Life's Been Good...

Well, as I told you on Thursday I received a 4 1/2 rating from RT. I'm as excited as I can be about it. The reviewer said some really, REALLY nice things about the book...

"Hawley creates well-developed characters and a story that moves from page one and doesn't stop. This tale is filled with smoldering sex, mystery and suspense. A definite keeper. "

I read this and started doing a happy dance. They like me, they really like me! Thanks RT!

On Friday, I picked up my new author photo. I went to Kesling Photography in Altoona, IA (a berb of Des Moines) to have the photo done. Kelly did a fab job! She managed to make me look kinda pretty.

I heard from my editor at EC. She said she'd have edits to me early next week for Seeking Truth. I'm excited and I can hardly WAIT to get the edits completed so we can set a release date for the book. Woot! I'll keep you posted.

OMG - a 4 1/2!!!

In February, I sent my book to Romantic Times Magazine to be reviewed. I've heard that the May issue has gone out to subscribers and a review of my book is inside. In addition, the rating is up on the RT Web site. I received a 4 1/2 star rating from RT - that's out of a possible five stars. I'm thrilled. Happy. Over the moon. And pretty much any other cliche for happy/ecstatic you can name. Wooot!

As soon as the magazine is available on newstands, I'm buying three copies. My book is also featured in a gorgeous color ad in the magazine too! Life is pretty darn good.

Ch-ch-changes...

I'm sure you noticed I didn't blog about what I said I was going to blog about. I realized I wanted to do more research about courtly love before blogging about it over at the Seduced By History blog. Instead I introduced myself and my upcoming medieval book.

Also, on Saturday I didn't blog because I didn't have anything to whine or rant about. Things are going pretty well with me. I received my royalty check yesterday and was able to deposit it. The only thing to complain about now is the time it takes for the check to clear. But it's where it needs to be and I'm a happy camper.

Blogging weekend...

Tomorrow - Friday, March 20 - I'll be blogging at Seduced by History. Seduced by History is a new blog of the Hearts through History online chapter of RWA. I'll be a regular contributor - blogging on the 20th of the month. I picked the 20th because my birthday is on the 20th. October 20th - but I figured I'd remember 20 because of that. For my first blog there, I'll introduce myself. Then I want to do some research and blog about marriage in the Middle Ages and the concept of Courtly Love. I hope by next month to have enough information to post. We'll see how that goes. ;-)

On Saturday, I'll be adding my weekly contribution to The Otherworld Diner. For the next two weeks we whining. I'm not sure what to whine about really. I guess I'll surprise you...and me. Hope to see you there!

I DID IT!

I finished. All 1032 words are gone. In fact I sliced and diced nearly 1100 words. I've sent the manuscript to my editor and she said she'll get started with it within the next couple of weeks. Yaaaaaaay!

Now I just need to figure out what to do next. I've had several ideas for my next project. The rock singer isn't going to happen right now. So I've been messing with ideas and I found a shapeshifter idea I'd gotten a good start with and I think I can get it written soon.

A female packleader needs a mate to placate her nervous pack. A shapeshifter orthopedic surgeon needs a mate to impress the head of his practice. They're matched by Predator-match.com - and the sparks fly - True Mate style. While the two alpha True Mates fight for dominance in the bedroom, the doctor has to fight his dominating instincts and follow his packleader.

I like what I have written so far. I'll let you know how things go!

Slicing and dicing...

Nope, this isn't a food post. I wish it was - it would be SO much easier. When my editor offered me a contract for my medieval paranormal erotic romance, Seeking Truth she told me I'd have to cut the length by 1032 words. She asked if that was a problem. I said "heck no." I may have spoken too soon. Not that I can't do it. I can. But it is a LOT harder than I thought it was going to be.

I figured - hey the story is 121, 032 words. Nooooooo problem. Yeeeeeeees, problem. I like words. In fact, I love words. Especially mine. The good news is that I've been rereading the story so that I can find words to cut and ya know...I REALLY like it. I've fallen in love with my hero (Eaduin) all over again. My heroine (Vérité) is spunky - in a good way. The sex scenes are smoooooookin' hot. The scenes I wrote to make people cry - well, they made ME cry. I think I just might be a pretty good writer. How's that for modesty! LOL

I'm down to just 119 words left to cut, but now I'm confident I can get there. It's just a bit painful slicing and dicing my "baby". I've received the word from my editor though that we can move forward with the REST of the editing as soon as I get the words out. I'm on fire now. I want to get this book edited and out there for everyone to enjoy - not just me.

I'll keep you posted.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top of the morning to you!

Have a great St. Paddy's day and don't drink too much green beer!

Romance Through The Ages Deadline Extended!!

*****PERMISSION TO FORWARD*****

The Romance Through The Ages Contest has extended it's deadline for five days only!

You have through Friday, March 6, 2009 to get your entry in! :)

We would love for you to join us this year.

Our fabulous list of final round judges:

Categories and Final Round Judges:

Ancient/Medieval/Renaissance – Allison Brandau, Berkley/Jove

Georgian/Regency/Victorian – Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Agency

Colonial/Civil War/Western – Nicole D'Airenzo, The Wild Rose Press

Post Victorian/WWII – Faith Black, Avalon Books

Time Travel/Historical Paranormal – Alicia Condon, Dorchester

NEW for 2009!

Historical Erotic - Raelene Gorlinsky, Ellora's Cave

Legend Award – Esi Sogah, Morrow/Avon Books

The cost for chapter members is only $20/Non-HHRW members is $25 per entry, and you may enter any category (if you are not a judge for it), as long as the work is not contracted.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Contest Chair@ rtta_chair@yahoo.com or see the HHRW website for full guidelines.

Always,RTTA Contest Committee <http://heartsthroughhistory.com/contest.htm>