Friday Fun Facts

Some random facts, in no particular order:

1. I really liked the Romance Writer's Report article on writing dialogue, in the June 2011 issue. Specifically, the reminder that people tend to talk in "code" (think of married people discussing conflict in front of others) was a good tip.

2. Brava is having a contest for all unpublished authors - they're calling for novellas in any genre. More information here.

3. I was really glad I made the bed and straightened the house yesterday before work, because the crazy-high winds blew in a window screen...which triggered our house alarm...which summoned the police to our place. On a walk-through with them, I realized I failed to put away my lingerie on the drying rack, but oh well. Almost everything else passed muster :)

4. This fairly large snapping turtle was digging a hole near the bottom of our driveway. Getting ready to lay eggs? Maybe, which would be kind of cool. I've seen turtles everywhere this spring, on the side of the road, IN the road, crossing parking lots. More sightings than ever before. Wonder why?

Writers' Wednesday: WD Top Websites for Writers

Every year, Writer's Digest rounds up the websites it considers best for writers, in a wide variety of genres and subject areas. So if you don't subscribe to WD, the May/June 2011 is definitely an issue you want to pick up! I won't list them all (there are over 100), but here are some that I visit on a (semi) regular basis and can vouch for their appeal/helpfulness:

Agent Query - find any agent here, listed by subject area/interest

BookEnds - agents Jessica Faust and Kim Lionetti run this blog

Pub Rants - agent Kristin Nelson has run this blog for years. Hugely helpful in terms of what agents are looking for, and she has a few series of posts regarding query letters, pubbing, etc.

Media Bistro - offers tons of resources & industry news for freelance writers

Preditors & Editors - lists agents and publishing houses along with questionable news, those who are fraudulent/not to be trusted, etc. A must-check before writers query ANYONE

Nathan Bransford - used to be an agent, now a writer, has friendly, easy-to-read posts on the inside workings of the publishing world.

WOW - Women on Writing - I freelanced for them a few times. Website devoted to supporting women's writing endeavors, really it just provides some great writing tips, industry news, etc, that anyone could find useful.

Absolute Write Forums - I check in there at least once a day. You can find information on just about any area of writing you're seeking. Forums for newbies to multi-published authors and anyone inbetween, with just about every genre and sub-genre covered. Awesome!
Happy writing/reading/researching/web surfing!

Monday Mentionables: Upcoming Events

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! In honor of all those who have served to protect our country, I thank you whole-heartedly!

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I have a couple of events coming up this summer that I'm getting excited about, so if you're anywhere in the area(s), I hope you'll join me.

Holiday in Homer Annual Craft Fair - July 16th - This is my annual "hometown" event where I usually see a slew of familiar faces and sell all my new releases. Looking forward to it again this year.

Writing Workshops - Phillips Free Library, July 27th - Thanks to the librarian, who secured a grant so she could pay me (grin), I'll be giving both a one-hour workshop for teens (on writing romance) and a longer workshop in the evening for adults on writing craft and getting published. If you're interested in attending either one, you can call (607) 749-4616 for more information.

Chautaqua Conference = August 2 - I'll be speaking and selling books at this 2-day event that includes workshops on a variety of topics, devoted to the arts and learning for learning's sake. My focus will be "How a Local Girl Made it to NYC" or something of that nature. Will have to blow up pictures of my reading in Greenwich Village last winter!

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Think I'll spend today writing and maybe planting some flowers, if the weather cooperates. The last 2 days were beautiful, but it's pretty overcast this morning. Well, even if I have to stay inside all day, that means more time at the keyboard!