Back from the conference.

July 20, 2009

I got home from the DC Conference yesterday, exhausted and energized. I’ve got several submissions to get in the mail … yeah! But on top of that, I reconnected with several friends I’d met at earlier conferences, met a few new friends, nailed my plans for my upcoming (fourth) project, including all the escalating conflicts and THE BIG BLACK MOMENT, and got autographed copies of books from a few of my favorite authors (Jayne Ann Krentz and Nora Roberts)!!

It’s going to be a busy month, but I have to be honest – that’s what keeps me loving this. There are never dull moments, my characters won’t allow that. Just when I think I understand what’s happening in their lives, they throw a curve ball and veer us on another path. More than once, they’ve forced me to ‘step out of my comfort zone’, but because of that, I’ve grown as a writer.

Maybe this year will finally be my year. Will I be lucky enough to find the right person, at the right time for one of my three finished projects? Will I graduate from writer to published author? Will I in the near future be able to share with you the stories that have captivated my heart? I sure hope so. Passion and hard work are only part of the recipe, persistence allows me the opportunity to fulfill my dream. One day – it will happen!

I think I mentioned the annual awards ceremony on which the conference ends. The RITA is for published authors and the Golden Heart recognizes outstanding unpublished manuscripts. This year’s ceremony was exceptionally special for I was cheering on several dear friends. Jessica Anderson was up for a RITA in the Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure category — though she did not take home the statue this year, she was one of nine recognized for her outstanding talent in telling a story. Congrats Jess for finaling in such an impressive field.

I was also cheering for Elizabeth Devlin, a wonderful Rhode Island writer friend, who was up for a Golden Heart in the ‘novel with strong romantic elements’ category. She was one of eight who finaled … what an honor. Only one can win, and sadly it was not Elizabeth, but having made it to this level is in itself recognition for her talent. You rock, Elizabeth! And who knows, maybe this ms will go on to publish and win a RITA in an upcoming year. Wouldn’t that be fab?

To everyone pursuing a dream, I say, “Go get it, seek it out with passion in your heart and determination riding on your coat tails. Be the best you can truly be!”

Hmm, in order to make my mark on the world, I guess I should get back to work. So, until next time, hugs — Christine. 

 

  

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