For the second
time in our lives, Mr. Ashbury and I are preparing to get on board a plane and
fly to California.
A few years ago,
we visited San Francisco, so that I could attend the Romance Writers of America
National Conference being held in that city.
This occasion is
for the same conference, but a different city: we'll be landing at LAX and then
taking the Super Shuttle to Anaheim.
I'm a member of
not only my own local RWA chapter, Toronto Romance Writers, but also of two
"online" chapters—Passionate Ink, and Kiss of Death.
The first is
devoted to what we'll call the writing of steamier romance, and the second to
mystery/suspense authors.
Most of my
novels have suspense sub-plots, and I strive to hone my skills in this sub-genre
with each new story written.
One major reason
I'm excited about going to the RWA National Conference is that I will finally
get to meet, face to face, with a member of my online writing group: D. B.
Reynolds, author of the excellent paranormal series, Vampires In
America.
D. B. and I have
"known" each other online for a number of years. She and I share moderator
duties of the Online Writers Group that is hosted by the website of New York
Times bestselling author, Kelley Armstrong.
If you are a fan
of a well crafted plot and compelling characters, then I recommend the
series. Published by Imajinn Books, they're
available in e-book and print, at Amazon as well as Barnes &
Noble.
Whenever we
travel for a conference or convention, I always make an effort to do some
sightseeing and research in the area. As an author, having a variety of places
you've visited is golden. It is, of course, possible to set a story in a city
you've never visited—especially today with all of the research available on the
Internet. There are virtual tours and local newspapers, Google Earth, and all
manner of photographs and videos available so that a person can get a pretty
good sense of a place without even leaving their chair.
But there is
something to be said for knowing the scent of a city, the sight and the sound
and the rhythm of it. And of course, nothing beats meeting and chatting with the
people who live there.
As I have done
for the last few conferences, I have arranged to have a scooter available at the
hotel when I arrive. Despite wearing a step counter daily, and often managing to
take between 5000 and 8000 steps each day, I simply cannot walk long distances
without ending up in complete agony. Having a scooter means I'm not confined to
the conference site, but can sample some of the neighborhood,
too.
I've been told
there is a wealth of eateries and shops, a virtual treasure-trove of tourist
spots—within a five minute scooter ride of the hotel.
I'll be signing
books at the Literacy Autographing event—where all of the proceeds from the
books sold go to fund literacy programs both locally and nationally. If you're
there, come by and say hi.
You doubtless
recall all the teasing I've received from practically every member of my
family—as well as several friends—about my proclivity for making lists before I
travel. Well, I am pleased to report that my beloved has adopted this habit. Of
course, he makes his list on a tiny note pad, from which he also crosses items
off once they are in the suitcase. He says he uses the note pad for convenience
but I believe he uses it because it is so easy to conceal. I think I'm the only
one in the family—or anywhere else, for that matter—who knows that my beloved
has adopted my `anal' habit.
Or rather, I
suppose I should say, I was.
Love,
The only dream I've ever had was to be a published author. It was a dream formed in childhood, and held on to through the business of growing up. Life intruded, as life does, and my dream was put on hold. But now, through hard work, faith, and luck dream has evolved into reality.
Romance is a wonderful genre that accommodates every other. Comedy, mystery, paranormal, suspense, or science fiction, romance embraces them all. Erotic romance gives all of that, and so much more.
For readers who want all the best traditional romance has to offer – great characters, compelling stories and a happy ending – and who crave that extra bit of heat – I invite you to read one of my novels and let me know what you think!
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