Yesterday we had a fabulous chapter meeting with the wonderful Susan Mallery. She gave her talk called The Sagging Middle. It was all about keeping your book going in that spot where you often lose momentum. It was a great, great talk.
She made the most fascinating comment, and I’m not sure who originally said it, but she said something along the lines of, “You can tell how productive a writer will be in a year, by how fast they write through the middle of a book.” Which is so absolutely true. How many people put aside their book after 100 pages and say they’ll come back to it later? I got similar advice from my dad’s cousin (who writes regencies) years ago. Finish the book or you’ll always find an excuse not to. Anyway, after the talk Susan opened the floor to questions, and wow did we hit her with them. She was amazing–very funny too!
Time for a paragraph of toddler talk. Lacy Danes taught my daughter the most annoying habit. She taught my daughter how to grab a sugar packet off the table at a restaurant, rip it open, and do the finger dip/lick bit. So I’m currently trying to break her of that–though it is a lovely distraction. On a ‘mommy’s proud’ moment, my kid has also really developed a musical ear. It’s not such a surprise, because music has always been a big part of my life in school/college. She’s in the bath tub right now, listening to classical musical and actually humming along with some of the melody. She has a good ear, which thrills me!
Now on a brag for someone else moment. Friend and fellow Romance Diva Gemma Halliday wrote a book called Spying in High Heels. I read this book, LOVED it, and blogged about it some months ago. Now Gemma’s fabulous news is… Spying in High Heels is in development for a television series on the USA Network! I would be a total addict, because that book was so good I hated it to end–really it didn’t, there’s follow ups! So big congrats, Gemma. I thrilled for you! You totally deserve it.
Here are some Divas at breakfast at Nationals last year. It was such a blast. I can’t WAIT for RWA, it’s my one vacation a year away! I had so much fun….
All right, off to the mall with the kid. I promised her another My Little Pony book.
Oh! And don’t forget to check out the pics below of Emma Petersen and I on her trip up to Seattle!
I heard Susan Mallery talk at my FIRST RWA meeting in Los Angeles and it was the best talk ever. That one was about how to up your productivity. I’ve never managed to get up as high into the word count range as she does, but I did go from writing 1k a day to 3k a day (work day anyway, lol…not when I’ve got all the kids home an no mom’s day out) in less than a year.
Congrats on the kiddo’s singing. I have a video of Roo doing a twinkle twinkle little star in the bathtub that is hysterical. Very..interpretive. I may have to post it on my blog some day when things are slow. Which is like…every day because I have nothing to say!
I hear you on RWA. I’m bringing the hubs this year, however. He didn’t like missing out on what looked like fun to him the day he dropped me off, lol. He’s so excited to hang out with me and all the other romance writers. Hell, he’s read most of my books and a few others I’ve recommended so he’s fairly well versed in the erotic genre. He may meet some of his faves.
And congrats to Gemma too! That’s so exciting.
Anna J. Evans
Sounds like you had a terrific weekend, Shelli! :D That’s great to hear.
Susan Mallery was really great and funny too. I got a lot out of that meeting and even more from lunch afterward. What a great time! And Yay! for Gemma Halliday! That’s so exciting for her. :)
Oh, you just keep ratcheting up my excitement, Shelli! Can’t wait!
Wow does that look fun!!!
Wow. . . looks like you had a great time. Now I’m wishing I wasn’t waiting until ‘08 to go to Nationals. Wahhhhh!
Oh, I can’t wait until Dallas! That pic make me so very excited!
I tagged you for this 8 things meme going around Shelli…sorry. YOu can find out more on my blog if so inclined :).
Anna
I’m so excited about Nationals! Can’t wait!
Hey Shelli! Just tagged you over at my blog. ;)
Sounds like a great time. My daughter hasn’t learned that trick yet!!
That workshop sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing it. I know the middle is the toughest for me. And the beginning. Oh, and the ending.
Love you honey.
Oh, and Erika, I’m waiting until ‘08 too. You’re not alone there. But SF will be great.
Sounds like a great workshop! Good luck with breaking the sugar habit :o) Good thing you’re starting early.
Great news about Gemma!!!