Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

A New Beginning...

Welcome to the re-designed blog for the Mid-Willamette Valley Romance* Writers!

We're embarking on a new adventure — striking out on our own, without the backing of any "official" writing organization.

The writers of Mid-Willamette Valley Romance* Writers came together because of a mutual love of writing Romance.

Over the years, our interests have widened — hence our updated name. The asterisk (*) signifies that we don't just write Romance; we write in a wide variety of genres.

One thing hasn't changed, however. We still share a love of the Romance genre.

You never know what you'll find with the fun and witty Mid-Willamette Valley Romance* Writers. So sit back, settle in, and join in the lively discussion; we're a pretty friendly bunch!

Change is in the Air

Things are changing around here. Maybe it's the time of year, or maybe it's just overdue. Either way, you'll see a brand new blog very soon. Stay tuned!

Happy Christmas!

I can't believe it's Christmas already! And that means the new year is just a week away. How does that happen?

This has been a year of ups and downs for me. The biggest "up" that came my way, of course, was finaling in RWA^®'s Golden Heart in the Novel With Strong Romantic Elements (NSRE) category. I can't tell you how big a boost that was to my confidence. I didn't win, but that didn't matter. Being a finalist is winning.

The biggest "down" of the year was realizing that the manuscript I finaled with just wasn't ready. I've been working on it since the National Conference, fixing the things that are wrong with it and strengthening the writing overall. I haven't sent it yet to the Agents and Editors who requested it at the Conference (I'm still working on it), but I hope to have it ready by the end of January. Whew!

Another "down" for me was hearing that RWA has eliminated my category (NSRE) from this year's Golden Heart. I've always felt like I was on the fringes of romance writing — I don't write Romance, but I always have a strong romantic subplot — but this felt like I was being pushed away with a big ol' NOT WELCOME HERE sign in my face. RWA is a great organization and they have to do what they think is best, especially from a legal standpoint, but I feel like they're picking nits, so to speak.

Amongst all of this, our RWA Chapter had The Discussion and decided the time had come to dissolve as an official Chapter of RWA. It wasn't easy to contemplate, but the economy and the changes announced by RWA National (or perhaps I should say the "clarifications" to existing rules) pretty much guaranteed the outcome. So, as of January 1st, we will not be affiliated with Romance Writers of America.

Enough with the gloom! Another huge "up" for me was finding a compatible critique partner in Meggan McQuaid. I've always been leery of critiquing, being both unsure about my own critique abilities and about finding someone I trust with my writing. Meeting Meggan and working with her on critiquing in a group, then gradually starting to read more of each other's writing, has been amazing. Not only do we write (and read) in similar genres (essentially romantic fantasy of various subgenres), but our craft is at a similar level. Having her as a critique partner in the last couple of months has been the catalyst for taking my writing to the next level — and I believe she'd say the same.

It would be easy to be a bit bitter about the dissolution of the Chapter (mentioned above), but actually, I'm viewing it as a positive thing. The members are staying together as an informal writing group NOT officially associated with RWA. There's a sense of freedom now that we won't be governed by RWA's bylaws. We're contacting old members — those who had let their membership lapse — to see if they'd like to rejoin us. And we're revamping this blog and the website to reflect the changes we're making. Look for the big reveal at the first of the year.

I hadn't intended to do a retrospective on my year when I started this post, but I guess it's been on my mind. :-)

How about you — how was your year? Are you looking forward to anything special next year?

Happy Holidays!

Deborah Wright
Website: www.Deborah-Wright.com
Twitter: @DeborahBWright
Facebook: Deborah.Wright.Author

 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Happy Holidays

Wow, it's not the same format as before. I've missed my last two or was it three posts so I was determined not to forget this one.

The setting sun over Depot Bay, Oregon. And the sun is setting on the year 2012 and the MidWillamette Valley Romance Chapter. If the Mayan calendar is correct... Hmm...

I'm looking forward to new beginnings, a new grandchild and a new set of goals for 2013.

I'll have to talk about the goals in January. Trying to figure out what is realistic for the year.

What will 2013 bring for you?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ME & MY DOGGIE CREW!

What to wear, what to wear--no, wait! What to write, what to write!

Yep, got the reminder that it's my turn to blog tomorrow--well, technically, it's now today. And I've been dashing around all day and am just now getting to writing my blog post. 

My doggies are asleep and I'm still at my computer. Responded to some comments from the online Christmas party I'm participating in. Read someone else's funny Christmas blog. And I've added enough words have my blog post is partway done. :)

I'm going to make this short and easy, and just say Happy Holidays from me and my doggie crew to all of you! 

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's weekly progress check-in.

Did you meet your writing goals last week?  What do you plan to accomplish this week?

CREATIVITY COMES IN MANY FORMS

Current Project: Halo Legacy Series
Status: Working on book #8
Posted by: Genie Gabriel

I'm going to stray from the topic of writing for this post to give a shout out to other creative outlets. One of my friends, who paints fabulous water colors, has a number of her paintings hanging in the Red Raven Gallery in downtown Salem. I went to see her and missed her by probably less than a minute because it took me so looong to find a place to park. I hope that meant there were lots of people enjoying the Art Walk downtown. There are twenty-one locations downtown exhibiting the work of local artists through the end of December.

I've been in my writing cave so long I'd forgotten how I love the work of other artists. Not just paintings, but wood carvings (I love to touch wood but restrained myself), pottery, jewelry, knitted or crocheted scarves. Pretty much anything creatively handmade. 

I was also reminded how lucky I am to have friends who are talented. Several of them women named Kim--one who does finely detailed drawings and paintings; another who is taking fabulous photos; another growing her own grapes and making wine. And at least two friends--not named Kim--who make incredible quilts.

I'm not going to list all the incredibly talented people I know who have creative outlets besides or in addition to writing. The list would be very long and I'd keep updating the post as I thought of yet another talented person.

So, though we're two weeks past Thanksgiving, I'd like to say how thankful I am to know such talented people--in addition to writers, of course! The beauty of their creativity is one of the things that fills the well of my soul. So thank you all for the beauty your bring to this world. 

And if you have a creative outlet other than writing, please share what it is. I know many writers also find joy in other creative outlets.

Weekly Progress Check-In

Welcome!  This is the Mid-Willamette Valley RWA chapter's final weekly progress check-in before the awards announcements at the end-of-year party.

The chapter officers will be counting up the weekly check-ins for the year and will award gift certificates from Powell's bookstore to the member and the non-member who have checked in the most weeks during this year.

So, how have you done this year on reaching your goals?