OK Corral Newsletter

February 2009 OKRWA Newsblog

2009-01-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

OKRWA February Newsblog

Saturday, February 21, 2009

YA Readers Tell All

Attention all YA authors!

February brings a panel of local YA readers who’ll dish on what they love, what turns them off, and what they’d like to see more of in Young Adult fiction.

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The second installment of the sizzling Atlantis series...

Discover Atlantis, a captivating world of mythical creatures and white-hot seduction…All Atlantis seeks the Jewel of Dunamis, which legend claims can overcome any enemy. Grayson James, human agent of the ultrasecret Otherworld Bureau of Investigation, has orders to keep it from the wrong hands—or destroy it. What he doesn’t know is that Jewel is a woman, not a stone! But once he meets this precious gem, destroying her is the last thing on his mind… Jewel, part goddess, part prophet, needs Gray’s help to win her freedom. Gray needs her wisdom to navigate monster-ridden Atlantis. But need blossoms into passionate love as they battle demons, dragons and vampires—and fight for a future that seems impossible… "Sexy, funny and downright magical.”--New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister on The Stone Prince.

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THE REDEMPTION OF RAFE DIAZ

Seven years ago, private investigator Rafe Diaz went to prison for a crime he didn't commit—and Allie Fielding's testimony helped put him there. Now the popular socialite holds his client's fate in her manicured hands. But this time, the charge is murder one. And Rafe intends to question Allie until that glossy mouth of hers tells the truth.
Shooting daggers from those smoldering eyes, Rafe could easily pass for the bad guy Allie once thought he was. But now, her one-time enemy is the only man who can protect her. Because a cold-blooded murderer wants to ensure she never gets another day on the witness stand….

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PRIDE

Here's hoping cats do have nine livesI’m on trial for my life. Accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. I’m not guilty. But tell that to the panel of Alphas sitting in judgment. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.I’m two for three. A goner. On top of that, Marc is in danger of being tossed from the Pride, then we discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. I think I can protect her from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council. If I survive my own trial…

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OKRWA June 2008 Newsletter

2008-06-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

June 2008 Program
Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 1:00 p.m.

Historical Author Panel

Speakers

Merline Lovelace

Amanda McCabe

Sharon Sala

From The Prez: Christy Gronlund

Have you been watching American Idol? I love this show. Out of 100,000 people the judges pick 24 hopefuls to compete for the title. This process mimics the process we all go through on our journey as writers. In the show, the contestants must first audition in front of assistance judges. If they make it through to the next round, they are judged by Randy, Paula and Simon. If they are good enough, they get the golden ticket to Hollywood. Our contests do the same thing. At first you are judged by the first tier judges, the published and the trained judges. At the next tier, you have finaled and are judged by an editor or agent. At this point, you are in Hollywood week. If your book gets requested and published, you are in the final 24 and it is time for America to judge.

The thing I truly love about this show is that in the final 24 there is such variance. Most of these hopefuls have worked very hard to get to this point. They have been well trained in the vocal arts. The same can be said of writers who have trained, critiqued and polished their books. The variance, however, isn’t because of a lack of talent or training. The judges keep telling each of the contestants to make the song choices their own. To show America who they are as artists. But that isn’t all. All these singers have a good voice and, for the most part, they choose songs that compliment that voice. However, there are some of them that seem to lack the ability to connect with their audience.

I asked a friend of mine, who used to sing professionally, why some of these singers couldn’t connect with the audience. She told me that the only way you could form a connection is to decide the song’s meaning and sing that meaning to the audience. The meaning doesn’t even have to be the original meaning but something that touches the artist so that meaning can be conveyed through their song.

I realized that this technique is also the same thing as writing the book of your heart. It doesn’t matter if the writing is good (technical prowess), it doesn’t matter if the song choice is good (a genre that is popular at this moment), if you don’t remain true to your voice and your message, you will not be able to convey your message and touch your reader. So forget what’s popular at the moment, know that you have been trained well, decide the message you want your reader to hear and write the book of your heart.

Christy

New Releases

Nothing Personal
Jaci Burton

It was nothing personal, just a business arrangement. Ryan McKay is a multi-millionaire with a problem. He needs a bride to fulfill the terms of his grandfathers will. Unfortunately, the one he chose just bailed on him and hes hours away from losing his company. Enter Faith Lewis his demure, devoted assistant. Ryan convinces Faith to step in and marry him, assuring her their marriage is merely a business deal. Ryan is certain he can keep this strictly impersonal. After all, hes the product of a loveless marriage and for years has sealed his own heart in an icy stone. Despite Faiths warmth, compassion and allure, hes convinced hes immune to her charms. Faith will do anything for her boss, but marry him? The shy virgin sees herself as plain and unattractive, a product of a bitter mother who drummed into her head that she wasnt worthy of a mans love. But she agrees to help Ryan fulfill the terms of his grandfathers will, hoping she doesnt lose her heart to him in the process. But love rarely listens to logic, and what follows is anything but business.

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No One Lives Forever
Jordan Dane

Born to a life pitted by violence, a man desperately seeks peace to move on. He's fallen in love with a Chicago homicide detective, but just when he embarks on a new life, his old one comes calling. A mysterious and beautiful assassin barges into his downtown Chicago flat, attempting to collect on an old marker. She confesses the true identity of his crime boss father—a name kept secret by his mother—and begs his help to free the man kidnapped in Brazil. The ransom note gives him only ten days to attempt an impossible rescue. Will he risk his future to discover his past?

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Damned, Delicious and Dangerous
Delilah Devlin

Men of darkness, men of passion...trapped by temptation and bound by desire. No woman can refuse their erotic invitation for sexual pleasure...

"The Demon Lord's Cloak" by Delilah Devlin
Bound and naked, Voletta has every reason to fear the mysterious man holding her in his arms. Instead his brooding presence intrigues her, his hard body excites her--and his rough touch arouses her...

"Night Sins" by Lisa Renee Jones
In the battle between good and evil, Kayla Ward knows vampires are strictly off limits. But Ethan's dark sensuality and seductive allure leave her craving hot, passionate sex...

"The Devil's Paradise" by Megan Kerans
Justice Malloy is looking for the perfect place for a wedding reception. What she finds at The Last Resort Hotel is a man whose raw male power promises carnal pleasure like she's never felt before...

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The Darkest Kiss
Gena Showalter

She has tempted many men… but never found her equal.

Until now.

Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death—a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining.…

Member News

Rinda Elliott signed with agent, Miriam Kriss, of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

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From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Deb.Behrens@yahoo.com .

OKRWA May 2008 Newsletter

2008-05-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

May 2008 Program
Saturday, May 17, 2008 @ 1:00 p.m.

E-Publishing

Speakers
Alicia M. Dean and Jodi O’Shea

Alicia M. Dean and Jody O’Shea Walker will join us in May as editors of Wild Rose Press, an online publisher. They’ll be talking about how electronic publishing works, what sells, and specifically about the various imprints of Wild Rose Press.

New Releases

Warrior Rising
PC Cast

The Goddesses have had it with the Trojan War. So much devastation—all because of some silly male egos. The worst of the bunch is that cocky, handsome brute Achilles. But the only way to stop a man like Achilles is to distract him with something far more pleasurable than combat…

Enter Kat, a modern girl from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Goddesses transform her into a Trojan princess, having no doubt that she’ll capture Achilles’s attention. But can her independent spirit match the unquenchable fire of his epic rage? Goddess only knows…

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Family Ever After
Margaret Daley

Three foster kids fell into Noah Maxwell's lap and turned his life upside down. The successful businessman knew nothing about children, so he hired single mom Cara Winters to help care for his new brood. Cara sensed that despite Noah's confident façade, old wounds troubled him. But he refused to discuss his past pain, despite her desire to help him heal. Perhaps her love could inspire Noah to relinquish his independence and give Cara and the children the fairy-tale ending they all deserved.

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No One Left To Tell
Jordan Dane

A Dark Message

The body of a brutally slain man is found on the holy grounds of a chapel, and a cryptic message pinned to his chest unravels the lives of people touched by a dark secret. Detective Raven Mackenzie and her partner uncover the dead man's connection to a powerful female crime boss, leading them to her mysterious head of security, Christian Delacorte, who soon becomes the prime suspect.

Triggers His Nightmares

Yet when Raven sifts through Christian's past, she discovers the man is plagued by deeply rooted nightmares—and a shadowy childhood tragedy linking him to the case. Convinced his past holds the key to finding the real killer, she defies her partner, following her gut instincts and trusting her undeniable bond with Christian.

And Arouses a Killer

But Raven shares her own date with destiny when she crosses paths with a heartless killer. And when he unleashes his rage, there will be no one left to tell.

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Wild Women of the West II
Delilah Devlin

Once Upon a Legend by Delilah Devlin

When Prudence Vogel finally meets Jake White Eagle, she discovers he really is the tall, handsome hero of her novel. And his dark sensuality and raw masculinity make her eager to explore every intimate inch of his beautiful body...

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Royal Bondage
Delilah Devlin

Arctic Dragon by Delilah Devlin

Headstrong, and seeking a little respite from a suitor’s relentless wooing, Queen Larikke rides the arctic wind far beyond the bounds of Northland, only to have her horse bolt at a shot from a hunter’s gun. Her “rescuer” is a handsome, mysterious man who lives alone in the wilderness, his cabin filled with erotic images of women.
Rather than fearing her fate, Larikke sets out to seduce him, hoping for one last fling before she settles down to do her duty and wed. Thinking he was saving a life, Drake dragged a very strange woman home, stripped her, and warmed her by his fire. Now he finds his long, self-imposed isolation may have made her allure impossible for him to resist and that he’ll endanger her when he shares his special kiss.

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Purple Panties
Delilah Devlin
What happens when "The Finest Man" you have ever laid eyes on is a woman? What happens when a woman comes home to her man after a hard day's work with "Lipstick on Her Collar?" What happens when a married woman runs across the love of her life -- another woman -- who insists that "It's All or Nothing?" Is there such a thing as playing too "Hard to Get?" What happens when "Mom's Night Out" turns into group sex? What happens when you discover your true sexuality "At Last?" All of these questions and more are answered within the pages of Purple Panties.

Written by women from all over the world, here is a new level of lesbian erotica, compiled by Zane, that promises the most exciting and steamy reading experience possible. These stories move beyond race, age, and all walks of life, including long-hidden passions, secret rendezvous with strangers, and May-December romances.

With Zane's ever-growing popularity, and the need for increasingly quality erotica, Purple Panties will satisfy a long-standing demand for African-American lesbian literature.

In the tradition of such successful erotica anthologies as Chocolate Flava and Caramel Flava, Purple Panties uncovers a new world of evocative risk-taking that has never been explored before from a lesbian perspective. The adventures in these stories are beyond everyone's wildest imaginations.

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Wild Women of the West II
Myla Jackson

Second Wind by Myla Jackson

All Seth Turner wants is a woman to marry and bear him children. But just when he's given up hope, out of the sky drops a luscious beauty, whose naked body arouses his red-hot desire...

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The Darkest Night
Gena Showalter

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member – a man cursed to die every night, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again later.

Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments. . .and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction—and a soul-shattering test of love . . . .

Member News

PC Cast & Kristin Cast’s, MARKED was voted as Best Paranormal Book of 2007 by the reviewers at Romance Reviews Today!

New York Times List
CHOSEN – PC Cast & Kristin Cast
THE HEALER – Sharon Sala
THE DARKEST NIGHT - Gena Showalter

Robin Perini had a big month when four of her manuscripts finaled in contests. TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES finaled in the Laurie and in the CTRWA COnnections contest. DARK GUARDIAN finaled in The Four Seasons and in the CONNections contest.

Maggie Price has signed to do a book for Harlequin's NASCAR series. BANKING ON HOPE is slated for release in September 2009

Two of our very own Outlaws are finalists in the National Readers’ Choice Awards: Margaret Daley with HEART OF THE AMAZON in the Inspirational category and Christine Rimmer with THE MAN WHO HAD EVERYTHING in the Short Contemporary category.

Jordan Dane’s NO ONE LIVES FOREVER got a top pick from Romantic Times for June.

Brooke Taylor’s UNDONE has been nominated for the ALA's (American Library Association) Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list. Which is a great resource for teen librarians and teachers.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

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From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Deb.Behrens@yahoo.com .

OKRWA April 2008 Newsletter

2008-04-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

April 2008 Program
Saturday, April 19, 2008
@ 1:00 p.m.

Writing the Romantic Comedy

We’ll be showing the highly acclaimed DVD by Michael Hague, Writing Romantic Comedies and Love Stories.

Love stories heighten both the emotional appeal and the commercial potential of your screenplay, and provide you with a powerful tool for revealing inner conflict, character growth and theme. Using the most successful romantic comedies and love stories of the last decade as examples, this DVD will reveal the essential principles for writing believable, entertaining, and emotionally fulfilling romantic relationships.

USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Caskie writes on the Romance Novel TV Message board: I just heard that Michael Hague was going to be giving two sessions at RWA this year. He is a MUST SEE. He teaches screenwriting, but every single thing he says applies to authors. If you can't make RWA in Dallas this summer, get a copy of his DVD Writing Romantic Comedies and Love Stories. FANTASTIC.

New Releases

No One Heard Her Scream
Jordan Dane

Burdened by Grief, She Hunts a Killer

They never found her sister's body, but Detective Rebecca Montgomery knows her murderer is still out there. In the five months since Danielle went missing, there have been two more brutal abductions. A savage menace stalks the women of San Antonio, and the relentless detective will do anything to find him. And a Seductive Stranger Shadows Her Every Move

But her latest case—the discovery of a young woman's remains inside the wall of a burned-down theater—plunges Rebecca from her grief into a brand-new nightmare. She soon meets handsome, mysterious Diego Galvan at the crime scene, and his shadowy connections will lead to her first break in both cases. But when Rebecca submits to his considerable powers of seduction, she will leave herself vulnerable to a merciless killer . . . and when he attacks, no one will hear her scream.

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Mind Games
Merline Lovelace

For Air Force special agent Taylor Chase, invading a billionaire's island fortress was headache enough. But partnering with Dr. Mark Wolfson forced her to revisit the darkest chapter of her past. As his lab assistant, she'd been his lover—and turned into another one of his telekinetic experiments. He'd influenced her thoughts and dominated her very being, and she'd sworn off him forever.

Yet when the sheer horror of the billionaire's plan was revealed, Taylor and Mark realized only their telepathic bond could save them. But could they handle the deep-rooted extrasensory passion that had blown up in their faces years ago? Their very lives depended on the answer…of just who was controlling whom.…

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A Sinful Alliance
Amanda McCabe

The baseborn daughter of a courtesan and a lord, Marguerite was forced to fend for herself in the dangerous world of the French nobility—as the king's most feared spy.

Sent to the court of King Henry of England, Marguerite found polite words and flattery concealed dark passions. Her only friend was her old enemy, the sensually tempting Nicolai Ostrovsky. And their sinful alliance seemed set to turn her from old loyalties to new desires!

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The Healer
Sharon Sala

It is a gift that may cost him everything

All his life, Jonah Gray Wolf has had an uncanny connection to animals and the power to heal the sick and wounded. Driven from the only home he's ever known by those who wish to harness his gift for profit, he becomes a drifter, working in out-of-the-way towns, never staying long. It's a lonely life, but Jonah knows he's still being hunted—he can't afford to get close to anyone who might learn his secret.

In West Virginia he finds Luce, a tough but beautiful loner who knows all about keeping people at a distance—a kindred soul with whom he might dare to make a life. But the hunters have caught Jonah's scent again. Danger is coming to their mountain refuge—a confrontation that will be decided only by a force of nature.

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The Saints of Midland
TL Schaefer

A smart-talking witch and a ghostly deputy travel another dimension to fulfill a centuries-old legend, and find a love that transcends every world imaginable.

Amanda Sims is a woman with a problem. Her brother disappeared in the woods on Halloween night. When she enters the forest with enigmatic, sexy-as-hell deputy Josh Kent, the last thing this self-professed witch expects is a spiritual presence the size of the Grand Canyon.

Josh holds his own secrets. He recognizes the entity in the forest, and offers to trade his immortal soul for that of Amanda’s brother. But the Keeper of the Way has other ideas.

When Amanda offers a part of herself in exchange for her brother’s safe passage, the Keeper thrusts her and Josh into another land. A land where scarlet-tipped grain waves across an endless landscape, where parrots speak the Queen’s English, where the dead walk and where she hears of the prophecy for the first time.

Legend speaks of a human witch and an Earth-walker who will free the lost souls of Midland. But from there the details are murky, doled out in bits and pieces as they travel the countryside, encountering spirits in every conceivable shape and form.
But Amanda and Josh find more than the prophecy in Midland—they find a love that transcends every world, every dimension, imaginable.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rogue
Rachel Vincent

Okay, so cats don t always land on their feet.

I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I ve made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I m working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty.

But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We re beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

Member News

Jordan Dane’s book, NO ONE LEFT TO TELL, (book#2 in her debut series) is a TOP PICK in the Romantic Times for May. This was her Golden Heart finaling entry in 2005.

Linda Goodnight’s book, A TOUCH OF GRACE, is a RITA finalist. Linda will be guest speaker at OKC Metro Writers' April 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the Edmond Mardel's store. Her planned topic for the interactive talk is story structure.

Merline Lovelace’s book, STRANDED WITH A SPY, is a RITA finalist. Merline has also signed a 3-book contract to write mysteries for Berkley.

Robin Perini’s manuscript, TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES, is a finalist for the GOLDEN HEART in the Romantic Suspense category.

This month's Romantic Times features the artwork from Gena Showalter's launch book for her new series, Lords of the Underworld. Book one, THE DARKEST NIGHT, is being touted as, "...darkly satisfying and passionate thrilling romance" and it's sure to wow fans of the popular paranormal genre. Gena is a star on the rise and this series may just put her over the top!"

Rachel Vincent’s book ROGUE just hit #32 on the New York Times extended list.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

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From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA March 2008 Newsletter

2008-03-12T22:30:00.001-07:00

March 2008 Program
Saturday, March 15, 2008
@ 9:00 a.m.

Agent & Editor Mini Conference

Speakers
Miriam Kriss With The Irene Goodman Agency and
Margo Lipschultz With HQN

Friday Evening 6:00 pm:
Ice breaker, meet and greet dinner.
Check the OKRWA Loop for further information.

Saturday 9:00 am:
Presentation with a Q&A in the Wildcat/Derrick Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Danish, juice & coffee will be provided.

Saturday 11:30 -12:40 pm:
One on one interviews with OKRWA members in the Derrick and Wildcat Rooms of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Saturday 12:40 -2:30 pm:
Break for lunch. Meet at Laredo Cantina Penn Square Mall.

Saturday 2:30 – 4:30 pm:
One on one interviews with OKRWA members in the Derrick and Wildcat Rooms of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

New Releases

Chosen
PC Cast & Kristin Cast

Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird’s adventures at the school take a mysterious turn. Those who appear to be friends are turning out to be enemies. And oddly enough, sworn enemies are also turning into friends. So begins the gripping third installment of this “highly addictive series” (Romantic Times), in which Zoey’s mettle will be tested like never before. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesn’t have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity. Speaking of rare: Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare position of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster. Just when it seems things couldn’t get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith, and Zoey’s horrid step-father in particular, are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely reflects the truth…
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Don’t Look Back
Margaret Daley

Who, what, where, when and why. Those were the questions journalism professor Jameson King lived by. But the murder of his protégé, a young newspaper reporter, remained a mystery. One that Jameson—and the reporter's grief-stricken sister—vowed to solve. But working with Cassie Winters wasn't easy. A former student ten years his junior, the stunning redhead was too young, too full of life, for a man like him. A man with a secret concerning her brother…a secret that might tear them apart forever.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To Wed A Texan
Georgina Gentry

HE'S A LOVER
Fast-talking promoter Cash McCally will be set for life if he can set up a prizefight in Dallas, Texas--should be a cinch, considering how Texan men appreciate a good brawl. What Cash doesn't count on is Texas women, one trouble-stirring widow in particular. First, she took over half his hotel suite, and now she's leading the charge against his fight scheme! Still, Mrs. Purdy mightn't be half bad if she'd loosen that librarian's bun and listen to reason--and Cash wouldn't half mind seducing her into sweet surrender . . .

SHE'S A FIGHTER
Bonnie O'Neal Schwartz Purdy has met characters like Cash McCally before--she even made the colossal mistake of marrying one. Now, as president of the Lone Star Ladies for Decency and Decorum, Bonnie is out to do some good in the world, and striking down Cash's plan to profit from senseless violence will be her first order of business. Cash may think he can charm her into submission, but the man has no idea with whom he's dealing . . .

NOW THE GLOVES ARE OFF. . .
Dallas has seen some fireworks in its time, but when the prim Mrs. P. goes up against a gambler who always wins with the ladies, it's time to take cover--and enjoy the show . . .

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fit To Be Tied
Myla Jackson

Stipulations of his grandfather's will demands Richard Rayburn marry by his twenty-fifth birthday or he'll lose a valuable piece of land. On the eve of his birthday, his fiancé breaks his engagement and Richard finds himself in a bit of tight situation. Where will he find a bride in less than one day?

Desperate enough to steal to put food on her table, the widow Julia Blackmon, assumes the disguise of the Black Bandit to strike fear in the heart of her potential victims. But her first and only victim turns the tables and captures her! After a night held hostage, tied to his bed, Julia discovers the whore within herself and talents no cowboy should be without in her captor, Richard Rayburn.
When the morning of Richard's twenty-fifth birthday arrives, he's made his decision to marry the bandit. Richard offers her an ultimatum. Marry him or go to jail. What is a desperate widow to do?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Texas-Sized Secrets
Elle James

Who, what, where, when and why. Those were the questions journalism professor Jameson King lived by. But the murder of his protégé, a young newspaper reporter, remained a mystery. One that Jameson— and the reporter's grief-stricken sister—vowed to solve. But working with Cassie Winters wasn't easy. A former student ten years his junior, the stunning redhead was too young, too full of life, for a man like him. A man with a secret concerning her brother…a secret that might tear them apart forever.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sea of Dreams
Keira Ramsay

Fiona Neal is tired of shuffling between one crappy job and the next, and the same goes when it comes to relationships. But when a stranger at a wedding lights her fires, she succumbs to a few moments of stolen passion before beginning a new life.
Mike Alvarez gets just what he’s looking for when a beautiful waitress satisfies his carnal cravings ... giving him everything but her name. When he moves a thousand miles away to begin a new job, he’s shocked to meet her again ... and just as hungry for her.

Fiona swore her job as a naturalist was a new beginning, but when she encounters Mike again, it’s hard to ignore the swirling passion between them.

But their budding relationship will be tested by ghosts from not only Mike’s past, but Fiona’s as well. For there’s more to her than meets the eye. She’s a prodigal daughter, and the only one who can heal the mystical world of the Fae ... or tear them apart forever.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

More Than Words
Sharon Sala

Somewhere, at this very moment, a woman's caring and commitment is changing a life in her community … and changing the world. Three of these exceptional women have been selected as recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award. And three bestselling authors have kindly offered their creativity to write original short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

We hope these stories of courage will touch your heart and inspire the heroine living inside you.

Member News

Merline Lovelace has just signed to do a novella for Silhouette Nocturne's 2008 Christmas anthology, HOLIDAYS WITH A VAMPIRE. The working title of my story is ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS ARE MY TWO FRONT FANGS.

Marked by PC Cast & Kristin Cast won the YA division of the Oklahoma Book Award. This book also won the 2007 Reviewers’ Choice Award for best YA book.
CHOSEN by PC Cast & Kristin Cast is #2 on the NY Times bestseller list.

Also, PC Cast is the “celebrity” reading the Spotlight piece in the Vagina Monologues on Sat. March 22nd, and Friday, March 28th for Tulsa’s Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) in their annual fundraiser.

V-DAY TULSA 2008 IS PROUD TO PRESENT a production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues & A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer. Join us as we celebrate V-Day’s Ten Year Anniversary, raise awareness and end violence against women. March 22, 2008 doors open at 10:00 am. March 28, 2008 doors open at 5:30 pm. All Souls Unitarian Church, 2953 South Peoria. Proceeds benefit Tulsa DVIS Women’s Shelter. Come early on the 22nd and enjoy our live entertainment, raffles, food, guest speakers, classes, and lots more! Event and ticket information available @ www.myspace.com/vdaytulsa.

The venue is All Soul's Unitarian Church on Peoria Street, downtown Tulsa. Saturday, March 22nd there will be MANY activities going on starting Saturday morning, with a full showing of the Vagina Monologue at 2:30. Friday the 28th they are showing only The Vagina Monologues at 7 p.m. PC would love to see OK-RWA members there supporting DVIS.

Sherri Buerkle won the Jeannie Gray Golden Friendship Award.

A HEART OF GRACE the third book in the Brother's Bond series by Linda Goodnight won The Romantic Times Reveiwers' Choice Award for best Love Inspired.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

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From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA February 2008 Newsletter

2008-02-14T21:42:00.001-08:00

February 2008 Program
Saturday, February 16th 1:00pm

Pitching Lessons

Get prepared to sell your manuscript!
Do one on one sessions make you nervous?
Come learn how to take a deep breath and set those nerves at bay. Get some expert pitching advice from:

Jill Monroe
Christine Rimmer
Terri Schaefer

There will also be a book signing prior to the meeting from 12:00 to 12:45pm at the Borders on NW Expressway.

Authors signing include:

Jill Monroe
Gena Showalter

From The Prez: Christy Gronlund

February is the month of love. Everyone runs out to buy valentines and flowers to commemorate their love for that special someone. As I prepared to write a sweet column of how we encompass this feeling in our books, an intervening event caught my attention. Opio Toure died. I had never met the man but he was well known in the political and legal field. For days articles were written about how he stood up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, how he spoke up for what was right even when his opinion was unpopular and how his death had left a large hole in the lives of the people who knew him. As I read the tales of the impact this one man had on the lives of many, I realized that a real life hero had died and I began to wonder about the characteristics that made a person a hero.

We have studied the hero’s journey and the obstacles a hero has to endure to complete his quest but how much do we know about what makes someone a hero? No one starts out with the goal of being a hero. Heroes are born from the events of necessity. There is a big problem and someone needs to fix it. Most are not brave enough to dare but there is that one person who will go the distance to make everything right with the world. This person isn’t perfect. He is riddled with multiple flaws such as pride, greed, revenge, insensitivity or superiority. Watching him overcome these flaws is why we love him. Watching him speak up for what is right even when all oppose him is why we admire him.

A hero understands that there are things so important that he will enter great peril to set them right. Often in the quest for justice, sacrifices must be made. His life will be placed in danger. He stands to lose a loved one or his honor. He will risk all this in order to do the right thing. A man like this is the hero people open our books to discover. He is the man we fall in love with as we walk with him through the pages. So let’s raise glass to our heroes this month. The ones who dare to show us that doing what is right is never easy and often dangerous. But no matter the risk, they show our readers that doing what is right is always worth it and inspire our readers to be better people.

Christy

2007 Finally A Bride Contest Winners

Historical
1st Place: To Love a Viscount - Kathleen Cherry
2nd Place: The Patrician's Fortune - Joan Kayse
3rd Place: Earth’s Only Paradise – CJ Chase

Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic:
1st Place: Dyad Quest - Ann Hinnenkamp
2nd Place: Incredible Dreams - Sandra De Taranto
3rd Place: True To The Highlander - Barbara Longley

Romantic Suspense/Single Title:
1st Place: Twilight's Children - Shelley Corriell
2nd Place: The Cost of Love - Vannetta Chapman
3rd Place: Deadly Closure - Donna L Meier
Honorable Mention: Irish Dreams - Sherri Buerkle
Locked, Loaded and Lying - Sarah Andre

Series Contemporary:
1st Place: Intensive Care - Julie Rowe
2nd Place: The Cleopatra Secret - Greta MacEachern
3rd Place: Until September - Barbara Longley

New Releases

Give Me a Texan
Linda Broday

Roots that go deep...men who stand tall...and real women who have what it takes to love and be loved by them. Jodi Thomas, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, teams up with Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda, and DeWanna Pace to bring you four of the best Texas romances ever...

Give Me A Texan

Hank Harris wasn't even looking for a woman when he ended up with a wife. Their hasty marriage is for appearances only: a capable, intelligent woman like Aggie is exactly who he needs as a business partner--if only she weren't so damn beautiful, spirited--and in his bed... Payton McCord thought he was one tough cowboy until Amanda Lemmons made him mind his manners. And a woman of her caliber is worth the trouble she causes... Newspaperman Quinten Corbett wasn't expecting his new apprentice to be female. Boston-born Kaira Renaulde is far too refined for a rough-and-tumble frontier town--and far too pretty for his peace of mind... Briar Duncan knows he needs someone to help him raise his headstrong little daughter. But Mina McCoy is more than he bargained for--much more! The woman has the face of an angel and a very definite mind of her own...

"Four ladies who know what it means to be a Texan create a quartet of memorable novels that bring the great state straight into your heart. The three-dimensional characters and unforgettable heroes, combined with splendid stories, are unmatched for fans of the Old West." --Romantic Times on GIVE ME A TEXAN, four-star review

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Riding Wild
Jaci Burton

He's a Harley-riding ex-thief...she's a gun-toting ex-socialite. Together they'll take the ride of a lifetime in this erotic romance from "an undoubted master."*

Mac Canfield was the last man Lily West expected to see again, never mind aim her gun at. But there he was, the bad boy who'd broken her heart years ago-still a thief, hijacking a priceless artifact-and it was all she could do to push aside the memories of how it felt to have his perfectly chiseled body next to hers.

Mac was no less shocked to see the beautiful girl next-door again, threatening to shoot him. Little did she know she was blowing his cover. He had to get her out of harm's way without succumbing to his desire to take her on a hot trip down memory lane.

But Lily has no intention of going anywhere with Mac, which means he'll have to resort to kidnapping. Unless she agrees to let him take her for the kind of ride destined to drive them both unbelievably wild.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Match Play
Merline Lovelace

Olympic athlete turned secret agent Dayna Duncan always plays to win. Her assignment to guard an international sports sensation would be no different. Then the one man who could throw Dayna off her game appears. Fighter pilot Luke Harper never did play fair….

Years ago, knowing that he could jeopardize her shot at the gold, Luke broke things off with Dayna. Now he's back...for keeps. Even as Dayna tries to resist the man she believes chose his career over her, reigniting passion adds fuel to an explosive conspiracy that could end this match, once and for all.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Primal Insticts
Jill Monroe

Who are they to argue with biology?

Subject A, photojournalist Ian Cole, is sent to ghostwrite a book on sex in various cultures. Instead of finding a white-haired professor, he is greeted by Subject B, anthropologist Ava Simms, wearing only a teeny loincloth and body paint….

Observations…

Sexual energy between subjects increases exponentially. Note the male's quickened breathing and barely restrained urge to do lusty and inappropriate things.

The female, in turn, decides to demonstrate her extensive knowledge of seduction, play and ritual…claiming it's "research." The results? Neither Subject A nor B want the study to end….

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Passion of Sam Broussard
Maggie Price

A hot tip on a cold case homicide teams feisty Oklahoma City PD sergeant Liz Scott with sexy Louisiana detective Sam Broussard … but when new clues reveal haunting similarities between the victim and Liz, Sam will have one chance to reach across time to stop a killer from striking again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Valentine’s Secret Child
Christine Rimmer

Ten years ago Kelly Bravo and Michael Vakulic went their separate ways—he to a new name and a new life, she to a family she never knew she had. And then Kelly comes across a tantalizingly familiar photo in the newspaper. Her long-lost Michael has reinvented himself—as Mitch Valentine, multimillionaire entrepreneur. As for Kelly, she’s got a new name, too—mother! And a little girl with Michael’s eyes…

How can she tell him the truth?

How can she not?

Bravo Family Ties

Stronger than ever…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Catch A Mate
Gena Showalter

Jillian Greene is hired by suspicious women to try to pick up their slime-bucket husbands or boyfriends. In short, she's human bait. Because of her encounters with so many feckless, faithless males, Jillian has turned into a genuine, card-carrying man hater. Marcus Brody is human bait, too, the first male employee of Jillian's agency, Catch a Mate.

Unbeknownst to Jillian, he has also purchased Catch a Mate, so now she's his employee. Reluctantly, Jillian begins to fall for the picture-perfect Marcus.

Thinking that male monogamy is an oxymoron, she can't help but wonder if any man can be loyal. More important, can she trust Marcus? Each chapter in this wicked novel begins with a different pickup line ("Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?") as the versatile Showalter (Playing with Fire, 2006) once again shows that she can blend humor and poignancy while keeping readers entertained from start to finish.

Member News

Merline Lovelace has just signed a new 6-book contract to do A three-book series called Holidays Abroad for Silhouette Desire and three more Code Name: Danger books for Silhouette Romantic Suspense

Rachel Vincent is a finalist in the New Author category for 2007 Paranormal Excellence Awards for Romantic Literature (PEARL).

Heidi Vanlandingham’s manuscript Dimitri's Sacrifice placed 2nd in the paranormal category of the East Texas Romance Writer’s Southern Heat contest.

Jordan Dane has sold her 3-book debut series as a featured alternate for Doubleday Book Club, Mystery Guild, AND Rhapsody Book Club.

NYT bestselling author Gena Showalter’s RED HANDED, to Sony Pictures Television (Stargate SG-1), with Dan Wigutow Productions, by Sean Daily at Hotchkiss & Associates, on behalf of Deidre Knight at The Knight Agency.

Sherri Buerkle received an Honorable Mention for her manuscript Irish Dreams in the Romantic Suspense/Single Title category of our own Finally A Bride Contest.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA January 2008 Newsletter

2008-01-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

January 2008 Program
Saturday, January 19th 1:00pm

Undercover Cop Q&A

Kyle Sweet, lawyer and former narcotics officer, will join us in January to answer questions on police work and the law. He’ll share some of his own experiences, but the format will be mostly Q&A, so have your questions ready. See you there!

There will also be a book signing prior to the meeting from 12:00 to 1:00pm at the Barnes & Noble located at 6100 N May Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Authors signing include:

Laura Marie Altom
Margaret Daley
Merline Lovelace
Gena Showalter

From The Prez: Christy Gronlund

Well it’s January and time to ring in the New Year. On the 31st everyone probably made their New Year's resolutions and some of them included writing goals. During 2008 there are few things to keep in mind.

1. Don’t set yourself up to fail: Don’t invest in goals that are too hard to obtain. If your goals are so lofty that you can’t achieve them you are more likely to quit. Make your goals small and accomplishable. Each time you finish a task you will be more confident and willing to tackle the next task.

2. Enjoy the journey: No one is on the same time schedule. Some will work for years before producing a publishable manuscript. Others publish, for all appearances, right out of the box. If you compare yourself to the latter, you do yourself a disservice. We all discover the process of writing at our own pace. The path we take in this discovery defines our style, our voice and our identity as a writer so enjoy the journey.

3. Believe in your vision: There are many, some well meaning and some not, who will make comments that are disheartening at best and harmful at worst. We’ve all spoken to family members and friends who when they hear that you are a writer nod and say “what a nice hobby” or “remember it’s very hard to get published” or “who are you going to pay to publish your book?” It is important to remember that most do not take writers seriously. After all, this is fun and anyone can do it, right? Don’t let these comments stop you from persevering. In the beginning you have only one fan. You. If you start doubting yourself, you will have no one else to spur you on.

I hope that this new year brings you success, happiness and prosperity!

Christy

New Releases

Caught By Surprise
Laura Marie Altom

A HEALING SPIRIT by Lindsay McKenna Medicine man Storm Black Horse is the only one who can help Lieutenant Tahcha Grant recover from the nightmares of post-traumatic stress disorder…provided he can keep the healer-patient relationship strictly platonic!

AUNT DELIA’S LEGACY by Cara Summers Medical resident Carly Waring returns home after nine years to hear her aunt’s will, only to discover she must share her inheritance with Ren Maxwell—the guy who completely shattered her heart! Let the battle begin.

CAUGHT BY SURPRISE by Laura Marie Altom Once the town "It Girl," Tabby Summerwell has never felt more like a failure. And now she has a broken leg, to boot. But when her former high school sweetheart Brodie Kimball comes to her rescue, Tabby doesn’t know if fate is mocking her… or giving her a second chance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sneak Peek
Jaci Burton

A secret club, a taste of the forbidden. Hot men, bold women. Come inside and take a peek, if you dare.

WATCH ME by Shelley Bradley Shanna York is set to become a dance champion until her partner tangles with scandal and blackmail. With the clock ticking, the last thing she needs is the gorgeous owner of a sex club tempting her with the forbidden. Or maybe that's the very thing she needs. Alejandro Diaz has sizzled for Shanna since she first rebuffed him. She's ambitious and driven.but so is he. When she asks for his assistance to ensnare a voyeuristic blackmailer, Ali helps her stage a bedroom trap. Neither is prepared for scorching passion, the blackmailer's identity-or the undeniable love between them.

SHOW ME by Jaci Burton Socialite Janine Bartolino manages her late father's philanthropic interests, keeping her pastimes above reproach. But when an intriguing man offers her the chance of a lifetime to indulge her every secret fantasy, Janine takes a leap of faith.at great personal risk. Phillipe "Del" Delacroix knows what Janine wants-a chance to explore the world of voyeurs and exhibitionists. Soon, Janine transforms into a daring and passionate lover, giving Del everything he could ask for. But when something happens that puts Janine's reputation, her career, all she's worked for, in jeopardy...Del must prove that loving him is worth the risk. Warning, this title contains the following: Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, ménage a trois, voyeurism, exhibitionism.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Risky Business
Merline Lovelace

As regional chief of employment and training, Sue Ellen Carson gets to sit in a comfortable, air-conditioned office and make funding decisions—she just doesn't do fieldwork. But this time her boss insists that she evaluate a program firsthand—three weeks of survival training with at-risk teens in the Florida wilderness. Entering the rough-and-tumble world of camp founder USAF Chief Master Sergeant Joe Goodwin isn't her idea of fun—especially once she gets the hang of the rules:

1. Never wear perfume. Bugs—stinging, biting bugs—love designer fragrance.

2. Never pretend to be up on the latest street lingo. Acting too cool for school around troubled teens can have disastrous consequences.

3. Never, ever get too close to Sergeant Goodwin. Because resisting this man's animal magnetism is such risky business, even a seasoned exec like Sue Ellen can't pull it off.…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Savor Me Slowly
Gena Showalter

HALF HUMAN, HALF MACHINE...ALL WOMAN

Mishka Le'Ace was created to be an undercover operative...literally. Her beautiful body has been mechanically augmented to give her superhuman strength—strength she's going to need. Her latest mission sends her to rescue Alien Investigation and Removal agent Jaxon Tremain from torture and death. With him, she discovers a passion unlike any other. A passion she was forbidden to know.... From the moment they meet in a darkened cell, Jaxon craves her touch. But the machine half of Le'Ace forces her to do things she doesn't always want to do. Even betray him...and ultimately destroy him. Now Jaxon must battle the man controlling Le'Ace, and even Le'Ace herself, to at last claim the woman he's come to love.

2008 New Releases

Member News

Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominees

BEST SERIES ROMANCE NOVELS

STEEPLE HILL LOVE INSPIRED
THE HEART OF GRACE
Linda Goodnight Steeple Hill (June 2007)

HEART OF THE FAMILY
Margaret Daley Steeple Hill (December 2007)

HARLEQUIN NEXT
EX MARKS THE SPOT
Merline Lovelace Harlequin (April 2007)

BEST MAINSTREAM & CHICK LIT FICTION

YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
MARKED
PC Cast, Kristin Cast St. Martin's Griffin (May 2007)

BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/INTRIGUE NOVELS

PARANORMAL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
THE SURVIVORS
Dinah McCall Mira (March 2007)

Margaret Daley sold another Love Inspired Suspense that will be part of the continuity series in 2009. Her book will be the first in the series and is called What Sarah Saw.

Brenda Wallace is getting a little snippet of her manuscript Mind Trip published in Chris Roerden's next book Don't Sabotage Your Submissions. It will fall under examples of an author being aware of using a cliche'.

Rachel Vincent’s Mira title Stray is number 2 on Harlequin's Top 10 list of eBooks for 2007.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA December 2007 Newsletter

2007-12-10T18:21:00.001-08:00

It's the annual Outlaw Christmas Party!
Saturday,
December 15th, 2007
1:00 P.M.

This year it's at Sharon Sala's house. She'll be posting the address and directions on the private email loop, so watch for them.

Bring a dish, a favorite book for the Dirty Santa exchange and a smile! Finger foods welcome!

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Dear Outlaws,

Gosh, where has a year gone! It has been a challenging but rewarding time for me. I am so honored to have served as president for such an outstanding group. I have learned so much this year and have had a great opportunity to become closer to so many of you. I want to thank everyone for their support and patience.

As we end this year on a high note (our fabulous Christmas party) I look forward to seeing all of you and celebrating not only the holidays but our friendships as well. So many of us have had good news to share and celebrate, while others have had hardships and sadness. The fact that we share both the good and the bad with equal strength and encouragement of each other makes this a truly dynamic and successful chapter.

The coming year promises to be full of fun and excitement. We have many new members and lots of wonderful plans and fresh ideas in the works. I hope everyone will continue to be involved and committed as we grow and excel.

Hugs to all,

Vicki

New Releases

Heart of the Family
Margaret Daley

A Christmas Conundrum
Women, Dr. Jacob Hartman knew, were a mystery. Take the first time he met social worker Hannah Smith at the Stone Refuge home for foster children. The woman stared him down as if he'd come at her with castor oil. Why? His past was full of heavy-duty heartache, but he was positive they'd never met. And as a former foster child himself, Jacob was deeply touched by how much she cared about the kids at the home, how loving she was--to everyone but him. Which was where, he figured, the mistletoe came in!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Alaskan Fantasy
Elle James

WHO NEEDED PEACE AND QUIET WHEN YOU HAD ASSASSINS AND A SECOND SHOT AT LOVE?

No matter how far he went, Sam Russell couldn't outrun his past. Not even in an epic race across the Alaskan wilderness.

But surviving the harsh climate wasn't something Sam could do alone.

Returning home to bask in the frozen sun, the last thing Special Agent Kat Sikes wanted was for reality to intrude. But fantasies didn't get any more real than Sam Russell. With his competitive intensity urging her on, she took his racing challenge—determined to beat him at his own game. Despite the subzero temperatures, the heat between them was undeniable. Out of control and breathless, the pair hurtled toward the finish line, only to await one last showdown on the snow and ice.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Bravo Christmas Reunion
Christine Rimmer

What brought him to her door…

…Marcus Reid couldn't say. But then Hayley Bravo opened her door, and he got a good look at her burgeoning stomach! She appeared to be about eight months along. So was this proof that she'd gotten over him fast… or that they were connected, now and forever?

Months ago Hayley had walked out on Marcus, even though it was the hardest thing she'd ever done. Because though she knew he'd do the right thing by her, she was holding out for the real thing. Love. Baby. Marriage. And apparently, in that order…

Member News

Heidi Vanlandingham’s manuscript Dimitri's Sacrifice has finaled in the paranormal category of the East Texas Romance Writer’s Southern Heat contest. Her manuscript will now be sent to Angela James of Samhain Publishing for final judging. This is Heidi’s first contest final as well as her first contest entry.

Jordan Dane’s book, No One Heard Her Scream, to be released in April of 2008, received its first review in Publisher's Weekly. Needless to say, the book was referred to as a “dynamite debut” and her style was compared to that of Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner and Tami Hoag.

Alicia Dean is now being represented by Meredith Bernstein.

Malena Lott has signed with Sourcebooks Casablanca (sourcebook's new romance line that launched this fall) for her second novel, Dating da Vinci. It should be released in the Fall of 2008.
Meredith Bernstein just closed a 3 book spin-off of the YA series PC Cast and her daughter, Kristin co-authored. PC is thrilled to announce it is the biggest deal of her career. She and Kristin are over the moon – and planning a research vacation to Venice!

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA November 2007 Newsletter

2007-11-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

November 2007 Program
Saturday, November 17th 1:00pm

All About Taxes with Gary Light, CPA

Need to know what you can and cannot write off? Are you a hobbyist, self-employed, or other? Gary Light will be here to tell us about the complex world of taxes for writers.

We will also be nominating officers for next year and deciding on Christmas party plans.

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hi Outlaws,

Happy turkey month, I hope all of you survived those monsters of Halloween. During this busy fall season, which only leads in to a busier Christmas season, I hope all of you are remembering to take care of yourselves. Remember to pencil in down time and outlaw time.

For those of you that were unable to attend our October retreat, we missed you. The event was a success on all levels. To all of you that could make it, you guys are great and I thank you all for making Pam McCutcheon feel welcome. She had such positive things to say about all of you, both personally and professionally. I will have copies of her handouts at the November meeting for those of you who want them.

Speaking of the November meeting, I am hoping to see a full house, er room. The subject is taxes. Our speaker is experienced in dealing with our particular problems and issues. This program will contain good information for all of us no matter what stage we are at in our career. There will be a Q & A session so those pertinent questions ready.

See you there,

Vicki

New Releases

Whirlwind Baby
Debra Cowan

Jake Ross's life changes in a day when he finds a baby on his doorstep! Then he's thrown into a spin by the quiet beauty who hires on to look after his unexpected delivery.

On the wild Texas frontier, everyone has something to hide—and Emma York is no exception. Jake can see that she has secrets, but the sexy rancher's sure he can take care of her…if he can only find out what she needs protection from!

When her past shows up in Whirlwind, guns blazing, Emma must learn a hard lesson. Can she trust Jake…and trust her own heart?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tall, Dark And Filthy Rich
Jill Monroe

What would you do if you hit the jackpot?

Private investigator Jessie Huell has always eschewed girlie things for the tools of her trade. She'd swap Jimmy Choos for a nightscope any day. But when she arrives as a guest on a popular Atlanta sex show, Jessie is unexpectedly reunited with high school crush and producer Cole Crawford—multi-million dollar lottery winner, igniter of panties...and bad, bad news for her.

Now Jessie is the official spokesperson for fling-havers everywhere—Cole and Jessie are doing hot, naughty things in the very same places she swore she'd avoid. As each incredible second explodes by, Jessie finds herself in deep trouble: if she's not careful she'll break the first rule of flingdom and it'll turn serious…which means she'll have to find the real dirt on Cole Crawford...because this man's too good to be true!

Member News

Killer Site

Jordan Dane
has been a firm believer in the talent of her website designer Madeira "Maddee" James at XUNI so she entered a website contest to expose others to Maddee's abilities and GREAT NEWS!

JD's website has been named a finalist in the 2007 Silver Rose Award for Website Excellence (Professionally Created Category) sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Rose Chapter of the Romance Writers of America©. The focus of this unique contest is on promotion. Each site is judged on effectiveness as a marketing tool, ease of navigation, aesthetics, and creative use of design technique. Winners will be announced in December.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA October 2007 Newsletter

2007-10-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

October 2007 Program
Saturday, October 20th 1:00pm

Plotting

Want to learn a fun and creative way to plot out that difficult story?

Then come and join Rachel Vincent and Rinda Elliott for some hands-on plotting fun!

We’re going to combine a past, popular workshop called Pulling Characters from the Air with a new way to plot using different colored Post-It Notes on whiteboard.

We’ll be plucking ideas from your imaginations and using them to create two main characters, complete with goals and motivation. Then members will break into groups to plot. This is the best part of the workshop—when you get to hear the very different and creative stories that come from such inventive minds.

Members will vote on the best story then we’ll show you how we’d plot it on whiteboard! We hope everyone will go home full of ideas and enthusiasm!

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hello Outlaws,

To those of you that couldn’t make our last meeting, I missed you. It was a fairly small meeting but a very powerful one for me. The program was tip sharing. I got lots of good tips from everyone but the real gem was Sharon Sala. All of us soaked up her very sage advice and took notes on her writing tips. From all of us, thank you Sharon.

We had new members and potential new members attend which is always exciting. I can’t wait to get to know all of you better. Sometimes it’s hard for our newbies to understand exactly what’s going on and what in the heck we are talking about. A few added details during the conversation can be most helpful. To all our new friends, please don’t hesitate to ask questions we are all eager to share and help you get settled in. I hope both old and new can attend our next meeting. Rinda and Rachel have agreed to share some of their plotting and storyboarding techniques. I’m counting on a full house.

Our annual NRCA contest is officially starting this month. Details about the contest can be found on our website. Also, I will be happy to answer any questions that might pop up, feel free to call or email me. I will be sending out the call for both category coordinators and readers hope everyone is ready. I am both excited and nervous to be taking over as contest coordinator. Terri has done such an awesome job, she has left big shoes to fill, but never fear she has promised to help me over any rough spots.

See you at the meeting!

Vicki

New Releases

True Lies
Jaci Burton

Mia Logan is a hypnotist with futuristic Earth's Alien Crime Enforcement Unit. Her specialty—hypnotizing suspects into confessing their crimes. Ric is a M'Loran who hunts down alien criminals. Ric and Mia are hot on the trail of the notorious Vad, a ruthless killer who has escaped his Earth prison.

While hunting for Vad, Mia gives in to her secret desire for Ric and challenges that she can hypnotize him. Her ulterior motive - having the sexy M'Loran under her control.

Ric knows he can't be hypnotized and lets Mia believe he's under her control. He's completely mesmerized by Mia without benefit of hypnosis and caters to every one of her sexual desires.

As their feelings escalate, so does their guilt about the lies they've told. The truth catches up to them at the same time they find Vad. They must fight to capture and subdue Vad, and face the truth about their feelings for each other.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buried Secrets
Margaret Daley

Hidden treasure?

Fresh from her grandfather's funeral, Maggie Somers was shocked to fi nd his home—all she had left of him—ransacked. What wasn't so shocking was that a Collier stood among the wreckage. Maggie had grown up hearing all about the Collier clan—liars and thieves who couldn't be trusted. Yet Zach Collier asked Maggie to have faith in him, to put their feud and their families' to rest. His grandfather had also recently passed away. Zach was sure the man—like Maggie's grandfather—had been murdered for something hidden among his possessions. Something Zach and Maggie had to uncover before they became targets.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stranded With A Spy
Merline Lovelace

Escape from hell?

To hell was more like it! When Mallory Dawes, suddenly infamous in the States, decided to take that vacation to France, her problems were just beginning: a lost passport. A car swept out to sea. Missing travelers' checks. And a mysterious, if intriguing, man who always seemed to turn up just when she was in trouble...

Cutter Smith—code name: Slash—was told to keep the beautiful blonde in his sights. But as his interest in her veered from the professional to the intensely personal, Cutter knew the cost of falling in love would be high indeed. And he would have to pay the price—.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Ransom
Maggie Price

WE HAVE YOUR SON!

The ransom for five-year-old Matthew was one million dollars cash. And in a terrifying instant all of Kathryn Conner's dreams of a new life at her family's Texas ranch, far from the scandal of her failed Hollywood marriage, were blindsided by the only thing that mattered: saving her son.

A desperate mother will do desperate things, even turn to a man who loved and left her long ago, a man whose touch still haunted her dreams. But Clay Turner was her last—her only—hope at finding Matthew. Clay knew what was at stake, shared her pain and understood what it took for her to seek him out. Because the look in Kathryn's eyes reflected the same searing memories fighting their way back to his heart, as well.

This time, he won't let her down.

Member News

Linda Broday has a novella in an anthology coming in Feb. It's Give Me A Texan and features Jodi Thomas, Phyliss Miranda, DeWanna Pace and me (Linda Broday.) It was acquired by Hilary Sares at Kensington Publishing. The stories are centered around Amarillo, Texas.

The same four ladies have also sold a second anthology to Kensington called "Give Me A Cowboy" and it'll release Feb 2009. It's been two exciting projects for me after a lull. Linda’s last book, Redemption, released in 2005.

Linda also has a new website for and by western romance authors. PetticoatsandPistols.com. Along with Linda on this website are ten other authors, Lorraine Heath, Geralyn Dawson, Pam Crooks, Karen Kay, Elizabeth Lane, Stacey Reimer, Charlene Sands, Cheryl St. John, Pat Potter. They each blog twice a month and right now have a huge grand opening contest going on. It's a place for not only them, but other authors as well, to promote new western romance releases (except erotica) and post announcements. The authors are very excited about it and have gotten excellent response.

Kensington Publishing has just sold the Dutch rights to three of Georgina Gentry’s Texas books.

The first book in the YA House of Night series, Marked, by PC Cast and Kristin Cast, has been nominated for the 2008 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers List.

A bit about the award:

The purpose of the list is to identify titles that will attract non-readers. The list significantly influences library and school purchases and recommendations within the educational community. The list is published in Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine [VOYA], Booklist, School Library Journal and on the YALSA website..

Award winners will be announced in January 2008 during ALA Midwinter

Margaret Daley’s book, Hearts On The Line, won first place in the Book of the Year Contest for American Christian Fiction Writers in the short suspense category.

Amanda McCabe has signed a new contract with Harlequin for four more books and a novella.

Linda Goodnight’s book, A Season for Grace , won first place in the Book of the Year Contest for American Christian Fiction Writers in the short contemporary category.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA September 2007 Newsletter

2007-09-06T19:19:00.001-07:00

September 2007 Program
Saturday, September 15th 1:00pm

Back By Popular Demand!

As requested, we're reprising one of our most successful and fun programs for September -- Tip Sharing. Those who attended a similar session years ago are still using the tips generated in this extraordinary sharing of ideas.

The September meeting will take place at our regular meeting time of 1 pm at the Belle Isle Library. Everyone is encouraged to do a show-and-tell of ONE tip that has aided them in their writing or their writing life. When presenting your tip to the group, please use the KISS principle -- keep it short and simple! -- so we can steal, er, harvest everyone's terrific ideas.

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hello Outlaws,

Ahhhhh September, it’s finally here. For me it means our first chance at a break in the summer heat and a hope for that cool crisp air blowing through open windows in my house. Cool weather means dinners that I can put in the oven or a pot early leaving my afternoons free to sit in the back yard soaking up the, now not so hot, sun while working on my WIP. It’s a quiet reflective time before gearing up for the holidays. I for one intend to enjoy, I hope you do too.

I am finally home from my travels and ready to catch up with all of you. I feel like I’ve been gone much longer than two months. I must apologize for a lengthy absence from my presidential duties. The problems my family has faced has certainly been a challenge for all of us. I know many of you have also learned the true meaning of, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My family has learned the true meaning of working together to get through a difficult time. I am happy to report that we are getting stronger daily and with the help of God and good friends we are gonna make it.

Fortunately we have fantastic women in our group who not only step up but go above and beyond for our chapter. Everything is on track for a great meeting in September. It will be at our regular time at the Belle Isle Library. We will all be sharing one tip that helps us in our writing endeavors so come prepared.

Vicki

New Releases

Exclusive
Jaci Burton

With these never-before-published novellas, three queens of erotic romance extend a provocative invitation to daring readers.

In Eden Bradley's Sanctuary, an innocent young woman ventures into the dungeons of a private club to broaden her erotic horizons.

In Jaci Burton's Wild Night, the owner of a swinger's club ignores her hands-off-the-customers policy when a certain sexy newcomer joins.

In Lisa Renee Jones's Purple Magic, a daring woman searches for her lost friend in the hedonistic world of Manhattan's underground nightspots.

Hunting the Demon
Jaci Burton

In a world seething with sin and seduction, the chase is on.

Hunting demons for a living can have its moments. Especially when Shay Pearson’s latest quarry is the gorgeous bronze surfer who just stepped out of the sea. Uncovering Nic Diavolo’s devilish side could prove Shay’s toughest assignment yet. Because while she’s acting as bait to snatch this sexy bad boy, Nic’s got a plan of seduction no woman—earthly or otherwise—can resist.

Caught between two warring realms, Nic needs to stay alive long enough to figure out who his enemies are. That includes the beautiful hunter who won’t let him out of her sight. And something far worse: a force of evil with an almost unimaginable goal— possessing Nic’s very soul. But the hunt really heats up when a guy who’s hotter than Hades and a woman who’s afraid of love join forces, igniting an inferno of lust and longing that could send them into mortal danger...or straight into each other’s arms.…

Divine by Blood
PC Cast

Conceived in a lie and trapped in a tree throughout her gestation, Morrigan's birth was truly magical. After that start, she spent the next eighteen years raised as a normal girl in Oklahoma.
Upon discovering the truth of her heritage, her rage and grief take on a power of their own, carrying her back to the world of Partholon. Yet, instead of being respected as the daughter of the goddess Incarnate, Morrigan feels like a shunned outsider.
In her desperation to belong in Partholon, she confronts forces she doesn't fully understand or control. And soon a strange darkness draws closer….

Deep Down Under
Myla Jackson

On vacation to Australia, Lucy is left with a bad taste in her mouth when her boyfriend dumps her because she won't go down. A twist of fate, a kamikaze kangaroo, and Lucy is on an outback adventure she'll never forget when she lands in the arms of sexy Aussie cowboy, Jack Kenner, where she learns the magic of going Deep Down Under.

Blown Away
Elle James

Overseas, TJ Barton narrowly survived an American Embassy bombing, only to lose two good men: her influential boss and her lover, Sean McNeal.
Back in Washington, TJ set out to find out who did it. Undaunted, she maneuvered through corridors of power, exposing the secrets hidden behind every door on Capitol Hill…only to smack right into the broad, familiar chest of Sean McNeal—in the flesh. And she could have, would have decked him if she had the opportunity to get a good shot!
Inexplicably Sean had survived and was now undercover. He needed TJ's silence, her help and her kisses more than he wanted to admit. The last thing he wanted to do was draw TJ into a web of high-stakes corruption. But there was no shaking her off and there was no way she was going to let him get killed—again.

The Saints of Midland
TL Schaefer

A smart-talking witch and a ghostly deputy travel another dimension to fulfill a centuries-old legend, and find a love that transcends every world imaginable.
Amanda Sims is a woman with a problem. Her brother disappeared in the woods on Halloween night. When she enters the forest with enigmatic, sexy-as-hell deputy Josh Kent, the last thing this self-professed witch expects is a spiritual presence the size of the Grand Canyon.
Josh holds his own secrets. He recognizes the entity in the forest, and offers to trade his immortal soul for that of Amanda’s brother. But the Keeper of the Way has other ideas.
When Amanda offers a part of herself in exchange for her brother’s safe passage, the Keeper thrusts her and Josh into another land. A land where scarlet-tipped grain waves across an endless landscape, where parrots speak the Queen’s English, where the dead walk and where she hears of the prophecy for the first time.
Legend speaks of a human witch and an Earth-walker who will free the lost souls of Midland. But from there the details are murky, doled out in bits and pieces as they travel the countryside, encountering spirits in every conceivable shape and form.
But Amanda and Josh find more than the prophecy in Midland—they find a love that transcends every world, every dimension, imaginable.

Member News

Linda Goodnight has signed a new three book contract with Love Inspired. She has also agreed to write a historical novella for Barbour.

Linda's book, A Season for Grace, is nominated for ACFW's (American Christian Fiction Writers') Book of the Year award. Her Harlequin Romance, Married Under the Mistletoe, won first place in the Bookseller's Best contest.

Elle James Harlequin Intrigue Blown Away, recently reviewed at CataRomance, will be the Intrigue under discussion for September on CataRomance's chat loop.

Debbie Behrens,manuscript Jumpin’ J Ranch finaled in the Single Title Category of the San Francisco Area RWA’s 2007 Heart to Heart Contest. Her manuscript Crash and Burn aka Racing Hearts finaled in the Romantic Suspense Category of the same contest.

Margaret Daley’s Love Inspired Hearts on the Line is a finalist in the Book of the Year contest for Romantic Suspense with American Christian Fiction Writers.

Also Margaret’s Love Inspired When Dreams Come True won the short contemporary in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest for FHL chapter.

Three Book Series Sold!

Jordan Dane has sold a second 3-book series to Avon HarperCollins. An illusive web of imposters on the Internet lures a deluded teen from her Alaskan home and launches a chain reaction collision course with an unlikely tangle of heroes. This is the initial driver to a second 3-book series from suspense author Jordan Dane. With an international setting, these romantic thrillers will focus on the lives and loves of three women--a fugitive recovery agent who bends the rules, an ambitious vice cop, and a former international operative with a mysterious past. No release dates or titles yet. Dane's debut 3-book series is set for back-to-back releases April through June 2008. Visit www.jordandane.com for more information

Foreign Rights Sale

Debut author Jordan Dane sold foreign rights to her first 3-book series with Avon HarperCollins. The series is set for domestic release April through June 2008- No One Heard Her Scream , No One Left to Tell, No One Lives Forever. Blanvalet, the Germany-based division of Random House, will be thepublisher and the books will be translated into German. Visit www.jordandane.com for more information on the author.

Jordan Dane Featured on Internet Voices Radio

October is National Violence Awareness month, and in September, host Jacqueline Sue of Internet Voices Radio will profile authors and other artists whose works move toward the elimination of violence against women. On September 13th at 8:30-9pm CST, Jordan Dane will be featured as an author
known for creating strong female characters. She'll talk about her first 3-book series released in 2008 and her book research on topics such as online predators (the new 'hunting' ground) and human trafficking (the modern day slave trade). For more information, please visit www.jordandane.com.

Jordan Dane in the Great White North

Jordan Dane is speaking at Bouchercon in Anchorage Alaska on September 27-30th, a fan-based mystery writers' conference hosted by Sisters in Crime. Jordan will moderate a session targeting aspiring authors, speaking on a panel of International Thriller Writers. And she will moderate another panel
on Thriller Boys and Dirty Girls - The Wild Side of the Thriller Genre's Villains and Anti-heroes. For more information, please visit her website at www.jordandane.com.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA August 2007 Newsletter

2007-08-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

RWA National Conference Leg Shot Dallas 2007

August 2007 Program
Saturday, August 18th 1:00pm

RWA National Conference Recap with Rinda Elliott

Recap Meeting on August 18th!

Come and share in the enthusiasm as seven (maybe more) members who attended the 2007 RWA National Conference in Dallas, Texas, share helpful tips they picked up in workshops and while networking!

Want to learn about dead bodies?
Need to know how to unleash the power of turning points?
Want the scoop on grabbing a reader's interest with the opening punch?
Heard of Novelist's Bootcamp?
Need to know just what exactly those publishers are wanting?
And that's not all.

The recap will be from 1:00 to 3:00 with the option to run a little over. And there will be door prizes!

Hope to see you there!

Rinda

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Do to unforeseen circumstances Vicki was unable to write her column this month, therefore I must subject you all to a previously published column of mine from April of 2006.

How do you write?
Are you a plotter or a panster?
Do you write scenes as they come to you and piece your story together later?
Do you write an outline and follow it to the letter?

Well, I’ll tell you what, ladies, I’m a die-hard panster. No matter how hard I try I just can’t change. The only trouble I have with writing this way is that while I’m deep into one story, I have this relentless little voice in the back of my mind nagging at me with the scenes to my next one. (I know you know the one I’m talking about!) So I give into the urge, write down the scene, and go back to my current story. Now, getting a head start on that next story might not sound so bad, but last week I looked at the one hundred-plus pages of “panster material” I had written and cringed. It all seemed so scattered. There was no way I could turn all the stuff I’d written into something coherent.

Then my miracle came. I had to shuttle my son across the city, not my little city of Mustang, but somewhere in OKC. It doesn’t sound like much of a miracle, does it? But hang on a minute, I’m not finished. On the way back, I cranked up the tunes and viola—it all started coming together. My characters, whom I had left high and dry a few months ago, were suddenly back in my head thriving in their own story.

What a relief! I’d forgotten that the road and a little music make my creative juices flow. My first story was created sitting in my car waiting for my daughter’s school to let out. I weaved my second one together while driving across the country to New York. My third was helped along by a few trips to Missouri. Now the big question is—where can I go to get this one moving?

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is—whatever it is that makes your creativity flow, whether it’s music, old movies, or road trips, find it, savor it, do it every chance you get and above all, don’t ever forget it!

Deb

New Releases

Missionary Daddy
Linda Goodnight

To: Ashley
From: Samantha
Re: Sis, I've seen him again!
Remember the handsome missionary I met during the modeling shoot? Well, his name's Eric Pellegrino—he's the new assistant director at the adoption agency here in Chestnut Grove! He's trying to find homes for the world's orphans, including two he's crazy about. International adoption isn't easy, especially with Tiny Blessings rocked by scandal—something we Harcourts unfortunately know all about. Eric wants a house full of kids, only I'm afraid my secret will keep us apart. Maybe with faith and a couple of matchmaking teens, the four of us can become a family!

A Notorious Woman
Amanda McCabe

Venice belongs to the mysteries of night, to darknessand deep waters...

And so does Julietta Bassano. The beautiful perfumer hides her secrets from the light of day, selling rose
water and essence of violet to elegant ladies rather than taking her rightful place in society.

Then enters Marc Antonio Velazquez--a fierce sea warrior determined to claim her. Seduced by his
powerful masculinity, Julietta begins to let down her defenses.

But in the city of masks, plots spiral and form around Marc and Julietta--plots that will endanger their
lives and their growing love...

Member News

Rachel Vincent has accepted an offer from Mira Books for three new werecat books to be released beginning in 2009.

Terri Weldon received 2nd place in the Inspirational Category in the Kiss Of Death Chapter’s Daphne du Maurier Award Contest

Robin Perini received an honorable mention in the Kiss Of Death Chapter’s Daphne du Maurier Award Contest in the Single Title Category with her manuscript On Target. She also received a request for a full manuscript from Kim Whalen at Trident Media.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA July 2007 Newsletter

2007-07-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

July 2007 Program
Saturday, July 21st 1:00pm

RWA National Conference Recap

Bring all your notes, cause we’re gonna need them.

Saturday, July 21st we’re going to be going over all the goings on at the RWA National Conference. That’s right, what goes on in Dallas doesn’t stay in Dallas! At least not the workshop info. (Whew! That’s a lot of goings in one paragraph.)

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Fellow Outlaws,

Ah July, a time of celebration, fireworks and pool parties. Just think this year all Okies have an opportunity to throw a swimming party, if not in their own backyard then surely in their neighborhood somewhere.

It’s time to pack for nationals, I for one can’t wait. I look forward to seeing many of you in Dallas. For the ones not attending, we will miss you. To all of you with agent/editor appointments, good luck and knock ‘em dead. Remember to mail/turn in your proxy vote.

The OKRWA July meeting will be held as normal at the Belle Isle Library. The program that day is a recap of all our experiences in Dallas. Please bring your notes from any workshop, spotlight, agent/editor meeting or any other information you were able to glean. We will all share stories and information. Knowing our group it will be a fun meeting, don’t miss it.

Vicki

New Releases

Blacklisted
Gena Showalter

High school senior Camille Robins and her best friend are determined to snag the attention of their crushes before graduation next month. Armed with red-hot outfits and killer hair, they sneak into the hottest nightclub in town —which caters to the rich and famous, both human and alien. They end up following Erik (who is human) and Silver (who isn’t) through a guarded door and are soon separated and under attack. . . and not the good kind.

Bad boy Erik spares Camille’s life, but the two are soon being chased by gun-toting Alien Investigation and Removal agents. Camille’s more confused than ever because Erik’s finally showing real interest in her, but the agents are accusing him of dealing Onadyn—a drug that ruins human lives. Suddenly, with the heat of his kiss lingering on her lips, Camille has to decide whose side she’s on . . . and whether she’s willing to put her life on the line to save Erik’s.

The Man Who Had Everything
Christine Rimmer

There's a reason Grant Clifton's one of the most eligible bachelors in Thunder Canyon: This rancher turned business whiz makes women melt like Montana snow on a hot summer day! And this mover and shaker's many charms aren't lost on Stephanie Julen, the beautiful young foreman of Grant's family ranch.
Grant and Steph have known one another forever, and the senseless tragedy that shattered both their lives years ago drew them closer together. But the Canyon's golden boy has always thought of shy Steph as a little sister. Stay tuned, loyal readers, to see what happens when he realizes she's all grown up!

MONTANA MAVERICKS:
Dreaming big—and winning hearts—in Big Sky Country

Member News

Margaret Daley has been invited to take part in a Love Inspired continuity for 2008 called Homecoming Heroes. Her book will be out in November 2008.

Also Tiding of Joy was a finalist in the Beacon Contest in the inspirational romance category.

Brooke Taylor’s YA novel, Undone, has sold to Walker Books/Bloomsbury and will be a Spring 2008 hardcover release

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA June 2007 Newsletter

2007-06-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

June 2007 Program
Saturday, June 16th 1:00pm

"Writing the Dreaded Synopsis."
By Merline Lovelace and Maggie Price

You're WIP is done. You've gathered all your sticky notes... even the ones with dried ice cream on the corner. You've deleted your hooker a million times and edited until you can’t stand to read it anymore. How are you ever going to cut that three hundred page manuscript down into five pages or less?

Listen and learn from Merline Lovelace and Maggie Price as they go over the basics of synopsis writing and reveal some of their word weaving magic.

Saturday, June 16th you'll want to be at Belle Isle Library to learn the ins and outs of "Writing the Dreaded Synopsis."

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hi Outlaws,

I missed seeing all of you in May and since everyone couldn’t make it to our April reception, it seems like a long time since we have all gotten together. I hope everyone is planning on attending our June meeting, which will be back at the library. Let’s fill the room, reconnect and catch up. We have so many gals with “good news” that needs further exploration. An e-mail just doesn’t do it some times. Our chapter pins will be available at our meeting thanks to Diane and Merline. They are going to look great in Dallas.

We have some members that will be attending their first national conference. I’m sure they have lots of questions and I know all of you experienced attendees will be glad to provide answers and advice. Also, everyone needs to check out the RWA website for all the latest news and plans for conference. There are plans for dinner sign-ups and movie night that should facilitate a comfortable way to network with new people on a social level

I have been asked by our national board to emphasize the importance of voting on the issues listed on the proxies sent to you recently. They must receive a vote from at least 10% of the membership, or 950 votes. Anyone not attending the AGM at national’s this year or anyone not wanting to mail in their proxy is welcome to give it to me at the June meeting. I will be attending the meeting and will turn in all proxies given to me.

Vicki

New Releases

Summer Lovin - A Baby on the Way
Laura Marie Altom

Pregnant and alone, event planner India Foster is happy to be mistaken for a member of the Silver Cliff high school class of '04. Especially when the Fourth of July fireworks pale in comparison to former student Graydon Johnson and the explosive attraction she feels for him.

Goddess of Love
P.C. Cast

Pea Chamberlain needs a makeover-shoes, hair, clothes, make-up-if she wants to attract an Ÿbersexy fireman. And who could better coax Pea out of her pod than the Goddess of Love, whom she invokes in a moment of desperation?

Venus works her magic on Pea, but who will help her when she falls for that same sexy fireman? Could Venus need a love makeover for herself? Check out the five-alarm heat when the Goddess of Love unexpectedly loses her heart.

Wild, Wild Women of the West
Myla Jackson

Abilene, Kansas 1872

In a fit of pique, the Amazing Catarina mesmerizes a skeptical, trail-weary cowboy, into howling like a wolf for the audience, while secretly planting the suggestion that he come to her room that night and make love to her. When the wily cowboy catches on, he turns the trick on the amazing magician. Who will end up with the last laugh?

The Heart of Grace
Linda Goodnight

It took serious injuries from a roadside bomb to bring war photographer Drew Michaels back to his estranged wife, Larissa. His need for adventure had ultimately pushed Larissa toward the warm embrace of the church…and away from him. But now, being back in such close quarters with his first—and only—love, was stirring up feelings of peace and comfort he'd suppressed long ago. Yet his secrets could once again tear him away from the woman to whom he'd uttered the words "I do."

Catch a Mate
Gena Showalter

How to catch the love of your life…with his pants down!

Jillian Greene is always getting caught in the act…in fact, it’s her job! Working at Catch A Mate, Jillian gets paid by suspicious wives to smile, flirt, and prove that no man can be trusted around the opposite sex. Her only ground rule? She never gets physical. Until a heart-stoppingly gorgeous hottie walks in…

Marcus Brody has just been hired as bait to test female fidelity. But the last thing Jillian needs is a partner…especially this infuriating, irresistible man who’s got her fantasizing about tearing off his clothes. Can a savvy modern woman find happiness with the most tempting man she’s ever known? Is there such a thing as a totally monogamous male?

Red Handed
Gena Showalter

There’s blood on her hands, but it isn’t human.

Phoenix Germaine has been trying to earn back her mother's trust after going into rehab and kicking Onadyn—the drug of choice for New Chicago teens. But when a party in the woods turns into an all-out battle with the most ferocious aliens Phoenix has never seen, she’s brought home in what appears to be an Onadyn-induced state. Hello, reform school.

Except, what her mother doesn’t know is that Phoenix has just been recruited to join the elite Alien Investigation and Removal agency, where she’ll learn to fight dirty, track hard, and destroy the enemy. Her professional training will be rigorous and dangerous, and the fact that one of her instructors is Ryan Stone—the drop-dead gorgeous, 19-year-old agent she met in the woods that night—doesn’t make things any easier. Especially when dating him is totally against the rules. . . .

Stray
Rachel Vincent

Faythe Sanders likes to pretend she's a normal college co-ed, but that's only half the truth. It's the other half that matters when her former lover appears on campus, sent to pull her back into a life her classmates could never understand, or even imagine. He has come to take her home, to where hunting doesn’t involve guns, the night isn’t for sleeping, and fur is much more than just a fashion statement.

Female werecats are disappearing from all over the south, and the Pride is helpless to find its missing members and stop the stray responsible. Confined to home for her own protection, Faythe must face everything she went to school to escape: the family she left behind, the love she turned her back on, and the destiny tradition says she's bound to fulfill. And when it all becomes too much to handle, an emotionally charged error in judgment leads her into the unsheathed claws of the stray himself. Now, armed with nothing but animal instinct and a serious attitude, Faythe must free herself and stop the kidnappers before their horrific plot robs her Pride of its most valuable asset: its own continued existence.

Member News

Maggie Price is participating in Harlequin’s upcoming continuity series, Thoroughbred Legacy. Her book, Who’s Cheatin’ Who? will be a December 2008 release.

Robin Perini finalled in the Kiss Of Death Chapter’s Daphne du Maurier Award Contest in the Single Title Category with her manuscript On Target. She also received first place in the Land of Enchantment Romance Author’s Rebecca Contest for her manuscript Deadly Obsession and received a request for the full manuscript.

Sherri Buerkle has signed with Laurie McLean of Larson/Pomada Literary Agency.

P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast have signed another three book contract with St. Martin’s for their Young Adult series, The House of Night.

Jordan Dane sold another 3-book mass-market paperback series to Avon HarperCollins. No release dates or book titles as yet.

Debbie Behrens placed fourth in the Romantic Suspense Category of the Valley Forge Romance Writers, The Sheila Contest for her manuscript, Racing Hearts.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA May 2007 Newsletter

2007-05-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

May 2007 Program
Saturday, May 19th 9:00am

Oklahoma Centennial Book Festival

In May, OK-RWA will be participating in the Oklahoma Book Festival. Check out the festival's site for information on events and location. OKRWA will have an exhibition booth. Stop by and meet our members, including published authors. Autographed copies of books will be available as well as promotional items.

Our own Merline Lovelace is a scheduled speaker. She will be appearing from 9:30-11:00 am in the Kerr McGee Auditorium. Here presentation is a workshop on the novel with a novel critique. To submit your novel for critique, follow the guidelines listed below:
Novel Submission: Your material does not have to have your name on it if you do not want to be identified as the writer. But after the critique you may ask a question if you desire. No material will be returned so do not send your only copy. All critiques will be held in open sessions. Material will be read on a first come first serve basis as time allows so get your material in early. Hard copies only. Submissions must be postmarked on or before May 11th. See mailing instructions below.

NOVEL: Send first three pages of your book to:

Novel Chair Kay Wilkes
Oklahoma City University
2501 N. Blackwelder, Box 68A
Oklahoma City, OK 73106

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hello Outlaws,

I believe our reception at Nonna’s can be declared an unqualified success. I wish everyone could have been there to participate. I had the privilege of meet some new members, as well as some long time members for the first time. We owe a big thanks to Merline Lovelace for organizing such an outstanding event. The venue was a perfect choice as were the delightful desserts and champagne. Cynthia Jordan Dane Marolt did an awesome job moderating our panel discussion, thanks so much. Much to the surprised delight of our guests, we honored them with beautifully done gift bags Sara Mazzo put a lot of thought and effort into making and displaying the gifts in a professional way.

Our guests were thoroughly impressed as our members stood up to introduces themselves and share a bit of their life with everyone. I received so many enthusiastic thanks and positive comments from our guests. They also expressed their desire to interact with our published authors in an ongoing way. The panel discussion was creative and I believe many on both sides of the table walked away with new ideas for marketing their books. All in all the interaction between the librarians, booksellers and our members was invigorating and conducive to furthering our writing careers.

I want to encourage all of our members to really make an effort to attend all of our meetings and events. The personal contact and contagious enthusiasm for writing always sends me home with a new sense of purpose. I have never walked away without new knowledge and concrete ideas to implement in my writing career. Our membership is so diverse and talented and our published authors are so generous and giving. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this group of special women.

Please remember, our meeting this month will be at the Oklahoma Book Festival held at OCU. Details will be located on our website. Also, if anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Vicki

New Releases

Wild, Wicked and Wanton
Jaci Burton

Three friends reveal their most intimate secrets in an erotic romance from "an undoubted master."*

They're inseparable friends who share their wildest secrets and dares. The latest bet is the boldest of all: each must sleep with whomever the others have chosen and return with every juicy detail. For divorcŽe Abby it's a pair of sexy veterinarians who are fulfilling their own desire. For heartbreaker Blaire it's the one man she never had the courage to bed. For sensible Callie it's an irresistible stranger. For readers, it's an erotic fantasy come true.

The House of Night
P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

Vanished
Margaret Daley

As a detective in Chicago, J.T. Logan had put away a lot of criminals—and had made a lot of enemies. However, the last thing the widowed father and current small-town sheriff expected was crime in his own backyard. Until his young daughter was kidnapped.

FBI agent Madison Spencer found herself working with J.T. again, on a case painfully different from their previous one. She could only watch as he struggled to remain coldly professional while his heart was in anguish. And what of her own heart? Romance should be the furthest thing from their minds. All she could do was hope—and pray—for them all.

Cowboy Sanctuary
Elle James

Ten years ago Army Ranger Cameron Morgan left his family's ranch with no plans to return…his former sweetheart and the life he'd fled.

Jennie Ward had been injured and her ranch sabotaged, so Cameron was critical to surviving an investigation that was getting riskier by the minute. But keeping his professional distance was nearly impossible, especially after Jennie nearly lost her life on his watch. Still, as his need to guard her mixed with his hunger to find the truth, Cameron found it hard to resist the pull of his old life—not to mention Jennie's offer of a second chance….

Jackson’s Woman
Maggie Price

He'd always been a hunter. But now federal agent Jackson Castle was both savior and prey, tracking a deadly killer who had targeted the woman he'd loved and lost. But first he had to convince her to open her heart to him all over again.

Claire Munroe had put her stormy affair with Jackson behind her two years ago. Now he'd returned, bringing danger to her door, rocking her secure life. Ill-prepared to confront the man who'd stolen her heart, Claire had to decide which posed a greater threat—their reignited passion, or the murderer who hunted them both….

From Here to Paternity
Christine Rimmer

When Charlene Cooper was eighteen, she turned to Brand Bravo in desperation…and he couldn't get away fast enough. And then ten years later, Charlene was forced to turn to him again—this time with a baby in her arms and a burning question in her heart: are you this little girl's father?

At twenty Brand Bravo knew that he could never be the kind of man Charlene deserved. At thirty, he knew she was the love of his life, and he would do anything to get her back. Because, once again, she needed him, for herself and for the infant in her care. And this time, Brand wouldn't hesitate to be anything Charlene asked him to be. Husband. And father?

Member News

ROMvets, a list composed of women who were or are presently in the military and are authors, has just sold Silhouette Nocturne the first 4 books of a 12 book continuity series. Several members of our OKRWA chapter are ROMVets – Merline Lovelace, P.C. Cast, and Elle James.

Virginia Romance Writers Chapter proudly announces Linda Goodnight's Love Inspired Title, A Very Special Delivery,is a 2007 HOLT Medallion Finalists. Also one of Linda's covers is nominated in an online contest at
covercafe.com,

Elle James is happy to announce the sale of two Harlequin Intrigues for 2008, Texas Rustler and Nick of Time (both tentatively titled).

Gena Showalter's MTV Press Title, Oh My Goth, is a finalist in the Young Adult Category of the National Readers’ Choice Awards.

Terri Weldon’s manuscript, A Cry In The Night, finaled in the Kiss Of Death Chapter’s Daphne du Maurier Award Contest.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA April 2007 Newsletter

2007-04-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

April 2007 Program
Saturday, April 21st 1:00pmam

Librarian/Bookseller Reception
Nonna’s Restaurant in Bricktown

Come mix and mingle, hear an hour-long panel discussion by several local booksellers and librarians of the latest trends in romance readership, and enjoy Nonna’s sinfully delicious confections.

OK-RWA Members & Invited Guests Only

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hold it right there Outlaw,

Spring has sprung and believe it or not it is April, 2007. I’m not sure, but I don’t think even a plea to our fantasy writers can slow this year down, so I’m trying to embrace it. Helping us to carry on for yet another month is our spectacular Librarian and Bookseller Reception. All of us owe our thanks to Merline Lovelace who has once again worked her magic. Our April meeting will be held at Nonna’s in Bricktown. I know that everyone will want to attend. After all, who in their right mind could turn down champagne, desserts, friends and last but not least, our biggest fans (ahem better known as our bread and butter). I know that everyone will not only have a good time but will benefit from our panel, the networking opportunities and the champagne.

I hope everyone comes to our meeting with a question or suggestion to pose to our guests that will promote the buying, selling and undying longing for more romance. This is our opportunity to “pick the brains” of our readership from all across our great state.

As a chapter we have had such a deluge of good news lately. Let’s face it we are on fire! How thrilling to be a part of a gang of hotties like the Outlaws. Can’t wait to toast you all, see you at Nonna’s,

Vicki

New Releases

The Right Twin
Laura Marie Altom

Sarah Connelly knows that being an identical twin can have its advantages, but lately those advantages have been working more for her sister than they have for her. When an emergency calls her twin away, Sarah agrees to run her sister's successful inn for a weekend. Shouldn't be too hard, right?
But when she meets Heath Brown, one of the guests, Sarah realizes the weekend is going to be a lot more complicated than she expected. Heath is perfect for her—smart, handsome, sexy….
What Sarah doesn't know is that Heath has some secrets of his own. Secrets that aren't too different from hers!

Once Upon a Family
Margaret Daley

As the local high school principal, Peter Stone knew troubled student Sean Williams needed his expert assistance. And as a Christian, Peter knew God was leading him to help. Yet it was the boy's mother who captured Peter's notice.
Laura, a widow caring for her four children and ailing aunt, had no time for romance or religion. Somehow, despite her protests, Laura found herself and her brood frequent visitors to Peter's ranch and the church he attended. Soon it seemed her family was meant to complete Peter's life.

Ex Marks The Spot
Merline Lovelace

Forced to leave her beloved military life behind at the ripe old age of thirty-seven, USAF Colonel Andrea (Andi) Armstrong comes to the Florida panhandle for a fresh start. Little did she know—at least until that auspicious knock on her next-door neighbor's door—that there were some things about her old life she wasn't quite finished with yet.

And evidently, if the expression on his love-struck face was any indication, her ex-husband, Colonel Dave Armstrong—aka said next-door neighbor—wasn't quite finished with her yet either. Hmm. Who was it who said the best is yet to come? Maybe there was something to that after all….

The Survivors
Dinah McCall

The search for survivors becomes a race against time -- and a killer

When a passenger plane goes down in the Appalachians, rescue teams start looking for the survivors and discover that a five-year-old boy and a woman are missing. Twenty miles from the crash site, Deborah Sanborn has a vision of two survivors, cold, hurting and scared. Over the years she has learned to trust her gift, and she senses these strangers are in terrible danger. She sees a hunter, moving in for the kill.

Four generations of O'Ryan men have gathered at the crash site, ready to search for the missing boy, Johnny O'Ryan. Mike O'Ryan isn't sure what to make of Deborah, but with the snow coming down, she's all they've got to lead them through the mountains. Because not only are they racing against time and the elements . . . they're up against a killer desperate to silence his only living witness to murder.

Member News

Christine Rimmer finaled in the Short Contemporary Category of the Rita Contest for her Special Edition, Married in Haste.

Elle James just sold two more books to Harlequin Intrigue!

Tina Novinski-Radcliffe finaled in the Inspirational Category of the RWA Golden Heart Contest for her manuscript, Trouble in Paradise. Also, Tina’s manuscript The Rosetti Curse finaled in the Colorado Romance Writers Heart of the Rockies Contest.

Debbie Behrens finaled in the Romantic Suspense Category of the Valley Forge Romance Writers, The Sheila Contest for her manuscript, Racing Hearts.

Our Outlaw, Rachel Vincent, whose debut novel Stray, will be released this summer, is the featured guest author at the April ATHENA Writers Workshop series on Sunday, April 22nd from 2-3 p.m. at Full Circle Books. The workshop topics for this month are plotting made easy and dynamic dialogue. The fee is $15. Open to men and women 16+. Registration can be made at register@athenaknows.com or online at www.athenaknows.com.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA March 2007 Newsletter

2007-03-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

March 2007 Program
Saturday, March 17th 9:00am

Agent/Editor Mini Conference
Miriam Kriss With The Irene Goodman Agency and
Margo Lipschultz With HQN

Friday Evening 6:30 pm:
Ice breaker, meet and greet dinner – Location still to be determined. Check the OKRWA Loop for further information.

Saturday 9:00 am:
Presentation with a Q&A in the Gusher Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on NW Expressway. Danish, juice & coffee will be provided.

Saturday 11:30 -12:30 pm:
Book signing at Borders Books on NW Expressway.

Saturday 12:30 -2:30 pm:
Break for lunch. Meet at On The Border on NW Expressway.

Saturday 2:30 – 4:30 pm:
One on one interviews with OKRWA members in the Derrick and Wildcat Rooms of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Soda & cookies will be provided.

This program is for members only.

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Hello Outlaws,

I keep picturing the marine exercise where the whole team is standing on the ground waiting to catch the marine on the platform when she lets herself fall into their arms. I know that in our group all of us take turns catching and falling. That knowledge and trust enables all of us to take risks we normally wouldn’t be able to take.

The mini-conference coming up is a chance for some of us to face our fears for the first time and pitch our stories to a professional. This is a great but terrifying opportunity for me and I look forward to it. I’m glad I have you all at my back!

Vicki

New Releases

So Dark the Night – Margaret Daley

A LONELY CABIN. DEADLY SECRETS. DANGER IN THE WOODS.
On a tragic night, photographer Emma St. James lost not only her vision, but her memory. The police believed she'd witnessed her beloved brother's murder, but her mind refused to remember. She was lost and alone, until a stranger reached out with a touch she couldn't see.

Rev. Colin Fitzpatrick would never forget the moment he saw Emma's lovely face just seconds before she ran out in front of his car. She'd been fleeing something—or someone—but she was his responsibility now. But with the killers desperate to if nd Emma, it would take divine intervention to keep them both alive.

Touch of Grace - Linda Goodnight

The moment her sister's body was discovered near Ian Carpenter's New Orleans mission, crusading journalist Gretchen Barker was torn between devastating grief and a desire for revenge. She mourned her sister's drug problems and the family trouble that had started them, but the minister's professions of help made her suspicious.

Except the more she got to know Ian, the more she recognized his courage in the face of adversity and his commitment to faith...and Gretchen's sharp edges began to soften. Until a mysterious phone call left her questioning whether or not he truly had something to hide.

Alluring Tales
Awaken The Fantasy Anthology
Myla Jackson
A television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office--and gives her the ride of her life.

This one night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second.

When a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out...for a good, long time.

A minister's son harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper--and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true...

A big city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire...

A sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket--and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free...

A seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominated...

Pleasure beckons and satisfaction is guaranteed in seven titillating stories of love that knows no boundaries. Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy!

Ralphie’s Wives - Christine Rimmer

Ralphie Styles had a way with women—lots of women.

Country-singer-turned-bartender Phoebe Jacks ought to know—she'd been married to him—before he'd moved on to her best friend. And then her other best friend. But you just couldn't stay mad at Ralphie.

Or could you? When he's killed in a suspicious hit-and-run, pregnant wife #4 is suddenly a widow—and a suspect. It's up to Ralphie's best friend from out of town, P.I. Rio Navarro, and Phoebe to see that the old charmer's killer is brought to justice. But Ralphie never mentioned his pal Rio was so attractive—or that he might just be the stand-up guy Ralphie never could be....

Member News

Margaret Daley’s Tidings of Joy finaled in the Gayle Wilson's Award of Excellance Contest in the Inspirational Category.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor
Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA February 2007 Newsletter

2007-02-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

February 2007 Program
Saturday, February 17th 1:00

Are book marks enough? What about pens with your name on them? Do you need a billboard with the cover of your latest book? What does it take to get your name out there to sell more books?

This month we have the privilege to get inside the head of Sherry Rowland of Two Sisters Promotions. She'll inform us of some of the best ideas and solutions for author promotion.

Sherry Rowland and Kristen McClish are publicists specializing in author promotions. Two Sisters Promotions has offices in Oklahoma and Texas and both locations are currently accepting new clients.

They offer a variety of options that make their services affordable to both the new author with their first contract as well as the established, best selling author who wishes to take their exposure to the next level.

Prior to the meeting, Sherry and Kristen will be attending a brainstorming session for anyone interested in exploring new and innovative ways to promote your work. If you have ideas that work, or are a seasoned professional with thoughts to share, or if you just want to discuss the topic, please join us at 11:00am. And bring a brown bag lunch. Anyone can attend. It doesn't matter if you're published or not. We'd love the collaboration.

We will be meeting at Belle Isle Library. For directions, you can visit the library's web site. In the lower section of the left-hand column, you will see several links concerning directions. The Belle Isle Library is at the corner of Northwest Expressway and Villa.

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

A chilly hello to all,

No, not mad just cold and a little crazy… while chill bumps are fun when reading a book, they are getting darn old at my house. One would think that being snowed in for a week and other sporadic days would be a wonderful thing for a writer. Well in my world it just doesn’t work that way. One husband, two grandchildren, and one very large dog, equals a big negative for creativity.

While it is still as cold as a well digger’s knee (my grandmother’s saying) there is hope on the horizon. Kids will play outside, husbands will work consistently and women will write from their heart everyday. See I told you I was going a little crazy. I hope all of you enjoyed your winter vacation and got a lot of work done.

Our meeting in February promises to be a great one. Our speakers have made themselves available for a brainstorming session at 11:00 a.m. Everyone please bring your lunch and join us for this great opportunity to share ideas on author promotion.

See you at the meeting,

Vicki

New Releases

Fever-Hot Dreams – Jaci Burton

Since her husband Jack left her five years ago, Kate has done nothing but dwell on the anger and feelings of betrayal, vowing to forget their twenty-year marriage and move on. But she can't. She dreams about him every night. Dreams of his smile, his touch, the way he used to look at her and the way he made love to her. Her body responds as if he's really there, but in the harsh light of morning she knows that she's living in the past and needs to let go.

When Jack suddenly returns without explanation of where he's been or why he left, Kate fights the attraction that still smolders between them. Determined to win her back at all costs, Jack reminds her of the passion they shared, when every touch, every look, every word sent her soaring into heights of ecstasy. It's like a dream she can't wake up from, a trip to the past when life with Jack was wonderful. But the past is over and Kate is determined not to live in dreams any longer, even if that means she has to face reality and live without the man she's loved all her life.

Sex, Lies and Vampires - Myla Jackson

Night shift emergency room nurse, Julie Taylor is on the verge of a great love affair and steamy sex after a really long dry spell. Her soon-to-be lover, Roger, is everything a girl could wish for. Tough cop, sexy as hell man and really nice guy, he's her dream come true. But with both of them working wacky shifts, they never find time to be together and her long dry spell is only getting longer. Just when they schedule a night off together, the unthinkable happens. Julie is attacked by a vampire and turned into one of the living dead. With her life over, she's still unwilling to end her sex life. But how do you tell your boyfriend you're dead and one of the bad guys he's sworn to destroy?

Roger Decker dared to love again after his lying, cheating ex-wife fooled around on him left him for another guy. The incredibly honest, sweet and sexy Julie is the only woman who's been able to sneak beneath his armor and resuscitate his heart. Now, when he finally has the time off to tell her how he feels, weird things happen. Strange creatures appear in the night, targeting his newfound love. Does his sweet and loveable Julie have a dark side? Is she like every other woman and lying to him? And why does she totally avoid him during the daytime?

Night Whispers - Myla Jackson

Tempting by Myla Jackson Sisters and elite members of the Paranormal Investigative Agency (PIA) use themselves as bait to discover who's kidnapping young women. When one of the sisters disappears, the other turns to a vampire, a breed she's sworn to kill, for help. Sanctuary by Delilah Devlin In the post-Apocalyptic future, a woman rancher runs a last refuge for human survivors of a nuclear winter in West Texas. When the security of the sanctuary is breached, she must place her trust in one of the creatures freed by perpetual darkness. Dark Heat by Leigh Wyndfield When healer Caelan angers her King, she's thrown into prison where she bargains her body to a warrior. Their special powers unite, turning lust into something unforeseen. Soon they are forced to choose between freedom and their growing love. Awakening by Vivi Anna Branlyn has been having sensual, hot dreams about a stranger with blond hair and pale eyes. He awakens not just her body but also her memories of her childhood home and the horrible tragedy she witnessed there. After fifteen years of running, it is time to go back to face her past. When she returns, she finds not only her dream man waiting for her in flesh and blood, but a dark seductive power that wants to possess her body.

Hitting the Mark - Jill Monroe

With grifters hanging from every branch of her family tree, Danni Ford was trying to do the impossible--play it straight. Until an undercover G-man played her with a few tricks of his own…

The tip-off should have been the way Eric's gaze met hers only when they talked dirty.

So Eric was using her to trap her shady relatives. He was still off-the-charts sexy--why shouldn't she get something pleasurable from this con…?

Danni's revenge is going to be very, very sweet…and it will start with tying up her FBI agent boyfriend con man to get to the truth. Before he discovers her secrets first!

Redemption – Keira Ramsay
Mild-mannered librarian Brenna Kennedy has spent most of her life guarding a book of lore she’s pretty sure is a family joke, for a species she’s been raised to loathe.

Corporate bodyguard and Terran Protector Donovan Callahan has seen it all—done it twice. It’s 1989. Hurricane Hugo. Tiananmen Square. Exxon Valdez. Loma Prieta earthquake.

The Earth is rapidly going to hell—and these two hold the only key to its salvation.

The Nimph King - Gena Showalter

Females young and old, beautiful and plain crave Valerian's touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure…until he steals Shaye Holling from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.

The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she's inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior's arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire…

Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there's one thing Shaye doesn't know.…

That when a nymph discovers his true mate, she's his for life.

USA Today bestselling author J.R. Ward
"A world of myth, mayhem and love under the sea!"

Ralphie’s Wives - Christine Rimmer

Ralphie Styles had a way with women—lots of women.
Country-singer-turned-bartender Phoebe Jacks ought to know—she'd been married to him—before he'd moved on to her best friend. And then her other best friend. But you just couldn't stay mad at Ralphie.
Or could you? When he's killed in a suspicious hit-and-run, pregnant wife #4 is suddenly a widow—and a suspect. It's up to Ralphie's best friend from out of town, P.I. Rio Navarro, and Phoebe to see that the old charmer's killer is brought to justice. But Ralphie never mentioned his pal Rio was so attractive—or that he might just be the stand-up guy Ralphie never could be....

Member News

Linda Goodnight agreed with Love Inspired to write a promotional novella for to be inserted into women's magazines this summer. She also contracted with Harlequin Romance to be part of an author-generated series titled, The Wedding Planners.

Elle James is happy to announce her Aug 2006 Harlequin Intrigue Dakota Meltdown was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award for bet Harlequin Intrigue.

2006 Romantic Times Nominees

"Career Achievement Award"—Janis Reams Hudson, Series Storyteller of the Year

Best of 2006

Janis Reams Hudson—Silhouette Special Edition, Finding Nick
Linda Goodnight—Harlequin Romance, Married Under The Mistletoe

Darlene Graham—Harlequin SuperRomance, Lone Star Diary

Kiera Ramsey—Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Erotic, Liquid Silver Books

Laura Marie Altom—Harlequin American,Daddy Daycare

Top Pick for March—Linda Goodnight, Love Inspired, Top Pick for March—A Touch Of Grace.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these fantastic achievements.

*********

From the Editor

Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to Debbie Behrens at Debehrs@aol.com.

OKRWA January 2007 Newsletter

2006-12-30T07:54:00.000-08:00

From The Prez: Vicki Hudoba

Cheers to all! My cyber toast: May we all find our own way to say goodbye to 2006 and happily embrace the joys and challenges of 2007. I am much honored that one of my challenges this year is to serve as president of our fine group. Thank you for your confidence and your support.

I’ve always had a tendency to dive in head first and hope I can doggy paddle until I catch my breath. I know that Deb Behrens will throw me a life preserver if need be. I look forward to working with the new board to preserve and persevere to keep OKRWA on its upward spiral to success.

The coming year promises to be full of information, fun, laughter, hard work, camaraderie and maybe just a little bit of mischief. I for one can’t wait.

See you at the meeting,
Vicki

January 2007 Program
Saturday, January 20th 1:00

RESEARCH AND RESOURCES
Why You Can't Burn Your Corset
What did women wear to bed in the 17th century? What is the first step for conducting a crime scene investigation? What poisons were commonly available in Venice in 672 AD? Research gives us these answers, but sometimes finding the right or most reliable resource is daunting. Join us for a group discussion of the best and most favorite resources from our OKRWA members. Bring your own favorites and share with others as well.

In January, we will be meeting at Belle Isle Library instead of Penn Square Mall. For directions, you can visit the library's web site. In the lower section of the left-hand column, you will see several links concerning directions. This location is near Penn Square Mall, just down the road from Border's Books.

New Releases

Her Military Man – Laura Marie Altom

Constance Price, aka Miss Manners, is at her wit's end. Thanks to less-than-stellar ratings on her daily radio show, her boss is demanding a turnaround--fast! And that means asking Garret Underwood--her biggest critic and past love--to join her. Whenever the navy SEAL calls in, her ratings skyrocket! There's no way Connie can ask him to help. Or can she?

Garret's in town only temporarily and is "willing" to give Connie a hand. As much as she needs him, Connie plans to keep him at an emotional distance. Keeping him away from her ten-year-old daughter, on the other hand, won't be easy. But how can she tell the man she once loved he's the father of her child?

Surviving Demon Island - Jaci Burton

What's America's top female action star doing on a tropical island shrouded in secrecy? To Gina Bliss, competing in a survival-type reality show is a nice change from fending off on-screen villains. Until she meets real-life action hero Derek Marks. A survival specialist in a tight black T and sexy stubble, he's arousing every bad-boy fantasy she's ever had...and testing her survival skills to the max.

Martial arts, jungle warfare - Derek's done it all. But his latest mission is more dangerous than a stick of dynamite. Try telling that to the sexy, adrenaline-pumped actress who's got his libido racing off the charts. As the heat rises between them and real-life violence erupts, suddenly Derek and Gina are on the run...and when they uncover a secret so explosive it could blow the lid of their so-called reality show, these two unlikely heroes are about to discover what surviving's really about....

To Love a Texan – Georgina Gentry

A WOMAN WITH A WILL
Miss Lillian Primm is beyond weary of polishing the manners of Boston's young ladies, so when she inherits half ownership of a "hotel" in Fort Floppett, Texas, she eagerly heads out West—only to discover that The Texas Lily is no less than a house of ill repute!

A MAN WITH A PLAN
Bradley O'Neal doesn't intend to change a thing about The Texas Lily, least of all the lovely ladies who keep customers coming back for more. It won't be the first time he turns on the charm to get his way—and discovering what lies behind Miss Primm's proper facade is a game too tempting to pass up . . .

A MATCH MADE IN THE WILD WEST
Now, as the straitlaced schoolmarm faces off against the shrewdest gambler in the Lonestar State, let the winner take all . . .

Heart of the Amazon – Margaret Daley

There was no way her brother was dead. Officials claimed the biochemist had been murdered in the Brazilian rainforest, his body fallen prey to the mists of the jungle. But Kate Collier knew Zach and couldn't leave it at that; Zach was all she had left.

Tall, dark and mysterious, A. C. Slader had a past that was as turbulent as the Amazon River. Yet he was the only one who could guide her on a journey from which many never returned. A journey that would stretch the limits of their faith in God and each other.

2007 New Release List

Member News

Madelaine Culp, who placed second with her manuscript, My Lord’s Doxy, in the 2006 Golden Rose Contest, received this wonderful rejection letter from Hilary Sares at Kenningston.

Dear Madelaine Culp: Thanks very much for the look at
MY LORD'S DOXY--I thought this Regency romance was
lively and original and truly charming,but we're not doing
historical like this anymore. I really hope you find a
publisher because this is a terrific book. Thanks again.

Georgina Gentry has just been notified that the French rights for To Tease A Texan, have just been sold as well as the Portuguese rights for To Tempt A Texan.

Willie Ferguson won the 2006 Where the Magic Begins Contest with her manuscript Colorado Cowboy and has a request for a partial from Kathleen Scheibling of HQ American.

PC Cast and Gena Showalter have been notified that the Mysteria anthology has been optioned by Sony TV for a cable mini-series. Gena and PC both have novellas in the anthology. In addition, they’ve signed for a Mysteria II, due to be released in July 2008.

Please join us in congratulating our members on these accomplishments.

*********

From the Editor
I want to thank Rinda Elliott for creating and designing this wonderful newsletter. Taking on the task willingly, she has made the OK Corral Newsletter a monthly need-to-read item.

For my first newsletter, I’ve only included the basics. In the future, I hope to make it as entertaining and informative as Rinda has this past year.

Debbie Behrens

Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc. to me at Debehrs@aol.com .

OKRWA December 2006 Newsletter

2006-12-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays From the Members of OKRWA!

From The Prez: Deborah Behrens:

It seems like only yesterday I took office, boy does time fly when you’re having fun. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about being the one chosen to represent this wonderful group of writers. It was a decision I will never regret. You’ve all been so gracious throughout the year. I’m definitely going to miss being your Prez, you’ve made it seem like such an easy task. Even though I hate to say goodbye, you’ll soon have Vicki as your new President and a whole new slate of wonderful officers to make feel at home. I know you’ll be as helpful to them as you have been to me. I don’t have much else to say this month other than I love you, Outlaws, and I can’t wait to see you all at the Christmas party!

Deb

December 2006 Program:

Christmas party at Donnell's! It's pot luck, so bring something yummy. We also play Dirty Santa, so bring one of your favorite books to share-- Unwrapped. Looking forward to seeing everyone there! Directions are posted on the loop-- email directly for directions if you missed them.

Saturday, December 16th 1:00

New Releases:

Lakota Baby by Elle James

"Cooperate or you'll never see your son again."

Someone wanted tribal police chief Joe Lonewolf's attention, and now they had it. He had returned from war to learn he had a son--by Maggie Brandt, the woman he had never stopped loving but had forced himself to forget. If only it were so easy… Now they had only three days and each other--and nothing would stop them from rescuing their infant child.

Their frantic search soon unearthed deadly corruption in the South Dakota community--and old desires. With tensions rising on the reservation, the proud Lakota sought justice and found a kindred spirit in Maggie. He would need her courage if he was ever to set eyes on his beautiful baby boy.

A Season for Grace by Linda Goodnight

The moment they met, social worker Mia Carano knew Officer Collin Grace was the perfect mentor for a runaway teen in her care. After all, the boy looked up to him, and desperately needed a role model.

Though a childhood spent in foster care had hardened Collin, Mia would reveal the caring man she knew was inside. After all, breaking through his gruff exterior would fulfill a boy's Christmas wish…and maybe even her own.

Divine By Choice by P.C. Cast

After being mistaken for a goddess in the mythic world of Partholon, high school English teacher Shannon Parker settled in. She adores her sexy centaur husband, is getting used to her connection to the powerful goddess Epona and thoroughly enjoys the pampering from both! All is looking very right in her world…until she is wrenched from Partholon and sent back to Oklahoma.

As she struggles to return to the world and the husband she loves, Shannon discovers she is not alone.

A great evil has followed her. Now more than just Shannon's future is at stake, and she needs to somehow tap into our world's dormant magic. Her only ally is her husband's mirror image in Oklahoma--a man who loves her too much. Shannon must figure out a way to vanquish the ancient evil and not lose her life, her soul or her heart.

Along the way she discovers that being divine by mistake is a lot easier than being divine by choice….

Five Tips Keeping the Pace in Your Fiction
By Stacy Verdick Case

Eliminate Repetitiveness - Writers want to make sure the reader understands what’s happening in the story. Then make sure what you wrote was clear the first time, instead of slowing the pace by repeating yourself.

Rambling Man - Moving characters from one place to another, can slow the pace of a story. If one scene is in the living room and the next dramatic scene is in a grocery store, the reader doesn’t need to follow the character into the garage, out the driveway, past the church at the end of the block, waving to Mrs. Johnson – You see my point here, right? If there isn’t a horrendous collision that sends your character into a coma, ala soap writing 101, somewhere on the way to the store your reader will lose interest. End the scene in the living room, add an extra line and then begin the scene at the store.

A Whole Lot of Thinking Going On - If your character is having a problem with indecision don’t let them sit around thinking. Get their problems out of their head and into dialog. Better yet, add a scene that shows the characters indecision through their action or inaction.
DANGER, DANGER! – Is your character in enough danger from one chapter to the next? Danger can take many different forms. The easiest and most obvious is the physical danger. Don’t forget to use emotional danger. You as the writer have a moral responsibility to torture these characters as much as you can. Pile on the emotional danger along with the physical and see where that leads you.

The next step is a doozy! - Is your protagonist’s goal clear and are they taking a step closer in each chapter? Think of your story as a rollercoaster. Without the slow climb toward the giant hill and killer loops, the ride wouldn’t be as satisfying. Don’t deprive your reader. Notch them up the hill slowly but make sure each chapter is another step up and not a plateau.

Stacy Verdick Case is the owner of idothewritething.com a store that offers quality custom designed products for writers of all genres. Stacy invites you to visit her store and sign up for her free monthly ezine that offers writing tips to help keep you on track.

Stacy also has a lens http://www.squidoo.com/cafepress/thewritething where she offers free tips and tequniques and a blog http://idothewritethingcom-blogspot.blogspot.com/ where other writers can share their opinions about writing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacy_Verdick_Case

Member News:

Lynne Murphy aka Georgina Gentry , spoke at the November meeting of the Tulsa Nightwriters on the subject: "The Two Qualities Every Successful Writer Must Have."

Alice Clary won first place in the Emerald City Opener contest with her paranormal 'Tin Man' and agent Barbara Rosenburg requested a partial. She also won first place in the Writer's Voice contest with the same book and Chris Keeslar with Dorchester requested the full.

From the Editor:

I've enjoyed my term as newsletter editor and am handing over the reigns to Deborah Behrens who will be taking over in the new year. Please, send all member news, new releases, writing articles, etc to her at Debehrs@aol.com . Have a wonderful holiday season!

Rinda Elliott
http://relliott4.wordpress.com

OKRWA November 2006 Newsletter

2006-11-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

From the Prez: Deborah Behrens:

What Happened To My Creativity?
It Was There a Minute Ago.

Have any of you ever experienced a dry spell? A week, a month, a year, when your ideas didn’t flow? I’ve recently come out of one that lasted somewhere between a month and a year. It wasn’t totally dry, I did start a new story, but the one I’d been working on totally stalled on me. Here I was one hundred pages into this manuscript and I was stumped. I had no direction, the plot suddenly seemed inadequate, and my characters were using frivolous dialogue.

I tried all of my creative places, the shower, the car, the backyard—absolutely nothin’, not a tingle of creativity was lurking in my brain. I didn’t know what to do. Had this passion of mine come to an abrupt end?

I think, maybe, my life was too crowded. I had so much to do with my job, my kids, and my house that I was forcing myself to write. Not stealing time as I used to. Writing had become a chore, not a pleasure and I didn’t like that one bit. I used to daydream a lot and when I became so busy, I put that on the back-burner with a lot of other things. I needed to find a way to put my mind back into daydream mode.

So what did I do? I let my stalled manuscript sit, collecting dust, while I went back and edited a previous manuscript, one chapter at a time. When I wasn’t doing that, I read everything in sight. You know how we writers collect books, I had one or two hundred that I hadn’t read hanging around the house.

And then my miracle came. One morning I woke up and there it was again. My stalled story was vivid in my mind and I knew where it was going again.

I consider my writing a gift, something I cherish. I’m going to do my best never to put it on the back-burner again.

Deb

November 2006 Program:

O’Henry and his Twist…

In November, the OK RWA Outlaws are pleased to feature one of their own--award winning, best selling historical author Georgina Gentry. She will be speaking on the topic of plotting and specifically, the O’Henry Twist. Ms. Gentry has won numerous honors, including two Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Join us for a little ‘out of the box’ plotting--Georgina style.

Georgina Gentry is a former Ford Foundation elementary school teacher and a charter member of OK-RWA.

Her first book sale in 1985 became the lead title in the launch of the new Zebra Heartfire line in February, 1987. She has published 26 long historical romance novels, plus four novelettes for both Zebra and Topaz. She has two more books to write on her present contract.

Her books have been published in six languages and in hardcover as Doubleday Alternate bookclub selections, large print for Thorndike and hardcover Rhapsody Bookclub. She has made the bestseller lists at: Waldenbooks, B. Dalton's, K-Mart, and Readers' Market.Her awards include gold and silver pens from Affaire de Couer, and six awards from Romantic Times, ,including two Lifetime Achievments and two back to back Best Western Romance of the Year awards.

Trained by Louie L'Amour's mentors, professors Foster Harris and Dwight Swain, Georgina has judged both Rita and Golden Heart contests, spoken at a number of writer's clubs across the country and has conducted workshops at six national RWA conventions.

Location: Penn Square Mall
Time: 1:00 pm

November 2005 Spotlight Article (Greater Vancouver RWA)
Plotting
by Judy Jackson

Everything in my life feels more comfortable if I have a plan. And that includes writing. Pre-planning the plot doesn’t have to feel like a straight-jacket. Some people look at a plot outline as a skeleton on which to hang their story – for me it’s more like a map. Maps don’t tie you down to traveling in only one direction; getting lost leads to many unexpected adventures.

When first writing out your plot, no matter what outline format you use, you’ll have lots of ideas for scenes of character development or story action – use the strongest or the most meaningful or the most emotional for readers.

For me, story ideas start with a character facing trouble or a difficult situation or an unusual setting. I love to brainstorm my plots, either with other writers or alone, focusing on characters or events – or both together.

If I begin with characters I wonder: Who is she? Why is she in trouble or danger? Why is she worried? Who caused the trouble or danger or worry? What will happen if she wins/loses? How will she be changed?

If I begin with events I wonder: Where is it happening? What caused the situation? What’s at risk? What type of person would be in this position or place? Who would be most out of place? The characters and the plot need to fit together; the reader has to believe that these people could possibly end up in that situation.

Then I figure out the goal for one of the two main characters – and why they can’t achieve that goal. I find out why their goal becomes a quest they can’t abandon. I ponder the one person who makes that quest difficult or impossible. Then I figure out the second person’s goal and how it conflicts with the first person’s quest. Their goals should be in opposition: In stronger stories both characters have internal and external goals – and when both goals conflict on both levels you’ll get high tension scenes.

Then I work out scenes where the two protagonists struggle to fulfill both of their goals… or not. I try to have the characters’ good qualities and flaws mirror each other which can cause each of them to act / react…which creates plot.

At this point I start stream of consciousness writing – filling 10 to 30 pages. It’s a jumble of ideas in point form, bits of dialogue, a phrase or two of setting and description. Thoughts pour out, jumbled together in little or no order, and I don’t fret about where or how they’ll fit together. This bit of writing would probably make little or no sense to anyone else.

At this point I start collecting pictures of my story’s people, settings, and totem objects.
Then I start writing another version of my story, expanding the outline and notes into partial scenes, leaving the occasional idea as a notation if I don’t know how to flesh it out or I’m not sure where, or if, it belongs. At this point my synopsis can be 50 to 60 pages long. Occasionally it’s longer.

Then I start digging deep into my characters’ goals and motivations. I search for the emotions that are driving their quests - the secret, often subconscious, reasons their heart and mind won’t allow this quest to be abandoned or ignored. I search for the real instigator – the one event or factor that set them on this path. This helps me create plot events that put them at the most emotional risk. I try to ensure that every scene, especially the story opening, shows (or hints at) their personality and purpose.

There are many different methods for digging into character motivation. I don’t use the same method for every book or even every character in one book. But I dig until I feel that spark that brings the hero and heroine alive for me.

Joan Kilby says: “Individuals behave in certain ways because of who they are. The choices they make under pressure and the consequences of their actions determine the plot. Without conflict there is no plot.”

Build every scene around an irrevocable event that changes the plot. Try to ensure that every scene advances external or internal plot, increases tension, reveals character growth or shows new aspects of character. A scene should do more than one of those. The most powerful scenes do them all.

Scenes of high and low tension determine pacing. A series of high tension scenes could be boring if they’re not mingled with slower moments where the readers and the characters can catch their breath. When plotting the scene content, consider which POV gives each scene more punch. Figure out which character has more at stake in the scene’s outcome and make them the POV character.

Alicia Rasley says: “Protagonist’s actions and reactions are the driving force of the plot, and this causes events which change him/her in some way. What are they willing to do for their goal? What are they unwilling to do?”

Each plot needs 2 - 4 major turning points. A turning point is a major event that changes the course of the plot and the protagonists must act or react. Each turning point should re-direct a character’s goals or the story action or increase a character’s risk or the scene tension

Use cause and effect in plotting. Your main character(s) should save their world or devastate it. In classic storytelling the characters’ flaws can cause their own destruction and they must learn to control that character flaw or change it. Perhaps a character’s strength can lead to their ruin. Static characters are boring; unless they change and grow the plot will be weak.

Find ways to have external events cause internal change. Then make the internal change cause new external events.

I try to create an outline that shows:

• the ‘hook’ or set-up
• their external and internal problems
• turning points• developing subplot(s)
• the rising conflict and increasing stakes
• the crisis or black moment
• the climax
• the resolution

I mention events where the hero and heroine (and villain, if there is one) interact, decide, confront, learn, realize or recognize. Show how each event causes the next event.

And that’s why I have such a hard time writing short synopses.

For me, plot relies on character goal and motivation - and pacing is part of plot and influenced by character.

If I have a map I don’t fret about where the story is going. If I have a plan for the book, I experience more joy in the writing and the words.

Plotting Resources

The following list is not comprehensive by any means. Lots of information is available in books and on the net. Teresa Eckford provided some of the websites listed below.

WEBSITES:

The RWA® website www.rwanational.org has archived many RWR articles at and the following can be found under Members Only / craft / plotting:

Patrice Cassedy and Stuart Voytilla
JOURNEYS OF THE HEART - USING MYTHIC STRUCTURE TOCREATE BETTER ROMANCES

Susan WiggsRIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: HOW REAL LIFE CAN INFORMYOUR STORY

Irene GoodmanFOURTEEN SURE-FIRE ROMANCE PLOTS

Debra Dixon and Jill Marie LandisTHE HERO’S JOURNEY—A ROAD MAP

Libby SternbergPROLOGUES AND EPILOGUES: LITERARY BOOKENDS

Eloisa JamesPLOTTING IN THE WILD

Alicia Rasley has many excellent writing articles on her website, some on plotting:
CHARACTER <-> PLOT COHERENCE
STARTING SMALL AND BUILDING PLOT
THE THREE ACTS: MAJOR TURNING POINTS
THIRTEEN PRIME PLOT PRINCIPLES
PLOTTING WITHOUT FEARS

Adrianne LeePLOTTING CONFLICT: (includes internal and external conflict plot plan) “Conflict makes story”

Sarah SmithHOW TO PLOT WHEN YOU CAN’T

Carolyn Jewelfor writers / craft / miscellaneous important stuff / plottingPLOT - WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO I GET ONE?

Karleen BradfordOUTLINES: THINK OF A SKELETON, NOT A CAGEPLOTTING THE STORY

Lee MastersonPLOTTING YOUR NOVEL

JoAnn RossEXTERNAL VS INTERNAL CONFLICT

Stella CameronPLOTTING YOUR NOVEL

Tina St JohnPLOT: TURNING IDEAS INTO BOOKS

Lisa GardnerPLOTTING THE NOVEL: OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REAL REASON WRITERS ARE NEUROTIC

Deborah Halewriting tips/archived articles in left columnFORGING PLOT CHAINSPROBLEM/SOLUTION CHAINS: A SOLUTION FOR PLOTTINGPROBLEMS

Karen HarbaughPLOTTING AND CHARACTERIZATION WITH ARCHETYPES AND FAIRY TALES

Joan KilbyTRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY: ADDING DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY TO YOUR STORY THROUGH CHARACTER AND PLOT

BOOKS:

Dwight V. SwainTECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER

Christopher VoglerTHE WRITER’S JOURNEY: MYTHIC STRUCTURE FOR STORYTELLERS AND SCREENWRITERS

Debra DixonGMC: GOAL, MOTIVATION AND CONFLICT

Pam McCutcheon and Michael WaiteTHE WRITER’S BRAINSTORMING KIT: THINKING IN NEW DIRECTIONS

Vanessa GrantWRITING ROMANCESelf Counsel Press

Nancy KressBEGINNINGS, MIDDLES & ENDSWriters Digest Books

Alicia RasleyTHE STORY WITHIN GUIDEBOOKInteractive guidebook to plotting popular fiction

Karen S. WiesnerFIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS

(Judy Jackson is a member of RWA®-Greater Vancouver Chapter.
Articles may be reprinted in RWA® chapter newsletters, attributed to the Spotlight. Non-RWA® newsletters may not reprint articles without the permission of the authors.)

(Editor's note: One or two of the links no longer work, but I decided to go ahead and reprint this article because the majority do and it's a great list. )

New Releases:

Married Under the Mistletoe by Linda Goodnight

MARRIED UNDER THE MISTLETOE tells the story of wild and rugged Daniel Stephens, illegitimate son John Valentine, and tormented American beauty Stephanie Ellison, manager of the Valentines' financially troubled Knightsbridge restaurant. When fate (and family) tosses them together in the same apartment, both Daniel and Stephanie must decide which is more important: continuing to seek refuge behind their painful pasts or taking a chance on the love and healing they both need so badly.

Closer Encounters by Merline Lovelace

To Drew "The Riever" McDowell, this seemed like a fairly straightforward assignment: track down Tracy Brandt and find out her connection to a top secret mission. But when Drew finds her, he realizes Tracy has a mission of her own--solving the sixty-year-old murder of Trixie Halston, a mysterious, mesmerizing singer of the 1940s. In fact, Tracy's obsession with Trixie goes beyond interest--at times she actually seems to become Trixie. She goes from demure but contemporary woman to the brazen big band singer on a dime.

And the scary thing is--Drew is falling hard. For both of them…

Member News:

Linda Goodnight's November release from Harlequin Romance, MARRIED UNDER THE MISTLETOE received 4 1/2 stars and a Top Pick from Romantic Times. The review called the book "intense" and "a powerful character study with a lovely romance..".

Sharon Sala 's book NINE LIVES debuted at #90 on the USA Today list and will be #24 on the NYT extended list.

Editor's Note:

I would love to see all member news! Contest finals, wins, contracts, new releases, finished manuscripts,etc... If you have an article to share, it is more than welcome. If you have a new release, forward the blurb along with your website to me. Please email your news or articles to me by the 1st of the month to get it into the newsletter. Thanks! RElliott4@aol.com

OKRWA October 2006 Newsletter

2006-10-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from the Outlaws!

From the Prez, Deborah Behrens:

The Bait, the Hook, the Catch
A Recap of Christie Ridgway’s Workshop at RWA Nationals 2006

The Bait—the very beginning
First 2 pages are the most important

Where do you start a story?
· The moment when the trouble begins
· The moment things go a rye for your character
· The moment when they don’t know how to return things to normal.
· The moment of change.
· That breath before the journey begins.

Ask yourself what creates the need for the character arc?
The positive move in becoming a better person is not about love, it’s about character change. The reward is love
This doesn’t necessarily mean you go from bad to good

The potential pitfalls of prologues
· They are often back-story. Can you find a way to show it in the present?
· Don’t use flashbacks. Readers are interested in how the character is affected today not in the past
· Consider using a real time inciting incident
· Show through actions not through memory

If you choose to do them—do them carefully

You don’t have to reveal everything in the beginning, save some things for later
· Past event that had shaped him or her–that requires change or transformation
· Screenwriter Michael Hauge calls it the killer share—the moment where the character tells someone else his pain during the course of the book

The inciting incident
· Murder
· New chance at life
· First man she ever wanted to see again
· Heroine tells best friend she’s pregnant by the husband who just left her
· Heroine is forced to marry someone
· A question that needs to be answered
· Vivid exciting physical situation

There is need to restore balance. The steps to achieve that balance become your story

Robert McKee says, “This incident should be dynamic, fully developed, not vague or static.”

Never forget who your audience is…Different beginnings work for different kinds of fiction

First lines

Intrigue factor—is there a moment that makes us wonder what’s going to happen first?
Make each sentence captivating

Ask your critique group to read your first page. Is your opening sentence in the first paragraph, but not the first sentence?

If you can make each sentence of your first two pages that portray your inciting incident captivating, then you have your bait

Setting the Hook
You must make the reader care about the people involved
You must make the reader identify with them. Like stepping in a puddle on the way to a first date or running into an old flame
What about this character is like the reader
You need some sort of realism—vulnerability

5 ways to create reader identification
Create Sympathy—make the hero/heroine the recipient of undo tragedy—bad circumstances
Put your characters in jeopardy—even the danger of humiliation
Show a character as good or kind-hearted
We also identify with characters who make us laugh
Make your character powerful—superpower, beauty

Make your readers care about them through characterization
Use two of five techniques in the first ten percent of the story

4 ways to give dimension to stereotypes.
Philosophy—what the character believes in—core values. Family first, my word is golden…etc
Attitude—the way the character approaches life. Are they cynical, happy-go-lucky or down right optimistic? Tell the reader this as soon as you can
Decisions—real people don’t just react, they weigh choices and decide how to act. If a decision is easy there is no conflict and nothing for the reader to get involved in
Emotional Response—why does something affect a character? Does it remind them of something? Here is where you can use your deep POV

Other techniques in openings:
Telescoping—start with a wide angle lens then keep zooming until you get into the characters skin
Use an article –newspaper, tabloid, etc. To tell the reader about your character

The Catch—reeling the reader into the rest of the story

The catch is about conflict and you must get it on the page
Hint what the characters goal is—the character may not have any idea how they’re going to get their balance back, but there must be a visible goal

You must have visible, measurable Goals

4 types of goals:
· Win something
· Stop something
· Retrieve something
· Escape something

Darkest moment of the book is usually the opposite of the goal

What’s getting in the way? Make sure you have obstacles
Show sense of obstacles in the way of the goal

Go on an inner journey
Find one’s destiny
To be fulfilled
Need to achieve self-worth
Need to feel better about one’s self
Fully realize who one is

They’re all really about identity
Your character must grow

Always looking for ways to give the reader
More to measure
More to worry about
More reasons to turn those pages

The last line of chapter one should make you want to read more, just as the first line of chapter one did

Check Your Work:
Read just the first chapter of 3 or 4 books and look for what the author has hinted at. What’s spelled out. What’s revealed as far as the character’s goals and inner journeys

Then read your first chapter and see what’s lacking

Remember what Carrie Feron, Vice President and Editorial Director of Avon Books, said, “You have two pages. Work hard on them, so they will work hard for you.”

That’s my take…Deb

October 2006 Program:

October is paranormal month and in keeping with that theme, OK RWA will host a Wicca speaker. Now, some of you may be thinking, “Wicca? I’ve got furniture made of that.” Au contraire, mon ami. We are talking about witches and their ritual practices.

Catherine Kerley is a member of the Chalice Council for Chalice Circle CUUPs—(Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) in Norman, OK. She’s been an active member since 1997. She is also a Reiki Master, a Quantum Touch Practitioner, and has been initiated as a First Degree Georgian, a long standing Wicca tradition.

Join us for a little mind bending experience and conjure up a plot or two.

Meeting room in Penn Square Mall
October 21, 2006
1:00 P.M.

Promotion News:

Cyn Marolt will be a debut author featured at KILLERYEAR.COM - Class of 2008. Check out their website at http://www.killeryear.com/. This is a great opportunity for author cross promotion, but there’s more.

The International Thriller Writers board of directors unanimously voted to adopt the debut authors of Killer Year, promote them at Thrillerfest each year, and offered a mentorship program too. Instead of the classmates asking for cover blurbs and reviews, ITW will ask for them. And each of the debut books will be reviewed by an ITW star and featured in the ITW Thriller Reader's Newsletter. Plus, an ITW author will mentor each debut author, guiding them through their baptism by fire into the publishing world.

Lee Child, Jeff Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, Gayle Lynds, David Morrell, Jim Rollins, Anne Frasier, Douglas Clegg, Duane Swierczynski, Cornelia Read, Harley Jane Kozak, Allison Brennan, Ken Bruen and Joe R. Lansdale have all signed on as mentors. (Each Killer Year author requested their mentors.)

In addition, ITW will sponsor a Killer Year breakfast at ThrillerFest where each of the debut novelists will be presented by his or her mentor to readers, reviewers and the press. After 2007, Killer Year will remain an ongoing program, with ITW welcoming a new class of debut novelists.

Cyn owes this opportunity to best-selling author Allison Brennan who got her hooked into Killer Year. After reading a contest entry for Cyn’s Crossing the Line, Allison made a point to reach out. She's generously slipped into an informal mentorship role, offering a cover quote as well.

Ten Writing Resources Every Fiction Writer Should Have on Their Bookshelf
By Stacy Verdick Case

The Career Novelist – Donald Maass
This book is a primer for anyone serious about pursuing a writing career. Covers everything from creation to publication.

GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict – Debra Dixon
If you don’t have this book, drop everything and get a copy. GMC is the building blocks of all good fiction and Deb Dixon shows you how to stack the blocks like an expert.

Story – Robert McKee
Technically, this book is for screenwriters, but it does a great job of breaking down all the elements of good story. This text uses movie examples, which makes the lessons accessible to everyone.

Self-Editing for the Fiction Writer: How to Edit Yourself Into Print – Browne and King
The self-editing book of choice because it covers what’s relevant to fiction writers, including redundancy, show vs. tell, POV, voice, and sophistication.

On Writing – Stephen King
Part memoir and part writing guide. Stephen King’s easy style and rich story telling ability makes this the non-manual, writing manual.

Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maass
Observations on what it takes to push the average writer into the stratosphere. Great tips on upping the ante in your own work.

Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell – Fisher
Every aspiring writer should read this book. Not every agent has your best interest at heart. Presents a real world case of what happens when writers ignore the warning signs.

Dojo Wisdom for Writers – Jennifer Lawler
A different approach to the “writers-life” book. Includes exercises to help overcome fears and blocks that might be holding you back.

The Synonym Finder – J.I. Rodale
Better than any thesaurus ever written.

Snoopy’s Guide to the Writing Life – Edited by Barnaby Conrad and Monte Schultz
This book is indispensable! Yes, it includes tips from some well-known authors, but its best asset is a good laugh. This business is tough, a little humor can help get through the rough spots.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stacy Verdick Case is the owner of idothewritething.com a store that offers quality custom designed products for writers of all genres. Stacy invites you to visit her store and sign up for her free monthly ezine that offers writing tips to help keep you on track.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacy_Verdick_Case

Editor's Note:

I would love to see all member news! Contest finals, wins, contracts, new releases, finished manuscripts,etc... If you have an article to share, it is more than welcome. If you have a new release, forward the blurb along with your website to me. Please email me by the 1st of the month to get it into the newsletter. Thanks! RElliott4@aol.com

OKRWA September 2006 Newsletter

2006-09-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

From the Prez, Deborah Behrens:

What Does an Agent Want?

What you really should be asking is—what do you want from an agent?
Editing skills?
Someone to handle the business of writing?
Someone to guide your career?
More of a personal relationship?

What’s important to you must be important to your agent.

Some questions to ask yourself when looking for an agent:
Do you need support and feedback?
Does their personality fit your needs?
Will this agent get the job done?
What deals are they making? (Not just for you, but for other authors too.)
Who are they representing?

Be clear about your goals—if they don’t know what you’re trying to achieve, they can’t help you achieve it.

Make sure your agent is your advocate—you don’t want someone representing you if they don’t love your work. They must have your best interests at heart.

Communication is the foundation between an author and an agent.
Are you comfortable with the way they communicate with you?
Are they listening to you?
Will they get back to you when you want them to?

Agents handle a lot of stuff. They can:
Help you decide whether to submit elsewhere
Find out where you check is
Handle cover art
Help you with changing editors if you need to
Get extended deadlines
Make sure your books are there at signings
Convince an editor your book is going to sell

Don’t be a toxic client
Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by saying things or acting in a way that could hurt your career.
Don’t get online ranting and raving about your publishers. Word always gets around.
Don’t use foul language

Never accept a deal without consulting your agent.

Whether you have an agent or not, you should always make sure you know all of the option clauses in your contract. You have to deliver the MS you promised to deliver. A publisher can either make you deliver or they can simply take your money back.

New York or Not?
E-mail is a very strong tool. Business is done this way daily.
Agents don’t go to lunch, they read and get deals done no matter where they are.

What should be most important to an author about an agent?
Sales history
Reputation—whether people regard them well along with how their peers regard them
Communication within the business
Whether they’re responsive or not

And finally—an agent should challenge you as a writer.

There you have it. This is my take on the Agent Panel workshop in Atlanta this year. I hope some of you can put it to good use.

Deb
___________
Avon FanLit
Submitted by Cyn Marolt

Beginning August 23rd, register on the Avon FanLit site and vote for the most compelling and intriguing Story Line posted by their editorial staff. Then on September 7th, the contest begins! Over a series of six weeks, fans can submit, rate, and discuss 3-page chapters based on the weekly Story Line.

At the end of each round, the chapter with the highest vote total wins and becomes part of the final e-book novella. The winning writer receives a special prize package and is profiled on AvonFanLit.com. Other players who participate by submitting or voting have the opportunity to win weekly prizes, such as gift cards and subscriptions.

Each week's winning chapter sets the stage for the following week's Story Line. When the new Story Line is posted, the process is repeated…until the novella is complete in week six.

Working with Carrie Feron, Avon's Editorial Director, and her editorial team, each week an Avon Romance author panel will review the 10 chapters with the highest vote total. Each author will give their "Author Pick Award" to a chapter. The award will be attached to the chapter and the chapter will earn 3 extra votes for the final voting round.

When you see the Author Pick Award, you know a bestselling author involved in the creative process has recommended the chapter. During the event, click on the award icons to see what the authors are thinking. Get real feedback on what works.

For more details, see Avon’s website at http://www.harpercollins.com/avonfanlit/index.asp or qoogle Avon FanLit.
____________
OKRWA September Meeting

Annual Retreat -
Members Only

For the annual retreat, September 16, the outlaws will trek way out west to Quartz Mountain Lodge at Lone Wolf, OK, where Mel Odom will corral the captive audience in his Odom Zone for a day amidst the magic at the mountain.

Continental breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. A boxed lunch will be provided.

For room reservations call: 1-580-563-2424 or 1-877-999-5567> Quartz Mountain Resort
Arts & Conference Center
22469 Lodge Road
Lone Wolf, OK 73655

Quartz Mountain September 2006 Retreat – OK RWA

~The Odom Zone~
Spend a Day with Fiction Author, Mel Odom

Continental Breakfast – 8:30 – 9:30 am – Served in the Meeting Room

Morning Session – World building – 9:30 – 11:45 am

How to get the most bang for their buck in researching historical & current worlds?
1) Reading Kids' books
2) Trolling the web
3) Buying the best books/DVDs on research subjects

How to create your fictional world?
1) How do you pick a time period to use as background?
2) How do you pick a culture to use as a backdrop?
3) How does geography influence a culture?
4) How does technology influence a culture?
5) How does magic influence a culture?

Lunch – Noon to 1:00 pm – Served in the Meeting Room
Afternoon Session – Writing for the Cross Genre Market – 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Writing the Cross-Genre
1) How do various genres work?
2) How suspense can blend any two genres?
3) How can good world building skills blur the lines between genres?

The Cross-Genre Market Place
4) What do readers of blended genres want?
5) Why do readers demand blended genres?
6) Why publishers are resistant to some blended genres?
Q & A with Mel 3:30 – 4:00 pm

Party Time!
________________

New Releases!!!

Married In Haste by Christine Rimmer

REPENT IN LEISURE?

Well, the wedding of Angie Dellazola and Brett Bravo may have seemed hasty. But in fact they’d know each other all their lives—and, as each of them was the appointed sole sane member of their respective families, what better way to ensure that they stay that way than to get married? Their marriage would be based on respect and common interests—none of that burning, all-consuming love that their family members seemed prone to….

And then, one week into their marriage, it hit both of them like a ton of bricks. Angie and Brett were wildly, madly, passionately in love—with each other! This was not the calm, collected marriage they’d counted on.

Well, the best-laid plans…

Divine By Mistake by P.C. Cast

Oklahoma high school teacher Shannon Parker gets pulled into a mythological world where she is mistaken for the Incarnate of the goddess Epona in the novel that began Cast’s epic fantasy series set in Partholon

Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter

Earth, Wind and Fire aren’t just a band anymore…

Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink, or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!

It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my grande mocha latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I’m waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells me 1) his name’s Rome Masters, 2) he’s a government agent and 3) I can control the four elements with a thought.

He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation that I am. . . because now he’s supposed to kill me. The only good news: I didn’t make this bed of trouble, but Rome sure seems to want me to lie in it. With him.

Read an excerpt
_______________

21 Rules for Writers
Submitted by Rinda Elliott

1. Have Faith – not cynicism.
2. Dare to Dream.
3. Take your mind off publication.
4. Write for joy.
5. Get the reader to turn the page.
6. Forget politics (let your real politics shine through).
7. Forget intellect.
8. Forget ego.
9. Be a beginner.
10. Accept change.
11. Don’t think your mind needs altering.
12. Don’t expect approval for telling the truth.
13. Use everything.
14. Remember that writing is dangerous if it’s any good.
15. Let sex (the body, the physical world) in!
16. Forget critics
17. Tell your truth, not the world’s.
18. Remember to be earth-bound.
19. Remember to be wild!
20. Write for the child (in yourself and others).
21. There are no rules.

________________
Member News:

P.C. Cast has signed a new two book contract with Berkley for Goddess Summoning Books #6 & 7.

Cyn Marolt 's No One Heard Her Scream is a finalist in the 2006 Golden Gateway Contest - From the Heart Romance Writers - in the Romantic Suspense category. Cyn Marolt's heroine from No One Heard Her Scream has been named a finalist in the 2006 Molly Contest's Unsinkable Heroine Award.

Ammanda McCabe won the Booksellers Best Awardfor Long Historical at RWA.

Alice Clarey's romantic suspense 'Nothing To Fear' took 3rd in the Sheila Contest and her paranormal MS 'Tin Man' is a finalist in the Molly Contest and the Emerald City Opener contest.

Kelli McBride had an essay on plagiarism published in THE POWER OF LANGUAGE, THE LANGUAGE OF POWER Composition Anthology (2nd ed), and she's been asked to write an article for the Oklahoma English Journal, published by the Oklahoma Council of Teachers of English (OCTE).

Georgina Gentry reports that the French rights to both To Tame A Texan and To Tempt a Texan have just been sold by her agent, Meredith Bernstein.
_________________
Editor's Note:

I would love to see all member news! Contest finals, wins, contracts, new releases, finished manuscripts,etc... If you have an article to share, it is more than welcome. If you have a new release, forward the blurb along with your website to me. Please email me by the 1st of the month to get it into the newsletter. Thanks! RElliott4@aol.com

OKRWA August 2006 Newsletter

2006-08-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

From The Prez, Deborah Behrens:

RWA Nationals in Atlanta. Wow, what an experience! Not only did I gain oodles of knowledge, I met people who live as close as Tulsa to as far away as Germany.

Wednesday, I got up bright and early to attend the president’s retreat and I’m so glad I did, it was very informative. Guest speaker, Bob Harris, CAE, spoke about RWA Board and Chapter Excellence. I learned how very lucky I am to be a part of OK-RWA. We seem to be one of the chapters who are doing things right. I want to thank all of you ladies who’ve made this happen over the years! We also had a great luncheon and I met some very nice ladies.

Thursday, my first workshop was given by our very own Sharon Sala. What a wealth of knowledge this woman contains, and her willingness to share always amazes me. Not to mention her hilarious chicken stories.

Next I went straight to see PC Cast with guest speaker Gena Showalter talking about teen voice. These two play off of each other so well they should put on a show for us someday. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter and after Gena left, PC kept us going with some of her teaching stories. Throughout all of the fun, I learned some things about content, pop references, and being accountable for what you write when writing for teens.

I have to say my next workshop, Crispy Critters, gave me a little more information than I needed to know about what happens to people after they die. Did you know that breast implants explode when a body is cremated? I guess this is why I never pursued a career in medical science.

Over the course of the week I went to many workshops and publisher spotlights for which I took extensive notes. If I can read my hurried writing, I’m planning on typing up a few summaries and either posting them in the files section of the loop or giving them to Rinda for future columns in our newsletter.

I hope everyone who attended this year had as wonderful a time as I did and for those of you who couldn’t make it, we’ll see you next year in Dallas!

Deb

August 2006 Program:

What’s In Store for August?

The August program for OK RWA will be the recap of the Romance Writers of America National Conference. The conference attendees will report on events they attended, market trends, and other interesting news. For those not able to attend the Atlanta Conference, this is the next best thing.

And this program will be the first time we are in our new location at Penn Square Mall. The mall is located on the north east corner of NW Expressway and Penn(sylvania) Avenue (with I-44 just east of it). In the JC Penney wing, our meeting room is on the lower level by the customer service center. Someone there should be able to direct you to the room.

We plan to celebrate our solidarity by taking a group shot for the web page, so bring your best cowboy hat and come join us.

Saturday, August 19th at 1:00 p.m.

The Dreaded Synopsis or
“They want it in how many pages?”
By Cyn Marolt – www.cynmarolt.com

First off, my qualifier—this is only one way to write a synopsis. It works for me. Please don’t construe my points as THE definitive rules on how to write one. That said, here goes:

For the first paragraph or two, I create a synopsis brief, with the emphasis on BRIEF. Describe your story (without using character names) in an intriguing fashion, like a short book jacket blurb. Show the main character(s), the conflict, and what’s at stake. Get this right and you can use it for a website story brief or within the body of a query letter or for a pitch to an editor at conference. An example:

A relentless detective with the San Antonio Police Department is barred from an investigation into the disappearance and murder of her younger sister and forced to take another assignment. Skeletal remains buried in the wall of an old theatre destroyed by arson make an intriguing new case. But when the bones turn out to be a woman, close in age to her sister, the hunt for a killer gets personal--a vendetta for justice.

In the next few paragraphs, I focus on the main characters, capitalizing their FULL NAME when they appear for the first time. I stress the emotional landscape, the conflicts, or what they must have and why they can’t get it. And since the characters are linked to each other, I add a transition line leading from one to the other to provide a flow to the narrative. (i.e. The last thing on her mind is a detour of seduction with a mysterious stranger—a Mafia enforcer with a secret life he guards at all cost.)

The brief section on my main characters gives the internal/external conflicts and emotional risk—the compelling human factor. Then I launch into the story line, a seamless maneuver if done right. A synopsis is not a regurgitation of the story, blow by blow. It showcases your story telling and voice. Don’t telegraph your twists. Hook your reader then tease them with the threads of your mystery/suspense story. Keep upping the stakes on both the plot and the emotional upheaval between your main characters. Treat the emotional aspects like a subplot you weave into the story, escalating the turmoil. The layers add complexity to the unfolding drama, show your sense of urgency, and convey the depths of your black moment. No back story dumps. Pacing is important here too.

To avoid a detailed recounting of the case and retain my mystery, I outline who the major players are without revealing ‘whodunnit’. This is another way to keep your synopsis brief, yet show the intricacies of your plot.

Every step of her case reveals another suspect to consider. RUDY MARQUEZ is the guilt-ridden brother with something to hide. FATHER VICTOR MARQUEZ is a catholic priest and the older brother of the victim, but is he trying to protect his family or only himself by keeping secrets? SONJA GARZA was the victim’s friend, but Becca fears she has an agenda all her own when she catches the girl in several lies. At first, Becca feels compassion for the murder victim, ISABEL MARQUEZ. That is, until Isabel’s past reveals a more sinister side. Did the dead girl play a part in her own demise or was she an innocent pawn in a deadly game? And MATT BROGAN, the dangerous leader of the trafficking ring, is one of the last people to see Isabel alive—providing the detective another direct link to Cavanaugh.

For proposals, I limit my synopsis to 5-7 pages. (It’s intended to entice an editor to request your full manuscript from a partial submission.) In romantic suspense, editors generally expect the world to be restored with an emotionally satisfying ending. But no matter what genre you write, the ending of your book should be clear and all main questions answered. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. J

Conference Notes from Cindy Sorenson:

YA Recap

While YA or Young Adult romance may never be a major focus of the RWA, it was wonderful to see more and more YA featured at this year’s conference in Atlanta. There were two YA specific workshops—one presented by our very own, amazing PC Cast—and they were both full. The keynote speaker for the first luncheon was none other than Meg Cabot, who in addition to writing The Princess Diaries, is exceptionally funny. To make things even more exciting, Pocket included their YA books in the giveaways. I think I came home with six YA’s, including one (Oh My Goth) from our very own, super talented Gena Showalter.

A lot has changed in just a year. The consensus of editors and agents at the convention is: YA is very hot right now. So what do you need to know if you’re considering writing a YA? Well, as with any genre, you need to love it. You need to read heavily in it. There are so many different types of YA, so you need to take into consideration the tone, the voice, and the POV. In fact that is what is so appealing about writing it—it is freeing. But with freedom comes responsibility. As PC Cast pointed out, we, as authors, might be the only strong female presence in our young readers’ lives. So while the push is often to take the action in YA’s to the edge—edgier, edgier, edgier, it is important to remember to depict these activities responsibly and honestly. You need to avoid sounding like “a mom wrote this book,” but not forget you are still a voice of wisdom.

New Releases:

Finding Nick by Janis Reams Hudson

Injured New York firefighter Nick Carlucci had long ago retreated to quiet Tribute, Texas, determined to escape his demons. He was done with remembering -- and feeling. And then beautiful reporter Shannon Malloy hunted him down -- and got him back to doing both.

Shannon refused to let Nick avoid her. She was intent on unlocking the secrets he kept -- secrets that tied in to her own painful past. But when the tenacious reporter finally gained full access to the elusive hero, would she get more than a story -- say, maybe a one-way ticket to Nick's heart?

Member News:
Cyn Marolt 's book No One Heard Her Scream is ...

1. Finalist - 2006 Maggie Contest - Georgia Romance Writers - Contemporary Single-Title Category
2. Semi-Finalist - 2006 Molly Contest - Heart of Denver Romance Writers - Romantic Suspense Category
3. Finalist - 2006 Jasmine Contest - Low Country Romance Writers - Mainstream/Romantic Elements Category
4. 3rd Place - The 2006 Daphne Du Maurier Award - Kiss of Death Mystery/Suspense Chapter - Mainstream Category
5. 1st place in the 2006 Great Beginnings Contest hosted by the Utah/Salt lake City RWA Chapter in the Mystery/Suspense category.

Janis Reams Hudson The first book in her Tribute, Texas, trilogy, Winning Dixie,was a June release from Silhouette Special Edition. Book two in the series is Finding Nick, an August release that recieved 4 1/2 stars from RT. Riley andHis Girls, coming in December, is the third and final installment of thetrilogy.

P.C. Cast has signed a new two book contract with Berkley for Goddess Summoning Books #6 & 7.

Editor's Note:

I would love to see all member news! Contest finals, wins, contracts, new releases, finished manuscripts,etc... If you have an article to share, it is more than welcome. If you have a new release, forward the blurb along with your website to me. Please email me by the 1st of the month to get it into the newsletter. Thanks! RElliott4@aol.com

OKRWA July 2006 Newsletter

2006-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

From the Prez, Deborah Behrens:

Well, this has been quite a month for blogging. Since our June program, I decided to take the blog-thing more seriously and so have a lot of our members. Some of you have been doing it for a long time and I’m glad I’ve been taking the time recently to surf through them. I really am enjoying them. Each and every one of them has a unique style and voice. Guess we must all be writers! I thought my biggest problem would be finding time to update it, but when something crazy happens during the day it just seems natural now to post it. Maybe not everyday, but I’m trying.

Enough about that. July is the month we all look forward to, RWA has their National Conference. I’m so excited that I actually get to go this year. I’ve only been once before, in 2004, when the conference was in Dallas. It was my first time. I was a total conference virgin and I had a total blast. Jenny Crusie was one of the keynote speakers. Boy that woman sure can make me laugh. The electricity generated with all those writers in one place was amazing and being in the same room with Nora Roberts made me stutter.

Even though I went to a lot of the workshops alone, I never felt the slightest bit lonely. My fellow chapter members were usually around for lunch or dinner or whatever. If they weren’t, there were a lot of other writers to mingle with. I got to match up a lot of names and faces. You know the ones that pop up on the various RWA loops all the time. We even went to Medieval Times Friday night and, of course, our knight won. We’ll be sure to get something together for Friday night in Atlanta too.

To those of you who are going to Atlanta this year—I can’t wait to see you there. To those of you who can’t attend—I will miss you. My only hope is that everyone’s experience this year is as awesome as mine was in Dallas!

Deb

July 2006 Program:
For those not going to the National RWA Conference, Julia Mozingo is hosting a Plotting Party at her Quartz Mountain lake house. If you plan to attend, please email her for directions. It's approximately 2 hrs. 15 min. from OKC area.

Saturday, July 15th
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

First Sale Announcement!!!

Cyn Marolt sold a 3-book deal to Avon with estimated release dates for the summer of 2008 on all three, tentatively under Suspense/General Fiction!

Acquiring editor Lucia Macro is planning a marketing effort behind the releases. Best selling author Sharon Sala generously opened some very big doors for Cyn after she read No One Heard Her Scream as part of the OK RWA Finish the Book Incentives. Sharon is an amazing woman.

And another shining star, literary agent Meredith Bernstein, walked through Sharon's open door. With Meredith's super human powers, she can leap tall buildings in a single bound wearing Manolo Blahnik shoes and Prada. A very nice deal!

No One Heard Her Scream

Crossing The Line (Her Golden Heart Finalist Entry 2005)

In the Shadow of Redemption (sequel to Crossing The Line)

New Releases:

Oh My Goth by Gena Showalter

A fiercely individualist Goth girl wakes up to discover that the whole world has gone Goth and she’s just one of the crowd…

Jade Leigh is a nonconformist who values individuality above all else. She has a small group of like-minded Goth friends who wear black, dabble in the dark arts, and thrive outside the norm. They’re considered the “freaks” of their high school. But when Jade’s smart mouth lands her in trouble – again – her principal decides to teach her a lesson she’ll never forget.

Taken to a remote location where she is strapped down and sedated, Jade wakes up in an alternate universe where she rules the school. But her best friends won’t talk to her, and the people she used to hate are all Goth. Only Clarik, the mysterious new boy in town, operates outside all the cliques. And only Mercedes, the Barbie clone Jade loathes, believes that Jade’s stuck in a virtual reality game—because she’s stuck there, too, now living the life of a “freak.” Together, they realize they might never get back to reality. . .and that even if they do, things might never be the same.

Mysteria by P.C. Cast , Gena Showalter , MaryJanice Davidson and Susan Grant

Meet the women of Mysteria and the creatures they fall for in four all-new stories of paranormal passion by MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, PC Cast, and Gena Showalter

Hunky werewolves, delicious demons, and drop-dead sexy witches all have the same address....Mysteria
Hundreds of years ago, in the mountains of Colorado (just close enough to Denver for great shoe shopping), the small town of Mysteria was "accidentally" founded by a random act of demonic kindness. Over time, it has become a veritable magnet for the supernatural -- a place where magic has quietly coexisted with the mundane world.

It's a town like any other town, where the high school's Fighting Fairies give fans something to cheer about, where everyone knows your name -- if not exactly what you are -- at the local bar, and where the wishing well actually lives up to its name.

Strange occurrences happen every day, but now the ladies of Mysteria are about to unleash a tempest of seduction that will have tongues wagging for centuries to come...

Here is what Publishers Weekly has to say about Mysteria!
Splitting the difference between Desperate Housewives and The X-Files, this paranormal romance brings magic and monsters to the steamy suburbs in four satisfying novellas about the town of Mysteria. Bestseller Grant kicks off the volume with the story of the demon responsible for leading a group of supernatural settlers to establish Mysteria, a Colorado haven for the paranormal. Centuries after his "random act of demonic kindness," Satan casts the demon out of Hell, naked and mortal, to be discovered, sheltered and eventually loved by the town's female pastor. Gena Showalter's contribution is the most lusty of the bunch, following a hunky psychic who has visions that the witch he's desperately in love with will be the death of him. In P.C. Cast's novella, a frustrated high school teacher, descendant of the only nonmagical founder of Mysteria ("Her magic worked like her marriages. Not at all"), is pursued by a young werewolf she used to teach. Bestseller MaryJanice Davidson follows another werewolf, this one in the market for a house—which turns out to be haunted by a sarcastic ghost—in an enjoyable but underdeveloped episode. There's magic, heat and lots of laughs in these loosely conjoined stories, and it's obvious the authors had a great time putting the book together; the growing audience for paranormal romance should have nearly as good a time reading it. (July) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

To Catch A Husband by Laura Marie Altom

Charity's Faith And Love

US Marshal Charity Caldwell has been in love with Adam Logue for what seems like forever, but the fellow marshal sees her as nothing more than a friend. Scarred by the shooting of his first love, Adam doesn't think he's capable of being in a serious relationship ever again.

Charity has faith that one day she'll get married and have the children she so desperately wants. The problem is, she doesn't want to spend her life with anyone but Adam. So with the help of his matchmaking family, she launches a plan to help Adam think of her as more than a friend, and even more than a woman--it's a plan to make him see she'll be the perfect wife!

Note: This book does have a lovely cover that Blogger will not let me load, so do click on the title or Christine's name and take a look at it.

The Reluctant Cinderella by Christine Rimmer
Welcome to Danbury Way, where nothing is as it seems…

THE “OTHER WOMAN”?

Plain Jane Megan Schumacher was the most dependable person on Danbury way, the sleek suburban cul-de-sac where she lived over her sister’s garage. Certainly not the kind of girl who would rock anyone’s boat—until she fell for the (barely) ex-husband of her best friend and neighbor!

Greg Banning planned to hire Megan to redo his marketing plan, but he counted the minutes until each of their meetings. As their romance heated up, Greg realized she was everything he wanted in a woman, and his thoughts began straying to marriage. But would their new love spell happiness for both of them—or would the scandal tear them apart?

Member News:

Donnell Epperson's Contemporary paranormal won the Laurie contest and was requested by Mary Theresa Hussey.

Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast along with Susan Grant and MaryJanice Davidson have a big book launch party in Atlanta on Thursday, July 27th, 7:00-9:00 at the Buckhead Borders.

Merline Lovelace has agreed to do an epic for Harlequin Everlasting that traces two love stories, one set in the present, one in France during WWI.

Laura Marie Altom would like to announce two new contracts for Harlequin American--one is for a new book and the other is for an anthology titled, Born on the Fourth of July.

Alice Clarey's manuscript, Nothing To Fear, finaled in the Sheila contest in the romantic suspense category.

Deb Cowan would like to announce that two of her books finaled in the Booksellers' Best Awards. Her June 2005 Intimate Moments, Melting Point , finaled in the Long Contemporary Category and her January 2005 Harlequin Historical, Whirlwind Groom is a finalist in the Short Historical category.

Cyn Marolt's paranormal manuscript - Lifeless in Seattle - won the Best Bite Contest contemporary category hosted by the Grand Rapids Region Romance Writers of America. Editor judge Patience Smith of Harlequin/Silhouette requested the full manuscript.

Editor's Note:

I would love to see all member news! Contest finals, wins, contracts, new releases, finished manuscripts,etc... If you have an article to share, it is more than welcome. Please email me by the 1st of the month to get it into the newsletter. RElliott4@aol.com

OKRWA June 2006 Newsletter

2006-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

From the Prez, Deborah Behrens:

Lately our loop has been abuzz with a number of contest finalists. I’m so proud of all you ladies and I hold my shoulders high knowing I’m a part of this group of talented writers.

To be honest, I’ve been pretty lazy lately when it comes to contests. When I first joined OK-RWA, I hit the contest circuit hard. There were only a few contests I didn’t enter with my first manuscript. (You know the one I cringe at now whenever I read it.) Needless to say, I got crushed a few times. With my next manuscript I was a little more selective and I’d toughened up a bit. I didn’t always like the feedback, but some of it was very productive. Since then, I haven’t entered a contest besides our own Soon To Be Published in about a year. Well, I want you all to know I’ve taken the plunge again and sent one out this week. Manuscript number three is ready to be shredded or praised. Whichever the case may be, I’ll take it as it comes.

Let me share with you what’s important to me about a contest.

A contest needs to give feedback. What good is a score, good or bad, if you have no idea how or why they arrived at it.

Who the final judges are. Look for an editor at a publishing house you might want to target.

Have any winners or finalists gone on to sign contracts with editors who’ve judged in the past? Most reputable contest will list previous winners.

Do editors take notice of a final or win from this particular contest? You don’t want to waist you time or money on a contest that doesn’t carry any weight with the editor you’re targeting.

I’m sure everyone has their own personal criteria for contests. But if even one of the reasons I’ve listed above isn’t on you list, you might consider it the next time you decide to enter.

Deb

June 2006 Program:

Blogging: What is it?
And can penicillin make it go away?
Blog Panel Discussions
Crossroads Mall Meeting Room

What is a blog? How does it work? Can I build one on my own?

Our panel of experienced bloggers will discuss the ins and out of blogging for the writer.

June 17th, 2006
1 p.m.

Member News:

Dana Pollard has news:

Harelquin Spice requested a full on her time travel, BECAUSE OF YOU
Dorchester requested a partial on her time travel, BECAUSE OF YOU
Kensington Brava requested a full on her contemporary, HER COVER MODEL

Editor's Note:
I would love to see all member news. Contest finals, wins, contracts, new releases, etc... If you have an article to share, it is more than welcome.
Please email me by the 1st of the month to get it into the newsletter. RElliott4@aol.com

OKRWA May 2006 Newsletter

2006-05-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

From the Prez, Deborah Behrens:

We all know that the life of a writer is not an easy one. Well, mine has been rather hectic lately. Starting a new job, dealing with the kid’s extra curricular activities and just plain taking care of the house almost put me under this week. I’m going to have to get myself back into the writing groove. When I wasn’t working I wrote primarily in the mornings, now I work mornings, so that’s going to change. The afternoons will have to be my creative time slot. Sometimes that’s not easy with a houseful of teenagers running around. Can anyone recommend a good set of ear plugs? Thankfully, I have all of you to keep me on track. Keeping in touch with all my writing pals on the internet keeps me in line and our monthly meetings provide an infusion of creative energy. I always come home exhilarated and ready to write. Thank you all for that!

May is the month for the annual Oklahoma Centennial Book Festival. Last year we had Susan Grimshaw as our guest. That was such a treat. We didn’t bring anyone in this year, but I know it will still be a great event. Spending time with our published authors is always a delight, and meeting various authors from other genres is a perk you don’t usually get all in one place. For those of us who mix mystery and suspense with romance, it’s always nice to meet authors who streamline in those areas. I remember my first year helping out in the OKRWA booth. It was so much fun. I got to know some of our published authors better, and I also mingled with some authors that I would’ve never met before. So if you’ve got the day free, you’d be wise to drop in and spend it surrounded by people who share your passion.

Deb

May 2006 Program:

The 2006 Oklahoma Centennial Book Festival will take place on Saturday, 20 May, featuring lectures, seminars and workshops by Oklahoma's premier authors.

Join mega-bestselling writers such as Carolyn Hart, William Bernhardt, Marcia Preston, Judith Wall, Bob Burke, Dayna Dunbar, and our own Christine Rimmer, Elle James, and Merline Lovelace as they explore topics ranging from POV to finding your voice. There will also be a focus on script writing for those of you with that bent. This is a FREE event and a great way to pick up some tips from those in the know.

There will also be an accompanying Children's Festival, with storytellers, face painting, puppets, and DOGS, DOGS, DOGS. Working dogs, trick dogs, dog clothing shows, vets, dog celebrity look-a- likes, you name it!

These events are FREE and open to the public. For more details, check the website at okbookfest.com!

SHAMELESS
(opportunities Not To Be Missed)
By Myla Jackson/Elle James

Note: This article is dedicated to Hilary Sares of Kensington Books for her words about being SHAMELESS.

A small contingent of my friends attended the Dreamin’ in Dallas conference on April Fool’s Day. That’s right, and who got the last laugh? If you’re wondering whether or not to attend smaller conferences let us tell you, DO IT! They may not have the selection of workshops as RWA Nationals, but they might buy you more face time with the editors and agents attending. As it did for us at the Dreamin’ in Dallas Conference.

My sister Delilah and I decided to go in as our co-author team to her appointment with Hilary Sares of Kensington. We have a couple comedies we thought would be good for Kensington’s Brava line. We took the opportunity to ask Hilary questions about Kensington’s new line called Aphrodisia. It just happens Aphrodisia is Hilary’s baby. She’s the editor instrumental in the launch of this new sexy line. She was excited to hear we both wrote for Ellora’s Cave and invited us to send ideas her way. She was so excited about talking to us, she skipped her break and spent 25 minutes with us!

Afterward we spoke with our friend Layla who’d had an appointment with Hilary where she’d asked for a partial of her novella CONNING THE WEST. Hilary had judged it in the erotica category of the Wallflower contest and awarded it first place.

Delilah and I, during a moment of brain explosions, thought what a great idea it would be to pitch an entire anthology of western erotic stories called WILD WILD WOMEN OF THE WEST. Layla, Delilah and I put our heads together and came up with two more ideas and attended Hilary’s workshop later that afternoon to see if we could get some of her time afterward.

That afternoon, Hilary spoke to the conference attendees and told us you should be SHAMELESS in plotting and writing then selling your books to editors and agents. If you don’t believe in them, the editor and agent won’t! Get out there and sell it! Be SHAMELESS!

After Hilary spoke, we waited patiently at the front of the room for others to ask questions and SHAMELESSLY pitched our idea! And we were soooooo shameless. She said send a partial of CONNING and synopses of the other two. She'd be interested in looking at the idea. Two weeks went by and we were slowly putting together our ideas. Delilah got an email from Hilary saying SEND IT! What was this? An editor emailing us? Yikes! We scrambled and threw the rest together overnight.

We had a madame, a thief and a con artist. Then Hilary emailed she didn’t want any madames. Delilah had to rework her idea before we could submit. The next day we sent the proposal. Holy smokes! Hilary didn't like the con artist or the thief! And CONNING THE WEST was the one she originally requested! NOT to be put off, I sent her a list of occupations for our women and had her choose! She indicated her preferences and I built two new synopses she was ultimately happy with. We ended up with a riverboat gambler, magician and snake oil saleswoman.

A day went by, another and the weekend hit. We still hadn’t had word from Hilary whether or not a contract would be offered for the package she liked. Monday rolled around and by the end of the day I’d quit holding my breath and went back to work on my work-in-progress. Late that afternoon, our agent emailed to congratulate us. Hilary bought the idea! WILD WILD WOMEN OF THE WEST will be released with Aphrodisia in late 2007.

I know this was a long story, but I wanted to stress two things:
1. Be SHAMELESS!!!! We were and it worked!
2. Small conferences can pay big dividends

No go out there and be SHAMELESS!

New Releases:

Hearts On The Line by Margaret Daley

Boss, I’m finishing up all my articles before Alessandro and I get married later this month. He’s thrilled his uncle Max is out of the hospital and can attend the wedding. If only Baltasar Escalante weren’t still out there—Alessandro believes he’s plotting against the Vance and Montgomery families. My cousin Quinn has been busy restoring detective Becca Hilliard’s house, but he’s also on alert following the explosion at the hospital. I’d be thrilled if Quinn and Becca became a couple but I wonder how safe it is to fall in love when there’s a madman on the loose....

Can faith and love sustain two families against a diabolical enemy?

Animal Instincts by Gena Showalter

Unleashing your inner tigress isn't easy when you're a doormat by nature! Still, after escaping a wretched marriage to a cheating SOB, Dallas party planner Naomi Delacroix isn't about to let another man sweet-talk her into sheathing her protective claws. Not even hunky millionaire Royce Powell, who's hired her to arrange his mother's surprise party. Even if he does make her purr like a kitten with one heated glance . . .

Royce claims he's been in love with her ever since she threw a party for one of his friends six months ago. But if that's true, why is this incredibly eligible CEO currently taking applications for a wife? Despite herself, Naomi is tempted to fill one out. But can her inner tigress believe a man might change his stripes?
Devlin And The Deep Blue Sea by Merline Lovelace

Former USAF helo pilot Liz Moore has just been jilted and vows to get up close and personal with the next semi-attractive male who crosses her path on the deserted Mexican beach. Enter Joe Devlin, the perfect specimen. His slow drawl pegged him as an American...and his six-foot-plus frame of hard muscle begged Liz to keep her vow. Then bullets start flying, Devlin throws her face down in the sand, and she suddenly finds herself on the wrong side of the Mexican mafia.

Member News:

Gena Showalter will have an excerpt of Animal Instincts in the June addition of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Her book, The Pleasure Slave , is a finalist in the NRCA! OKRWA's National Readers' Choice Awards 2004 Finalists

Elle James is pleased to announce the sale of two more stories to Harlequin Intrigue to be released in 2007. BLOWN AWAY and TRAIL OF TERROR.

Myla Jackson is tickled pink to announce the sale of a story in the anthology WILD WILD WOMEN OF THE WEST to Hilary Sares of Kensington's Aphrodisia to be released in late 2007.

Rinda Elliott 's urban fantasy novel, Dweller on the Threshold, took 2nd place in OWFI's annual contest.

Maggie Price's book, Most Wanted Woman: Line of Duty , is a NRCA finalist in the Long Contemporary Category.

Cyn Marolt 's manuscript, Lifeless in Seattle, is a finalist in the 2006 Best BiteContest hosted by The Grand Rapids Region Romance Writers of America. Her manuscript, No One Heard Her Scream, took 1st place in the Heart of theWest in the Mystery/Suspense Category in Feb 2006. No One Heard Her Scream is also a finalist in The 2006 Daphne Du Maurier Award hosted bythe Kiss of Death Mystery/Suspense Chapter in the Mainstream Category.

Light In The Storm by Margaret Daley finaled in the inspirational category in the Golden Quill Contest.

Editor's Note:

If you'd like to submit an article, new releases, contest placements or any other writing related news, make sure to email all the pertinent info to your friendly editor, Rinda Elliott at RElliott4@aol.com.

OKRWA April 2006 Newsletter

2006-04-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

From the Prez, Deborah Behrens:

How do you write?
Are you a plotter or a panster?
Do you write scenes as they come to you and piece your story together later?
Do you write an outline and follow it to the letter?

Well, I’ll tell you what, ladies, I’m a die-hard panster. No matter how hard I try I just can’t change. The only trouble I have with writing this way is that while I’m deep into one story, I have this relentless little voice in the back of my mind nagging at me with the scenes to my next one. (I know you know the one I’m talking about!) So I give into the urge, write down the scene, and go back to my current story. Now, getting a head start on that next story might not sound so bad, but last week I looked at the one hundred-plus pages of “panster material” I had written and cringed. It all seemed so scattered. There was no way I could turn all the stuff I’d written into something coherent.

Then my miracle came. I had to shuttle my son across the city, not my little city of Mustang, but somewhere in OKC. It doesn’t sound like much of a miracle, does it? But hang on a minute, I’m not finished. On the way back, I cranked up the tunes and viola—it all started coming together. My characters, whom I had left high and dry a few months ago, were suddenly back in my head thriving in their own story.

What a relief! I’d forgotten that the road and a little music make my creative juices flow. My first story was created sitting in my car waiting for my daughter’s school to let out. I weaved my second one together while driving across the country to New York. My third was helped along by a few trips to Missouri. Now the big question is—where can I go to get this one moving?

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is—whatever it is that makes your creativity flow, whether it’s music, old movies, or road trips, find it, savor it, do it every chance you get and above all, don’t ever forget it!

Deb

April 2006 Program Information:

Brad & Athena Lovelace
Husband & wife PI team
(Yes, he’s a sharpshooter with a 9MM, but does he still leave the toilet seat up?)
April 15, 2006
Crossroads Mall Meeting Room
1:00

Spotlight Interview:

Ms. Daring Do of Fiction tells How, What and When: Gena Showalter

1. Tell us what your next yummy read to hit the stands is all about? My next book is Animal In
stincts and it's my first contemporary.

There is - gasp! -- nothing paranormal in it. It's simply a story I had to tell and is about a woman's journey to empowerment and love with the aid of a self-help book - and all the delicious sex had with the hero, of course. It does have a chick lit tone, but it is a romance at heart.

2. If we can't have a poster of this hero, preferably scantily clad, can you give us 'a to die for' description.

He's absolutely, one hundred percent edible. Black hair, electric blue eyes, and yes, he works out. A lot. His name is Royce and he's mine, all mine. What I love most about him is that he's not afraid of love. He actually wants marriage and babies and happily ever after. He's passionate and tender, yet just the right amount of alpha.

3. How many books published do you have at this time?

My fifth book, Jewel of Atlantis, hit bookstores in February 2006. This book features a government agent who enters Atlantis to steal a jewel but steals a woman instead.

4. How many books have you sold and when will they be released?

I've sold a total of fifteen. Animal Instincts, my first contemporary, will be released May 1st, Enslave Me Sweetly, the sequel to Awaken Me Darkly, will be released June 1st, followed by Mysteria and Oh My Goth in July, then Playing With Fire in September, and The Nymph King in February 2007. There are more coming out in 2007 and 2008 but I don't have release dates or titles.

5. When you write your books, do you plot them out ahead of time or just write and discover the story as you go?

I discover characters and story as I write. Lately, though, I sell my books on proposal - which means I need three chapters and a synopsis - so I have to plot something. But here's a dirty little secret: I rarely follow the direction of the synopsis.

6. What is your writing process like once you begin writing a book?

In a word, obsessive. Once I start a draft, I can't stop. There's a feeling of 'must finish' that refuses to leave me. It haunts my sleep, my entire day, and becomes all I can think about. In fact, I nod in and out of conversations as scenes play through my head. I know people think I'm weird or rude, but that's okay. Once the rough draft is done, I relax and go back to being human. Kind of.

7. Do you write on more than one book at a time?

Yes. I'd prefer to work on one at a time but many of my deadlines overlap. And just as I'm digging into one book, revisions, copy edits and/or galleys will arrive for three more.

8. What do you wish you had known earlier about writing?

That it's okay to write a book the way you see it and not the way that will make it most - I'm just going to say it and probably get hate mail - marketable. We can make the trends. Time travels were not popular when Karen Moning sold Beyond the Highland Mist, but readers went crazy for that book. When I sat down to write The Stone Prince and The Pleasure Slave, I really downplayed the alien aspects. Those types of books were not selling at that point in time. But agent Deidre Knight - who did sign me with those books -- told me that the aliens were her favorite part of the stories. Let your passion shine through.

9. Were you ever taught that something that held you back in finding your own writing process?

Not very many people offered me advice, to be honest. Mostly I was told not to switch point of view in the middle of a scene, not to use the word "was", and things like that. Those are the kind of rules it's best to discard. There are times when a POV switch will have the most impact for your reader and there are times when the word "was" is the best choice.

10. Is there any advice you would give to unpublished writers?

Write your book all the way to the end before starting another project. You learn so much. And don't think about "the rules" or what's popular at the moment. Just write the book the way it needs to be told. Who knows, you could start the next trend.

11. What is your website so that readers can check out all the cool info you have on your site?

www.genashowalter.com

New Releases:

Diamonds Can Be Deadly by Merline Lovelace

If diamonds were a girl's best friend, then emeralds came a close second. So when ex-model turned secret agent Jordan Colby was sent to Kauai to locate a missing green gem, she jumped at the chance.

There was just one hitch: the presence of her ex-fiance, T.J. Scott, who'd turned his back on everything that had meant anything to him. Starting with her...

Prince Incognito by Linda Goodnight

Forced to take a little R & R after a few too many investigative...mishaps, P.I. Carly Carpenter initially viewed her vacation as punishment. Then she met blond god Luc Gardener—a man so confident yet mysterious that Carly’s inquisitive radar went into overdrive.

Spending time in Luc’s arms was no hardship, but learning about his royal standing was both a blessing and a curse. Here was the story she needed to prove her investigative worth. But by revealing that Luc was the European prince who’d gone AWOL, she’d likely lose him forever. And when he left, he’d take her finally unguarded heart with him…

Share the Darkness by Jill Monroe

Hannah Garrett has always felt safe in the dark. It meant she never had to show people the truth. On the run from a man who wants to kill her, Hannah's learned to keep to herself and not get attached....

Until she meets Ward Coleman.

Being around her sexy coworker has awakened a need she'd forgotten — and it's not just this heat wave that has Hannah hot and bothered. But she can't afford to get too close, especially when she's not sure she can trust him.

What she doesn't know is that Ward is on to her and is determined to learn her secrets. And getting caught in a hot, dark elevator is the best place to find out all this undercover FBI agent needs to know.

Beneath The Texas Moon by Elle James

By moving her son to Spirit Canyon, Texas, Eve Baxter had hoped to help Joey overcome the trauma of bearing witness to his father's tragic death. Sworn off men until her son is grown and on his own, Eve resists her attraction to the haunted cowboy, Mac McGuire. But when the town falls victim to bizarre animal mutilations and the death of a teenage girl, Eve realizes she or her son could be the next casualties and reluctantly accepts Mac's protection.

Plagued by survivor's guilt, Mac finds an immediate connection with Eve's little boy and a deep desire to protect the boy's beautiful mother. With a murderous creature on the loose, Mac fights his own demons of self-doubt the struggle to save the community, the child and the woman he grows to love.

Coming Soon from Ellora's Cave, www.ellorscave.com, Jacq's Warlord by Myla Jackson and Delilah Devlin. Click on her name to visit her website for purchase Info.

With proportions that would make Xena weep, Jacqueline Frazier despairs of ever finding a lover she wouldn't intimidate. Until the day she ignores an itty-bitty warning regarding the use of a family heirloom and finds herself swept off her feet by a knight in not-so-shining armor into the twelfth century. Eeek! No toilet paper, no cell phones and no junk food! Forced to accept the protection of the overbearing beast of a man, Rufus of Rathburn, Jacq has finally met her match.

In the midst of fighting for his land, people and life, Rufus finds Jacq to be an intriguing and infuriating distraction. But when she insists on meddling in his battle tactics with guerilla warfare, she steps over the line! At first unwilling and downright ungrateful, Rufus begins to see merit in Jacq's odd ways. But can his ego make room for the beautiful warrior woman? Will his castle survive the explosives she employs? And will a love that breaks the barriers of time, be strong enough to convince Jacq to plot a future with him in the past?

Tempting by Myla Jackson
Can be purchased at www.whispershome.com (Check Myla's Website for more purchasing info)

Elite Paranormal Investigative Agent, Reggie Gallagher, hates vampires. After dozens of beautiful women are kidnapped off the streets of Houston, Reggie and her sister set themselves up as bait to catch those responsible for the disappearances. The mission goes sour, her sistervanishes and Reggie is surrounded by a rabid pack of vampires only to be rescued by another one of the long-toothed creatures of the night. Forced to accept his protection, she bides her time with the sexy beast until she can get back out on the streets to find her only living relative and bring the bad vampires down.

When the woman he thought he loved, turned Nicolae Kovac into a vampire over four hundred years ago, he swore he'd never trust another woman with his heart. Then he saved a hell cat from a band of vicious vampires only to find himself falling for her hot temper and fierce love for her family. Together Nicolae and Reggie must find the missing sister and deal with the evil threat behind the disappearances, while fighting their growing attraction for each other.

Member News!

Merline Lovelace has had quite the month!!! She has recently negotiated contracts for SIX new novels. Two NEXT novels for Harlequin as well as THREE more Intimate Moments and ONE Nocturne fo Silhouette. Congratulations, Merline!

Donnell Epperson won first place in our own Soon To Be Published Contest with her dark paranormal, The Souleater. Alice Clary took second with Shattered Moon and Tina Novinski recived third with Rosetti Curse. Congratulations!

Elle James just contracted for book #3 in a Harlequin Intrigue Continuity called BODYGUARDS UNLIMITED. Her book will be titled COWBOY SANCTUARY. Congratulations!

Myla Jackson just contracted with Avon Red for a short story in an anthology.
Congratulations!

Market News!

Harlequin Romance and Silhouette Romance lines were both due to close in September just as a new "merged" line of traditional romances debuted. Now, Harlequin is planning to continue publication of Silhouette Romance at least until Feb. '07.

However , the new line will debut, as originally planned, in July with a continuity titled, the Bella Lucia Brides. (Our own Linda Goodnight will be writing book number 5, Married Under the Mistletoe!) At this point, Harlequin doesn't have a name for this brand-new line.

Editor's Note:
If you'd like to submit an article, new releases, contest placements or any other writing related news, make sure to email all the pertinent info to your friendly editor, Rinda Elliott at RElliott4@aol.com.

OK Corral, March 2006 Newsletter

2006-03-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

From our Prez, Deborah Behrens:

This month I’m going to reminisce about what brought me to OK-RWA.

I’m not sure how long I’d been writing when my husband, the wonderful man that he is, pointed me to a news article announcing a romance writers’ once-a-month Saturday meeting.

I arrived early to my first meeting to find that some people had brought their lunch and were eating while they chatted. Rinda Elliott welcomed me between bites. (I remember this because she made a point to get up and shake my hand. Oh, and also because she’s sooo darn tall. (Wouldn’t we all love to have those legs!) I think Jill Floyd was outgoing prez and Donnell Epperson was prez-elect. Betty Sanders, I just knew then as the watergirl. (She had a cooler full of ice cold bottled water that she’d lugged in from her car.)

Originally, I think they had a speaker on Scottish culture lined up, but it was announced that he had cancelled and we were going to work on metaphors instead. When we broke into small groups the terror set in… Now these people were going to know I was an amateur. Terri Schaefer helped squelch my fears and I surprised myself. I actually wrote something that made sense, but it didn’t come close to what some of the others put together. When they started reading their stuff, I was in awe! I can’t remember what it was she wrote, but in just ten minutes, Betty, the watergirl, wrote something so eloquent that I knew I was in the wrong place.

There was also a man visiting the group. I was extremely thankful for this because, instead of me, all eyes were on him now. When he read his metaphor, mouths drop open. Here I was trying to work something witty into my character’s banter and he already had his character deep in the throws of passion. Needless to say, I think he had us all blushing, and that’s not easy to do to a bunch of romance writers.

That first meeting I attended was in November of 2002. As you know, December was the annual Christmas party, so I had an extra month to decide if this was something for me. Well, as you can see, I gave it another shot. When I came back in January, I was greeted by Merline Lovelace. (The sweetest lady on the planet.) I don’t remember what that program was about, but I will always remember the people, and how welcome they made me feel both then and now. Here’s to you Outlaws, you rock!

Deb

March 2006 Program:

MEMBERS ONLY MEETING
National Book Buyer for Books-A-Million (BAM), Margaret Terwey, will be speaking to the membership of OK RWA in March 2006. She plans to give insight into her buying process, trends she is seeing in her stores, and the Books-A-Million & Bookland merchandising and marketing strategies. Ms. Terwey has been a buyer for BAM since 1998, having previously served as a manager of a BAM store in Port Richey, Florida and a systems coordinator for Wal-Mart prior to joining the BAM Corporation.

Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. has grown to become the premier book retailing chain in the Southeastern United States, and the third largest book retailer in the nation. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the company currently operates 210 stores in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Books-A-Million retail stores are modeled after one of three formats: Books-A-Million Superstores, Bookland, and Joe Muggs Newsstands. In addition to its primary retail component, the corporation includes a book wholesale and distribution subsidiary, American Wholesale Book Company, an e-commerce division operating as BOOKSAMILLION.COM, and an internet development and services company, NetCentral, in Nashville, Tennessee.

The OK RWA is pleased to welcome Ms. Margaret Terwey to Oklahoma City for this exclusive members only meeting.

From 12 to 3 p.m. at
Bravo! Restaurant
13810 N. Pennsylvania (corner of Memorial & North Penn)
405-751-7420

From 3 to 5 p.m. at
Books-A-Million
2300 W. Memorial
800-826-3038

New Releases:

The Bravo Family Way by Christine Rimmer

“I WANT YOU. NAME YOUR PRICE.”

Cleopatra Bliss had learned long ago to stay away from driven, powerful men like Fletcher Bravo. So when the handsome CEO of one of Las Vegas’s most successful gaming resorts made her an irresistible proposal, she knew she was in trouble.

Fletcher envisioned great possibilities for Cleo’s day-care center—including a special place for his little girl. But his desire for the stubbornly independent Cleo was rocking his world…until he decided marriage—with all the fringe benefits and none of the obligations—would suit him just fine. And then he looked at his wife’s burgeoning belly and realized he wasn’t the only one keeping secrets….

To Tease a Texan by Georgina Gentry

SHE'S NO LADY
Lark Van Schuyler can take care of herself--and has ever since she ran away from home and wound up in Buck Shot, Oklahoma. Taking care of others is a novelty she can't afford. Until she sees a man deep in his drink and being cheated at poker. Lark decides to do him a favor...

HE'S NO GENTLEMAN
The last thing Larado needs is more booze--especially in his lap. Just when he's about to clean up at cards, a no-account soiled dove drops a drink on him. It's her own dang fault that she loses her job. He never expects to see her again. Especially not during a bank hold-up. In Texas. And married--to him.

TOGETHER THEY'RE DYNAMITE
Being tied down to a pretty gal and her crazy donkey is turning out to be the worst fix Larado's ever found himself in. The West isn't big enough for both of them. But maybe love is..

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys by Georgina Gentry (Anthology also with Lorraine Heath and Teresa Bodwell)

Boston-bred heiress Henrietta never imagined she would race a horse one thousand miles across open land disguised as a boy. But then, she never believed her parents would arrange a marriage for her she would have to run away to escape. However, there's not escape from her toughest competition, expert rider and champion wrangler Comanche Jones. She needs that prize money--almost as much as she finds herself wanting him. . .

Ends of the Earth: Coming March 27th by Keira Ramsay

Chloe Saint James has lived the last forty years on the fringe of society … both human and Fae. With historian Logan Whitefeather she finds a kindred soul, and one searching for the same thing she is—the Rune of Domain.
But will the fires of passion continue to burn as bright when an enemy from Chloe’s past threatens not only their lives, but the future of the Fae?

Awaken Me Darkly (Mass Market Paperback) by Gena Showalter

Ridding the world of evil, one alien at a time…

In a time and place not too far away, Mia Snow is an alien huntress for the New Chicago Police Department, and she’s the perfect girl for the job. Tough and sexy, she’s earned each of her scars battling the elusive enemy among us. Now, investigating a series of killings, she is shaken to the core when a burst of violence leaves her partner Dallas fighting for his life. A tall, erotic stranger holds the power to heal the injured agent – and to bind Mia in an electrifying and dangerous seduction. He is Kyrin en Arr of the deadly Arcadian species – an alien, a murder suspect – who has Mia walking a knife’s edge, risking her badge and even her life. . .and edging closer to a shocking revelation that will shatter everything she’s ever believed.

Member News:

Sharon Sala is one of the authors who will be going on the Authors at Sea Cruise, sponsored by Levy and Harlequin in April.

Donnell Epperson's manuscript, The King's Man, finaled in the historical category of the 2006 Linda Howard Award of Excellence contest for Unpublished Authors.

OK Corral, February 2006 Newsletter

2006-02-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

From our Prez, Deborah Behrens:

What’s worse than not submitting your manuscript? Submitting your manuscript before it’s completely polished!

Cut—Cut—Cut all those dreaded weak words, fillers, and redundancies. If you want your manuscript to hit the editor right where she lives, make it count. Snap it up! You don’t want her to get bored tripping over all those unnecessary words in the first chapter, do you?

I was very proud of myself last month, I finished my third manuscript. At least I thought it was finished, until I picked it up and started reading it again this past week. Who was I kidding? It was full of junk. “Just”, “really” and “now” were only a few of the words I’d overused. In addition to that, using “had been” instead of “was” is a nasty habit I’m trying hard to break. Internal thoughts, backstory, and more internal thoughts. How much introspection can one character take!

Thanks, Betty, for giving us this clever quote from Mark Twain:

"Substitute damn every time you're inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” Maybe I should use this method for the rest of these words.

For all of you struggling with weak words, here’s a short list. (I’m sure there are more out there.)
a bit
a little
about
actually
almost
almost like
already
appears
approximately
basically
close to
even
eventually
exactly
fairly
finally
here
highly
just
just then
kind of
mostly
nearly
now
practically
pretty
quite
rather
really
seemed
seems
simply
slightly
so
somehow
somewhat
somewhat like
sort of
suddenly
then
there
truly
utterly
very

I printed this off and have it posted right next to my monitor. I know I’m still making the same mistakes, but when I do that final edit, I’ll be ready with my big red pen.

Deb

P.S. It’s February. Kiss someone you love!

Tips on Writing Romantic Suspense
By Merline Lovelace

Published in Romantic Times Magazine, 1996

Spine-tingling action with a strong heroine at the center, a sexy hero in the wings and a smattering of secondary characters are the threads weaving romantic suspense, one of the hottest-selling subgenres in our business.

Romantic suspense novels contain the same essential ingredients as all other romances: strong characterization, wrenching conflict, escalating tension, crisp dialogue, and most importantly, a stirring love story. Over and above these basic requirements, however, there are certain key characteristics that set romantic suspense apart from other romance novels.

Action. First and foremost, you have to have lots of action. Generally, these books are more plot-driven than character-driven. Startling events occur, keeping the characters and readers on edge.
Faster Pacing. With increased action, the story moves fast. There is less introspection, more dialogue. Watch for long chunks of narrative (I look for three pages or more). You may be wallowing around in your characters heads too much. If so, introduce some event or interchange that gets the players back on stage and interacting with each other.
High Levels of Tension. Key to romantic suspense are elements of danger and vulnerability. The characters must be at risk, physically and/or emotionally. Watch out for what I call the Perils of Pauline syndrome, where the poor characters never get a chance to laugh or breathe, but do keep their nerves tingling.

Dramatic Tone. In keeping with the high tension levels, these novels exude a strong sense of atmosphere. The tone may be brooding or reflect danger and excitement. Your word choice and setting should enhance that tone. For example, strong action verbs increase the drama at critical points. A nerve-shattering thunderstorm or soul-sucking heat can add to the mood.

Larger Number of Characters. Romantic suspense novels usually include a larger cast of characters, often designed to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the villain. And yes, Virginia, its okay to get in these sub-characters heads. A word of caution, though. I have trouble keeping large casts of characters straight, so I try to introduce them slowly (one per chapter) and give them tags such as a limp, a mustache, or a squeaky voice that make them immediately recognizable.

Strong Female Protagonist. This is my favorite part, since I would have trouble writing any other kind of female protagonist. In a romantic suspense, the heroine is a very active player. She doesn’t have to call in the cavalry to save her. The trick is to devise a way for both the hero and heroine to participate in the resolution of the conflict or mystery. Remember that you’re writing two stories, the romance and the suspense, yet these two stories cant be separate and distinct. Everything that happens in one has to affect the other. Leslie Wainger, Silhouette Intimate Moments' Senior Editor, described them as two strands of a braid closely interwoven and interdependent.

Weaving these two strands into a coherent, dynamic whole requires more plotting than normal. I use a plotting arc to track the main events, chapter by chapter. This is a simple curving line, with key elements of sexual tension on one side, the action elements on the other. If you find blocks of empty space on either side of the arc, you should consider tightening the plot or heating up the relationship. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep something happening on both sides of the equation in every chapter.

Sounds daunting, doesnt it?

Its hard work, often frustrating, yet totally exhilarating when -- against all odds! -- those tightly woven strands actually result in a fast-paced, action-filled tale that keeps readers coming back for more.

February 2006 Program:

Learn insider tips on author promotion with Nancy Berland, owner of Nancy Berland Public Relations, Inc.

This will be at the usual meeting place in Cross Roads Mall at 1:00, February 18th, 2006.

New Releases!

Perfect Double by Merline Lovelace

When OMEGA agency gets credible intelligence regarding an assination plot against the first female Vice President of the United States, Agent Maggie Sinclair is assigned the dangerous job of impersonating her.

Determined to keep his best agent safe, Adam Ridgeway plans to stick close by, posing as the widowed VPs new love interest. But as their romance becomes a field day for the media, Maggie soon learns that her mission will put her career and her heart in jeopardy...

No Law Against Love -- Anthology by multiple authors.

Diane Davis White has two stories in this anthology, Sadie, The Shady Angel and In A Pickle In Connecticut. She is excited to be a part of this undertaking to aid in the prevention of breast cancer.

A Tangled Web by Amanda McCabe

The Dowager Viscountess ransome simply must find something to fill the endless days of summer. So she invites a party of young people to her estate and sits back to watch the sparks fly. The guests look forward to a respite in the idyllic countryside. But instead they find treachery, secrets--and that most inconvenient bother, passion...

Frederick Parcival wants to win over wealthy Lady Diana, but the young widow can't take her eyes off her long-lost first love, Sir Thomas Cole.

However, Tom's ambitious mother is determined he marry Lady Caroline Reid, who would prefer to marry Lord Edward Sutton, who loves Diana's sister Charlotte, who is intrigued by rakish Roland Kirk-Bedwin. In such a very tangled web, tempers will surely flare--and desire bloom--as what should have been a relaxing holiday turns into anything but..."

Goddess of the Rose by P.C. Cast

Goddess of the Rose is a delicious retelling of Beauty and the Beast – with a modern, adult slant. Micki (named after the Mikado Rose) and all the women in her family have a special affinity for roses – their blood, diluted in water and applied during the night of a new moon, makes roses grow spectacularly. What the women don’t know is that they have this ability because they are descendants of a High Priestess of the Goddess Hecate. Hecate is Goddess of Night, Magick, the Crossroads of Man, and of Beasts. She is also the proctrectess of The Realm of the Rose – the place wherein all dreams and magick originate. This realm is guarded diligently by The Guardian, a creature on which the myth of the Minotaur was based. The Guardian swore himself into Hecate’s service for eternity, and in return the Goddess gifted him with the heart and soul of a man, even though he has the body of a beast. But all is not well in The Realm of the Rose. Centuries ago the Guardian made a terrible mistake, arousing the Goddess’s wrath to such an extent that she bespelled him and the realm. Hecate swore that they would sleep eternally unless the Beast was awakened by a woman who carried the magickal blood of Hecate’s priestess, and was wise enough to see the truth, and compassionate enough to act upon it.

Micki does awaken the Guardian and he abducts her to The Realm of the Rose thinking that her presence will automatically break the curse placed on the realm and set things to right, but modern woman Micki is a very unexpected kind of High Priestess, and there are forces at work within the realm, both of love and of hatred, that might change the shape of mankind's dreams and magick for all of eternity unless Micki is brave enough to make the ultimate sacrifice…
Jewel Of Atlantis by Gena Showalter

All Atlantis seeks the Jewel of Dunamis, which legend claims can overcome any enemy. Grayson James, human agent for the ultra-secret Otherworld Bureau of Investigation, has orders to keep it from the wrong hands – or destroy it. What he doesn’t know is that Jewel is a woman, not a stone!

But once he meets this precious gem, destroying her is the last thing on his mind…Jewel, part goddess, part prophet, is a pawn in Atlantis’s constant power struggles. She needs Gray’s help to win freedom and uncover the secrets of her mysterious origins. Gray needs her wisdom to navigate monster-ridden Atlantis. But need blossoms into passionate love as they fight demons, dragons, vampires – and a prophecy that says the bond between them could destroy them both

Member News!

Big Day for OKRWA Authors on February 11, 2006!

Discover Oklahoma Romance!
Satuday, February 11, 10 a.m.
Norman Public Library 225 N. Webster

Moderated by Ron Stahl, host of Discover Oklahoma and featuring romance novelists Darlene Graham , Merline Lovelace , Christine Rimmer , Sharon Sala and a writing experience with Rinda Elliott .

Door Prizes from Dillard's The Montford Inn, Betty Lou's Flowers and more.

Romance Writing Workshop
Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m.
Sarkeys Annex 502 East Main

Conducted by Merline Lovelace
Tuition $15, limit 25 participants
Register with Norman Arts Council 360-1162

Romance Book Sale
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 12, 1 to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Norman Library
Norman Public Library 225 Webster
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Georgina Gentry 's To Tempt A Texan has been nominated for the 2005 Best American-Set Historical Romance in Romantic Times BOOKclub Magazine

Ammanda McCabe 's Lady Midnight has been nominated for 2005 Best Historical Romantic Mystery/Gothic in Romantic Times BOOKclub Magazine
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Rachel Patterson, http://urbanfantasy.blogspot.com/ , with the help of her agent, Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency , just landed a three book deal with Luna!! It's an urban fantasy series and we will be publishing more info here as is comes in.

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Gena Showalter has just sold two more alien huntress books to Pocket, as well as two young adult alien huntress books to MTV Press!!

Deidre Knight of the The Knight Agency, Inc was the agent, and Lauren McKenna was the acquiring editor.

Here's a little about the books:(the first adult book) Savor Me Slowly:A woman whose DNA has been spliced and honed by scientists, making her an empath and gifting her with superhuman strength, is recruited by Alien Investigation and Removal agents to find and stop the alien wreaking havoc in near future New Chicago.

The first YA alien huntress book (no title yet): In the near future, where other-worlders walk among us, an ordinary high school senior is enrolled in Alien Investigation and Removal boot camp, where she must learn to battle the elusive enemy among us – if the enemy doesn’t kill her first.

Check out these wonderful OUTLAW books still available:

Lone Star Rising: The Baby Diaries by Darlene Graham

Bravo Unwrapped by Christine Rimmer

Brighid's Quest by P.C. Cast

The Chosen by Sharon Sala

Eye Of The Beholder by Merline Lovelace

In The Spirit Of...Christmas (Love Inspired) by Linda Goodnight

Bravo Brides : The Millionaire She Married\The M.D. She Had To Marry by Christine Rimmer

Most Wanted Woman: Line of Duty by Maggie Price

Baptism by Fire by Keira Ramsay

Rider on Fire by Sharon Sala

The Cinderella Plan (Love Inspired) by Margaret Daley

Born under the Lone Star by Darlene Graham

Tanner Ties by Peggy Moreland Heart Of The Dragon by Gena Showalter

Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter

The Stone Prince by Gena Showalter

The Pleasure Slave by Gena Showalter

Goddess of Spring by P.C. Cast

Goddess of the Sea by P.C. Cast

Goddess of Light by P.C. Cast

Elphame's Choice by P.C. Cast

Trigger Effect: Line of Duty by Maggie Price

Lady Midnight by Ammanda McCabe