Buzz on our New Bee

In celebrations of Wendy Week, I wanted to give a little writer's history on our new bee!



I first met Wendy at the Romance Writers of America (RWA) National Conference in Dallas, Texas...in...geesh...was it 2004? It's been so long, I don't even have pictures from the event! But, nonetheless, I was president of the newly formed Chick Lit Writers Chapter and I was thrilled to meet someone as positive, bubbly, and determined as Wendy Toliver.



When I first started writing, there were wonderful people in my RWA chapter who mentored me and really took me under their wing. I asked how I could pay them back and they told me to "pay it forward." I have certainly tried to do that with Wendy, acting as a sort of mentor. I read some of Wendy's first writing and immediately loved her voice and the way she created her stories. I especially loved a story of hers called BLUE CORNMEAL PANCAKES which came this ---> <--- close to selling! Being the good mentor, I hooked her up with her first agent (sorry about that, Wendy...LOL! ) and then did a make good when I hooked her up with her current (and much better!) agent. I had met Christina Hogrebe from the Rotrosen Agency at a conference and we kept in touch. I had sent a few people her way, but when I knew Wendy needed new representation, I just felt that she and Wendy would have that right connection. Sure enough, my instincts were right! And Christina did what I knew she'd do...she sold Wendy!

The day that Wendy sold, I felt like I had sold all over again! I was (and still am) proud of her and her accomplishment! So, imagine how happy I am to have my critique partner, Wendy, as a new bee. Welcome sweetie and big hugs!

Winner of Gena Showalter's INTERTWINED is Stacy Stew!
Congratulations! Send your mailing info to marley_gibson AT yahoo (dot) com.

And don't forget to comment on today's post (and every post this week) for a chance to with a $10 gift card from Borders.

Hugs,
Marley = )