July - the month in random pictures

So, July started out with a derecho, which is apparently the meteorological term for a crazy scary storm with gigantic hail and 80 mph winds. We lost power for three days—three brutally hot days with no AC, running water (we’re on a well), or *sob* internet. But that wasn't the worst of it.  No electricity meant no this:

Without a functioning flat iron (which, incidentally, I consider the most important technological advance of the last century) I could scarcely leave the house.  It’s a testament to my pioneering spirit that I muddled through . . . and turned book 2 into my editor on time before heading to the beach with the family.

The beach was so peaceful and laid back, we felt like we were 300 miles away.  Oh wait, we were 300 miles away. As you can see, the weather was iffy:

The rain was a bummer.  On the bright side, the week was blessedly free of derechos. Plus, rain showers meant more time to visit to one of my all-time favorite beach destinations: the Island Book Store in Kitty Hawk, where I picked up these:

I recommend them all. Love these authors!

And as long as I’m recommending things, I should add these to the list:

Anyway, we had a great time, and the trusty mini-van got us back home.  Now, I'm in the midst of prepping for RWA’s annual conference in Anaheim.

As you may know, here on the blog I have a long-standing tradition of writing detailed accounts of my harrowing awards ceremony dress shopping experiences. This year, however, the process was relatively drama-free. I went to one store, tried on five dresses from the clearance rack, and walked out with two. The whole trip took an hour.

Awesome, . . . except. A successful shopping trip makes for a dreadfully boring blog post. But never fear! I feel certain that I shall be able to deliver more dressing room drama in the future.

Earlier this week I also made my annual (okay, more like quarterly) pilgrimage to my happy place:

I got two pairs of shoes.  Well, three if you count these:

These should work with a few conference outfits:

The other pair is practical and *cough*…comfortable. We’ll leave it at that. Avert your eyes. No photos, nothing to see, move along, folks.

And now that RWA is almost here, I’m really excited. This is my first conference since selling and even though my book isn’t out yet, I’ll be at the Grand Central signing on Saturday from 12 to 1:30. I might even get to sign and give away some ARCs:

And I have lots of shiny new bookmarks to hand out:

I think all that’s left to do is pack.  (Well, that and a marathon hair appointment on Friday. Seriously, I've already warned my kids they're on they're own for lunch and dinner.)

If you’re going to RWA, you’ve probably seen the packing lists and videos with expert packing tips. My advice? Don’t stress about it. You’ll be fine. As long as you have this:

The Obligatory Shoe Post, or "Wild Times at DSW"

Today's mission was two-pronged.

Objective #1. Find a pair of strappy, dressy heels for RWA Awards Ceremony.

Please. This was child's play. Done.

Objective #2: Buy a pair of cute, but sensible, shoes with a low heel suitable for walking long distances in hotel halls and on the streets of NYC.

Friends, the plan went awry.

The moment I walked through the doors of DSW, I knew I was in trouble. To my ears, the muzak piped through the speakers was a chorus of angels singing. As I roamed the aisles, smelling that new shoe smell, I slipped into a zombie-like trance.

I lost sight of the goal. Decidedly impractical shoes made their way into my shopping bag.





I'm weak. But I'm a happy girl.

Mission accomplished.

RWA Nationals Countdown

Let’s start with the important stuff. I went shoe shopping:


Also, my sister-in-law, who is both generous and fashion-savvy, lent me a really cute dress for the Awards Ceremony. (Thanks, E!) There. I’m sure we’ll all sleep a little better tonight knowing that’s covered, because . . .

. . . In little more than a week, over 2,000 romance writers from all over the country and around the globe will descend upon Orlando for RWA’s 30th Annual Conference. It’s a chance to hone our craft, pitch our stories, celebrate our genre, recognize extraordinary talent, and connect with friends. This will be my third year attending, and I’m looking forward to it more than ever. Here’s why:

• Both my critique partners have been nominated for the Golden Heart® award this year! I’m so proud of them I could just burst! By the time Saturday night rolls around, they will want to slap the camera right out of my hands.

• Keli Gwyn’s a finalist in the Inspirational Category with Violets & Violins. This story’s had amazing success on the contest circuit, and it landed Keli a fabulous agent. I can’t even tell you how supportive Keli’s been of me, and I’m thrilled that I’ll get the chance to cheer her on at the Awards Ceremony.

• Lisa Connelly’s story, The Sinners, is a finalist in the Novel with Romantic Elements Category. Lisa is insanely talented and she’s my cousin. (You know how, growing up, there was always a cool cousin you wanted to hang out with? Yep, that’s her.) We live about 300 miles away from each other, so we were each writing for a couple years before we finally figured out we were on similar paths and connected. I’m so grateful that writing brought us together.

• There are lots of fun items on the schedule, but some of the highlights for me are the Literacy Autographing, dinner with my Ruby Sisters, and, basically, any event where dessert is served. The keynote speeches are always moving and inspiring, and this year, they’re by Nora Roberts and Janyne Ann Krentz. Sabrina Jeffries is emceeing the Awards Ceremony, and though I have no idea what the theme will be, I'm certain that there will be plenty of laughter and tears.

• I’m really eager to see all the friends I’ve met at past conferences and those I’ve gotten to know through writing loops. As much as I love a good Yahoo! group, there’s nothing like chatting in person. Or making new friends.

• But for me, the best part of Nationals are the intangible and unexpected things. Like when an author you love sits in the chair next to you, introduces herself (as if you didn’t already know her name) and asks you about your current story. Or an agent in the lobby says your shoes are adorable. (Thank you very much!) Or you’re sitting in an incredible workshop and you realize RWA just might be the only organization whose members give so generously of their time and talent.

I promise to post a recap with some pictures after Nationals, but for now, I leave you with a peek inside the preparations for Nationals, created by and starring Jeannie Lin, author of Butterfly Swords (Oct. 2010 Harlequin Historical).

Snippets from San Francisco - Part 3

This last installment of conference notes falls into the category of "you can't make this up." I apologize in advance for the alliteration. :)

Without further adieu, here's my list of "Surreal Things:"

• Airing it out in the Airport - Right after we de-boarded the plane in San Francisco, on our way to baggage claim, we passed an odd, older gentleman. He was wearing dress slacks, a belt, and nice shoes. And that's it. NO shirt. He had a bag slung over his naked shoulder and walked toward the gates as if it were the most natural thing in the world, which, I suppose, it was. More bizarre than his state of undress was the fact no one else seemed to notice. My question is: if I'm going to see a half-dressed man in the airport, why, oh why, can't it be David Beckham or James McAvoy or the guy who plays Sawyer on "Lost?"
• Sidestepping Stuff on the Sidewalk - The hotel where we stayed was a city block away from the conference Marriott. It was an easy walk, but on the night of the awards ceremony, after I dressed up in my long, silk gown and strappy sandals, I debated whether or not to take a cab. Since it was a pretty mild night by San Fran standards, and since I'm rather cheap, I decided to walk. My shoes felt fine at first, but half-way there I realized the glittery straps had the same exact texture as 200 grit sandpaper. Also, I had to lift the hem of my dress as I dodged a - warning, don't read on if you're squeamish! - pile of excrement on the pavement. Even if the cab was 20 bucks, it would have been worth it.
• Conversing without a Clue - I was checking voicemail in between workshops one day when a woman came and sat down on the chair beside me. She said, "Nice shoes." I liked her immediately, of course, thanked her, and we started chatting. We talked about our families, where we're from, and highlights of the conference so far. She asked me what I write, so I told her and asked her what she writes. She replied she's not a writer. She's an agent. Had I bothered to look at her name tag, I would have known this, but I just felt weird looking at people's chests all the time. Anyway, we exchanged cards and you never know what might come out of it. We have the same taste in shoes, after all.

More Fashion Fun

I know how this must look: like I'm more interested in playing dress up than in being a real writer. So, here's a quick update on "The Trouble with Twilight," also known as TTWT (an unfortunate acronym). I've written the first 50 pages and I like where it's headed.

Phew! Now we can talk about accessories.

If you've been following the drama here at my blog, you already know I bid on (and won!) an eBay gown to wear to the RWA Awards Ceremony. I'm very happy it fits because alterations would have cost me way more than the dress. Every chance I get, I've been telling my husband how lucky I was to get such a great deal (and how lucky HE is to have such a resourceful wife). This - you may have guessed - was all to prepare him for the other purchases which would inevitably follow.

I bought shoes today! With their gold heels and glittery straps, they look remarkably like a pair from my daughter's cardboard treasure chest of Disney princess costumes. I love them.

But the item I'm really excited about is the purse. It's not just a purse - it's a "vintage glass-beaded evening bag." I won it on eBay.

Don't worry, I've only bought two things on eBay. It's not like I'm addicted. Sure, you experience a little high when you find out you're the high bidder. But I can stop any time. I think.