RWA Conference 2008

Yep, that's Nora Roberts in the background...signing one of her amazing books before taking the podium to wow a room full of authors who would love to join her on NY Bestsellers list! Her no-nonsense approach to writing is what gets the job done! Nora Roberts is not only a mega talent, she has a great personality and is a very gracious person. www.noraroberts.com/

Right: Romantic Suspense author Allison Brennan...another top of the list sweetheart (from our "Sacramento Valley Rose" chapter www.allisonbrennan.com ), with my friend Donna Benedict who is writing a fantastic romantic suspense, titled "Charades" . Attending workshops all day proved to be exhausting, but we learned from the pros.

Blake Snyder- very tall and very FUNNY! Great Workshop on plotting, log lines and pitching..."Save the Cat" a must read. http://www.blakesnyder.com/ Blake's beat sheet was used as a guideline for a short film I recently worked on. http://www.remembermefilm.com/ (My thanks to Babz Bitella who spoke highly of his books in her workshop at Borders )


Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark -former Miss Chicago ( My home town...small world) and actress, profiles serial killers, mass murderers and rapists. Do you know the difference between a "psychopath" and a "sociopath?" Thanks to Dr. Clark, I'll know one when I see one! Watch out boys... http://www.cynthialeaclark.com/

Check back for more photos from the 2008 RWA Conference. Feeling inspired, I write...
From the Diary of James W. Franklin - August 25, 1947 -San Fransisco - The weather, bitter cold for August, mirrors my deepest need. Here, against my will, I face my destiny. Exactly one year since my last visit, I remind myself, while fumbling the lock to room 1545. Pushing my way past redemption, my excitement supersedes my good sense. Tossing the key on the bed, I inspect the room, making sure indeed, there is no one to witness my insanity. Alone, I listen for her return... "Come to me," she coos. My heart leaps in wild anticipation. There, in the window, she is barely an image... "Where have you been?" she demands in a deep, seductive voice. "I've missed you so..." Her words hiss in my ears. I feel the prick of her fangs as I press my body against the glass, "Oh my love," I hear myself say, no longer in my right mind, "I've missed you too..."

Congratulations to Sacramento Valley Rose -Brenda Novak - "Watch Me" now on NY Bestsellers list. How deserving! http://www.brendanovak.com/ Check out Brenda's on-line auction, supporting diabetes research! http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/

Below: "Sacramento Valley Rose" reception Thrusday night.

It was great chatting with authors from our chapter!
These ladies know how to have fun!

Jordan Dane http://www.jordandane.com/ and CJ Lyons http://www.cjlyons.net/ shared tips on how to write Romantic Suspense! Joined by editor Lucia Macro and author Cindy Gerard http://www.cindygerard.com/ - One of my favorite workshops.

Right: Heather Graham http://www.eheathergraham.com/

Left: Alexandra Sokoloff http://www.alexandrasokoloff.com/
talked about things that "go bump" in the night...If you want to learn more about writing Paranormal Romance...these are your "goto" girls!

Last night of the conference with Terri, Cathy and Donna! CHEERS!