealing with rejections and my particular favorite was by Chris Offutt whose goal was a hundred rejections a year (pretty impressive, don’t you think?). And just like that rejection became a cause for celebration for Chris because it brought him that much closer to his goal. I thought that was quite ingenious and a great example of the impact of perception. I don’t know about you but I’d much rather open a bottle of champagne and toast my latest R than curl up in the corner and try to bite anyone who comes too close. Of course, celebrating rejections might feel like you’ve gone too far so instead celebrate the heck out of the submitting. I know I do. Just try and stop me.

Anyway, although it's not quite a resolution (because I haven't yet calculated how many Rs I want this year ;-) ), I do plan to take the time to celebrate each submission with a bit of extra flare.

And speaking of things to celebrate, we’re exactly twelve days into the new year and already exciting opportunities are popping up. VERY exciting opportunities. So hold onto your keyboards for this list:

Editor Pitch Challenge: Harlequin Romantic Suspense – There’s only a couple of days left in this one but it’s not too late if you’re raring to go.

Harlequin Heartwarming – Harlequin’s NEW category line. That’s right, a NEW line. If your voice fits, it’s a great opportunity to become a new Harlequin author.

Dead Sexy – Entangled Publishing has a NEW imprint and are calling all romantic suspense authors to step up and wow them. Another great opportunity to break out this year.

RARE Submission Call – Executive Editor of Carina Press, Angela James is looking to acquire for 2012. Don’t miss this.

Pitch Your Shorts – Entangled Publishing has at least SIX editors standing by to acquire at Jami Gold between now and January 16th.

YAtopia Pitch Competition – EIGHT Entangled Publishing editors are participating in this one and it’s open for a 24 hours period on January 25th.

Valentine's Mix-Up: Mentor for a Month Challenge - You can win a month to learn from Harlequin Blaze author, Tawny Webber! This one closes February 10th.

Phew. So who’s participating in what?

Welcome 2012!

2011-12-31T17:20:00.002+10:00

May your 2012 be full of laughs and success.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January Writing Workshops

2011-12-28T17:47:00.000+10:00

Please note that all course descriptions are in blurb form. There’s often more information at the official websites. The January writing workshops are listed in order of start date and length.

A Study In Recreation: Comparing And Contrasting A Study In Scarlet And A Study In Pink

Instructor: Beth Daniels

Dates: January 2 – 8, 2012

Course Description: Rewriting a classic…how the heck to do you that successfully? Do you stick with every single one of the original concepts or do you find replacements, ways to tweak, modify, and recycle elements in different ways?

To answer these and other questions, we’re going back to school and do a comparison/contrast of Arthur Conan Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes novel, A STUDY IN SCARLET, and the re-imagined “A Study in Pink” from the BBC’s SHERLOCK series, which rewrites Holmes, Watson and Lestade as 21st century sleuths.

Showing the Transformational Character Arc – a practical hands on guide to what, why and how

Instructor: Jody Henley

Dates: January 2 – 8, 2012

Course Description: Do your characters change over the course of your story? Do they have to? In this practical hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the transformational character arc--what it is, how to find it, and whether or not it's needed. Although Showing the Transformational Character Arc is designed for all skill levels, because of the hands-on nature of this workshop, participants are encouraged to bring their work-in-progress and get ready to show change as we work through a variety of easy-to-use techniques in a supportive, feedback heavy atmosphere.

The Six Stages of Change : The Character Arc

Instructor: Mary O’Gara

Dates: January 2 – 15, 2012

Course Description: Evolutionary change is the basis of the character arc. The character moves from, maybe, naïve bliss to full-blown empowerment in the space of a novel, novella or short story. And the reader changes as the character changes.

In a two-week workshop, you’ll learn

• The six stages of change

• Behavior patterns for each stage

• What works to facilitate change at each stage (and what doesn’t)

• How the stages of change relate to character arcs

• Genre-specific ways to present the stages of change without slowing the action

Sleuth Facts: Real PI Procedures for Your Plot

Instructor: Linnea Sinclair

Dates: January 2 – 22, 2012

Course Description: Slink down any interesting back alleys lately? Retired Florida Private Investigator and award winning sci fi author, Linnea Sinclair, invites you to step into the world of private detective work and learn the basic procedures -- and some not so well known tricks of the trade -- that will add a touch of realism to your stories as well as provide plot twists and conflicts. How quickly can a PI locate someone? How easily can things go wrong on surveillance? What happens when a mundane case becomes a murder case? A former news reporter, Sinclair was a licensed private investigator in Florida for ten years and is featured in the nationally distributed instructional video, "Secrets of Top P Is?". She has also taught investigative methodology for writers at COFFIN (College OF Felony and I Ntrigue? online) and at various RWA and MWA conferences nationwide.

I Used To Hate Writing A Synopsis, But Not Anymore

Instructor: Susan Palmgoist

Dates: January 2 – 27, 2012

Course Description:

• Learn why a good synopsis is similar to a great job interview

• Learn why it’s a must have skill for every writer

• Learn what makes a good synopsis

• Learn what should always be included

• Learn what tense a synopsis should be written in and how it should be formatted

• Learn to write both a short and long synopsis

How To Start A Book & Get It Finished

Instructor: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Dates: January 2 – 27, 2012

Course Description: For everyone who’s ever faced the sobering realization that writing isn’t ALWAYS a joyous dance from the first spark of an idea straight through to sending a swiftly-completed manuscript to an admiring editor, this class looks at all the steps between those two points — and how to make them easier, less stressful and more satisfying.

From “why am I writing” to “schedule conflicts,” “saggy middle,” “dwindling enthusiasm” and “writer’s block,” a series of (always optional) homework assignments will get writers focused on what they need to put the joy back in their craft.

Action Sequences: Writing Heart-Pounding Fight Scenes, Chases and Climaxes

Instructor: Angela Knight