Bootcamp Betties September

During the month of September the Betties were lucky enough to have AJ Macpherson, 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.

This past Wednesday night we had recently published Ellora’s Cave author Mel Teshco join us in our newly furnished RWAus Betties chat room. Mel writes erotic romance, just up my alley. Mel’s novel is call ‘Stone Cold Lover’, 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.

We have been very lucky in the Betties camp, not only do we have fearless leaders Rachel Bailey (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.

Happy writing/editing
Sandie

A Chance to Win!

Valerie Parv along with the help from some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s best romance authors have a new How-To-Book coming out in June 29th 2009. Hearts and Crafts takes you inside the world of these fantastic authors and explains how go about writing and editing as well as marketing their novels.

For a chance to win a copy of this great book, go to the delightful Elizabeth Roll’s website here:
http://www.elizabethrolls.com/Heart&Craft.html and follow the links to get the answers to ten easy questions.

Check out Elizabeth’s latest release while you’re there.





Sandie

New Name for SiTi Group

As Mon said on Saturday the Bootcampers have divided into smaller groups and as of today the Single Title girls will be known as the 'Bootcamp Betties' with our mascot as none other than Betty Boo herself. Now doesn't she look like a butt kicking chick? With the delightful and talented Elizabeth Rolls as one of our mentors the Betties seems very fitting indeed (as Jenn pointed out today). Along with Rachel Bailey and Dana Fletcher-Scully we are armed and ready.

So we will take no prisoners, leave no page unturned, no editor, agent or publisher shall be off limits as we fight for our goal of being published authors. Look out world the Betties are coming.

Happy writing.

Sandie

Day One of Bootcamping

We had our first day at Bootcamp yesterday and I have to say "Thank God we have a week until the next one." It was crazy, although I do believe we were all very well behaved. (Well most of the time), we had a few Huge Hugh moments or should I say Huge Hung Hugh LOL, this is just going to get better.

Anyway the day kicked off at 10am for we NSW gals which was cool, gave us time to get a few things sorted. Anne Gracie was fantastic, we will be kicking conflict in the butt by the end of this.

Dana ran us through a few OH&S exercises which I do believe will also be very good for my weight. A bend here a stretch there.

Then we had a chat with Christine Wells, what can I say but she is sweetheart and very giving with her advice.

The very cheeky Valerie Parv was after lunch and that was a riot, fantastic and learnt sooooo much about Romance Story Structure.

The was finished with Elizabeth Rolls and a very lively conversation on Show not Tell. I do believe I may just be getting a handle on that little problem.

So watch out everyone because we are working hard and in no time will be heading out into the big old world of publication. For now I have homework to finish.

See ya.
Sandie