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 = )

Sharie Kohler/Sophie Jordan Rocks My World

When I think back to how I first met my amazingly talented critique partner, I'm still amazed. It was my second RWA meeting, the month of my first RWA conference--where I was going in as a Golden Heart finalist. Now, it was usually my M.O. to sit at an unoccupied table, but since I was determined to network in an attempt at making writing a real career, I decided to plop down at a table full of writers ... right next to fellow-unpubbed Sharie Kohler.


I don't want to think about what my career status would be right now if Sharie and I hadn't hooked up (she insists that she would have found me, even if I hadn't chosen that open seat next to her) but needless to say, I feel pretty lucky. Here's her story...

About a year after we met, Sharie sold her first historical romance (the first manuscript she wrote, by the way) to Avon, under the pseudonym Sophie Jordan. Once Upon A Wedding Night was a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best Historical Romance. Her second historical romance, Too Wicked To Tame, was a USA Today Bestseller!!! Her third historical, One Night With You, came out in December and her fourth, Surrender To Me, comes out this July.



But wait, there's more! In between all those fabulous historical romances, she's also found time to pen a couple of amazing paranormal romances under her own name, Sharie Kohler--bringing her beautiful voice to the world of lycans (werewolves). Marked By Moonlight, with a super-sexy lycan-hunting hero and a mousy schoolteacher-turned-lycan, is the first in her Moon Chasers series and released from Pocket in December. The follow-up, Kiss Of A Dark Moon, comes out in October.



On top of all this authorial fabulousness, Sharie's an amazing critique partner and a terrific brainstormer. And--perfect for me, since I'm writing YA--she was a high school English teacher! You can friend Sharie on MySpace, but don't monopolize all of her time--she has a few books to write!

Only a few short months after her first sale, I had mine, too. I know it wouldn't have happened without her. Thank you, Sharie, for being my perfect match.

Hugs,
TLC
OH. MY. GODS. -- Dutton, available like NOW!
teralynnchilds.com

Two heads are better than one!

...or three, if you include me. LOL!!

In our week of tributes to our critique partners (CPs in the writing world), I am blessed to have two awesome ladies who read all of my work and give me their invaluable input. I've known then pretty much since this whole "writing thing" started and I've cried and celebrated along with them when they sold their books.

First up is the fabulous Diana Peterfreund.



Diana and I met in 2002 on the eHarlequin message board, right after it first came out. We joined a critique group together and it was soon apparent that our voices and writing style didn't mesh with the others, so Diana and I politely exited. I've had the priviledge to see Diana's writing develop over the years into the wonderful Secret Society girl series and her upcoming YA book, RAMPANT. Her third book in the Secret Society girl series is coming soon...don't miss it!



Next up is the equally appreciated Wendy Toliver.



Wendy and I met at the Romance Writers of Ameria conference in (what year was it? Ummm...I want to say 2004 in Dallas?) I was immediately drawn to Wendy's sweet smile and friendly demeanor. She's just a total ball of energy and I saw that "must write" sparkle in her eyes. Ironically, I judged some of Wendy's work in a contest before we teamed up. I knew her style and work ethic and it just works to help each other with our writing. I introduced Wendy to her awesome agent and I squealed like a little girl when Wendy's book, THE SECRET LIFE OF A TEENAGE SIREN. Cutest. Book. Evah.



And a discussion on CPs wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to my first CP, and my writing mentor, Jessica Andersen.



Jess befriended me at my very first RWA meeting and from then on, she never gave up on me, taught me so much about style and substance of writing, and helped me navigate the waves of the publishing industry. Jess doesn't write YA, but for our adult readers, her unbelievable FINAL PROPHECY series comes out next month and let me tell you...she is going to hit it big with this. Go pick it up!!!



Have you read their books? If so, be sure to let them know here how awesome their writing is! If you haven't, I encourage you to pick up their books immediately...if not sooner.

Here's to Diana, Wendy, and Jess!

Hugs,
Marley = )

SORORITY 101: Zeta or Omega? - Available Now! Puffin Books
SORORITY 101: The New Sisters - Available Now! Puffin Books
GHOST HUNTRESS Series - Begins May 2009, Houghton Mifflin