In The Company Of Writers
This past weekend, I had the great fortune to attend the Washington Romance Writer’s annual retreat in Harper’s Ferry, WV. This is a little different from the typical chapter conference, as it is less structured, more informal, more fun & intimate. The group essentially takes over this neat old hotel on the cliffs above Harper’s Ferry, and fills every room in it for a couple of days.
There were lots of bigwigs there. Nothing like sitting in a room with Nora Roberts, Pat Gaffney, Julia Quinn, Cathy Maxwell, Donna Kaufman, Lisa Gardener, Mary Jo Putney, Madeline Hunter, etc. etc. etc., to remind you that you’re a flea on the big dog of romance writing.
I was humbled.
I was also educated.
I learned some new stuff that I hadn’t heard before (or hadn’t heard in that way!) Some of the more interesting tidbits…
Nora can’t stand going more than a day or two between books. If she’s not writing, she’s not happy.
Lisa Gardener is just lovely. She sold her first book at age 20 and doesn’t look much older than that now!
Kate Duffy of Kensington is a total hoot and will say exactly what’s on her mind at any time. (She also talked a lot about author Jacqueline Frank who she thinks is fantastic. Anybody read her?)
Madeline Hunter knows a LOT about this business…and much of what she has learned has come from the mistakes she made along the way.
Julia Quinn owes me a dollar. 
(I lent her a buck to tip the bartender!)
Julia, Lisa and Madeline are all list-makers.
My roommate Sandy Moffett has tremendous basket luck, as do a few other people who won several of the amazingly fabulous raffle baskets. (I, on the other hand, won squat.)
Kathleen Gilles Seidel has brass cajones. Just sayin’…
Fried chicken can be very dry and baked chicken can be very greasy. And fish from Friday night made into fish stew for Saturday is just nasty. (FYI: The place we stayed has character and charm…but it ain’t exactly four star!)
Per Cathy Maxwell, of the 165,000 books published in 2006 (across all genres!) only the top 6% sold in the 5000-50,000 copy range. That meant every published romance author in the breakout session (a good 40 or so) was a member of that elite group, which was way cool!
All the editors except Kate Duffy seem tired of paranormal, and say readers are really tired of vampires. BUT they are interested in witches (Julie!) shapeshifters, water creatures, etc. And those books still sell very well. The theory is that it’s because it’s not “p.c.” anymore to have aggressive, uber alpha heroes, but if that uber alpha hero is a werewolf who just can’t help himself, the reader can just enjoy herself without feeling guilty.
Kate Duffy, however, said paranormals are great and successful because their authors are being wildly imaginative and fresh…and that contemporary romance is flat because their authors are not.
Hmm…
Lucia Macro of Avon talked about Anna Campbell’s book CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, which has appeared on a whole lot of message board discussions lately. That book seems to refute that whole “Avonization of romance” argument because it is very unlike the typical light Regency historical. (FYI: I got the book in my goody bag…mixed feelings on it, though not because of the “controversial” element. ‘Nuff said.)
Diana Peterfreund is especially luminous now that she’s engaged.
Editor Jen Enderlin of St. Martin’s was funny and fabulous and looks far too relaxed to have two babies!
Agent Jenny Bent is utterly adorable pregnant.
The editors all say writing to “trends” is, basically, stupid, because publishers don’t create trends. And that it is not the publishers who are demanding only Regency-era historicals with xyz plotlines, it’s just all the authors are giving them. They say they’re not publishing other things because authors aren’t submitting those types of things. They all sounded like they would love for a fabulous, juicy western to cross their desk.
What’s hot: non-vampire paranormals, romantic suspense—especially if they’re connected in a series, very sexy romance, inspirationals. What’s not: contemporaries. Oh joy.
And finally, a big, exciting announcement was made Sunday morning by the wonderful Michelle Buonfiglio who runs the Romance Buy The Book column & blog. She was approached by the Lifetime Network to bring romance fiction to the attention of Lifetime viewers (and vice versa!) So as of the end of June, Michelle’s column, reviews & blog will be hosted exclusively on the to-be-redesigned Lifetime website. Way cool, huh? The official announcement is being made today on Michelle’s site, so I’m not spilling any secrets. If you want to go congratulate her and the “Bellas”, here’s a link.
That’s about all I can remember. It was lots of fun and was very informative, but I have to say I really did feel like the best-selling, award-winning’est author who nobody’s ever heard of. There really is nothing like being in a room filled with superstars to put you in your place.
And to give you the motivation and drive to work hard to achieve what they have achieved!
Oh Leslie, how fun! It sounds like you had a great time. But you know what? I don’t think contemps ever go out of style. Just sayin’.
I love Michelle! I knew she had a secret and now I have to go congratulate her
Ev, isn’t this great news?!
Comment by Stacy ~ — April 30, 2007 @ 6:14 am
Les, YOU ARE SOMEBODY
You’re OUR body and don’t you forget it. You have your reader base and that WILL build when you start to focus on whatever new thing you sell. Focus not on this summer’s contemp but on the new things around the corner just waiting to be picked up by some very smart publisher out there!
Thanks for the writing info. You learned more than I did last year at the retreat! (Anybody remember my post on the same conference last year? I went to link to it and discovered it’s one where all the pics were accidentally deleted!) Anyway, good job note taking Les! :thumbsup2:
Comment by Carly — April 30, 2007 @ 6:26 am
CONGRATS to Michelle!!!!! :cocktail:
Comment by Carly — April 30, 2007 @ 6:26 am
Stacy- I am not sure if it is a great thing. I will reserve judgement until I see how it plays out. I will probably add more to the RBTB later. I really have to think on this.:cry:
Leslie- I will have to pass on the comment about La Nora at work. One guy constantly mumbles that she needs to slow down, there are just so many books.
I am in line with Kate Duffy. I like my vamps. I like the uber alpha hereos and who says only guys can be uber alpha? Weres, witches and most other things are ok too, except I just can’t get into water creatures for some reason. Go figure.
Anna Campbell just paid a visit with the Bellas last week to discuss the book. very interesting comments from us and her if anyone is interested.
Comment by ev — April 30, 2007 @ 7:49 am
My head is spinning.
Between the information from Sat. blog and this information I just don’t think I can take it all in. (Maybe I’m on information overload because I’m finally having to read the “brain book” I got for my son and I really don’t care about neuronets/ions/protons/croutons (lol) but I gotta read it and my brain is jumbled.)
Leslie, I know how you feel when you say you were humbled. I used to sell PartyLite candles and one year I earned a free trip for hubby and me to Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. There were only 2 of us from all of East. NC that earned it and I was really proud. Then I got there.
Let’s just say I wasn’t on the top floor!
But Carly’s right. Those who do know you love your books and you make us smile with every post you make.
Comment by Jodie — April 30, 2007 @ 8:13 am
Leslie….don’t worry…you are popular around here! In fact, all of you are popular around here (why else would we hang out here?). If I was a writer (which I am not, nor do I aspire to), I would be happy if my public loved me (which we do).
Comment by katie — April 30, 2007 @ 9:42 am
Listen to Katie!
In my opinion, having everyone “know” you in a professional situation is highly overrated. With “knowing” come expectations and with expectations comes pressure. I’m sure you made a fabulous first impression on all the new people you met and that’s all that matters.
I remember very, very well about ten years ago when people would ask about romance novels and I’d mention Nora and NOBODY knew who she was. She wasn’t a household name by any stretch–that title belonged only to Danielle Steel. Look how much things have changed. Now I’m defending Nora’s honor on airplane trips to California with perfect strangers. (Did I tell that story?)
Funny thing is, now I mention such writers as Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Lori Foster–industry giants with amazing success–and nobody outside of romance readers know who they are. They only know Nora…and Danielle Steel.
I guess my point is…you’ll always be somebody to somebody and nobody to a lot more somebodies…better to focus on the people who know you and love you and therefore, who count.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 30, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Personally I don’t think contemporary romance ever goes out of style. Not to say other styles are just as good, but I started with contemoprary and still look to that style first. Leslie- we all love you and I agree with Julie, 10 years ago I didn’t really know any big names in romance beside Danielle Steel. Luckily I found all the plotmonkeys and others authors to enjoy as each new book comes out(Thanks for She’s no Angel, I got it on Friday).
Comment by Liza — April 30, 2007 @ 10:07 am
Ditto on what Carly and Julie said. We’re all SOMEBODY to someone! (this from someone who was accused of being a NOBODY by someone right to my face!
)
Leslie — I love all the information and tidbits you brought back with you and shared with us. Interesting stuff!!!
Comment by Janelle — April 30, 2007 @ 10:53 am
Awww, thanks guys, I appreciate it! Honestly, it was more of a challenge than a put-down, just made me reralize how far I have to go!
I was more depressed about the general apathy toward contemporary romance. I was really hoping that was swinging back around!
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 10:59 am
It was so great to see you, too, Leslie! And remember, don’t hate me ’cause I’m …luminous…
Seriously, though, I think it’s like any trend, and I heard a lot in favor of contemp romance. Remember what Nora Roberts said on Sunday…
I’m so excited to see what you do next!
Comment by Diana — April 30, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Glad you had a good time, Leslie! The contemporary romance will always be in with me.
Comment by Susan — April 30, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Shall I rub it in that in just a few weeks, I get to see Diana’s wedding dress? I’m bribing her with lunch and :cocktail:
Comment by Julie Leto — April 30, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
Leslie, Echoing others, you are OUR SOMEBODY. Thanks for all the interesting info. Frankly, other than you, I don’t read any of those authors (though, I love Nora for standing up for injustice for Romance writing, which she has shown in many instances). The small percentage of ‘06 sales over 5,000 is really staggering, & stuns me.
I’d like to comment on what I hear from readers I know who read books in the 100s, & have 100 more on their TBRs. As you may remember, I was recently at Celebrate Romance ‘07 in K.C. It was a terrific con, with lots of passion & enthusiasm, & the writers & readers all seemed to have a great time. Along with this event is an “Advanced Trade”, where the readers request books they can’t locate, others locate them, & for each found for someone, she owes another, though, not necessarily to the same person. I love participating, because, I always discover a new author from a book I find for someone else (last year, discovered Kathryn Shay, have all her backlist, & she’s now one of my fave authors). Also, I am a huge lover of library sales & UBSs, but, not to buy newer books of authors (got to support my faves by buying their new), just OOPs.
Here’s what I see & hear:
1. Not many of us are into paranormals.
2. We’re still lovers of the traditional Regencies: several ONLY read these in spite of not being published any more.
3. We still read & love Category–I call mine, my “middle of the night” books: Blazes, HSRs & SSEs (which has absorbed the non-suspense SIM authors). While reading all over they are not selling, my experience is that this is still THE most busy part of UBSs.
4. Everyone loves/buys SEP’s funny Contemps, so, SOMEONE has to be reading this genre. (However, I think Chick Lit [which was never my interest] is not “in” now–guess expensive shoes are no longer interesting–LOL.)
5. We all love erotic romance, i.e., hot books, but, not Erotica.
In 6 years, since retiring, I’ve read about 1,000 books. Others at CR read likewise. I can’t believe we are unique in what we like, but, somehow, the “in-the-knows” don’t publish for us. While not my genre, RS does seem to be popular. I was extremely impressed with Jo Leigh’s latest quartet of RS Blazes, where the stories continued on into the next book, while keeping the relationships in each book intact & front & center. It was clear how difficult those were to write, & she did a great job with them.
Sorry to run on, but, bottom line [JMO], I think writers should write stories for which they feel passion, & do best. I continue to feel that readers love & respect the passion those stories show, & good writing tells, & sells. Hope I’m right.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 30, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
Let’s say it all together now, Patricia…”not many of us are into paranormals…EXCEPT FOR JULIE LETO’S”
Rinse and repeat.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 30, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
Julie, So true–LOL!
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 30, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Hi Leslie:
Cool story Leslie. Thanks for the information. Now maybe I can find someone that wants my Magic trilogy.
Julie - I to plan to buy your book. When will it be released?
Take care………….Wayne
Comment by Wayne (aka Trybble) — April 30, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Patricia–wow, thanks for all the insight! I really would like to go to CR sometime. I think it would probably be a little more upbeat.
And Julie–I saw pics of Diana’s dress…just gorgeous! And she’s going to be gorgeous in it.
Wayne, “Magic” seems very in. Just don’t have any magical vampires. :o
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Thanks, Wayne…my first paranormals come out from Blaze in August and Harlequin in September. My series for NAL launches in April 2008.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 30, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
Leslie - it sounds like you had a great time. You may have been among the “greats” but we think you are just as great here. :love2: Besides you got to sit with Nora!!! And a bunch of others that are tops in our business. There are lots of published and unpublished who can not say that.
Now, if you would like me to I can be your paparazzi at Nationals. I’ll just flash away where ever you are (well, almost where ever you are
).
Comment by Vicki — April 30, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
I need a translator
I know there is important information in Patricia’s post but I don’t understand.
What do the following stand for and then I can go back and re-read
“HSRs & SSEs (which has absorbed the non-suspense SIM authors”
“THE most busy part of UBSs.”
“Everyone loves/buys SEP’s ”
“RS does seem to be popular”
I’m sorry ya’ll. Thanks for getting me enlightened.
Comment by Jodie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Leslie,
I love Harper’s Ferry. My best friend lives there. Did you tour the town? Just wondering.:love2:
I think you are the best. I was reading my book I won this weekend and had an ah ha moment. I was like wow! I blog with this author. I was just in awe that all of you plotmonkeys respond to us and I felt very “honored” that you take the time to spend with us.
So, you are a top :doggie:. Go howl at the moon.
Comment by Debbie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Leslie, If CR can continue next year, it’ll be on the East Coast, so, would love to see you there. I think you’d love it.
Forgot to mention that most of CR’s readers are in the 30-50 YO range.
Michelle, Great news about your site’s tie-in to Lifetime TV! That should be good news for ALL Romance writers, as well as the readers. Thanks, undoubtedly, to Nora’s movies-for-TV, which Nielsens must have done well.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 30, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Jodie, Sorry for the abbreviations. Try to not take up too much space on the blog.
“HSRs & SSEs (which has absorbed the non-suspense SIM authors” - HSR = Harlequin Super Romances; SSEs = Silhouette Special Editions; SIM = Silhouette Intimate Moments (now, defunct).
“THE most busy part of UBSs.” UBSs= used book stores
“Everyone loves/buys SEP’s ” = Susan Elizabeth Phillips
“RS does seem to be popular” = romantic suspense
Anything else, let me know.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 30, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
Hi Plotmonkeys,
Leslie, you are “somebody” in my book! Since first reading your Temptations I have loved your books, keep up the good work. Your humor is always makes me laugh & I love that in my romances.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the retreat. Paranormals are not something I would seek out but I have read ones by favorite authors & enjoyed them. I guess I like the contemporary romances or romance/suspense best but try to keep an open mind & read other books that sound interesting. My list of auto-buy authors is large & grows so I do read a variety.
Wayne, magic??
Comment by Donna M — April 30, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
Cool - got it now. Thanks!
Comment by Jodie — April 30, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
Oh, Patricia, chick lit’s not about shoes! Even the ones that SEEM like they are about shoes — Like Jennifer Weiner’s excellent IN HER SHOES — are really nuanced examinations of love and growth and the sisterly bond. My main character happens to HATE high heels, and spends most of her time in a beat up pair of yellow Chuck Taylors…
Off my
now…
Comment by Diana — April 30, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Leslie, sounds like you had a great time. And as far as being surrounded by superstars, I can’t add much to the great wisdom already spoken here. You and the other PlotMonkeys are definitely “someone” in my book, as much for your writing talent as just being genuinely good people. And as far as the craft, I’ve read more of your books lately than I’ve read Nora, and have never craked open a Danielle Steele in my life. So there.
Comment by Lori Borrill — April 30, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Diana, Somehow, I can’t access your link, so, if you’re the Diana getting married, hope you have a wonderful life together!
Sorry that I didn’t express myself well with my comment about expensive shoes in Chick Lit. It was not my intention to categorize ALL of anything in Chick Lit books (or any other genre). What I meant was that, from what it appeared, as far as the CR Book Trade readers & its participants there, that genre was not one that appeared to be read a great deal. I love Contemps & hope all of them do well. I hate when it appears that any one genre becomes “in” & knocks another completely off the shelves. There’s room for all.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 30, 2007 @ 2:55 pm
Vicki…no flashbulbs my way, please, not until I lose at least 30 lbs…lolol! (PS: Unfortunately, I won’t be at Nationals in Dallas this year. Wah!)
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Jodie–looks like you already got your questions answered so I won’t repeat! Can get confusing, I know.
And Debbie–I actually live less than 1/2 hour away from there, so I have been down quite a few times. i really want to go back in July–the hotel we stayed at has “murder weekends” where you come and participate in a murder party throughout your stay. Sounds like lots of fun–hubby and I really get into that stuff!
And I am so glad you’re enjoying the book–I sent you Naturally Naughty, didn’t I? My first Blaze…I really had fun with the “toys” in that book. :o
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Patricia–I’ll definitely keep my eyes/ears open for info on it. I’ve been hearing about it for years!
And Donna, thanks so much…I really do appreciate it, not just here but also the support at eHarlequin! The readers book blogs there (you too Wayne!) really can make my day!
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Thanks Lori…I’m a firm believer in karma. Reaping what you sow, whatever you want to call it.
I’m just hoping I’ll reap before I’m in my eighties.
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
Sorry, Patricia, I think the link is fixed now. Yep, that’s me.
Getting married this fall, and I bored everyone at the conference with wedding talk! 
I’m sorry if I jumped on the soapbox too soon. the “it’s all about expensive shoes” comment is to chick lit the way “bodice rippers” is to romance, and I’m definitely a bit defensive about it.
I guess it’s not a popular genre at a romance convention because it’s not romance?
I also love contemp romance.
Comment by Diana — April 30, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Patricia–I gotcha. All things are good in moderation. I think that’s why the vampire thing is ending, there was just too much of it. Everybody jumped on board and flooded the shelves with it, which, I think, is what happened with the “single-girl-in-the-city” chick lit books.
For the record, the luminous & engaged Diana (Peterfreund) writes more “college girl” lit than chick lit. I really loved her first book, Secret Society Girl. An inside look at secret societies on an ivy league school campus. And WOO HOO–I got an ARC of the sequel this weekend!! Thanks again Diana!!!
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Leslie,
That is the book. I am really enjoying it, haven’t been able to read quite as much as I like but a chapter a bath is ok. That way I can enjoy it longer.
In case I forgot–Thank you so much! Great Choice.
Also, that murder thing sounds great! Hope you enjoy it.
Comment by Debbie — April 30, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
Julie, One more comment, as far as you writing paranormals, the difference is that you always WANTED to write paranormals. What bothers me is that writers, who write ____________ best, now feel they HAVE to write paranormals in order to sell. As I said, I think writers should just write good stories in the particular genre in which they want to write.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 30, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Patricia, I can’t disagree with you…but I do think that perhaps some authors have always wanted to write paranormals and just haven’t had a chance until now. I mean…just because I’ve trumpeted my love of the subgenre doesn’t mean I’m the only one. But I do appreciate your point…that bandwagon thing will haunt me, too, I’m sure…even though I published my first paranormal (of which Harlequin printed about 10 copies) back in 2004. And the book I’m finishing up now for NAL was originally conceived in the 90s! Only Plotmonkey readers know all the details!
Comment by Julie Leto — April 30, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Wow. Great discussion today. All of the PlotMonkeys are someone in my book! :love2:
Comment by Lynn Matherly — April 30, 2007 @ 5:18 pm
Thanks for the insights - it’s almost like being there - well, okay, not quite - but still very insightful lol.
Comment by catslady — April 30, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
Comment by katie — April 30, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
I’ve read several times that you shouldn’t chase the trends, just write what you feel. And that’s a good thing for me, because at the rate I’m going of 1 book every 3 1/2 years the trends will cycle through several times.
Comment by Jodie — April 30, 2007 @ 5:31 pm
Hi, Leslie and the rest of you cheeky PlotMonkeys! The WRW retreat was wonderful, like no other in the country. Not just the atmosphere of Harper’s Ferry — I was lucky enough to tour the town for a little while, and it was very moving to feel the history (and buy stuff) — but the goodwill and support among the attendees make the event incredibly nourishing, as well as a real hoot.
I thought Leslie *was* a luminary, so I was surprised to hear her inform us differently here. She was another of the stellar list of published authors who attend the event with aspiring authors. There was inspiration to be had from all the keynote speakers, and I found much of it really relevant to the move I’ll be making to LifetimeTV.com in late June.
I do hope what I’ll be doing at LifetimeTV.com will benefit romance readers and authors, and that we’ll have a ball doing it while meeting new friends among the Lifetime viewers. And, believe me, I was thrilled Nora’s movies were airing at the same time we were wrapping up the agreement for Romance: B(u)y the Book’s move.
I’ve felt for a while that romance fiction’s been at a “tipping point” at which the general public will soon have the opportunity, if not to embrace it, than to understand there’s more to romance fiction than they like to joke about. I’m hoping my work with LifetimeTV.com — with your help, of course –might even help make it hip for a while.
But the coolest thing is, Lifetime viewers and online audiences are just like us: they enjoy entertainment that speaks to our emotions, gives us satisfying HEAs, if you will. They also know what it’s like to feel sheepish as they say, “I like to watch Lifetime Television,” the way some romance readers do, too.
Do I think bringing romance fiction to LifetimeTV.com will change the perception some folks have of the books we love to read and write? Not sure. But it gives us a heck of a large audience to present our fun side of the story to, and I have every intention of continuing the party we have every day at places like PlotMonkeys and RBtheBook/Blog, and doing it in the respectful way I’ve been doing all along.
Thanks again, Leslie, for telling your friends the great news, and thanks everyone for being as happy as I am about it. I hope you’ll join us there when everything begins late June.
Michelle:love2:
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — April 30, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
ugh. Was my comment really that long? Please feel free to pummel me with angry smileys, or the frying pan guy.
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — April 30, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
Michelle, I am THRILLED FOR YOU and extremely excited that Nora’s movies were not only wonderfully made, but had great ratings. I do think it bodes well for romance. And I think you’re the perfect spokesperson…so yeah, you!
And you may post long or short here anytime, you know that!!!
Comment by Julie Leto — April 30, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Leslie - You are a superstar!
Comment by Carol R — April 30, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
Oh leslie,
I’ve heard of Nora Roberts and maybe one other.
Never read her.
Shame on me, I think not.
I have a top twelve list and not one of those gals is on it.
Now you on the other hand are on my top twelve.
So now who feels special.
Yeah, Plotmonkeys.
I’m not saying they aren’t good writers but just how many books can a
little old working gal read. So had I been at that place you woud have
been the only one I’d known anything about. Here’s to you :cocktail:
I am glad you had fun
and learned new things about what you do.
Learning is always a good thing.
:love2::kiss::love2::kiss::love2:
Comment by jeannie — April 30, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
Hi Leslie
Thanks for sharing your story and sounds like you had a good time.
Your are someone to us PlotMonkeys
Comment by Cherylann — April 30, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
Congrats Michelle
Comment by Cherylann — April 30, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
Leslie I always knew you were somebody.
I have always said you would be big. 
Kate Duffy is awesome, I have emailed with her for years but actually met her in person in the elevator in Atlanta last year, we talked for five minutes, I didn’t even know who she was at first. She was checking out and she said she was leaving the conference that day and I asked her if she was a writer and she said no and introduced herself and I said Oh my gosh hi, and told her who I was and she seemed happy to meet me.
Sorry I didn’t reply sooner but have been doing a lot of catching up. Got sick at work Friday (I am ok now had stomach bug) and spent most of weekend laying around, napping or playing Sims.
Barb
Comment by BadBarb — April 30, 2007 @ 8:35 pm
Jeannie… :love2::love2::love2::love2::love2::love2:
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 8:40 pm
Michelle–CONGRATS AGAIN! I am so happy for you and the Bellas. It’ll be great for you all, great for the industry, and Lifetime is very lucky (and smart) to recognize the importance of romance fiction–and romance readers!
Please feel free to leave long comments any old time.
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
Carol… :love2::love2::love2: to you too!
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
More :love2::love2::love2: to Cherylann and Barb.
And everyone else! You guys have all made me feel so very special and appreciated today and I REALLY appreciate it!!!
Sorry if I sounded whiny…
But thanks for cheering me up, anyway!
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
Wow, Leslie. You must sort of feel like George Bailey at the end of It’s A Wonderful Life. What an outpouring of support! Not that I’m surprised. The posters here have always made good “townfolk”. :P
Comment by Lori Borrill — April 30, 2007 @ 8:50 pm
Yep. The richest monkey in town.
Comment by Leslie — April 30, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
Thank you Leslie for the great information on the retreat & a belated thank you for She Drives Me Crazy! I actually mananged to hide it from the book thief in my house.
And Congrats Michelle! 
Comment by Yolanda — April 30, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
[...] After googling the word “Avonization”, this tidbit from Plot Monkeys in particular caught my eye: The editors all say writing to “trends” is, basically, stupid, because publishers don’t create trends. And that it is not the publishers who are demanding only Regency-era historicals with xyz plotlines, it’s just all the authors are giving them. They say they’re not publishing other things because authors aren’t submitting those types of things. They all sounded like they would love for a fabulous, juicy western to cross their desk. [...]
Pingback by Julia Quinn wants to do away with the term”Avonization” « Reading While Black — July 23, 2007 @ 4:11 pm