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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 the same. Yeah… It was […]

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August 9, 2012

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The New Publishing Paradigm, Part Two: What Value Do Publishers Add?

Text "What Value Do Publishers Add?" with the numbers 1 + 1 = 3

Last time, we discussed how our decision about which method we go with for publishing should focus more on our readers’ online versus offline buying habits than on their preference for ebook versus print formats. And we bemoaned the fact that those numbers are hard to come by. But let’s say we have a vague […]

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August 7, 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. I thought she was brilliant. […]

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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 only person to freak out […]

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July 31, 2012

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Five Lessons from a Book Tour Newbie — Guest: Suzanne Johnson

Picture of Suzanne Johnson

I’m in Anaheim, California this week for the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference, but I have another great guest here today. Suzanne Johnson just had her debut release a few months ago, and she’s been on fire with her stories. Her Royal Street debut came complete with a book tour. A book tour! For a debut author! […]

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July 26, 2012

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From Newbie to Published: 12 Tips — Guest: Tiffany Allee

Picture of Tiffany Allee

While I’m at the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference this week, I’ve invited two authors who have recently debuted to share their insights. Today, I’m excited to introduce Tiffany Allee. Tiffany and I actually know each other in real life, as we belong to the same RWA chapter and I mooch rides to the meetings off […]

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July 24, 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 love cheering for the athletes. […]

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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 did that happen? If you remember […]

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July 17, 2012

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Blogiversary Winners & a Gift for All

Gift bag with text - A Gift for... You!

Yay! I officially made it to the two-year mark on my blog. Two years of comments, questions, and debates. On my post announcing my Blogiversary Contest, we had enough comments to earn three winners! The worst part of the contest was picking the names. The worst, you say? No, that doesn’t mean I didn’t want anyone to […]

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July 12, 2012

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How “The Amazing Spider-Man” Rocks Subtext

The Amazing Spider-Man movie poster with text added: "Subtext and" [The Amazing Spider-Man]

Subtext? In a comic book movie? Really, Jami? Yes, really. Now, I’m not calling The Amazing Spider-Man groundbreakingly genius or anything, but it’s an, er, amazingly good movie character-wise compared to… Oh, say, the Green Lantern. If you remember from my Green Lantern posts about how how not to write plot or characters, I freely admit I’m a genre-loving […]

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July 10, 2012

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