tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23263498024296845872024-03-06T05:02:29.125+11:00Romance Bootcampers 109We're a group of writers who have completed the Romance Writers of Australia's Romance 109 Bootcamp. We share a dream of being published one day, and look forward to sharing our experiences via this blog!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-84376515126392095742010-09-20T11:50:00.000+10:002010-09-20T11:50:56.453+10:00I don’t do detail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS4ItC377N3UtUyg22O6eGP7PcCbtjK7_g-uSJ5dj27UoMsdfmwjGGV9_aokYUt_2oS6qFpD6c1Gtwwch1Y14Et6dm2mCybuPuRa9bRA4F1KfPm2ByPdzIkXSa4hPjq5WNhUAzxC0xQ_B/s1600/detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS4ItC377N3UtUyg22O6eGP7PcCbtjK7_g-uSJ5dj27UoMsdfmwjGGV9_aokYUt_2oS6qFpD6c1Gtwwch1Y14Et6dm2mCybuPuRa9bRA4F1KfPm2ByPdzIkXSa4hPjq5WNhUAzxC0xQ_B/s320/detail.jpg" /></a></div>I was advised recently that I needed to do more world building; that I needed to let myself go, let the words flow and build pictures; all those sensory things that I’m told will draw the reader into the story.<br />
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It’s not the first time I’ve been told this. The wonderful <a href="http://www.melissajames.net/">Melissa James</a> reviewed some of my work a while back and said the same thing.<br />
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So I am about to start revising my latest work and add some detail.<br />
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Trouble is, when it comes to detail, I always err of the side of not too much; mostly because I personally don’t read the detail in books. Whenever a paragraph starts with: ‘The house was...’, The landscape seemed...’, His hair was...’, I skip it. My interest is in the character; what they do next, what they feel, why they feel it. Where they are when they’re feeling it hardly matters to me. <br />
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So this is my dilemma. <em>I</em> don’t like the detail, so I don’t want to inflict it on my readers.<br />
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Does anyone else struggle with this? Or maybe you love the detail. Do tell. And any hints on where I can read more about this.Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-85827399484446994182010-09-01T21:10:00.000+10:002010-09-01T21:10:29.181+10:00Bootcampers pay it forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPXh5kTZx8isyMvzQyG2j-1dLxY8dyrVo3TzNvnyZVThQL-w8KU5WIumf0DgLDTpLKxlXRLWsqCobfIuvB7dFdqCmzPEcwtEuZIFm3_B6xYVwD03S26bxp0VE6MDT9sPECPyKAxlJzIh1/s1600/Beach+computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPXh5kTZx8isyMvzQyG2j-1dLxY8dyrVo3TzNvnyZVThQL-w8KU5WIumf0DgLDTpLKxlXRLWsqCobfIuvB7dFdqCmzPEcwtEuZIFm3_B6xYVwD03S26bxp0VE6MDT9sPECPyKAxlJzIh1/s200/Beach+computer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>For the last few years now, RWA has recognised the need for an ‘alternative’ to the annual conference; something online for those not able to attend the capital city event. (Yep, we get to participate any here and any way we can.)<br />
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Coordinated by volunteers, the 2010 Clayton’s Conference, with Sandie Hudson at the helm (again),was an all-Bootcamp affair with Suzanne Hamilton and me - Jenn J McLeod - signing on to help out over the three-days and nights. All three agree it was a great way to pay forward to other writers after what RWA Bootcamp has done for them.<br />
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With guests from both Australia and overseas speaking on a variety of topics, it was a truly global experience for the thirty-five registered attendees - many of them new to online events.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2WK8FnoJpbQayAvkhRv6HWx_ol37uerWVCpCloHk-tC8e9-pZXyCblHaU8fZBGl2jfc0AkKwSb0Y2XOofFCQpS_fNeRQ5oLmStfWBYTKUagQ1EoeIpRd4TnXDqL3jp8X7dHwe2-WfHY3/s1600/vicki+pjs+1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2WK8FnoJpbQayAvkhRv6HWx_ol37uerWVCpCloHk-tC8e9-pZXyCblHaU8fZBGl2jfc0AkKwSb0Y2XOofFCQpS_fNeRQ5oLmStfWBYTKUagQ1EoeIpRd4TnXDqL3jp8X7dHwe2-WfHY3/s320/vicki+pjs+1st.jpg" /></a></div>From an agenda jam-packed with everything writerly, as well as our own awards night (requiring dress-up PJs) and conference goodie bags, the feedback from this year’s event clearly shows Claytons can be every bit as rewarding and fun as ‘the other conference.’ (No longer is it to be referred to as ‘the real conference’. (Our attendees even came up with their own slogan - “Clayton’s Conference - Keeping it Real”.) <br />
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With a chock-a-block agenda that included six tough writing challenges over the three days, organisers were amazed at the level and quality of participation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUqe7dAZakX3ca04CH_UYIXDHAl-qVymGPOPG8LxUZCb2dLLnuOfxZR_qv2asAjesS-4TdypqKVvI2pf3sXsRIgAj1DhLT1Hh6FXwH2RoTotSXJ3b8JwfJBZRhkFpthnjkI7mEhfO26zM/s1600/ToniPJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUqe7dAZakX3ca04CH_UYIXDHAl-qVymGPOPG8LxUZCb2dLLnuOfxZR_qv2asAjesS-4TdypqKVvI2pf3sXsRIgAj1DhLT1Hh6FXwH2RoTotSXJ3b8JwfJBZRhkFpthnjkI7mEhfO26zM/s200/ToniPJ.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>We got to write - a lot - both seriously and just for fun with Fracture Fairytales and Ludicrous Plots contests, made our own book trailers, designed book covers, grilled our guest speakers, shared ideas AND we were invited to pitch to e-publisher <a href="http://www.nobleromance.com/">Noble Romance</a>, with several authors asked to provide full manuscripts and contracts offered. <br />
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This post is a Clayton's wrap-up (the wrap-up you have when it's not really wrapped up!) because the camaraderie continues with the 2010 Clayton’s attendees establishing their own online networking group. So Claytons 2010 will live on, just as our belief in our dreams will live on.<br />
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Special thanks to the Executive Committee of Romance Writers of Australia for recognising the need for an online conference experience for its member and for supporting the Clayton's Conference concept and growth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDviP7mOnEzJFHVl3p_jj4_YkivZbqVTyeGp6M4mPBy-jcj81gbXCKtqwFoJNdpyIcIN08IFyS0PleT_OeoHhO66eTOvTDUBr_EtUkxtMbGsGwYMxKshpNuxsMqEy5dx0kP29d_ygKWdy4/s1600/LOGO+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDviP7mOnEzJFHVl3p_jj4_YkivZbqVTyeGp6M4mPBy-jcj81gbXCKtqwFoJNdpyIcIN08IFyS0PleT_OeoHhO66eTOvTDUBr_EtUkxtMbGsGwYMxKshpNuxsMqEy5dx0kP29d_ygKWdy4/s200/LOGO+sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>If you would like more information about the 2010 RWA Clayton’s Conference, you can find out more on the<a href="http://www.romanceaustralia.com/">RWA website</a> or <a href="http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/q-when-is-a-wr…-not-a-wrap-up/">RWA Blog</a> (including a link to our final report listing all our guest speakers, sponsors, our winners, attendee feedback and our 2010 agenda.)<br />
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Watch out next year for the 2011 extravaganza and you'll never feel lonely at conference time again.Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-3925556860234544122010-08-26T13:59:00.003+10:002010-08-26T14:00:14.336+10:00Blog RevampJust a quick note to let you all know I've done a quick update of the blog. Updated the colours and background, and now it looks rather snazzy!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />:-) MonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-33714369950696153702010-07-13T11:20:00.000+10:002010-07-13T11:20:23.263+10:00Hands up Bootcampers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jw7_oNHmXwLvLoSpZTR_5rgBBE82Kw_v4spr3wbnhT1_AQ11V9SWq__mfH1TN8wJ-lpikGfWe1MB7PYaIZkjhr4KAg-_uU9ILCyD6CFrCz9qnxL8aix0WM9Sf3T0BqcRhW_sLU4IQuyK/s1600/volunteers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jw7_oNHmXwLvLoSpZTR_5rgBBE82Kw_v4spr3wbnhT1_AQ11V9SWq__mfH1TN8wJ-lpikGfWe1MB7PYaIZkjhr4KAg-_uU9ILCyD6CFrCz9qnxL8aix0WM9Sf3T0BqcRhW_sLU4IQuyK/s200/volunteers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I always knew Bootcampers were special.<br />
This week Romance Writers of Australia announced nominees for the Lynne Wilding Metorious Service Award - an annual presentation in recogniton of those who put their hands up and volunteer for our member organisation.<br />
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I'm thrilled that two of the 109'ers have been recognised. I say <em>have been recognised</em> becasue win or lose, just being nominated is something to be proud of ladies.<br />
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And - drum roll - in 2010 it's our own Sandie Hudson and Anita Mack. (In 2008, our great leader, Rachael, won this accolade (she deserves another one in my humble opinion).<br />
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While Sandie and Anita are still putting the spit and polish on their own works, they are shining a light for fellow RWA members. They have their eye on their own dream of publishing, but their heart and soul focused on helping others.<br />
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On behalf of the troop - CONGRATULATIONS! We're proud of you 109'ers - and special wave to Bootcamper 101'er Helen Katsinis and other nominees: Lis Hoorweg and Serena Tatti.<br />
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Looking forward to the big announcement in August.Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-84700787850843541142010-03-10T16:45:00.008+11:002010-03-10T17:21:35.749+11:00The Oh So Great, 109 BootcampersThis week has seen some good no great news received news for a few of our Bootcampers. On top of her placing in the Emeralds Awards <a href="http://jennjmcleod.blogspot.com/">Jenn McLeod</a>, along with <a href="http://gromitstory.blogspot.com/">Fiona Gregory</a> and <a href="http://swimwrite.blogspot.com/">Shayne Sands </a>(penname) will all have their short stories published in this year’s Little Gem Topaz anthology. Congratulations girls, well done, so very proud of you all.<br /><br /><br />These are the titles to look out for:<br /><br />Fiona Gregory–Seize the Man<br /><br />Jenn J McLeod–A Penny For Your Thoughts<br /><br />Shayne Sands–Finders Keepers<br /><br />Here’s a peak at the cover for the Little Gem Anthology 2010 Cover designed by bootcamper 101 <a href="http://elenikonstantine.com/">Helen Katsinis</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446878390685770850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwutPAvMwsPs6kfAAxWra7xRfAOKBNZE7_4YSJiy3DLSgyyFvF4g6WoGiV9Qq3NHxIwtQQ7gS6Ed-tRnJ8MhhekdcTGD9JKWwpD-B5YVe27vz9x3eHS2mPU100_RiZo-EVt0-vFtjWWT0/s200/Little+Gems+Topaz+cover.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://anita-joy.blogspot.com/">Anita Mack </a>is in for a very busy week shortly after being selected as one of lucky participants in the RWAustralia 5DI inaugural mentoring workshop. Anita will spend a week with seven other Category Romance Writers, being mentored by <a href="http://www.liliandarcy.com/">Lilian Darcy</a>.<br /><br />Other mentoring sessions to run over the week include Historical and Mainstream Romance mentored by <a href="http://historicalromancewriters.com/Authorinfo.cfm?authorID=4297">Sophia James</a> and Paranormal and Suspense romance mentored by <a href="http://www.fionabrand.net/links.html">Fiona Brand</a>. The best of luck to all the participants.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br />WOOHOO Ladies, <span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;"><strong><em>CONGRATULATIONS</em></strong></span> to you all. </div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 158px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446877850950518098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-KCAia33bBhDvHzg_UQK6pl7xYOUvIB_-ZZHsfpHOmxor34khAX30pMwGfwaoQYPDI1YzBHcugTIPMoN0amBrbpCws5oRVwGL3IDshJ3qYCiktHXmL4zWFestvIT67aoBxRw0qMrrWc/s200/Wedding_toast.jpg" /><br /><br /><em>Sandie</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-52156216281323361132010-02-26T17:27:00.002+11:002010-02-26T17:28:41.421+11:00The thigh bone’s connected to...?I used to think historical writers had it toughest of all.<br />
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Imagine having to make sure all the elements in your story remain true and authentic to the period. Historical writers respect their readers. They assume readers know and love the eras they set their stories in, so they make sure the details are as accurate as possible. They research, research, research.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLNfDN3Q_-8h39D6WxMo6CUnAUbELSx3kQ8m13jDRyuU-Ls_l6rsn2vhQ87fJaNq2zL9vHkRhlb4NzB5Xm-bUAR4puLfvv5PmK7CFXVRZZdmJNW8JECOhwtZZvaK925q19pZHARVKxtU1/s1600-h/skeleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLNfDN3Q_-8h39D6WxMo6CUnAUbELSx3kQ8m13jDRyuU-Ls_l6rsn2vhQ87fJaNq2zL9vHkRhlb4NzB5Xm-bUAR4puLfvv5PmK7CFXVRZZdmJNW8JECOhwtZZvaK925q19pZHARVKxtU1/s200/skeleton.jpg" width="164" /></a>While world building in a futuristic or paranormal story sounds easier, I’m sure ‘just making up alternate and futuristic worlds’ come with their own challenges, such as: being innovative but original and still feasible. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So what about those of us who write present day stories – the contemporary novel (set in modern times). I’m here to tell you that we have our own challenges such as: keeping up-to-date with current affairs, trends and – my big challenge – technology.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Truly...I know the thigh bone’s connected to the knee bone, but what’s my iPod connected to? Last I heard a blackberry was a fruit! Argh!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What do you write - past, present or future - and what challenges does that bring to the writing task?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-66889638696175703942010-02-21T22:00:00.004+11:002010-02-21T22:00:05.625+11:00Bootcamp 109 - 1 Year Today!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdz4FHcJUf2W_IEhT1ui7bSEp4yZEtYDsh3BKa5sY_YaNUl7DF17gsqutlN5AsUPXycQbzY1kmcBSmDjtrdBMXDQ1XJU9KK2NAxOytK6a79zQm3j3A6h8EHIBsh_NRIChkIfmJnNAEqC3/s1600-h/bootcamp+heel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdz4FHcJUf2W_IEhT1ui7bSEp4yZEtYDsh3BKa5sY_YaNUl7DF17gsqutlN5AsUPXycQbzY1kmcBSmDjtrdBMXDQ1XJU9KK2NAxOytK6a79zQm3j3A6h8EHIBsh_NRIChkIfmJnNAEqC3/s200/bootcamp+heel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426127285713243810" /></a><br />A year ago a group of nervous ladies gathered together for an intense workout - Bootcamp style. We were whipped into shape by an outstanding line-up of fabulous presenters. After a whirlwind two days we finished with our minds bursting with new information, new friendships and a bundle of craft techniques to apply. <br /><br />For me Bootcamp is the line in the sand that marks the 'before' and 'after':<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim92cACdOkhT0kSS9_LU-D2Zxk6C5ZcVyV0gjahtBZ9b_McCSNwSrJGI94SGW4xpjWMy806iqXzfrq_Bv2sw5Oj4MoSRCZhi9f2D7qzYIhVGRp-KUV8T3nK-0d2J8MA2SqmITKt-DwV9a/s1600-h/line-drawn-in-the-sand.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim92cACdOkhT0kSS9_LU-D2Zxk6C5ZcVyV0gjahtBZ9b_McCSNwSrJGI94SGW4xpjWMy806iqXzfrq_Bv2sw5Oj4MoSRCZhi9f2D7qzYIhVGRp-KUV8T3nK-0d2J8MA2SqmITKt-DwV9a/s200/line-drawn-in-the-sand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426127423085669330" /></a><br />* Before Bootcamp I was writing words, struggling to find my feet, thinking craft was what you did with beads and feeling my CP and I were alone in a great big ocean. * After Bootcamp I began writing stories, began to plant my feet firmly in the writing pond, had a group of friends to travel the journey with and learnt craft was there to improve your writing.<br /><br />I've personally achieved more than I could imagine in the last 12 months, and it all started with that line in the sand.<br /><br />Thank you to my fellow Bootcampers, the presenters and organisers who got my journey <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQYZRrn5BuPYrCVKMxSdXfmVNOuT55V5J7BZ4cyVdrONp6E8mjk-1wWT9M4fTSrA9FAzbcSTKSMoBelH9mbut13UcABG3lc2MxtP4CpKrWOD7B2AqnSI_dYrzSoz19LkezPnghi883CCU/s1600-h/large_thanks.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQYZRrn5BuPYrCVKMxSdXfmVNOuT55V5J7BZ4cyVdrONp6E8mjk-1wWT9M4fTSrA9FAzbcSTKSMoBelH9mbut13UcABG3lc2MxtP4CpKrWOD7B2AqnSI_dYrzSoz19LkezPnghi883CCU/s200/large_thanks.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426127625198336658" /></a>started, the BootCats who have been by my side the whole way, and especially to Rachel Bailey, who has stuck with the BootCats, giving more than was ever expected.<br /><br />Bootcampers Rock!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-18803601231693938172010-02-14T08:00:00.004+11:002010-02-14T11:10:00.271+11:00Valentine's Day - Where's the Romance?I really don't like Valentine's Day.<br /><br />I know, the most romantic day of the year. But is it? The true meaning of the occasion has been lost in the commercial vacuum that today's society has become. I'm sure cardmakers, florists and chocolatiers love the day, and I bet there are people who think they do too. But why do you need a special day to show your love? Shouldn't love be a 365-day deal?<br /><br />The first written Valentine's was by the imprisoned Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 - to his wife. He wrote over 500 poems to her, but she died before he was released, 24 years later.<br /><br /><em>RONDEL</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotxWJdt-QJ11VKWdOp20DwQmBVb_H9JqeC7rBXvJAevu7oKfmWbHzrqWltTBTSj3_PTiHEs4qOL9LZFGyWoo05au-m88CqtzoJxsGaFis2mNZ6ATTp_winWIoXTbqEBZofcvnsxureUmb/s1600-h/charles+d%27orleans"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotxWJdt-QJ11VKWdOp20DwQmBVb_H9JqeC7rBXvJAevu7oKfmWbHzrqWltTBTSj3_PTiHEs4qOL9LZFGyWoo05au-m88CqtzoJxsGaFis2mNZ6ATTp_winWIoXTbqEBZofcvnsxureUmb/s320/charles+d%27orleans" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426112817651797314" /></a><br /><br /><em>Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart, <br />And with some store of pleasure give me aid, <br />For Jealousy, with all them of his part, <br />Strong siege about the weary tower has laid. <br />Nay, if to break his bands thou art afraid, <br />Too weak to make his cruel force depart, <br />Strengthen at least this castle of my heart, <br />And with some store of pleasure give me aid. <br />Nay, let not Jealousy, for all his art <br />Be master, and the tower in ruin laid, <br />That still, ah Love! thy gracious rule obeyed. <br />Advance, and give me succour of thy part; <br />Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart.</em><br /><br />Now, that's romance.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-51480320396545666632010-02-11T02:39:00.004+11:002010-02-11T02:52:27.784+11:00Congratulations Jenn<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXP-LSLBoNtAGunQH60l-F9vXFZYZFdccTtIu-u_rMdgsH4dq0DE_wIhHAavxDNhfRK4VmTt33itWZLTEuAJHYaiRQEHoH6IRAqN94Llrdfls8sbQ5gMq-KJzUllmjH9271ViGt2hLk8/s1600-h/keith-mallett-celebration.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436642743774932226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXP-LSLBoNtAGunQH60l-F9vXFZYZFdccTtIu-u_rMdgsH4dq0DE_wIhHAavxDNhfRK4VmTt33itWZLTEuAJHYaiRQEHoH6IRAqN94Llrdfls8sbQ5gMq-KJzUllmjH9271ViGt2hLk8/s200/keith-mallett-celebration.jpg" /></a>It’s cheers all round for fellow Bootcamper 109 and Bootcamp Bettie, Jenn McLeod who is in the finals for the RWAus Emeralds Award Single Title category.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#993399;"><strong>CONGRATULATION JENN </strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436642294503538354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkc6VYvVMOAPIt1WR8uiPtbXdt3qls0CZhx8rTtK6_AVowFhnPZrPk29dsK0Vg7AdhJwUUiQXYmhp6dIuJykeXsBKSlD3o1EgMV1VEQY1Z3TB60CEz3vXFdLz_MCN4heGcTUOBJwxGhw/s200/congratulations%25202.jpg" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eFP5t3H2t1J0q2kkBCpVhSvkJwTQEjWGi32Ep0YoB-GRTgD4yqhTLZauLh9hLFI9n3m7UHNcb9Qx7cGXM2mM5rP0_kyfzUhNOvrIp02mNDK76uibvzMfTBE4cRW2IhjLLiWCGpGOXpI/s1600-h/congratulations.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436642926183152338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eFP5t3H2t1J0q2kkBCpVhSvkJwTQEjWGi32Ep0YoB-GRTgD4yqhTLZauLh9hLFI9n3m7UHNcb9Qx7cGXM2mM5rP0_kyfzUhNOvrIp02mNDK76uibvzMfTBE4cRW2IhjLLiWCGpGOXpI/s200/congratulations.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We’ll be cheering from the sidelines for you.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-35083221688492790932010-01-13T18:59:00.004+11:002010-01-13T19:11:24.012+11:00LoveCats Downunder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqCxdk6813uzANyknVy1BXhybEG7cwqE8RLx2YuSOSC0qTSZUtLHyxXS9hcpwpnvNrT0sJ4DSdAFm0NGW7_exxyqprwGCDwAGeHzcq5CpACpuoWfS1ycmHvcpHHpmni_bo5RCzpmaD9kx/s1600-h/bootcat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqCxdk6813uzANyknVy1BXhybEG7cwqE8RLx2YuSOSC0qTSZUtLHyxXS9hcpwpnvNrT0sJ4DSdAFm0NGW7_exxyqprwGCDwAGeHzcq5CpACpuoWfS1ycmHvcpHHpmni_bo5RCzpmaD9kx/s200/bootcat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426133954413397794" /></a><br />If you haven't already, you should check out the <a href="http://lovecatsdownunder.blogspot.com">LoveCats DownUnder</a> blog. A group of newly published category authors from Australia launched their blog this week with a whole bunch of giveaways. The posts are fun and the comments have left me with a mile long list of books to track down.<br /><br />Best of all, there are 3 Bootcamp gals among the 7 contributors:<br /><br />Nikki Logan (Romance) - Bootcamp 101<br />Mel Teshco (Nocturne) - Bootcamp 209<br />Rachel Bailey (Desire) - Bootcamp Organiser and Mentor<br /><br />Bootcampers Rock!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-10556437615531610682009-12-30T20:07:00.004+11:002009-12-30T20:55:15.477+11:00Here's to the New Year...It's been a while since I blogged on the Bootcampers site. I haven't had much to share of late when it comes to writing, but I've started to reflect on what an interesting year 2009 has been.<br /><div></div><br /><div>This year I became a Bootcamper, did an e-pitch, worked on improving my critiquing skills and made a point of doing more research into the market. I didn't write as much or as often as I'd hoped to, but is there EVER enough time write? Probably not.</div><div> </div><div><br />It's difficult to manage a young family and an active lifestyle at any time, and to fit the dream of publication in there is almost - but not quite - impossible for me right now. I squeezed it in when I could, but it just couldn't find a nice, neat place for it in between the soccer, dance classes and layers of plasterboard. Poor little dream got a wee bit lost in all the chaos, but I've dusted her off, and she's ready to go again. A bit wonky, and requiring some reshaping, but worth resurrecting.</div><br /><div>So, yes, 2009 was not a great year writing-wise for me, but it was a good one. I moved forward. I made progress. I have more words now than I did in 2008. I know a lot more than I did last year, and I'm more confident in my ability than ever before. I have potential, and I'm determined to stick it out. I just need to take things at my own pace, and not rush, especially when I know I don't have the time right now to give it my best shot.</div><br /><div>One thing I've said before, and will continue to say, is that the best thing I did this year was participate in Bootcamp. It opened my eyes to the huge flaws in my writing (and to the good bits, as there were some!), as well as introduced me to some lovely people with similar dreams about being published. The BootCats, in particular, have been a source of inspiration for me this year, and I want to thank them for their support. But every Bootcamper, from our bunch to those who went before us, deserves a special thanks for any bit of support or wisdom they have shared.</div><br /><div>Oh, and here's a pic of two BootCats - Shayne and I - at the Sydney lunch for RWA members about a week or so ago, showing our pearly whites!</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420960504470184146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/Szse23peINI/AAAAAAAAAtE/MsmEPR1LZ7c/s320/SydneyLunch6.jpg" /><br /><div>Good luck to all the Bootcampers in 2010, and keep aiming for your dream. I'll be here to support you if you ever need it, so don't hesitate to contact me in the New Year.</div><div> </div><div><br />Happy writing,</div><div><br /> </div><div>xx Mon</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-34552168855727269892009-12-28T15:20:00.003+11:002009-12-28T17:14:47.110+11:00Nikki Logan Nails It!<span style="color: blue;">I was lucky enough to read Nikki Logan's debut novel, <em>Lights,Camera...Kiss the Boss</em> and I can't wait to tell you all how great it is. This is '<em>our Nikki</em>' - a Bootcamp 109 coordinator and mentor - and she's absolutely nailed it. I plan on shouting it from the rooftop (pardon the pun) about this lovestory that blossoms...on a rooftop! Fellow Bootcampers - feel free to copy and re-post my review on any sites you know to help spread the word.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmw6PKISgPLjGog-nhQPqhuhqGd-ETCrLrKeDWhlywcD2b4TUCKj-eb6bI3WG7nrgjrThVENAygSMPKH6xSnbi7iJZi3swlTwgtGa3ACSx4ypffilyI6gIkjqKxOJo07Jgx0pznij7WKa/s1600-h/LightsCameraCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmw6PKISgPLjGog-nhQPqhuhqGd-ETCrLrKeDWhlywcD2b4TUCKj-eb6bI3WG7nrgjrThVENAygSMPKH6xSnbi7iJZi3swlTwgtGa3ACSx4ypffilyI6gIkjqKxOJo07Jgx0pznij7WKa/s400/LightsCameraCover.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<strong>My Review</strong><br />
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When talking about her writing, Nikki Logan says, she knows her job is done if her readers ‘catch a waft of rich earth and the spray of wild ocean between the pages’. <br />
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Well, she’s done that and more for this reader in her debut novel – Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss.<br />
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Firstly, I love the concept – a landscape designer whose rooftop gardens bring beauty to the ‘natureless urban environments’ of Sydney’s city skyscrapers. Happiest with dirt on her hands, talking to her plants, Ava Lange suddenly finds herself thrust in front of the camera as presenter on a new TV reality show – Urban Nature. And camera-shyness is not her main concern. Her new boss is hotshot TV producer Daniel Arnot, the subject of her youthful infatuation nine years earlier.<br />
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Nikki has woven her passion for nature with her understanding of human emotion to give readers a delightfully contemporary story with a rich plot, blooming with colourful characters. The writing is fresh and flows from the start to the very last line. I particularly like how the parallel plot elements of nature, set against the lavish city life, reflects the conflict between down-to-earth Ava and her ambitious boss.<br />
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This is not another fall-in-love-with-the-boss story, nothing contrived or trite about it at all. Nikki’s characters are credible with very real issues and obstacles to overcome. She had me riding the romance rollercoaster with the very unassuming Ava Lange as she desperately tries to deal with unrequited love. <br />
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By writing about what she knows, Nikki has also given her readers an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the television industry. <br />
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My favourite character: Nikki draws great characters to love and loath. I particularly enjoyed getting to know the unexpected uniqueness of a secondary character – Cadence. Very refreshing and wonderfully portrayed. Exceptional characterisation.<br />
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Favouite line: Every great romance has a great line – one that affects you so much you almost gasp (take Jerry McGuire’s, “You complete me” for example). Nikki provided that moment for me in this book with her perfectly poignant question about what makes a heart break. I’m not going to tell you what it is here - you’ll find it towards the end of Chapter Twelve. <br />
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Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss, by Nikki Logan, is due for release in February. Be assured that this is definitely <em>not </em>an I’ve-read-it-all-before book.” I couldn’t put it down. It was lights, camera, action from beginning to end.<br />
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I’m told the real beginning for this story was back in June 2008 when members from Romance Writers Australia undertook their first 50ks in 30 Days challenge. It was Nikki’s first go at writing 50,000 words in a month, so it’s kind of fitting that it should be her first published novel, with Harlequin US snapping it up in November of that same year. <br />
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<em>Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss</em> hits the book stands in Australia in February 2010.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNp5JQfybQgzKUR-JGpz992hyHhBGyEYpniMVp9tEzGyizLBA5iH1YCFQAW0o96uDjJKcsFXLj-AK1juqtNB594P6ZMknappEeAA6cvstN4Z8kxtptkKRT8n_Rh5wzj55BOg6QomE9-hN/s1600-h/Nikki_StudioNoah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNp5JQfybQgzKUR-JGpz992hyHhBGyEYpniMVp9tEzGyizLBA5iH1YCFQAW0o96uDjJKcsFXLj-AK1juqtNB594P6ZMknappEeAA6cvstN4Z8kxtptkKRT8n_Rh5wzj55BOg6QomE9-hN/s200/Nikki_StudioNoah.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>That’s a wrap on my review. Thank you Nikki Logan. A brilliant debut novel. One of many, I hope.<br />
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For more about Nikki’s novels, visit her website <a href="http://www.nikkilogan.com.au/">http://www.nikkilogan.com.au/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nikki's photo by Photo by Studio Noah, Western Australia</span>Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-56920918925623455162009-12-22T16:15:00.006+11:002009-12-22T17:02:31.335+11:00Small steps to a piece of cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0Ycq_gKM_Rn_9vKihttk52SJMcb4QMln7xOYTEKzg9WfU2_V98gQhiCOULv1Co_hG4yRJbH-VPmi0pi6SxVthtZ030aFpzx2X18RQKDTO381y_srTZxfd-_k7P5HEB8NCF_pQ_mlKun9/s1600-h/puddings+001.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417936410459537122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0Ycq_gKM_Rn_9vKihttk52SJMcb4QMln7xOYTEKzg9WfU2_V98gQhiCOULv1Co_hG4yRJbH-VPmi0pi6SxVthtZ030aFpzx2X18RQKDTO381y_srTZxfd-_k7P5HEB8NCF_pQ_mlKun9/s320/puddings+001.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">This time last year I was feeling restless and frustrated. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">It's the same this year! But at least I have a new direction thanks to Bootcamp 109.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">I managed to complete a rough first draft of my contemporary romance and am now in the process of writing a short story for the Little Gems contest.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">In 2010 I hope to write (nearly) every day. I haven't set firm goals yet, but after I move my writing space from the steamy first storey of our house (it's 32 degrees up here) to the cooler double-brick spare room downstairs (in the process of doing that over the New Year) it should be a piece of cake. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">I might get Anita, Mon, Shelly and Rach to help me with goals because all these things present a challenge to a disorganised person such as myself. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">My category friends have been a tremendous help this year and their support is unwavering. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">Talking of cakes, here's a pic of a fruitcake I made this morning. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">Merry Christmas to everyone.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">Shayne</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;"></span> </div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367222807939693847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-26729713755975344792009-12-13T10:53:00.009+11:002009-12-16T07:40:08.117+11:00Looking Towards 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bhzoGfe-Kkcsv1Gh2nK3CJqwIU2kvKMGo4g4nmhnMr2PLeb21n3T8UPWZ82RhMqPBUzO-fS-LDdFr67M7VFlLWB5Uv8c3sEH2Brw_164JP7VkioXzgeSGUAMQ6oLqLnBDp39nUU3IY8/s1600-h/goals.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414507106503660050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bhzoGfe-Kkcsv1Gh2nK3CJqwIU2kvKMGo4g4nmhnMr2PLeb21n3T8UPWZ82RhMqPBUzO-fS-LDdFr67M7VFlLWB5Uv8c3sEH2Brw_164JP7VkioXzgeSGUAMQ6oLqLnBDp39nUU3IY8/s200/goals.jpg" /></a>Do you set yourself goals each year? Last year I had my goals set and was eager to get started on them all. I would write at least my minimum word count each day religiously keeping track of my word written, then somewhere in the middle life stepped in and it all fell apart. Why? Because I did not add my life outside my writing to my agenda. Let’s face it; we all have other people in our lives that need our attention at some point during the day.<br /><br /><div>So, for 2010 I’m going to write up my goals with that in mind.</div><br /><div>Here are my goals for 2010 (so far):</div><br /><div>Write/edit at least five days a week.</div><br /><div>Start writing day by 9am and write for five hours a day, taking small breaks regularly.</div><br /><div>Have all completed WIPs edited by June.</div><br /><div>Submit ALL edited WIPs to agents/publishers.</div><br /><div>Do critiques on weekends. (when family are not around)</div><br /><div>Have ‘Cruisin’ the Blog & Members’ News ready to go by the Friday of each week. (May need to add updates before the Sunday).</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRotIxhV8xiKobYHbqCAASOASHqy4K_5dP72-nvxViYtxSGlksJ3AWDax7thbzRCUMaSEhYvBxqGizAaq0g0YWrH2T6TVhG7D0OB6DgZMgQ7Ul4kSa8AaRxv1S6_Q0djeljtOlqDQdyI/s1600-h/ar118788988194341.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414507253529202050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRotIxhV8xiKobYHbqCAASOASHqy4K_5dP72-nvxViYtxSGlksJ3AWDax7thbzRCUMaSEhYvBxqGizAaq0g0YWrH2T6TVhG7D0OB6DgZMgQ7Ul4kSa8AaRxv1S6_Q0djeljtOlqDQdyI/s200/ar118788988194341.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Have Bookshelf Saturday organised at least a week before due.</div><br /><div>Be more active on RWAus e-loops.</div><br /><div>Cut back on some other e-loops (again).</div><br /><div>Finish getting RWAus Wikipedia article organised.</div><br /><div>Update social networks twice a week.</div><br /><div></div><div>Blog on a regular base, not all over the place.<br /></div><div>Spend time with Hubby each evening.</div><br /><div>Spend more time with family on weekends.</div><br /><div>Spend one day a week with my Mum.</div><br /><div>That will do for now, I’m sure I’ll add more as the year progresses.</div><br /><div>What about you? Do you have your goals set for the year?</div><br /><div>Sandie</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-6182087443784329702009-12-07T15:49:00.000+11:002009-12-07T15:49:04.323+11:00Bronwyn Parry's done it againCan I be a bigger fan of Bronwyn Parry? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCrVpZi4XzdatJOhtLbGCfXsR3efUmjw4RdM0pA8rPwPuYCwsoI-RV1M0z_vayH1wzt0tli44Xtt7FYATM4u5XgDPCsvXrrFchm7HOnsSXMD6WdqOS-m-uKySynUjCHLrvl40NO91OogE/s1600-h/DarkCountryFrontWeb-195x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCrVpZi4XzdatJOhtLbGCfXsR3efUmjw4RdM0pA8rPwPuYCwsoI-RV1M0z_vayH1wzt0tli44Xtt7FYATM4u5XgDPCsvXrrFchm7HOnsSXMD6WdqOS-m-uKySynUjCHLrvl40NO91OogE/s320/DarkCountryFrontWeb-195x300.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
You may recall I had a little rave on this blog back in April after reading her debut novel, <a href="http://bootcampers109.blogspot.com/2009/04/best-text-book-ever.html">As Darkness Falls</a>. I LOVED IT!<br />
<br />
Having just this minute finished <em><a href="http://bronwynparry.com/blog/books/dark-country/">Dark Country</a></em>, I can tell you her second novel is <em>not</em> twice as good. <br />
It’s not three times or even four times as good. <br />
It’s <em>ten</em> times as good – or more. <br />
More uniquely Australian characters and settings, more fabulous imagery, more thoroughly researched plots and very believable obstacles for characters – Sgt Kris Matthews and ex-con Gil Gillespie – to find their way out of. <br />
<br />
The clever way Bronywn tied, not only the complexities of this novel together, but also her weaving of details from As Darkness Falls, left me an author-in-awe.<br />
<br />
As an author-in-waiting, I’ve heard this advice many times: “Create characters your readers will care about. Make your readers want to cheer.”<br />
<br />
I finally understand what it means now. Bronwyn threw her characters so many holes to get out of I was about to make pom poms! <br />
My dilemma right now though is, while I was so inspired to write after reading her first novel, after finishing Dark Country, I find myself languishing in a big black hole echoing with the words, <br />
<blockquote>“You’ll never write something that good, Jenn.”</blockquote>But I figure, just like Sgt Kris and her enigmatic ex-con, Gil, I will get out of the hole, I’ll go on believing in the possibility of publication, and I will find a happy ending – even if it’s just fiction!<br />
<br />
Do yourself a favour and check out Bronwyn’s books. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2Bhr-5d7StQfxCNGdbyOisf3wrDFcx65jGj7PA2E80XKsqYErKIh62bcrPz2f-ZBmYPLGBpDSJ2B39vOvBRjx_F4E-Fu_tBdBfq83-Mp0FcndykJ5dGOBTJK-X67g69DrN_0KsYbE7jV/s1600-h/UKcoverDarkCountry-190x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2Bhr-5d7StQfxCNGdbyOisf3wrDFcx65jGj7PA2E80XKsqYErKIh62bcrPz2f-ZBmYPLGBpDSJ2B39vOvBRjx_F4E-Fu_tBdBfq83-Mp0FcndykJ5dGOBTJK-X67g69DrN_0KsYbE7jV/s200/UKcoverDarkCountry-190x300.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>PS Love the UK cover. Now come on with book 3, Bron. I'll have those pom poms ready to cheer on your next feisty female who is....?????) <br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.bronwynparry.com/">http://www.bronwynparry.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://bronwynparry.com/blog/">http://bronwynparry.com/blog/</a>Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-76274160955847968382009-11-30T21:52:00.000+11:002009-11-30T21:52:58.957+11:00Straight-jacket anyone?I’ve never understood poker-machine addicts. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1HLNzeXG4fW7TodmENA1VrYO1xRRVRfLBsHvXj84vlfIobPTyP4XyZn9dki91xEfRcl5oR7AGubTAPNzM-cICz5MWtZywJxSFyLTkFIxdSG9kXvg_cfN5uQAnDBTfHXPd44pGK9_kZlY/s1600/poker+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1HLNzeXG4fW7TodmENA1VrYO1xRRVRfLBsHvXj84vlfIobPTyP4XyZn9dki91xEfRcl5oR7AGubTAPNzM-cICz5MWtZywJxSFyLTkFIxdSG9kXvg_cfN5uQAnDBTfHXPd44pGK9_kZlY/s320/poker+machine.jpg" yr="true" /></a>My mother was one. On the sunniest and most spectacular of days, her favourite thing was to sit inside a dark room at a machine and drip feed coins into it hour after hour (I believe they take notes now – oh dear!). <br />
</div><br />
<br />
She barely stopped for food in those days – a ciggy and a Riesling usually did the trick.<br />
<br />
Not for me! You wouldn’t find me inside on a sunny day, sitting in front of a machine and....oh dear! I guess you would. <br />
<br />
It appears I’m addicted to writing. Worse still, I’m addicted to writing competitions. To me writing competitions are the ultimate tease. It’s just like mum used to say, <em>“One more coin – just one more. I can’t walk away now. The next one might be the winning coin.”</em> I now hear myself saying, <em>“Just one more writing competition. The next one could be it. If I walk away now, I’ll never know, or worse, another person could step up and take the winnings and I’ve spent so much time feeding words into this blasted thing...blah, blah, blah."</em><br />
<br />
Oh dear! I think I need help. Straight-jacket, anyone? Better still (since it's hard to type in a straight-jacket) is there a Writers’ Anonymous out there anywhere?<br />
<br />
Hello...my name’s Jenn...and I’m a writing-comp-aholic.Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-62346632483112781512009-11-11T16:58:00.000+11:002009-11-11T16:58:00.746+11:00Nano CrueltyStill buoyed by my Bootcamp buddies (wow - I loooooove alliteration!) I decided to do Nano this year (that’s <em>National Novel Writing Month</em> for those who don’t know) and I have to say it’s been the most enlightening writing experience. I think it’s actually shown me the kind of writer I might be. To date I have struggled to define my writing style – plotter, pantser, character driven, plot driven, yudda, yudda. Now onto my third novel (yes hopefully I’ll actually sell one sometime), this writing-like-a-crazy-person is working for me (no fancy prose, no dialogue tags, etc – oh but I do manage the odd alliteration).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jheZNwWqY3fH6S4e1vEFQPDwJPb3T0WuwQ17XwmaRL0tpCjRAv2AE2Y161Low6bebaVn9lz9MFUtKnvarNynejlZmim5loOHq-mNErBPinFG4MFRph0tYf5SXLiV3CMLhuQ1oA7c4vNb/s1600-h/book+cruelty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jheZNwWqY3fH6S4e1vEFQPDwJPb3T0WuwQ17XwmaRL0tpCjRAv2AE2Y161Low6bebaVn9lz9MFUtKnvarNynejlZmim5loOHq-mNErBPinFG4MFRph0tYf5SXLiV3CMLhuQ1oA7c4vNb/s320/book+cruelty.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>The cruel thing about Nano is that I recently scored myself some new books and I have no time to read them. (Thanks to <a href="http://www.elenikonstantine.com/">Eleni Konstantine's </a>Eleni-fest in October, I have <a href="http://www.nikkilogan.com.au/">Nikki Logan’s</a> <em>‘Camera, Lights...Kiss the Boss’</em> and <a href="http://www.annajacobs.com/book.asp?pageID=60">Anna Jacobs</a> <em>‘Freedom Land’</em>. I also recently got <a href="http://www.janetwoods.com/">Janet Woods</a> ‘<em>The Convict Woman’</em> and <a href="http://www.eringrace.info/Home.html">Erin Grace's</a> <em>‘Secrets’</em>. Plus I have just discovered (thx to <a href="http://www.bronwynparry.com/">Bronwyn Parry</a>) <a href="http://fleurmcdonald.com/">Fleur MacDonald</a> and <a href="http://www.fionapalmer.com/">Fiona Palmer</a> – both Australian authors whose books look and sound amazing. <br />
<br />
The cruelty is that I have sooooo many books I am dying to read, but no time until post Nano. Instead they sit stacked on my nightstand teasing me. By December I hope the break from my own work – '<em>A House For All Seasons'</em> – will mean I can look forward to these great authors inspiring me when I do get back to phase two of my WIP – revising and editing (like adding ample alliteration – LOL)<br />
<br />
PS. Re Nano - Surely I should get extra Nano points for actually including NaNoWriMo in my ms. Yep – decided one of my characters is going to do it. Gotta be worth a Nano brownie or two!!!!!Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storytellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383807169757515326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-90653157945816735142009-11-04T20:03:00.008+11:002009-11-04T20:46:56.682+11:00The year that was, but it ain't over yet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00H6p6Umxhjlmp2U4a_2kCVxg01elIWPwg8yl5ALXV6320Q_SyfDkBFGGTQYcQWAYKZYB3vL3WK56pwL5s7fuD4WO82HjVIy0Ku3NtlyES8w914SYOi1WbgNtF-EcCrLLeOiFdMNC0CDp/s1600-h/hearts-pink.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400182374705866066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00H6p6Umxhjlmp2U4a_2kCVxg01elIWPwg8yl5ALXV6320Q_SyfDkBFGGTQYcQWAYKZYB3vL3WK56pwL5s7fuD4WO82HjVIy0Ku3NtlyES8w914SYOi1WbgNtF-EcCrLLeOiFdMNC0CDp/s320/hearts-pink.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">As 2009 winds down (or up), it's time to reflect on the benefits of being a member of the Bootcamper 109 team. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">Personally, I've been privileged to meet (at the national conference and online) a group of inspiring women. Through Bootcamp 109 I learnt so much about the 'art and craft' of writing. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">But that's not all! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">Afterwards, the mentoring continued - in generous doses. I was lucky enough to join the Bootcats with Shelly, Mon and Anita. To have the amazing Rachel Bailey as our team leader was an added bonus. This girl could teach KRudd a thing or two about hard work! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">Whenever I have a query or a problem, my Bootcat mates are quick to respond. Between them they have enough romance-writing knowledge to stock a library. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">Without them, I would still be floundering in a sea of mediocrity (just wanted to throw in </span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">'sea of mediocrity' somewhere). </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">Because of them I've joined the Romaus loop and I'm having a go with my writing goals. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc33cc;">Here's to Bootcampers 109. This is just the beginning. </span></div><br /><div> </div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367222807939693847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-3610200849852664552009-10-14T19:47:00.013+11:002009-10-18T00:22:35.127+11:00Eleni Konstantine Visits<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9xcAo1KmMBrifcF0l6EAsFJF7xJOge1uBp8CUk-BU-V2rTOnpto4UHfTQmwvKxu-fu8kmIUvNnQM_Q8PxvxCTxYs5OOScvOxoNMadd4MoFOoUnGuNV0ptSQdecjM4TEvfVouFfCH2jg/s1600-h/Eleni-fest.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392375972707521842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9xcAo1KmMBrifcF0l6EAsFJF7xJOge1uBp8CUk-BU-V2rTOnpto4UHfTQmwvKxu-fu8kmIUvNnQM_Q8PxvxCTxYs5OOScvOxoNMadd4MoFOoUnGuNV0ptSQdecjM4TEvfVouFfCH2jg/s320/Eleni-fest.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="left">Bootcamp 109ers would like to welcome our first guest blogger/interviewee to our blog Eleni Konstantine.<br /></div><em>Hi Eleni, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions on the Bootcamp 109 blog as part of your Eleni-fest month.</em><br /><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Thanks so much for having me on your blog Sandie & 109ers. And wow, I’m very much honoured to be your first guest blogger/interviewee!!</strong><br /><br /></span><em>Q: Eleni-fest has really taken off, are you surprised by the response you received to your call for help?<br /></em><span style="color:#663366;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Yes I am to be honest. Though I shouldn’t have been. RWAus members are so generous and come flooding to support another member. I have a fantastic line up of special guests and am visiting some very cool blogs (this one included of course *wink *)<br />I’ve also been blown away by everyone blogging about, tweeting about Eleni-fest. It’s great to know your writing buddies are out there helping you out. And of course there are those who have taken time out to comment. So it’s been a blast so far!<br /><br /></strong></span><em>Q: What made you decide to join RWAustralia?</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">You know I can’t even recall how I stumbled across RWA. It was in the late 9</span></strong><strong><span style="color:#663366;">0s (I’m pretty sure it’s 1999). I was studying Creative Writing part-time via correspondence and found RWA (didn’t have the internet back then). I think it may have been in another Australian writing magazine or even a flyer. Since I enjoyed reading and writing romantic elements, I thought it might be a good association to be a part of. I joined and have been a member ever since. :) They just can’t get rid of me.<br /><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#330033;">Bootcamper 109 Mon Woods & Eleni</span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDcCDGGUmukQc5o3uRNkUBugE5eaHrbwB4GVU_yk3dZLFnoHOLTwo6alCdz2MPLhKCND2CnBSZMi67rhDBiZB5MUsamWPSjpwH1ujxmlwBFe58ktxblE2SlLN771uGKqHuEZaotXDWhQ/s1600-h/Mon+and+Eleni.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392375340049391186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDcCDGGUmukQc5o3uRNkUBugE5eaHrbwB4GVU_yk3dZLFnoHOLTwo6alCdz2MPLhKCND2CnBSZMi67rhDBiZB5MUsamWPSjpwH1ujxmlwBFe58ktxblE2SlLN771uGKqHuEZaotXDWhQ/s320/Mon+and+Eleni.jpg" /></a></div><br /><em>Q: You’re one of the original Bootcampers, what did you learn from doing the first bootcamp?</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Bootcamp came at a fantastic time for me. I was slowly starting to get back into writing from having my CFS crash, had found my CP, and saw the Bootcamp ad in Hearts Talk. Two days over two weekends. Sounded like the kick start I needed. And it was. Our group clicked and for me that was the best possible outcome, and one that I didn’t expect. You know usually you do a course and then that’s it, no more contact or very limited, but not with this group. There was so much information – it was amazing. And it helped me enter the writing world once again – conflict, characters, chats with authors, OH&S (very important), but to me the biggest ‘aha’ moment came from the fabulous Denise Rossetti – ‘Protect Your Work!’ By that she meant that your writing is important and you have to escape the distractions that take you away from it. I have that note pined on my mirror as a reminder each morning to protect the work. I still struggle with that because of my energy levels but I’m getting there. So I’ve also got a saying of ‘Protect the Writer!’ </span></strong><br /><br /><em>Q: What impact has RWAus had on your writing?<br /></em><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Wow, I can’t believe how much it has helped. First of all there is the monthly member’s journal, Hearts Talk. It has always been a fantastic resource where I’ve learned about the craft, the business, the life of a writer. When I joined ROMUAS back in 2002, there was another resource of ‘talking’ to other writers. My goodness other people loved writing and talking about it. And since then it has just snowballed. Attending conferences (the last one being the first in a long 6 year draught!), helping with HT on and off again, Bootcamp, Roadshow, SARA, getting my CP through the CP Registry, entering competitions. I just feel all of these have helped me develop as a writer. My writing certainly has improved – I even came 3rd in the Great Expectations Contest in the Specialized category (run by the North Texas Romance Writers) earlier in the year. I have a couple of partials under submission. Fingers crossed :)) I also think the camaraderie helps in a big way too – I’m always so happy to see people do well and that good feeling flows when I’m writing.<br /></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#663366;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUVT_QBkrP0UINi80Ai1nyHIpPxCTQWXgE-QBRRooIeAa5PB8R5kgodmGe-3Old_DpwTU1osd6gU037qAjVFRjqkVh_zIuNGe_94M4kfrdhbNOlNlMhkVQWsYa_MEsvHhXaaHbA9uslk/s1600-h/7431_Story_keeper.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 75px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392375791925418242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUVT_QBkrP0UINi80Ai1nyHIpPxCTQWXgE-QBRRooIeAa5PB8R5kgodmGe-3Old_DpwTU1osd6gU037qAjVFRjqkVh_zIuNGe_94M4kfrdhbNOlNlMhkVQWsYa_MEsvHhXaaHbA9uslk/s320/7431_Story_keeper.jpg" /></a></span></strong><br /><em>Q: You write fantasy romance, what is it about the fantasy genre that appeals to you?</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Actually I tend to write fantasy with romantic elements – which basically means while the romance is important it’s not what the story is centred around. Then again I am writing a paranormal romance which has a strong romance at it’s core. :)I’ve always been fascinated by magical creatures, mythological beings (grew up listening to Greek myths), and magical abilities. A sense of wonder arose from those first fairy tales and cartoons that I read and watched. This fascination continued throughout my life but I didn’t read too much fantasy (in high school, I tended to read a lot of mysteries and horror). It was Jennifer Roberson’s The Chronicles of the Cheysuli series that brought me back to the epic fantasy. I loved the complexity of her world, the characters, the plot and the pure escapism. I was hooked and even special ordered the books (having read book one from the library). I wanted to create my own worlds with my own rules. Abit of goddess complex, I think ;)) But I have a ball doing this.<br /><br /></span></strong><em>Q: When not writing what do you do to relax?<br /><br /></em><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Sleep! ;)) Seriously, watch tv, read books, hang out with family and friends, listen to music....and sleep ;)<br /><br /></span></strong><em>Q: What are you working on now?<br /></em><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Well when Eleni-fest is over, I hope to go back working on the first draft of my Dragon story – another quest fantasy, and I also have a short paranormal romance that is at the second draft stage.<br /><br /></span></strong><em>Q: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?<br /></em><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Seriously, just one place? Hmm that’s a toughie. I love Adelaide. It’s home. You know what - I’d love the ability to teleport then I could go to the Greek Isles or Venice often, or anywhere else for that matter! So the world would be my oyster...<br /><br /></span></strong><em>Q: Where do you get your ideas for your novels?<br /></em><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">All around me I believe. There are so many different inspirations – stories of bravery, a facial expression, a piece of conversation that falls on my ears as I walk through shopping centres or the Mall (that’s Rundle Mall to non-Adelaide folk), other books, movies, tv, myths, legends, art.... You get my drift. Everywhere, anything! Years ago I was doing a WEA course on Medieval Europe and I gazed at a painting hanging on the wall and suddenly an idea for a short story came to mind involving a paining. This story – Enchanted – went on to come second in the KSP Fantasy and Science Fiction award in 1999. It’s currently under submission so fingers crossed it will finally get to be published ;))</span></strong><br /><br /><em>Q: What do you think is the main ingredient needed to make a good novel great?</em><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Oh I wish I knew! I’d be published then. Hmmm....for me it’s about the characters. They have to speak to me and make me want to care about them. I have read books that are technically have those elements that we are told as writers not to have (adverbs, long monologues, flashbacks) but the characters have swept me away and I’ve barely noticed these features. And if my internal editor gets shut down, then I know it’s won me over.<br /><br /></span></strong><em>Q: What do you think makes a great hero/heroine?<br /></em><strong><span style="color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">They have to ring ‘true’ to me. Their motivations, conflicts, reactions all have to resonate. It may be a vampire trying to redeem themselves for the lives they have taken. So what I mean by ‘true’ is not about being set in the real world but it’s the action in the story that has to be believable. I mean if the hero or heroine are gung-ho normally but freeze at one point - I want there to be a good reason. Are they being faced by a nightmare from their past? Has someone bespelled them so they can’t react? I also like strong but vulnerable characters be they the hero or heroine, who grow and learn throughout the course of the story. Basically in the end they will do the right thing for the situation. But hey that’s just me!<br /><br /></span></strong><em>Q: What inspires you to write each day?<br /></em><span style="color:#663366;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>I wish I did write every day. My problem is having energy. Once Eleni-fest is over though, I hope to have a more balanced schedule and then I aim to write every day. Even if it’s just a few words. As long as it’s every day. Having this month long celebration has made me itch to get back to my own writing and that’s a good thing :)<br /><br /></strong></span><em>Eleni, thank you for chatting with us today, we hope the rest of Eleni-fest is a great success.</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Thank you so much. It’s been fun chatting as always and a real pleasure. You know how much I love the 109 gals.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;"><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQenhaU63CjEOdciA2RnVySC3wllt5us-a7b37Gw07U9r2P8K_k_T-Q6yTg5KuLuFApOhKWbbIKqI4BXVtKC-Tnwne8bk3jWxzvnQ3cg4MgzsrfEPVSzzdDg4Z9J8I0FM5A-F6X1GHPEY/s1600-h/bootcamp109.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392375091404182690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQenhaU63CjEOdciA2RnVySC3wllt5us-a7b37Gw07U9r2P8K_k_T-Q6yTg5KuLuFApOhKWbbIKqI4BXVtKC-Tnwne8bk3jWxzvnQ3cg4MgzsrfEPVSzzdDg4Z9J8I0FM5A-F6X1GHPEY/s200/bootcamp109.jpg" /></a></div><br />As part of being a guest on your blog, I have a mini-pack to giveaway to one lucky commenter. Comments open until Friday 23th October 2009<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQenhaU63CjEOdciA2RnVySC3wllt5us-a7b37Gw07U9r2P8K_k_T-Q6yTg5KuLuFApOhKWbbIKqI4BXVtKC-Tnwne8bk3jWxzvnQ3cg4MgzsrfEPVSzzdDg4Z9J8I0FM5A-F6X1GHPEY/s1600-h/bootcamp109.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQenhaU63CjEOdciA2RnVySC3wllt5us-a7b37Gw07U9r2P8K_k_T-Q6yTg5KuLuFApOhKWbbIKqI4BXVtKC-Tnwne8bk3jWxzvnQ3cg4MgzsrfEPVSzzdDg4Z9J8I0FM5A-F6X1GHPEY/s1600-h/bootcamp109.jpg"></a><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><em>Interviewed by</em><br /><br /><em>Sandie</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-36581092532079864652009-10-03T19:26:00.005+10:002009-10-05T18:10:02.570+11:00Bootcamp Betties September<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8Tkk_HqvVis_5iFParWJlBtb2EJNtHCmpU9WlxBIsAosPtCzpXZ8IRHZ6M7T763Ck3PFKhXH2B2FLN6e_Gcv5I77DIgic43e-GHOr-7e6tbFoLh_6qRZ6W3FktRLf0A6lp5X6qK_gZI/s1600-h/Betty"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388304575463644562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8Tkk_HqvVis_5iFParWJlBtb2EJNtHCmpU9WlxBIsAosPtCzpXZ8IRHZ6M7T763Ck3PFKhXH2B2FLN6e_Gcv5I77DIgic43e-GHOr-7e6tbFoLh_6qRZ6W3FktRLf0A6lp5X6qK_gZI/s200/Betty" /></a><br /><div>During the month of September the Betties were lucky enough to have <a href="http://www.ajmacpherson.com/">AJ Macpherson</a>, Fantasy Romance Author. AJ spent time chatting to us about writing, whether we are a plotter or pantser, you still need to make sure your manuscript has conflict, action and tension. It also has to make sense. Rachel came up with a great answer to one of my questions also and that was that I maybe putting sex scenes in because my conflict is low. Interesting point, which is one reason I have decided to try plotting my novel for Novembers NaNoWriMo. I have not had a lot of success with plotting in the past, but I’m going to give it another go. We also chatted about editing, characterisations that stand up, and so much more. Then to top it all off we had AJ join the Betties group for more Q&As.</div><br /><div><br />This past Wednesday night we had recently published Ellora’s Cave author <a href="http://melteshco.blogspot.com/">Mel Teshco</a> join us in our newly furnished RWAus Betties chat room. Mel writes erotic romance, just up my alley. Mel’s novel is call ‘<a href="http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-7494-587-stone-cold-lover.aspx">Stone Cold Lover</a>’, this is defiantly one I’m going to buy. Mel covered a wide range of topics with us, from publishers to heat levels in romance stories. Jenn took the plunge and posted an extract from one of her WIP and everyone thought she’d done a great job of the love scene she wrote. I’m saying love scene because that was what is was, Jenn already knows I’m a fan of her writing. I can’t wait to see her get published. Anyway back to Mel, you know when you’re having too much fun, because the time flies by, that was what it was like on Wednesday night. I may have to sweet talk Dana into letting Mel join the Betties for a few weeks.</div><br /><div><br />We have been very lucky in the Betties camp, not only do we have fearless leaders <a href="http://www.rachelbailey.com/">Rachel Bailey</a> (who by the way has her first novel out in January) and Dana Scully, we still have the wonderful Elizabeth Rolls there offering advice and we get to chat with these other great authors. *Sigh* I’m happy. </div><br /><div><br />Happy writing/editing<br />Sandie</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-75260598537670210042009-09-23T16:25:00.006+10:002009-09-23T21:53:20.216+10:00Competition Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb7PShN2rt4YZzHdeKE5gQ6rJZWzHj-SrBqL1neojlpgIgYu3I0pjvkMINf8_Ev-bsL9iIhv-vdvaA2IMyMCw-AkXC0oLgQMyAjmWV57I6yR1eHnfccxU_rQO4zM_9iohLtQVxwavqVjw/s1600-h/comps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 54px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb7PShN2rt4YZzHdeKE5gQ6rJZWzHj-SrBqL1neojlpgIgYu3I0pjvkMINf8_Ev-bsL9iIhv-vdvaA2IMyMCw-AkXC0oLgQMyAjmWV57I6yR1eHnfccxU_rQO4zM_9iohLtQVxwavqVjw/s320/comps.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384629064732714498" /></a><br />It's that time of year again when RWA's competitions open for another year.<br /><br />To get the ball rolling are the High 5 (category) and STALI (single title and loving it). I've entered High 5 and I know other Bootcampers are considering the season ahead and getting their entries in.<br /><br />Bootcamp entries did us proud last year, and I'm sure this year will see wonderful things from Bootcamp 109ers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4SpNwqD_wGvBg3NiRfPP9vHoUlCR87N8HBZGqPaU5peIJLaOQ6BtkP5sO1LpWx0rErmjkupaj6LEXtzlTjuwHH1dQ66_u_Wou0p8Cf1lU32y-edXtcq3-dM0xhIOvwy8qVyLzIT2KaHi/s1600-h/good-luck-clover-21.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4SpNwqD_wGvBg3NiRfPP9vHoUlCR87N8HBZGqPaU5peIJLaOQ6BtkP5sO1LpWx0rErmjkupaj6LEXtzlTjuwHH1dQ66_u_Wou0p8Cf1lU32y-edXtcq3-dM0xhIOvwy8qVyLzIT2KaHi/s200/good-luck-clover-21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384629581697089106" /></a><br /><br />Good luck to all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-73529771451246274392009-09-10T16:24:00.005+10:002009-09-10T17:28:13.917+10:006 months on...It has been 6 months since we completed Bootcamp 109!<br /><br />Time has flown by, and so much has happened in the interim: <br />- we've continued learning our craft, breaking into the Betties, the BootCats, and Fi and Neely joining in with the 101ers;<br />- we've participated in conference (both Clayton's and Brissie's Hot August Nights), in some cases meeting for the first time face-to-face; <br />- and we've had success stories - Mon and Fi making publication in the Little Gems and Sandie in RWNZ anthology.<br /><br />Not bad for 6 months.<br /><br />Ladies, raise your glasses to another 6 months of success, friendship and the pursuit of that ever elusive publication.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EvXG_8JQl8_yqPlvcaQAPMSK3li_CM1-wXMybdkratsHAxsL1Tbr1K66Ark1Lg2M0aXHiLsa0fIEcsnz0ZOy4Nhoa1vwE4E-2n15vgOI80MSuVIoRwxQlZi5VsM7V7WJjKhrNmufOHH-/s1600-h/celebrate1246554461.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EvXG_8JQl8_yqPlvcaQAPMSK3li_CM1-wXMybdkratsHAxsL1Tbr1K66Ark1Lg2M0aXHiLsa0fIEcsnz0ZOy4Nhoa1vwE4E-2n15vgOI80MSuVIoRwxQlZi5VsM7V7WJjKhrNmufOHH-/s320/celebrate1246554461.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379726693500728898" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-60334224364585340052009-08-24T19:59:00.005+10:002009-08-24T21:14:36.270+10:00Critique Partners<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym4y-jMdUQHOKq1-fv_RHO88Q8oCQ6CCCQV38tvvB_7gqrbOA2lIPboOEw3SNbobYFQadRLbz0Tyqiy3PzbnUclKMjHFLzbCWc-6c5DYFnbBpSzccC8BxdNJdPODYHXx2-pVL7NEgSByx/s1600-h/critique+critique.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym4y-jMdUQHOKq1-fv_RHO88Q8oCQ6CCCQV38tvvB_7gqrbOA2lIPboOEw3SNbobYFQadRLbz0Tyqiy3PzbnUclKMjHFLzbCWc-6c5DYFnbBpSzccC8BxdNJdPODYHXx2-pVL7NEgSByx/s200/critique+critique.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373487095111006962" /></a><br /><br />I think everyone needs a critique partner, even non-writers. Okay, those who don't know the thrill of filling blank pages with words might call them BFFs, but it means the same.<br /><br />Someone you trust with a treasured possession. <br />Someone who knows your deep secrets, hopes and fears.<br />Someone who will be there for you at your most vulnerable or when floating high.<br /><br />A critique partner (CP) is invaluable in improving your writing skills. Whether it be craft issues, plot problems or plain grammar your CP is emotionally removed from your story, they're a second set of eyes.<br /><br />But like any relationship it's a two way street. Support needs to go both ways. you need to express clearly to your CP your expectations, what you would like them to do for you when reading your work and understand you both have deadlines, family and a life beyond writing. As for the CP, you need to be kind, highlight the positive, be<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r5vdxJIYHHQW5n4fPMPvR79AFGUGOGE2laJg2mos5wW3bCdX5thE7oMGlQUzft3l6kwUJccJBvivEzJN192q4YLS3HIW8XDIM-WEOhhEPn-cndBah_RzpFQFn6i4OUoYZhSZyeIVlwh2/s1600-h/6-1.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r5vdxJIYHHQW5n4fPMPvR79AFGUGOGE2laJg2mos5wW3bCdX5thE7oMGlQUzft3l6kwUJccJBvivEzJN192q4YLS3HIW8XDIM-WEOhhEPn-cndBah_RzpFQFn6i4OUoYZhSZyeIVlwh2/s200/6-1.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373486851838303890" /></a> constructive (not just critical), be helpful and reliable.<br /><br />If you don't have one, get one - I'd hate to be travelling this journey alone.<br /><br />Romance Writers of Australia have a critique partner scheme. Visit http://www.romanceaustralia.com/members/critpartners.asp (you need to be an RWA member)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-63752235333746890322009-08-19T10:54:00.005+10:002009-08-22T12:34:18.067+10:00Bootcampers Conference PicsHere are some pics of the 109 Bootcampers at the conference. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPJ6r_gWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/KkeknQoso64/s1600-h/100_4043.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371474012360638818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPJ6r_gWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/KkeknQoso64/s400/100_4043.jpg" /></a> L-R: Suzanne, Anita, Mon and Shayne at the Awards Dinner</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPJb_foVI/AAAAAAAAAqI/fnKXI02X8cI/s1600-h/100_4040.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371474004120936786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPJb_foVI/AAAAAAAAAqI/fnKXI02X8cI/s400/100_4040.jpg" /></a> L-R: Shelley, Anita & Mon at the Awards Dinner<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPI1EShnI/AAAAAAAAAqA/VnAwNsMDWVs/s1600-h/100_4023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371473993672066674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPI1EShnI/AAAAAAAAAqA/VnAwNsMDWVs/s400/100_4023.jpg" /></a> R-L (back row): Suzanne, Shayne, Mon, Anita<br />R-L (front row): Fiona, Eleni (from 101). Nikki Logan is in the red top <em>(apologies to everyone else but I didn't catch your names. Email me if you want me to amend)</em><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPIEa8RGI/AAAAAAAAAp4/BKeOVdx_kHI/s1600-h/100_3987.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371473980613739618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPIEa8RGI/AAAAAAAAAp4/BKeOVdx_kHI/s400/100_3987.jpg" /></a><br />L-R: Mon and Anita getting ready for the Arabian Nights cocktail party<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPHneO9lI/AAAAAAAAApw/-RMOXXKOkaM/s1600-h/100_3977.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371473972842919506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vs7gFEBVIKw/SotPHneO9lI/AAAAAAAAApw/-RMOXXKOkaM/s400/100_3977.jpg" /></a><br />L-R: Terri (Shayne's friend), Michelle Douglas (Harlequin Author), Mon on her tippy toes, Anita, Rachel Bailey (our awesome mentor), Suzanne and Shayne<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326349802429684587.post-87460505240236225462009-07-30T16:35:00.002+10:002009-07-30T17:42:00.901+10:00All quiet on the western front...The Bootcamp troops have been fairly quiet of late. Each camp is doing it's own exercises, and members are preparing for either the Brisbane conference or the Clayton's online conference.<br /><br />Sandie and Anita are now also on assignment with the RWA web team (they can blame recruitment officer Wood for that one. Sorry, gals). Anita and I are also preparing covert operations for August, and I've decided to name us Clayton's Angels (we're nowhere near as hot as Charlie's variety, but we're craftier and can wield a red pen with great power! *slash*).<br /><br />Our technologically advanced weapons are shiny (and new, in the case of Anita's digital camera! *wink*), and we're ready to strap on our boots in the name of Bootcamp. We'll representing you, and promise not to embarass you (!) like attack other delegates, scream "Hup, two, three, four" at passersby who aren't even attending the conference, or demand push ups from tired-looking delegates who've been partying all night and are falling asleep during sessions.<br /><br />So, for a final roll call, Bootcampers, and other RWA members - who's going to be fatigued with their fatigues on in Brisbane, and who is doing Clayton's in fatigue-appropriate pyjamas?! Phew. What a mouthful! <br /><br />:-) MonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4