The dreaded synopsis

The synopsis is up today over at I Heart Presents! I can already tell you the story has changed a bit since I wrote that, per editorial suggestions. The book will still be a surprise, so I'm not worried that my whole plot is laid out for all to see.

This is such a great opportunity for writers to see exactly what the editors like and don't like as they guide you through the top three entries. Tomorrow there will be an editorial critique of my entry. And though I have my notes already, I'll still be fascinated to see what they have to say on the blog!

On display

The hermit crab has a lovely little shell to run into when he wants to hide. Me, well, I'm in my office. You can't see my face, which is helpful right now. Because my winning chapter from THE SPANISH MAGNATE'S REVENGE is on the I Heart Presents blog this morning.

Not that I mind sharing it with you. But it's nerve-wracking to be so publicly out there with my writing, where instant feedback can happen. I felt this way with my published short stories too, btw. It's scary, and I have a feeling I will always feel this way, even should I be lucky enough to have a long and productive writing career (which is my goal).

So I'll be here hiding while you go read my chapter. 🙂 It's already been revised since I sent it to the contest, but alas, you can't see the revisions until the book is finished and in print (thinking positively of course).

I hope you enjoy it! 🙂 If you don't, don't tell me. *grin*

GH Finalist!!!!!!

OMG, I just got the call that my military romantic suspense manuscript, HOT PURSUIT, is a finalist in the Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure category!!!!!
I've never finaled before, though I think this was my 4th time entering. Y'all, it CAN happen!

UPDATE: The finalist list can be found at Romance Writers of America.

I Won!!!!

Y'all, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I found out yesterday that I won the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest!!! I have won an editor for a year. I'm still in shock. And I've already talked to her on the phone, and she's fabulous. I'm looking forward to working with her on making THE SPANISH MAGNATE'S REVENGE into the best book I can.

I know it's not my usual military romantic suspense, but Presents novels have always been special to me. They were the first romances I ever read, and I've always wanted to write for them. I got up the courage to try when the contest was announced. I never thought I'd win, and certainly not over 599 other entries. I'm so happy and humbled by the experience.

What next? Get to work on the book, of course. 🙂 Now I feel like I have a real deadline and people not to disappoint. It's no longer about me writing for me. I have an editor and a goal. I have a great critique partner, an awesome RWA chapter, and a supportive family. Somebody pinch me. 🙂

Accomplishments

This week, I submitted two entries to the Harlequin Presents contest. I'm feeling good about getting those two stories out there. Even if nothing comes of it, I've actually pressed the send button. Yay!

Now, I must get my revised entry back to the Gotcha coordinator for forwarding. And I have to finish the rewrites on this book.

Oh, and I'm thinking about the Red Sage contest.

And Sven starts again on March 1st.

Sometimes, I really love being a writer. 🙂

Finally, Happy Valentine's Day!

Any accomplishments you're proud of this week? This month? Any special plans for Valentine's?