I Need a Hero

When you're writing a book, you have an image of your characters in your head, but when you finally sell -- YEAH -- you will eventually be asked to send your publisher a form that provides descriptions and suggestions for the cover art.

The first time I had to fill this form out, it asked for photos. And my immediate thought was, "Those people are imaginary, there aren't any photos". Then it occured to me that probably what they were asking for was an image that served as my inspiration. Now it's confession time, for Beneath a Silver Moon - my inspiration for Jefferson was Brendan Fraser. After all, Rick O'Connell was really a cowboy, you knew that because he was 1. American 2. Loved his guns
3. He was a hero with a wonderful sense of humor

So, when it was time to think about my hero for Promise Me I searched through my "fantasy guy" collection, and thought I had pretty much come up with the ideal. I'd be so prepared when that book sold.

Then I attended the Romantic Times Convention in Kansas City and gave a speech about my first year as a published author, (to around 600 folks, but no one has ever accused me of being shy). After the luncheon, a nice man came up to tell me how much he loved what I had to say, and how inspired he was by my words. Oh, did I mention he was a DROP DEAD GORGEOUS guy who is one of the most popular romance cover models as well as a gifted artist.

Yes, Cherif Fortin was talking to ME. We chatted, and then he told me that he had artwork he thought would be perfect for my next book. We talked via Email after the conference, and he sent me an image. I've kept this for several years, always hoping when Westerns finally made a come-back, I would be able to use it for my cover.

I finally did sell Promise Me to The Wild Rose Press, and hoped I could convince them to use Cherif's art, because it so beautifully captured my hero and heroine. Unfortunately, they only use their own artists, and I am honestly thrilled with the art work created by Nicola Martinez
but I still have a soft spot for Cherif's work. What to do?

Then it occurred to me that I needed a Book Trailer, and since there was no image of my hero on the cover of my book, I might be able to use the painting from Cherif. So, I contacted him, and he actually had worked on that piece and it was even more beautiful.

So, watch this fall for the Promise Me booktrailer, (and the saga of how I create it, because this will be a DIY project, along with a little help from my friends).

In the meantime, here's just a small teaser, the image Cherif Fortin has graciously allowed me to use.

Nora and Me!

If it's Saturday - we must be nearing the end of the RWA conference and tonight will be the Golden Heart and RITA awards. But before that, I have been invited to Nora's party.

Yes, NORA ROBERTS, the biggest author in the universe. More books, more sales, more of everything.

I'm not worthy....

So I put on my "Vegas Dress" and head up to Nora's suite. She has a great view, and a grand piano in her living room.

She's gracious, wearing a lovely dress, enough "bling" to make your eyes bug out of your head and she's barefoot. Gotta love a gal who likes to be comfortable.

Everyone who is anyone in the RWA world seems to be here and I get a photo with J.R. Ward. She's really tall and really thin.

I also meet up with my former Dorchester editor, Kate Seaver and we talk about old times and Costa Rica. She wants to go there, and since I've recently visited, so I offer some travel advice.

Then it's downstairs to the awards - the fun and excitement of seeing the Golden Heart winners (often in tears) and the RITA winners take the biggest romance writing honor of the year.

Then there is food, book chat and more chat. I say good-bye to Jesse, and we promise to stay in touch. It's not a late night, because tomorrow I take the subway to Union Station and head out to visit my Uncle and his wife in Richmond.

It's been a wonderful conference, busy, exciting, fun and I think I've learned a lot about the current state of romance. It's been a great honor to be chosen by RWA to be Librarian of the Year, and I will carry my title with pride!

Steampunk and More Workshopping at RWA

On Friday morning, (again at 8am) I present a workshop with Susan Gibberman and John Charles about selling your book and promoting it to libraries. This was really fun, because I learned as much about how other library systems work as the audience did. Because I work for one of the busiest, and best funded libraries in the US, I don't realize how many other libraries struggle with reduced staffing, minimal programming budgets and limited book $.

John is also the Romance Reviewer for Booklist magazine, so I was delighted to meet him and hear his take on the genre.

At the end of the 2 hour program, (whew - we did find things to talk for all that time) a small group of folks come up to ask us questions. A woman patiently waits, and I keep glancing at her name tag and thinking, I recognize that name....I wonder why?

When she introduces herself and hands me her newest book cover I realize she is Gail Dayton, and I morph into total fan-girl mode. I just finished reading her book, New Blood (a Steampunk Romance) and LOVED it. I'm so thrilled to meet her! And for those of you who don't know what Steampunk is - let me define it. It's a sub genre that is written in the Victorian age, that has elements of fantasy and the technology is based on steam. If you've seen the movies The Wild, Wild West or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen you've seen Steampunk.

Which brings up an interesting note: There are many editors and agents asking for this at the conference. I just finished reading a fall book coming out by Scott Westerfeld, Leviathan, and it is Steampunk, so maybe that's the reason. Anyway, I've been working on a YA book in this genre, so I'm excited to see how it turns out.

I'm now preparing for the Awards Luncheon, because this is the day I officially receive my Librarian of the Year award. The moment I've been waiting for, the fun, the excitement, the butterflies in my belly because I will be accepting this in front of 2500 people.

I get special seating at the front of the ballroom, and chat with my fellow honorees. Finally, the President of RWA begins to announce our names, and then it's my turn to go up on stage, and be on 5 giant screens!

After thanking RWA and my local chapter, Greater Seattle RWA, I tried to offer something in the way of words of wisdom, but short - very short, so this is what I said:

Words are important, stories are powerful and books can change lives. Please keep writing, because if you stop, we won't have anything to put on the shelves.

Maybe not brilliant, but certainly short. Then we listened to a wonderful speech by Eloisa James. She's funny, endearing and had great writing stories to share. I stayed behind to get a book signed and for a photo op.

Then it's Party Night! Friday evening is when the publishers have their parties and I'm off with my sweet little friend, Elizabeth, to the St. Martin's party. We walk up the street, and then I remember - I didn't bring the invitation with me and don't exactly remember the name of the restaurant. I assure Elizabeth I'll remember the name when I see it, and I do, sorta. I see a wine bar, we run across the street and thank goodness Cherry Adair is sitting in the window so I know it's the right place.

There is a crush of people, but I am delighted to discover there is a bartender in D.C. who can make a pomegranate martini -- and order one. Actually, several, and before long Diana Love and several others are drinking them too. (I advise them, because this drink gives you antioxidants and booze in one shot).

Then we grab a cab with Diana and head downtown to the Harlequin party. Now, I confess, I wasn't actually invited to this party, but I was assured by Dennis Graham, (Heather Graham's husband) that we'd be welcome. He was right!

This event rocks - with an open bar, food and a DJ. The dance floor is crowded, but we manage to hook up with Jesse Petersen (Jenna Petersen) and her agent, Miriam, and we rock and roll for a while.

Then I realize it's really late and I'm not as young as I used to be. Jenna and I grab a cab and head back to the hotel. Even though on the West Coast it's only 10pm, I'm exhausted and fall into bed.

Good NEWS - I won't have to present a program at 8am tomorrow morning.