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Michael Hauge’s Workshop: An Antidote to “Love at First Sight”

Close up of eye and text "Love at First Sight? Or Lazy Writing?"

By far, the best workshop I attended at the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference was Michael Hauge‘s presentation, “Using Inner Conflict to Create Powerful Love Stories.” Unlike every other workshop, Michael gave his presentation twice. I attended on the second day and the room was standing-room-only packed. The first day was likely […]

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August 9, 2012

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The New Publishing Paradigm, Part One: It’s Not about eBook vs. Print

Sepia-toned display inside bookstore with text "How Much Do Bookstores Matter to Authors?"

The Keynote Address at this year’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference was unusual. Instead of sharing an inspirational or funny story about her trudge to success, Stephanie Laurens essentially gave a lunchtime workshop about the publishing industry, complete with a PowerPoint presentation. Some were disappointed or bored and left early. […]

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August 2, 2012

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Social Media: An Introvert’s Secret Weapon

Envelope stamped with "TOP SECRET"

Last week, I attended the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, California. My workshop was successful (*whew*), I had a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful to my family for pushing me through the pre-conference panic attack so I didn’t just hide under the bed. I know I’m not the […]

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July 31, 2012

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It’s (Writing) Olympics Time!

2012 London Olympic logo

The Olympics are starting in a week—while I’m in Anaheim, California for the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference. I’m really looking forward to the confernce, but man… Did it have to fall during the Olympics? *sigh* I’m an Olympics nut. I love the pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies. I […]

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July 19, 2012

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The Ultimate #RWA12 Conference Packing List

Stack of old-fashioned suitcases with text: The Ultimate Conference Packing List

I’m leaving in a week to attend the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference, which is meeting in Anaheim, California this year. This will be my third conference and my second RWA National. So, why am I nervous? Oh yeah… I’m giving a workshop this time around. By myself. How […]

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July 17, 2012

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What’s the Hardest “First Step” You’ve Taken?

View from inside plane of a skydiver stepping out the door

As I write this post (late) Monday night, I just returned home after the regional writing conference, Desert Dreams.  I had a great time, met wonderful people, attended thought-provoking workshops, and pitched for the first time (and the second time and the third time). I think the pitches went well. […]

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May 1, 2012

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How Do You Handle Disappointments?

Depressed girl

Over a thousand writers stared at their phones yesterday, willing them to ring.  Only around 150 of them received the call they were waiting for.  Yesterday the Romance Writers of America (RWA) announced the Golden Heart and RITA finalists. One of the largest writing organizations in the world released the names […]

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March 27, 2012

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What Makes a Character Unique?

Man taking off mask

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare Wow, Bill, you have no idea how ahead of your time you were.  I know it must be hard to believe, but hundreds of years after you […]

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March 8, 2012

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What Makes You Feel Legitimate?

Sign: Authorized Personnel Only

Last week, we had a great discussion in the comments about whether we call ourselves writers or authors.  In general, we agreed that while we don’t judge others by what they call themselves, we each have our reasons for what we call ourselves.  Many echoed the idea that we want […]

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February 2, 2012

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