Welcome to this week's edition of To-do Tuesday. I'm bursting with good chapter news, useful information, and a fun question of the day. With our chapter meeting tonight, I'm skipping doing a longer exercise, but I've got a great one planned for next week, so stay tuned. As always, be sure to answer today's question and keep sending me your news. As we discovered last week, we all like seeing good news on the loop, but you can always post your good news bulletin and then send me the details for the blog!
Our chapter meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. at Salem Public Library. Genene Valleau is our speaker. Her topic is "Once upon a Romance." Members, check your loop email for Genene's easy "homework" assignment!
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Chris Young Receives Glowing Review
Chris Young's book, Rebel Heart, recently received a glowing review from Jasmina Vallombrosa (web link/publication not available). Chris passed on the text of the review:
After Nessa and Tori DeMontville are exiled for their childish disobedience, their father thinks that in time they will grow to understand the dangers of the outside world. While Nessa seems to be on the right course, Tori continues to live life as she wants to. On a chance outing she comes across the infuriatingly sexy Cameron Savage. While she thinks of him as a lowly Thieftaker, she can not stop her heart from beating faster than it has ever done before. Life only becomes more complicated for her as the evil Morray comes into her world in the pursuit for not only her hard-earned research, but also for her hand in marriage. In the midst of the chaos that ensures around her for the battle of her research lab, her path crosses that of the Phantom. As they team up to save their world as they know it, the sexual tensions between them create sparks and with Cameron Savage returning to be her husband, one can only wonder about the possibilities.
Filled with drama and suspense, this book will draw you into the mysteries of science fiction. I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Young’s storytelling talents as she wove not only a wonderful futuristic adventure, but also that of a passionate love story. I loved the main characters as they came to life on the pages. The plot was quite suspenseful and deliciously entertaining. As a result, I had no choice but to keep flipping the pages as I raced to the end. Bravo Ms.Young for such an extraordinary book from cover to cover!
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Barbara Cool Lee Boasts Two Contest Finals
Chapter member (and web mistress) Barbara Cool Lee is having a great month! Barbara's MS Raven's War is a finalist in the paranormal category of the "Touch of Magic" contest sponsored by the Central Florida RWA. Barbara was also named a finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association contest in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category. The PNWA contest enjoyed a record number of entries this year, and continues to grow its reputation as a premiere mult-genre contest. Congrats Barbara!
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Bethany also finals in PNWA
I'm thrilled to report that I also finaled in the PNWA contest, in the YA category. This is my second year of finaling in the PNWA. Last year, I was a finalist in the Romance category, and won second place. My YA was also entered last year, but I feel that this year's final is a testament to the power of good editing and applying feedback. Also, it's another demonstration that you can't predict contests, and if you have a MS that you love, keep putting it out there!
I didn't attend the conference or awards dinner last year, I regret missing the networking opportunity. I'll be 33 weeks pregnant at this year's conference, so it's up in the air whether or not I'll go.
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Local Multi-Genre Conference Deadlines Loom
For those of you NOT gravid this summer, the PNWA conference, July 26-29 in Seattle is an excellent opportunity to take classes and network in multiple genres. They have screenwriting, science fiction, mystery, romance, and young adult tracks among other offerings. J.A. Jance and other best-selling authors are among the speakers. A huge line-up of editors and agents are also scheduled for appointments. To register click here.
I'll be even bigger by the 38th Annual Willamette Writer's Conference, August 3-5, but it's in Portland, so I might make the trek. This is another multi-genre conference, that also boasts a very robust non-fiction line-up. This conference is also unique in that they offer "Day Passes." This is great if you only want to go to Portland one day, or if just a few offerings meet your needs. Also, check out the "advance manuscript critique option." If you register by July 1, the prices are discounted! Click here to register.
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Great July Online Workshops
The Kiss of Death Chapter is offering two great online workshops in July. Of particular note is C.J. Carmichael's offering on Conflict. I've heard great things about her as a writer and as a teacher. The KOD website is also worth a visit--very fun graphics. You can find out more here.
Also in July, the From the Heart Chapter is offering "Story Aerobics." This online workshop sounds like a great idea for those of us in the editing process! It's all about scene tightening. Which sounds way more fun than Abs of Steel! More information here.
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Question of the Day: Are you a re-reader?
I used to never re-read fiction books--once I was done with a story, it lost its hold over me. Sure, I might re-read a favorite scene or two before moving on to the next book, but I once I said good-bye, that was it. Too many other book fish in the sea waiting for my attention! I'm the same way with movies--I almost never see something twice. Lately though, I've been rekindling a few old flames, and I'm suprised at how satisfying this is. Perhaps it's just part of my overall nesting instinct, but I'm seeing things from different angles and enjoying the ride all over again. I'm also finding that a second (or third) read really lets me appreciate and dissect the craft of the particular writer.
But, out of all my books, it's the same authors who entice me to re-read. Not every story is compelling enough for a re-read, but I'm finding that it really does come down to craft. And for me, it seems to come down to how well that author executes deep POV. Do you re-read? Are there certain authors you always re-read? What makes a book worth re-reading?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to keep sending me your news!
8 comments:
Awesome news, Chris, Barb, and Bethany!
I'm looking forward to Genene's talk tonight. I'm getting geared up to start the next Petticoat book and I'm ready to think about it.
As for rereading- before I learned about POV and head hopping ;), I reread Nora's Born in Ice, Born in Shame, Born in Fire trilogy probably 4 times. I re-read her MacGregor books probably three times each and I've re-read LaVyrle Spencer's Hummingbird, The Gamble, and November of the Heart, and Patricia Rice's Paper Tiger.
For me to reread a book it all comes down to character. I want to be with those characters again. Live their stories and feel their emotions.
Great blog as usual, Wavy!
Oh, and I think I've read Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spence a couple of times as well!
Chris, your book sounds fascinating. Congratulations on receiving a glowing review.
Wavy -- Congrats. And Barbara, too. That's wonderful, exciting news. Your enthusiasm comes across loud and clear, Wavy and I hope you both enjoy every moment of your success.
I reread big time. Too much, probably. I don't tend to reread the most well written or thought provoking books, either. I reread the ones with characters that get to me so it's like visiting with old friends. And I always get something new out of the reread, as well.
The books I reread tend to be by authors I enjoy and since I mainly read before bed, perhaps I use them as a cozy way to get ready for sleep. New books by loved authors or just new books by other people I tend to read in a more upright position. And I try never to read something new and very exciting near bed as I have been known to stay up all night either reading or too anxious to sleep.
Thanks, Wavy, looking forward to your next week exercise.
Alice
Congratulations you three, how cool!
I hate to miss tonights's comraderie and Genene's talk.
As for rereads, I have only a select few books I reread: Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear series, a book called Jane's House, and some of my writing craft books. I used to read Auel's books once a year, but haven't done that for a long time. My reading time is more limited now, or often used for my own writing.
Good news, good topic, Wavy. Thank you.
Way to go Chris, Barb, and Bethany! I'm so happy for your good news!
Thanks Wavy, for all the links and stuff, too. Great Tuesday blog, as usual.
Hmm... Do I re-read. You bet your sweet bippy I do! I have some very favorite authors and I re-read them when I can't find what sort of story I'm hungry for at the time. They always satisfy that appetite.
Great comments, girls!
Paty--and Alice--I agree--there are some characters that you just want to visit again, and again. There are certain characters that you wouldn't mind a whole series about, and others whom you're totally okay with sending to their HEA. Suzanne Brockmann's characters and their long-running arcs tend to live in my head way after the book is done, so I've found myself re-reading a number of her books lately. I've recently discovered Christie Ridgeway and her characters, while much lighter, also have that tendency to keep on living after the last page.
Wow, congrats to Chris, Barb and Bethany!!! Fabulous news, ladies. I'm thrilled for all of you!
I, too, reread. Generally I'll pick up an old book if I can't find anything else to whet my appetite, or if I pass the bookshelf and see something I know I love. I've reread Nora's Quinn brothers books (Chesapeake Bay series, I think it's called), Judith McNaught's Perfect (several times) and JR Ward's vampire series. I'll also sit down and pick up Gone With The Wind when I'm in the mood and reread that just for fun. There are also books I *want* to reread, now that you've got me thinking about it. ;)
For me, it all comes down to character. I won't pick up a book to reread just because of the author, but because of what Alice said - I miss the characters and want to "see" them again. And I also always get something out of it I didn't get on the last pass, so it's worth my while to reread.
Great topic, Wavy!!
Congratulations, Chris, Barb and Bethany! Good idea to rework and send that YA novel again, Bethany. I like to revisit characters, too, but I tend to do it by reading books in series rather than rereading books I've already read once. I guess that's why Jim and I are seeing our novel as the first in a series. This summer I've read Nancy Thayer's The Hot Flash Club, The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again, and The Hot Flash Club Chills Out. If anyone has a copy of Hot Flash Holidays they're ready to get rid of, I'd love to read it, too. See you at the meeting tonight.
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