July Happenings!

Happy July! Terri Reed with you today, enjoying some sun after last weeks torrential rains, thunder and lightening here in the Pacific Northwest. Can you believe it's July 1st? Where did June go? This month I'll be heading to New York City with 2,000 of my closest friends. Ha! Well, at least some of them are close friends.  The Romance Writers of America conference is set for the end of July in NYC. Every year RWA hosts a massive book signing. There will be authors of every romance genre. Several of the Ladies of Love Inspired will be present, signing one of their latest releases. And it's FREE to the public! If you're in the area, stop by we'd love to see you.  (The link below will take you to a list of all the authors) 2019 Literacy Autographing   Saturday, July 27 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET New York Marriott Marquis I'll be signing Buried Mountain Secrets, my March 2019 release. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Can they get off the mountain alive? Desperate to find her missing teenage brother, Maya Gallo ventures into the Colorado Rockies expecting rough terrain—not deadly treasure hunters. But when she’s caught in their crosshairs, ruggedly handsome mounted patrolman Alex Trevino comes to her aid. The deputy sheriff knows what these bandits are capable of, so getting Maya—and her brother—home safely may be his hardest mission yet Next year the conference will be held in San Francisco the last week of July.

July 3: Compliment your mirror day--my mirrors pretty plain though I'm thinking they mean the reflection? LOL July 4: Independence Day (in case you want some history behind the celebration, click here ) July 6: World Kissing Day--hubby better be prepared. ;-) July 13: Embrace Your Geekness Day--I want to be a superhero so does that make me a geek? July 17: World Emoji Day--I like emoji's. 😍 July 21: Ice Cream Day--I'm a sherbet girl on a sugar cone. What's your favorite flavor? July 30: National Cheesecake Day--plain with strawberry compote. Do you like Cheesecake?  Coming in August 2019 SEEKING THE TRUTH, book 5 of the True Blue K-9 Unit continuity series.  Her investigation could prove fatal… In this exciting True Blue K-9 Unit installment By secretly investigating the New York City K-9 Command Unit chief’s murder, reporter Rachelle Clark puts a bull’s-eye on her back. Single dad and K-9 unit officer Carter Jameson thought Rachelle was reporting on police-field-dog trials—not his brother’s death. Though he’s not happy about her true purpose, the danger is real…and he and his trusty German shepherd must save her. On pre-sale now

First Friday Fun and lots to Celebrate--Lenora Worth

July was an interesting month. I decided after much speculation and prayer, to fly to Denver to attend RWA. I wasn't sure all year if I'd be able to go. But I did go--sat side-by-side with my friend and fellow transplanted Floridan, Trish Milburn, as we both tried not to be too antsy about flying after many years of driving (or in her case, taking the train.) Our flights went great and we landed in Denver relieved and ready to have fun. I had the best time ever!

I got to see old friends and get lots of hugs, participated in the Harlequin signing along with Marta Perry, Terri Reed, Jo Ann Brown, Patricia David,  and a whole lot of other LI and Harlequin writers. That was such a treat! Of course,, I forgot to get our pictures together. But I have a few pictures to share. So scroll down for those. I also had nice visits with Patricia, Pamela Tracy, and later, Allie Pleiter and also with Mindy Obenhaus. Good therapy sessions! I got to meet some of the new LI writers, too. Sharee Stover is a sweetheart! Laurel Blount is the nicest person and we'd already had fun at a retreat earlier this year! Lunch with Terri Reed, Debby Giusti, Maggie Black and our editors was great. If I missed anyone, I love you all!

The highlight of the trip was having breakfast Wednesday morning with Marta Perry and Carol Steward. We have been friends since we all started out with LI, along with about five other LI writers. We've kept in touch just about every day on our little online loop, helped each other through plots, rejection, family stuff, life stuff, sickness and health and anything from sharing recipes to showing off new outfits! Love these women!

I also had a great time going to publishing events with LI, Harlequin and Tule. Pictures on some of those, too. Then my friend Judy Christie who now lives in Colorado met me for lunch on Thursday and we enjoyed a good hamburger at the Capital Grille, browsed in an old bookstore across the way and thanked her husband profusely for picking us up so I could get back to the hotel in time for a workshop I wanted to attend. (Not to mention also to avoid the heat and a long walk.)

I roomed with Denise Daniels who I've known since 1996 or so. A long time. We caught up on everything and had such fun visiting and comparing our days. I also spent time with a close group I've known and roomed with off and on for years--the Evelettes who are now the Zombie Belles because each time we group text, I hear bells ringing and think the zombies are finally coming!

Here are some pictures:

Carol Steward and me at the RITA awards

Danica Favorite (one of my favorites) with me at the Harlequin Party!

Me with Allie Pleiter and Terri Reed at Harlequin Party.

Me with my amazing editor Patience.

As you can see, I had made the rounds! 

Came home tired but ready to work.

This week I had a nice surprise, too.

I'm celebrating my 70th book with LI and Harlequin:

And to top that off, my friend Katherine Garbera, one of the infamous Zombie Belles (Tinker Belle) is also celebrating her 70th book with Harlequin, too. How great is that!!!! We've posted all over social media because it was better celebrating with a friend, of course.

Anyway, July was a good month and August is going to be pretty good, too. I'm feeling better about life in spite of my always ornery back and other life challenges. Here are my upcoming books from both LIS and Tule Publishing:

This one is out in August from Tule Publishing. (Tule lets Elnora do the writing but still sweet and PG13. Elnora has some standards!)

This is an LIS out in October! A Texas story!

And finally, if you're still with me--here's a treat for everyone. While at RWA, I attended an author's tea sponsored by Tule Publishing at The Brown Palace:

Enjoy!

It was good!

Next month, my partner in crime Margaret Daley will be here for First Friday Fun!

Have you had great times with friends lately. Tell me all about it!!!

Jeanne M. Dickson: Rita Finalist

1.) The RWA Rita call.

When my cell phone rang, I was upgrading my PJ bottoms to sweatpants. The cell was in the family room. By the time I got there, I’d missed the call. Since I didn’t recognize the phone number, I assumed it was a junk call. Then, the landline rang. I flinched. Ran into the living room. Answered the phone. The voice on the other end said she was with the RWA board, and Grounded Hearts had finaled in the Rita’s Inspirational category. I sank into a chair. Pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. The rest was a blur.

2.) The first person I called was my husband. 

3.) It’s been a year of ‘debut first,’ but I was excited to land my first local newspaper interview spotlighting my Rita final. Writers tend to be insecure, so the other cool thing about being a Rita finalist is the boost of confidence. 

My debut book Grounded Hearts is set in WWII Ireland.

4.)In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

5.) I wrote six manuscripts before I made my first sale with Grounded Hearts.

6.) I’ve been nicked-named the ‘Contest Queen’ by my local RWA chapter! I won and finaled in many RWA contests through the years, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, and was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Most recently I won The Tara and Pages From The Heart.

7.) My advice to aspiring authors is never give up. Rejection is part of the game. The road to publication is a journey filled with potholes, detours, and heading up one-way streets in the wrong direction. Keep the faith and keep writing.

8.) I’m thrilled and truly honored to be a RWA Rita finalist, especially to be included among the talented authors in the Inspirational category.

Short bio:  Jeanne was born into an Irish-American family, the only girl in a family with four brothers. Her Irish grandmother lived with them, and was a constant source of stories about life in Ireland and the saints and ancestors long gone from this earth. She credits her mother, her aunts, and grandmother for her love of storytelling. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes. Jeanne writes stories set in WWII Ireland and also contemporary tales of Irish/Irish American characters.

Website: http://www.jeannemdickson.com/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/Jeanne-M-Dickson-660226910801814/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jmdickson1

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannedickson/

Email – author.jeannemdickson@gmail.com

Buy links

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Hearts-Jeanne-M-Dickson-ebook/dp/B01N1WORK8/

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grounded-hearts-jeanne-m-dickson/1125526754?ean=9781542045537

Throwback Thursday

Hi Terri Reed here, getting a late start on this cloudy day. I was going through some old photos and found these gems. I thought they'd be fun to post here.  Do you recognize the Craftie Ladies of Romance?

San Diego 2016 Harlequin Party 

2016 Harlequin Party 

2016 Harlequin Party 

2015 Harlequin Party 

2014 San Antonio RWA conference

2012 RWA RITA night

2012 Harlequin Party

2011 Harlequin Party

2010 RWA RITA night

2007 (I think) RWA conference

 It's so fun to look back through the seasons of life and remember those days with fondness. In my October Love Inspired Suspense, Identity Unknown, the hero has lost his memory. With the help of a beautiful sheriff's deputy, he puts back together the pieces of his life and discovers betrayal and love at Christmas time.

I have another October release from Howard Books, A Family Under the Christmas Tree. A lighter inspirational romance. 

Reed captures the magic of the Christmas season as an artist and a techie must decide whether to open up their fragile hearts and take a chance at love.Christmas trees form the perfect backdrop for this sweet inspirational story filled with love and the promise for a brighter future.  Publishers Weekly Review

Look at these beautiful bookmarks for A Family Under the Christmas Tree. If you'd like one, drop me an email at terrireed@sterling.net with an address and I'll pop one into the mail. 

Meet RITA finalist Stacy Henrie and her novel Hope at Dawn

Today we're featuring Hope at Dawn.  Its author, Stacy Henrie, has a lot to share about this wonderful Rita finalist. 


Describe the call: 
I missed the initial call because my cell phone was off! A while later, I saw I had an email from someone on the RWA Board. Right then I remembered what day it was! J I called the woman back, and even though I had a pretty good idea at that point what the call was about, I still couldn’t believe it. I remember saying, “Wow!”

After finding out you were a finalist, who did you call first and tell? 
The first person I called was my husband. He’s been my greatest cheerleader and champion.  

Short bio: 
I’ve always loved history, fiction, and chocolate. I earned a B.A. in public relations, then turned my attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. My husband is an entrepreneur and I’m a stay-at-home mom of three. In addition to writing, I also love reading, road trips, and interior decorating. My first novel LADY OUTLAW released with Love Inspired Historical in 2012.

How many books have you written? I
’ve written eight full-length novels, though a few will remain tucked away forever on my hard drive. J Four of those books have been published as well as a Christmas novella.

What other kudos have you earned? 
HOPE AT DAWN was also a 2015 finalist in the inspirational category of the Golden Quill Contest sponsored by the Desert Rose RWA chapter.

Tell us a little about this book? 
HOPE AT DAWN is the first book in my inspirational WWI series Of Love and War from Grand Central Forever. It tells the story of Livy Campbell, a schoolteacher, who falls in love with German-American farmer Friedrick Wagner as anti-German sentiment sweeps the country during the First World War.  

This Year's RITA

The RITA, an award presented by Romance Writers of America, is the Oscar of romance writers-and this year’s presentation is coming up very soon! 

This year's finalists are

Grave Danger

By Katy Lee

Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Emily Rodmell, editor 

Deceived

by Irene Hannon

Baker Publishing Group, Revell

Jennifer Leep, editor

For Such a Time

by Kate Breslin

Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House

Raela Schoenherr, editor

Hope at Dawn

by Stacy Henrie

Grand Central Publishing, Forever

Lauren Plude, editor

Huckleberry Summer

by Jennifer Beckstrand

Kensington Publishing

John Scognamiglio, editor

The Widow’s Suitor

by Rose Ross Zediker

Harlequin, Heartsong Presents

Kathy Davis, editor

In the Craftie World, we celebrate the RITA win of Linda Goodnight back in 2008 with her Love Inspired romance A Touch of Grace.

2013 - Missy Tippens is a finalist with her Love Inspired book, A House Full of Hope. 
2012 - Linda Goodnight is a finalist with Love Inspired book, The Christmas Child.
2011 - Linda Goodnight is a double finalist with her Love Inspired books, The Wedding Garden and Finding Her Way Home.
2012 - Linda Goodnight is a finalist with her Love Inspired book The Snow-kissed Bride.
2008 - Pamela Tracy is a finalist with her Love Inspired Suspense Pursuit of Justice. 

2007 - Allie Pleiter is a finalist with her Love Inspired book My So-Called Love Life

2006 - Terri Reed is a finalist with her Love Inspired book A Sheltering Love.

Lifelong learning...and Novelists Inc.

When I finished graduate school years ago, I figured my education days were over, barring the ongoing, continuing education hours required for a registered dietitian.  And then...I became a writer. I became so excited about this new world that I approached it as if I were embarking on a self-guided graduate program--went to every conference I could find, bought endless tapes of writing workshops, accumulated stacks of writing books...on and on and on.

And now--thirty books later--that love of trying to learn more about writing has never changed.  Late last night, our daughter Emily (and aspiring author, who provides some support services for the business end of my writing) and I returned from the Novelists Inc conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  What an experience that was!  We drove in sleet and slushy light snow the entire way to Chicago, where we caught our plane, then arrived at a beautiful Marriott Grand Dunes, where the food was wonderful and we walked barefoot on a sunny, sandy beach for an hour every day.

But the best part was just how wonderful the conference was.  I've been a Ninc member for years but had never attended.  Have I ever missed the boat!  The conference is focused on the needs of the published author, and the workshops ran all day and then from 8-10pm in the evening.  When I told my husband about the busy schedule, he said dryly, "Well, that sure sounds like fun!"  I think he would have opted for days exploring the beautiful area, but I was thrilled to have every minute count and have already registered for next year.  I love the RWA and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Authors) conferences too, but the Ninc is now a welcome addition!

I'd love to hear about where your own passions lie.  Certain hobbies? Sports?  A career you love?  Have you every attended a truly special conference that really made a difference for you?  I'd love to hear about it!

Anyone commenting here, who is a USA resident will be entered in drawing for a free book of their choice from my backlist--which can be found at my website, www.roxannerustand.com.  There will be three winners, to be chosen on Friday!

All the best,
Roxanne Rustand

Ask Elnora--About RWA 2012?? Lenora Worth

Hurrah for Hollywood. Elnora had a fine time touring California. The sunshine, the wonderfully delicious breeze, the palm trees, the stars' homes, Rodeo Drive! Need I say more. Oh, and the Romance Writers of America conference! So much to see and hear and absorb and learn. The conference buzz seemed to be that, yes, we can have it all. We can write for traditional publishers (Elnora hates that word trad--what kind of word is that, anyway?)But let me start over--Yes, we can write for traditional publishers and those new-kids-on-the-block e-publishers. (I hate that word e-pub. What kind of word is that?)

But bad short words aside, it is a relief to know we have so many possibilities in publishing these days. Exciting and scary, this stuff! The best advice I heard was if you're happy with your publisher then keep writing for that publisher. If you want to branch out and dabble in e-publishing, then go for it but learn the tricks of the trade and have your book edited properly before hitting send. The good news for those of us who write for Harlequin--two new lines are opening up (actually more like three or four). We have Heartsong--a good strong line that has move in with Love Inspired, coming in at 50,000 words of sweetness and faith that goes directly to readers. Heartwarming--at 70,000 words. Sweet and simple. No love scenes and no faith element. What Elnora calls a good old fashioned love story. Then we have KISS--fun and flirty and sensual. Not sure about the word count on those. Then we have Digital First, which will give authors a chance to write anything from mystery, fantasy and fantasy romance to Sci-Fi (one short word I can tolerate) and Sci-Fi Romance, Contemporary romance, steamy, Teen romance and YOUR BRILLIANT IDEA.

The road ahead is wide open. Because there is more: Harlequin and Mills and Boon are launching a contest called SYTYCW. So You Think You Can Write!!! You can check this out online at sytycw.com It starts September 17th. And it involves a contract and about fifty editors and all kinds of cool things. So we have much to discuss today. See, I did do more than chase stars and walk the beach and shoe shop. I listened and learned and thanked my lucky stars I get to write books for a living. And while Elnora will always stay true to inspirationals and sweet romances, the road is open to the rest of you to follow your heart. We all did. And we each write in different lines but with our own voice. Writers, picture yourself here. Readers, picture yourselves lucky. You get to see what we come up with next. Hurrah for Hollywood. Let's discuss the possibilities!

Winnie Griggs, Liz Talley, Connie Cox and Lenora Worth

Pixie Dust and RWA

Terri Reed here.  I've spent the last week in Anaheim at the Romance Writers of America national conference.  Unfortunately I came down with the RWA conference crud.  But that didn't stop me from enjoying the conference and Disneyland!  

I arrived on Tuesday and headed straight to the parks with some good friends.  

Jenna Bayley-Burke, Leah Vale, Lissa Manley and Melissa McClone.  

We had a Pixie Dust expereince the whole time. No traffic to and from airport, short lines, free ride passes, best spots to watch all the Disney magic at the fireworks and World of Color light show.  If you have a moment follow the links to Jenna and Melissa who blogged everyday of our week.

The conference started off with the RWA Literacy signing.  I signed my latest release.  RWA raised a staggering amount of money this year for Pro-Literacy.  

Workshops for the conference were fabulous.   One of my favorite speakers was Story Master Michael Hauge.   I learned so much and can't wait to get back to writing.

I also met with my fellow Craftie Ladies.  Renee Ryan, Sherri Shackleford, Pamela Tracy, Debby Giusti, Roxanne Rustand, Lenora Worth, Winnie Griggs, Debra Clopton, me, Lisa Mondello, Linda Goodnight, Margaret Daley, and Debbie Kaufman.

Here's Renee Ryan, Pam Tracy and I at the Harlequin Party.  

Me and the amazing Lenora Worth

I'm Signing!!! RWA 2012

Hi everyone, Terri Reed here.  In just two short weeks I, along with 2000 other romance authors, will be descending on Anaheim for the Romance Writers of America national conference.

For several days I'll get to talk writing, listen to writing workshops, meet with my editors and catch up with old friends and make new friends.  I'm also carving out time to spend at the happiest place on earth, AKA, Disneyland!

One of the events of the conference that is open to the public is the annual literacy signing.

I'll be there signing my Love Inspired Suspense June 2012 release The Deputy's Duty.

   

I'm know there will be other Craftie Ladies there as well as many of my fellow Love Inspired authors.

If you're in the area please stop in and say HI!

  

Here's all the details about the event:

2012 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing

Wednesday, July 25, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Anaheim Convention Center, Ballroom (third floor)

http://www.rwa.org/cs/literacy_autographing

Proceeds from book sales go to ProLiteracy Worldwide, Read Orange County, and Literacy Volunteers—Huntington Valley. 

No outside books are allowed in the event.

Psst!  Here a sneak peak at my upcoming October release The Doctor's Defender--book 3 of The Protection Specialists: Guarding the Innocent.

Do No Harm

As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead.  It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes.  Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7.  At first, Brenda doesn’t think too-handsome Kyle Martin is the right for the job.  Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe.  With every attempt on her life, she’s more drawn to the strong and silent man who risks his life for hers.  But their growing feelings could put them both in harm’s way.