Wednesdays with Joanne - "On the day after Christmas, my true love gave to me..."

...tickets to Antarctica!

Yep, I get to March With The Penguins soon, on Happy Feet, I can only hope. Nothing literary in all of this, or maybe there is.

I've been passionate about animals all of my life, wanting to be a veterinarian, ending up being a nurse. Same passion, just a different type of animal. We've been called worse in this life, right? Who here is not rivited to the tele when shows such as Deadliest Catch (filmed in and around Dutch Harbor, Alaska) or Everest, Beyond The Limit (filmed at 29,000 feet and holding) come on? I sure am! Of course I've also been rivited to the tele in days of old when Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom came on. If I'm not mistaken, Wild Kingdom was the first long-standing animal show on television. Mesmerizing, all of it!

And so, with passions stirred re all animals both wild and domestic, human and otherwise, I look forward to crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and find out for myself, what is really going on down there. How much has the potential rise is sea temperatures affected the Chinstrap penguins or the Gentoo? How much has their food source depleted? Surely the guides on board my Zodiac will share all the hard facts, first hand. I'll be going the end of January.

When I return I plan to "put passion to my pen" and tell all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jo(anne)

http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squido.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Go East, young man! Go East!"

All right,

I know the pioneer cry was to Go West, but I'm thinking it's time for this pioneer to Go East ... on the historical romance page, that is.

To date I've written books set in the 19th century west and for good reason. I moved west over 35 years ago, to Colorado to be precise. After 5 years in the lowlands, I moved to the highlands, and have been a mountain woman ever since. It's on my outings with my trusted huskies where I refuel to "write another day." No better place for inspiration to write historical romance set in the West, than to walk where the pioneers walked, and trod the same path as the Native Americans, this being their home long before ours.

In thinking about future projects, I've turned east now, to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where I was born. I'm not leaving my love of All Things 19th Century behind, however. My next book will be set in Civil War, Virginia. I grew up on battlefields, with Lee and Grant charging across my front yard, camping near my favorite swimming hole, and setting up pup tents nearby our traditional family picnic area at Bull Run. Even before I could spell I knew about the battles of Manassas, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Brandy Station and on and on and on. Gettysburg is not alone in its hallowed ground. It's for another day, for me to wax on re my next project. Suffice is to say, I'm ...

GOING EAST!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ONE AND ALL!

Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.historicalromancewriter.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Bird by Bird"

Whoops! Just like my last blog entry, it's NOT Wednesday today! Sorry folks. I'd blame it on the spiked eggnog if I weren't Jewish. Hmmm, I'll blame it on too many latkes!!!

This is not a piece about Anne Lamott's signature book on writing, Bird by Bird, but about my step-by-step process in meeting my goals to get things done. I do things little-by-little because if I worried about everything all at once, ie manuscript writing, selling to publishers, marketing, networking, et al ... I'd never get anything done. Never!

I'm happy for each and every small achievement, as over time they do have a way of adding up and building up, bird-by-bird. I'm ever surprised that I finish writing a book, much less sell a book, then actually get myself scheduled for book signings in libraries and bookstores. A marvel, indeed for someone who never dreamed of writing romance until I'd worked in nursing, married, and raised my children. I'm ever grateful for such good fortune. No, I'm not a NYTimes bestseller but I'm happy in my writing shoes.

With three books sold in the Five Star Expressions line, I do (of course) hope to keep Tekno/Five Star interested, and write more for them. In the meanwhile I tend to marketing as best I can, with lots to learn, no question. Step-by-step I try to build on what success I've had with readers, happy over every single person who takes the time to read anything I write. A writer is only as good as the readers who check out or buy their books! Whenever a New User registers for my newletter on my website, I'm over the moon. Very, very nice.

Of late, my bird-by-bird has grown a few unexpected feathers, a pleasant surprise, indeed. Colorado Country Life Magazine selected A...My Name's Amelia as one of their dozen favorite books in their 10th annual book review issue. A piece about me will appear in the next Grand County Relocation Guide, an 80-page resource guide to mountain living. Both the Arapahoe Library District and Weld, have petitioned me to schedule presentations on my books at their libraries in the coming year.

During this wonderful holiday time, I know it's better to give than to receive ... but it is ever so nice to be on the receiving end, is it not! I appreciate the aformentioned overtures re my work.

Thank you to "one and all, and to all a good night!" Hey, in my case I suppose I should say, "and to all a good latke ... or a nice piece of brisket ... a little gelt ... you shoud eat something!"

Shalom,

Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesday's With Joanne - HAPPY HANUKKAH!

Hi all,

I realize it's not Wednesday, but Friday. I just returned from the west coast, and then the east ... from the fires of California to the snows of Virginia. If only the two could meet, the left coast and the right ... perhaps then, all would be well.

Before the holidays come and go I wanted to wish one and all a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas! I live in the Colorado Rockies and oy vey ... do we have snow today. It's beautiful but cuts into fun shopping trips to Denver for sure! Geez, maybe I'll have to bake gifts this year which means they won't be too well received. Where's Paula Dean when I need her?

I want to thank everyone who's signed up for my newletter this year, come to my signings, stopped for a chat, and actually bought my books. You guys are all the best. We all have romance in us, don't we?

I love you all a-latke! Ho Ho Ho!

Jo(anne)
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Let's Give `Em Something to Blog About"

Hi everyone,

As of November 14th, Romance Writers of America has re-sanctioned Five Star as an accepted non-subsidy, non-vanity publisher! For a while we were off the list, and so its nice to be back on. I can't pretend to know the ins and outs or the exact nature of the ongoing debate; I'm just glad we're approved now.

I'm going to enter A...My Name's Amelia in the RITA, RWA's prestigious annual award. It's just fun to be able to enter, which I'd best hurry and do since the deadline is Nov 3oth! Since Amelia has enjoyed several print runs and is soon going into large print, I thought it worthy of entry. Nothing ventured, right? Amelia got 4&1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine so I might have a shot. cough cough As I said, I'm just happy to be able to enter.

This also makes my membership in Colorado Romance Writers, one of the local Colorado chapters of RWA, all the more sweet.

Thanks for listening ...

Jo(anne)

www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Ah, the Colorado Country Life!"

Hi all,

Thanks to the amazing editor/publisher of Colorado Country Life (REA Association, vol 38, #11) Mona Neeley, A...My Name's Amelia got a favorible review in the widely-read magazine. In our mountain co-op there are approximately 15,000 in the readership, and CCL reaches 22 other co-ops. Talk about the Gift Outright ... I'm so very grateful.

Toward the close of her review, Ms. Neeley writes that, "author Joanne Sundell of Tabernash has woven rich, little-known history from our state's past into a touching story about learning to communicate and to trust another person." Told ya, the Gift Outright. While Amelia has received other good reviews (thank goodness) I'm touched that Ms. Neeley found my book while combing the shelves of her local Barnes & Noble, and further touched that she gave me such a heart-felt review.

She's just one more reason I can say, "Ah, the Colorado Country Life."

BTW, thanks, Marie, for your comments. I'm glad you're out there!


Until next time ...

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Kicking and Screaming into the Bloggosphere!"

Hi all,

Yes, I do already have this blog. And yes, on rare occasion someone actually posts a comment. I do feel a little alone out here on my skinny blog limb and so ... I hope to increase my readership (bloggily-speaking) by linking up, hooking up, and chatting it up on other writers' blogs.

I attended a Cyberspace Marketing talk at the recently-held WomenWritingTheWest conference in Colorado Springs, put forth by non-fiction author, Donna Druchunus. She's written several successful books including ARCTIC LACE. Well, you can bet that I paid attention to her words when she shared that at one point ARCTIC LACE was 800 on Amazon! My oh my, I said to myself. Donna does Blog Tours for her books. I won't go into detail, except to say that she literally sets up a blog tour with 30 or so writers and posts on their blogs. You can see the value in this, ie many other folks get to know about Donna and her writing, through other sites and other subjects. A nifty idea, I'd say.

Also, I have the pleasure of e-knowing the wonderful, successful writers, Karen Kay and Alice Duncan. These women are amazing in talent and generosity. Bestselling, Native American author, Kay, is part of a western blog, petticoatsandpistols.com. Check it out and comment, absolutely. I might be able to guest post on Kay's blog, which would be an honor. Alice is a talented, award-winning, bestselling author and editor. She's ever a font a knowledge on well ... just about everything. It would be an honor, indeed, if she gets a blog up and going, to guest post on her site. You can see where I'm going with this. You can see the value of being on the same cyberpage with these powerhouse women. You bet, I'm a groupie!

And so ... whether kicking and screaming all the way into the bloggosphere ... I shall try to go where "no historical romance writer from Tabernash, CO, has gone before!"

Blogging all the way ...

Jo(anne)

http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
http://www.joannesundell.blogspot.com/

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Just Do It!"

Just Do It!

Just go ahead and get in touch with your dream authors to request a much-needed, much-appreciated blurb for your next book. But ... follow the rules to help ensure success.

If you write in a certain genre, try to find writers in your genre. It gives your book more of a boost, adding credibility. Readers know their writers, and if they spot a science-fiction writer's blurb on your historical romance ... well ... you can see what I mean. Plus, a science-fiction writer probably won't enjoy reading what they "don't write," much less like. You better your chances for a favorable review, if you pick your authors much like you search out agents and editors.

Look within the writing organizations to which you belong, and seek out those authors you believe might express an interest in giving you a quote. Just because they're "rich and famous" doesn't mean they won't give you some of their time, if and when they have it. If you make sure and give them plenty of lead time, you better your chances for success. I believe this is key! These noted authors have deadlines and their time is precious little. But if you approach them early and give them plenty of time, they usually will respond in the positive. Be professional, always!

Your reward for obeying the rules in approaching authors for quotes will come back, ten-fold. On my first book, noted award-winning, bestselling author and editor, Alice Duncan, gave me a quote. She's also been more than kind in giving me quotes for my subsequent books. NYTimes bestselling author, Joan Johnston, gave me a quote for my second book, and NYTimes bestselling author, Susan Wiggs, and bestselling author, Suzanne Lyon, are going to give me quotes for my third.

So ... just do it!

Jo(anne)

www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Rules of Engagement"

Hi Romance Lovers, one and all!

However tempting it is here, to lament the rules of engagement in love and marriage, I'm referring to the rules set down on how and how not to write a romance novel. I'm talking about the rules set down on how and how not to submit a romance novel to editors. I'm talking about how to succeed with editors ... hooking them, rather than annoying them ... because you didn't obey their rules of engagement.

When most of us consider submitting to a publisher, we focus primarily on what we're writing and not especially how we're writing. We pay attention to format to a point, making sure our font is 12-point and that we're in Courier or Times New Roman. Right guys? We're focused (as well we should be) on just who we should submit to; when we should submit; should we submit to more than one editor; and which houses want what? This is all important but ... so is format!

The importance of this was brought home again this morning, when I tuned into an exchange on an author loop between authors and editors. While the editors are usually very nice about reformatting manuscripts themselves, they'd prefer not to have to do this. A writer's chances for sale are much, much better if the formatting for their manuscript is correct in the first place. We authors need to (in addition to all of the aforementioned) find out the specific template and format for each house to whom we wish to submit. In doing so, in submitting a manuscript that's already in the house's acceptable format--a manuscript that obeys their Rules of Engagement--we're giving our manuscript the extra boost that just might make all the difference in sales.

Let's go get`em, guys!

Jo(anne)

Next from Five Star:
The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
A...My Name's Amelia, LP coming
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Going LARGE"

Hi all,

Yes, as we age we do go LARGE, but this is usually not of our own choosing. And all the duct tape in the world apparently doesn't want to hold up our sagging parts. Phooey! So much for living in the real world. I choose to visit the "unreal" world of writing where it's safe to go LARGE.

My second novel, A...My Name's Amelia, will be released at a future date in large print by Thorndike Press in either their Clean Reads or Wheeler Publishing lines. This gives a longer life to my hero and heroine, Amelia and Aaron, which makes me very, very happy.

All of this is yet another reason for me to opine the good deeds of Five Star - a part of Cengage Learning. From acquisitions to hardcover release, they are a great group with which to work. I am most fortunate to be published with them, sagging parts and all.

Jo(anne)

www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
www.joannesundell.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference ... Ups and Downs"

Hi all,

Just wanted to share a few comments about the recently held Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference. This was my first time attending this noted Denver gathering.

Ups: The lineup was impressive, both for the conference content and the writers in attendance. Other Five Star authors were there, many of them presenting. Noted editors and agents took appointments to hear pitches; John Helfers from Tekno/Five Star among them. NYTimes bestselling authors Bob Mayer and Maggie Sefton were in the house. Author/pediatrician CJ Lyons wowed us all, too. The conference afforded a great opportunity to meet other writers, hear dynamite panels, and connect with agents and editors.

The Friday night signing was too much fun! Pretty cool experience, guys.

Downs: It's frustrating not to be able to attend all of the workshops. Can't be in two places at once. This is a good "down," right? If you don't attend conferences to pitch a new manuscript, I wonder if you're getting full benefit. While involvements and networking is key for writers, if you sign up for a conference and don't take advantage of the editor/agent appointments, perhaps you're not getting full "bang for your buck." Just my opinion.

Until next time ...

Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "In the beginning...

Hi!

Despite the fact that the Jewish holidays are almost here, this is not a religious discourse but a few thoughts regarding "getting started" with our next book.

We've all been there. Our last manuscript is put to bed with the editor and copy-editor. Our ancillary material is complete and forwarded. And now, "In the beginning ... there was WHAT? I try not to panic at this juncture, suddenly remembering all of those writers I meet who have books, books, books and characters, characters, characters running around in their heads all of the time. Most of us have attended conferences where the speakers say they have to shut out one book, to get their current one keyed in on their hard-drive. Never my problem I can assure you.

Perhaps the reason is, I write historicals set in the West and I don't encounter any of my characters until I've jumped into the deep end of my research. The old chicken or the egg addage pops up at this time. Which comes first? My characters or my story? Okay, there's a very good argument that these are not separate in romance. True. In romance, "It's the romance, stupid." Ah, but you see I enjoy attempting historical romance and so a critical level of historical substance must be factored in. If there isn't a great story hidden somewhere in the history, wherein lies your historical romance? Thus my "chicken and egg" dilemma.

Pathos. Good word is it not? A wonderful editor I have the good fortune of knowing told me she thinks my characters have pathos. Well, once said ... there's no going back. If I don't write stories with pathos now, my chicken might just "lay an egg." Ouch.

You've been great to listen. Thank you. There are steps and more steps to the process of writing a great story, whatever the genre, but my FAVORITE is the writing of it. Beyond marketing and newspaper mentions and appearances and good reviews and good WorldCat numbers and a decent showing on Amazon (albeit sporadic), there is the ultimate enjoyment of finding the story hiding inside of us and writing it!

"In the beginning ... there was the story."

Back soon,

Jo(anne)
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
http://www.fivestarauthors.blogspot.com/

Wednesdays with Joanne - "You're never too old for Harvard!"

Hi all,

Yep, you can congratulate me. I've been accepted at Harvard College, ie, my novel, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, is listed as part of the Harvard College Library. Okay, admittedly it doesn't take much to get me excited (the beauty of being over 50 is that no one cares what we say or do anymore) but having my debut novel purchased by Harvard College, well ... I'm still trying to settle back down to earth! Sure I'm not the only Five Star author who's in the Harvard Library, I'm still dancing in the clouds on this one. I got into nursing school years ago on my good looks (yeah, right) but I got into Harvard on "my good book!" I know, I'm having fun with this one but why not, right.

If any more of my books are accepted at Harvard College, I'll eat my covers!!! Ummm ... deelish!

Thanks for letting me have my Academic Moment in the Sun,

Jo(anne)

http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
www.fivestarauthors.blogspot.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "The HOOK in us all"

Hi guys,

Bet you thought I meant to say the BOOK in us all, but oh contrar`...

What I love about what we do, writing, is that we're all unique; all coming up with our own unique HOOK for our BOOK(s). Not so easily done, as we all know, but do it we must (if we want to sell a book or two along the way). Every time I meet a new author, I'm struck by the fact that this writer has actually written a book, then gotten it published of all things! It still is amazing to me that any of us get published but that's for another day. Right now I want to celebrate the HOOK in us all.

We are all unique, with our own perceptions, our own way of doing ... well ... just about everything. Geez, does that ever come in handy in attempting a novel. What are we without our uniqueness? Not a whole lot, I'm thinking. That is in fact what we bring to the writing table. We're ever in a daily struggle to combat cliche` and convenient storylines. When I have "fears that I may cease to" write, I do my utmost to remember that there is a HOOK, all our own, just around the corner. I just have to find it. Like Harry Potter, but not like Harry Potter. Don't we all love the wizardry he cooks up! Finding a HOOK is a bit like finding a "portkey" in Rowling's amazing stories. Once we do, we close our eyes, endure a bit of turbulance, then we're there!

A simplification? Perhaps. At the end of the day, we get ourselves to the end of our book(s), hoping indeed our hook(s) can withstand reviewers and skeptical readers, appealing to many a librarian and bookstore owner. Whew! The ride can be a turbulant one, but I think we can all agree it's definitely worth it!

Relax, it's just writing!

Hah! Want to know where that came from? I read off a gift bag from the Hustler, their motto: Relax, it's just sex! (For all you chick-lit writers ... good title for you.) Anyway, my point here is that when we're looking for our next Big Bad HOOK: RELAX, IT'S JUST WRITING!

Until next time ...

Jo(anne)
http://www.fivestarauthors.blogspot.com
www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter

Wednesdays with Joanne - "The Write Trip"

Hi all,

Summer is trekking along, so get those vacation hours in quick!!!

I just returned from The Write Trip: Author Day at Five Star-Thomson Gale, Thorndike Press, in Waterville, Maine. What an honor to have our publisher create a day just for us! Too much fun. Not only did we have an opportunity to meet our fellow authors with Five Star, but the staff of Thomson Gale and Thorndike Press as well. We were wined (on H2O and soda) and dined (lobster and chicken) on delicious fare as well as conversation. My feet are back on terra firma (barely) but I have wonderful writing memories to keep me warm on cold Colorado nights to come.

New England is rich in history, and I'm talking Writing history! For me, a romance lover from Virginia who now resides in Colorado, driving along on my Write Trip, passing signs that read Walden Pond ... well, you can imagine. A literary moment, certainly. Another one came, of course, when I stopped in Camden, Maine. For those of you who enjoy my love for The Hallmark Channel, as in Sarah, Plain, and Tall (the series is shown often) ... roaming Camden, where Sarah wrote her advertisement, "to make a difference," made my heart skip, yet again.

On my way to the airport in Hartford, my Writing Trip took me through the state of MA where John and Abigail Adams wrote (thank goodness they did) so many letters to one another, David McCullough could put them together for his wonderful biography. John Adams is one of THE best books I've ever read! (I'm still reading Harry Potter - Deathly Hallows ... so I'll let you know ... I DO love Rowling!)

Hmmm ... I'm of the thought that one could step out their door in this great country, go in any direction, via any means of transportation, and suddenly discover they are on their own Write Trip! It is America The Beautiful!

Until next time...

Jo(anne)

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
A...My Name's Amelia
The Parlor House Daughter (12/08)
http://www.fivestarauthors.blogspot.com/
http://www.womenwritingthewest.blogspot.com/
http://http://www.joannesundell.com/

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Keeping Up Appearances"

Hi guys,

No, I'm not talking about the delicious, vintage BBC tv comedy (featuring the ever-engaging Hyacynthe Bucket), but about "Keeping Up Writing, Reading, Signing, Conferencing, Library, and Bookstore Appearances, et al." Whew! Anyone exhausted yet?

With each book happily sold ( three now, thank goodness) to Five Star-Thomson Gale, I'm beginning to get it: to get all of the things about marketing that I didn't know! The first lesson (an obvious one) is that I wasn't "Keeping Up Appearances" in getting my book on The List at any and every bookstore within shouting distance, for a signing. The second lesson is that I wasn't "Keeping Up Appearances" in clever on-line connections. The third lesson, ready for this, I wasn't even "Keeping Up Appearances" by keeping a notebook handy at signings for readers to sign up for my Newsletter! Oh well, and oy vey!

Lest any of you doubt it, I'M NOT SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER!

I won't bore you with Lessons four and five. Suffice is to say, I'm learning to schlep my writing gear in a somewhat more organized fashion to stores and libraries. Geez, I didn't want to be known as the Five Star Bag Lady! The fifth lesson was the hardest to go down: Do everything you're supposed to do re marketing today, yesterday!

Now that I'm a little more street-wise in Keeping Up Appearances, I'll do what I can to Keep Up With The Joneses (all of those deliciously wonderful, talented authors at Five Star)!

Until next time...

Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com
www.fivestarauthors.blogspot.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "An Art Affair to Remember"

Hi all,

I hope everyone is having a "knock-out" summer! It's going by pretty quickly, isn't it? Make sure to get those vacations in, guys. Annette and Frankie are waiting on the beach!

The ArtAffair council in Winter Park, CO, has been kind enough to allow me to peddle my writing wares (Matchmaker, Matchmaker & A...My Name's Amelia) in the town square, along with other artisans, for two years now. I really appreciate their allowing me in, as it's not been their practice to allow writers into the ArtAffair in times past. My sales have gone quite well, but the best is meeting new readers. I love it when folks happen by, to "buy!" I've met other Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen groupies at the ArtAffair, which is too much fun. We are not alone.

Admittedly, it's a great feeling when folks stop and chat, telling me they've seen my name at the Colorado History Museum Store, or a Denver library, or on signage at The Tattered Cover, Barnes & Noble, or Borders. It's really, really great if they've read my first book and can't wait to put cold, hard cash down for my second. I love to hear back from readers re their opinion of my historical romances. We are lovers all!

Another quick note. My third historical romance, The Parlor House Daughter, has been "signed and sealed" but won't be "delivered" until the end of next year, under the Five Star Expressions Line with Five Star-Thomson Gale. They're a wonderful publisher and I'm so proud to be counted among their ranks.

As I said, have a "knock-out" rest of your summer!

Talk at ya next week...

Jo(Anne)
http://fivestarauthors.blogspot.com
http://womenwritingthewest.blogspot.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly ... and, oh yes ... THE GOOD!

Hi all,

Lest you quickly become lost in "spaghetti western land," dreaming of sharing a saddle behind Clint Eastwood ... wait a minute ... that's a pretty good idea! I like Clint; I love Clint! He's good and bad but never, ever ugly. Hey, even if he were, I'd like him; I'd love him! Anyway ... the good is really, really good for me now.

I just sold my third historical romance set in the west to Tekno/Five Star/Thomson Gale and I'm over-the-moon happy!!! It's The Good, The Good, and The Good! John Helfers of Tekno is a gentleman's gentleman, and a more professional (not to mention down right nice) acquisitions agent you will never meet. My, he does set the industry standard as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to give Tiffany Schofield of Five Star a mention, as well. She's ever helpful, ever friendly, and ever "there" for us, should we need her.

Can you tell I'm extremely happy to be published with Tekno/Five Star/Thomson Gale!!!

This is such a brutal, difficult business, which is why I appreciate John Helfers and Tiffany Schofield all the more. They "make me want to be a better writer." And, because of them I've had the opportunity to e-meet one of their top editors, award-winning author Alice Duncan. Yep, I've died and gone to heaven!

I'm grateful, indeed, to "select out" the Bad and the Ugly, and hold onto the Good ... just a few minutes more.

Love,

Joanne

www.joannesundell.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "The Sisterhood of Travelling Writers"

Hi All!

Summer's in full swing and the folks are out travelling. Move over guys, the Winnebegos are on the move. Hide the children! (just kidding, of course) It occurred to me that writers don't have a "travelling season," but hit the road on any given day, no matter the time of year, to attend conferences, signings, book talks, attend workshops, critique groups, book fairs ... and on and on it goes. Admittedly, I didn't see the film, "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants," but I liked the title so much, I borrowed from it!

Writers, whether in or out of our Winnebegos, are always on the move. And, we're everywhere! At signings I meet lots of folks who are also writing. At dinner parties, there's a good chance that the guest to my left (or right) is a writer. At the grocery, I meet other hungry shoppers, who also happen to either write, or want to write. At conferences or chapter meetings, there are writers galore ... which is nothing short of delicious! How much fun is it to smooz with other writers, no matter their number of published works, about what they're working on now, etc. Writers are generous, I've discovered. At least most are. Most are willing to share their journey to publication, and want to help others do the same. See, I said "delicious" and I meant it!

I just wanted to check in and give a shout out to one and all, and wish us all good travels this summer; especially all of us in The Sisterhood of Travelling Writers!"

B'bye for now,

Jo(anne)

www.joannesundell.com

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Bragging Rights"

http://fivestarauthors.blogspot.com

Hi guys,

Happy Wednesday and Happy Writing!

I just wanted to "BRAG" about my shared marketing efforts with other Colorado Five Star Authors. Hey, there IS safety in numbers. We are a group of five: Five Stars from Five Star and just had our first joint signing in Colorado Springs. Just so you'll know, we all "played together nicely."

The talented women of whom I speak, and their works are:

Leslee Breene - LEADVILLE LADY
Patricia Stoltey - THE PRAIRIE GRASS MURDERS
Beth Groundwater - A REAL BASKET CASE
Janet Lane - TABOR'S TRINKET
moi` - A...MY NAME'S AMELIA

Our mix is mystery and romance. Too much fun! (Although I must say, part of the fun is that we romantics outnumbered the mystery gals by one ... heh heh heh) Picture this guys: we shared a small table, managing to balance our books and bookmarks and buttons and pins and brochures and reviews, and ... whew! ... all the while sharing cappuchino ice cream, chatting it up with readers wandering among the stacks who strolled by our group of five; with some stopping for a chat; some extolling the virtues of romance; some eschewing it (few I can assure you); and some placing our books under our noses (if we were not wandering among the stacks ourselves) for us to sign.

A good time REALLY WAS had by all!

Our next joint appearance (in case you're in "the hood") will be at the Tattered Cover, Highlands Ranch, in Denver, June 23rd @ 3 pm.

Until next time...

Jo(anne)

http://womenwritingthewest.blogspot.com
www.joannesundell.com

Wednesdays With Joanne - Conferences: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Hi all,

I'm still de-programming myself from the CRW-sponsored, Romancing the Rockies Conference held in Denver this past Friday and Saturday. Hence, the title of my blog today. Conferences are Good, Bad, and Ugly; usually all not at the same time, thank God!

Let's start with the Good. If you've never attended a romance writing conference, you're in for a treat when you do. And, if you're a groupie like moi`, you'll be blown away by all the authors you meet. You bet I made sure to have a signed copy of the latest books from Linnea Sinclair, Susan Wiggs, and Jeanne Stein. I can't wait to delve into them! Conferences also afford you a wonderful opportunity to network with authors, agents, editors, and other members of your RWA chapter; not to mention catch the latest and greatest writing tips from amazing writing experts like Margie Lawson. How awesome is she! Okay, admittedly, I've got a huge learning curve to master in terms of the writing craft, but at least I know what I don't know (I think). It's also good, good, good to smoos and network with the best of `em!

Now, for the Bad (hope the other shoe didn't hurt when I dropped it). There are so many incredible speakers, discussing so many incredible topics, in so many different lecture areas --- you can't make them all! Very frustrating to have to pick and choose, but one does what one must. There's always a "handy handout," rich with detail as to time, place, and subject. It's decision-making time, for certain. At the end of the day(s), you leave smarter than when you arrived; more informed than when you arrived; and certainly more aware ... of all that you don't know! Ah well, welcome to the world of writing.

Yep, here comes the Ugly. No offense intended to agents and editors (who graciously give of their time and expertise to travel from their, often far-away, offices) waiting for us at their hastily set-up judging tables, but for me ... the Ugly of conferences is the moment you take a seat in front of an agent or editor, and hope something comes out of your dry mouth, other than cotton fluff, which they've all heard before! I guarantee you, it's a humbling experience. I also guarantee you, if you schedule agent and editor appointments, at least you can count yourself A TRUE BRAVEHEART! "Oh we brave few" ... you get my point. You might not have an offer from any of your appointments to send in a partial, but you at least can leave, head high, shoulders straight; knowing you did it.

Just like spaghetti westerns of old (be still my heart at the mere thought of Clint Eastwood), The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly at conferences should be whole-heartedly embraced by romance writers. How can you not, with Clint waiting!


Shalom,

Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com

Wednesdays With Joanne - "The book(s) in us all"

Hi Folks,

Every time I'm at a signing, someone comes up and begins to talk about the books they have in them, yet to write. Invaribly what follows is one reason after another about "why" they haven't started on their novel(s). Hidden in this same person's meaning is perhaps the inference that "all they need is a little time and then they can write." I hope so for their sakes. Wouldn't that be nice if it were that simple. Geez, maybe it is and no one told me!

I absolutely love to talk to folks at signings. Those who stop for a chat and a look at my book(s) are usually polite, gracious, interested, intelligent, and just plain nice. Of course they're honest, too; many not liking romance, per se, yet willing to have a look. Many who stop are writers themselves, or at least beginning writers. Some have a good friend or relative who writes and is published. To this I say Hurray! To any accomplishments along the writing journey, I say Hurray!

Back to the person in the first paragraph, who wants to write, but hasn't yet. The only part I think they've yet to understand about writing, no matter whether fiction or non-fiction, is that finishing a book is the first step in writing. I know that sounds crazy, but a writer needs to know they CAN finish something. Only through the discipline of setting aside a time and place to write, can they begin writing, then finish their manuscript. Once finished, not only will the issue of "wanting to write and never having time to write" be off the table, but the issue of thinking "it's easily done" will be off the table, too.

Important for all of us is getting started in the first place. Don't wait, planning for that "some day" to arrive. Whether a beginning writer sets aside a little time before work in the morning, or a time at night to get those fingers keyed in, the first "book(s) in us all" will be in the making. How cool, and yes, how simple is that?

I do believe we all have books in us, waiting to come out. So, what are you waiting for?

Shalom,

Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Historically speaking..."

Hi Folks,

Any of you out there like to read and/or write historical romance? If so, GREAT! Phooey to the nay-sayers who try to frighten all of us away by claiming "lack of interest" in the historical genre. This reader/writer has nothing but "interest" in the genre!

Yes, I know erotica sells. Yes, I know chick-lit is all the rage. And yes, yes, yes, I know that Christian/Inspirational romance is selling ... selling ... selling. As far as I'm concerned, I have only one little problem with these reality stats: I don't read erotica, chick-lit, or inspirational romance. I like historicals, always have and always will. That's not to say I don't pick up an occasional bio from the likes of David McCullough, the latest horror thriller from Stephen King, or wait on line for the newest (and alas...the last) Harry Potter. But, it is to say that my favorite books are historical romance. I was raised on Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice and to this day, keep them close.

As I enjoy reading the genre, I also enjoy writing in the genre. I believe all of us who do, need to join together, forming our own Band of Brothers & Sisters, writing what's in our hearts, telling the stories of old, in new ways. Those of us who are traditional romantics, who love a good love story, conjuring images of gallant heroes and worthy heroines, packed with emotion and heartache, impossible conflict and unsatisfied passion, all the while hoping for a happy ending ... we must give voice to our stories through pen and key, never giving up hope ourselves, for a happy ending to the plight of the historical romance.

Together, WE CAN!

Shalom,

Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "For whom the bell tolls"

Hi folks,

This morning, with the news of the loss of life at Virginia Tech, then the news of 157 dying in 4 car bombs in Baghdad, it's more difficult than usual to "pick up where I left off in chapter 5." I look to one of my favorite passages in literature for solace. It's by John Donne, Meditation 17, and reads something like this:

"No man is an island; entire unto himself.
Each man is a part of the continent; a piece of the main.
If a clod be washed away, Europe is the less.
Every man's death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls.
It tolls for thee."

Yes, you bet I'm going back to "chapter 5," but I do it with a heavy heart.

Shalom,

Joanne

Wednesdays With Joanne - "I'm Seeing Stars!"

Four and a half to be precise, from Romantic Times Magazine for A...My Name's Amelia!

Hi all,

Since Five Star Expressions is a combination of women's fiction and romance, you bet I'm thrilled to have two books published in this line. Like many of you, we've found a home with Five Star-an imprint of Thomson Gale, taking our stories where, perhaps, others have not. We're edgy and take risks, to my thinking. I'm nothing but grateful that Five Star has given me an opportunity to be in print, twice. And, I'm nothing but grateful that some of the Big 4 have reviewed both of my books. No worries here, folks; I'm not "going there" with the whole review magilla, except to say that any review is unexpected and, indeed, appreciated.

While I'm over the moon, absolutely, to have some appeal to the library market, I'm out in the MySpaceStratosphere when the romance market takes notice of my stories! Although I don't need RWA approval to write a women's fiction with romantic elements, it's still nice when they sanction my work. At the end of the day, it's all about the stories that we all want to write. This dictates our words, to my thinking. Just where the fit will be ... well, you have to read the book and find out!

I have a shelf in my office with Five Star books from other authors, all signed! Yea! You're all rock stars, literary rock stars! I'm so happy to be counted among you, and love the energy you all generate every day, on the bookstore beat and on the Big Bad Internet.

Shalom,

Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "You are what you Write"

Hi guys,

"So...what do you write?"

How many of us get that question, and how many of us have more than one identifying genre. I say, if you do, good for you! We're supposed to write out of our comfort zone on occasion and "go where no writer has gone before," right? We're supposed to be able to pen a few contemporaries, then try out our historical ink, then perhaps cozy up with a cozy mystery or two...or three. I give kudos upon kudos to writers who do just that. It's great and it shows nothing but talent, talent, talent!

My genre, if you will, is historical romance set in the West. The only comfort zone I've stepped out of so far is aspiring "to pen" an even more unique heroine in women's fiction. That's the gold ring I go for on the writing merry-go-round; to chronicle the journey of adventuresome, brave women who helped settle the West. And, speaking of the West...what, exactly, do I mean by "You are what you Write." Perhaps a better statement would be "I am what I Write."

You know how some folks start to resemble their animals? We've seen the pairings, and not just on Leno or Letterman. It's weird and freaky, but true. Now I have huskies, so...I don't mind going there; my dogs' hair usually looks much, much better than mine! When I glance around my home, animals included, I could be in nineteenth century Colorado. Running water and electricity aside, my home resembles my stories, easy. I just didn't get the resemblance before.

I enjoy writing historical romances with a Victorian touch or two, and I enjoy living in a home with a Victorian touch or two. If it's an antique, I'm on it! If it's a old book, I want it! If I can get a scroll-top instead of a lap-top, done. If I can buy a functional set of mason jars, I much prefer them to stemware. If I can find a worn quilt with just the right colors, or a settee with just the right cushions, the furniture is moving...again. If I have to don my sorrell boots every time I venture out into the wilds with my dogs, so be it. If I have to stack more wood in our kitchen Franklin stove for "the perfect cozy fire," I happily shun gas heating. If my oilcloth greatcoat isn't in fashion, so what. If I can get black licorice over red ropes, it's in my cookie jar. I think you get my point here...which is...

...I suppose "I am what I Write." It's not so much of a stretch of my imagination to write about nineteenth century Colorado since that's pretty much where I live anyway.


Shalom,

Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Do 'that thing you do!'"

Hi all,

How many of us wake up every day, rub the sleepy from our eyes, drag ourselves out of bed, feed the animals underfoot, put on the coffee, re-button our pjs, then head for our computer to do "that thing we do" as writers...which is to write, right?

Right!

Writing ('that thing we do') is The Best Weapon authors have against any and all woes: marketing, promotion, sales numbers, conferences to attend, agents and editors to query, signings and booktalks to schedule, manuscripts to push, or otherwise. Writers write. How many times have we all heard that? Lots for sure.

This morning, rather than reading "writers write" flat on the page, it's a pop-up for me! I get it. It's that simple and that complicated. Writers write. It's "that thing we do." Sounds simple, so why isn't it?

Because...it's so easy for a writer to become embroiled in marketing and promotion, so much so that a writer often stops writing to attend to these important aspects of being published. It's easy to wake up every morning and turn on the computer and--instead of working on our current story--we troll the Internet for this and that, to make sure we're doing all we can for our last published book. This is a good thing to do, but should be done later in the day during a time set aside to do so. We must not let this necessary task(s) suck up our creative writing juices when we should be using our creative energy to get our story pages keyed in. I try to think of the marketing hamster wheel now as something fun to 'hop on' later in the day, where it doesn't affect my daily story pages (which...duh...are very important, too!).

So I say..."do that thing you do" and write, first and foremost! I've discovered that to do so is our Best Weapon of Mass Marketing Construction! We feel really, really good if we've written the next phase of our story(s) to our satisfaction. Then, it's much, much easier to take the bumps and jolts we nearly always have on our marketing radar screens later in the day. We get to discover that we actually can still write. It's oh so easy to forget that when we get carried away on the next marketing wave. But...when we have our daily pages safely keyed onto our hard drive, it's our life saver, and we don't care so much about the marketing bumps and jolts.

You do 'that thing you do,' and I will, too!

Write on,
Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Don't be discouraged by statistics!"

Hi guys,

I'm not a math person, so please forgive my attempt to understand the latest RWR, Mar 2007, article with forthcoming ROMStats re Popular Fiction Sales and Title Output by Category.

In Popular Fiction Sales for 2005, romance holds a 26.4% share while religion/inspirational holds a 25.5% share. That looks like about half the Popular Fiction sales to me. In Title Output by Category sales for 2005, romance is responsible for 5,994 titles while religion/inspirational is responsible for 9,949 titles out of overall releases. Interesting, huh.

I pay particular note to these "statistics" because I'm always looking to see where my writing might have a fit, statistical or otherwise. I write historical romance set in the West, which logically "fits" into the popular romance category, and might be included in the 5,994 titles sold. Those of you who also write historicals, already know that we're not as high on the sales charts as erotica which, excuse the pun, is the coming thing, especially from RWA-approved e-publishers. When one considers the growing number of religion/inspirational titles, obviously out-selling pretty much every other category, the "statisfical fit" for us grows even more tight. Ouch!

We who write historical romance must "not be discouraged by these statistics," rather we should be encouraged by the obvious fact that what we're writing is perhaps more unique, and, one can only hope, will soon be in higher demand.

Love you guys,

Joanne

Wednesdays With Joanne - "From Lincoln Logs to Linking Blogs!"

Hi All,

I'm excited as I'm getting a little closer to actually Linking my Blogs to others; hence, "a blogging we will go!" I know what you're all thinking...about time already, Joanne. I have an excuse. Remember. I'm 61!!!! (Darn, didn't work, did it?)

Just wanted to alert you to my game plan: I hope very soon, to blog on the Five Star Authors' Blog; RomancingTheBlog; and the WomenWritingTheWest Blog. I'm inserting myself in this experiment (on my part, always) to not only become comfortable with blogging and find out what's going on in the writing world, but also to help me access the value of "going on" in the marketing/promotion world, internet-speaking. It's a bad, bad, bad world out there in cyberland, to my thinking. I don't want to start up Home Pages on sites such as MySpace without good reason. How much marketing can one person (much less potential readers) take? The bottom line (and the gist of my self-proclaimed experiment) is to ascertain the value of involvement on numerable internet sites.

I do have a hypothesis: That internet exposure, while wonderful, doesn't coerce readers into buying, anymore than signings, conferences, booktalks, and just plain "hitting the pavement" with our wares. I'm thinking that there are still readers out there who enjoy meeting you at a bookfair or the local bookstore, rather than "hooking up" on the internet.

It's a good thing that I write historical romance, the operative word being historical. Obviously, I'm a throw-back to marketing of old.

Tune in tomorrow...and see whether or not my hypothesis is proved or disproved: whether Linking Blogs or Lincoln Logs have more value. I know. You're all right on the edge of your seats!!! Me, too!!!

B'bye...

Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "What's in a name?"

Evidently quite a lot!

Any of the rest of you out there in "Literary Internet Land" having trouble keeping your name(s) straight? Between our URLs, WWWs, blogspots, links (more like linking logs to me), hyperlinks, yahoo IDs, group yahoo IDs, MySpace page (are you friend or foe?), ever changing e-mail signatures, YouTube (at your own risk), a password here...a password there...not to mention, God forbid, if any of you are using a pseudonym...!

When I turn on my computer first thing in the morning, and attempt to "key in" the right blog and/or yahoo group for comment and/or posting, my head spins more than Linda Blair's in the Exorcist! What's the right ID now? The right password? Where is my file about which file is which, telling me which name I put in where??? That's when I check my chest, and if I don't see three 6's carved there, reassured I'm working for "good" and not "evil," I take a deep breath, another sip of strong coffee, and try to calm myself.

"I can do this. I know I'm 61 and wasn't born in the computer age, but I can do this! I went to college, received a BS in Nursing, cared for countless patients with their lives on the line, married a nice Jewish forensic psychiatrist, gave birth to three children, managed to get two books published. I'm not a total moron, oxy or otherwise! Or, am I...

If I can't even remember my name on most days, or at least the "right name" to enter for the right computer access, it's time to take a breath, take five, smell the roses (I already smell the coffee), gather my wits, sing "I Have Confidence" every morning, pull up my bootstraps, suck it up, soldier on (have I left any cliche out?), and add a little levity to my day. Computer life need only be as complicated as I make it. Code for: don't jump into the deep end of this site or that, unless you're wearing serious safety gear!

You tell me your password, and I'll tell you mine!
Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Wonder of Wonders...miracle of miracles..."

Hi all,

What a difference a day (and a good bottle of merlot) makes! Fortunate and humbled (no understatement here) to receive good reviews from Library Journal and Romance Reviews Today for A...My Name's Amelia, I'm breathing a sigh of relief...and introspection.

To give too much credence to reviews, which are subjective, is likely not a good thing. But the good reviews go down oh so easily! While I'm still choking on the bad one!

Time to move away from marketing and on to writing again. I have all of my research done for The Parlor House Daughter and plan to get started on this frontier romance soon. As you can tell, I'm fascinated by heroines in the Old West. Talk about miracles...it's a miracle women survived in the mid-nineteenth century West at all. If you were not married you were a prostitute, end of story. Unfortunately that did mark the "end" for many women who by hook or crook, entered the world of prostitution. Since I've told you that I do believe in miracles, I also believe that a young woman just might be able to navigate her way through the dark and seedy world of the "red light district" in 1880 Denver, and come out alive! As for unscathed...you'll have to read the book!

Shalom,
Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Do you believe in miracles?"

In the writing business, I HAVE TO!

Hi All,

I'm still recovering, or shall I say "Amelia" is still recovering from a chilly review by Publishers Weekly in their latest issue. Ouch!

Thank goodness Amelia is getting a better reception on other fronts:
Harriet Klausner's Review Archive "...Amelia is a refreshing lead protagonist as she is deaf...Aaron is a fine lonely rancher who needs someone who can handle his taciturn personality...these characters and other secondary players make for a fabulous western romance..."
Joan Johnston, NYT bestselling author "A...is for Amazing. Don't miss it!"
Alice Duncan, award-winning author "A...My Name's Amelia is a beautiful story about two wounded people and the power of healing through communication and love."
Karen Kay, bestselling author of Native American Romance "A delightful historical, full of little known facts that's sure to engross and entertain the reader."

Reviews are subjective. One reviewer's opinion is just that: one reviewer's opinion. But...when the reviewer aims the gun at you and you're down, and then comes over and fires again at close range...just to make sure...your're pretty much DOA!

Only a miracle can save Amelia now, and I do believe in miracles! I believe that librarians and deaf schools across the country will see fit to breathe life into A...My Name's Amelia and give her story a chance on their romance shelves. I also believe that when folks go to Amazon to order, they won't let one reviewer's opinion stand in their way.


Shalom,
Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - I can't dance and chew gum at the same time!

Hi all,

I can't "write and market" at the same time, darn it! Fess up! There MUST be other writers out there like me.

With two books published, I'm still hovering between writing being a serious hobby and writing being a job. If a hobby, no worries about anything other than trying to create the next story, the next hero and heroine, the next historical chapter. I've only myself to satisfy, to entertain, and answer to. If, however, writing is a job, there ARE worries to consider: marketing worries. With these worries comes the "job" of promotion and sales, reviews and author quotes, edits and re-edits, booksignings and booktalks, jockeying for notice. I'm doing my best to learn how to be up to the "job," and in doing so, I've learned that I "can't dance and chew gum at the same time."

This morning I'm full-into marketing concerns for A...My Name's Amelia, and have put The Parlor House Daughter on the back burner, yet again. It's important for Amelia's story to reach not only the librarians in Colorado, but also the librarians in the deaf schools throughout the country. That won't happen unless I contact them all with my press packet and "pitch" Amelia's story to them. Thus, time must be devoted to this task. I'm also contacting, or will soon, bookstores in Colorado, hoping they'll give some attention to Amelia's story. Too, there are conferences and meetings coming up and I hope to participate and showcase Amelia's story on these occasions.

For me, I love to write in the early morning hours. I love working on "that next book," but not so easy for me when I've other tasks at hand. It's difficult to get up fresh and write if I'm worried about marketing issues. I'd love to know if other writers have this dilemma, and if they do, how they resolve it. I'm thinking the key is not to worry. The key is not to put so much emphasis on marketing, creative emphasis that is. Just do it, right? Just do it, and free up time for writing "that next book."

I just find this interesting and revealing about myself as a writer. While some can easily dance and chew gum, I'm admitting that I cannot...yet. Tune in tomorrow...

Shalom,
Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne - "Table for Five"

Hi All,

No, I'm not resurrecting last season's tv fare (pardon the pun), but extolling the virtues of "partners in crime and in romance!"

I've learned that I'm not alone...there are others out there...waiting and watching and writing...just like me. Other Five Star-Thomson Gale published authors in Colorado that is. How much fun is this! And guess what? The natives are friendly. Not only are these other writers friendly, but they're generous with their time and their ideas. We're sharing our marketing toys. I like this play group!!!

They are:
Leslee Breene - Leadville Lady
Beth Groundwater - A Real Basket Case
Janet Lane - Tabor's Trinket
Pat Stoltey - The Prairie Grass Murders

Please feel free to visit Beth Anne's Book Corner site at www.bethannesbookcorner.com/sign.html and check out their blurbs and covers. I'm very pleased to be counted among them.

Hey, there's more room at our table. BYOB(books)!!!!

Shalom,
Jo(anne)

Wednesdays With Joanne: "For All the WRITE Reasons"

Are there any other kind when it comes to writing?

Yes, I think there are.

If you're writing for the market only, and not for yourself, that's THE wrong reason. Of course the market is a primary consideration, but not the more important. The more imporant is to write from our heart and from our head, hoping the passion in us will translate into something marketable, but not with the market being our driving force.

If you're writing because you know you have bestsellers in you, you probably do, and that's great, but...if you're unwilling to allow critique and the editorial opinion of others (future readers, all) then you're not serving your own interests well. We must listen to those who've gone before us. We must listen and learn.

If you're writing without the reader in mind, without respecting their intellect, without being mindful of their feelings, you're writing for some other reason that will only get you in trouble.

If you're writing, thinking you don't need to put in hard work all the way, from manuscript-to sale-to publication-to marketing and beyond, then you're mistaken, my friend. Leastways, I think so.

Okay, so now let's all get to it! May 2007 be the WRITE year for us all!

Shalom,
Joanne