Category Archives: writing romance

WOW

24 Saturday May 2014

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WOW! I didn’t realize how long it has been since I posted here. Although very few people read this, I should do better with posting. I apologize and will to do better in the future.

So, life has been hectic. I started a new day job 1 1/2 years ago and it was completely crazy. That finally slowed down to a normal pace and then I had to handle youngest child’s high school graduation (YAY! No more high school). My daughter and I are going to Scotland next month with a group of romance readers so the planning for that has been going on in the background of everything else. Also, my daughter and I are working on wedding arrangements for her wedding early next year. Crazy/busy life around here.

As for my writing, I’m about 2/3 finished with my rough draft of the current WIP. Hoping to get it finished by the beginning of September. I love the characters and the storyline, hope an agent will too.

I’ll leave you with a two-part question. Who is your favorite romance author and why?

Contest time!

31 Thursday May 2012

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It’s that time again. Time to get the first few pages of my MS polished up and ready for submittal to the Dixie Kane Contest hosted by SOLA. I entered this a couple of years ago and received wonderful feedback. Learned a lot from the judges and it really improved my writing. Now that I’m working on my historical, it hopefully isn’t too bad at this point. Still in the early stages of the story so the feedback should be interesting LOL.

I’m also planning on going to a writer’s retreat with SOLA. It’s held at a plantation somewhere close to New Orleans and is always a lot of fun. I can get a lot of work done too. I always look forward to this.

Hope you get to do a lot of what you love this summer and make sure you get some great summer reads.

C’est tout,
Devon

Awesome Maggie Shayne!

15 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by in Conferences, writing romance

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I wanted to post this sooner but damn if something didn’t keep happening that would stop me. Anyway, Fantasy on the Bayou is over and what a great conference it was. I was able to meet some wonderful people in the industry and learn a lot from them. Maggie Mae Gallagher, cub reporter for Barbara Vey’s Beyond Her Book blog, was so much fun! We were able to go out and enjoy the sights on Bourbon Street and she wrote a great report on the conference. I was able to meet and visit with Liz Pelletier of Entangled Publishing and Elaine Spencer with The Knight Agency along with authors Kristen Painter and Kerri Nelson during the Keynote Luncheon. They were all great to talk to and patient with this newbie writer and my questions. They were perfect table mates.
I was also able to meet and chat with Maggie Shayne, the Keynote Speaker. Maggie was actually a stand in for the original scheduled speaker, who was not able to attend because of personal reasons, and she did an amazing job. Maggie had everyone laughing at her childhood stories, crying over her hardships, and cheering her on even after she’s become such a well loved author. But Maggie went above and beyond for a few of her fans, myself included.
My daughter and her friend were at the book signing event on the last day of the conference, and they told Maggie about a mutual friend, Shannon, who wanted to be there but couldn’t because of work. Since she had some free time before her flight she offered to go visit Shannon at work but since she didn’t work in the French Quarter, it didn’t seem possible. I told Maggie that if she really wanted to do this, I wouldn’t mind bringing her and then I’d take her to the airport. She agreed and was so excited to do this, she made sure to tell us not to say anything so she could surprise her. So after leaving the hotel, we met up with Dawn Chartier, Liz Pelletier, and Leanna Renee Hieber for lunch then headed to the bookstore where Shannon worked. We arrived and went straight to Shannon. When we arrived, Kendall, my daughter’s friend,  told her that not only did we bring her a signed Maggie Shayne book, we brought the author herself. At this point Shannon started tearing up and her and Maggie hugged. We had learned that Shannon had lost her grandmother the night before so getting to meet Maggie was even more special. It helped to cheer her some. We all visited with Shannon for a little while then we all sat on the floor with coffee and chatted about books, puppies, whatever we wanted. It was such a special day for all of us there and it wouldn’t have happened without Maggie.
So here’s a toast to Maggie Shayne! Thank you for sharing your story with us at the conference and for sharing a part of your day sitting on the floor with us and chatting like teenagers. You gained a couple of new fans I am honored to have been a part of it. May you always be blessed with good friends and close family.

C’est Tout,
Devon

Lissa and James

13 Friday May 2011

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Well, Annie and Royce decided to go on a vacation. Don’t know where they went or when they’ll return, if ever, but I have some new company visiting, Lissa and James have been hanging around for a while now and definitely like talking to me. Hopefully they won’t disappear on me before I have their whole story. It’s historical so I’m having to do a lot of research but it’s all falling into place right now and I’m having a lot of fun with it. I just wish there was someone I could call and say, “did this happen in the 1600s?” or “what exactly did they wear then?” That would make this so much easier but no one ever said it would be easy. I just find myself wanting to read their story even though I’m the one who has to write it. I hope to have something outlined soon so I can start putting the words on “paper”.

I’m going to take a little time tomorrow to go riding since it’s National Women’s Riding Day before I sit down to more research.

Have a great weekend!

C’est tout!
Devon

Life Happens

21 Thursday Oct 2010

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Well, it seems like I fell into a hole. The typical “I have no time to write” hole that a lot of new writers fall into (or so I’ve been told). My husband works out of town a lot so when he’s here, I want to spend time with him. My daughter is out on her own so when she stops by or calls, I want to talk with her to find out how she’s doing. I have a son away at college who doesn’t come home often but when he does, I want to visit with him. I have another son in high school who is one of the popular kids, at least in his circle of friends, so he’s always wanting me to bring him here or there. Then there’s the me time that I take when I go for a ride on my Vegas. That usually happens back and forth for my day job and once a week for bike night where I meet my Dad and a few friends for a couple of hours. Then all the other things that have to be done, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning (even though I avoid doing those if at all possible), watching my Saints football. And of course sleeping. So life happens and the writing doesn’t get done.

But how do all the other writers do it? I know many who are wives, moms, career women who still find the time to write. Maybe I lack the discipline. Maybe I’m not motivated enough. Maybe it’s too hard. Or maybe I just keep looking for excuses.

Enough! Time to buckle down and write the damn book. To that end, I’ve decided to participate in this year’s NaNoWriMo competition. I have to write a 50,000 word novel within 30 days… That means 1,667 words a day. Lord what have I gotten myself into? I’m lucky if I get 500 words in one day. Like I said, time to sit my butt down in front of the computer and write. No more excuses, no interruptions.

If you’re an author who has to take care of family and work a day job, how do you manage your writing time? And if you have done the NaNoWriMo competition, did it help you?

RD’s Not Going to Conference Conference

26 Monday Jul 2010

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NGCC-2010t

Not forking out the dough for the RWA Conference this year, with evening wear, suits, high heels and whatever “business casual” means?

Not to worry! Romance Divas is hosting the

Not Going to Conference Conference…

The Conference You Don’t Have to Get Out of Bed For!

From July 28-31, come hang out with some terrific, savvy authors — and you don’t even have to brush your teeth (although, seriously, good dental hygiene gets you extra points.)

We’ll be hosting panels on:

The Power of Three: A crit group tell-all (Paranormal)

Crystal Jordan

Patti O’Shea

Dayna Hart/Rowan Larke

The Lolitas of STEAMED! Present Writing the Steampunk Romance -more than leather corsets and brass goggles!

Marie-Claude Bourque

Theresa Meyers

Whips, Chains, Slings, Oh My: It Really Isn’t About the Toys (BDSM Erotica)

James Buchanan

Joey Hill

The Great Big YA Panel

Rhonda Stapleton

Shannon Delany

Kiersten White

Carrie Ryan

Linda Gerber

Saundra Mitchell

Lara Zielin

Brenna Yovanoff

Register for free at Romance Divas, then come join us on the forums for the discussions, as well as some terrific prizes:
Eden Bradley/Eve Berlin:
1) erotic e-books, THE SEEKING KISS and TEMPT ME TWICE.
2) a synopsis critique in any sub-genre of erotica/erotic romance.
Jax Cassidy:
1) erotic e-books, DEVIL’S HEART and BRUSH STROKES.
2) book cover design or banner ad
Kristen Painter:
copy of her e-book, ALL FIRED UP
Rhonda Stapleton:
1) STUPID CUPID YA Book trilogy
2) a proposal critique (1st 3 chapters and synopsis) for any genre of book, romance or not
K.B. Alan:
1) The choice of one of her e-books: PERFECT FORMATION, ALPHA TURNED or BOUND BY SUNLIGHT.
2) A $25 Barnes and Noble gift card.
Robin L. Rotham: Signed copies of BIG TEMPTATION, ALIEN OVERNIGHT, and ENEMY OVERNIGHT
AJ Chase: copies of e-book CAT AND MOUSE
Inez Kelley:
1) e-book package of both MYLA BY MOONLIGHT and SALOME AT SUNRISE
2) The complete Dirty Laundry Series (3 e-novellas) co-written by Ginny Glass aka Wordsugar and Inez Kelley
Kate Pearce:
1) a three chapter ~and~ synopsis critique-any erotic romance, paranormal romance or historical romance.
2) Winners choice, in either print or e-book format (if available), of a set of the Simply series (there are 5) ~or~ a set of the Cowboys (there are 3) ~or~ a copy of KISS OF THE ROSE-readers choice.
R.G. Alexander:
Winners choice of any two e-books from her Samhain or Ellora’s Cave back list
Nadia Lee:
Critique of 1st chapter & synopsis-paranormal or contemporary romance
Shelley Munro: Winners choice of any one her backlist books from Ellora’s Cave or Cerridwen Press
Ciar Cullen: Winner’s choice of any one e-book on her website.
Voirey Linger: A copy of her e-book RISKING ETERNITY
RF Long:
1) a submission package critique (letter, synopsis and 3 chapters)
2) e-books! (details TBA)
Crystal Jordan:
1) 1st chapter and synopsis critique
2) One copy of any e-book off her Samhain backlist (http://samhainpublis…/crystal-jordan)
3) One copy of IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (print or electronic, winner’s choice)
Jeannie Lin:
1) a first chapter critique, any genre
2) an official BUTTERFLY SWORDS souvenir charm
Elise Logan: Winner’s choice of any e-book from her backlist
Marguerite Labbe:
1) A critique of an m/m story
2) Signed copies of her m/m vampire trilogy MY HEART IS WITHIN YOU, HAUNTED BY YOUR SOUL and OUR SACRED BALANCE
Seeley DeBorn:
One jar of home made body or face scrub, customized to the winner’s preferences and skin type.
For example: Orange Spice Oatmeal, Coffee-Cocoa, Citrus Salt, Lavender Mint, Honey and Flax
Sela Carsen: a copy of her e-book CAROLINA WOLF
Hailey Edwards:
1) a copy of her sweet fantasy romance ebook, EVERLONG.
2) two five dollar MBaM gift cards
Charlotte McClain:
Copy of her two e-books, LOVE TO DECLARE and ROCK STAR’S RETREAT
Cynthia Justlin: (Golden Heart Finalist!) Proposal Critique (3 Chapters and synopsis)-any genre other than erotic
Lainey Bancroft:
1) signed copies of her contemporary romance, THE TROUBLE WITH TESSA and her chick lit romance COZUMEL KARMA
2) Proposal critique (3 chapters and a synopsis) any genre except Steampunk
Tina Burns-Publisher-Liquid Silver Books:
1) a critique of 1st 3 chapters & synopsis
2) 3 e-book prizes for 3 different winners! Winners choice of any one e-book download from LSB library.
Mima:
Winner’s choice of one e-book from her backlist-see her website for booklist.
Taneasha: handmade jewelry by our own Taneasha-details to come!
Barbara Sheridan:
1) Winners choice of one e-book from her backlist-see her website for booklist.
2) Critique of up to 20 pages of either M/M, or M/F romance or erotic romance in various subgenres (contemporary, historical, paranormal or suspense/mystery)
David Bridger:
A copy of his ebook BEAUTY AND THE BASTARD
Victoria Janssen:
3 print books TBA (whatever she finds at the RWA Conference)
Gemma Halliday:
Signed copy of SCANDAL SHEET
Jennifer Leeland/Jennifer McKenzie:
1) copy of her e-book MARKED FOR PLEASURE (Kindle version available upon request)
2) copy of her e-book MARKED FOR DESIRE (Releasing June 29th) (Kindle version available upon request)
3) copy of her e-books The Command Series (Trilogy)
4)copy of her BDSM e-book series (3 from TWRP and 1 from Samhain)
Emily Ryan-Davis:
1) Critique of novella-length (up to 30k) manuscript; any time period, m/f, menage, f/f (m/m not her area of expertise)
2) signed print copies of her anthology: MATING CALL, DRAGON DANCE and DRAGON BOUND
3) e-book copy of CHANGING THUMBELINA
Sabrina Darby:
1) Signed copy of her erotic historical novel, ON THESE SILKEN SHEETS
2) Critique of first thirty pages of any Regency (erotic or non erotic fine, but m/m outside my area of expertise)
Alina Morgan:
1) copy of her e-book The Twilight Deception
2) copy of her e-book The Shadow Unveiled
Debbie Mumford:
1) Critique of a synopsis
2) Winner’s choice of any e-book from her back list.
Kimberly Troutte:
1) copy of her e-book SOUL STEALER
2) copy of her e-book CATCH ME IN CASTILE
Sasha Devlin:
1 pair of hand made writing mitts or gloves-style and color TBD by the winner
Julia Knight
Winner’s choice of one copy of any of her books available in e-book format

C’est tout!
Devon

Dixie Kane Contest

10 Saturday Jul 2010

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My local RWA chapter is hosting the 5th annual Dixie Kane contest for writers. I entered last year but didn’t win which was OK. I didn’t expect to win but I did better than I thought I would. I also received wonderful feedback from the judges which has helped me to realize where I need improvement and also shown me what I did right (I was excited to see these comments ). Anyway, the contest is open now and will be ending soon so get your entries in.

The Dixie Kane Memorial Contest is a literary contest in honor of the late Linda Kay West, attorney, who wrote as Dixie Kane. A member of SOLA and RWA for many years, Linda served in numerous board positions. She shared her knowledge of writing, publishing, and law generously as a speaker at SOLA’s meetings and conferences. SOLA created the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest to encourage aspiring writers to hone their craft and submit their work.

Sponsor: SOLA, the Southern Louisiana Chapter of RWA

Fee: $15.00

Deadline: July 15, 2010

Eligibility: Entrants do not need to be members of Romance Writers of America to enter.

Enter: Just a taste–the first five (5) pages double spaced and a synopsis (one page, single-spaced, not judged). No electronic submissions.  Contest Entry Form

Categories:

  • Short/long series contemporary
  • Single title contemporary
  • Historical romance
  • Paranormal
  • Inspirational
  • Novel w/ strong romantic elements
  • Romantic suspense
  • Erotic romance

Also our monthly SOLA meeting will be next Saturday, July 17. We will have Dr. Jeffrey Long there to speak about near-death experiences and his book “Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences”. You never know, you might find some inspiration for your next book while here. You can get information about the meeting on SOLA’s website.

C’est tout!
Devon

Mental notes on plots

05 Saturday Jun 2010

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Well, for those who didn’t know, Gorgeous and I went out of town for the evening and visited with one of his old high school friends. I’d never met him or his wife but they were wonderful people and we had a great time. We rode the Harley but unfortunately had a little problem with it so we had to stop at a dealership for repairs which took a few hours. The ride home today was great, no problems, just hit one major rain storm but hey, what’s a little water when you’re riding 🙂

What’s all this have to do with mental notes on plots? Actually, a lot. My i-pod wasn’t charged so I had a lot of quiet time to think about where Annie’s story is going and made a few changes for the next scene. Also have a few new scenes to add too. Now I’m jotting them down since I wasn’t able to write anything while riding on the back of a Harley (haven’t figured that one out yet LOL). Also, Gorgeous was very helpful when I started asking questions about the various Harleys we got to see at the dealership. Annie’s HEA, Royce, rides one on occasion so the information was great. (I now realize Royce was on the wrong bike the whole time, no wonder he didn’t want to ride it)

So I didn’t get to do any writing but did get a lot of information from the hero and heroine so I’m going to get busy tonight and put some of it in the WIP. I hope everyone is having a great weekend and come back soon.

C’est tout!
Devon

Not an Angel

12 Wednesday May 2010

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Dawn Chartier’s new book, Not an Angel, is now available for purchase at the Wild Rose Press. Here’s the blurb:

Kira McCoy wants to die. Losing her husband and daughter tragically left her without hope. Now her disturbed brother-in-law will stop at nothing to have her for himself. All she wants is to find peace, but instead finds herself on top of a bridge ready to end her suffering.

Protector of the Poryria, Trace Stuart is called to defend his race or embrace death. Defending humans is not part of the plan, but he cannot stop himself from saving Kira.

Realizing that he shares a special bond with Kira, Trace defies his Queen and rushes into the heart of darkness in order to rescue the woman he loves. Will Kira be able to reach past her own pain to pull them both into the light?

Sounds good doesn’t it! Head on over and purchase your copy today. Let’s get some great 1st day sales for Dawn.

C’est tout!
Devon