Romantically Yours

Issue #20
August, 2006

Dear Romance Writer:

This month, Romantically Yours is pleased to announce the release of AWAIer Cindy Breeding’s first book, Camelot’s Destiny. The reviews have been wonderful, and we are so proud of Cindy, who received 4 stars from Romantic Times Book Review. Be sure to pick up a copy of Camelot’s Destiny and see for yourself why the critics are raving.

On an entirely different note, it was nice meeting so many of you at the RWA conference in Atlanta last month. My only regret was that we did not have more time to chat. Thanks for stopping by to say hello and picking up an autographed copy of my July release, Flamingo Place.

And now here’s the full account of the RWA conference that I promised would be in this month’s issue…

Overall, it seemed incredibly well-organized. If there were issues, I certainly didn’t notice them. The Marriott Marquis was a great choice of venue. The entire Marriott team deserves kudos for providing an all around excellent service experience to the thousands of demanding attendees.

Wednesday’s book signing – with the proceeds donated to literacy – was huge. Lines of people waiting to see their favorite authors were wrapped around a grand ballroom the size of a football field. Donated gift baskets were periodically raffled off, which made the atmosphere even more exciting.

On Thursday, there were workshops and a wonderful luncheon – the highlight being keynote speaker Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries). She was awesome! Later, a group of 24 of us were treated to a Hummer limousine ride and entertained in style at Michelle Monkou’s brother’s lovely home in Stone Mountain, Georgia. We enjoyed lively conversation, a wonderful barbeque, and margaritas made by moi. A good time was definitely had by all.

Friday was also action-packed with more workshops during the day and industry parties at night. The Harlequin party was great fun. The band did not stop playing, champagne flowed, and everyone hit the floor when the Electric Slide came on (spotlight on Nora Roberts).

On Saturday there were more workshops and publishers’ spotlights. The evening culminated with the Academy Award style “Ritas” and “Golden Heart” awards.

For more conference information and pictures, log onto www.rwanational.org.

In parting, at a time when most of the country is burning up with record high temperatures, I hope you continue to make time for writing. But if reading is all you are able to manage, be sure to pick up my August release, Shattered Images.

Romantically Yours,

Marcia King-Gamble
Editor of Romantically Yours
www.lovemarcia.com



TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SCREENING AN AGENT

Did you know that anyone can call herself an agent? There’s no degree needed or test to pass. Anyone can simply hang a shingle out declaring herself a literary agent, and you are at that person’s mercy.

Here are some red flags to look out for when deciding whether to place your destiny in a particular agent’s hands. If any of these apply to your situation, you may want to consider looking elsewhere…

  • The agent wants to charge a fee up front other than the standard agent commission. This fee might be for copying, postage, etc. It may be called a representation fee, retainer, evaluation, or editorial service fee.
  • The agent’s writing skills are questionable. He/she could use a good proofreader. Ask yourself, is this the person you want representing you? Would any literary professional take this person seriously?
  • He/she is unable to provide you with concrete evidence of past sales.
  • He/she refers you to a specific editor or book doctor without telling you why.
  • The agent has no connections. Agenting is a sideline.

Here are some critical questions to ask a prospective agent:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Are you a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives?
  • Do you have someone in your agency who handles movie and television rights?
  • Do you represent other authors in my genre?
  • Do you have an author/agent contract? May I see a sample?
  • Do you provide editorial input and career guidance for clients?
  • How would you keep me informed of your efforts on my behalf? Will you send me copies of correspondence – submissions, rejections etc.?
  • Will you consult with me on all offers?
  • Who are your clients?
  • What is your turnaround time in terms of getting checks to me? (This is an important one.)
  • Do you issue 1099 tax forms?
  • What are your expectations of me as a client?
  • What do you charge as commission? (If the agent wants more than the standard 15%, you may want to move on.)


HAPPENINGS:

September 20-23, 2006
3rd International Women’s Fiction Festival
Sponsored by Chicklit Writers of the World
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera, Italy
www.womensfictionfestival.com

September 23-24, 2006
Sweet & Spicy
Sponsored by Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association
Ottawa Sheraton, Ottawa, Canada
www.ottawaromancewriters.com/conference.htm

September 29-October 1, 2006
Love and Death North of the Border 2006
1st Annual Canadian Retreat
Sponsored by Kiss of Death RWA
Harbour Towers, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
www.rwamysterysuspense.org
Keynote Speaker – Stella Cameron

October 6-7, 2006
New Jersey Romance Writers
Put Your Heart in a Book
The Sheraton at Woodbridge, Iselin, NJ
www.NJRomancewriters.org
Keynote Speakers – Jennifer Crusie and Gayle Wilson (President of RWA)

October 27-28, 2006
Nebraska Romance Writers Workshop
Lincoln Women’s Club, Lincoln, NE
www.nebraskaromancewriters.com
Judith Arnold presents a workshop on conflict and writing for the long haul.



INTERVIEW WITH WRITING FOR LOVE & MONEY PROGRAM MEMBER, CINDY BREEDING

Note: This month’s interview is with Writing for Love & Money program member Cindy Breeding, instead of author Karen Kendall as I indicated in last month’s issue. We’re all very excited that Cindy’s first book, Camelot’s Destiny, has just been released, and we couldn’t wait to talk to her about it. Karen Kendall will be our featured author next month.

RY: When did you know you were going to be a writer, and how did you go about preparing to get published?

CB: I was an editor for my high school newspaper, so I’ve always enjoyed writing. And, like a lot of people, “someday” I wanted to write a book.

I started preparing by buying books about how to develop plot, build characters, create conflict, scene, structure, as well as “How to Get an Agent in 30 days,” “How to Get Published in 30 days,” etc.

I also completed the AWAI program, Writing for Love & Money. It was the best thing I did. I especially liked the step-by-step approach and the personal contact.

RY: On the average, how many query letters and submissions did you send out? What encouraging words can you offer to pre-pubs?

CB: I sent out at least 20 queries to agents with very few personal responses. I don’t think there is anything more frustrating that a form letter rejection that doesn’t tell the person WHY the agent/editor is not interested in the work.

When I finally started submitting directly to editors, Camelot’s Destiny was turned down at least twice. Incidentally, the editor who bought it passed on the first manuscript I’d sent him.

RY: Every writer remembers exactly where they were when the call came. Where were you, and can you tell us your reaction?

CB: I was writing! My beloved Sheltie had passed away unexpectedly just a few days before, so I was losing myself in another book. When the editor gave me his name, I said, “Pardon me?” I wasn’t connecting the dots immediately.

RY: Can you tell our readers a bit about Camelot’s Destiny? What inspired you to write this book?

CB: I’ve always loved the Arthurian legends, and I did about three years of research on non-fictional sources. There are a lot of theories out there – don’t get me started! (Actually, I explain some of them on my website: www.cynthiabreeding.com.)

Traditionally, Arthur is the good guy, and Gwenhwyfar gets a bum rap. Lancelot is either a victim or a rogue. I wanted to tell my version. What if it were Arthur who betrayed Gwenhwyfar instead of the other way around?

I really wanted this book to show how Gwenhwyfar grows from a naïve girl into a conflicted woman who knows she must do her duty, but wants to follow her heart.

And Lancelot – well, what can I say about a man who is as virile and imaginative at pleasuring a woman as he is fierce and relentless on the battlefield?

RY: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block, and what do you do to overcome it?

CB: I do a pretty complex outline before I start writing, including sub-plots and especially how the book ends. I find that helps when I sit down to start writing each day.

Sometimes, though, after two or three hours, my mind goes into brain fog. Then the writing feels wooden, so I stop. Usually, if I do something physical, I can get back to it in about an hour.

RY: Some say a beginning writer’s biggest challenge is figuring out the difference between internal conflict and external conflict. What tips do you have for the newbie experiencing this challenge?

CB: It is a challenge, because a lot of times they seem to mesh. I just have to keep thinking… the INTERNAL conflict is psychological (“why” the relationship can’t work) and the EXTERNAL conflict is physical (“what” is keeping the relationship from working).

RY:
Camelot’s Destiny is considered a historical. Are there other sub-genres that interest you? What would you write if given leeway to write anything you wanted?

CB: I love historicals about England and Scotland. My second book, My Noble Knight, is set in the lowlands of Scotland in the 6th century.

Camelot’s Destiny is part of an intended trilogy that I hope my editor will pick up. I’d also like to do spin-offs on other characters like Tristan and Iseult and Merlin and Nimue.

The other sub-genre that I like is paranormal – werewolves, vampires, shape-shifters – as well as time travel. It’s a lot of fun to move people from one historical period to another.

RY: Your book received a four-star rating from Romantic Times. Talk to us about promotion. Was your publisher helpful? What did you do to promote the book, and what can readers do to get the buzz out?

CB: The RT reviewer, Anne Black, really made my day with that review!

My editor got Camelot’s Destiny picked up by Rhapsody Book Club, and it will be an Alternative Feature as well as Heartbreaker of the Month for October. I am thrilled about that, because it means the book will also go into hardcover.

I advertised in Romance Sells, Romantic Times Book Review, and Romance Writers Report. In addition, I had bookmarks made, and I handed out book covers at the RT convention. I also have two book signings in September.

RY: What other treats do you have in store for us? What can we expect next from Cindy Breeding?

CB: Book two, My Noble Knight, is due out in 2007.

My next proposal, which I hope my editor likes, is called The Templar’s Woman, and is set in Edinburgh about the time that Rosslyn Chapel was being built.

I’ve also finished a paranormal, set in contemporary times, that features an immortal shapeshifter in search of the ancient four Hallows of the Tuatha de Danaan.

RY: How can fans reach you? Do you have a website, newsletter, email address?

CB: The website, www.cynthiabreeding.com has a newsletter and email address. In addition, I can be snail-mailed at:

3636 S. Alameda B-116
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411



WHO’S ACQUIRING:

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historicals
Length: 75,000-85,000 words
Editor: Melissa Endlich
Editorial Office: New York
Launch: October 2007
Captivating historical romance: love and faith throughout the ages.
This new brand in the Steeple Hill imprint is a series of historical romances featuring Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in a variety of historical time periods. Love Inspired Historicals should be complex stories rich in period detail that will sweep readers into the past and absorb them from page one. We are open to seeing manuscripts set in the following time periods: Biblical fiction, Americana (e.g. Westerns, post-Civil War, etc.), European historical eras (e.g. Tudor, Regency and Victorian England, 18th-century Scotland, etc.) and 20th-century (turn-of-the-century through World War II). We are also interested in stories featuring missionaries abroad in exotic locations during various historical periods. We are not looking for stories set in Colonial America or the Civil War at this time. www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwToc.jhtml

Silhouette Nocturne
Length: 70,000-75,000 words
Editorial Director: Tara Gavin
Associate Senior Editor: Ann Leslie Tuttle
Editorial Assistant: Sean Mackiewicz
Launch: October 2006 (2 books/month)
Nocturne is looking for stories that deliver a dark, very sexy read that will entertain readers and take them from everyday life to an atmospheric, complex, paranormal world filled with characters struggling with life and death issues. These stories will be fast-paced, action-packed and mission-oriented, with a strong level of sensuality. The hero is a key figure – powerful, mysterious and totally attractive to the heroine. In fact, both main characters are very powerful, and their conflict is based on this element. The author must be able to set up a unique existence for the characters, with its own set of rules and mythologies. We are looking for stories of vampires, shape-shifters, werewolves, psychic powers, etc. set in contemporary times. For more information log onto www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwToc.jhtml

Kimani Press
Imprint: Arabesque Inspirational Romance
Genre: Inspirational Single-Title Romance
Manuscript Word Length: Approximately 85,000-100,000 words
Manuscript Pages: 300-400 pages
Arabesque Inspirational Romances offer uplifting, contemporary love stories featuring realistic African-American characters that resolve relationship conflicts through the perspective of strong moral beliefs. Arabesque Inspirational Romances may include several points of view, and offer classic contemporary settings.
www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwToc.jhtml

Mills and Boon
Modern Xtra-Sensual
(Formerly Temptation)
Length: 60,000 words
Senior Editor: Bryony Green
Editorial Office: London
Take an international city background that vividly conveys the sophistication and buzz of cosmopolitan life, an independent woman who knows what she wants from love and her career and a guy who’s confident, easygoing and gorgeously sexy… and you have Modern Xtra-Sensual!
These titles promise to deliver to the reader a feel-good experience, focusing on the kind of relationships that women between the ages of 18 and 35 aspire to. Young characters in affluent urban settings – either North American or international – meet, flirt, share experiences, have great, passionate sex and fall in love, finally making a commitment that will bind them together, forever. Though their stories are firmly based around emotional issues, other concerns – such as job and friendship – are also touched upon and resolved in an upbeat way. Please submit the first three chapters along with a 1-2 page synopsis of your novel to:

The Editorial Department
Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd.
Eton House
18-24 Paradise Road
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 1SR
United Kingdom

Note: Silhouette Bombshell has announced they are doing away with the line. Unfortunately these books did not do as well as they anticipated. The last Bombshell will be released in January 2007.



COMING NEXT MONTH:

We’ll have our delayed interview with contemporary/ chick lit author, Karen Kendall. Karen and I are 2 of 12 authors contributing to an exciting 12-book Harlequin continuity series set on a cruise line. Release date is 2007. Visit Karen’s website at www.karenkendall.com.



ABOUT ROMANTICALLY YOURS

Romantically Yours is a FREE monthly newsletter for members of American Writers & Artists Inc.'s Romance Writing Course - "Writing for Love and Money."

We want to hear from you. Please send comments, news, research, or story ideas directly to Marcia King-Gamble at romanticallyyours@awaionline.com.

American Writers & Artists Inc.
245 NE 4th Ave., Ste 102
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone (561) 278-5557
Fax (561) 278-5929
memberservices@awaionline.com



CHANGE OF ADDRESS?
Email us at memberservices@awaionline.com
with both your old AND new information in the body of the message.

© 2006 American Writers & Artists Inc.