Barb Webb

Woman's World Magazine Arrived!

2010-07-24T21:25:00.001-05:00

How lovely, the Woman's World Magazine (Aug. 2 edition,) with my feature article arrived today.

What thrillled me the most is they chose to include a picture with my boys. Bummed me that the pics with hubby weren't included, though. He is my rock and well, I guess the whole world should know that from the article anyway, huh?

Thanks to Kristin Higson-Hughes for making my story so interesting. I hope everyone who reads it is touched in a positive way and finds a new idea for making ends meet!

God Bless, y'all!

Woman's World Photo Shoot

2010-06-20T07:25:00.001-05:00

How thrilling to have photographer, Tim Webb (no relation, but we'd sure claim him as kin- what a super nice guy!) out to our homestead for a photo shoot for Woman's World Magazine. Without giving too much away, I'll just say the photos are fun and hopefully, inspiring!

Here's a shot of Tim snapping a shot of me at my home "frugal command" station.

As you can see I kept blinking at all the wrong moments, hopefully he managed to get a good "eye-opening" shot in there somehow!

Cute piggy bank, huh?

And yes, of course I have Star Wars stuff on my wall :)

Woman's World

2010-05-31T20:49:00.000-05:00

If you've followed me, you know that it has always been my life mission, my calling to help other women succeed.

So, it delights me to share with you, my dear readers, that my work will be featured in the August 2nd edition of Woman's World magazine. I hope that the information shared will help you along your personal and financial journeys!

And, as always, be sure to keep up with the frugal fun on MOMdotCOM.net and my daily blog, RuralMom.com where you'll find oodles of free frugal advice and informative women's topics.

Get Crafty!

2010-01-29T13:04:00.006-05:00

Ranking right up there with writing, paper crafting is one of my creative passions...

...so I'm thrilled to be recently appointed as a Feature Crafting Contributer at Associated Content

and have now joined the staff at Creative Mind and Hands as the Paper Crafts Editor.

Stop by and get crafty with me!

MyShelf.com Interview

2009-10-04T21:14:00.005-05:00

In anticipation of the I Confess 3 anthology (including my short story, "Fire") I was interviewed by columnist/author Carol Ann Culbert Johnson for her "Beneath The Covers" column on Myshelf.com...

If you're interested in learning more about my personal writing process or my thoughts on writing, in general, you can read the interview HERE

Tips for Writing Cross-Over Fiction

2008-08-12T22:06:00.005-05:00

Here are a few notes I took at the Writing and Selling Crossover Fiction workshop at the RWA National Conference:

(Disclaimer: The notes from this talk are exactly that, notes. While I did my best to record each bit of information accurately, it is my interpretation of what was communicated and should not be construed as quoting the speakers.)

The publishing world is full of crossover fiction novels and many readers love having a blend of genres.

With women still comprising the bulk of fiction readers, romance and romance elements are readily accepted in combination with other genres, for example, sci-fi romance.

The writer needs to be cautious about what you are marketing and to whom. For example: If you market heavily on the romance side, you might turn off your sci-fi/fantasy readership.

Most often it's best to let the publisher/editor decide what genre it falls in and how to best bring the book to the market.

Read what the publishers are publishing. Does your book fit in? It's necessary to explore the markets you wish to write for and find out what publishers are actively publishing your genre(s.)

Do you know how to determine the basic genre you are writing for? To help, ask "what is my primary goal in this novel?"
Is it the romance?
Is it the "saving of the world?"
Is it the heroine's growth and emotional development?
By understanding the primary goal of your novel, it will help you determine what genre the novel fit in the best, even though it may have strong elements of other genres.

In cross-over fiction, the publisher's biggest challenge is the bookstore. There's only one section in the bookstore that the novel can be placed in. Again, it's important to try to decide what is it "more" of- romance, sci-fi, fantasy, women's fiction, etc.
Who will it appeal to the most?

It's highly important to remember that when you are writing cross-over fiction that you have to have resolution to all elements of the novel
as it pertains to the genres. For example, in sci-fi romance, there must be closure/resolution of the romance (meaning boy and girl get together or there is at least the clear potential that the relationship will continue... and there must be closure/resolution to the sci-fi element (cure is found, world is saved, goal is met, etc.)

Pictures from San Francisco's China Town

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without an adventure in Chinatown (noted to be the oldest Chinatown in the U.S. and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.)

Totally a delightful neighborhood to experience!

My bestest writing bud, the fabulous Marie, and I had a great time exploring the all the sights, sounds, and shops. Not to mention, the amazing food!

We stopped at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant on 778 Clay Street... and WOW! about sums it off. Awesome food, atmosphere, and service. If you get the chance to dine there- jump on it! (And order the Walnut Shrimp- OMG good!)

The dragon mural pictured is on the building adjacent to the Oriental Pearl.

Well... I'll be back tomorrow with more pics and tips... stay tuned...

Also be sure to visit http://www.momdotcom.net/ for freebies, contests, and more conference notes.

FTHRW Event Pictures ~ RWA Conference

2008-08-11T14:59:00.008-05:00

Here's a few pics from our fabulous FTHRW Meet n Greet at the RWA National Conference in San Francisco.

Pictured first is speaker, Scott Eagan of the Greyhaus Literary Agency http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/, and member, Arwen who is one half of the Marilu Mann writing team http://www.greatmta.com/

We always have the best get-togethers with terrific guest speakers, yummy food, and lots of give-a-ways.

FTHRW is truly an awesome chapter to belong to. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself at http://www.FTHRW.com - you'll be amazed by all the benefits of belonging to this fab group.

In the group of five pictured above, the two on the left are Secretary, Shoshana Brown and Newsletter Editor, Laurie Darcey. (If you know the names of the other members pictured, please let me know- it's tough to remember who all I met that night!)

In the picture of three (from left to right,) is Critique Loop Co-Chair, Helen Scott Taylor, http://helenscotttaylor.com/ (also a Golden Heart Finalist!) Helen's husband, and member, Lynn Goodale.

The gal in the polkadot dress is me (I love FTHRW so much that I'm the president this year and last.)

I was honored to introduce Denise Pattison (pictured next to me) who is the '07 FTHRW Cyber Rose recipient. The Cyber Rose Award is given in recognition of extraordinary service to the chapter.

Looking on, near the window, is our vice president, Marie Benesh. (Couldn't have done this without you, Marie! And wouldn't want to!)

Members Tawny Weber (on right) http://www.tawnyweber.com/ and Beth Burgoon (w/a Beth Andrews) http://bethandrews.net/ are all smiles...

...as were we all :) What a great time!

Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!

PAN Retreat '08

2008-08-10T11:43:00.000-05:00

Gail Blanke http://www.lifedesigns.com, a bestselling author, Real Simple magazine columnist, business owner, and advisor to CEOs worldwide, shared with us her thoughts about leaning into change and mastering the art of re-invention.

(Disclaimer: The notes from this talk are exactly that, notes. While I did my best to record each bit of information accurately, it is my interpretation of what was communicated and should not be construed as quoting the speaker.)

We are children of the universe and playing small doesn't serve the world.
We were meant to be bold, meant to reinvent.
It's not the weakest or the strongest, it's the species that adapts to change -they are the ones who survive.

People will not get "it" about you until you get "it" about yourself. Get "it" and use "it!"

Six Steps to Thriving on Change

1. Tap Into the Incredible Power of a Vision
- nothing bold, nothing beautiful happens without a vision
- motivation comes from having a vision
How good could you make it?
What would it look like?

2. Let Go
- let go of being right, of stereotypes, of regrets, of limitations, of resentments, of anger...of anything that is holding you back
- take a leap of faith and courage
- let go of the trapeze to catch the next one
- sometimes you don't ever see it, but something great is waiting for you
- never wait for the courage, courage isn't given, courage comes of action
- don't confuse falling with failing

3. Acknowledge Your Hardest Won Achievements
- follow the ground you've already covered. It isn't always necessary to re-invent. What have you done well in the past? What can you improve upon?

4. Dust Off the Entrepreneur Spirit
- re-kindle that spirit, that drive to create
- entrepreneur's thrive in chaos, never thing what they know is enough, never think that's the only way things can be done
- have new eyes, look at things in a fresh way
- you can't change if you hang onto the past

5. Know Who You Are and Who You Are Not
- create and develop your special brand
- you don't have to be everybody's everything.
- think about women who have branded themselves exceedingly well- Madonna, Rosie, Cher. When you know who you are you know how to act... and you will know what to write
- if enough people like it, it doesn't matter who doesn't
Answer this question:
I'm (insert your name) and I'm the one who _________________

6. Decide What is the Truth
- the power to distinguish between fact and interpretation is essential to dealing with life and change

Additional Notes:
Sometimes it takes a crises for us to know who we are. A defining moment is when you found something in yourself you didn't know you had.
When you said "yes I can!"
When you said "no, I don't"
When you drew a line
Can you recall your defining moments? Try writing about them.

Sometimes you have to have everything ripped away from you. Say, "I will build back." Don't confuse falling with failing.

Don't stereotype yourself... don't say "I'm not good enough" or "I'm not that type of person"
Dare to test your limits, to be the person you know yourself to be.

In a changing market (world, etc.,) don't be afraid of change!

.

More RWA Conference '08 Tidbits

2008-08-09T14:55:00.002-05:00

Before I get to the tips... I have to post of pic of my buds because what's a conference without good friends?

Authors, Gail Dayton www.gaildayton.com ; Marilu Mann http://www.greatmta.com/; Kacey Smith www.kaceysmith.com ; Carolyn Hughey www.carolynhughey.com and my bestest writing buddy, Marie and I had dinner at an cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant. Remember the Casamatta wine- yeh, this is where we found it. :)

Okay, on to the goodies...

Killer Fiction is celebrating their 1 year anniversary starting on Sunday, August 11. Stop by http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com for hot models, special guests, and prizes.

Get your conference fee paid next year by entering the Pitch Perfect Contest where the grand prize is Free Registration to the RWA National 2009 conference. All RWA members are eligible to enter. See the MWV-RWA website at http://www.midwillamettevalleyrwa.com/ for details.

Wikkibird Web Design creates awesome business cards, too. For original websites and redesigns or custome bookcovers, bookmarks, postcards, or business cards with reasonable prices, check out www.wikkibird.com

Heard from several reliable sources: Harlequin Nocturne and Intrigue are seeking new writers and series books, too. (Not that every Harlequin line isn't looking for new talent, but these two lines kept coming up in conversations and workshops.)

Interesting dichotomy here in this trend... Erotic Romance and Christian Inspirational Romance are both very big sellers right now.

Paranormal is still hot, but publishers are looking for more stories that break the norm (meaning: containing characters other than vampires and shape-shifters, and unique situations/settings.)

Tomorrow I'll be popting notes from the PAN Retreat and pictures from my chapter, FTHRW (online chapter- very cool- be sure to check them out) meet n greet.

Also be sure to visit www.MOMdotCOM.net for freebies, contests, and more conference notes

RWA Conference '08 Tidbits

2008-08-08T19:41:00.003-05:00

Today, we interrupt the San Fran pics for some tidbits of important writer information for our viewing audience...

Author, Debby Giusti created a beautiful writer's prayer that she distributed at the conference. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading it, jump on Debby's website and click on the "Writer's Prayer" sidebar link. A fabulous bit of inspiration to print out and peg by your desk.

While standing in line to register, a top name editor at Kensington mentioned that they are seeking quality Historical Westerns. If you write in this genre, you might want to investigate.

Break Into Fiction will be hosting Plotting Retreats throughout the remainder of this year and into 2009 in Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Denver. For new writers and published authors, this amazing retreat will help push your writing to the next level.

Ninth Moon is now offering scene cards for sale. These well-designed 3 x 5's are a handy tool for planning, editing, plotting, and simply keeping everything in your novel on task. You'll find this nifty product here: http://www.ninthmoon.com/detail.aspx?ID=368

Want to win a $1500 check to defray your costs at the 2009 RWA National Conference to be held in Washington, DC? Valley Forge Romance Writers is hosting a 2nd annual VFRW Writer's Rafflemania! For more information, visit http://www.vfrw.com

Agent, Scott Eagan of the Greyhaus Literary Agency spoke to our FTHRW in depth about what he's looking for right now... and guess what, he's listed it all on his blog too. Check it out at http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2008/08/thoughts-on-conference.html

Stay tuned this week for more tips, notes from workshops and the PAN Retreat, and of course, more fun pics!

Also be sure to visit www.MOMdotCOM.net for freebies, contests, and more conference notes.

.

The View from Pier 39

2008-08-07T20:43:00.004-05:00

The fog in San Fran lifted long enough for some great views off Peir 39. Alcatraz was clearly visible...
and this is about as close as I'd like to get to that rock. ;-)

Had a ball watching the sea lions - very personable critters. Stinky, but personable.

Along with all that water and fresh air, a stop for some seafood was in order. My bestest bud, Marie, and I checked out Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and were delighted with the food and fun atmosphere. Good times telling the waiter to "Run Forest Run!"

The stop at the pier ended blissfully with a little street dancer eye candy.

Enjoy :)

If you are looking for more San Fran fun, be sure to check out www.MOMdotCOM.net for pics and a special contest too.

Tomorrow I'll begin posting notes and tips learned from the conference... so tune back in then... same bat channel!

.

San Francisco ~ RWA National Conference '08

2008-08-06T23:00:00.004-05:00

The Romance Writers of American 2008 National Conference was fabulous (of course) this year. Throughout the next week or so, I'll be posting my workshop notes, pictures, and tips picked up in the elevator for your enjoyment- so stay tuned!

Starting out, how about a few pictures from Sonoma and Napa Valley (it's San Francisco... naturally, I had to take a wine tour ;-)

Happily... found a few new wines to enjoy, too...

I'm not a big white wine drinker, but Viansa has a 2006 Reserve Chardonnay that has me reconsidering that decision. Smooth, citrus, with a delicious note of pear.

Kirkland Ranch http://kirklandwinery.com/ sports a 2002 Jamieson Canyon Sangiovese with a hint of cranberry, which is absolutely delightful! Their 2006 Jamieson Canyon Late Harvest Viognier is also not to be missed, a light, semi-sweet dessert wine with hints of mandarin and pineapple - total yum!

Not from California, but well worth mentioning is Casamatta. We chose this to accompany a wonderful Italian meal in down town San Fran and found it to be a perfect choice. I'm hoping to find it somewhere locally. If not, I may have to drive back to CA and grab a case- it's that good!

Want more pics, info, and even a contest or two? Visit www.MOMdotCOM.net

American Title Contest

2008-06-14T18:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.romantic times.com/ 2008/04/american -title-v. php

Hey everyone, the above is the link for the American Title Contest, sponsored by Romantic Times Magazine and Dorchester Publishing. The guidelines are on the site.

So go check it out. The deadline for the submission is June 15th.

.

FTHRW May Online Workshop

2008-04-14T14:08:00.000-05:00

FTHRW has the best online workshops... here's the upcoming one for May:

The Plotting Wheel

Dates: May 5th-31st, 2008
Instructor:Becky Martinez and Sue Viders
Cost: FREE to FTHRW members; $20.00 for all others
Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2008

Course Description:

Building a plot and creating characters go hand in hand. Both have to work for the readers or they may feel cheated. This class can help the writer interweave plot and character so that both work together. The result is a character who truly belongs in this novel and a plot that moves along at a good, structured pace.

The plotting wheel is actually a series of elements that all good books contain and that the writer needs to move the character through the plot. Filled with examples, quick exercises and lots of interaction, this class can help structure a novel and build an interesting character as well. Whether you're a beginning writer or working on your tenth book, this class can help you put character and plot together.

About the Instructors:

Becky Martinez is a former broadcast journalist and multi-published romance author. Her romance LOVE ON DECK was an Aspen Gold finalist. She was a contributor to TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE, an anthology, which was a 2007 New Mexico Book Award finalist. Together with Sue Viders she co-authored the popular book on writing TEN STEPS TO CREATING MEMORABLE CHARACTERS.

Sue Viders is the author of more than 20 books, and is an international art marketing consultant. Her first book for writers, HEROES AND HEROINES, SIXTEEN MASTER ARCHETYPES, has become a popular writing tool. She also co-authored with Becky Martinez, the new writing book TEN STEPS TO CREATING MEMORABLE CHARACTERS.

Sue and Becky have taught numerous writing classes, online and in person.

What the Blog?

2008-04-14T12:15:00.000-05:00

I've been a little lax at blogging... um, okay, I've been MIA for like five months on my personal blog now. Where did the time go?

But, I've decided to post all kinds of writing tidbits here and maybe a few inspirations, too. Need to get back in the groove of things.

Now whether it gets read or not, that's the question... LOL

Hugs,
Barb

Brief Bio

2008-01-14T02:06:00.006-05:00

Barb Webb

http://www.barbwebb.com

Email: ruralmoms@gmail.com

Barb Webb’s prime motivation is the desire to help other women succeed in all aspects of life.

A Frugal Living expert, Barb Webb has written over 200 curriculum manuals and numerous fiction and non-fiction published works including how-to guides, novellas, anthologies, articles, and poems.

She has been featured in magazines such as Woman's World, Redbook, MSN Money, Women’s Day, True Romance, and American Profile.

Her recent non-fiction work includes The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet (McGraw Hill, ISBN 0071457763)

Barb Webb is also the owner of the MOMdotCOM.NETwork which includes the popular website RURALMOM.com, Past-President/Advisor to From The Heart Romance Writers RWA Chapter 177, Expert Advisor to Lean Forward Media, Expert Advisor to Moms Making Millions, and a ClubMom® Cost-Cutting Expert.

This savvy mom and multi-talented writer currently resides in Kentucky with her husband and three children

New Blog

2007-10-05T17:53:00.000-05:00

I've been mixing it up on LIVING WITH ZERO DEBT now. Please stop by to chat! http://www.livingwithzerodebt.blogspot.com/

Hugs,
Barb

.

Best Seller Numbers

2007-09-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I have yet to make a bestseller list... some day! (grin)... but I did run across this fantastic blog entry by Jessica Faust from BookEnds, LLC on understanding bestseller lists.

So... stop checking your Amazon numbers and go read this:

UNDERSTANDING BESTSELLER LISTS http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2007/09/understanding-bestseller-lists.html

Hugs,
Barb
.

Who Wants to be a Superhero?

2007-09-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

I do!

Seriously, I love this show.

From the time I was, oh... about 7, I wanted to be Wonder Woman.

My hubby and kids think I'm a little nutty, but those who love comic books, certainly understand :)

I think that's apropos to the reason I like to write Paranormals, of course. The ability to endow characters with super-human capabilities and to explore the basics of good vs evil comes from my comic book roots.

Superheroes rock!

Here's hoping Stan Lee has a 3rd series!

Hugs,
Barb

PS- For those who aren't sure what show I'm talking about... visit http://www.scifi.com/superhero
.

2007-09-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

This is an email forward, the author is anonymous (would love to meet him/her some day! LOL) but it certainly struck a chord with me, as a mother, and as a writer. There are many times in our isolated careers and in raising our children, that we do feel invisible. I hope you find some comfort and inspiration in these words...

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Obviously not.

No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because noone can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm noteven a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30 , please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going ... she's going... she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hardnot to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a bookon the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which Icould pattern my work:

1. No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

2. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

3. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

4. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are youspending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked,is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime becau se there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 inthe morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself.

I just want him to want to comehome. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has beenadded to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

.

Our Newest Addition

2007-08-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe this little guy is already 5 months old today... and he's not this little anymore, but I love this pic.

Though I've never written a story or novel where a pet is integral to the plot, this little guy sure inspires me to!

Hugs,

Barb

Cool New Writing Contest from Dorchester

2007-08-17T14:15:00.000-05:00

Dorchester Publishing is hosting a SHOMI Fiction Creative Writing Contest.

Check it out! http://www.shomifiction.com/contests.html

.

Rejection

2007-08-11T13:04:00.000-05:00

Well... just in time for another rejection to land in my mail box (yes, they never stop, not even after you are multi-published) a dear friend (thank you, Arwen!) turned me on to a wonderful, inspirational, website for authors.

You'll find a lovely video with inspiring quotes along with multiple articles and oodles of other great stuff!

The Write Attitude http://www.writeattitude.net/index.php

Visiting the website may not take the sting out of rejection, but it can help lighten your mood!

Write on, sisters, write on!

Hugs,
Barb

.

Fresh Fiction

2007-08-10T20:41:00.000-05:00

I found a new website as a result of the conference I attended in Dallas (well, it's not really a new website, but new to me...)

Fresh Fiction www.freshfiction.com

It's a popular fiction website fro today's reader with reviews, new titles, bestseller lists, newsletters, contests, current author profiles and backlists, plus all the industry buzz.

Lots of valuable information and entertainment too!

Also, I'm now hanging out (as my reader and author self) at Shelfari and Library Thing. If you belong to either site, please add me to your friend list:

My Shelfari page http://www.shelfari.com/swsolo/shelf

My Library Thing page http://www.librarything.com/profile/BarbWebb

For those note familiar with the above websites - Both are websites designed for readers who love to read, to share information, discuss books, discover people with similiar interests, and much, much more.

Hugs,
Barb

.

RWA Nationals - Michael Hauge

2007-07-31T10:39:00.000-05:00

Here are my notes from a session taught by Michael Hauge, consultant, screenwriter, industry expert, and author. His newest book is Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read

The basic element of a good story, the primary goal, is to create an emotional experience for the reader. As a writer, it is key for you to know how to elicit emotion.

The three basic elements of a story are Character (Hero- person driving the story,) Desire, and Conflict.

There are four key desires in movies:
- To Escape (escaping from a bad situation)
- To Retrieve (go out and get something/ rescue)
- To Stop (to stop something bad from happening/ stop a killer)
- To Win (winning the love of another/ winning a game or competition)

These desires satisfy the need for a goal that is visible. Along with the main desire are invisible goals (ie: subplots) but the main desire is the driving force.

Readers must identify with your heart. A good question to ask is “Why will the reader empathize with my hero?”

Five immediate ways to have readers identify with the character are:
- create sympathy for your hero
- put your character in jeopardy
- make your character likable (one way to do this can be opening the story with close friends or other people who like the character – the reader will then like them too.)
- make your character funny (example: Wedding Crashers)
- make your character powerful and good at what he/she does

Readers must identify with the characters up front, and your challenge as a writer is to do this immediately, not half-way through the book.

Ask… what does my hero long for? Is there a deeply held desire that they are paying lip service to because to go after it would be too frightening?

Ask…What is your character’s wound? Is there an unhealed source of continuing pain? Is there something in the past that the character has suppressed?

What is the source of the wound?

Then as a result… what is the character’s fear? (example: If they get too close to someone, they run the risk that the person will leave them.)

Fears can turn into beliefs. For example, a man who was beaten as a child may have difficulty letting anyone see who he truly is because then they will believe he should be beaten. This is his fear, but also his belief.

Ask… What is your hero’s identity? The person we present to the outside world may be a false front to protect us from our emotional fears.

Ask… What is my character’s need? The need is something the hero cannot necessarily express. Often, it is the need for connection.

A trick for figuring out a character’s identity is to determine how your character would answer this:
“I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve my goal, just don’t ask me to ____________”

A spin on the sentence for Romance might be “I’ll do whatever it takes to find the man of my dreams, but ____________” or “I’ll do whatever it takes to find the man of my dreams, just don’t ask me to __________________, that’s just not me.”

What is your hero’s essence? If you could strip away beliefs, things they fear, etc. – what would you have? These are the deep down qualities.

Asking all of these questions, and having a full understanding of the hero relates back to your primary goal- to create an emotional experience for the reader… eliciting emotion.

If you have defined the character and desire, the conflict creates the emotions and the emotions grow out of the conflicts.

.

RWA Nationals - Borders/ Sue Grimshaw

2007-07-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

Here are my notes from a session with Sue Grimshaw of Border Group (this was a seperate session from her Passionate Ink Luncheon speech listed earlier this week.)

Book store Managers love to have ARC's.

Borders has an experts list available to authors of stores who are most familiar with or most supportive of a particular genre. General contact information for Borders may be found here:
http://www.bordersgroupinc.com/about/contact.htm Borders will be providing a list of Romance expert stores for the PAN website.

Borders has a limit on bookmarks they can accept. Please do not send more than 15-20 bookmarks for distribution.

Author shelf talkers are provided by publishers, they are not accepted from authors, so please do not send these.

As mentioned, ARC's are always welcomed and often what the management is looking for in order to be familiar with a new release.

The Border's email newsletters have a large circulation. The popularity of book trailers in the My Borders Newsletters is increasing. Book trailers are now 3rd on the list of things newsletter readers click thru.

Sign up for My Borders newsletters at http://reg.cheetahmail.com/regp?aid=266588556&n=100 and be sure to select the special Romance section.

Replenishment of books is automatic, however some buyers do request higher runs from publishers based on previous sell-outs.

Multi-author book signings work the best for promotion and traffic.

.

RWA Nationals - Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jane Anne Krentz

2007-07-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

Here’s what I learned at a workshop delivered by Jane Ann Krentz and Susan Elizabeth Phillips:

Thoughts On Query letters…

Query letters are easy vehicles for rejection. Send your first three chapters (or 30 to 40 pages of the manuscript) along with a cover letter.

Try sending your work to an Assistant Editor, who is probably fielding most of the editor’s slush pile anyway and would love to discover you.

Thoughts On Voice…

Your style may change, but your voice stays. Voice is not style. Voice is connected to your world view.

Your voice reflects your values and your view of relationships. It’s your sense of ethics, morals, values, and world view.

Your voice is your accent.

Stick to the stories you can tell. Trust your gut and your voice.

Thoughts on simultaneous submissions…

It’s often harder to find an agent than an editor. Go after both at the same time!

Submit multiples. This is your career, don’t sit back and wait for answers.

Quote “What’s the worst that can happen- you get two offers on the same day?”

Thoughts on writer’s block…

Writers block probably means you lost interest in your own book.

The story has to excite you. Tell the story for yourself. This may mean you have to deprogram yourself for a while and ignore advice you’ve been given.

Also, consider whether you started the book in the right place. Begin it from a different place/time/etc and see if you can regain the energy of the story.

Write your way into the characters. You write and you write and you write.

This is a self-taught business, only you can teach yourself how to write.

Thoughts on finding time to write…

Set a kitchen timer for one hour. Only write during this time, nothing else. You may get one session in per day, you may get seven or eight, but you will at least get in one.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips said she averages three sessions per day.

Thoughts on edits…

Both authors had different styles. One writes all the way through the rough draft and edits only after the rough draft is done, the other edits all the way through when writing. What is important is to find your own style and not to let edits or the fear of edits bog you down.

Plough through to find the vision—then rewrite.

Thoughts on what they wish they knew in the beginning…

That no matter what you write, there’s someone who will not like it.

Realizing that I had to write the book for myself first.

Thoughts on category/starting in category…

There is an enormous amount of freedom in writing category as the publishing house does not stand or fall based on one author. Category can experiment more.

Working in category is a great place to learn craft and writing discipline. Ie: writing to deadlines.

The hardest part can sometimes be getting out of category. It is sometimes best to write your breakout book, rather than proposing it… then go with it!

Thoughts on promotion…

Building an online presence is important and establishing an internet mailing list of readers.

The key is to not over-use the list. Stick to a monthly newsletter, etc. Establishing a good mailing list of readers can make a significant impact by getting fans out to bookstores for new reads.

Random notes I took…

Separate the core story from the landscape.

Stories can start with character, conflict, or a plot idea. Use whatever works for you and then keep developing books around the idea.

Hardcover is dependent upon paper back prints. The decision is made by the publisher.

Make your own definition of success and follow it!

Jane Ann Krentz at Publisher book signing.

You'll find more information, including speeches by Jane Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle) at http://www.krentz-quick.com/

You'll find more information, including tips from Susan Elizabeth Phillips at http://www.susanephillips.com/

.

RWA Nationals - Borders/ Sue Grimshaw

2007-07-25T15:41:00.000-05:00

At the same Passionate Ink Luncheon, Sue Grimshaw, Romance Buyer from the Borders Group addressed the group. Here’s a few tidbits I picked up from her speech:

Borders is currently allocating more space to the romance genre.

In Spring of 2008, Borders will also be launching a new website with special attention to the romance category.

A great program to join is the Borders Rewards Program. http://www.bordersrewards.com/landing.aspx The program is free to join.

Borders also has an email romance newsletter. This is part of the My Borders monthly newsletter grouping. Sign up here: http://reg.cheetahmail.com/regp?aid=266588556&n=100

Generating the highest click-thru in the romance newsletter are:
1) Dollar off coupons
2) Links to author newsletters or other newsletters
3) Special author click-thrus such as book trailers

Promotion in Borders stores include:
1) Top picks
2) Shelf talkers
3) Samplers

Book-signings are welcomed at Borders. Erotic Romance group signings have been successful. Signing in a group can generate a bigger crowd and can be better for the authors and the store.

Romance is ever-evolving, and Erotic Romance has now come into its own.

Reader favorites overall in Romance are books with steamy sex and sexy covers. Quote “A good torso goes a long way!”

Anthologies are popular with Erotic Romance readers. Anthologies are a great way to introduce readers to the genre and are sometimes all the reader needs/is looking for.

Also popular in all areas of Romance are paranormals. Studies show readers love paranormals because of:
- the strong tortured heroes
- alpha males
- uniqueness of the stories
- hero is invincible
- attraction is unbreakable and almost supernatural

Overall, a great story with great characters sell books.

Borders is here to support, and proud to support the romance and erotic romance industry.

More information about Borders Stores may be found at http://www.bordersstores.com/index.jsp?tt=gn

.

RWA Nationals - Bookends LLC/ Jessica Faust

2007-07-24T12:29:00.000-05:00

Here’s a few tidbits I picked up from a speech delivered by Jessica Faust, co-founder/agent of Bookends LLC. at the Passionate Ink Chapter Luncheon:

Jessica Faust primarily reps Erotic Romance, Mystery, Self-help Nonfiction, and Romance.

With Erotica booming in the publishing industry, it has changed the landscape via allowing editors and agents to push the boundaries in everything they do.

Romance everywhere is getting hotter.

Now that Erotica is more mainstream, the industry is looking for new and different styles. Think outside the box. Blend genres within the Erotic Romance.

Quote: “As long as it’s not illegal in all states- go for it!”

Paranormals: Vampires, Werewolves, etc. are all selling well in the Erotic Romance genre, as well as in mainstream Romance.

Urban Romance is a new trend that is becoming more popular in all areas of Romance.

Throughout the industry, each publisher has variant needs for their Erotic Lines. For example, Avon Red is tamer than the other Erotic Romance lines, calling more for very, very sexy romance. Kensington’s Aphrodisia line is much hotter. Read what the publisher is publishing to see if your book is a good fit.

Bookends LLC website: http://www.bookends-inc.com/

.

FTHRW Meet n Greet At Nationals

2007-07-23T19:42:00.001-05:00

FTHRW is my favorite RWA group and online family, so much so... that I've served in a number of positions over the past four years now, this year as Pres. :-)

Here's a few pics from our FTHRW meeting in the sky! (Thanks to our fab Treasurer, Kristi, we had the Lookout room in the Reunion tower- gorgeous!

FTHRW Board Members (from right to left) Helen, Marie, Janice, Marlene, Cathy, Denise, Shoshana, Nikki, and Mona.

Me, applauding Cathy who is one of the recepients of our 2007 FTHRW Cyber Rose Awards for her excellence in service to the chapter.

Our PAN Liason, Janice, presents corsages to our FTHRW Golden Heart and RITA finalists.

Our VP, Marie, presents a gift bag to one of our raffle winners. Thanks to very generous donations from our authors, nearly everyone at the party won a gift!

Our excellent guest speaker (thanks Marie!) Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency, spoke about the romance market and answered group questions. She graciously accepted our invite, in spite of the fact that it was her birthday! Deidre, we think you totally rock!!

The famous (or is that infamous LOL) Playground group snaps a pose!

.

Speech on Erotic Romance Genre

2007-07-22T22:33:00.001-05:00

To the best of my ability, I have pieced together my speech for those of you who have requested it. I'm pretty sure I've very close to being spot on with what I said. I apologize for the delay, some of my notes were on route to my home last week via UPS :)

Addressed to the RWA Board of Directors on July 12, 2006 at the RWA General Meeting.

Barb Webb, Region 3, President of From The Heart Romance Writers, Chapter 177, and general member of Passionate Ink, Chapter 207.

First, I would like to thank the board for all your hard work. Please know that we appreciate all you do, and realize that you do not often get enough “thanks.” Particularly, I’d like to thank you for your ability to listen, and take into consideration the needs of the general membership, as you appear have done on a number of issues recently.

Second, I’d like to call for you to listen a little bit more, and to bear with me as I call upon you to re-evaluate your stance on the following topic:

In the RWA Hot Sheet distributed on July 11, 2006, regarding decisions made during the RWA Board of Directors July Meeting, I quote “After extensive discussion, the Board decided not to add an erotic romance category to the contests due in part to the inherently indefinable nature of erotic romance.”

You can imagine my surprise to find out that one of my chosen genres is now deemed indefinable.

I’m not exactly sure what to tell my readers.

Nor the editor who is currently reviewing my entry that finaled in a recent erotic romance contest.

In the spirit of our Dallas setting- I say, bull! I respectfully disagree with your statement.

Erotic romance is a category.

It is definable.

It does have different characteristics.

It is a style of writing that differs from contemporary romance. (or historical, for that matter.)

I’d like to read you a definition from the Merriam Webster Dictionary, if I may:

“Erotic. (noun) Of, devoted to, or tending to arouse sexual love or desire. Strongly marked or affected by sexual desire.”

The erotic writer writes in accordance to the definition.

Yes ladies… it is about the sex.

To take it a step further, erotic romance is about the sexual journey, not only for the characters, but for the reader, too.

A pretty definition for erotic romance might read, “A sexual journey between adults where romance is present, and the words are written to entice the reader to enjoy a sexual journey of their own.”

We won’t stop there, though. I did a little research to determine how “indefinable” this genre truly is.

I didn’t have to search very long. Publisher’s Weekly dedicated their most recent edition entirely to “Erotica.”

Included in this edition are a number of articles. I’d like to read a quote from one, if I may, right now:

Cindy Hwang, executive editor at Berkley is quoted as saying, “we’ve really seen the erotic romance take off. This isn’t to say these books aren’t as sexy as other erotica—just that there’s an emphasis on the character development and emotional connection between characters.”

Berkley, Kensington, Ellora’s Cave, Harlequin, NAL, Pocket Books- to name a few- book stores, readers, and writers have the ability to define and distinguish what erotica and erotic romances are.

Why can’t we?

To say there is no definable nature of erotic romance that separates it from a traditional romance is no different than suggesting that there is no need for a Romantic Suspense category.

Give us the opportunity to directly compete with our peers.

Give us a recognized voice.

We are not indefinable.

Erotice Romance pre-dates RWA and now we are here in a BIG way.

I ask you, as a board to revisit this topic, and to educate yourselves on the erotic romance romance genre, before making a concrete decision on this matter.

Thank you.

Well, folks, that was my speech and I’d like to thank:
- those who graciously applauded my efforts to be heard on this subject
- those who offered me such great support and kind words
- and those who offered debates in response too, for it is always enlightening to "see" the full spectrum of an issue.

I would also like to take a moment to address a few common comments that I did not allow for in my response for the board:

Erotic Romance varies by Publisher, so how can it be defined?

Publishers may prefer different heat levels, story length, or packaging, but in the end, in erotic romance – the story centers on the sexual journey with the intent to arouse the reader. I would hedge a bet that the editors of the publishing houses know exactly what they are publishing and why it falls in the erotic romance category.

Erotic Romance writers say it’s not about the sex.

I heard this from a few people, though, when I asked them, they admitted they do not write or read erotic romance and had heard this from a friend/critique partner/etc.

One thought I had was that perhaps they or their friend/critique partner/etc. possibly thought erotic romance was simple a romance with a few hot sex scenes to spice it up. (A common misconception.) I encouraged them to experiment a little and to read an erotic romance or two, then get back to me on whether their opinion is still the same… and of course, I gave them a list of some of my favorite erotic romance authors.

In closing of this post, I’d like to ask the same thing I asked of the group at nationals attending the meeting:

If you are a member of RWA, and you would like to see the erotic romance category added to the Golden Heart or RITA competition, please take the step to petition the board to re-address this matter.

A full list of board members and email address may be found here http://www.rwanational.org/cs/about_rwa/board_of_directors

Best Regards,
Barb

.

View from the 20th Floor

2007-07-21T23:17:00.000-05:00

As the famous saying attributed to Laotzu goes "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

So too began my journey in Dallas, with a single, wonderous view from our 20th floor hotel room.

Spectacular, aye?

I think downtown views are neato- even though I'm a country bumpkin now- the city still speaks to my soul.

On the way into the hotel, the very nice doorman asked me a little bit about writing and wanted to know where we find our inspiration for stories.

I think all he really needs to do is look at the view from the 20th floor, and he may understand.

What's your 20th floor view?

Write on, sisters, write on!

RWA Nationals - Kensington / Kate Duffy

2007-07-21T00:57:00.000-05:00

At a Session with Kate Duffy (Kensington,) I learned:

Quote "Get off the Internet and write books!!"

Writing Myth #1: After you sell the 1st book, your life is easy.

Truth: Not so. Sometimes the second sale can be harder than the first.

Writing Myth #2: Editors are over-paid with corner offices, and frequently have two-martini lunches.

Truth: The industry, as a whole, operates without a huge profit margin. This is a competitive market place for editors, as well.

Writing Myth #3: Grammar and Punctuation won't count. Someone will fix it for you.

Truth: First and foremost, the craft has to be there, including good grammar. If this is not a strength for you, get someone to help you fix it prior to submitting your work.

Writing Myth #4: Such and such (insert line) is not selling.

Truth: Don't believe anyone who isn't with a New York Publisher about what is and is not selling.

Focus on your book.
Focus on what you like to write.
Do not write to what you believe are trends.
There is no way to write yourself into publishing.

Writing Myth #5: Some secret is not talked about by authors and editors.

Truth: There is no secret. The only secret is there has to be a collaborative effort between writers and editors. There's no secret path to publication.

Writing Myth #6: Editors take advantage of you (ie: pick your pockets.)

Truth: It is not in the best interest of an editor who wishes to stay in the industry to do this. If you do not have an agent, it's in the editor's best interest, as well as yours, to help you and guide you.

Writing Myth #7: People don't buy books in the summer or December.

Truth: People buy books all year.

Other Info:

In regards to self-promotion: your best weapon is your book.
The cover, in particular, is very important.

The impact of e-publishing on a career is neither negative nor positive. It is taken by a case by case impression. It may be to your advantage as you may grow as a writer, develop a following, etc.

Delivering books on time is important. Do not miss your deadlines. Missing a deadline causes huge problems for the company.

In regards to editor response time:
No response is not necessarily a bad thing, it may mean your work has not been looked at yet. At Kensington, there is no committee meeting holding things up. Kate Duffy typically has a 6 month response time.

Submit your work one time to one editor. Do not submit to a different editor if your work has been rejected. That basically means it was not right for Kensington to begin with.

If you are asked to revise a work, then a contract should accompany it.

Make friends with a bookseller. Find people who can tell you if you are commercially competitive. Not people who are invested in your feelings like family and friends.

DO's and DON'Ts for AUTHORS:

Don't email a manuscript (unless requested to do so.)

Don't worry about your release date. (ie: the most lucrative release date is any one that Nora Roberts is not in!)

Do send in the full manuscript when you have it. Queries are not necessary. Editors care about the book, the more they see of the book, the better.

People who get published, it is inevitable, and editors are lucky to have them land on their desk.

Kate Duffy primarily accepts romance, mysteries, and thrillers. She says she reads 3-5 pages before she gives up reading a manuscript.

Special Note: In January 2008, every Barnes & Noble will have a Brava display!

.

RWA Nationals 2007 - State of the Industry

2007-07-17T23:07:00.000-05:00

At a “State of the Industry” workshop, I learned the following:

Industry trends are hard to predict as new technology continues to develop
Example: i Phone

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a hot topic in the publishing industry. The discussions regarding electronic publishing and having a standardized format are on the fore-front.

Technology dominates discussions on book industry changes. Publishers are spending mass dollars on digital avenues. Landscape of publishing is changing dramatically.

A caveat from the instructor “The only constant is change.”

The publishing industry will continue to change and evolve over time to meet the demands of readers and to keep up with the changing technologies.

Some interesting statistics in relation to how the book industry has already evolved and the impact of technology on the industry:

Sixty years ago there were 350 publishers producing 85,000 books annually.
Today, there are 70.000 publishers producing 175,000 books annually.

In the competitive landscape, editors no longer have time to languish on new authors. There is intense competition in the marketplace.

On a different technology front, the blogging industry is getting biger and bigger and more influential. Blogging is prominent now in the publishing world and one can only guess how it will develop, grow, and open up new opportunities in the future.

A few more stats from The Book Industry Study Group:

For 2006, publishing net revenues for all books = 35.68 Billion (this represents an increase over 2005) Estimates for 2011 = 41.84 Billion.

For 2006, Mass Market (most popular for Romance) net revenue = 1.89 Billion. Projections for 2011 = 2.2 Billion.

While the growth predictions are modest, the fact is, it is projected to grow.

Advice from speakers: “Write the best book possible.” “Be a smart, savvy promoter to give your book its best chance possible.”

The romance category represents 55% of paperback sales and 40% of all fiction sold.

Current top sellers in romance are Paranormal, Inspirational, and Erotica.
In the library world: Today’s library wants to grow the technology, but libraries are still widely known for housing print publications.

The Library Journal Magazine publishes a romance section six times a year. (aprox. 170 books reviewed.) In the past year, Historicals represented sixty of the 170 titles reviewed. 35 were Contemporary, 9 were Erotica, and 35 were Paranormals.

Libraries buy mainly through wholesalers, spending millions of dollars each year. They are definitely an audience and more and more publishers are recognizing the library as such.

A famous quote, “Libraries do not sell books, but they peddle them.”

Libraries maintain archives of books. A great place to find back lists. More and more libraries are developing websites with reader lists and search engines.

50% of library book budgets are spent on fiction. This is an increase, non-fiction title purchases used to be higher.

Fiction categories with the largest circulations are Mystery, Romance, and Christian Fiction. Growing in popularity are Multicultural, Urban Fiction, and Erotica.

Libraries love to sponsor book programs, talks, and other activities. Do not discount this avenue when exploring ways to gain readership.

I hope you find some, or all, of this information helpful to have. I'll continue to post learnings from the conference over the next few weeks.... Enjoy!

Hugs,
Barb

.

DART Escapades in Dallas

2007-07-17T00:26:00.000-05:00

[Names have been withheld here to protect the innocent LOL]

Lesson #1: When you are not a native of Dallas, and you decide to take the DART back to your hotel at night, it is best to check with the conductor to find out where exactly your train is going.

Lesson #2: When you ignore lesson number one and you (along with other confused passengers) embark upon your second train ride, singing songs like "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" will add a lively jovial note to your adventure-gone-astray. Pardon me boys...

Lesson #3: It works well and gains lots of attention from other weary passengers, who are also in need of a good chuckle, to keep up said music and merriment on the third train.

Lesson #4: Forty minutes later when you have arrived six blocks from your original starting point, you may decide, without question, that this is the most fun you'll have ever have for a buck!

To the best train riding mayhem buds in the business- these DART memories are for you!
.

RWA Nationals 2007

2007-07-17T00:24:00.000-05:00

Last week, I attended the Romance Writers Association National Conference in Dallas and I'll be sharing bits and pieces on my blog with you over the next few weeks.

Stay tuned for the fun!

Hugs,
Barb

.

Good news!

2007-07-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

The planets seemed to be aligned properly these days, for my career, at least!

Within the last week, writing as Anne Leland, I finaled in Opal Carew's Erotic Romance Contest www.opalcarew.com This is a wonderful opportunity as it opens the door for my new work in progress to have the attention of a great agent, and an editor at St. Martin's Press too. Lovely! Crossing fingers that this novel goes to press soon. I'll keep you posted!

Also, this past week, writing as Barb Webb, I contracted an article to apper in Country Woman Magazine. This is a huge thrill. Country Woman is one of my long-time favorites and I'm more than tickled to contribute to the content. Look for the article in the February/March issue of 2008.

May this be a wonderful writing month for you too!

.

Blackberries

2007-06-22T15:51:00.000-05:00

Today, my hands and arms are covered with tiny scratches and I'm still picking out thorns, but boy o' boy are my tastebuds happy!

All around our property we have hundreds of Blackberry bushes that have started to produce. What a sight, what fun, and what a great tasting fruit from nature's bounty.

Do you reward yourself with the fruits of your labor?

Take time to savor the taste of success- each victory that comes your way. They are precious and boy o' boy, do they taste great!

.

A new love- Derby Pie!

2007-05-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

Derby weekend arrived and I decided to bake up a treat to bring to our family gathering. After some research, and twisting of arms, I came to possess a fabulous recipe.

This pie is out-of-this-world good on flavor and I, proudly, received rave reviews :)

Enjoy it warm from the oven, but I suggest you let it cool overnight before enjoying- it gives all the ingredients a chance to truly mesh with each other and the result is divine!

KENTUCKY DERBY PIE

Ingredients:

2 Large Eggs1 Cup of Sugar
1/2 Cup of Unsalted Butter (melted)
2 Tablespoons of Bourbon (this is optional, but a "real" Derby pie has the Bourbon)
3 Tablespoons of Corn Starch
1 Cup of Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1 Cup of Chopped Pecans1 9-inch Pie Shell (Do not pre-bake shell)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, use a whisk to gently beat eggs (just mix them, do not let eggs get too frothy.) Add sugar a little at a time, whisking until sugar is fully blended with eggs.

Add melted butter and bourbon to egg/sugar mix. Whisk until blended. Add cornstarch, whisk until blended.

Add pecans and chocolate chips to mix. Use a spatula to stir until pecans and chips are evenly mixed in.

Pour mix into pie shell. Place pie on foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Cool for at least one hour prior to serving. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Some people like Derby pie cold, but it is also served warm. If you have left-over pie or wish to make the pie ahead of time, it will keep in the refrigerator for a week. When serving pie that has been refrigerated, warm slices in the microwave, or warm the entire pie in the oven at 350 degrees for fifteen minutes prior to serving.

Enjoy!

In the Midnight Hour

2007-04-27T01:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, at 2 a.m. when I plug away at a chapter, I have a vague sense of alone-ness.

I wonder how many other late owl writers there are out there.

Are you also isolated in the vision of your characters, leaving the real time of the world behind as you type each word lovingly on the page in hopes of passing the story to a welcome audience.

Or is that just the lack of sleep clawing at my brain?

Coffee!

2007-04-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

Coffee. Java. Jo. No matter what you call it, over 1/3rd of the world's population consumes it.

(Scary that I took the time to find that out. )

I love the stuff. Straight black for me. The aroma is intoxicating.

Do you stop to savor the experience? I used to gulp it down without much thought- other than I totally love the smell of a coffee house or walking in the kitchen right after a pot is brewed.

Now, I select a range of flavors to keep in my cupboard, use bottled water (yes, it does make a huge difference as to what water you use to brew!) and enjoy only one (sometimes two) cups a day.

It's one of my stolen pleasures- reliable, comforting, delicious, warm...bliss.

A dear friend of mine travels with her coffee maker. I totally love that!

We all need to keep our comforts close and take the time to treasure them.

Slow Going

2007-04-15T14:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I've officially avoided writing for the past few weeks, with the exception of an article or two. Life just got in the way.

Not that I'm particularly sad about paying attention to life.

It's the constant struggle between being in the now or being in the writing. I find that writing keeps calling at the oddest times and I feel writer's guilt when I do not pay attention to that pesty muse?

Does everyone feel the constant pull?

I do know one thing though, I will not look back at the end of the journey and be sad that I paid attention to life :)

Wacky Moments

2007-03-29T23:59:00.000-05:00

Tonight turned out to be a totally unexpected adventure in patience. A softball game that was supposed to last two hours, stretched out to five.

Why?

The visiting team's bus driver tried to turn around in a private gravel driveway and wound up sideways in a ditch instead.

You just gotta love life's unexpected events!

The teams are all snug in their beds now thanks to alternate transportation and the bus, yup, you guessed it, is still stuck in the ditch.

So, this got me to thinking about writing (of course!) and how many times our stories get stuck in the ditch.

How long should you stay there?

Do you give up and leave the bus sit or do you keep digging?

Do you get help? Can your helpers get you out of the ditch?

Or should you just leave the bus there and use it for a flowering pot...

I rather like that option, the bus may be the base in which you plant the seeds.

Ugh, Tax Time

2007-03-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I've procrastinated as long as possible... at least as long as I deem reasonable... and now it's time to file taxes.

Do you dread tax time as much as I do? Wouldn't it be wonderful to press a button and all the headache would be gone, filed neatly with a hefty return due to you?

Sigh... don't we wish?!

Today I am grateful for having an income when other's may not (unemployment bites, we had to face that last year!,) children who have a ball planting seeds in a garden that is less than perfectly tilled, bugspray, sunshine, and health :)

Ciao for now!
Barb

Sunshine!

2007-03-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

85 degrees here - absolutely lovely! I hope everyone is having fun in the sun today, we've certainly had our fill here.

Not getting a stitch of writing done, but we'll have a nice garden this year.

So today I am grateful for sunshine.

And neighbors, children playing the creek, picking daffadils for a friend, stolen moments with my hubby, garlic cheese bread, and four-wheel rides through the forest.

If you haven't yet, step outside and enjoy the sunshine!

Rainy Days and Fridays

2007-03-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

Actually the sun was shining today, but that goofy song was in my head...

Today, I'm grateful for the sunshine, for Oscar (even though he ate Little Fish,) for sleepy little ones who doze off in the cradle of your arm while watching Superman Returns, and for a first chapter edit that is looking pretty good.

Did I mention how much I hate edits? Why, oh why, can't every word just land itself in perfect prose on each page? Yeh, okay, I know... shud-up and do the work!

Work is a little more focused on me these days, though. I have decided to give up my "skinny" jeans (come on, do you really think I'm ever going to fit back in them?) BUT I am determined to put my health first and continue to whittle away some of my writing-related middle. Desk jobs really take a toll on your bod.

Are you with me? Anyone else out there on a health crusade?

Welcome Back to a New Blog

2007-03-23T23:49:00.000-05:00

Those of you who might have followed my blog in the past will note that the past is now gone.

I've made a decision to start anew this spring and have a blog that's not promotional based (though, don't worry, I'll still keep you up to speed with release dates!) but one that is more of a "this is who I am, I'd love to know more about you" blog.

So, what will follow throughout the days will be the random collective thoughts of my writing and life journey. I hope that you will participate with your own thoughts, questions, and ideas and together that we'll have a wonderful conversation!

Much love,
Barb