I’m delighted to wish a very Happy Book Birthday to the amazingly talented Jill Hannah Anderson!

Her new book CRAZY LITTLE TOWN CALLED LOVE officially releases today!

From the back cover:

Get ready for relatable stories for and about women in book two in Jill Hannah Anderson’s best selling “The To Hell-And-Back Club” series.

Thirty-two-year-old Molly’s cushy life in Minneapolis tanks when her long-time boyfriend bails on her and their underwater-mortgaged home.

She needs a place to live and a new job—and the answer to both may be in a quaint town called Love. The town where her deceased mother grew up, a town where an old General Store and home have been willed to Molly’s family…a town with secrets and people with long memories.

Can she trade her acrylic nails for pounding nails to revive a fixer-upper store? Molly is ready for a do-over and a chance to prove to herself that she can make it on her own.

She puts elbow grease, heart, and half her savings, into giving the old place a facelift. As her business grows, so does her relationship with Jackson—the owner of the hardware store—and great-nephew to the woman who willed her business to Molly’s family.

The tourist town of Love brims with quirky townspeople and fun events. And it is at one of these events that Molly is first threatened.

Apparently, not everyone is happy to have her in town. As threats against her escalate, Molly has to decide if she’d be better off leaving Love or staying to fight for the life she’s created in the town that has stolen her heart.

My two cents:

Seriously, guys, pick this book up. You’ll want to escape into this Crazy Little Town Called Love.

Sometimes your life needs a do-over. When Molly O’Brian’s pampered city life collapses, she trades her high heels for snow boots and chance to start over a tiny Minnesota town called Love. Jill Hannah Anderson paints a vivid picture of this quaint town and its inhabitants, from the wise neighbor Ernie to hot hardware store owner Jackson, who starts as an annoyance but quickly develops into something more.

The pace of Molly’s new slow and simple life in Love speeds up as she struggles to get the old general store she inherited up and running. But the store is stocked with an old family secret: why did the beloved lady who owned it leave it to Molly’s late mother and why had Molly’s mother never mentioned her? Soon not only her blossoming relationship with Jackson is causing her heart to race. Not everyone in town wants her there. Residents in the tight-knit community become suspects when threats against Molly turn dangerous.

Crazy Little Town called love is a perfect summer read, a delightful mix of heart and humor with light elements of mystery. I related to Molly’s character and admired her spunk, perseverance, and ability to scoop endless minnow tanks. I wanted to share a morning coffee with the neighbor Ernie, enjoy drinks and mattress racing with Molly’s new girlfriends (yes, downhill mattress races are a thing 🙂 ), and snuggle up under the stars on the shores of Love Lake with romantic interest Jackson. Anderson gives the small town women’s fiction novel a spin by setting it along the tranquil lakes of Minnesota instead of the typical Southern shores. And yes, in this uplifting read, those Northern beaches are just as charming.

Be it ever so humble, there’s no better place to find your home and heart than in Love.

CRAZY LITTLE TOWN CALLED LOVE is available now on Amazon as an eBook or paperback!

Jill lives on a lake in Minnesota with her husband in their rarely-empty nest, where they enjoy their six adult children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren when they come to visit. Jill’s first women’s fiction novel, THE TO-HELL-AND-BACK CLUB, was published in May 2017. Her second women’s fiction novel, CRAZY LITTLE TOWN CALLED LOVE, featuring a character from her first novel, debuts July 2018. She is a member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). When she isn’t writing, or reading, you’ll find her running, curling, biking, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Connect with Jill:

website:JillHannahanderson.com
Facebook facebook.com/jillhannah.anderson/
Instagram @jillh.anderson
Twitter https: //twitter.com/JillHannahA
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/jill-hannah-anderson

How I Got Started on Poshmark

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Recently I’ve shifted my focus from writing to resale. (Dear writing: I miss you, and I’ll return to you soon!) Clothing resale, specifically on the Poshmark app. What is Poshmark, you may ask? It’s an app/website where users can sell or buy new or used clothing. Search almost any brand or style of clothing, shoes, or accessories and you’ll probably find it. (Find more details at the bottom of the post!)

I’ve been a hard core thrifter for well over a decade now. It started when I discovered I could buy very gently used baby clothes at a local childrens’s consignment shop and save a fortune. From there I ventured into the Salvation Army and Goodwill. So many awesome clothes. So cheap! At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom during the economic meltdown. Cheap—especially good quality cheap—was good. I only bought what I needed.

Flash forward to today… I’m back at work. I could buy all my clothes at the mall, but why? If I can pay $4 for a pair of $250 pristine designer shoes, why on earth would I waste my money? Plus, thrifting became a hobby. It’s a treasure hunt, and I’ll admit, I get a high off of finding gems burried in the racks. Only, I kept finding so many stunning steals that wouldn’t fit or I had no place to wear. So they stayed on the rack for someone else. Sigh.

Not anymore.

It all started with a gorgeous ivory Tahari coat…

Last spring, we I visited Paris for the first time. (Again, on a shoestring—I’ll share those amazing tips one of these days.) Would the weather be…cold? Damp? Rainy? Balmy? Far different than Florida, that’s for sure. We needed coats. Raincoats. Layers. And it was PARIS, so it had to be chic. But inexpensive. Months of hard-core thrifting ensued with great success. My prized find was a stunning ivory Tahari coat. I lugged it across the ocean but never wore it, fearing the first time I sat on a metro seat or leaned against a stone bridge railing it would be soiled forever.

The trip was an absolute dream. I fell in love…we all did…with the city of love and light. Paris, je t’aime… But one of the “souvenirs” from my trip was a suitcase full of clothes I’d never wear at home in Florida. My coat closet was stuffed and there are years where I never open that closet door. My fabulous finds—beautiful quality cashmere, wool, brand name stuff—had to go. But where?

I’d sent clothes off to Thread Up before. It had been a positive experience, but when tried to send them items to consign, they were closed for new items for months.

I took a huge plastic bin of items to my local consignment store, Clothes Mentor. They bought some of the everyday jeans, shorts, and dresses I’d weeded from my wardrobe. But the cashmere sweaters and wool coats…nope. They wouldn’t sell here, I was told. So what could I do with them?

I’d joined Poshmark back in 2016 after I saw an add for Lilly Pulitzer at discount prices. All the listings I had seen were still WAY over my budget, so I never went back to the website. (I had no idea you could “Make an Offer” or get better deals at the time.)

Then the Megan Markle and Prince Harry engagement photos were released and she was wearing a coat just like mine!

I had to strike when the iron—er, coat—was fresh in peoples minds. I took a chance and listed the coat and few other items.

I sold my first item, a pair of Lilly Pulitzer yoga pants (I had dramatically underpriced) two days later. The coat took three days. Both sold at full price. This Poshmark app seemed like pure magic! (Ha.)

Little did I know how much work would be involved…but that that work would earn a profit. How…I’ll tell you in my next post.

More info on Poshmark and how to become a #PoshBoss to come!

** If you’re interested in finding amazing designer and vintage deals online, check out the POSHMARK app. Poshmark is a fashion reseller shop that lets you buy and resell top fashion brands at up to 80% off retail prices. Check out my closet, VINOBABY VINTAGE here.

You can get a free $5 credit when you enter the Invite Code VINOBABY when you download the Poshmark app for iOS or Android and create a free account.

(Please note that the $5 free Poshmark credit for new users is only available via the Poshmark app, and you can not get the free $5 credit when you sign up for an account on their website.)

Top 10 Thrift Store Tips & Tricks for Building Your Wardrobe {a.k.a. how to become a Thrift Store Fashionista}

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I have a confession.

I rarely set foot in real stores yet my closets and drawers are overflowing. Last week I bought two packs of hangers and cleared out the guest room closet to handle my designer handbag overflow. My son owns more clothes than a boy his age cares about, and that’s not counting the next two sizes waiting for him to grow into. And I would rather slit my wrists than pay retail.

I am a thrift store shopaholic.

Having been a savvy clearance shopper for years, I’ve always bee-lined to the back of every store and nailed sale rack scanning down to a science. But that just wasn’t enough for me.

I had to take it to the next level.

I decided to brave a thrift store.

Best. Decision. Ever.

Admittedly, I was nervous the first time. Would it be scary? Riddled with bedbugs and fleas? A total waste of time?

Inside, my eyes bugged out as I took in racks stretching as far as I could see. Thousands of items, each one unique, and all begging for a new closet. At first, I flipped through the racks timidly, assuming it would be worn-out superstore store rejects, but after five minutes my arms hung heavy with finds and I went in search of a shopping cart. Cashmere sweaters, preshrunk designer jeans, adorable summer skirts, vintage little black dresses, chic leather jackets, unique accessories–I had died and gone to budget fashionista heaven.

There’s method to the madness. Below I’m sharing my favorite tips learned over the years for shopping for yourself. (Shopping for resale is a whole other bag of cats. Another post on that to come!)

1. Location, location, location. It’s all about the real estate. The nicer the neighborhood, the better the donations. One Goodwill might consistently stock junk, but one on the other side of town may feature half a Nordstrom store on the racks. And while I feel perfectly safe and comfortable in my favorite Salvation Army, the sketchy dudes stalking the parking lot of another made me keep on driving by.

2. Know the merchandise. A used Walmart t-shirt for $4–no deal. A NWT (new with tag) Vince cashmere sweater for $2–a steal! Learn how to spot quality fabrics and brands from a distance. Sometimes it’s all about the feel.

3. Ignore sizes. They vary brand to brand anyway. (I own jeans in four sizes, for real.) Almost everything is pre-washed and preshrunk. If it looks like it might fit, try it on.

4. Dress for success. Some stores don’t have fitting rooms. Some fitting rooms have a half-hour wait. If you come prepared in a cami tank and leggings you can find a mirror and explore your inner exhibitionist. Trust me, everyone does it.

5. Buy off-season. If you go looking for warm jackets during a January cold snap you will be sorely out of luck. Look in July and you’ll have dozens of gorgeous name brands items to choose from.

6. Ask if the store runs sales. Many stores discount a certain colored tag each week. My Salvation Army has 50% off all clothes each Wednesday. It’s an absolute madhouse—but $3.50 Miss Me jeans are totally worth it to me.

7. Carefully check out the goods. They are “recycled.” Some stores inspect items thoroughly but others may put out items stained, ripped, or torn. If it needs to be repaired, it had better be worth the work.

8. Look for what you NEED first. Dying for a new pair of fitted black pants? Your kid growing out of his shorts? Check those racks first. I’ve watched a woman snatch every pair of pants in my husband’s extremely hard to find size after I’d wasted time browsing through tank tops I didn’t need. Ouch.

9. Leave the kids at home. Yeah, I know that’s not always possible, but thrifting takes time and patience. Kids get bored before you can blink. If you do have to drag your munchkins along, make sure to bring something to keep them fully occupied. (i.e. Is your phone fully charged and loaded with games?)

10. Check back often and don’t get discouraged. Some days I find 25 steals I simply can’t live without. Some days I find crap. But you never know when some style maven may clean out her closet because she’s bored or changed sizes. Keep checking.

It has been years since I’ve set foot in a mall. I’ve nearly stopped making my rounds at Ross and T.J. Maxx because I know if I am patient, persistent, and sometimes just plain lucky I can find whatever I’m looking for (and usually so much more) for practically pennies.

At work, they wonder how I’m always dressed to the nines on my non-profit employee salary. I gladly brag about how cheap I find my clothes. Them: Love your dress. Me: Thanks! {whispered} Salvation Army. $2.50!) I don’t think they always believe me, but I try to convert them anyway.

When complemented by less enlightened folk who may snub their nose at my methods, I simply give a knowing smile and a modest “thanks.”

It’s vintage. It’s recycled. It’s unique. It’s me.

And there are enough finds out there for you, too.

Have you ever tried thrifting? Would you? Have any shopping secrets to share?

AND you can get a free $5 credit when you enter the Invite Code VINOBABY when you download the Poshmark app for iOS or Android and create a free account.

(Please note that the $5 free Poshmark credit for new users is only available via the Poshmark app, and you can not get the free $5 credit when you sign up for an account on their website.)

photo credit: Niccolò Caranti via photopin cc | photo credit: Stewf via photopin cc | photo credit: Guillaume Lemoine via photopin cc

What I’m Reading – Romance Edition

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I haven’t posted in a while. Life has been busy. A month passed when I read ONE book. (Yes, you read that correctly.) So in the spirit of sharing a few good reads, I’m going to play catch-up an mention a few romances I’ve enjoyed over the last few months. All listed are reccomended. Give one a try!

Destiny’s Captive
by Beverly Jenkins

Historical – Highly Reccomend

In national bestselling author Beverly Jenkins’ Destiny series, the Yates men play hard and live hard. And when they find that special woman, they fall hard . . .

Noah Yates fully believes in the joys of a happy family and a good wife. But that’s not the life for him. No, he would much rather sail the wild seas in search of adventure, not tied down. But then the unthinkable happens . . . he finds himself literally tied down. To a bed. By a woman.

And Pilar isn’t just an ordinary woman. She’s descended from pirates. And after giving him one of the worst nights of his life, she steals his ship! Now Noah is on the hunt, and he’ll stop at nothing to find this extraordinary woman . . . and make her his.

The Marriage Bargain
by Jennifer Probst

Contemporary/Humorous

A marriage in name only…

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend’s older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart. Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his uncle’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister’s childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he’s offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn’t be that hard to follow, right? Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans….

Miracle on 5th Avenue
by Sarah Morgan

Contemporary/Humorous

It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairy tale of New York!

Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she’s given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner.

Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

Everywhere and Every Way (The Billionaire Builders Book 1)
by Jennifer Probst

Contemporary/Humorous

Hot on the heels of her beloved Marriage to a Billionaire novels, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst nails it with the first in an all-new sexy romance series featuring red-hot contractor siblings who give the Property Brothers a run for their money!

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.

But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love?

Ready to Fall
by Daisy Prescott

Contemporary/Humorous

Tall, dark, and handsome is an understatement when it comes to John Day. With rugged good looks, his ever present plaid shirt, and a dog named Babe, John is a modern alpha male lumberjack.

After his favorite neighbor rents out her beach cabin for the winter, John finds himself playing fireman and tour guide to Diane Watson, a beautiful brunette with her own messy past and recent battle scars.

Will he be ready to fall in love? Or will he go back to his old, flirty ways?

Hold onto your heart as John Day tells his story in this male POV contemporary adult romance/romantic comedy.

Ready to Fall is the first novel in the Wingmen series, a spin-off from Modern Love Stories. Each book is a standalone with no cliffhanger.

One Good Thing (Ten Beach Road Novel)
by Wendy Wax

Contemporary/Humorous/Women’s Fiction

Embroiled in a battle to regain control of their renovation-turned-reality TV show, Do Over, Maddie, Avery, Nikki, and Kyra find themselves holding tight to the frayed ends of their friendship and relationships.

Maddie must face the realities of dating a rock star once again topping the charts and dealing with her hapless ex-husband, while Avery is caught up in family drama even as she attempts to transform a tiny cottage into a home for the newly impoverished heiress who helped bankroll their last renovation. Put on bedrest, a hugely pregnant Nikki can’t quite believe love can last, or trust in her own maternal instinct. And Kyra, who has secretly put Bella Flora at risk in an attempt to salvage Do Over, must decide whether to accept a desperately needed bail out from her son’s famous father that comes with far too many strings attached…

But friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.

A first-timer’s RWA National Conference adventure (part 2): Working the Workshops

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Warning: today’s blog post pics are terrible. I attempted to snap discrete pics with a crummy camera phone. You’ve been warned.

Some writers attend the RWA National Conference for networking, pitching, or parties (which I’ll get to in the next post). While that is a huge part of the draw, my main focus was to suck up every scrap of writing advice, tip, and trick I could get near. That meant workshops.

There was a ridiculous number to choose from. Some hours I had to pick between workshops with Sonali Dev, Susan Elizabeth Philips, Jayne Ann Krentz, or Daman Suede, OR social media expert hour, OR book signings with Grand Central, Harlequin, St. Martins’s Press, or Random House. All scheduled in the same hour! (Note: these books signings featured dozens of authors including the big names all meeting, greeting and signing FREE books. Ack!) And I didn’t even mention the publishing house Spotlight sessions, none of which I attended, but I might buy the audio mp3s.

These workshops were like none I’d attended before. These successful, talented, and hard working authors shared their insights, skills, and stories with honesty and compassion. They wanted us to succeed. They made it clear that means working your ass off.

If you are a member of RWA, you have the opportunity to purchase audio of all the workshops. There’s gold in there. I’ll be buying the audio of several I missed as soon as the individual recordings are up on the RWA site.

So, without further rambling, a (paraphrased) selection of the good stuff I picked up in my RWA 2017 workshops:

Editors Tell All with Nicole Fisher (Avon), Sheila Hodgson (Harlequin), Katie Seaver (Berkley) and Mary-Theresa Hussey

Don’t pay to have your book professionally copyedited before you send it to an editor. A misplaced comma won’t make or break your submission.

It’s all about the VOICE.

That opening paragraph needs to immediately draw a reader into the protagonist’s world. No secondary characters.

First Timers’ Orientation with Eliza Knight, Robin Covington, Laura Kaye, Damon Suede, and Dee Davis

Go to the unrecorded sessions (at Nationals). That’s where the real dirt is.

Set goals for after the conference. One month, three months, six months, a year. Then MAKE YOUR GOALS.

Ask yourself what do you want out of your career? Now, what are you willing to trade to get that?

Seducing Your Readers in Chapter 1 with Michael Hague

The hero is the heroine’s destiny is because he’s the only guy to see beneath her identity (the false self one creates to protect one’s self from the fear that grew from a long-ago wound) and connect with her at her essence. This is why they belong together. He sees her truth (and vice-versa).

PRO RETREAT Roundtables

Eight PRO RWA members + one rock star author. No holds barred.

When to Move on to the Next Idea with Courtney Milan

If you are just constantly tweaking your manuscript, STOP IT. Agents/publishers can handle tweaks. Move on.

Revisions with Kristan Higgins

Sometimes it might take 150 pages to get to know your character’s story in a first draft. It’s okay.

Your inciting incident MUST be big enough to carry through the entire story. And it must grow. (And here’s where she mentioned my book!!! SWOON)

Set scenes in emotionally charged places that are hard for the characters.

Set scenes in interesting places (i.e. the pope in the pool).

In scenes with multiple characters, be careful who gets lines and make each line important.

How to Gut Your Readers and Make Them Love It with Kristan Higgins and Sonali Dev

People will forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.

The more intense the emotion, the more connection with the reader.

We read romance to be able to experience these intense emotions safely.

Tap into reader’s memories–the yearning, the feelings of falling in love again and again.

Readers need to know right away what a character doesn’t have and why she needs it desperately.

Treat each character’s “wound” as a major trauma no matter how minor it might be.

Building the Perfectly Imperfect Hero with Jill Shalvis and HelenKay Dimon

It takes Jill at least five drafts to nail her characters and story. First is horrible. Each draft gets slowly better and fills in character.

Heroes can get away with so much more than heroines.

Fifty Shades of Funny with Jennifer Probst, Lauren Layne, and Rachel Van Dyken

Don’t describe characters as being funny. Show them being funny.

Keep dialog fast-paced. Make them sound better than in real life.

Don’t let characters ramble. Shorter dialog reads better.

Write what you think is funny. Don’t imitate.

Pull back on humor during dark moments or in sexy scenes. Balance is the key. Don’t be afraid to get serious.

Genre Blending: The Sweet Spot between Women’s Fiction and Romance with Jamie Beck & Kristan Higgins

Romance is about finding the one; women’s fiction is about finding yourself. (attributed to Robyn Carr)

Hitting the Sweet Spot: what do readers want?

Romance with more depth to the story (career, family issues)
More everyday heroes–no alpha-holes, but flawed good guys
Sub-stories/plots can play more of a part
Multi-generational characters
Characters who must overcome their own flaws
Finding the one as a result of finding oneself
Decreased “plotsy” adorableness, increased theme and struggles

Over-the-top humor is played down. If it’s too funny, it’s missing the emotional depth. (This area is more “sophisticated” than rom com or chick lit.)

The romance could start on page 1 or 200–up to the discretion of the writer.

Game of Desire with Damon Suede

TOO MUCH GOODNESS TO SHARE. If you ever get the opportunity to take one of Damon’s workshops, DO IT. Seriously.

A few tidbits:

Don’t write ACTIVITIES. Write ACTIONS. (For example, going shopping because you’re procrastinating/bored is an activity. Going shopping because you need ingredients for dinner is an action.)

Sex should never be an activity. It is always an action.

It’s all about the verbs. Give them power. (adverbs=death)

Killer Clichés: Insider Tips on Escaping the Slush Pile with Mary Altman, Cat Clyne, Courtney Miller-Callihan, and Nicole Resciniti

This was the only workshop I attended that took the wind from my sails. (Yes, that cliché was on purpose.) These well-known agents and editors played a game where they went over all the clichés and tropes that spell “insta-death” for your manuscript. Basically, I learned that they will hate me.

What they do want: fresh stories with strong voices.

NOs:

terrible trifecta: dumped/cheated, loses job, loses house
opening like a bad country song
the heroine is “different” from other girls (aka special snowflakes)
“Girl you need to get laid” best friends
Bambi setups
klutzy cuties
heroes who must overcome disbelief that all women are evil
bitchy other women
mirror, mirror (describing oneself in mirror)
amnesia
rich and bored alpha males
opening a book with the character waking up or hung over
conflicts that could have been resolved if the characters just talked
openings where there’s been an accident
electrical currents flowing between lovers
rolling eyes, arching brows, letting out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, deep breaths, raking hands through hair, biting lips

So, yeah. If you want to get an agent or publisher, eliminate all of these things.

Power Couples: Making Lovers with Damon Suede

I took NINE pages of notes during this intensive, two-hour workshop. Plus he gave out a six-page handout. Crazy amount of info to digest.

Your brain experiences the same things when you READ as when you DO, whether you’re reading about playing tennis for falling in love.

There’s only one plot in the world: things are not what they seem.

Don’t worry about your character being likable. Make her fascinating.

You can outline an entire story using conflicting verbs.

Cast your characters with conflicting verbs.

Lizzie: Provoke vs. Darcy: Preserve
Katniss: Hunt vs. Peeta: Feed

For more, check out this blog post on Romance University: Add Verbs: Creating Characters that Pop Off the Page by Damon Suede

Have you attended Nationals or a major writing conference? What workshops did you find invaluable?

And then there was the time Kristan Higgins pulled me aside… a first-timer’s RWA Annual Conference adventure (part 1)

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Where can you take writing classes with your favorite authors, mingle with the rock stars of romance, chat with RITA Award winners, pitch in person to literary agents (without puking), and make new friends from around the world? The Romance Writers of America National Conference, of course.

first time at rwa nationals

For those of you not in the romance reading and/or writing community:

RWA = Romance Writers of America, an organization of 10k+ kick-ass published and unpublished romance fiction writers, publishing industry professionals, librarians, and booksellers who support the romance genre

RITA = the Oscar of the romance writing world

The 2017 RWA National Conference was held here in Orlando last week and I’m still detoxing from experience and information overload. I’d been waiting years to attend. I wish I’d gone sooner.

Crummy through-the-windshield pic, but the important part reads WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE

The first morning I drove to Disney while blasting the Hamilton soundtrack. Not only is it an inspiring work of genius, but if you sing/rap along it loosens the tongue. As I sang along to “I’m Not Throwing Away My Shot” my eyes began watering. I fought back the tears. I was not going to ruin my makeup. But this was my shot. I had two agents to pitch and four days to make a mark. To feel like I belonged. To make a game plan for my career. To believe I was a “real” writer.

I am not throwing away my shot

Friends and family in the real world usually don’t consider you are a real writer if you aren’t published. They believe it’s a cute hobby. Easy. Like crochet, only with no homemade potholders to show off at Christmastime.

Like hell it is.

via GIPHY

There were SO MANY unpublished writers at the conference, all eager to suck up information, hone skills, and gain inspiration. We were not alone.

And the “rock stars” of romance, the hard-working success stories of the writing world, welcomed us with open arms. Literally. These women are huggers. As they embraced me I hoped some of their writing mojo would sprinkle onto me. No, seriously, I’m getting weepy just thinking about it. Beverly Jenkins hugged me. So many others.

There’s only one problem with the whole success by osmosis idea: the number one thing I learned was that there is no secret formula. Just a buttload of hard work.

So, my Kristan Higgin’s story:

The first day I attended the First Timers’ Orientation. Robin Covington, Eliza Knight, Dee Davis, Laura Kaye, and Damon Suede welcomed us newbies and tried to convince us that no one at Nationals eats the young and we’d survive and possibly even enjoy ourselves. Yeah, an easy sell for a bunch of introverts who feel like fumbling ball boys at the World Series. A few big names snuck in at the end of the session to say hello. Kristan, one of the key writers I’d hoped to meet, was one of them.

When the session was over, I waited for my chance to say hello. The girl is popular. Even multi-published authors can’t help to go all fan-girl around her. I finally got my chance to shake her hand and casually mention that she was the reason I was at RWAs and one of the main reasons I write contemporary romance.

She gave me a hug. Said I was making her eyes water. Then she asked me what I was writing and how it was going. When I mentioned that I was pitching on Friday, her eyes lit. “You want to practice with me?” she asked.

via GIPHY

Yes? No? Of course! I tried not to panic. Or throw up.

While we waited for the room to clear out, she introduced me to all the amazing writers passing by to chat with her. They were all so kind. Welcoming. Treated me like an equal. And they promised me Kristan was very “nice” and wouldn’t make me cry.

When the room finally emptied, she sat across from me. I was so dang nervous I had to read my pitch to her. It was like that dream when you’re on stage and you forget all your lines and Meryl Streep is waiting for her cue. She asked me probing questions about my characters and story. Helped me focus on the more gripping aspects. Fed me confidence.

Little old me. She made me believe that I was just as important as any of the other writers there. She made me believe that if I worked hard enough, I had a chance. By believing in me, she made me believe in myself.

Nurturing. This organization has it down.

via GIPHY

And no, I didn’t get a picture with Kristan. I was attempting to be a pro. Yes, I’m kicking myself. The next day at the PRO Retreat she used my story as an example. I may have swooned. I felt like a rock star. I only hope I can share the love with other aspiring authors as completely someday.

Virgina Kantra Story:

The scene: Keynote Luncheon with Susan Wiggs. Me and two-thousand or so writers in a ballroom for the third time (first being Golden Heart Award Luncheon, second the RITA Award Ceremony the night before). I wasn’t sure I could take more peopling, so I grabbed a seat a table in the back in case I needed to sneak out. The table filled up, and someone asked if she could grab the last seat left beside me. Sure.

She noticed my first timers ribbon and asked how I was enjoying it. I asked if it was her first time, too. Then she shifted and I could read her name badge…and I noticed the ten RITA pins lining the top. Open mouth, insert foot.

Turns out this lovely latecomer was Virginia Kantra, a ten-time RITA nominee who’d won the Best Mid-length Contemporary Romance RITA the night before. When we weren’t listening to Susan Wigg’s inspiring speech, Virginia peppered us with writing stories, business advice, and kindness. The woman knows how to network. I paid attention.

When she asked if she should bring her RITA Award statue to her signing later that day, we were all like “heck yeah!”

She did. She let me f~~ondle~~ hold it. Inspiration.

Look, Mom–I won a RITA! Someday.

Part 2 coming soon!

Tessa Dare is one of my new heroes. Or heroines. She can be whatever she damn well wants to be.

Captured from Tessa Dare’s twitter feed and reblogged from http://fabbittle.tumblr.com

Summer heat and fun with The Hook Up by Tawna Fenske

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Ellie Sanders is over the fairytale, thank you very much. Content with her booming career as a purveyor of Madame Butterfly pleasure aids, she doesn’t need a man for anything—except maybe marketing tips. And, okay, a few fun nights with something that doesn’t require batteries.

Love, marriage, and family aren’t in the cards for Tyler Hendrix. Period. The Navy helped Ty put his tumultuous childhood behind him, but when a sexy single mom walks through the First Impressions door looking to take her business to the next level, he feels his carefully constructed “never-get-attached” walls crack.

As Ty and Ellie maneuver through a minefield of wardrobe malfunctions, plumbing mishaps, and the world’s most awkward accidental dirty talk, discovering they have more in common than scorching sexual attraction threatens to crumble Ty’s walls for good…

Each book in the First Impressions series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 The Fix Up
Book #2 The Hang Up
Book #3 The Hook Up

I had to laugh once I started reading THE HOOK UP. Not only because it was funny. Holey-double-entendre Batman, it was funny. But because I felt as if I knew our plucky heroine, Ellie the sex-toy selling single mom. Really. Many, many moons ago, one of my employees was a young, blonde single mom with an adorable little boy. She too had a crummy marriage and an ex who didn’t participate in said kiddo’s life.

And she too hosted ladies pleasure aid parties.

Her soiree was the first of the kind I’d been too. Since I was her boss at her regular job, it was a smidge bit awkward. Okay, it was MASSIVELY AWKWARD–I sat next to her MOTHER. But informative. And fun. And this real-life person did indeed have a hook up, but I enjoyed Tawna’s story and hero far more than the real-life version.

So back to that. Ty is a videographer with commitment issues. One thing I like about him (and many of Tawna’s heroes) is that he’s not the typical alpha male. No obnoxious, overbearing testosterone-infused pushiness. Oh, trust me, he’s got testosterone flowing, but it’s pulsing inside a sizzling hot teddy bear. He makes you laugh. And did I mention he falls for the kid, too? Cuteness. Overload.

Ellie is independent, focused on building her business and raising her son and basically has her shiz together. (It’s refreshing to read a romance where neither character is in “need” of the other.) The only thing Ellie and Ty “need” is a hook up. Neither wants commitment, just a few itches scratched.

Of course, it doesn’t work out that way. The chemistry between these two is obvious to us the moment they have their first confusingly hysterical conversation. We know they’re going to work out, even if takes them a little longer.

I’ve read that some romance readers don’t go for the “single mom” storyline, as it’s not a part of their fantasy. (Romances are essentially women’s fantasies.) But I do. I’m a mom. Most of my friends are moms. Some are single again. They’ve been forced back into that complicated dating word and wonder if they will ever find love again. I want to see how these stories can play out. I want to see these women have their Happily Ever Afters.

At 226 pages, THE HOOK UP is just that: a sweet yet sexy and fully entertaining romp. But just like with Ellie and Ty, what starts as a short, no commitment fling will likely lead to something more, and you’ll fall for Tawna’s books, too.

Publication Date: July 3, 2017

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What I’m reading…

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My Kind of You (A Trillium Bay Novel Book 1)

by Tracy Brogan

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Brogan is back with a sweet, hilarious series about family, forgiveness, and what it means to go back home.

Emily Callaghan never expected to spend another summer on Wenniway Island. Yet here she is, back in her quaint northern Michigan hometown of Trillium Bay, divorced, flat broke, and dragging along her precocious twelve-year-old. It’s a simple arrangement: Emily, a house flipper, will renovate one of her grandmother’s rental properties in exchange for a much-needed loan. Once a wild child, the reformed Emily also hopes to remodel her reputation and show her family she’s all grown up.

But coming home is never simple. Emily’s dad is more distant than ever. Her younger sister is dating a much older man, and Emily’s worried it’s a mistake. The cottage remodel grows increasingly daunting. And then there’s handsome out-of-towner Ryan Taggert…

Ryan has his own family drama. A smart, ambitious land developer, he’s come to Wenniway to rescue his father from the grips of a new girlfriend and protect their family business. But he’s quickly distracted by gorgeous, witty Emily Callaghan.

There’s no denying the attraction between Emily and Ryan. But will their conflicting interests destroy any chance at love? Or will Emily finally get the chance to rebuild her life—and repair her heart?

A Night Like This Audible – Unabridged

Julia Quinn (Author), Rosalyn Landor (Narrator)

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is….

But she’s managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge: in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy; no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he’s the first man who has truly tempted her, and it’s getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

Daniel Smythe-Smith might be in mortal danger….

But that’s not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family’s annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a 10-year-old who thinks she’s a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending….

Listening Length: 9 hours and 36 minutes

Cheers to Jill Hannah Anderson and The To-Hell-And-Back Club!

KerryAnnMorgan.com

How I Got Started on Poshmark

Top 10 Thrift Store Tips & Tricks for Building Your Wardrobe {a.k.a. how to become a Thrift Store Fashionista}

photo credit: Niccolò Caranti via photopin cc | photo credit: Stewf via photopin cc | photo credit: Guillaume Lemoine via photopin cc

What I’m Reading – Romance Edition