Bitchin' Blog Posts
Spring Fling, Part Deux: Conference Bugaloo
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | April 25, 2010 | Sunday at 1:57 am | 73 CommentsToday I gave my panel on online marketing and as usual I learned a ton from the audience so that the next time I give this talk it will be 230% better.
First, I learned last night in the librarian meet and greet how much librarians rely on author web sites and how valuable they find book lists that link series and related books together. It seems there is a romance reader type they see very often who will come in and want to try a new author who has a few books published already, and they want to read them in the right order. And they want to check out and bring home the entire. Freaking. Backlist.
Sweet!
The same librarian who told me about all the different ways she uses author websites, Monique from the Glenview Library, was also at my presentation today. She told me about signing up for Facebook updates from an author and finding little information about books, and a LOT of political ranting - which is what she did not want.
All of her stories and comments underscored the fact that the reader is a customer, and it is very important to know what the customer wants, and whether the author wants to give that to them.
Barbara Vey and I were looking at another author website after the panel, and she told me about one site she had visited and linked to from her site where the author was nude in her bio picture. Oh, my. If there’s a what-not-to-do, that might be number one in the Guide to Online Marketing: first, don’t be naked.
Second would be the site that several attendees talked about at the end where a frustrated author wished death, fire and rage and dismemberment upon many agents. Holy what-not-to-do.
Julia Quinn’s lunch keynote was very good - a collection of top 4 lists from the perspective of before and after publication, from the practical to the inspirational.
Highlights include:
Having a to do list gives you the illusion that you have some control over your life.
The only way to finish a book is to finish it. The world is full of first chapters.
You will never hurt your career by helping another author.
The only person who can stop a reader from reading your book is you.
Don’t forget to be proud of what you do.
The conference programs were mostly excellent. The Spring Fling has a very good balance between practical writing sessions and discussion of marketing, sales, inspirational advice, and author branding, which are equally important and I think necessary to develop concurrently.
The best panels like Courtney Milan’s session on editing for voice involved audience exercise and very strong examples. Some speakers were prepared but dry, reading off a long series of notes. Others, like Elizabeth Hoyt, talked informally and engaged the audience in a conversation on the topic, which, since her topic was sex scenes, was a bucket of entertainment.
The book signing was very cool as well - there are pictures on twitter of the long lines for Julia Quinn, Cherry Adair, and Simone Elkeles. A lot of young people turned out to meet Simone, which is very cool. And people brought me Bosoms to sign, which is always fun.
Robyn Bachar was among those who asked me to sign her copy of the Bosoms, and she told me that her first book is coming out 11 May from Samhain. She’d learned about Samhain reading Smart Bitches, and is so excited to be a debut author. Another person I spoke with today told me an agent had just signed her, and she was being shopped to a few houses right now. Then I met someone who had just finished their manuscript and come up with a great idea for her next book. I don’t know what’s in the air at writing conferences but it’s so cool to see people enthusiastic and inspired and excited - and buying piles and piles of romance novels, too.
If you are looking for good conferences to attend, the Spring Fling is definitely among the best I’ve attended - heck, come for the food alone. It’s been amazing.
IPad substitution of the day: onion marketing! Yes! Every author needs to market their onions! Especially since the original name of Chicago, as I learned on Twitter last night, meant smelly onions. Also: Practical writing = practical erupting. Who knew?
Aaand one more thing: I have four signed books to give away: Blythe Gifford’s His Border Bride, Julie James’ Something About You, Elizabeth Hoyt’s To Seduce a Sinner, and Carrie Lofty’s Scoundrel’s Kiss. Leave a comment about your writing or reading this weekend and you’re entered to win.
Filed: General Bitching
Tagged: spring fling, julie james, free stuff, elizabeth hoyt, chicago north rwa, carrie lofty, blithe gifford, awesome sauce
Carolyn said on 04.25.10 at 02:09 AM • [link]
Hearing about writer’s conferences always inspires me to pick up my most recent half-finished first draft. Tonight’s plans are out the window—I’m writing!
KimberlyD said on 04.25.10 at 02:16 AM • [link]
I just read my first Elizabeth Hoyt and coincidentally, its “To Seduce a Sinner.” But I borrowed it from my library and I’d love to own it (as well as any or all of the others!)
needs28-Kimberly needs 28 new books ;)
Bridget said on 04.25.10 at 02:18 AM • [link]
Reading today’s post makes me wish we had more events like that on my side of the world! This weekend I’m writing a dissertation on the role of Human Security in developing countries, but I don’t think that’s quite the kind of writing you’re looking for. So I’ll say that I’m re-reading Lisa Kleypas’ contemporaries and wishing I knew some Texas billionaires!
Tikaanidog said on 04.25.10 at 02:25 AM • [link]
No writing here (well, except for classwork…) but I am takinga ‘study break’ to read Susan Carroll’s ‘The Night Drifter’. Hey, I can’t study ALL day, now can I????
LL said on 04.25.10 at 02:33 AM • [link]
Thanks for the update. Sounds like a blast.
Just finished “One Perfect Rose” by Mary Jo Putney, which was good, and I’m starting “Splendid” by Julia Quinn.
Silver James said on 04.25.10 at 02:41 AM • [link]
I’m working my way slowly through the Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romance. Mammoth is right! Thank goodness it’s on my Kindle so I don’t have to lug it around. I’m just over 13K words into a short story I’m working on for an anthology series for The Wild Rose Press. Since I normally write paranormal, it’s fun to be playing with contemporary romance.
Spring Fling does sound like a lot of fun and I love Chicago. I’ll have to put it on my radar for the day when I’m rich and famous. LOLOL!
cories said on 04.25.10 at 02:42 AM • [link]
Spring Fling sounds great. I love attending conferences, even the technical ones about medicine and science. Aside from the seminars, networking and the swag, where else could I find esoteric geeky stuff like a bumper sticker that read “Heisenberg May Have Slept Here” (which is pretty funny to a physicist).
Right now, I’m in the middle of a run of Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books. I’m reading “This Heart of Mine” and ” What I Did for Love” is next.
Sam said on 04.25.10 at 02:51 AM • [link]
As a library employee it thrills me to death when a patron actually asks me a question about books. This covers the most common one. Someone will bring a book up and say “can you tell me which one is the next in the series?”. Usually I will see if the author has a website first thing.
Diatryma said on 04.25.10 at 02:59 AM • [link]
I start a second job on Monday and am torn between getting everything else done before I run out of time and reading as much as humanly possible, which in my case is kind of a bit. I am doing my best not to read the Balogh Bedwyn books.
Suzy said on 04.25.10 at 03:00 AM • [link]
I’m re-reading Lover Avenged this weekend so I’m up to speed before Lover Mine
comes out on Tuesday.
Because you mentioned it earlier, I need to ask for the title of the Julia Quinn book you love beyond belief… I want to make sure that I’ve read it!! I’ve still got a few more of her earlier ones in my TBR mountain.
Suzy said on 04.25.10 at 03:03 AM • [link]
never mind about the JQ book, I found the title in your “about me”
Thanks & Next time, I will look before I post.
Niveau said on 04.25.10 at 03:05 AM • [link]
The sad part is that I know EXACTLY which author she’s talking about here and I totally feel the same way. I don’t read said author’s books anymore, not after suffering through all those rants. I think authors need to choose, and choose early, about whether they want to use Facebook for professional or personal reasons, and stick to that choice. Because your readers? (Or at least this one?) Totally. Not. Interested. in your politics already.
On the good-use-of-Facebook side, I read my first Elizabeth Hoyt novel because another author was doing a giveaway and posted about it there. I followed the link, won, and am now a pathetic fangirl who is spending her weekend cooped up with a copy of To Seduce a Sinner. Whee!
Elizabeth said on 04.25.10 at 03:07 AM • [link]
I admire readers who want to complete an author’s entire backlist in the proper order. I just read Jo Beverley’s Hazard this week, months after I read St. Raven; I’m attacking the Company of Rogues series as I come across them.
Mostly, this weekend’s reading will be 200 pages of Tiya Miles’ Ties That Bind: The Story of an Afro-Cherokee Family in Slavery and Freedom, for a college class. My writing will likewise be for my fast-approaching finals, though I did work on the outlines for some stories earlier this afternoon. And I’m coveting the name Shoeboots, from Ties That Bind, for someone fictional.
John J. said on 04.25.10 at 03:07 AM • [link]
I’m trying to finish Betrayed by P.C./Kristen Cast in time to write a review for what I hope will be a good blog…but first the review. :) I also bought an Ellen Wittlinger book that won a Printz and a Lambada for 3 bucks today…along with L.A.Candy to see if Lauren Conrad can really write. An interesting Saturday to be sure.
Marsha said on 04.25.10 at 03:24 AM • [link]
I actually don’t have a lot of reading on my agenda for the weekend because it is (not typically) full of social gatherings. Instead, I’m proclaiming loud and proud that I’m a romance reader when the talk turns, as it does, to books. I’ve pressed Something About You into a few hands and have been as voluble as the wine consumed will allow about my preferences and lack of shame.
Anna Shah Hoque said on 04.25.10 at 03:43 AM • [link]
I’m reading Count to Ten by Karen Rose…next up after that…You Can’t Hide by Karen Rose.
*err don’t know if I should let you know that I already have Something About You by Julie James…it was a great read!
Tae said on 04.25.10 at 04:04 AM • [link]
since I’m not a writer, but heavy reader I’ve been re-reading the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs. I skim and read the parts I enjoy. I just finished Silver Borne and I realize as much as I love Mercy Thompson, I think I like the Anna & Charles books more.
Also reading a mm Chris Owen book.
Just finished Changes by Jim Butcher, the latest Harry Dresden Files book.
And I am looking forward to the newest JR Ward book coming out this week, yes I know they’re not the best written, but they are crackalicious and I’m addicted.
JudeTheObscure said on 04.25.10 at 04:15 AM • [link]
I marathoned three books from Victoria Dahl’s Tumble Creek Series, so my weekend is off to a spectacular start. In fact, I might re-read the third one (Lead Me On). I can’t wait for your review of it, either, since it was your reviews that led me to her, originally. As has been the case for so many of my recent purchases!
Ann Stephens said on 04.25.10 at 04:22 AM • [link]
Am loving every word about Spring Fling! Am jealous I’m not there!!
Daisy said on 04.25.10 at 04:42 AM • [link]
Sounds like Spring Fling has been good to you this weekend. I haven’t done much reading today - sat in the rain at a track meet instead. Oh the joys of having a teenager in the house!
Sherri said on 04.25.10 at 04:44 AM • [link]
Spring Fling sounds like fun!
I’m with your librarian - it’s a huge help when an author website not only lists their entire backlist but the order of each series (I’m one of those who has to read a series in order). It’s even handier when the library includes that information in their own system!
Another thing I’d love for author websites to offer… up-to-date information on their next release! I was looking forward to JR Ward’s Lover Mine but had no idea it was due out this month. It was only reading the comments on a blog that I learned about it. It lead me to check up on other books I was waiting for and found out two of those were also about to be released (and neither author website had that info). How can I buy or pre-order something if I don’t know it’s available?
Alley said on 04.25.10 at 04:50 AM • [link]
I so want to go to one of these conferences some day—just sounds like a blast.
My reading this weekend (and week, to be honest) is plowing through Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series. Not my favorite series, but I’m having fun with the spies and seduction.
Elizabeth said on 04.25.10 at 04:55 AM • [link]
Just passed the 65,000 word mark (65,016 to be exact) on the contemporary romance I’m writing. Trying to ride the momentum for another half hour at least…
Liz said on 04.25.10 at 05:25 AM • [link]
Reading? Writing? I’m looking forward to being able to do both of these things again now that I’ve defended my master’s thesis and will be graduating this May. Who knows, I might even get some sleep!
I miss books…
Kim in Hawaii said on 04.25.10 at 05:26 AM • [link]
Your posts inspired me to pull the JQ books from my TBR pile, so I am reading What Happens In London.
Plus an author in Texas connected me with a reader in California who is visiting Hawaii. I took her on a brief tour of the coastline while her husband played golf. We traded stories of being in a small RWA chapter ... funny how romance can bring friends together!
krsylu said on 04.25.10 at 05:29 AM • [link]
Today, I put off writing a book review for my blog. Instead, I finished Soulless, by Gail Carriger, and began Return To Sender, by Julia Alvarez. The former is a smokin’-hot steam-punk (pun intended) paranormal romance recommended to me by the (incidentally male) Curator of Education of a local military museum. The latter, Return To Sender, is a Juvenile Fiction (why, yes, I AM a librarian!) novel on the South Carolina Book Award Nominee list. About half-way through that and enjoying it thoroughly!
The thing is, I LIKE the book I’m supposed to be reviewing. This is making it difficult to be concise… Hence my avoidance issues.
Suze said on 04.25.10 at 05:33 AM • [link]
Wow. That death to publishing blog was something else.
This weekend, I’m reading the last Sookie Stackhouse, in preparation for the next one coming out (my workmate buys all her faves in hardcover, and is very generous with the sharing. Good for me, since I only want to buy e).
Otherwise, I’m reading all the bits of paper I’ve been throwing into various piles so I can rescue all the stuff I need to finish my taxes. Or maybe I’ll procrastinate a little more. Not due ‘til Friday…
LisaC said on 04.25.10 at 06:20 AM • [link]
Splurged at Borders using my handy dandy $100 AMEX gift card. C Milan’s debut, Patience by L Valdez, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Meredith said on 04.25.10 at 06:30 AM • [link]
Reading the conversation between Julia Quinn and Cherry Adair on your Q&A highlight post on Friday, I was so amused I immediately went to my bookshelf and picked up an old Julia Quinn favorite, “The Duke and I”. I’ll probably finish it tomorrow. I’d forgotten how much I love her writing style—thanks for the reminder of how funny she is. ;)
Tina C. said on 04.25.10 at 08:50 AM • [link]
Devoured Just One of the Guys, by Kristan Higgins. Finished it about noon and I had to send the author an email to thank her for making me cry over a book for the first time in a long time. I sniffled my way through the last 40 pages or so of that book because I really cared about the characters and I wanted them to get it together and work things out before it was too late. Have to tell you, it’s been a very long while since I was this emotionally-invested in a bunch of fictional people. I really, really loved this book and I highly recommend it.
I’m now almost done with the latest Harry Dresden book. Finished the latest Patricia Briggs a couple of days ago. I’ve also been reading some of the Vampire Files (Jack Fleming) books, by P. N. Elrod, over the past couple of weeks.
mikaela said on 04.25.10 at 09:08 AM • [link]
Thank you so much for this post. It was great to read, and confirmed a lot of things that I suspected,
I am editing, so no writing for me right now. I did read One Night in Boston by Allie Boniface, and Sealed with a kiss by Mary Dautridge
ms bookjunkie said on 04.25.10 at 12:16 PM • [link]
I was bitten by the exercise bug this week so most of my reading has been done on my ereader while on the elliptical machine (and my paper TBR menacingly glowers at me for this abandonment) but I am trying to finish Kresley Cole’s If You Dare before the weekend is out. (It’s the first in her MacCarrick trilogy.)
StephB said on 04.25.10 at 01:43 PM • [link]
This weekend my husband, toddler son and I have ALL been felled by illness, and so even though I normally read lots of different genres, this weekend all I want to read is romance. It’s the only thing that cheers me up in times like these. So I LEAPT on the chance to enter this drawing!
Sadly, because of the illness, the only writing update I can report on is that I’ve been brainstorming fresh titles for my books (we may be changing the title of the series and the first book, too)...and not terribly successfully, due to my mushy sick-brain head. Sniffle!
Danielle D said on 04.25.10 at 01:46 PM • [link]
I’m reading the first book in the Circle of Sin series—To Sin With A Scoundrel by Cara Elliott aka Andrea Pickens aki Andrea DaRif.
m3t said on 04.25.10 at 02:44 PM • [link]
having broken my cell phone I’m reading smartphone reviews - does that count? However, reading Jill Shalvis’ Instant Gratification when not trying to decide on what phone to get.
Darlene Marshall said on 04.25.10 at 03:10 PM • [link]
This weekend I read Chalice by Robin McKinley, which, as usual with her books, makes me want to weep with frustrated jealousy that my writing isn’t as luminous. It has, as so many of her books do, an amazing heroine and a strong romantic element.
I’m also reading Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand which features a mature romance, and I’m enjoying it as a real change of pace in my romance reading.
Susan Laura said on 04.25.10 at 04:04 PM • [link]
Just finished coordinating a big community service project so I am rewarding myself by reading, reading, reading. I finished “Mad, Bad and Blonde” by Cathie Linz and I am sorry to say I can’t recommend it. But I just started a book by new-to-me author Wendy Webb called “The Tale of Halcyon Crane”. Wow! Mysterious and spooky and wonderful!
Dayna said on 04.25.10 at 04:41 PM • [link]
Ohhhh, I’ve been writing and writing this weekend, but not really in a fun or creative way. I’m dissecting Virginia Wolfe’s To The Lighthouse. And I cannot wait to be done.
Becky said on 04.25.10 at 04:45 PM • [link]
I’m not writing this weekend, but I’m at least thinking about writing. Which is better than totally ignoring my manuscript and dodging calls from my critique group. (But not much.)
I’m reading Borrower of the Night by Elizabeth Peters. I’m not loving it, but I keep hearing that the series gets better after this first book, so I’m trudging along.
Nadia said on 04.25.10 at 04:50 PM • [link]
Another who must read backlist in order. I just finished Loretta Chase’s “Not Quite a Lady” this morning, and came here to find I am in agreement with the review of it on this site. Not her best, but her not-best is still a good read. Witty banter makes me happy. Now on to another backlist I am tackling, Robb’s “Betrayal in Death” is next in the TBR lineup. Plus I have Tami Hoag’s “Deeper than the Dead” on loan from the library. And my “stays in the car so that I always have something to read during school pick-up waiting/soccer practice/dance class” book is Plum Sykes’ “Debutant Divorcees,” a little comic bit of fluff that I’m halfway through.
JoAnn Chartier said on 04.25.10 at 04:52 PM • [link]
Mature Romance Darlene? Where do I find that category? I am mature, I know I will never be seduced by some cut, sculpted, godly guy who will protect me from all the bad and, frankly, my dear, I’d rather get a good night’s sleep after I stay up until 1 a.m. because I can’t put down the book rather than, you know, finding the lube…
Maybe the next RWA conference could find some red hat and purple authoresses to suss out what older women REALLY want! And maybe I’ll write it myself!
made32 ahella long time ago
Jane O said on 04.25.10 at 05:02 PM • [link]
Am I weird? I really don’t want to know anything personal about authors, so I keep far away from Facebook, etc. I guess I’m sort of a privacy nut — I’m not going to ask about your private life, so please don’t tell me.
When I go to an author’s website, all I really want to know is something about her books, how they’re connected, etc. I also enjoy it when authors of historicals include links to sites providing interesting nuggets of information.
As for reading, I’m taking a break from fiction at the moment and reading Gertrude Himmelfarb’s The Idea of Poverty — the Georgian/Regency that doesn’t turn up in romance.
Darlene Marshall said on 04.25.10 at 05:04 PM • [link]
@JoAnn—Can’t guarantee the HEA ending on Major Pettigrew because I haven’t finished it yet, but it has a 68 yr old widower and a 58 yr old widow. It’s definitely not about ripped abs or flowing tresses, but about companionship and someone giving you a reason to be excited to get up on the morning and get out of the house and be part of the world again. And a reason to smile. In other words, it’s much like real life.
JWZ1978 said on 04.25.10 at 05:08 PM • [link]
Your post made me laugh, because right before I came on here I was on an author website getting her backlist and requesting them from the local library ;) In the past two days I’ve read the first 6 books in the Arcane Series (Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick) and to say I’m hooked is an understatement. Now I get the joy of exploring her other books! Sounds like a wonderful conference, love the updates!
Carolyn said on 04.25.10 at 05:14 PM • [link]
I’ve been book shopping after reading this thread. *G*
Right now I’m rereading Jennifer Roberson’s Sword Dancer series and not doing much writing myself at all.
PK said on 04.25.10 at 05:21 PM • [link]
I wanted to offer a big giant THANK YOU to Sarah for coming to Spring Fling, for letting me fondle her iPad, for presenting an awesome workshop and for giving everyone else a glimpse of the funny and witty that is Julia Quinn and Cherry Adair.
We were thrilled to have you and hopefully will get you within our clutches here in the city of stinky onions once again.
Sharon said on 04.25.10 at 06:22 PM • [link]
An author’s website is sooooo important to those of us looking for the order of books. You can’t use the inside cover of a book cause sometimes they list the books from top to bottom and sometimes the the other way around. I read whole series and love it when they are listed (on amazon.com or anywhere) as Book 1, Book 2, ect.
Julie T said on 04.25.10 at 07:35 PM • [link]
All the writing that I have been doing recently is for senior capstone :( But at least I can balance out the computer jargon with romance reading! Currently I am almost finished with a Scottish anthology (I can’t remember the name!) featuring Julia Quinn. Up next? Whatever I can find on the library’s eBook site!
Michelle said on 04.25.10 at 07:47 PM • [link]
For those with computer skills how hard is it to find out who is really writing a blog. The “frustrated author” is probably using a psedonym, but you would think that they still would be worried about being unmasked. How may publishers would like to work with someone like that? Just seems funny to put your career at risk.
The Duchess said on 04.25.10 at 08:25 PM • [link]
I have a Computer Science exam tomorrow and here I am unable to even look away from “Venetia”. I just started reading Georgette Heyer and I am so in love… *grin*
Kelly S said on 04.25.10 at 08:34 PM • [link]
Today, I hope to finish writing my self-evaluation for work. I hate doing it and have been spending an hour or 3 a day for the past two weeks on it. As you might expect it is detailed, wordy, and required.
Reading-wise, things are much better. I skimmed the “Cook This, Not That” book I bought Friday and last night I started reading “Just a Kiss” by Lara Santiago. It is very amusing.
Elizabeth said on 04.25.10 at 08:56 PM • [link]
The #1 reason I go to author websites is to check order of books. For some, I’ve been saving a series in my (virtual) TBR pile, and I do want to read them in order. I was away at a conference this week, and made my way through 3 of Jayne Castle’s Harmony series. (I’ve been staying up to date on her Arcane books, so thought it was about time to go through them.
My other reflection is that I’m increasingly coming to love audiobooks. I got one of Richelle Mead’s, the first of her Succubus series, on sale from Audible. I never thought I’d fall in love with a protagonist who was a succubus, but the combination of writing and (audible) reader worked perfectly for me, and I am about to start her 5th in the series.
Robyn Bachar said on 04.25.10 at 09:16 PM • [link]
Thank you so much for the mention! And I apologize if I geeked out too much, I tried really hard not to be a crazed fangirl but then my brain bluescreened and my self control didn’t reboot…
John J. said on 04.25.10 at 09:18 PM • [link]
Update: Finished Betrayed. Amazed at how I love the main character despite her ability to be both admirable and a total skank. Started Pretty Little Liars…Catty girl books are always worth the time.
On a more serious romance note, almost halfway through Sinful by Charlotte Featherstone (Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley!) and it’s very good. Though I’d like to know the frequency of nurses in Regency romance - and hero’s that are temporarily blinded.
Glynis said on 04.25.10 at 10:00 PM • [link]
Sounds like a great trip. I’m turning faintly green, but should recover nicely.
This weekend I’m wallowing in the land of Oz. I picked up all of the L. Frank Baum Oz books for Kindle (super cheap!). I’m happily re-visiting all the books that fueled my imagination as a child. Hurrah!
Writing? I signed up for ScriptFrenzy April (by the same fine folks who bring us Nanowrimo) and, while I’m not going to have 100 pages by the end of the month, I’ve got a cool screenplay started. It’s about zombies, a close-knit group of characters, and suicidal acts of derring-do. Best part? My friends and I are going to make the movie from my screenplay.
w00t. (*giggle* My verification word is “great34”! Yes, I shall be great 34-times over.)
Cara McKenna / Meg Maguire said on 04.25.10 at 11:06 PM • [link]
Oh my holy God, my jaw literally dropped (not all the way off, mind you) when I read that fire-and-brimstone blog post you linked to, the one ranting about rejections and agents. Ho-ly shit. Somebody went into the wrong field. It’s one thing to not have the thickest skin, it’s quite another to spew poison all over people for doing their jobs. All I can say is, I pity the next boyfriend who attempts to break up with that gal.
Cara McKenna / Meg Maguire said on 04.25.10 at 11:14 PM • [link]
I totally forgot to say what I’m reading! Attachment by Isabel Fonseca.
CHH said on 04.25.10 at 11:28 PM • [link]
People have already figured out this person’s real identity. Apparently, she left a lot of clues in her rants.
Diana said on 04.25.10 at 11:39 PM • [link]
Thank you again for Robyn’s mention, and for tolerating our enthusiasm. And hall passes.
JayceeKaycee said on 04.25.10 at 11:48 PM • [link]
Hey there! It was a pleasure meeting you this weekend at Spring Fling. Now that I’ve met you in person, I can “hear” your voice as I read your posts. Very cool! I enjoyed most of the sessions I attended, but I have to say I learned the most from your online marketing session. As the owner of a brand-spankin’-new, haven’t-even-shown-it-to-anyone-yet blog, you made me realize I should have a website either instead of or in addition to that blog. And I need to set up another Facebook account. So much to do, so little time.
It seems everyone who comments includes the book she is currently reading. I came home from the conference with a tall stack of books. I’ll pick one at random… ah, here we go- I am currently reading my signed copy of A Match Made in Heaven by Kristin Walker.
Beth Kery said on 04.25.10 at 11:58 PM • [link]
Marsha and Anna—Julie James is the precisely the type of author that would bring a romance reader out of the closet. :)
Sarah—it was nice to meet you at Spring Fling. Yes, the customer focus is good to keep in mind as far as the website. When looking for the basic facts, like a librarian would, who needs random opinions? Points out the value of the reference quality of an author website vs. the personal blog stuff, which is better kept separate.
Courtney Milan said on 04.26.10 at 12:37 AM • [link]
Sarah, thanks for the kind words about my workshop!
I had a great time at Spring Fling (and even got a lot of writing done). And yes, I agree it’s a great conference. I got my agent through a pitch at Spring Fling, and so it has a soft spot in my heart.
Cheryl said on 04.26.10 at 12:54 AM • [link]
I enjoyed Spring Fling so much. North Chicago is an awesome organization. Kudos to them and the accommodating, efficient staff at the Hyatt Deerfield. I’m sad it will be two years before I can go again.
Tessa said on 04.26.10 at 01:06 AM • [link]
Hey Glynis, great to see another Script Frenzy participant!
I won’t make my 100 pages either, but it will be close, and it will be nice to see my husband and children again without feeling either: A. overwhelming guilt from my massive neglect, or B. irritation that they dare to ask me for something (oh, like food?) when I’m supposed to be working.
I’m so jealous you’re gonna make your flick: zombie derring-do??? I’d see that!
MaryK said on 04.26.10 at 01:56 AM • [link]
Writing a “reflection paper” on dialect for the first class in my long crawl toward a masters degree. Not having a lot of fun (or making much progress). :(
Lindleepw said on 04.26.10 at 02:06 AM • [link]
Things have been busy so I haven’t done much reading this weekend. I need to read All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot for book club….this Friday. Thank goodness I read fast.
Mitzi H. said on 04.26.10 at 03:32 AM • [link]
Sounds like you had a great time!!! I’ve read Passion by Lisa Valdez this weekend and also started Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas. It’s been a treat to enjoy the warm weather and a couple good books.
Gwynnyd said on 04.26.10 at 03:33 AM • [link]
I bought Martha Grimes “Dakota” a week or so ago. A very odd and quite depressing book that just kind of petered out without a decent resolution, which I find infuriating. (She also mixed up bridle and halter, and I was in no mood to forgive her - or the copy editors - for such a stupid error.) I finished it and gave it away as soon as I could to someone who will probably appreciate it as lit-ra-chur much more than I did. To get the icky, bitter taste of that out of my head, I wandered into my local Borders while taking the dog for a walk (oh, gosh, how did my credit card get into my pocket?) and ordered Megan Whalen Turner’s “A Conspiracy of Kings.” And shame on Borders for never having had any in stores, and not planning on ever having it on the shelves. To tide me over until it comes, I picked up a couple of Nora Robert’s I didn’t happen to own already that were on the sale table.
JaneDrew said on 04.26.10 at 04:53 AM • [link]
Oh, I am totally all about getting all of an author’s books out and reading my way through the backlist. Happens more frequently with series, obviously, but it’s enough of a habit that I will stalk books at the library and wait until I have them all (bwa ha ha!). Nothing as frustrating as finishing a book, wanting the next one, and not being able to get it yet.
This weekend… yeah, mostly been reading student papers. Yay? Oh, and sneaking in a couple of Kinsey Milhone books as I work my way through Sue Grafton’s Alphabet murder series.
Maree Anderson said on 04.26.10 at 06:01 AM • [link]
Crawled from a pit of despair, where I was about to give up writing altogether, to have a stellar month.
Sold a novel-length space opera to Red Sage, and was thrilled to bits because my editor wanted me to add 9000 words and make it even longer. Revisions have never been so much fun. Yeeha! Finally felt like a “real” author, because previous publishing credits were novellas, and many organisations don’t consider you to be “published” under 40,000 words.
And then just found out this weekend that a novella I’d been asked to submit has been accepted to Red Sage’s Secrets Vol 30 anthology. So I’m finally gonna be print-pubbed, too.
OMGOMGOMG! Just as well I didn’t chuck it all in, huh?
So VBGs from this kiwi gal. Who’s taking a couple of days off to catch up on her TBR pile.
Currently reading some manga—Fruits Basket. DVD of the series is hilarious! Then it’s back to synopses hell. Happy joy, LOL.
SaraC said on 04.26.10 at 06:21 AM • [link]
I finished reading Wild Ride My Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer, and I think I liked this one the best out of all of their collaborations so far.
Deirdre said on 04.26.10 at 06:56 AM • [link]
Spent the morning at the spa with my sister—it was her b-day treat. We hit the local bookstore after lunch and while she perused the latest Martha Stewart sewing/crafts bible, I made notes on my iPhone of all the books I want to add to my Kindle. It’s quite the list!
I’m reading Diana Gabaldon’s “Echo On The Bone” and loving it!
Meggrs said on 04.26.10 at 07:44 AM • [link]
Not a romance, because I have a stack of borrowed TBR books to finish before I let myself buy anything, but I’m halfway through World War Z finally. It’s got some lovely, poignant beats.
My writing is going well, but I’m in the scary part of the book—trying to bring all the disparate threads/characters/themes together so the climactic action can happen. Shudder.
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