Sorry this went up late…I had it all written and then messed up the date. Sorry!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I was in Atlanta. I have pictures to prove it.
Okay, not this one…
…but this one!
Because this has been such an exhausting year for me, I made the hard choice to make myself rather scarce except during official “appearances” or scheduled meetings. The rest of the time, I was in the room chilling out, working or well, working. Work is not stressful for me. I love to work when it’s writing we’re talking about. So I’m really sorry if I missed meeting anyone…I honestly was protecting my health and mostly–my sanity.
RWA can drive you crazy. Anyone who has been there knows this. Since I long passed crazy and went into insane about March or April of this past year, I didn’t want to risk someone in a white coat actually finding me and dragging me off to a padded cell where I belong. Luckily, I got to meet plenty of wonderful readers when I was out and about…big hugs to Stacy…but lots of others, too. One particular woman was a huge Marisela fan and though she talked too quickly for me to get her name, I totally enjoyed seeing her. (Very petite, short curly hair, absolutely adorable…who are you?)
I was at the Literacy Signing from the start time until just before 7:30, when I had to leave to meet with my agent. We went to this uber-funky restaurant called Two Urban Licks. We had mojitos, but I’m not sure that they had much rum because I drank two and felt zip…and trust me, as much as I love to drink, I’m a relative lightweight who feels her booze pretty quickly (as all the plotmonkeys will testify to!) However, this place was tres-hip, and I loved the whole experience yet again.
I also did the Pocket Signing on Friday where I have to say I was both excited and dishearted that 48 people had never read DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, the book from last year that I was giving away again this year. Okay, 46. Two people had read the first book and were getting copies for friends. But excitement set in quickly after (did I mention writers are neurotic?) when I realized that maybe those 46 new readers will buy DIRTY LITTLE LIES when it comes out next month. Everyone at the Pocket signing received a cool, four-color brochure/excerpt from the book, a beautiful bookmark and a silver packet of cinnamon red hots that said “She’s red hot and she’s back! Readmarisela.com.” Those went over very well…and I’ll soon be making the whole package of goodies available to Plotmonkey readers if there is any interest.
I was also at the Blaze party, where my cover for THE DOMINO EFFECT was used to top the cake, though they changed the name of the book and the author. Here’s a pic Janelle took…the marzipan broke by the time it was removed from the cake, but it was cool anyway.
The highlight of my week, not surprisingly, is the time we spent in the room working together. We’d never attempted to plot at an RWA conference, though we had tried in NYC at RT and it simply didn’t work. Of course, we’ve gotten much better at the process now. And knowing that I wanted this time most of all, during my shopping spree before the conference, I found these adorable Bobby Jack pajama bottoms that I had to buy for my monkey sisters!
Most fun of all was matching them to our personalities. I bought the “100% Mischeivous” ones for me. Janelle’s have the naughty double-entendre. Carly’s show the monkeys napping. Leslie’s say “Here Comes Trouble.” They were the perfect uniform to wear when working (even when Leslie stole mine to wear to the eHarlequin pajama party…LOL!)
And this is what we look like when we work:
We lounge. We drink (that’s caffeine free diet coke by me…we don’t drink hard stuff if the books actually have to make sense) and we record the sessions, too. Take notes. Laugh. A LOT. Good times.
In the spirit of Leslie’s post with screw-ups, I must mention mine. Look at these two pictures. What is different?
I’m not in the first picture. Imagine…I go to the Harlequin party specifically to get my coveted 25 book pin and then they announce my name and I’M NOT THERE. No, I wasn’t in the bathroom. I was just outside the ballroom, taking pictures of my friend Carmen Green and her friends. I haven’t seen Carm in a long time, so chit-chatting was involved. I still don’t remember who grabbed me and yanked me back into the ballroom, but I’m very glad they did. It might have been Carly. I’m almost sure it was.
And yes, the red dress was a big hit (even if my bra strap is showing…trust me, most of my mishaps for the week involved lingerie and cleavage. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.)
All in all, the week was utterly marvelous. Kudos to the staff of the Marriott who were phenomenal. (Rumor has it that some native New Yorkers–Carly excluded–complained mightily about the pace of the workers in Atlanta…uh, welcome to the South, ladies.) 
I found everyone completely delightful, friendly and accommodating.
I left as the other plotmonkeys…refreshed and raring to get to work. We plotted my third Marisela book…and probably the only tense moment of the conference was realizing in no uncertain terms that that book might not make it to contract if the second book, DIRTY LITTLE LIES, didn’t do well. So, the pressure is on. But you know what? I’ve done all I can…I wrote what I think is an excellent book. I’ve done a ton of promotion. Now, it’s up to the readers!
Today, to top off my conference experience, I learned that RT Bookreview (who knew they’d changed their name again?) agreed that the book is good. If you don’t mind a little blatant self-promotion, here’s a quote:
Leto jumps in with both feet in her latest entry in the Marisela Morales series. The heroine is sassy, saucy and sexy, and the book sizzles. Leto’s style is fast, breezy and loaded with tension. She’s created a complex plot that’s executed with precision. Her characters have no middle ground and are worth a second look. Plus, Boston makes a wonderful backdrop.
It’s enough to make a girl blush.
Most of all, I’m glad to be home. Now…off to write!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Hey, Julie! It was great to see you and the other Plot Monkeys in Atlanta. And thanks for the great suggestions you made to me and my Wenchly buddy, Pat Rice.
Also–CONGRATULATIONS on the HQ 25 book pin! To have one book publishied is amazing. To have 25 published shows a rare blend of professionalism and talent. (The longer I’m in this business, the more I appreciate that it takes an unusual blend of traits to build a long term career in writing.)
It was a lovely conference, perhaps because I also avoided the big events. Until next time!
Mary Jo
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I’m sure Dirty Little Lies will do great! I can’t wait for it.
And you look gorgeous in the pictures.
Can’t wait for your interview to go up. :)
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Your dress looks good (after all of that shopping, I am glad it worked out). Sounds like you had fun, too.
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Yes, Julie and I were the buxom ones this conference, I think. I’m still cringing over that tight black dress! Julie, I MUCH preferred your red one. you were beautiful.
And didn’t you know, making a late entrance and striding across the ballroom with the crowd parting for you like the red sea is one way to make sure you stand out?
And Mary Jo! How cool to see you here! I visited Word Wenches as soon as I got home and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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I can’t wait for DIRTY LITTLE LIES and to all those who haven’t read DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, you’re missing out on a great book.:thumbsup2: Julie and the other plotmonkeys may have been hibernating at the conference, but I saw them several times.
I also was at the workshop that Julie, Leslie and Brenda Chin gave and it was very helpful, especially when they started talking about Blaze. My current wip is targeted toward that line. :)
PS…I’ve been loving the plotmonkey conference stories. Definitely a great conference. As for the hotel, you did have to watch for stuff falling from above, while the staff was great.
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So great to have you back Julie (and the rest of the plotmonkeys as well). I’m really glad that you decided to take care of yourself at nationals.
Congratulations on the 25 pin.
And no need to worry about the Dirty Little Lies. I can’t wait for it to come out and I’ve told everyone that I know about it.
I’ve loved reading everyones tales of nationals and can’t wait for Saturday to hear it live.
I would have loved to be there to see everyone signing their books.
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Welcome back Julie, don’t worry about your next book “Dirty Little Lies” you have an amazing group of people here. And I for one will be mentioning it on any board I visit and post on. Not to mention talking about it with, my sister and family members who are also avid readers. Consider it like your own personal “street team” something local bands use quite frequently to get the word spread about upcoming concerts etc… people LOVE to help out when they are a fan of someones work, weather it be an author, band, or actor.
I actually do it for all the plotmonkeys books I read. And I haven’t read one I didn’t like so why not share the wealth with other readers?!
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Now I don’t feel so bad for missing out on so much conference stuff! I was looking over the workshop and pan agendas on the way home and felt like a major dummy because I hadn’t gone to hardly anything. I did go to the luncheon with Meg Cabot and loved it. She’s so colorful. It was so wonderful to see everyone!!!! And I can’t wait for Julie’s new Marisela book. I’ve already ordered a copy on Amazon. To all the plotmonkeys, you guys so totally rock. You’re sweet and gracious and I always love seeing you all!
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OK. Let me tell you about Julie Leto. We were at a swank but warm little breakfast shindig given by her publicist, Nancy Berland. And Julie wanted to make sure I wasn’t feeling out of place, so she came over and guided me toward the buffet and made sure I had a plate.
Now, I always do stuff like that for people, but not everyone does, and I told her so. She was all like, well, I’m Italian, Michelle. But it was more than that. She’s just a nice person. Like her buddy, Carly, who made sure I got the cutest little puppy with a darling little “Cross My Heart” heart necklace. For me, not the puppy.
So, thanks, Julie. And congrats, you deserve everything good that comes your way.:love2:
Michelle from Romance: B(u)y the Book
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Sounds as if you also had a great time in Atlanta.
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Leslie, I hope you don’t mind, but I HAD to blog you a bit. Your post on July 10th had me cracking up for hours. :happy2:
Julie, looking forward to more of Ms. Morales’ adventures!!!
All the photos you ladies have posted are wonderful.
best…
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Congrats on the 25 book pin! I love hearing the stories from the RWA’s, it them coming.
Julie – Dirty Little Lies is going to do great! I can’t wait to meet you on Saturday at the book signing.
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OOPS! I meant keep them coming and Saturday at the TARA signing.
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Congratulations on your 25 book pin. I really love all the stories that you are sharing from the Conference. Thank you all for sharing……..and for the pictures……….:D
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Julie & Leslie,
Congrats to you both on your 25-book pins. That’s a wonderful milestone!
Thanks to all of you for sharing all (well, those you can share) of your RWA photos & happenings (Leslie, yours are always memorable, but, the “keys left in the house” is still my fave—LOL).
Patricia A.
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Wow Julie, what a gorgeous red dress! Congrats on the pin and the RT review!
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Hi Julie,
Sounds like you a a good time in Atlanta also in between your resting.
Love the pj bottoms:thumbsup2:
Well I went to Borders last Friday and I guess I was a little over excied about getting DIRTY LITTLE LIES because when I looked it up on the computer there it said NOT RELEASED YET:doh::cry:. I have to confess I haven’t read Dirty Little Secrets, but am going to buy it when Dirty Little Lies comes out:
I would definetly be interested in your package of goodies:thumbsup2:
Cherylann
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Hi guys and welcome back!! It sounds like everyone had a blast. Maybe someday…
If you want to see more pics of some of our favorite plotmonkeys they have them on the Access Romance page. Janelle, Julie and Carly are there.
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Great stories from RWA Julie, thanks for sharing. :) The picture of the 4 of you all dressed up is great, you all look wonderful.
I love all the pictures.
Julie & Leslie, Congratulations on 25 books each for Harlequin. Keep up the good work.
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Congrats on the 25 book pin!!!! Wow.
I definitely would be interested in the goody package; love red hots.
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Julie, I loved DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS and I can’t wait for DIRTY LITTLE LIES. I’m sure it will do just great! Love the PJs – they are adorable!
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:wave:
Hey Julie! I think I was the petite curly haired nut job, I mean Marisela fan. Yes, I still go to the bookstore hoping that they’ll put DLL out early. I hope I didn’t scare you with my “appreciation.”