Thursday, February 26, 2009

Writing friends


There is something about being friends with writers - they get that characters talk to you. They don't think 'back away from the crazy woman'. 

We share our triumphs and our disappointments, and most important our passion for writing. We help each-other with plot points, GMCs, character development, critiques, and any thing comes up that is to do with our stories.

And we always give a encouraging word. 

This business is a tough gig, so it's great to have friends who understand whole-heartedly.  And that's why I'm happy to be part of the 101ers. 
 ~Eleni

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Bootcamp 109



Today is the start of another chapter in Bootcamper history - the second Bootcamp offered by Romance Writers of Australia. It is Bootcamp 109. They have set up their own blog, so go check them out here.

So from the Bootcamper 101ers we wish the 109ers a fantastic bootcamp and wonderful futures. We salute you and welcome you to the Bootcamper world!!!

~Eleni


Friday, February 20, 2009

Eleni's 2008 Reads


As you can see from the below image I read a vast range of different types of books - childrens, YA, paranormal romance, dark urban fantasy, crime, graphic novels, category romance books, and of course fantasy.

I had been asked which had been my favourite on my blog earlier this year. And this is what I wrote in the comments field:

"I'm hopeless at rating things.

I adored both Keri Arthur Riley Jensen series books (sigh - Quinn), JR Ward's The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. And C.E Murphy's Coyote Dreams was a fantastic installment to The Walker Papers. Can't wait to read the next books in all these series.

Jim Butcher's Storm Front was a great first book in a series, so want to continue with those.

I was drawn into Twilight and The Host. 

And I always love books by Barbara Hannay and Marion Lennox.

I laugh with Janet Evanovich, and cringed (as it was crime) with Lisa Gardner and Kathy Reichs. I admire the artwork of Frank Miller. And if you want a very very hot read with poetic language, it's Denise Rossetti.

Then there's the children's books - Neil Gaiman is a great author. Caroline is creepy and I know I would have loved that as a kid.

See I'm hopeless. I can't make up my mind. :)

If I had to choose I will go for JR Ward - it has adventure, action, romance, and gorgeous vampires with emotional depth and because it's the series I read the most this year."


How about you - what was your favourite read of 2008?


My reads...


Monday, February 16, 2009

Reading in 2008 ~ Dana

Wow!  2008 was a year I’m glad to put behind me…I learned much but at a hefty price-financially, healthfully, and spiritually.  Thankfully, helping me get through the year were the many varied books I read.  

Of course, Stephanie Meyer’s works were on the top of my TBR pile…but no-they didn’t stay there long…  Her unusual vampire hero re-spirited romance for me.  I believe a hero can be strong and sensitive yet have a twisted (somewhat demented) personal trait…and her Edward surely exemplifies this.  

 

  

Another author who isn’t as well known, but should be is Juliet Marillier.  Her young adult romances, Wildwood Dancing and Cybele’s Gift, made me believe in innocence and beauty.  If you haven’t yet read them-do!  

       

Oh, and who could forget The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Neffenegger!  I’ve never cried so much in my life!  For a brief time (brief because I was so enthralled in this book that I couldn’t put it down and thus I read it in a couple of sittings!), this extraordinary love story blotted out the turmoil in my own life…I was actually bereft when this book ended because I wanted to stay with the characters!  


Also, there are the manuscripts that I’ve been blessed with reading that aren’t yet published, but will be soon…my eternal thanks to Cassie Pennington and Nikki Logan for gifting me with the privilege!  Anyway, that’s a brief wrap on 2008 for me.  What books inspired you?  

~Dana

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Finally....a post!


Ok, so I haven't been great at keeping this blog up to date. In fact it I have done a rotten job. But life gets in the way folks, so what can I say, sorry (and that goes to my fellow Bootcampers as well).  So am getting back to butt kicking action (well let's hope!)



What's happening with the 101 Bootcampers?
  • Well Alison, Dana, and Nikki have been all busy organising the next round of Bootcamps for the Romance Writers of Australia. The Bootcamp 109 (for beginners) and the Bootcamp 209 (intermediate). And they and Rachel have worked really hard to bring a great program for everyone. I'm sure the participants are going to love it.
  • Nikki, Rachel and Melissa are busy working on their books.
  • Nikki and I have finalled in the Great Expectations contest run by the North Texas Romance Writers of America contest (in different categories).  Yay us!
  • Tracey and Alison are busy with competition entries.
  • Anne has done a great job at becoming our new chat mum and we've had a great chat on dialogue. (I love our chats!)

And everyone is busy working on their manuscripts.

So that's us, what have you been up to?
~Eleni

The Bootcamper image is designed by Nikki Logan.
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