HEARTBEATS IN TIME ~ Old-fashioned romance is not dead!

HEARTBEATS IN TIME ~ "Any romance A.V.?"

2010-07-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

A.V. being AFTER VAMPIRES!

Does the Twilight Trilogy mark the end of the Vampire Era, or just the beginning? Call me Old School or Old Fashioned but I associate vampire-driven romance with erotica and "highly-sensual" subject matter. Absolutely, 100% nothing wrong with that. Mind you, I think there's plenty of erotica and sensuality to go around in historical romance, too. I'm just wondering if there will be any romance left after the vampires have sucked the blood out of every romance genre today? What's next? I'm curious about where creative romantics will go next with their literary pens.

As I see it, right now with vampire romance, there's no such thing as writing a credible story, since, with vampire romance you are sent into a world of fantasy, asked to suspend belief at every turn of the page or press of the kindle cursor. Right now, this is what the market is selling and this is what the reading public is buying. No argument here. I'm looking forward to seeing ECLIPSE and suspending belief along with everybody else! My question is only that I wonder where this will next lead us.

Into the surreal future or back to the real past?

Food for thought ... for vampires and cave-dwellers, alike.

HEARTBEATS IN TIME ~ "Print or Virtual? Can we keep the romance?"

2010-06-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

I realize that in the not-too-distant future, actual print books will be a thing of the past. We won't be holding pages in our hands, free to feel around the edges as we immerse ourselves in stories, remembering every coffee-spill and thumbprint, but instead fondling the sharp edges of a cold piece of metal, pushing a button to turn the page. Something is lost in this transition from the printed page and book-in-hand to a metal gadget where we "program in" our latest reading preferences. Mind you, I do understand that reading machines, if you will, are the future. I understand that print books are on their way out, making room for push-button, instant downloading of the latest NYTimes bestseller ... and Five Star bestseller. I understand that changes in society and culture are demanding that we embrace reading gadgets and do away with library shelves, complete with their worn, torn edges.

There it is: the word, EMBRACE. If I'm reading an historical romance, can I embrace a little metal gadget in any way that resembles an actual book? Will all of my senses be stirred with this little metal gadget, the same way my senses are heightened by the actual print pages of my latest treasured purchase? We wake up with books. We fall asleep with books. We ride to work with books. We take books on vacations. We take books on planes. We fall asleep with books. We peer over shoulders to see what books others are reading. We give books as gifts, taking great pains to select just the right ones. We take ownership of books the moment we have them in hand, taking ownership of the characters and story waiting inside for us. We can't wait to find the time to read. We thrive on the warmth from our in-hand books.

Will we find that same warmth within the confines of our reading machines?

Time will tell.

HEART 2 HEART ~ "And on the ninth nite of Hanukkah ..."

2009-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

In my world , if you count the shamesh, and if you believe the miracle of the Festival of Lights might just continue on into the next nite and the next. Well it just so happens that I DO believe in miracles and that miracles can continue on in our hearts and minds long after the eighth candle has burned down. The heart-warming message of Hannukah -- a time when the Jews survived Syrian oppression, a time when the holy oil in the Temple miraculously lasted eight days, a time of re-dedication -- continues to inspire on into the ninth nite, and the tenth ...

When I think of the inspiring stories in the air this time of the year, I can't help but reflect on the wonderful Christmas story, YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS. To me this wonderful children's story serves to inspire "on past the eighth nite and the ninth ..." If we believe in miracles, whether it's Santa Claus or a candle burning when it should not, we carry in our hearts the year through, the possibility of all the things life might bring, all the hopes and dreams for our future, and our children's, and their children's.

Miracles can happen long after Hannukah and Christmas ... if we believe in the spirit and inspiration both of these wonderful holidays bring this winter season and the next ... and the next ... and the next ... IF WE BELIEVE.

Shalom to All and to All a Good Night!

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Holiday Hearts"

2009-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

This time of the year brings out the best in us all, no matter which holiday we celebrate. Smiles abound on faces of young and old alike. Whether searching for the perfect Christmas tree or the perfect box of candles for the family Menorah, it's a time for family and friends and romance. It's a time for our generous hearts to shine forth, right along with the lights on the tree and the candles in the Menorah. It's a time for Holiday Hearts.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to one and all!

:-) Joanne Gregg Sundell

HEART 2 HEART ~ California Dreamin` Can Be A Nightmare!

2009-09-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Writing-wise and Marketing-wise, that is.

This is a very BIG POND out here and only the heartiest of small fishies will survive to write another day!

I'm speaking here in the context of having moved recently to southern California from the Colorado mountains. Both are resort areas, admittedly created for fun in the sun, whether frolicking in the water or on the slopes. If you're a relatively unknown writer who wants only to frolick in the waters of the Pacific, no problem. But, if you're a relatively unknown writer who wants some recognition for your books, big problem.

OK, so how to solve the problem of being a small fish in a big pond. (Any suggestions will be appreciated.) Since we're on a "water" theme, I think it best to approach the problem, considering the glass half-full as opposed to half-empty.

The half-empty glass, I can speak to with authority. It's intimidating to open the doors of the local libraries, bookstores, and newspaper offices in southern California, enter, and have your book bag in hand, not to mention your hat! Folks smile and they're very nice, don't get me wrong, it's just that they've heard my story countless times already. I mean, this is the land of Entertainment Tonight, E News, and Access Hollywood! This whole state is full of successful achievers or wanna-be-achievers and I'm beginning to think you've got to start with a spot on Oprah before you can expect any notice. Well, other than having a blog article appear in the Chicago Sun Times last week, I'm not expecting a call from Oprah's production department.

Short of that ...

The half-full glass, I can also speak to with authority. This half is far more refreshing and rejuvenating. For starters, WRITE A GOOD BOOK. No, WRITE A GREAT BOOK. Then, pack up your ego in the book bag you tote from bookstores to libraries to newspapers and get your 15 minutes of fame with each and everyone who will listen. Think positively and wait for a good response. Right? At the very least, get your name out there any way you can. Now, living in the beach cities, I see the airplane signs trolling the skies over the beaches, advertising this new show or that new beer ... and the truth of it is I'm quite sure I can't afford the same advert for my books. So, I'm going to keep plugging away with my postcards and bookmarks and nudges to the newspapers and we'll see.

A girl has to try. How else can I be California Dreamin`!

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com

Meggie's Remains 7/09
The Quaker and the Confederate series 5/10, 9/10

HEART 2 HEART ~ "The Blog Market"

2009-08-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Blog Market, I've come to learn, is just as important as watching the stock market. Soooo ... I'm jumping into a scheduled blog tour for the month of September for my latest Five Star-Gale release, MEGGIE'S REMAINS.

Partering with Pump Up Your Book Promotion, I'm beginning work today on my posts, beginning with Blogcritics. This should be interesting and fun. My heroine and hero in MEGGIE'S REMAINS, Meggie and Ethan, deserve a bit of internet attention! In addition to hitting the Blog Market, I'm attending the Women Writing the West conference in September where I'll showcase MEGGIE'S REMAINS in their bookstore. The chair of the conference, Harriet Rochlin, is an amazing writer and an all-around great person! In October, I plan to participate in a signing at Barnes & Noble in Encino for MEGGIE'S REMAINS, where I'll sign along with members of Los Angeles Romance Writers. This should also be interesting and fun!

Last week I blogged with you about all of the changes, moving to southern California. Not much has "changed" since that post in that I'm still 63 and tech-challenged, and still watching my adorable, brilliant, 5-month old grandson. Where changes are needed rests on MY SHOULDERS. I'm so priviliged to be a published author and I need to step up to the promo plate and JUST DO IT!

Everyday for me from now on, is a day to learn and a day to lobby for my heroines and heroes!

Can we say, ENERGY, boys and girls!

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

MEGGIE'S REMAINS
Five-Star, Gale, Cengage Learning
ISBN: 978 1 59414 788 3

HEART 2 HEART ~ "I think I can ... I think I can ..."

2009-07-31T12:00:00.001-07:00

Remember THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD? I'm attempting to chug along with the timeless theme from that little, yet oh-so-important children's story.

"I think I can ... I think I can ... I think in can ..." blog on a regular basis, just like most of the Writing World. Why this has been so difficult for me, is for me to figure out and improve on, for sure.

In my defense ... the moment I have something kind-of/sort-of figured out, something else has already come along as replacement. For example, when I finally got onto MySpace, happy as a clam that I have A Few Good Friends, many of you now are on Facebook. And not just Facebook ... but twittering, as well. I'm having to "spark" The Little Engine That Could on this one, too. I have a Facebook site but it does need a bit of tending. Ya think?

As for my blog, I've decided to tell the unfettered, raw truth, week by week, detailing my falling off the writing wagon and then climbing back on. It's a journey that you might find interesting, and during which I might find a kindred spirit or two.

My blog stands alone at the moment, other than being listed on MySpace, or on the website of some wonderful writing friends. My first challenge is to link up with other blogs, connecting and networking on a regular basis. I'll let you know how this goes. The truth of it is that I'm a 63-year-old, techno-challenged lass who is ever intimidated by the Big Bad Internet. Ah well, such if life.

HEART 2 HEART, I want to reveal to you that since my part-time move to California, I've fallen off the Writing Wagon. Separated from old friends, writing contacts, and those bookstores that would have me in for a signing, I feel pretty doggone alone. It's a tough world out here in the Los Angeles area. It's hard to get notice other than for road rage on the 405! Marketing is going "to be a bitch" out here, I'm sure of it. I'll let you know my trials and tribulations. Perhaps some of you will relate.

Next time I'll tell you why I'm out here in LA LA LAND in the first place. Perhaps, over the next weeks and months, we can climb back onto the Writing Wagon together. Stranger things ...

Tweet, Tweet!

:-) Joanne

www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Virtual Writing"

2009-06-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I think writing has gone virtual, at least all marketing, promo, and networking is done out there in Internet Land. I know that many books are on the download now, read off the Net, too. So, what's left to do on the actual, factual, printed page?

THE BOOK.

The book, the story, the WIP, is not yet the sole domain of virtual reality. Many aspects of writing have gone virtual, but not "the book," not yet anyway. The moments between the writer and their PC are precious, indeed. The moments where the outside world is just that--outside--are treasured moments where we as writers can refuel and let out creative side go, go, go! Feels good, doesn't it? You bet.

The good side of virtual writing is that in this tough economy where books have also fallen victim, virtual marketing/promo/networking is pretty much FREE. The bad side of virtual writing is that if you're over the age of 50, give or take, you might find yourself caught on the Internet without the Net piece, ie, we senior types are challenged when it comes to ease in finding our way on and off blogs, on and off virtual tours, and on and off this link or that site, this pod cast or that chat group. But, such is life and thank goodness there's no Ugly in all of this. Good and Bad, but no Ugly allowed!

Virtually yours,

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com
Meggie's Remains 7/09
The Quaker and the Confederate series 5/10, 9/10

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Anyone Else Out There, OVERWHELMED?"

2009-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Updating my update (that has to be bad writing), keying in MySpace & Facebook & Twitter, OH MY, wishing GoodReads to all Americans in Oz, I'm feeling the pressure to "choose my site wisely." I love that line from Indiana Jones, don't you? We ever try to choose wisely, do we not? Surely you must have had to choose where you place your internet trust and energy, praying you won't be spammed in the process. Like you, I key on tiptoes most days. Like you, I hate to take a misstep and lose internet ground, not to mention access for days on end!

That being said, I must admit I'm OVERWHELMED by the availability of new sites, coming up frequently, new places to chat and to network and to market. This all sounds well and good but it involves time, time many of us don't have in the first place. I'm not stupid. I know the internet is a wonderful place to "chat and network and market," it's just that I haven't mastered the subtleties of HOW to do this with ease, and HOW to best use my time on the Net for good--for the good of my friends and fellow writers as well as myself. I'm working on it! I'm working on it because I've met wonderful folks on the Net, readers and writers all. A sure incentive to make good choices and choose wisely.

Good Reads :-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS
THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE
~HEARTS DIVIDED~
~HEARTS PERSUADED~

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Just Do It!"

2009-03-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

On many a day, I'm like Scarlett O'Hara from GWTW, putting things off and worrying about them tomorrow. The problem becomes ... those tomorrows can add up and bite us in the YOU KNOW WHAT, and then we can't sit down to write Jack!

More than diving into our next manuscript, I'm talking about the other hat we writers often have to wear: OUR "PROJECT MANAGER GET OUR MARKETING DONE" HAT. For those of us who don't have personal assistants (cough cough) we have to learn to dance and chew gum at the same time. We have to learn to put time toward our current WIP while formulating a plan to market our next release, all the while dealing with any and all issues related to our past releases. Also, we have to keep our all important personal lives in check, as well. Please, in no way do I intend to complain here. I feel extremely fortunate to be published. I'm merely suggesting that we have to make sure we have a good view of all that's on our writing plate, and then make sure we have a good "overview" of the tasks at hand, and then "Just Do It."

We can't afford to be like Scarlett O'Hara and worry about it tomorrow, much as we're tempted. We all know that tomorrow only puts more on our writing plate ... soooo ... we should try to "Just Do It" and handle issues as they arise. This isn't always easy as life has a way of interrupting us ALL OF THE TIME. My latest game plan is to devote a set amount of time each and every morning to marketing tasks, et al, including the care and feeding of any writing organizations to which I'm lucky enough to hold membership, and networking with other writers.

Move over NIKE` ... I'm going to JUST DO IT, too!

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com
MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS
THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE ~ Hearts Divided
THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE ~ Hearts Persuaded

HEART 2 HEART - "The Write Coast"

2009-02-20T06:34:00.000-08:00

Stomach in, chest out, and breathe!

In a few days time I'll be crawling into my suburu forester along with my two huskies and two cats and heading west, to southern California. This is a temporary relocation but it's for good reason. My baby girl is going to have a baby boy in a few weeks and I want to understand all the rules and regs to earn the title, Grammy Jo!

The fact that I'll be trying to write on the west coast and not from my cozy, loft office in the Rocky Mountains ... well, I'm a bit concerned about finding comfort in any "new writing spot." And then there's the other thing ... CA is a huge place and I'm a total unknown in any CA Hood. At least in the Rockies, my friends have ever been supportive of my writing habits, good and bad, and there are always a few friendly faces at signings. I hope the natives in southern CA are friendly!

I hope to hit the ground running (well, how about waddling) and join the local RWA chapter in Los Angeles, and approach many of the local libraries as well as bookstores. Hey, I used to sell Girl Scout Cookies and maybe my skills with mint cookie sales will come in handy. Naaa ... we all know mint cookies sell themselves. I've got it! I'll get myself lasered and lasicked and nail-polished and waxed and made over, and then maybe I'll get a library card or two, for starters.

I'll let you know if the Write Coast is Right for me. Tune in tomorrow ...

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS
THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE-HEARTS DIVIDED
THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE-HEARTS PERSUADED

HEART 2 HEART - "Going LARGE Isn't So Bad"

2009-02-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

I just found out that my 12/08 release, THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER, is going into LARGE PRINT with Thorndike Press Historical Fiction, come April 15th! Bigger IS better, tee hee!

The primary market for my books sold to Five Star-Gale, an imprint of Cengage Learning, is the library market (BLESS THEM). If any of our books sold in original hardcover survive the numbers crunch, they have a chance to go into LARGE PRINT. These large print hardcovers (with Thorndike) are sold primarily to the library market as well. Most libraries have large print shelves and I'm sooooo happy that THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER will perhaps go on many of these shelves.

My second Five Star-Gale sale, A...MY NAME'S AMELIA, also went into LARGE PRINT, as a softcover with Wheeler Publishing. It did quite well for which I'm truly grateful. If I may add, the heroine in the book is deaf and I did the majority of my research at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind (CSDB). I happily was able to gift the school with a large print copy of AMELIA as well as donating the wall hanging I had made of The Manual Alphabet. I'm honored the school will display the wall hanging and put copies of AMELIA in their library!!!

So ... you can see why I'm saying that "going LARGE isn't so bad!"

:-) Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART - "Everyone Needs Their Own Writing Spot"

2009-02-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

As I'm about to Leave the Comfort Zone of my "old writing spot," I'm more aware than ever that we all need Our Own Writing Spot!

Where, When, Why, and How we write is what makes us unique, of course. Unique is good, is it not? It's what the agents and editors want and hopefully, what we want, too. I subscribe to the school of thought professing that every step in the writing process is an important one. Every step matters. How do we feel when we sit down at our computers, both physically and mentally? Is it a good day or bad? Are we writing under pressure, under deadline, or can our imaginations wander where they will? Some might be able to write, unfettered by outside distraction, but not moi`! Some write according to a fairly-set schedule ... which is moi`!

How many of us have heard people say that they'd love to write a book but don't have the time? (Of course, they never talk about any skill that might perhaps be involved.) I believe that those who want to write but say they don't have the time, are unwilling "to take the time" to actually sit down and write. Writing takes discipline. Writing, to me, means I have to set down a time and place to write and stick to that schedule no matter what. Of course we all have "push" moments when we have to get something done, but that's not what I'm talking about here.

This is where "Our Own Writing Spot" comes in. If we have a place of our own and a time of our own to set down our thoughts ... viola` ... those thoughts actually come! Our unique story begins to unfold before our very eyes because we're snugly tucked in the warm, welcoming arms of our own writing spot, where we can trust our imaginations to soar!

Happy Writing,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART - "Leaving Our Comfort Zone"

2009-01-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

In writing, "leaving our comfort zone," usually means "leaving our established genre," and branching out into others, yet untried. While this is the mark of a talented author (one who can write in multiple genres) this is not the comfort zone I'm talking about. I'm talking about leaving one comfortable writing spot for another.

Events are uprooting me from my comfortable, familiar, loft office in the Colorado Rockies ... where I find solace and many an idea pondering each passing snowflake ... and transplanting me, albeit part-time, to a windowless office/closet a block off busy Pacific Coast Highway, with the ocean minutes from my door. Needless to say, I don't have an office window where I can gaze out each day to watch the tide roll in and out and ponder the flight of the pelican or gathering of gulls ... where I perhaps might find the solace and fanciful ideas left behind in my mountain home.

There is another comfort zone I'm leaving, too. I'm leaving behind the local libraries and bookstores in the mountains and on the front range in Colorado, where they usually say "yes" to author appearances, and "yes" to ordering my books. I'm leaving the "hood" where most of the folks in my writing groups are members. Granted, because I live a relatively isolated life in the mountains, I'm not a frequent attendee at meetings, but I do enjoy the e-mail, snail-mail, and up-close-and-in-person-when-I-can collegial, companionable acquaintances with other authors based in Colorado. I've had the good fortune of seeing some of these talented authors at conference and hope to continue this in the future. Good luck for me that conferences are scheduled all over the country and soooo ... I'll especially try to attend those held in Colorado and in California.

I look forward to "hooking" up with some of the writing groups in California and perhaps will actually attend a meeting once in a while. Duh! I also look forward to getting a rhythm going, much like the ocean tide, of writing in both Colorado and California ... wherever GRANNY DAY CARE takes me!

And so ... I raise my 3rd cup of coffee so far today ... to you in a toast to Expanding Our Comfort Zones!

:)
Jo(Anne) Gregg Sundell

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART - "If you DON'T have the self-confidence gene, what really helps in writing is ..."

2009-01-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

...to keep writing and keep selling! It's that simple and that complicated.

There are writers out there who are prettier, thinner, smarter, richer, more poised, more well-spoken, better at time management, listed in top 10 book sales throughout the land, agent-represented, signed on for speaking events at every conference, more savvy at working the Net, and far more expert in social and writing networking than moi`.

OK, that's a given. No danger in that whatsoever. I, for one, celebrate everyone's success. It's darn hard to write and darn hard to sell. Why do I insert "danger" into my narrative here? For good reason.

There's a fine line between celebrating the success of other writers and comparing ourselves to them -- setting ourselves up in some kind of phantom competition. Yes, to me that's dangerous AND whittles away at our self-esteem and self-confidence. We, none of us, have time for this nonsense.

It's critical to stay focused on our own writing and our own networking and our own place in today's writing world, doing our utmost to improve at every turn of the "crafting" page. We have only to learn from other writers, and if we're lucky enough to know writers who are also editors ... kismet! No better writing-self-confidence-builder!

Self-confidence for this writer, comes from writing and selling. I know I'm not the prettiest, the smartest, the most well-spoken nor the most talented, but darn it ... I'm selling to a fantastic publishing house and my books are selling to a fantastic library market ... and sometimes beyond. Because I know "it's darn hard to write and darn hard to sell," and because my books are selling ... I'm happy in my writing shoes and ever grateful to own a pair. A good fit builds self-confidence. It's that simple and that complicated.

A more confident `09 to us all!

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART - "The Self-confidence Gene"

2009-01-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

`Suppose there's a gene test for self-confidence? In writing, especially?

If so, one could make the argument that BEFORE one pursues a writing career, one might do well to get that gene test for self-confidence. If you have the gene, GREAT ... write on! If you don't have the gene, NOT-SO-GREAT ... but write on if you dare.

With four books to my credit, from Five Star-Gale, I'm not there yet in terms of self-confidence but I'm building up immunity against FEAR in the FACE of MARKETING as I go. With each book I'm realizing that I have to be doing something right to get published in this tough industry; especially in today's "tough" financial market. Despite the fact that I'm fortunate, indeed, to be published with such an accredited publishing house, and despite the fact that I've received national reviews for all of my books in release ... I still hem, haw, and shake in the knees during book talks, signings, and speaking appearances.

I'm remembering Stephen King's sage advice now, in his book, ON WRITING, where he advises us to turn all of our negatives and our rejections ... into positives. Because I was born without the Self-confidence Gene in "all things marketing" I, more than most, need to heed Mr. King's advice. Which I do. Uh, which I try to do.

Most importantly, I tell myself that every day tons of other writers are out there marketing and they can't all be GREAT AT IT! I do feel there's a support group out there, with many in the membership just like me, and needing to turn our fears into motivation and use all of that adrenalin for GOOD ... OUR OWN GOOD! I relax then, knowing I'm not alone.

Sooooo ... I take a deep breath, chin up chest out and all of that sort of thing, and remember that I've indeed achieved a lot, with four books published, and I owe it to myself, my publisher, and my stories to turn my chief negative --- my lack of self-confidence --- into positive motivation and go out there in Marketing Land and grab a bit of that elusive brass ring of self-confidence for myself! There should be plenty to go around on the merry go round of book promotion, right?

Let's all grab that Brass Ring of Confidence together,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART - "Book Cents"

2009-01-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

With the New Year underway and in the midst of marketing my third release from Five Star-Gale, trying to juggle time needed for completing manuscripts and time needed for well ... the rest of the "to-dos" in life ... I made a resolution to have better BOOK CENTS this year!

Yep, I "also" made a resolution to be a better blogger, too. Time will tell.

What do I mean by BOOK CENTS?

I mean that every minute of my day that goes toward writing should be a minute well spent.
I mean that every word keyed toward my WIP should be a word well put.
I mean that time and effort involved in Virtual Blog Touring should not be time wasted.
I mean that every marketing avenue pursued, should have a positive exit plan with projected sales numbers in mind.
I mean that I will try to get "booked" in stores for signing events that will showcase my latest release to best advantage.
I mean that I will work on getting out there ... whether on the Net or in Person ... and do my best to engage and interest more readers in my historical romances.
I mean that I will do my best to "dance and chew gum at the same time." I will do my best to write, while at the same time market, while at the same time, book appearances at stores and libraries.
MOST OF ALL, I mean that I will continue to value my relationships with acquisitions agents, editors, fellow writers, and readers, ever listening to their sage advice and following their guide.

Makes good "BOOK CENTS," don't ya think?

Jo(anne)Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART ~ "If I can reach only one reader ..."

2008-08-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I've been an "absent friend" for which I apologize. My computer came down with a virus and is only now recovering. I'm posting this blog with the utmost of respect for the opportunity to do so.

How many times have we all gotton on the Internet-waves, opining about marketing this and marketing that, which is best to do, which is worse, how many to guarantee for a signing, how many to send promos to, et al. The answer: MANY TIMES. All of us who write, of course, want to sell as many books as we can to as many people as we can. That seems a reasonable expectation, I think you'll agree.

Often when we're in the middle of a project, we're in it for our hero and heroine, for our story, wondering how things will go, and praying they will go well. Not so often do we think about the readers on the other end of things, wondering if they'll like our story beyond the hope they'll buy it. I'm not saying we write without any thought for our readers and their tastes, but what I am saying is that my focus isn't on the reader as much as on my hero and heroine and what I hope for them. I feel the responsibility of writing a good-enough story to get published and satisfy any potential readership.

With regard to my current WIP, I feel a new responsibility ... "to please at least one potential reader" waiting for my story(s). I live in a small community full of friendly, engaging Colorado mountain folk. My friends and neighbors have been so supportive of my writing and are happy about any success I find with any of my books. Recently I ran into an old friend. We talked about our children and then about my books (my friend asked me about my WIP). I didn't hesitate to talk about my planned series set in Civil War, Virginia, THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE, Hearts Divided and Hearts Persuaded. Almost to the end of book one now, I'm happy to talk about how the story is going with any and all who might be interested. While I intended to write my hero and heroine into the story, I hadn't intended on a third protagonist---a little slave girl named Surry Lion. I'm not black. I didn't feel qualified to write in a black character but ... there she appeared ... on page one, the first character to speak in the story! Those of you who write historicals know what I'm talking about. You do a lot of research and it stays with you on most every page you write. Of course, in any story set in Virginia during the Civil War, slavery had to be addressed. I hope and pray I do justice to Surry's character, as well as my other protagonists.

My whole point in mentioning all of this is that my friend has a beautiful black granddaughter, that her daughter adoped two years ago. Both she and her daughter have read my books to date, liked them, and are anxious to get a copy of my Civil War series for little Caitie. They want to surround Caitie with books about her rich heritage.

I'm deeply touched and suddenly feel an overwhelming responsibility to make sure that "if only one little girl reads my book," it will all be worth it.

This one's for you, little Caitie.

Love,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

author@joannesundell.com
www.joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Let's give `em something to blog about!"

2008-07-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

"Let's give `em something to blog about!" heh heh

Not that I don't think each and every thing that any of us blog isn't `tre importante ... but I do think some blogs are, of course, far more interesting than others. I'm not forgetting, too, that blogs come in all shapes and sizes now: Group Blogs, Individual Blogs, Blogs linked to other Blogs, Blogs representing a specific organization, Blogs about Blogs ... ya da ya da ya da ... and so it goes on the Big Bad Net!

I do think of the old saying when blogging, however, that goes something like," If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to see it, to hear it, did it really fall?" I think of this saying because many blogs go unread, except by their author. Many blogs go unnoticed, likely considered not `tre importante enough for the busy Internet Surfer, hungry for the latest and greatest and most important this and that. Fine and completely understandable and acceptable. Who doesn't want to chime in to the biggest authors, the biggest stars, the best singers, the most noteworthy politicos, et al ... in all the land? We all do, of course. But, and there's always a but in life, isn't there?

But ... there IS another side to blogging, a private side that comes out of each and every unique one of us. There are things we reveal in blogs, half of the time unaware we've even done so, our need to vent our feelings and thoughts outweighing any concern over exactly "what" we might be saying. We might be in the middle of writing a book, coming in and out of a personal trauma, stirred up over something we heard or read on the news, suffering from empty nest syndrome, hating hitting menopause, wishing we were younger and thinner and smarter ... and blogged about it, unaware we'd even done so until we're ready to press "publish."

You know, writing is a solitary endeavor, is it not? And short of going to every conference we can register for, every author "gig" we can sign up for, taking advantage of socially networking with every new "friend" on MySpace, we often find ourselves alone at our computers, in our pj's, the family cat draped over our keyboard, our coffee cup needing constant replenishing, being totally disoriented as to time, place, and person until something interrupts our solitary reverie. At just such moments ... when a noise from the outside world breaks through our psyche ... sometimes at just such moments, when we find ourselves so alone, it's like a breath of much-needed air, to be able to go to our little, individual blog sites, and "talk to all the folks our there in Big Bad Internet Land."

We know there are folks there, however few, even if they don't always comment. We know there are folks there waiting to read, to hear what we're thinking, to connect with us ... waiting for us to cut down our tree and hear it fall, wanting to be there with us as we work. "Let's give `em something to blog about" never rings more true than at this moment ... this connection.

Whether we blog individually or are connected with a hundred other blogs in a hundred different groups, we're connected and that's all that matters. We're not alone in our writing world, but join together with others ... starting with one comment, then two, then more ... linking with the outside world ...

... and oh ... What a Wonderful World!

L,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Mind Your Writing Manners"

2008-07-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'ts been my melancholy observation that some of us, most of us writers, do not always "mind our writing manners." Many of us do, yet some do not.

As a writer, any and all communication is important. Now most of our communication seems to be over the Internet, snail-mail reserved only for obligatory messaging. Some of us old fogies have had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to the Net! Ouch! Anyway, once there, most of us have managed to learn the basics and try to respectfully network, ever struggling to transer our "writing manners" from pen and paper to the Net.

I suppose all writers have a touch of narcissim, as this seems to develop over time and comes with the territory. I suppose too, that all writers are pretty much always busy, with little extra time (an oxymoron in our case). I've discovered that there is a wonderful rhythm when communicating with some writers and editors, all busy all of the time. You ask them a question. They answer. They ask you a question. You answer. You need help. They help. They need help. You help. Back and forth ... nice and easy ... like a smooth country western tune.

The bottom line is that everyone takes valuable time out of their writing day to socially network, et al, which often includes answering e-mails, sometimes in great detail, and is often about securing author quotes or how to get a kink worked out in their book or what's the best way to market this and that, etc. I'm amazed when some do not bother to get back, once you've helped them in some way. To me it's sad and very telling.

I'm venting here but it's for a purpose, a good one I can only hope. We, all of us, need to "always" mind our writing manners and never forget, hell or high water, to get back to folks. It's just plain rude if we do not. It's disrespectful. Just like we try not to forget to dot our i's and cross out t's in our manuscripts, we must never forget that there's another person on the other end, waiting for a response.

Thank goodness for the writers and editors and loyal readers (readers always, always get back to us) that make sure and return e-calls and cell calls and everything else. Funny, but it's always the big name writers and important editors that get back to us, that always give us some of their time, no matter how busy. They don't know the meaning of the word "no." It isn't in their vocabulary.

It is these brave few that I hope to emulate. It is to these brave few that I raise my glass of chilled chardonnay on this lovely July evening ... these brave few who ever "mind their writing manners" and ever make us smile and feel light of heart!"

Salute!

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Novel Beginnings"

2008-07-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Hope this day, this week, and this year to date ... are treating you nothing short of wonderful!

I'm at a "novel beginning" and am in a mood to "blog" about it. Interesting, isn't it, how we start a book we've thought about for months and months, not to mention collected so much research we can hardly find a seat in our little office chair!

I remember beginnings and endings, in books and poety ... at least of my favorites. I'm mad about Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte`, and Robert Frost, just so you'll know. Of course THE most memorable beginning to me is from Dickins' TALE OF TWO CITIES. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ..." is engrained in all our brains, no matter what we like to read. And of course most fairy tales of old end with "... and they lived happily ever after." Don't you just love "happily ever afters?" I sure do. But not all in life, love, and books has a fairy tale ending. Despite the fact that I write historical romance (usually requiring the wished-for "happily ever after" ending), my stories must be credible. I have to do the history homework and even see if a happy ending is a possibility.

If a writer DOES his/her history homework, there's a lot there from which the protagonists can choose. The characters have credible options, credible roads which they may or may not go down. Maybe it will be possible for the hero and heroine to make a life together ... or maybe not. It's all in the history. We as writers have to find it. Sometimes easily done, and sometimes not so easy.

I say this because my "novel beginnings," with each book I write, take on more and more importance. Yes, I want to hook any potential reader on the story to follow, but because I ever strive to write credible heroines of substance into my historical romances, the opening lines seem to matter more now. I've come up with a theory here. Tell me what you think.

I think it's possible that the first line of a story, long or short, just might be the "first thought" a writer has, albeit subconsciously, that led the writer to well ... write down the story in the first place. Put yourself to the test. Look back at some of your "first lines" and see if they reflect your "first thought" in penning the tale. I know that some of us angst over first lines and some of us just start writing. For me it's the latter, which leads me to think the line was floating around in my subconscience all the while. No matter whether you angst or "just do it" I think it's fascinating, not to mention telling (excuse the pun) to go back and study our Novel Beginnings.

I think we'll all find our beginnings take us right into the action of our stories, and right into that credible place where our story needs to be for readers. We want to hook our readers, but we find that what we really need is to find the pulse of our story and stay with it, eager to discover if there will be a happily ever after ... or not. What we also might discover, too, is that characters are born into our stories that we never planned on. How much fun is that!

"Willa, whaccha think bein' a free man means?"

This is the beginning of my next novel(s), THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE, Hearts Divided, Hearts Persuaded, set in Civil War, Virginia. I'd been researching a long time, planning things (which never stays the same with me) when I opened up my computer to start ??? and this first line came out. Of course, I had to set it down and begin following the story.

Happy Writing and Happy Reading everyone!

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART ~ "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."

2008-06-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

One of my "dear friends" passed away this Sunday evening and the world is a lesser place without him. It is the worst of times that he is gone. He was a public figure and will be missed by so many others. He had a good heart. We were mates in junior high and high school and kept up over the years. No matter how famous he got, he never forgot his friends of old. It will be awhile before the sun shines brightly over us all, warming us, healing us, without him.

"The best of times" is to be alive, and to live each day and not let any of our moments pass by, unnoticed. "The best of times" is to know gratitude and to show gratitude, especially in the difficult writing business. It's oftentimes hard and rife with rejection notices. Ouch! It can be good. It can be good, better, "best." I'm so fortunate to have my historical romances published with Five Star-Gale, now a part of Cengage Learning. With them, "it is the best of times." They are ever-kind, ever-caring, ever-talented, and ever-supportive. Their acquisitions agents and editors, art department, et al ... well, you're not going to find any better folks on the planet. It does take a village and I couldn't be more grateful to be in Five Star's.

I bid you g'day and thank you for reading ...

My best,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER
MEGGIE'S REMAINS

HEART 2 HEART ~ "There and Back Again"

2008-06-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

Yep, lifting from Bilbo Baggens, I am! "There and Back Again" BEA style, I am!

I just returned home from my first-ever BookExpo America in beautiful downtoan LA. La de da, la de da, la de da, as Annie Hall would opine. It was a star-studded, information-packed, publisher/writer-packed house to be sure! Being a small town mountain girl, I still feel like Dorothy visiting the Great OZ, returning from the colorful world of books, "There and Back Again," to hearth and home in black and white. I do miss the color.

Signing in the Romance Writers of America booth, with the likes of Diane Pershing and Elizabeth Boyle was a BEA moment for me, indeed. What an honor to be in the company of such writers! Then, to meet romance writers Heather Graham, Iris Johansen, and Linda Lael Miller ... well can you meet any better in the business? I have their latest "signed" books and couldn't be happier. I was happy, too, that all of my "signed" copies of A...My Name's Amelia went out the door quickly.

Only in LA guys would you be at lunch and the ever-handsome George Hamilton walks by, giving you "that smile." I turn around and guess who's sitting right behind me? Dr. Ruth, herself! Very nice. Very tiny. She wanted to know what I thought of GH's tan. At breakfast the next morning, I heard Alec Baldwin, Magic Johnson, Phillipa Gregory, and Andre Dubus, III! I mean, come on. Their comments were insightful and entertaining, not to mention personal. Of course I got a "signed" Phillipa Gregory! I met Garrison Kellior (Evan Handler from Sex&theCity butt line but was very nice in so doing) and William Shatner ... Captain Kirk and Denny Crane couldn't look better. See what I mean? Annie Hall was right: la de da, la de da, la de da!

Every publisher on the planet was there! The Disneyland of the Book World! I did visit the Gale-Cengage Learning Exhibit and had a nice chat with wonderful Ginny Raye and Laurie Taylor from Gale-Cengage. They are THE BEST and couldn't have been nicer. I'm so happy to be published with them!

Another day ... perhaps another BEA ... There and Back Again.

Love you, mean it,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

A...MY NAME'S AMELIA, LP 8/08
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER, 12/08
MEGGIE'S REMAINS, 7/09

HEART 2 HEART ~ The Battle of the Network ... Romance Genres!

2008-05-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Please note my disclaimor: This is whimsy, only.

Because of course, we "who are about to write in the romance genre," never do battle with each other, heh heh. Really, we don't; not personally anyway. We do, however, do battle against other general fiction genres, but that story is perhaps for another day.

I reference the Battle of the Network Romance Genres because there's ever a ranking (at least in my mind) of which genre in the romance world is on top and which at rock-bottom. Ouch! You've probably guessed where I'm going here: I write historical romance which classically is at the bottom, buried beneath mystery, sci-fi, chick-lit, YA, contemporary, erotica, et al. Well, we "who write historical romance" are in full-battle-armor now so watch out ... romance world!

I happen to write historical romance set in America, which tends to fare worse than historicals set elsewhere; Regency Romances being a good example. I happen to write what I write because it's my interest, my passion, my focus ... for now, that is. I've no idea if I'll ever venture into the present, God forbid! I believe very strongly in A Sense of Place in writing, ie, I write historicals set in America because I can visualize my characters functioning in a speceific time, a specific setting.

Let's face it ... no matter the genre, in romance or otherwise, it's all about writing a darn good book. It's my belief that, at the end of the day, that's how to Win the Day!

Love you, mean it,

Jo(Gregg) Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

A...MY NAME'S AMELIA, LP 8/08
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER, 12/08
MEGGIE'S REMAINS, 7/09

HEART 2 HEART ~ "The Jane Austen Action Figure!"

2008-05-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Move over Ironman, Terminator, Batman, & Rambo, et al ... JANE'S BACK!

Hi all,

One of my children gave me my very own Jane Austen action figure for Mother's Day. I'm still fanning myself over such a wonderful surprise. Jane comes complete with a quill in one hand and writing journal in the other. A desk with inkwell and more paper comes, detached. When she wants to write, Jane can move her arms and set quill to paper. She can take a few steps when a break is needed from her writing labors.

Don't laugh but ... years ago when I visited Westminster Abbey in London, and passed by the sepulcres of Jane and her sisters, I touched the Abbey brochure to Jane's grave and keep it framed on my desk. Of course, I've set my Jane Austen action figure beside the immortal Westminster Abbey brochure! Lest ye think I don't sit in awe of the Bronte` sisters ... I do. I'm honoring Charlotte by having another Jane---this one Jane Eyre---figure prominantly in my 7/09 release, MEGGIE'S REMAINS~A Romance to Die For.

Besides the Jane Austen action figure, I also received a Jane Austen doll (which I'm having trouble keeping from one of my cats). I'm thinking I just might drag the doll (as Darwin tries to do) to all future book signings. Don't think I could ask for a better companion on such outings!

To the Janes!!! Forever in our hearts,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
A...MY NAME'S AMELIA, LP 8/08
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER, 12/08
MEGGIE'S REMAIN, 7/09

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Comfortable in your writing shoes?"

2008-05-07T06:19:00.001-07:00

Hi guys,

We've all heard the expression, "be comfortable in your shoes," more than once I'm certain. If applied to writing, I think this expression is an apt fit.

Let's face it. We're all on different rungs of that Great Writing Ladder to the New York Times Bestseller list, whether or not we admit it. This is only one of the many realities out there waiting for us when we first put finger to key ... to pen the Great American Novel. So what happens in between to encourage us or discourage us from the writing of said novel?

The harsh reality of the writing industry, that's what! The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, I call it. First the Good. We're creating, we're writing, we're following our passion, we're plotting and planning and finding our niche`, we're entering contests and finding our way to critique groups, attending conferences, participating in workshops, and networking with other writers, some of whom are already on "the list." Then, wonder of wonders, we're getting published. Still all good so far, right guys?

Then comes the Bad. We're discovering we're not really the only writer in the room, of course. This is a necessary lesson to learn. We are only one among all the horrible hoardes getting published, getting reviewed, setting up appearances in bookstores and libraries, milking each release for all it's worth, trying to market and get our brand out there. I label this bad since learning to market ourselves is anything but easy. We must morph from that cute little puppy into a pit bull. For some this might be fun. For others ... can we go back to the shelter now, please?

Last, the Ugly. Reviews can be ugly. One man or woman's disagreeable opinion can send you into the corner for weeks, where you're free to put yourself down, call yourself names, and forswear never to write again. While ugly, hopefully this is a short period in our faltering writing careers. The other shoe has to fall when the reviews are not good, and the numbers are not there in sales. Ugly, indeed. Another painful realization can settle into your bones now, rearing it's ugly head: writing can be competitive. Ugh! The "C" word! so, what's the answer? Where's the cure for such a cursed malady?

Like clicking our little red shoes together, we've had the power all along to get out of the Uglies and rid ourselves of creeping competitive feelings. Once we learn to find our writing spot and are comfortable in our writing shoes, then ... we write books that get good reviews and many more readers, bless them! We've learned the dirty little secret in writing (at least in this writer's mind) that we, each one of us, have something unique to offer. No matter what our genre, no matter how many others are writing in the same genre ... no one else can create our heroes and heroines and write our stories. Sometimes we're good, sometimes bad, and sometimes ugly, but we're all the time unique. Once we learn our best fit for the market, we can take our unique little booties to market, and sell, sell, sell. We've found our market at last, large print press or small, and can say with pride that we're comfortable in our writing shoes.

We're not trying to put on anyone's shoes now but our own.

Until next time,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

A...My Name's Amelia, LP 8/08
The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
Meggie's Remains, 7/09

HEART 2 HEART ~ "Heck with the G Spot ... I need the P Spot!"

2008-04-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

P is for Plotting and I'm looking for the P Spot now with my work in progress, THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE. Now that I've begun to organize my research, I've got to map out my plotting. This time I might have a two-book series, which I've never tackled before. Each title must be stand alone, yet be connected. All of this will be a bit tricky for moi`. I'm still a newbie in historical romance writing and darn it ... "I'm trying to get it right."

Unlike other stories I've plotted, this one has more conflicts, particularly external. I mean, it's the Civil War! Ah, but which directions to take amid all the conflicts during the war between the states. Each one might be a sticky wicket indeed, as today some of the same "conflicts" are still raw.

My best tact has to be to follow the love story. Geez, that's why I started this story set in Civil War, Virginia in the first place. In developing the storyline and love story for my hero and heroine, they will dictate what I include or not. By taking this route (instead of trying to re-write stories aready told) the unique experiences of my main characters will tell a new story, one that I hope readers will find heartening. That's what it's always about for me ... from one heart to another ... Heart 2 Heart. This is, after all, romance.

I love historicals, which is why I attempt them in the first place. I just need to find out which external conflicts will be played out in THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE. Understand, I'm not complaining here. I just have a bit of trepidation when it comes to writing about such a time as the Civil War. It's all hallowed ground, for both sides, and for everyone touched by the horrors of such a fight. My cause is to do justice to all.

Thus, I'm looking for the P Spot! Plotting and Planning!

Until next time ...

Jo(annd) Gregg Sundell
www.joannesundell.com
www.myspace.com/joannesundell

A...MY NAME'S AMELIA, LP 8/08
THE PARLOR HOUSE DAUGHTER, 12/08
MEGGIE'S REMAINS, 7/09

HEART 2 HEART ~ "If you blog it," will they come?

2008-04-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

...not necessairly...

Hi all,

You guessed it. I'm angsting, yet again, over bringing traffic to this, my humble historical-romance-writing blog. I hope you don't mind the departure from my previous series of blogs on researching our novels. Perhaps some of you out there in Internet Land, can relate to what I'm about to say.

Can we talk, Heart 2 Heart?

First off, why blog? For me, a writer, it's imperative in this day and age, I believe. Everyone who writes does their utmost (or gives that impression anyway) to promote their latest project in print, in bookstores, in libraries, and/or on the Net. It's called "networking," I'm told. (heh heh) Sounds like a simple thing, does it not, to just get your website up and running, then link to related sites and authors, then start your blog. Easily done? Uh, NO!

NO, if you're part of the baby boomer generation where computers were not so handy around the house.
NO, if you don't have the computer-savy gene.
NO, if you've already had your career (I'm a nurse), raised your kids, and are supposed to have nothing more serious on your mind than the latest Book Club selection on Oprah.
NO, if the computer, with all of its wonders, scares the daylights out of you.
NO, if you haven't taken a computer class, on-line or off! (my own fault here, I realize)
NO, if many other writers can surf the Net with one hand tied behind their backs, while you wring both of your hands together in utter stress.
NO, if you don't have the luxury of living near a pool of writers' critique groups.
NO, if you're stuck in Computer 101, Linking 101, and Blogging 101!

So ... what to do?

I know that blogging is necessary today, necessary that is, if you want to reach other authors, readers, and well ... someone other than my friends here in the Colorado mountain hinterlands! I love living rural (as opposed to living large), but it doesn't always get me to my Writing Groups on time. I'm blaming this on our wonderful ski weather! But the roads, guys, sometimes they are the Roads Less Travelled, for good reason. (Pardon me, dear Robert Frost ... my FAVORITE POET.)

I have writing buds who have rhetorical blogs, where there's no opportunity to comment back and no expectation that many are visiting anyway. That's all well and good but, I realize now, that just won't do if you're a romance writer and want to invite readers to share what they like and don't like, not just about my writing, but about the romance genre as a whole. What are we without our readers? What are we without writers, editors, agents, and all others interested in the romance-writing industry ... finding our blog? In a room alone, I'd say.

So ... I DO have a blogspot. I DO have a link to it on my website. I DO have a newsletter from my website, inviting folks to visit my blog. I DO have a MySpace page, where I cut and paste my latest blog. I can subscribe to other MySpace blog groups.

What I DON'T have as yet are other groups subscribing to my blog, and good traffic to my existing blog. I DON'T have help in getting my blog advertised out there on the Big Bad Net. I recently discovered BlogBurst and have applied to them, to be a part of their network system. I'm hoping they'll accept my blog and know that if they do ...

"If I blog it," they WILL come!"

Until next time ...

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

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

* * * * *
A...My Name's Amelia, LP 8/08
The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
Meggie's Remains, 7/09

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Research for our novels - when is enough, enough?"

2008-04-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Hoping to soon RIP (Research In Peace), I'm still at war so to speak, with the amount of research necessary to begin my current Civil War romance, set in Virginia. At times it's overwhelming ... I mean come on ... it's the Civil War! I mentioned before that I grew up in Virginia, at the heart of the war between the states, but I'd no idea of the hallowed ground on which I trod as a youngun`.

I'm finding that "I'd no idea" about a lot of things. Each discovery leads me to yet another one, learning facts key to my story ... key to unlocking the truth of Civil War Virginia ... what happened to Confederates, to Yankees, to African-Americans, both slave and free, to women, to families torn apart ... to make the ground indeed hallow. Getting down to the truth of it all isn't so easy, as some historical accounts have proven inaccurate. Some accounts leave important information out, depending on their opinion of the war I suppose. In any event, I'm having to gather far more information for this novel than any before. I may have to turn this into a two-book affair, as there's so much vital information that I want to put in my story ... to make it real, to make it right.

So, when is enough, enough? Interesting to ponder, is it not? I guess we, each of us, have to answer this for ourselves. Those of us who write historicals, whether romance or general fiction, must come to that point where we know ... we know we have enough information under our belts to allow our characters to walk and talk on credible ground, allowing them choices needed for their story to unfold and come alive on the printed page.

I'd love to know how you research your novels. Please comment if you like. I think it would be fun, not to mention fascinating, to see how we all conduct our research.

Love you, mean it ...

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

A...My Name's Amelia, LP 8/08
The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
Meggie's Remains, 7/09

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Civil War, indeed!"

2008-04-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Can any war be called civil? I'm not questioning reasons for going to war, but the idea of calling any war a civil war.

I'm into research on my WIP, working title ... THE QUAKER AND THE CONFEDERATE ... and so, understandably, I'm into research of the Civil War, 1860-65. In particular, I'm interested in what happened in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is a far more complicated task than I imagined, but the most interesting thing to date is that I'm learning how much I don't know about the Civil War in the very state where I was born!

The devil is ever in the details, is it not? In historical romance, to me your book stands or falls on the details. So ... the details have to be as close to perfect as you can get! Well, because both the Union and the Confederacy marched their troops back and forth over Virginia soil countless times, and because many Virginians refused to secede and separated into the state of West Virginia ... allegiance is often blurred in matters of war. I'm "here to learn" and so I shall ever try, try, try ... to get it all right.

My head and heart this morning, as I'm reading letters written by Confederate soldiers to their families, et al, are bent on the idea of any war being called a Civil War, much less OUR CIVIL WAR! In reading the pained details of the daily lives of the soldiers ... not just how they tried to survive battle, but how horrific their daily lives actually were ... rife with measles, mumps, sore throats, blisters, hunger, thirst, exposure to elements, et al ... not to mention seeing your friend's arm and shoulder point blown off or passing ill, fallen, lagging-behind soldiers along the roadways ... I'm struck by the reality that the life of a soldier during the Civil War was not at all civil. Their daily lives were a struggle and a hardship, even before the enemy was met. Brother fought against brother in some instances, friend against friend.

While the purpose for which each side fought was often known only to the individual soldier, the frey into which they all marched was the most uncivil time in our nation's still-young history. There was one civil moment ... when Lincoln, for political & economic purpose perhaps ... signed the Emancipation Proclamation ... and later the 13th amendment passed ... marking the official end of slavery. That was a civil act, indeed, in a most uncivil war.

Even now in our country we're engaged in yet another battle where friend disagrees with friend, and brother disagrees with brother. Our country is in a great divide. It is a difficult time. I'm once again reminded that war is anything but civil.

Until next time ...

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
http://www.joannesundell.com/
The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
Meggie's Remains, 7/09

Wednesdays with Joanne - "March Madness, in more ways than one!"

2008-03-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

March Madness, for us Colorado mountain folk, means skiers at every turn on the slopes, at every restaurant in town, and in every car next to you in traffic! Yes, we actually have "traffic" here in the Fraser Valley, come ski-and-fun-in-the-sun season!

March Madness also means that everyone's a bit on edge, mad at the mud all round! That, too, is ... "on the slopes, at every restaurant in town, and in every car next to you in traffic!"

March Madness, to writers ... in particular, moi`... means 2008 is actually here and best make out that "to do" list regarding any books coming out! All of a sudden, nominees are being chosen for this award or that award, editors are sending you your manuscript for a final copy-edit run-through, libraries are setting up their summer appearance schedules, marketing needs to be set in place for bookstore signings, et al! Whew ... March Madness means that once again, I'm in the throws of the MARKETING SWEATS!

On a less anxious note, wonderful writer and editor, Alice Duncan, is mentioned in a new tome on romance, ROMANCE TODAY - AN A-Z GUIDE TO CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN ROMANCE WRITERS, Greenhaven Press, 2007. I've had the good fortune of Alice's editoral guide on all four of my books sold to Five Star-Gale, a part of Cengage Learning. She's the best!

Marching all the way into April,

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

www.joannesundell.com
author@joannesundell.com
A...My Name's Amelia, LP 8/08
The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
Meggie's Remains, 7/09

Wednesdays with Joanne - Networking Decisions Made!

2008-03-19T07:54:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

Sorry, I've been an "absent blogger" for the past weeks. But hey, "I'm back ..." (geez, not as in Polterguist, I hope!)

Already listed on the prestigious romancingtheblog.com, as a author link, I hope to be a guest blogger one of these days. Now that I have four books from Five Star, maybe they'll give me a listen. We'll see.

In future, I want to become a part of romancejunkies.com, to be listed as one of their authors, and hopefully a featured author, one of these days. We'll see on that one, too.

I'm still not wanting to go on MySpace because of the whole thing where you get a lot of "friends" that you might not want. I know it's a great way to get your name out there, but I'm still pondering this one.

As for being on squidoo.com, I'm still a participant, but I'm not really sure what you need to do to stay an active, high-on-their-involvement-scale participant. Don't know if these folks want to read about you, buy your books, or just chat it up with you re what you do, et al? I do know that you have to stay "active," I'm just not sure how do to that. Best investigate.

I've not blogged on WomenWritingTheWest, but should. This is a great writing organization, as is Colorado Romance Writers, and Romance Writers of America. My first allegiance is to Five Star, an imprint of Gale, a part of Cengage Learning! We're all in the Big Bad Writing Network, somewhere!!!

Back at ya soon ...

Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell

The Parlor House Daughter, 12/08
A...My Name's Amelia, LP summer/08
Meggie's Remains, 7/09

Wednesdays with Joanne - "The End of the World ... or it's Beginning?"

2008-02-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

If any of you ever have the notion or the opportunity to visit the White Continent, you must!

As a reader, writer, romantic-at-heart, naturalist, Audobon Society member, scientist, or otherwise interested party ... Antarctica will change your life; oh, maybe not movement of tectonic plates or anything, but a change nonetheless.

The entryway to Antarctica is via Ushuaia, Argentina, the southern-most city in the world. In fact, this entryway is known as The End of the World, but I believe it is The Beginning. For to visit Antarctica is to go back in time millions of years, before man. You step into a world you couldn't even imagine before and know it is a gift, that you're there. The animals are curious about us red aliens (the parka, you know) but that is all. You wait, you let the penguins ... whether gentoo, adelie, or chinstrap, pass ... you watch as the new-born chicks struggle to survive, hoping the rain will stop since they've no protection from it or from predators ever-waiting to snatch them from their mother ... you sit very still in your zodiac while humpback whales play all around you ... you make no loud noises or threatening moves that might annoy a leopard seal lounging on a floating iceberg, so close you can see her mouth and know how her teeth can tear ... you study the ice, in awe of the greens and blues, the shapes, the sizes, the magic ... you see the albatross and petrals overhead, knowing the great seabirds stay out at sea years at a time ... you marvel at all of the animal life, all of the beauty, all of the secrets of life hidden deep beneath the ice ... hallowed ice, indeed.

Stops at some of the international research stations give evidence to the fact that Antarctica belongs to the world, no one country lays claim to any of it. Scientists and researchers come together from all over the world to help preserve Antarctica and to protect its vital surrounding waters. Krill is the basis for life in Antarctica. To lose the krill will mean the beginning of the food chain will be gone, and all else will follow. This is a tremendous threat to Antarctica now. It's not just illegal fisheries, but others, too, that take the krill to turn into fish meal to sell to fish hatcheries all over the world. I will never buy farm-fed fish again, suffice is to say. The best is always to buy Certified Fish where you can. Be mindful, too, of Chilean seabass, since ... in the catching of the bass ... many petrals and albatross will die going for the baited long-line hooks, never to return home to the waiting chicks, who will now starve and die.

It's in the ice ... the secrets of life ... hidden there ... waiting for discovery ... ways to protect our planet and preserve life for all mankind. I returned from Antarctica aware of problems, yes, but more aware of how strong our planet is, how vast, how intact it is in many ways. Antarctica is bigger than all of us ... chunks of ice are gone ... but I have a feeling that others are forming, just round the next turn of our zodiac. Life is hard and harsh at the South Pole. Endurance and survival is the order of the day, every day.

I returned from the White Continent, believing I am watching The Beginning of Life, and not its End.

Until next time ...

Jo(anne)

www.joannesundell.com

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Of whales, penguins, and seals!"

2008-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

This weekend I'm heading to the South Pole, via South America, then the Drake Passage. I'm very excited about this trip, ever loving all things remote, and more remote! As for the daily temperature in Antarctica in the summer (currently), it's supposed to be around 32 degrees F. As for the daily temperature ... today in the Colorado Rockies ... it's 0 degrees at the moment! Hmmm...at least I'm going from really cold to not so cold. Interesting, is it not?

I'll let you know any and all that I learn about animal life, human and otherwise, on the Antarctic Peninsula upon my return. I'm keen on hearing "up close and personal" exactly what's happening at the pole.

I'm in the middle of research for my next book, set in Civil War, Virginia, but I'm not averse to digging down in the ice and uncovering a new story. Maybe I'll find a long lost couple, stranded centuries ago, buried now, still hand-in-hand, forever bound to the frozen continent.

Until next time ...

Jo(anne)

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

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Country-writing vs City-writing"

2008-01-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I'm a country-writer.

To me there's a big difference between country-writing and city-writing. The difference relates, not to what we write, but to our networking ability. It's hard to "reach out and touch other writers" and have associations and involvements in writing organizations, et al, when you live in the country rather than the city. When I attend writing conferences, I'm quite envious of all the connections other writers have with their critique groups and their chapter groups. Most folks seem to gather on a regular basis and have that comraderie that is so special, so necessary, and so helpful in this tough business. It's great if you can embrace these wonderful associations, but if you cannot ...

I call it the Hermit Crab Syndrome. We all know much of writing is a singular, solitary experience. We climb into our shells and get to work, unfettered by the outside world. Both country-writers and city-writers develop Hermit Crab Syndrome, of course. It's a welcome ailment to say the least. City-writers, however, have the added benefit of other hermit crabs being in the same "hood." Country-writers are often the lone crab on the beach.

Ah, but it's my choice, is it not, to be the lone crab?

I love the mountains and welcome the isolation. Give me a quiet morning walk with my huskies in fresh mountain snow, any day, over a dash to Starbucks before I get a ticket for parking illegally! Give me free reign at my computer in my pj's, coffee "of my own brewing" in hand, my cats lolling about ever watching for what comes next in their purrrfectly wonderful world, my doggies not-so-patiently waiting to go walkies yet again, sighting fresh tracks from fox, deer, coyotes, ptarmington and ??? when we do, most often watching white-tailed deer ... watch us, over the sights and sounds of the city any day. Not that I don't love Denver. I do! It's wonderful to come down over the high mountain passes into the Queen City of the West.

Ah, but it's my choice, is it not, to choose country-writing over city-writing!

Jo(anne)

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

Wednesdays with Joanne - "Lincoln Logs and Linking Blogs!"

2008-01-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008!

It did feel like Lincoln Log cabin days around here this past week in the Colorado mountains. Snow and blowing snow kept most of us shut-in, even from the ski slopes! Of course it was because of avalanche danger and poor driving visibility but ... welcome to Colorado Ski Country!

I did want to raise the issue of Linking Blogs today, having reached the epiphany that you can blog and blog all you want but if you're not linked you're blogging alone. Not that I haven't appreciated it when any of you have answered my blog, it's just that I realize that I need to be "linked" to others to reach a broader readership. I say this because I am very interested, and always am, in what readers have to say about my writing, their writing, or anyone else's!

Without critical feedback, a writer is just a writer. With critical feedback, a writer is a lucky writer, indeed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jo(anne)

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

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

2007-12-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

...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!"

2007-12-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

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"

2007-12-13T09:45:00.001-08:00

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!

2007-12-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

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"

2007-11-15T09:30:00.001-08:00

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!"

2007-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

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!"

2007-10-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

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!"

2007-10-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-10-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-10-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-09-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-09-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

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!"

2007-08-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-08-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-08-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-07-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-06-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-06-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-05-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-05-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

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..."

2007-04-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

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"

2007-04-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

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!"

2007-04-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

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"

2007-04-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

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!'"

2007-03-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

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!"

2007-03-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

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!"

2007-03-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

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?"

2007-02-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

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..."

2007-02-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

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?"

2007-02-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

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"

2007-01-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

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"

2007-01-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

Wednesdays With Joanne: "It's the heroine, stupid."

2006-12-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

I say that with all due respect and nothing but love in my heart!

Of my two books sold to Five Star-Thomson Gale, while the hero and heroine both figure prominantly (as is requisite in any romance), much of the story falls on the slight but strong shoulders of the heroine. It's up to her to get the romance off the ground and keep it going through every conflict, no matter how black the moment. Of course it takes two! It takes both the hero and the heroine to create the romance "that dreams are made of," with the plot often taking twists and turns made by the hero. I believe, however, that it is the heroine with whom the reader first identifies, first takes note of, and keeps the reader "reading."

In Matchmaker, Matchmaker, the heroine is a young, unwed, Jewish doctor struggling to make a life out west for herself and her ailing father. Five identifiers right away: young, unwed, Jewish, doctor, daughter. In A...My Name's Amelia, the young heroine is unwed, deaf, and trying to make a living in the non-deaf world. Four identifiers here: young, unwed, deaf, strong-willed.

While I can't wait to have the hero and heroine meet, more important is to have the reader first meet the heroine. Will you love to love her, or love to hate her?

Happy Reading & Happy Holidays!

Shalom to all, and to all a good night,

Joanne

Wednesdays With Joanne : A "signing we will go!"

2006-12-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Still happy to snag a few signing appearances, given that Matchmaker, Matchmaker has been in release since January, I happily took my Mont Blanc in hand and showed up at B & N in Denver this past Sunday. What a fun time! I call my signings "cold calls" as I show up and see what happens (as opposed to having an agent or publicist contact newspapers, radio stations, etc, to announce my comings and goings. Maybe in my next life, huh). The community specialist at B & N in Glendale was wonderful, giving me a huge publicity sign and a comfortable chair. Of course a chair is a no-no at a signing. You need to engage and energize the literary public that happen by; hard to do if you're sitting down I think. With props (Chanukah sugar cookies and signed bookmarks) in hand I had so much fun conversing with history buffs, medical folks, teachers, and lovers of historical romance. It doesn't get much better than that. I sold some books and signed a few to leave in-store.

My library booktalk in the mountains, while not as well attended as my Denver signing, taught me a thing or two about marketing. No matter how much you publicize things (despite the local newspaper not listing the word "signing" in the promo blurb, daggone it), don't plan any events during the month of December, especially in the mountains, on a freezing night in the snow, and expect the folks to come. If you build it, they don't necessairly come! I'm learning, albeit slowly. A brave, sincere, few showed up for my booktalk and some even bought books. Thank you!!!! You all know who you are. Although my ego is a bit bruised, I don't fault mountain kith and kin. I blame myself for my ill-timed marketing effort.

The "marketing sweats" come in all kinds of ways; not just waiting for reviews to come in. Oy vey! I experienced a few anxiety pangs Monday night but such is the nature of the marketing beast.

Shalom,
Joanne

Wednesdays with Joanne ... on Friday?

2006-12-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

Been caught up in a bit of web trouble. Sorry for the posting delay.

I'm trying to find time each day to "surf the blogs" and find out what's what. I have learned that apparently there's a whole new category of us out there: bloggers and non-bloggers. If one dives into blogging, one should commit to weekly, if not daily postings. And these postings need to be substantial, or at least, gritty and informative. Then, if one decides to take the plunge into the blogging pool, one should link to other blog sites, share information, and even set up interviews, and blog tours. Whew! See why I'm still overwhelmed at the prospect of blogging?

That being said...

I'm still going to be Wednesday's Child here, and do my best to entertain, inform, and hook you on historical romance; especially historical romance set in the West. Hey, there are so many talented, successful, historical romance writers here in Colorado. Joan Johnston kindly gave me an author quote for my upcoming romance, A...My Name's Amelia, and I met Sandra Dallas at the recent Women Writing the West Conference, where her book, New Mercies, took top prize. Isn't name-dropping the best! (network-speaking, that is) I met another amazing author there as well, Harriet Rochlin.

There are three Romance Writers of America chapters in Colorado: Heart of Denver, Colorado Romance Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers. I'm a member of CRW, living 2 hrs away in the mountains. A new member, I've run into some old friends and am making new ones! Couldn't ask for a better support group, or writing resource.

I'm gearing up for a signing at B&N in Denver this Sunday, and a booktalk/signing at one of our local libraries on Monday. I hope to meet other writers here in Grand County. WE ARE NOT ALONE!

I'll be back soon.

Joanne

Wednesdays With Joanne: A Balancing Act

2006-11-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

Almost holiday time, family time, taking vacation time, shopping time, cooking time, down time, up time (TIME being the operative word), I'm keenly aware of time these days, and how very little any of us have left over at the end of our busy day. Notice, I haven't mentioned writing time as yet, or the balancing act writers are asked to perform on a daily basis.

A big part of writing is about time management, I believe. For my part, I'm involved in a daily, almost schizophrenic balancing act of just how to best use my time. Speaking of best, the best book I've ever read on writing and how to use one's time is called, On Writing by Stephen King. I highly recommend it! Find a time and a place to write, and write. Great advice. Then make time to read other writers. More great advice. Be disciplined, then go for it. Great, great advice. But...

If one is fortunate enough to get published, then, naturally, more time is asked of you for marketing and promotion---time taken away from working on that new book, polishing up a manuscript for submission, looking for an agent, networking with readers and authors, attending conferences, attending writing groups, updating websites for the Internet, or (dare I say it) blogging! Here's where the "balancing act" comes in. Here's where listening to Stephen King's voice comes in. Find a time and place...and just do it! (I'm paraphrasing, of course.)

I'm working on "working on" how best to use my time now that I have two books out, one in release and one soon to be. I'm itching to get to that next book, but find I have an obligation to my first two. I have to do my best to promote and market them. The publisher does their part, but we as writers must also do our part. We must set up booktalks, signings, radio spots, newspaper spots, reviews, secure notable author quotes/blurbs, mail out press releases, mail out extra galleys, place ads where and when we can, etc. And so...

Balancing my time amid the upcoming, busy holiday season becomes even more of a challenge now. Ah well, I've decided to "just do it," albeit in schizophrenic bits. The early morning hours will be devoted to the new book, the mid-morning hours to internet duty, the afternoon hours to outside fun and games (hey, I live in the Colorado mountains...we are obligated to be outside playing in the snow), and the evening hours to figuring out how best to garner that next signing or appearance. Hmmm...that just leaves the midnight hours for holiday baking and watching A Wonderful Life. No worries, I'll just keep the coffee going. Helps me with my "balancing act" you know.

I'd love to hear what you're doing with your time these days! Feel free to post! Key ya!

Wednesdays With Joanne

2006-11-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hi! Welcome to one and all e-drive-bys!

One week into blogging, and I fear I'm not past Blogging 101 as yet. Ah well, not to worry. Never forget the fabled Tortuise and the Hare, The Little Engine That Could, and Working Girl. Yep, Working Girl. She did "get her man and the job in the end!" I love happy endings, but I also love to ponder all the hardships faced and possible ways to reach them.

If you've had a peek at my website (www.joannesundell.com), you know I write historical romance set in the West. If you've an interest in this, I hope so much you continue to stop by on Wednesdays and visit me on my blog. Of course I'd love it, too, if you'd sign up for my NEWSLETTER, full of fun and fantasy. Yeah, right. Hey, I will start running contests there soon. I want my signed books to get to you somehow, some way, you know! I also would love feedback from you on my books, on historical romance, and on "whatever is on your mind." Feel free to e-mail me from my website or post on my blog.

I hope to blog soon on two other blogspots: Five Star Authors Blog and Women Writing the West Blog. I'll post those blogspots here (when I figure this out) so you might visit the sites too, if you've a mind. I'm also a member of Colorado Romance Writers. I'm not up to "blog" with them yet, but I'm working on it.

I thank you in advance for your patience!

I'm excited about an upcoming booktalk/signing at our brand new library in Granby, Colorado, Dec 11th. This is the first time my focus will be on a general discussion of romance (LET'S TALK (historical western) ROMANCE), rather than my book(s). Of course Matchmaker, Matchmaker and A...My Name's Amelia will be featured, but for the most part we're going to have fun with romance. Can we talk here? is the motto of the evening.

Let me say a word about the librarians in Grand County. That word is "super!" The marketing target for my publisher, Five Star/Thomson Gale, is the library market. (They, of course, send catalogs out nationally.) It's wonderful to discover how wonderful librarians are. They're in the know about what the public likes to read, and so far they've been truly helpful in promoting my book(s). I hope to target libraries in Colorado in particular for the promotion of A...My Name's Amelia. I'm not only going to focus on pre-orders, but will put out an invitation to libraries and bookclubs to "invite me" to come for a chat, and maybe sign a book or two. Hey, it's all about fun for us, right! I'm going to call it the Let's Talk Historical Western Romance Tour...la de da, la de da, la de da...

No worries, I'm not forgetting my part in trying to appeal to the mass market. Coming soon to an on-line or in-store site near you!!!

Well, I don't know about you but my coffee's cold, and that will not do. Besides, you've had enough for one week, no doubt. Please come back next time. Who knows what you'll find here. Who knows "what danger lurks in the hearts and minds of men!" (Hey, what happened to the "women" part of The Shadow's comments? I suppose only "The Shadow Knows.")

My best to you all!

Joanne

As introduction...

2006-11-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,
I'm taking the plunge into the "blogging pool" today. In the deep end, most likely! As the title of my blog indicates, I write historical romance set in the West. I invite anyone out there in cyberland who has similar interests, to come "blog" with me. Let's All Talk (historical western) Romance! Visit my website www.JoanneSundell.com to see my latest works.