RMFW Conference News – Save $, Get Published, Learn Craft, Marketing and more

Register before July 31 and save $50!

Hurry, save $50! Registration is open for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ 2019 Colorado Gold Conference. It will be held this year at the Renaissance Stapleton Hotel in Denver at 3801 Quebec Street. The conference features New York Times best-selling authors, acquiring agents and editors, and a wealth of intensive craft and marketing classes and workshops.  If you haven’t yet registered, get to it—you’ll be so glad you did! One reason: the conference price goes up by $50 on July 31. Beat that date and save.

You can browse the speakers and workshops here.

If you’re already registered, welcome! This year’s conference has a powerful lineup of literary agents and editors who are actively acquiring all genres of commercial fiction. It will be hard to choose from the lively variety of workshops, master classes and services this year! Read on so you can get the most from the conference, whether this is your first conference or the next of many.

Conquer that “Lost-in-the-Crowd” feeling

This year’s conference is chock-full of new features. The number of master classes has increased, and the workshops offer an impressive array of craft and marketing topics. As the conference has expanded its offerings, it can be a lot to absorb.

Whether you’re a newbie this year or, like me, have attended two decades of conferences, there’s an easy way to stay on top of things. Here are two opportunities for you to get your bearings and prepare for a stress-free conference that delivers just what you need/want to get out of it.

Kevin Wolf’s First-Timer’s Meeting

If you’re a first-timer, let me congratulate you! You’re in for a great time! I’ll never forget the excitement and sweet rush of information and help I received at my first conference. If you have identified yourself as a first timer, you may have received or will soon receive a welcome letter from Kevin inviting you to this meeting. I thought I’d add it here, too, as a reminder to take full advantage of it.  Here you’ll meet the RMFW president and conference chairs. You’ll also get a wealth of information you’ll want to know. How to find your way around. Book sales. Workshops. Where and when to purchase recordings of the workshops you attended or couldn’t attend due to your schedule. (My tip: order Sunday morning to avoid the delay of having them shipped.)

This is your chance to dispel any new-experience jitters and sail through your conference schedule with confidence and new friends.

Join the fun on Friday at noon in the Vail meeting room, Atrium level.

Terri Benson’s Conference Survival Secrets

Here you’ll learn about the new programs and services being offered: Master classes. Schedule changes. Good places to meet people. Special invitations for solo diners at the Friday dinner. Last-minute schedule changes. Terri will be ready to answer all your questions about editor/agent protocol, how to prep for appointments, how to pace yourself—all to help make your conference experience all it can be. Be there Friday at 1 p.m. in the Vail room, Atrium level.

ASK ME volunteers will wear gold armbands and answer your questions during conference. Yes, I’m one of them!

Gold armbands and the “Ask Me” Crew

 Should you find yourself lost or in need of information, look for RMFW members wearing gold armbands. It’s not a fashion statement—the bands identify friendly volunteers who will help you find your way around, more easily network and make new friends, and take advantage of all that this nationally respected conference has to offer.

Feel free to ask them questions: Where are the editor/agent meetings held? What time does the book sale begin? Where is the book store? Where do I go to buy an extra meal ticket for the Saturday dinner? Where can I grab a sandwich?

They’re called the ASK ME crew, and you can meet them at Kevin Wolf’s 12:00 noon Friday meeting for first-time attendees and at Terri Benson’s Conference Survival Secrets one o’clock Friday session. Both of these sessions are in the Vail meeting room, Atrium level. That way, you’ll be able to recognize them as they circulate during the workshops.

Terri Benson will present a workshop for both new and experienced conference attendees. It’s called Conference Survival Secrets, and you’ll have a chance to meet some ASK ME volunteers there, as well.

The ASK ME crew will circulate throughout the conference.

Get ready to place your bid in the Silent Auction!

 Intake volunteers have received an exciting variety of donated items. All Silent Auction proceeds benefit the 2020 Colorado Gold Scholarship Fund. If you wish to bid on an item, locate the bid sheet for that item. The auction display area will be across from the conference registration desk, near the escalators. Then check back from time to time to see if you need to raise your bid. Bidding closes at the start of the Saturday evening banquet. Auction winners will be announced prior to the keynote address, and must claim their items that evening.

This year’s items include such treasures as:

• Critique of your query or manuscript pages from one of five agents/editors
• Writer’s goodie bags
• Gift Baskets in themes for Gardening, Wine and Books, Tea/Relaxation, Spices, and More!
• Auction items continue to arrive, so be sure to check the display area for updates.

Coming in my August blog…more Conference 411! Info on the new conference app, tips and more.

Magic Wand Words

Remember the Disney production of Cinderella, when the good witches waved their magic wands of blue, red and green? Their glitter flowed like Fourth of July sparklers, creating magic.

That’s what my blog is about today—the magic that happens with words. In an entire novel, only a few or at most several dozen of them may appear. When they do, they connect us to the characters, embed us more deeply in the setting and emotions of the scene, and increase our enjoyment and understanding of the story. They linger in our memories.

These are a few of my favorite magic-wand words. Enjoy! May these words that so inspired me also inspire you to dig deeper in your creative reservoir. May your current work in progress sparkle!

Nora Roberts, Spellbound:  

… an exquisite simile

And she was there, just there, conjured up out of storm-whipped air. Her hair was a firefall over a dove-gray cloak, alabaster skin with the faint bloom of rose, a generous mouth just curved in knowledge. And eyes as blue as a living star and just as filled with power.

Nora Roberts, Public Secrets

… another one

She would remember the feel of the air against her face, air so moist from the sea it might have been tears.

 Nora Roberts, Sanctuary

… a character-enriching analogy

She walked to the water’s edge, let the surf foam over her ankles. There, she thought when the tide swept back and sucked the sand down over her feet. That was exactly the same sensation he was causing in her. That slight and exciting imbalance, that feeling of having the ground shift under you no matter how firmly you planted your feet.

Katie Schneider, All We Know of Love  

…melding scene and character

The clouds are pulled thin like cotton. I understand how they feel, out in the middle of nowhere, unsure of quite where they’re heading.

Laura Kinsale, Flowers from the Storm

…skillful use of the senses

“I saw you in India.” Mrs. Humphrey had about her the slightly sour tang of an unchanged baby. “You took my clothes off.”

…expression of fury, revenge, stunning rhythm and great example of back-loading

He thought of the look on the Ape’s face, the relish of terror, the time it would take; he’d once seen two men hanged and quartered—the expression of the second condemned traitor as he watched the executioner cut down and butcher the first: that was the fear, that was the struggle, the prolonged kicking and spasms, that was the cringing, weeping, purple-faced, swollen-tongued, bloated sickening twitching entrails-sliding agony he was going to inflict.

Mary Jo Putney, Loving a Lost Lord

…fresh imagery

He wouldn’t need her, and that was as it should be. … When she was old and gray, the time she had known Adam would be the merest ripple in the lake of her life.

Annie Proulx, Close Range-Wyoming Stories

This passage slams the reader into the scene

“Hey, you’re old enough almost a be my grandmother. I rather eat rat jelly than—”

But he was edging closer and Mrs. Freeze saw his trick and the red-flushed neck swelled like that of an elk in mating season, the face beaded with desperate sweat.

…succinct characterization

“Think about it, give me a call.”

“I don’t need a think about it,” said Mrs. Freeze. She dropped the cap of the whiskey bottle, kicked it under the chair. She didn’t need that, either.

Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove

Memorable, humorous, backloading

“I don’t know where you keep finding these Mexican strawberries,” he said, referring to the beans. Bolivar … mixed them with so many red chilies that a spoonful of beans was more or less as hot as a spoonful of red ants.

Barbara Bretton, Just Like Heaven

…exquisite rhythm and backloading

…she clung to his shoulders so she wouldn’t slide off the face of the earth and into some vast unknowable universe of shooting stars and fireworks and whispered warnings that some things are too good to be true.

Jacquelyn Michard, A Theory of Relativity

…another memorable simile

He had never been able to think of that except as “innocent,” as guileless and tender as a childhood Christmas.

Tina St. John, Lord of Vengeance

…word choices

The answer came swiftly, softly at first, a dark whisper that curled around him, anchoring his soul to the earth with shadowy tethers.

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UPDATE: I’ll be presenting a “Magic Wand Words” workshop at RMFW’s writing conference on Saturday, September 9 at 2:30 pm. You can learn more at http://bit.ly/2xQsKk8 (on page 16 of the brochure).

Power-charge your book blurb with hooks

Now that you’ve completed your novel, your next big challenge is to write a good blurb that condenses your 100,000-word novel into a short, captivating sentence worthy of the so-called “elevator pitch.”

I, too, cringe from writing blurbs. I’ve even given workshops on blurbs. I recognize great ones when I see them, and can de-construct them to reveal their strengths. I can write blurbs for other people. Yet sitting down to write my own? Blek.

For many years, I used the journalistic approach to writing my blurb. I thought of it as a mini-synopsis. Now, though, I’ve grown to think of the blurb more as a fishing expedition. Fish don’t always want the same things, and all fish don’t respond to the same temptations. Sometimes they want a sparkling lure, other times they’ll bite some drab, rubbery thingy. Sometimes its best to adjust your bobber so the hook sinks deeper in the water, other times more shallow. Whatever the variation, though, readers (and agents and editors) need to be hooked.

What are the currently hot tropes/hooks? The editors and agents are always quick to point out that they only know what they used to be—what they were last week, last month. They are ever-changing, fickle as the market.

There are some trusty tropes that seem to live forever, though. Cinderella. Survival. Strong female lead. Fish out of water. Returning home. Family betrayal. Change of fortunes.

What makes your story unique? I think this question is what paralyzes writers. Their answer (like ours) is probably … everything! “It’s my story,” we may say. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and there are many reasons why it’s unique.”  So we expound and expand.

If we stay with the fishing analogy, this would be like spilling a dump truck of junk into the water, gooey stuff that contains an odd mixture of many, many ingredients. Some of it may be really good, but it’s been amalgamated into an incomprehensible sludge.

Setting aside all the wonderfulness of your story, what sets your protagonist apart? Perhaps your response is: My novel has a kick-ass heroine. Okay, but how can you make that more interesting, and specific to your novel? Consider these from the archives:

Tough widow Norma Rae has a lot on her hands, working to the bone at a textile mill–and fighting to unionize her hazardous workplace.

Feisty young mother fights for justice any way she knows how. She takes on a powerful utility company and won’t take no for an answer. (Erin Brokovich)

 It is one woman’s fearless quest, criss-crossing the globe in an amazing attempt to save the world.  (Lara Croft, Tomb Raider)

 Gutsy Lieutenant O’Neil dares to earn a place with the elite Navy SEALS.  (G.I. Jane)

 Going beyond the cliché of something like “kick-ass heroine,” what dominant trait does your female protagonist possess? In what unique/interesting ways does she demonstrate that?

Be it kick-ass heroines, secret codes, ghosts, secrets, or intergalactic wars, remember to craft your hook as well as you crafted your book–and use tantalizing bait.

So here’s your chance to practice before you meet that editor or write that headline  … what’s your blurb? Hook me!

1, 2, 3: How to reach your goals

Wannabe goals. We all made them for the new year, right? Unbelievably, we’re now knocking on the door to June.

Often our goals are unspoken but sincere, something we know we need to accomplish to advance our writing. They inspire us for a moment then, in the face of our busy lives, we allow them to fade.

Write my synopsis. Develop my marketing plan. Finish my outline. Finish/Revise my book. Query my top five publishers. Learn how to blog. Get reviews. (Fill in your goals here.)

You know you need to do it. You keep thinking you will. But you don’t.

Read this. Follow the steps, and you’ll do it.

It starts with number one. Three Dog Night sang, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.” When it comes to goals, I consider it the most difficult number.

If you’re having trouble reaching your goals, try starting with number one. It will help you progress to number two. If you’re not prepared to tackle number one, don’t read this blog. This information is only for those who are tired of letting important goals evaporate in the face of procrastination, laziness or fear.

Still reading? Okay, here’s the not-so-secret formula.

NUMBER ONE. Tell someone important. Your critique group. Your most stalwart friend who supports your dreams. “I am going to (specific goal) this (week/month/summer).

It must be specific. Not, “I’m going to write more,” but “I am going to write to The End by August.” Not, “I’m going to market more,” or “I am going to develop a marketing plan,” but rather, “I’m going to write a marketing plan by August.”

Something good happens when you commit to another person or group. The goal becomes real. Increase your odds of success further by insisting that your friend follows up weekly to ask about your progress.

NUMBER TWO. Generate ideas. Browse the Internet, searching for topics such as “How To (Goal)” and “Top 10 Ways to (Goal).” Then create a mind map, incorporating what you’ve learned from your initial research.

You complete number two to better achieve your number three goal.

NUMBER THREE. Brainstorm with someone with RMFW, or a professional organization within your field, who has accomplished this goal. (Having completed number two, you will have learned enough to ask good questions and you will demonstrate to your expert RMFW or fellow associate that you’ve given this some thought, and have taken those first steps already. Show you’re committed to learning, and others will be more willing to help you.)

Seek out friends and/or associates  have become known for their expertise in, for example, writing, editing, public speaking, workshops, book tours, blogs, reviews, podcasts—the list is extensive. Connect with them through your organization’s on-line loop, monthly newsletter and/or programs, and special events such as an annual conference. Be bold and ask for help, and you’ll appreciate the power and inspiration of having friends to cheer you on.

Remember that this is brainstorming, not mentoring, which represents an extensive commitment that may scare off your targeted expert. Make it clear you’re only looking for suggestions and resources that you will pursue to complete your own plan of action.

NUMBER FOUR. By now, you will have gathered a daunting amount of information and options to consider. Sort by level of difficulty, easiest to most challenging. If your goal includes some area of marketing, sort by affordability. Sort also by effectiveness, based on what you learned in steps three and four.

NUMBER FIVE. Create your action list. Based on the completion date you initially told your critique group or stalwart supporter, put dates on this action list that will reasonably bring you to the finish line.

Make adjustments, if needed. Share your list, and if you keep a hard copy or digital planning calendar, insert those dates with a big star, color code—whatever triggers you to remember the importance of your intermediate goals.

It’s a simple concept, proven over time and as reliable as gravity. It’s also proven over time that you must take step one first.

Go for it! And come back and share your success story with me.  🙂

 

 

Happy Mothers Day Poem

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Here’s my poem this year, and love and happiness to all moms, always! ❤

FOR MARY BEATRICE, IN HEAVEN, FOR DOROTHY, IN FLORIDA, AND FOR ALL LOVING MOMS
Much love, Janet

For all the boundless love you’ve shared
For all the encouraging smiles
For all the troubles you whisked away
For walking that extra mile
For all the times you propped us up
And gave us cause to hope
For the “Oops, try again’s” and the “You can do’s”
And the lessons in how to cope
You were there for us in times of challenge and also in times of play
And my heart’s a-burstin–you’re so deserving–Have a Happy Mother’s Day!

Crimson Secret wins IPPY award!

Just announced April 18th!  Crimson Secret, my novel set during the War of the Roses, won the bronze award in the Best eBook Romance category!

IPPY Awards identify the best books independently published in the U.S, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and Europe.

 

I haven’t received the award yet, but it looks like the larger award to the right in the photo.

Thanks to my critique friends, my beta readers, editors, and my cover designer and daughter, Jalena Penaligon!

Go to it! (Pursue what makes you come alive!)

I read the most touching article last week. Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a well known children’s author and filmmaker. It was titled, “You May Want to Marry My Husband.” It was written along the lines of a match.com profile, and it described the charms, kindnesses, and deep expressions of love her husband had shown her over their 26-year marriage.

Eight days later, Amy, 51, would pass away from ovarian cancer.

Tragic, yes, but what I discovered about Amy after reading the article made me think of my RMFW friends, and the joys and challenges inherent with the creative path we’ve all chosen.

One of Amy’s tenets was included in her obituary. “I tend to believe whatever you decide to look for you will find, whatever you beckon will eventually beckon you,” she said during a 2012 TED talk.

I watched that TED talk and her message inspired me, so I am sharing it with you.

Amy begins by talking about coincidences such as the proliferation of “7” in our lives—seven days in the week, seven colors in the rainbow, seven wonders of the world. Seven music notes. Her TED talk is called “Seven Notes on Life.”

She mentioned walking the beach with her mother-in-law, when she discovered a heart-shaped pebble. Once she had seen that first one, she looked for another, and found many heart-shaped pebbles. Her mother-in-law was astonished, but Amy was not. She had observed many times that we find that which we seek out. “When our eyes are open, there is a subtle shifting of awareness.”

To demonstrate, she told the TED audience that she would imagine that she was speaking to a totally red audience, and once she focused on that, she would see instantly all the red clothing there.

She went through the seven musical notes. “F” stood for, “Figure it out as you go.” We don’t have to have it all mapped out before we embark on something new. Get a good idea, invest in it, and learn and adjust as we go.

These thoughts and others inspired me, but what left the lasting impression—the one that made me feel connected to you, my RMFW friends, was this: All the cell phones, iPads, laptops, and other technical devices create a huge amount of technical “noise” in our lives. All that modern noise demands something from us—a reaction.  Once we turn off the cell phones and all the technical “noise” in our lives, we become disconnected from the chatter, and are left with empty space. And what do we find in that newly empty space?

It is no coincidence, she pointed out, that with the individual letters rearranged, another important word emerges from “reaction.”

REACTION {changes to} ….. CREATION.

She ended the talk with a quote from Howard Thurman:

Ask not what the world needs.

            Ask what makes you come alive.

            And go to it.

What we need is people who have come alive. What, Amy asked, makes you come alive?

Go to it. Move toward what makes you come alive.

————————

A Chicago native and longtime resident, Rosenthal completed more than 30 books, including journals, memoirs and the best-selling picture stories “Uni the Unicorn” and “Duck! Rabbit!” She made short films and YouTube videos, gave TED talks and provided radio commentary for NPR, among others. Her loving optimism will be missed.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/us-news/1.777097

The TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxWgIccldh4

Goodreads reviewer lists me as favorite new author of 2016

 

Am so happy to share! A Goodreads reviewer named the Coin Forest series in her 2016 review, and listed me as one of her favorite new authors of 2016! She wrote, “Her heroines are of strong character and strength, her heroes are honorable and she adds wonderful history into the tale. The themes she writes about are unique and daring.”

FREE Novel, FREE Kindle Fire! Huge Medieval Romance Giveaway!

Over 20 authors participating – win a copy of CRIMSON SECRET, and/or win a Kindle Fire!

 I’m sharing news of  this fun giveaway with my  medieval romance friends.

To enter just click here:  http://bit.ly/medieval-rom

Thanks for dropping by, and good luck!

Chapter One of Etti’s Love

This is Etti’s view when she looks outside her gypsy wagon. When the story begins, eleven-year-old Etti and her kumpania of fifty relatives and friends are traveling to the horse fair in France. The year is 1401. (Photo compliments of pixabay.com.)

I’ve started writing my new novel! The working title is Etti’s Love. I always find the title to be as much of an adventure as the story, and I know there will be many attempts until the perfect title finally comes to me.

Etti’s Love is a prequel novella in my Coin Forest series. It’s Etti’s story, and she is a fascinating character. She has chosen a most unusual pet, and it’s causing conflict and ill feelings among her family members.