Conferences and Contests!

One of my GOALS for this blog was to keep you updated on conferences and contests you might want to be aware of. Most of what I share with you will come from personal experience or at least knowing the people involved.

CONFERENCE:

There is a great 1-day FREE conference coming up March 10th in Fayetteville AR. Here are the details:

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS WRITERS WORKSHOP FREE CONFERENCE

MARCH 10, 2012

OZARKS ELECTRIC ON WEDINGTON ROAD - 1 MILE WEST OF I 540 EXIT ON THE LEFT

9 a.m. Greetings from Dusty Richards

9:15 a.m. *Marilyn Collins*

*Get More for Your Money at Writers’ Conference *

Maximize your time and money when selecting regional or national writers’ conferences. Learn ways to save money, get more visibility for yourself and your books (or to-be books), and make more face time with speakers.

Learn to be “pitch perfect” during 10-minute sessions with publishers, editors, and agents. Consider 12 conference “Do’s,” smart ways to handle the spouse or friends who come with you, and much more. Great workshop for new conference attendees and experienced folks may learn new tricks as well.

Marilyn H. Collins is an award-winning author of nonfiction books and over 100 magazine/newspaper features.

Website: Marilyn Collins

10:30 a.m. *Doug Kelley *

*Adventures in Writing *

A career as a corporate pilot allowed Doug to visit many museums in researching his book, The Captain's Wife. He will speak about the adventures of his researches, and the adventures of writing in general.

As Jack London said, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."

Website (goodreads) : Doug Kelley

11:30 a.m.

*The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pens: A Panel discussion *

*Linda Apple* Writing from the Soul, Speaking from the Heart. Author of Inspire: Writing from the Soul, Connect

Website: Linda Apple

*Ruth Weeks* writes it all from ghosts, cowgirls, rooks and ravens. Author of Soldiers From the Mist; The Rook and the Raven

Website: Ruth Weeks

*Claire Croxton* will rip your heart out and tickle your funny bone. Author of The Redneck Ex

Website: Claire Croxton

*Pamela Foster* catapults the reader into the heart of her quirky, funny characters.

Author of Redneck Goddess

Website: Pamela Foster

Don't tell anyone, but Jan Morrill learns the secrets of her characters, then shares them with her readers. Author of Broken Dolls

Website: Jan Morrill

12:15 - 1:30 Lunch $7.00

1:30 - 2:30 *Velda Brotherton*

Building Your Platform-Before and After Publication

Velda is an award winning author of numerous historical fiction and

nonfiction books, articles and short stories. Her latest releases are Wolf

Song and Stone Heart's Woman.

Website: Velda Brotherton

2:30 - 2:45 Break

2:45 - 3:45 *Dusty Richards* Writing 101

Dusty is an award winning author of more than 110 western fiction novels and numerous short stories and anthologies. His latest releases are:

Between Hell and Texas; Outlaw Queen

Website: Dusty Richards

For further information email Dusty at dustyrichards@cox.net or Velda at

vebrotherton@gmail.com

CONTEST:

Although I've not had the opportunity to attend the conference, one of the contests I enter every year is associated with the Arkansas Writers' Conference in Little Rock AR. The conference takes place the first weekend in June each year with some great literary speakers and a wide variety of contest categories to challenge you.

The contest categories are broken down into three divisions:

1) May enter categories 1-4 if you plan on attending at least one day of the conference

2) Open to all writers

3) Open to Arkansas residents only

#2 consists of 16 categories ranging from rhymed/ metered poetry to short stories and everything in between. Each carries it's own theme and requirements that must be met.

Here's the BEST part. You may enter AS MANY of the categories you are eligible to enter for ONE $10 bill! And all the categories offer a CA$H PRIZE for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

If you attend the conference, you'll receive your award during presentations. If not, they'll mail any certificates/ checks you have won usually within about two weeks after the conference.

Some people ask me why I bother with these types of contests if they aren't going to garner the attention of an editor or an agent. I have two reasons.

1) These give me the opportunity to flex my writing muscles with things I might not normally play with. To try out new ideas to see if they'll fly before I work on a full-blow project

2) Cash. Padding the writer resume with contest wins doesn't hurt, but padding the bank account has it's own rewards.

I'm working on getting better about posting here. I've just been busy .... writing :-)

Creative Blessings!

Angela

Looking good!

I spent yesterday getting caught up on the net stuff I'm responsible for. Boy was that a long day. Today I've updated my blogs (5 counting this one) and am set to start working on the WIP. Updating my Country Angel blog helped get me in the spirit. The nominations for the 10th Annual Texas Music Awards are posted so I had to research some of the nominees. Great talent in Texas. Feel privileged to be a part of that community.

Now I get to spend the rest of the evening writing about cowboys, Texas music, dance halls and good ole' boys. Man being a writer is AWESOME!

How's your day going? Writing? What's your current project?

New Year - New Goals... sort of

You know that saying... 'the best laid plans...' well, mine got waylaid right off the bat. With everything in place to start my week off on the right foot, I started new years eve off with a head cold. I've spent the last 2 days medicated and sleeping in hopes of knocking it out fast. Today is better. I might actually stay up all day. I need to step right into those GOALS I want to talk about.

With the new day planner all set, I know what needs to be done on specific days... items aside from the DAILY writing on my current WIP.

My Writing GOALS:

1. Write every day on the current WIP

2. Push the Freelance writing - focusing on Texas music and paper arts

3. Work actively on at least 1 non-fiction book.

4. Keep the blogs updated and Twitter more.

My Personal GOALS:

1. Make time for my art. It's not frivolous if it's important to me.

2. Spend more time outside enjoying my 25 acres

3. Spend time on the Wii Fit every day (as soon as I'm over this cold)

4. Make and Keep Artist Dates

5. Read all the books on my read/pass on bookcase so I can get my keepers out of storage!

Those should keep me out of trouble for the year.

What are your GOALS?

Starting a new year

Wow!

With all the internet challenges and everything else that found me in 2011, I'm hoping 2012 will be a bit calmer in some ways and more active in others.

I'm also hoping to be more organized. I've tried, unsuccessfully, over the past couple of years to find the perfect day planner. Working from home gives us a different set of parameters than someone on the 8-4/ 9-5 gig. Our daily routine is more about a To Do list than time slots and meetings. Most of the time, unless we have a lunch meeting with our editor or an appointment to interview someone, time isn't important. But knowing the things we need to do within our work day is.

While shopping at Books -A -Million back in September, I found the Busy Office Page-a-Day notepad. As you can see in the link, it has the day/ date at the top of the page and then the rest of the main part is a list-making space with check-off boxes.

I've used my computer to print out the 12 monthly calendar pages and that's what I'm working with this year. I've already started writing in some of the blog things I do on specific days. I still have more to add as I begin putting them into play. But for now I feel as if I have a solid start on the new year.

Monday, we'll talk about Goals for 2012. What are some of your 2012 Goals?

Fast Five with Historical Athor, BJ Scott!

Happy Friday, everyone!

As we fly closer to the holidays, there is still plenty of time for last minute gift buying. And what better gift then a book!

This week, I'm proud to introduce you to my friend BJ. Highland Legacy is her debut Historical Romance. Here's a little about BJ:

With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

1. What did you do to celebrate when Highland Legacy came out?

Highland Legacy was released came on a Wed. Since it was a work day, I had to keep the celebration to a minimum, at least until I got home. My hubby had put a bottle of our favorite wine on chill and after toasting the book, it was back to the computer to answer emails, blogging and promoting. I think that part is harder and more work than the writing ;)

2. Do you have an idea for characters and build your plot around them or vice versa?

It varies with each story, but I usually develop a plot idea first and the characters evolve as the story is written.

3. What was the best advice you were given leading you to getting published?

Never give up your dream. Write where you can and when you can. Write about things you know and are passionate about. Rejection notices are a part of the road to publication. Use them as a learning tool to improve your work.

4. If you were going to cast your hero, Connor Fraser, what actor would get the

part?

Since I don’t have much time for movies or TV as far as that goes, picking an Actor would be difficult. The cover model, Jimmy Thomas is exactly how I pictured Connor. Maybe Jimmy could use the roll to make his acting debut. I could picture Adrian Paul, the actor who played the highlander on TV in the role too.

5. Tell us a little about your WIP.

Faced with an abhorrent betrothal, Cailin Macmillan flees her father’s castle and quickly learns that a woman traveling alone in Medieval Scotland is an easy target for ruthless English soldiers. When Highland patriot Connor Fraser comes to her aid, his steadfast dedication to king and country is challenged by his overwhelming desire to protect Cailin—even if he must marry her to do so.

Accused of murdering one of her attackers and determined to rely on her own resourcefulness, Cailin dresses as a lad, intent on seeking refuge at the camp of Robert the Bruce. Can she elude an enemy from her past—a vindictive English lord bent on her utter demise—or will she fall prey to his carnal intent and be executed for a crime she did not commit?

Here's a taste of what you'll experience in Highland Legacy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDx5dKkCrmM&feature=email

You can pick up your own copy of Highland Legacy at:

www.soulmatepublishing.com

www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com

Please visit BJ at her website: www.authorbjscott.com

Post Nano

Okay, my Nano was a complete wash as far as workable word count is considered. All I managed was to get a grasp on what the book needs to be about (aside from The Wild Rose Press guidelines for HonkyTonk Hearts), who the players are and what's at stake for each one. Oh yeah, and I proved I am definitely an outline kind of gal.

I think I'm a throwback from members of my family who were all truck drivers. Dad, retired after many years on the road, taught me at a young age how to read a road map. Two of my older brothers and an older sister all drove truck at some point in their lives. Being an over the road trucker (before GPS) meant knowing how to get from point A to point B and in the shortest amount of time. On the road, making delivery deadlines, like any other deadline, is critical to making sure everyone gets paid.

I am a planner. I need to know where I'm going, how I'm going to get there and if there are alternate routes should I need them. My road map stays tucked into the back of my driver's seat at all times just in case (though I have given in to using hubby's GPS when I go to Nashville). As a planner, I need to know all of those things about a book before I can write it. That's what I did for Nano.

I take December off from writing. December is my time to close out one year and prep for another. It's the only way I can manage all of the projects I have going on 24/7. But come January 1, 2012 while the rest of the world is recuperating from festivities and celebrations, I'll be participating in JANO with my local writers group, Sleuths Ink. We do things only slightly different than the big NANO group.

1) we still have to write 50k in NEW WORDS

2) we can work on an existing project AS LONG AS IT'S NEW WORDS

3) member privileges allows for some of us to do a collection of short stories - totaling 50,00 min.

4) we have an extra day to write. That 1 extra day can make a difference

5) members who write 50k + also go into a drawing for a Kindle at the end of the year.

So yeah, I'm gearing up for January 1st. Anyone is welcome to play. But joining Sleuth's does have a couple of advantages. :-)

Wanna play?

Fast Five with Jennifer Jakes

First off, I owe Jennifer a huge apology. Posting this earlier today totally slipped my mind when hubby's first words were, "I'm awake. Let's go shopping". What's a girl to do?

I've known Jennifer for about a year. We're in the same Ozarks Romance Authors group and both have our eye on country boy Jake Owens. So today, and for the whole weekend, I introduce you to Jennifer Jakes!

After trying several careers—everything from a beautician to a dump truck driver—Jennifer finally returned to her first love, writing. Maybe it was all those Clint Eastwood movies she watched growing up, but in her opinion there is no better read than a steamy western historical.

Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, two elderly horses, two spoiled cats and two hyper dogs.

During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.

Visit Jennifer Jakes at www.jenniferjakes.com

1. Why do you write?

I guess it’s for the same reason all writers write – we have to get the voices out of our heads!

2. I know you began writing stories at a young age. What led you to Historical romances?

My favorite stories as a young girl were those about Pocahontas and Sacajawea. As I got older, those historicals just turned into a love for Historical Romance. And I have to write what I love.

3. How did you get into taking part in Re -enactments?

My interest in Western Historicals and the Civil War era led me to attend several reenactments. I met a lot of wonderful people there and in talking to them was soon donning my petticoats and bonnet.

4. Do you have a story you’d like to tell but doesn’t fit what you typically write? Actually, I do………and I just finished it! My newest release, TWICE IN A LIFETIME, – out the end of this month – is still historical, but it’s set on a pirate ship in 1768. So the secret is out: My other writing love are Pirates.

5. What is your favorite Holiday and do you ever use it as part of the setting in your books?

I love Christmas – the decorated trees, the twinkling lights. It takes me back to when I was a kid and that magical feeling children get around Christmas.

My debut novel, RAFE’S REDEMPTION, is set during the Christmas season and includes lots of snow – enough to trap my heroine and hero together in a cabin

Blurb for RAFE'S REDEMPTION:

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.

She wanted freedom, not a lover.

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.

But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

Blurb for TWICE IN A LIFETIME:

Be Careful What You Wish For. . .

No-nonsense stuntwoman Isabella Douglas will do anything to stop an unwanted divorce and reclaim the happy life she had, even allow her old friend to concoct a magical spell to turn back time. But when the spell goes awry, Izzy finds herself trapped aboard a 1768 Caribbean pirate ship with a captain who’s a dead ringer for her sexy as sin husband, Ian. Convinced he’s playing a cruel joke, she’s furious – until she realizes he doesn’t know her or believe they’re married.

Captain Ian Douglas does not have time to deal with an insane woman who claims to be his wife; he has to save his kidnapped sister. But as Izzy haunts his dreams and fills him with erotic memories he can’t explain, he’s forced to admit he feels more than lust.

Trapped in a vicious cycle of past mirroring present, Izzy knows they only have days to find Ian’s sister and prevent disaster from striking a second time. If she doesn’t, their marriage will be destroyed again – along with the man she loves.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Fast Five with Jennifer Jakes. Please check out her website. You can also go directly to

http://tinyurl.com/42sn4n5 and Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/3vrdc9f

to pick up your copy of Rafe's Redemption!

Angela!