Wet Noodle Posse

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Favorite Days of Summer - RWA

My favorite days of summer include the Romance Writers of America Conference. I'm just back from there as of Sunday July 19. This year it was at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel in Washington DC, or about 20 miles from my house.

Here's a nice article about the conference, with quotes from fellow Noodler, Colleen Gleason.

Favorite Parts of the Conference:

1. Seeing old friends
I love walking through the hotel and greeting people I only see at conference. I've been attending since 1999 and I've managed to meet so many people and so there are lots of friends to greet. I loved seeing our Noodlers at the conference. Anne Mallory had her darling baby with her and Jennie Lucas always looked so strikingly pretty. We were unable to all get together like in past years, though.

2. Making new friends
Every year it seems I meet someone new. It might be a new writer or it might be a new published author. This year I got to know Miranda Neville better. We'd met years ago at a New Jersey RW conference, but this time we had time to chat. She even helped me with a plotting problem! I also met All About Romance Sandy Coleman's sister at a dinner and found we had lots in common.

3. Spending time with dear friends
I never have enough time with my local writing friends and the conference gives us the chance to just hang out together, especially after the hectic conference day is over. We hung out in Mary Blayney's room one night, which was just the respite I needed after the Harlequin Party.

4. Spending time with colleagues
It was a treat to spend time with the other Mills & Boon authors and the Harlequin Historical authors, and to exchange information with them.

5. Seeing the industry professionals
The Mills & Boon editors seemed very visible at this conference. In fact, all of Harlequin had a big presence, from providing the tote bags with a vintage Harlequin cover on them, to giving workshops and attending parties. I had the pleasure of having a drink with Karin Stoecker, Mills & Boon editorial director.

Mostly, it is a unique and wonderful experience to be around so many people who love what I love--Writing Romance!

If you attended RWA, what did you love about it? If not, where have you gathered with friends this summer?

Check out Diane's new contest!

Labels: Anne Mallory, Colleen Gleason, Jennie Lucas, Miranda Neville, RWA, Sandy Coleman

Friday, June 05, 2009

Q&A Friday and Noodler June Releases!

This first week of Father Knows Best month we've discussed heroes, some of whom happen to be our dads, and we've shared their love of romance novels and desserts. Many writers include fathers in their novels. One of my favorite dads is Mr. Bennett in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. His wit and how he teased his wife and daughters endeared him to me. How about you?

Who are your favorite dads in novels or movies and why do you love them?

If you're planning a vacation for later in the summer and need a great read for the beach, don't miss the opportunity to pick up these noodler June releases:

Terry McLaughlin

A Small Town Homecoming

All architect Tess Roussel has ever wanted is to open her own design firm. She gets the chance when she returns to California and wins a coveted waterfront project. It's the contractor hired for the job who's got her distracted. John Jameson Quinn isn't her choice. And definitely not her type.

Tess doesn't go for brooding bad boys—especially one who isn't shy about going after what he wants. And he wants Tess. Never mind that he's got a scandalous past to overcome. A daughter to raise. A boss—Tess—and a town to answer to. Quinn follows his own drumbeat. Only, now Tess is starting to hear it, too. Because he's good. And they're good together.

Her design. His construction. Can they build a love to last?

Anne Mallory

For the Earl’s Pleasure

Beneath every scornful smile . . .

They were once cherished childhood companions, until a scandalous secret tore them apart. Now Valerian Rainewood and Abigail Smart are the fiercest of enemies. To Abigail, Rainewood is a notorious rake, hell-bent on mischief and not fit for polite society. So what if it seems as if he can seduce her with nothing but his eyes? She will not succumb. But when the earl is viciously attacked, Abigail's distress tells her that something still binds her to the wild Rainewood.

Lies an unquenchable desire . . . Though the ton believes there is nothing between them, Rainewood knows the truth. Abigail tempts him the way no other woman has. Wanton lust overwhelms him whenever she is near. But keeping her too close may put her precious life in danger. He must destroy his enemies—so that with every touch he may prove to Abigail that though their past was filled with trouble, their future will be nothing but pleasure.

Labels: Anne Mallory, favorite dads in literature and movies, Terry McLaughlin