I'm Still A Guy

I know a funny blog title since I'm a woman. This was the title of a workshop put on by Paty Jager at the Emerald City Writers Conference.

Paty was presenting on Sunday at 8 a.m., and bless her heart, she brought everyone scones. The workshop was well attended after many of us (including Paty) were up late the night before.

Paty gave a great presentation about men, and to remind all of us that all men will have the same gut reactions. They may not act on that reaction, but they will have it. She gave me ideas on how to make my men more masculine and true to the male code.

Thank you Paty for the insight and a wonderful presentation early on Sunday morning.

Is it Piracy?

I usually don't do this, but I really feel this is important.

A few months ago Dorchester announced they were no longer doing mass market paperbacks and re-organizing into e-book and trade books only. I found out today that there's more to the story.

Smart Bitches posted a blog, click here to read it. And please do read it, it explains what is happening to some of the Dorchester authors. One author has explained it's not about money but about the principle and business.

She's right, in my opinion, writing is a business and if we authors don't treat it as such it invites more issues like what some of the Dorchester authors are experiencing.

I've never done business with Dorchester, I have met the editor Chris and former editor Leah. I agree the editor doesn't have much control over what the publisher is doing. Except to quit his job.

Dorchester looks like a sinking ship to me.

Getting Back Into The Swing of Things

I'm working on getting back into the swing of things. The Emerald City Writers Conference was two weeks ago. I had a great time and took some vacation time after the conference, so now I'm playing catch up.

It always seems that way, whenever I take time off from writing, the day job, etc. then I spend lots of time playing catch up, this time is no different.

I'll be honest, it's worth it. We all needs some down time, regardless if something else doesn't get done. Because I'm a semi-goal oriented person, I'm mapping out what has to be done each evening after the day job and tackling one item at a time. This helps me get back on track.

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting about the workshops I went to at the Emerald City Writers Conference, the book signing, and The Wild Rose Press dinner.

Laurie Schnebly Campbell – Emerald City Writers Conference

I've know Laurie for several years, not only from taking her classes on-line, but from being her driver to my local RWA chapter meetings where she's spoken.

Laurie is fun to be around and a wonderful teacher. I always learn something from her, and I know my writing and life is richer from knowing her.

It's all part of writing, to be able to network with people, but sometimes we click with a special person or two who really helps us see where we can improve our writing and our lives.

I'm so lucky to have Laurie as my friend. Her workshop at the conference His Personality Ladder was great. Laurie does this class on-line, but I love having a refresher, it helped remind me that my hero has to have his journey during the book as well, it's how he grows and changes.

Sometimes as writers we only concentrate on one character.

If you're interest in finding out more about Laurie's Classes you can visit her website here or sign up for her class announcement list here

After Emerald City Writers Conference

What a weekend. I had a fantastic time. I was able to meet with old friends, and make new one. My first book siging went well, I was nervous but I sat next to Shelli Stevens who is a wonderful erotic romance author and she helped me stay calm.

Everyone is so friendly and so willing to talk to you. I've never found another profession that has people like this. I had so much fun, but I'm totally exhausted as well.

I'll have more over the conference over the next few weeks.