Archive for the Category »Real Life «
Wow, it’s been a looooong time since I posted here. I’m ashamed to say it’s been almost as long since I’ve gotten any significant writing done. I’ve been distracted by this thing called “real life,” which I had forgotten about until this summer walked up and smacked me on the backside.
This blog is usually not for sharing personal tidbits, but this past June I turned 28 (!!) and realized my 20s were passing me by. The result of this freak-out was a summer to be remembered. Thanks to some awesome friends, a loving and devoted (and tolerant) husband, and the gorgeous (mostly) Seattle weather, the summer of 28 has shaped up to be one of the best ever — filled with things I never would have done had I stayed in my writing cave, like:
- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at the Gorge
- Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA
- Writer’s retreats to Ocean Shores and Lake Chelan
- Partying with Seattle motorcycle clubs — no joke!
- Floating down the Yakima river
- Hiking Wallace Falls and Mt. Pilchuck
- Ren Faire
- Training for the Warrior Dash
- Beach keggers!
But, I *do* have a bit of news on the writing front too – I’ve finaled in two contests recently.
My WIP paranormal romance set in the Zyne universe, titled To Tame A Wild Heart is a finalist in the Emerald City Opener, which has garnered me a one-on-one pitch appointment with the agent/edtior of my choice at the EC Writers’ Conference this year.
… AND I just learned that my completed manuscript, a paranormal romantic suspense also set in the Zyne universe, Rain of Ash (previously titled Inner Eye) is a finalist in this year’s Lone Star Writing Contest and will be sent on to final judges Leis Pederson of Penguin and agent Tina Tsallas of Great Titles, Inc.
So, some good news, which not only caps off the summer but reminds me it’s time to get back to work! Hope everyone is squeezing some fun out of theirs too!!
TTFN,
~Gwen
Where have I been? I think Julie Andrews said it best . . .
I have not been sitting on my tuckus doing nothing. The word count on the super-sekwet UF project is slowly gathering steam. I hoping to “break into act II” by the end of this week. Once I hit the halfway point, I think I’ll finally unveil it.
Let’s see … news?
Oh, right. Nashville is/was under water. I will no longer be attending Nationals. I was really bummed about that, but now that I’ve got my money back (all accept for the airfare – damn airlines!) I’m consoled by all the different ways I can spend it. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I see a spa package in my immediate future.
My online critique group ran a rigorous contest in search of two new members, and we got them. Suzzane Johnson and Katrina Crew are both great people and fabulous writers and we’re ecstatic to have them on board. I’ll be posting up a fun interview with the whole gang some time next week. To any who applied and didn’t get picked – DO NOT FEEL BAD! The competition was stiff and all of the finalists were impressive. Selecting the winners was an angst-fest.
Other than that, things are revving up for the 2010 Emerald City Writers’ Conference. There will be some really exciting guests this year, and as the Assistant Hospitality Chair, I’ll get to meet and greet them all.
Coinciding with the conference is the Emerald City Opener contest, where you have a chance to polish up your first 7 pages and see if they have what it takes to keep an agent or editor turning the pages. Inner Eye took first place in the Romantic Suspense category last year. Follow the link to see the final judges. The contest is open until June 1st.
Well, I’m off to go enjoy some more of this gorgeous, lusty weather… while it lasts. TTFN!
