Bootcamper 101 Writing Drills

Farewell for Now

2010-12-24T05:31:00.000+10:30

It seems like yesterday Romance Writers of Australia conducted their first ever Bootcamp and brought together a group of writers from across Australia, as well as some fabulous tutors and speakers.

In June 2008 we started the Bootcamper Writing Drills Blog and together we’ve shared our writing journey and triumphs - published books, contest wins and places, writing challenges and get togethers like conference and Boot-i-Con.

We’ve had heaps of fun sharing the blog with you over the last two and a half years, and we hope you’ve had fun at well.

Sadly, the time has come for us to close the Bootcamper 101 Blog. Our published authors have deadlines to meet and as the rest of us move closer to publication, we need to focus our energies on protecting the work, as Jenny Crusie would say.

Of course, you’ll still be able to find us on the net, click here to find our other web hang outs.

To celebrate the end of an era, we’ve organised a random prize draw for you, our loyal supporters. Leave a comment before January 2nd to go into the draw to win a selection of romance novels from our published authors and others.

Farewell for Now,

Bootcampers

Celebrating our Achievements

2010-12-22T20:00:00.000+10:30

At my work, we have a new standing agenda item on every meeting in the organisation. It's called Celebrating our Achievements, and every meeting must start by mentioning and celebrating positive achievements by our staff.

So, I am rolling out "Celebrating our Achievements" to the Bootcampers. As 2010 comes to a close its important we celebrate the great work our writers have done over the year. When I put the call out to the Bootcampers to give me their achievements, I had a great response. Congratulations to all on their achievements in 2010, some of which are listed below.

Eleni Konstantine

Healer’s Destiny - polished, submitted to agents and entered into 4 competitions.
Registrar for Romancing the Novel.
Attended Coogee Conference – pitched to agent and editor
Attended BootiCon!
Obtained funding to help with Coogee costs.
Attended WorldCon
Entered 2 short story competitions. (one a brand new story)
Submitted short stories to markets.
Wrote one new short story needing work.
Dream Tamer – first draft completed.
Presented a Blogging Workshop at the Writers’ Centre
Won the Little Gems cover contest
Focusing more on writing and less volunteer work.
Published on Antipodean SF, November issue with ‘The Bucket"
Mirror, Mirror flash fiction accepted for publication by Mindflights e-zine
Undertook Bob Mayer course via RWNZ
Reading – lots done and a range of different genres/subgenres. Fun.
Nominated for the Lynne Wilding Meritorious Service Award.

Goals for 2011

Edit – DreamTamer, Gateway to Hell, Clown story, sanctuary sci-fi story (for Aus anthology)
Write – Shadow novella, Lady & the Dragon, short story for MZB’s Sword & Sorcery anthology
Read resources on writing I have on my shelf.
Overhall website
Enter Little Gems Short Story
Enter Little Gems cover contest
Submit once stories are polished :) Hoping to sumbit one novel, two novellas and 6 short stories.

Dana’s Achievements for 2010

completed two more semesters of uni (only four more to go!)
finished a synopsis for Believe in Fairy Tales
entered the STALI
entered HM&B’s New Voices comp
started a new manuscript in a new genre
learned heaps through Bootcamp, Breathless in the Bush, the RWA’s Perth Roadshow, and the RWA’s 2010 Sydney conference
pitched to and editor and an agent (got requests from both)
studied a new writing topic every two months
built on and founded new relationships with other writers

Nikki Logan

A whole bunch of firsts for me this year...

Saw my first book on the shelves (Feb 2010, and then quickly followed it up with two more and a novella before the end of 2010).
Signed a contract for books 7-9.
Got my first royalty cheque
Entered the RITA for the first time (didn't final though)
Did my first general public romance writing workshop and RWA workshop

Tracey's achievements for 2010:

Made the second round of the Emerald award.
Finishing TAFE course.
Attended Coogee conference, with successful pitch to Harlequin.
Entered my first international writing contest.

Fiona's 2010

Entered the 2010 Little Gems Short Story Competition, and story was accepted for publication in the anthology
Entered the 2010Valerie Parv Award and received good feedback
Entered the 2011 Emerald Award, waiting….
Attended the RWA conference and Booticon and met all of the Bootcampers
Managed the RWA Group Grants Scheme
Volunteered as Editor on work newsletter and published six editions

I'm sure everyone will agree this is a FABULOUS list of achievements. Congratulations to all. As 2010 draws to a close, and thoughts turn to New Years, I urge you to make a list of writing goals for 2011, then in December next year, you too will be celebrating the year's achievements.

Happy writing in 2011 everyone.

Super Sunday

2010-12-19T05:47:00.001+10:30

This week's quote is from Oprah Winfrey:

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

Today's cheez

Quiet Day

2010-12-15T06:31:00.002+10:30

Yesterday I ticked off one of my "must do's" in life - the Bon Jovi Concert. Together with 40000 other fans, we packed into Suncorp Stadium on what must have been the hottest night so far this year.

This morning I'm wondering at what age you're too old for rock concerts. I'm pretty sure I've got heat exhaustion, I can't hear anything, I've got a strained voice and a complete inability to lift my arms above shoulder height. And a few general aches that come with two solid hours of dancing.

Worth it? You bet. Bon Jovi are professional rockers and they put on a really great show. I can't wait till they come round again.

Super Sunday

2010-12-12T05:38:00.002+10:30

This week's quote is from Douglas Adams:

"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."

Today's cheez:

This exactly what I thought when I read the above quote.

The Christmas Letter

2010-12-08T08:14:00.000+10:30

Thirty years ago, before ready access to technology, there was no such thing as the Christmas Letter - the one page summary of the year's activities - that has become part and parcel of sending Christmas Cards.

I have a bit of a chequered history with The Christmas Letter - having attempted one for the last few years, I've come to the conclusion that really my life is a little bit boring and seriously consistent. This year, I changed the date from 2009 to 2010 and I was done. Hubby and I are both still working the same jobs. Senior dog still going to the vet for ongoing medical problems, junior dog still trying to be returned to the RSPCA for behaviour related issues (no, we'd never send her back but we have had the conversation...)

So, do I send it with my cards? Do I leave it out and let the world wonder where I've been all year? Maybe I need to spice it up? Many years ago I worked in a small family business - the shop was this family's life. The children's homework desks were in the back room, there was a mini kitchen and the groceries lived in the shop fridge not at home. That family sent ONE christmas card every year. And it was so they could continue to receive "Aunty Pat's* Christmas Letter", a fictionalised version of what went on in a relatively close relation's life.

For example: "Peter* really enjoyed his twenty-first, especially the after-party". In reality - Peter was arrested for drunk and disorderly and no-one in his immediate family knew where he was for 36 hours after he left the party. "Sarah*, now 15, is embracing her artistic tendencies". In truth, Sarah ran away from home with a 19 year old and was living in a campervan in Byron Bay the last time they heard from her.

My personal favourite: "We will be holidaying at our beach house again this year, and you are welcome to join us over the festive season. The park across the road has ample toilets and hot running showers." I don't think my employers took them up on their generous offer. I however, was tempted as I couldn't imagine what sort of Christmas Lunch that would be.

So, what's the funniest thing you've seen in The Christmas Letter?

PS *Names changed, of course...

What we are reading....Annie Lynch

2010-12-06T09:59:00.001+10:30

I can't help but laugh as I write this, because I'm following in Alison's footsteps and starting the Millenium Trilogy (finally joining the rest of the world), I have The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest tucked away in the caravan, ready for the big Summer Holiday Reading Binge. And this year's Binge is going to be HUGE.

But a Binge can't all be incredibly involving conspiracy theories. Like Christmas dinner, it has to have light and shade - breathing room between the seafood barbie and the pavlova. So I'll be slotting in time to re-read the Mrs Pollifax series, since I've bought the first two books for my mother for Christmas (shh, don't tell), and probably some new Eloisa James or Mary Jo Putney as well.

Happy Yuletide reading, one and all.

~Annie

Super Sunday

2010-12-05T05:27:00.001+10:30

This week's quote is from Carol Burnett:

"Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own."

Today's cheez:

I find it quite funny how this term is now used in our lives to denote if anyone is there.

"Bueller? Bueller?"

Cover goodness....Nikki

2010-12-03T18:59:00.000+10:30

Here is Nikki's latest Aus/NZ cover for The Soldier's Untamed Heart!

Due for release in January 2011.

The Little Black Book

2010-11-30T22:14:00.003+10:30

My face to face writing group decided earlier this year to explore their creativity and one of the projects that's really captured my imagination is The Little Black Book.

No-one talks about "The Book". It is handed to the next person on the list at the start of each meeting. Longing looks are directed at it by its new custodian before it disappears into her bag, to be devoured the minute she walks in the door from face to face.

So what's inside? A round robin long short story, or short novella. Each writer must add another four pages to the story (plus any artwork they like), before passing it onto the next writer two weeks later. There are brief character bios in the back, but other than that it can go in any direction you want to take it.

The last time I had the book I turned a minor character into a major player, introduced a crooked cop to the story and gave one of the heroines an unusual cosmetic procedure. I can't wait to see how that story turned out. I'm anxiously awaiting my second round. I'm totally in the dark about this story but I did catch a glimpse of a pink feather as the book was handed across the table. Flamencos? Fairies? Melbourne Cup hats?

Oooohhh the suspense!

Introducing Super Sundays

2010-11-28T23:19:00.000+10:30

We are going to start posting a Quote each week on Sundays.

Today, we start with Mr Winston Churchill:

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

We will also have a little laugh with pictures I've captioned from the I haz cheezburger site.

So I hope you enjoy our Super Sundays!

Cover goodness....

2010-11-27T21:29:00.000+10:30

Nikki's Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss has been translated to Russian. Here's a look:

Congrats Nikki!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-11-24T15:53:00.002+10:30

I live within walking distance of a Westfield Shopping Centre and we're getting to the point of the year where its actually quicker to walk over than to drive and find a park. Christmas starts earlier and earlier each year.

We've always had "family rules" around Christmas. Only thinking toys or experiences for the children - I really love a little store called Mind Games for their selections of games, jigsaws, mazes and puzzle books. And about five years ago we vowed (after a particularly harrowing carparking experience) not to visit Westfield in December or January. This prompted the rule of having Christmas shopping done by 30th November, a goal I am not going to meet this year.

Two years ago we added "not buying anything marketed in Christmas packaging". So no tins of shortbread or stockings filled with lollies. If I want fruit mince pies, I have to actually bake them.

This year we're going to do Christmas differently again. We're only purchasing Christmas gifts from independent retailers - nothing from major chain stores or shopping centres. Difficult? Not really. Brisbane is blessed with plenty of markets, City Hall runs a fabulous Charity Christmas Card Shop, the RSPCA has a pet barn at Springwood and there are plenty of independent booksellers so everyone will have their reading fix. I recommend Rosemary's Romance Bookstore in the city and Pulp Fiction if you're buying for non-romance lovers. And if you're looking for an extra special gift for a romance lover, you can't go past Romance by You , a personalised romance novel starring your romance lover and her partner, pets, friends and colleagues.

I had better get my skates on. It's just over a month until the big day...

We are 3!!!!!

2010-11-22T15:04:00.000+10:30

It's November and that means we are THREE this month. Three years ago we set out to do the inaugural Bootcamp with Romance Writers of Australia. Who would have thought we would still be here back then? I certainly didn't.

So raise a glass of your choice of beverage and toast with me:

To another 3 years and more.....

now for some cake.

Peanut Butter Lover's Month

2010-11-17T16:04:00.000+10:30

When I read November is peanut butter lover's month I just had to share some recipes. I grew up in Queensland, where peanut butter was called peanut paste in my formative years - due to pressure from the Butter board who wouldn't allow the peanut butter manufacturers to use the word butter.

I don't eat nuts. Really dislike them, but peanut butter is a whole different story. I love PB/H - aka peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and anyone who makes rumballs at Christmas, I've got a comparable treat made from peanut butter and honey.

Peanut butter and honey balls

Take equal amounts of peanut butter and honey and mix well. Gradually add skim milk powder until the texture firms (suitable for rolling). Roll into balls and coat in either dessicated coconut or crushed peanuts. Store in fridge. Serve with coffee.

Interestingly, I saw a recipe that added cocoa to a half/half PB/H mix and then stored the completed mix in the fridge as a sandwich spread. Haven't tried that yet. When I didn't have milk powder, I used dessicated coconut in the mix and that worked too.

And then there is this recipe, which does my head in. How can it bake into a cookie if there's no flour? But it does.

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 cup sugar

Combine the above ingredients. Drop spoonfuls onto a lightly greased tray and bake at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool, then remove from tray and enjoy.

Happy Peanut Butter Lover's Month to all.

Bootcamper Data File: Jacqueline Wilson

2010-11-15T08:11:00.003+10:30

Name: Jacqueline Wilson

Writes: Category: Desire & Sweet; WW1 Historicals

Call sign: (ie nickname) JQ

Current mood: In writing and editing mode

Reading: Burnt Sunshine by Estelle Pinney. An enchanting story of love and adventure set in 1936 to after WW2. Well worth the read.

Fleur-de-Lis by Isolde Martyn. Love her books. She makes history come to life.

The Other ANZACS by Peter Rees. Stories of nurses at war 1914-1918. A very poignant work using diaries and letters telling heart rending stories, profoundly moving with extraordinary compassion and courage. A unique group in Anzac history. "

Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder. A worthy successor to the Twilight series. Fills. the void. An original and fascinating new fantasy. There are three in The Glass series.

Web hang outs: Don't hang out. Don't have the time. Just log on when the Bootcampers suggest something.

Favourite food when writing: Bananas. Or Rice crackers, cheese and olives.

Favourite music: Wagner's Ring Cycle, Mozart, Nana Mouskouri; Olivia Newton-John; Welsh male choirs.

INSPIRATION: My mother and how she handled adversities in her life. My daughter, whose wisdom fills me with awe.

Watching: The endless changing of the seasons with all the beauty that nature can endow.

Working on: Manuscripts that need finishing.

Quote: "You deserve time for your life.

"Pause to appreciate the beauty around you."

On the shelves...

2010-11-13T19:45:00.000+10:30

Rachel's latest book, At the Billionaire's Beck and Call? is on the shelves in Australia now!!!

Don't miss your copy!!

Disappointing Fiction

2010-11-10T08:29:00.001+10:30

I have plenty of authors on my auto-buy list - if I see their name on the cover, the book goes into the basket. And generally this works really well for me. But in June I auto-bought one of my favourite authors, and its taken me till now to finish the book.

Why?

I didn't like the first three quarters of the book. To be fair, I probably hated reading the first three quarters of this book. But because I usually love this author I kept going. One chapter here and there, hoping it would improve. Last night about 10pm, three quarters of the way through, it finally snagged my interest and I'd finished it by lunchtime today. And wondered if maybe it would have been better as a novella or short novel.

So, what do I do now? Do I leave this author on my auto-buy list, do I do a quick skim of the next book before it goes into my basket, or do I take an author-holiday?

What would you do? And how many pages in do you get before you decide a novel isn't for you?

Flash Fiction & a new banner

2010-11-04T21:27:00.000+10:30

My flash fiction story, The Bucket, is in this month's Antipodean SF issue. It's an online magazine devoted to speculative fiction about 500 words. I have fun writing this story, so hope you go over and have a look.

And now to reveal the new banner for Fiona's Wednesday Words of Wisdom. I can just feel the wisdom coming off the screen. :)

November is for...

2010-11-03T11:13:00.000+10:30

Depending on who you ask, November means different things. Ask the motor-sport fans (like hubby) and they say its the end of the season and when the V8 championship gets entertaining. Ask the horse-racing fans and they say Melbourne cup and Spring Racing Carnival. Ask a Generation Y, and they'll say Christmas Parties - I have four Christmas party invites for November because December is too busy.

But if you ask a writer they say NaNoWrMo - National Novel Writing Month. Described as thirty days and nights of literary abandon it challenges writers to produce 50 000 words in 30 days in November. I've never managed the 50 000 words, probably because I've got a huge dose of edit-while-I-write-itis. But I love the challenge and it brings writers together - one of our local coffee chains sets aside tables for NaNo participants.

Are you doing NaNoWrMo this month? If so I wish you BICHOKAW (bottom in chair, hands on keyboard and write).

What we are reading....Alison Leake

2010-11-01T12:30:00.000+10:30

What am I reading?

To be honest, not a lot at the moment.

STALI judging, a rather chaotic and consuming day job, major landscaping work and planning hubbie’s 50th have had my brain rather preoccupied.

I had started The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, intending to read it before I saw the movie but it requires some thought and concentration at the start (until you slip into the zone, I am reliably informed by my daughter) so I found myself avoiding it for the above reasons – judging, brain death and physical exhaustion. Instead, I settled on slowly working my way through the books I got at the conference.

I am currently halfway through Anna Campbell’s My Reckless Surrender, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I think it’s my favourite of hers. Next up will be Rachel Bailey’s At the Billionaire’s Beck & Call? Then I think I shall read the M&B New Voices Anthology. After that? Some Tracey O’Hara, I think...

Happy Reading,

Alison

Beach Holiday

2010-10-27T10:39:00.001+10:30

The name Fiona means "white" or "fair" and looking at my skin, my parents certainly got it right when they chose it. I risk sunburn if I sit under a lightbulb, so we've never really been the beach holiday type. But this week, we're forgetting all about flooded rivers, broken fences and all the other challenges of the bush to holiday in the fabulous Hervey Bay.

There won't be much in the way of sunbaking, but we're staying right on the beach, in a pet-friendly holiday house. The older dog won't be spending too much time on the sand but I'm really looking forward to taking the junior dog (who's still really a puppy) to the sand for lots of digging.

My must dos for a beach holiday - a run along the Esplanade or two, seeing the sunrise over the ocean, fish and chips and my favourite creativity exercise - building a sand castle. Not just a tipped out bucket castle, but a full scale medieval style construction complete with moat. I don't write medieval, but I do love to read it.

And speaking of reading - I have been saving some books for this week. Unfortunately, both Kelly Hunters were devoured during the rain last week. But I've got Anne Gracie's "His Captive Lady", Susan Grant's "Sureblood" and "The Star Prince" and Patti O'Shea's "Eternal Nights". Seven days, four novels - that sounds about right!

With some help from my friends

2010-10-22T09:18:00.000+10:30

I recently added a short story that I had published in 1999 to my website. I was going to rework it and then submit elsewhere but decided I wanted to work on stories that hadn't been published anywhere. I wanted to rework because my writing has changed since then. But at the same time, I wanted to acknowledge my writing 11 years ago. So up it went on my site.

It's called Apprentice Bound and there is a link directly to the pdf file here.

This has had me thinking. One of the reasons I have grown so much as a writer is because of the Bootcampers. Seriously, when I undertook Bootcamp I was ready to send my manuscript into the world even though I knew it wasn't a 100% ready. With their help I have polished it up. It's almost there and I have sent it out to the world. I know I would not have done half the things I have done in the last 3 years without the Bootcampers.

Writing is a lonely business, so I am so glad for organisations like RWA who help band writers together. I think the Bootcamp is the best professional development I have ever done. Firm friends and supporters, my bootcampers let me know if something is amiss with my writing. Or when to take a break or slow down. (Sound familiar ladies?)

So thank you to my Bootcamper buddies for coming along on this journey with me.

E :)

Wild Weather

2010-10-20T10:30:00.000+10:30

The Eastern seaboard of Australia has been experiencing some wild weather in this last week - torrential rain, gale force winds and down south - snow.

We're the proud custodians of a block of land a few hours from the city, with a river running down one boundary. When I say river, I should say river-bed, because it doesn't run all that often. When we bought the land we asked the real estate agent if there was any possibility of being flooded in. He raised his eyes skywards (probably praying for patience) and drawled "Darl, we'd have to get some rain first." We took that to mean no and signed on the dotted line.

Since that time we've had four major floods, the most recent is happening right now. In town, we jump on the net and check our river height (technology is great). Yesterday, hubby drove down to check the fences, which are about 2m underwater. Here are some photos of the flooded Maryland River. It doesn't look too bad until you realise the bridge is across a gully and sits about 5m above the ground!

Bootcamper Data File: Rachel Bailey

2010-10-18T20:09:00.000+10:30

name: Rachel Bailey

Writes: Harlequin Desire

Current mood: Perky. There's mocha swirl cheesecake for dessert…

Reading: Untameable Rogue by Kelly Hunter

Web hang outs: Lovecats Downunder, Desire Author Blog, Facebook and here!

Favourite food when writing: Chocolate. In any of its forms.

Favourite music:   The soundtrack for my current story. I love making a new one for each book!

Watching:   Junior Masterchef Australia, Modern Family, all my Jane Austen DVDs.

Working on:  The Return Of The Rebel Heir (working title) - the third book in three connected stories. The first brother's story is out now in the US and in Nov in Aust/NZ: At The Billionaire's Beck And Call? and the second brother will have his book in Feb: Million-Dollar Amnesia Scandal. These three brothers are my favourite heroes so far!

Quote: "When you dream, you dialogue with aspects of yourself that normally are not with you in the daytime and you discover that you know a great deal more than you thought you did." - Toni Cade Bambara

Out in Aus/NZ - Nov!

Nikki's US cover...

2010-10-15T12:40:00.000+10:30

Here is Nikki's cover for The Soldier's Untamed Heart. Look at the lovely Australian landscape.

The book will be released in the UK in November (see previous post), January in the US and February in Australia and New Zealand.

Ideas, Ideas

2010-10-13T10:55:00.001+10:30

I've decided if I could write as fast as I collect ideas, I'd be a really prolific writer. I've got hundreds of photos and articles in my idea folders, and just recently I decided to try and sort them.

First up were the photos collected from magazines. Hundreds of potential heroines and heros, with a definite bias towards brunettes of both sexes. The majority of my characters are in the great outdoors, and a lot of the men are in denim. Plenty of inspiration there.

In the ideas folder there's articles on

deaf dalmations,
cycleways on disused rail corridors,
a recent legal battle over a historic house smack bang in the middle of a local redevelopment,
storm chasers,
a school that travels with the agricultural show circuit, teaching the show children and
a fascinating article on death and dying that I have no idea how to incorporate into a romance, but I can't throw out.

Unexpected highlights included the two page spread detailing Johnny Depp's movie career in photos (sadly no 21 Jump Street photo) and enough information on space to fill the Starship Enterprise.

I spent an afternoon and sorted this treasure trove into folders to make finding my carefully collected photos and ideas a little bit easier. Now my head is full of stories clamouring to be written.

Where should I start?

Pink Ribbon Day

2010-10-11T23:51:00.001+10:30

Something close to our heart is Breast Awareness Month now in October.

This year Pink Ribbon Day is October 25th. So please help fight breast cancer by supporting charities relating to this in whatever way you can. The pink ribbon campaigns have come a long way, thank goodness and really there are all sorts of merchandise now that would suit everyone.

Cancer Council - Pink Ribbon Day site

McGrath Foundation

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Here in SA, National Pharmacies and Flinders Hospital partners together to have a Bras Off campaign every September. You can donate your pre-loved bras and donate $2 for each. It's something I participate in every year for as long as it has been running.

To the brave women and men, and their families and friends who have battled with breast cancer, we salute you and honour you.

Everyone please look after yourselves and be aware of possible symptoms of breast cancer.

Changes

2010-10-09T23:50:00.000+10:30

After a little think, I (we) decided to close down the website and transfer the pages to this blog. And viola! Here the pages are. There are new tabs on Latest Releases and Upcoming Releases, the Bootcampers, and Our Web Hang Outs.

The Regular Posts tab features Mission Reports by Roseanne, What We Are Reading posts, and Data Files. I'm working on getting Fiona's Wednesday Words of Wisdom up there too. :)) So stay tuned.

The website has only photos on it now - and I'm thinking of the best way to handle photos. So for now they stay where they are.

Hope you like the new look.

More made up terms

2010-10-06T08:01:00.002+10:30

As well as my frequently recurring attachment disorder (failure to attach files to emails), I also suffer from two other problems that occur frequently enough to need a name.

The first is my penchant for having to drive around the block because I can't remember if I put the garage door down. I do this about three times a week, and more often if life is hectic. My feeble attempts to name this syndrome (having failed to find anything on google):

Remote Revisit Disorder
Un-controll-a-dooring

The fabulous Nikki Logan wanted to play as well and I think she wins on sheer originality:

Double-check Descent Disorder (DDD)

Interestingly, someone has invented a gadget that detects the door hasn't gone down within a specified time frame, and auto-triggers the remote to close the door. I figure I might put that on my Christmas list.

My second problem - revisiting the car to check I've locked it. Showing I have a complete inability to learn from experience, this tends to happen on the days when the DDD (above) is playing up. Having driven back around the block (through all the roundabouts and speedbumps) and discovered the door was actually down, I'm now running late. I get to the carpark and leave the car. Two minutes later, I'm back to check I've locked it. And of course its locked!

I think I'm going to group all these minor inconveniences into one general term:

Distraction Disordered - adjective - describes someone whose day to day functioning is compromised by having their head in the clouds.

What do you think?

What we are reading....Nikki

2010-10-04T08:26:00.001+10:30

The Dead Travel Fast - Deanna Raybourn (MIRA)

Looks like Deanna Raybourn needed a break from Julia and Nicholas (her Silent in the… series) and unraveling the mysteries of the Ton, so she’s transported us all to Romania and dipped her toe in all things paranormal. The Dead Travel Fast was a wonderfully readable and thoroughly engaging story about a budding authoress, Theodora Lestrange, who (as is Deanna’s want with heroines) doesn’t really fit in polite English society. So she brushes off a hapless suitor and irritating brother takes herself to the furthest flung corner of Europe to research a book. Smart girl.

I think it’s a credit to Raybourn’s worldbuilding and characterization that despite the fact that I did rather see where the story was going from about the half-way point I didn’t really mind (sorry, no more in the interests of spoilers). I was very happily along for the journey. Theodora is an absolute gonner for the brooding and misunderstood Count Andrei who’s terribly Heathcliffe and interesting throughout. With a raft of gothic and appealing characters (even the baddies) The Dead Travel Fast was a delightful stand-alone detour.

What I’m reading next…? I’ve just started Christina Phillips’ Forbidden (Berkley Heat). Mental note to self, don’t start a historical erotica at the hair dressers…there’s no where to hide the blushes… But so far, so fabulous. Really enjoying the period and the Druid/Centurion pairing (no, not that pairing although I expect that, when I get there, to be inciendery). Stay tuned.

Attachment Disorder

2010-09-29T08:17:00.003+09:30

Yesterday I sent an email minus its attachment. Today I received a request for a writing look over (one step down from a critique) minus its file, and not for the first time I wondered if there was a word for this. So I googled and thanks to the good folks at Urban Dictionary ( www.urbandictionary.com ) I have the following candidates:

Forattachment: The act of forgetting to attach a file to an email.

Forgetfileness: The act of forgetting to attach a file to an email.

Attachment Disorder: Suffered by people who forget to attach files to emails

Attachmentally Challenged: A politically correct way to say attachment disorder

Attachless: Used to describe an email minus its attachments

Attachmiss: Verb to describe the act of failure to attach.

I'm sure if I kept looking I'd find a million different terms but my current favourite is attachment disorder. What's yours?

Free Read

2010-09-27T18:57:00.000+09:30

Step right up, step right up - Nikki Logan's Their Newborn Gift is available for free from the good people at Mills and Boon.

Yes, that's right. For a free download, please go to the everyonesreading site.

I have just finished reading this book and it's a real keeper. So enjoy everyone!

New Voices competition

2010-09-24T08:36:00.000+09:30

Well we did it! We bit the bullet and sent our babies ‘out there’!

Tracey, Fiona, Roseanne, Dana, and Annie submitted their first chapters to the Harlequin Mills and Boon New Voices competition.

Tracey submitted Vacancy in the Family, a manuscript she holds quite dear, to the Warm and Cozy category.

Fiona submitted a brand spanking new medical to the Contemporary Romance category entitled The Doctor’s Dilemma.

Intriguing us all, Roseanne has over-come technical difficulties and entered Full Moon Madness into the Romantic Suspense category!

Dana submitted her dark medieval, Porphyria’s Lover, to the Historical category.

And Annie surprised us all with a one minute to midnight entry of her contemporary romance, The Makeover Effect.

Follow the link and enjoy the read; while you’re at it rate our chapters, leaving a comment so we know that you’ve been there!

Good luck ladies!!!

Going Paper-lite

2010-09-22T06:10:00.002+09:30

I am on a mission - to change my office from a muddle of clutter to a sleek paper-lite space that's so well organised I'll be able to lay my hands on any piece of information I need within about 5 seconds. I've known for ages I need to do this but this last week I've been looking for a whole heap of work I'd done on a new story. I've turned every piece of paper stacked on that desk upside down and inside out forty times looking for it. And I can't find it.

So here you have it - the before photo, and the after photo. It's going to take me a while to get to the after photo, but I've made the commitment and I'm determined that I'm not going to let clutter steal any more of my time.

Wish me luck.

Bootcamper Data File: Dana Scully

2010-09-20T08:01:00.000+09:30

Name: Dana Scully

Writes: Historical Romance

Call sign: Danal (Dana + anal...because ‘organisation is key’), Lois (because I’m the average woman tied to Superman)

Current mood: “In the zone” (my ‘get it done mood’)

Reading: Scoundrel’s Kiss by Carrie Lofty

Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain

Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States by Porth & Matfin

Cliffs Quick Review: A&P;

The Australian (daily newspaper)

The Week (weekly news mag)

National Geographic (monthly subscription)

Web hang outs: currently...any site that tells me what my local political candidates have or have not done

Favourite food when writing: NOTHING. I want NO distractions. (But...there is a jar of pretzels on my desk for tension breakers...”crunch, crunch, CHOMP!”)

Favourite music: Metallica, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Wagner, Paolo Nutini, Debussy, Sia, Nora Jones, Kings of Leon, Santana, the list goes on...

Watching: Merlin; Big Bang Theory

Working on: revisions of Believe in Fairy Tales

Quote: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Dana at work

What we are reading...or waiting to read - Eleni

2010-09-17T21:47:00.002+09:30

Sorry I have missed a What We Are Reading post. This is one with a difference.

Those who follow my blog know the huge, monstrous, Everest sized To Be Read pile that I have. You think with such a large TBR I would not buy any more books nor borrow any more from the library.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha...

Can you tell that this has not happened?

While I'm cutting back on buying because of budget (oh to have a no limit spending allowance on books!!!), I still do buy books especially of series I have already started buying and those books by friends. And being in writing groups, I have quite a few buddies who have had their books published. Me - Yay!! (Wallet - oh no!)

However there are moments, where I do a big spending spree - and my two spending sprees were at the Romance Writers of Australia conference (which included the AARA author signing event) and AussieCon 4!! (Of course there are giveaways in these as well - woohoo!!)

Those who have read my posts on Eleni's Library have seen the photos but here are the two new piles of books to read....

Coogee books

AussieCon 4

So how are your TBR piles looking?

All in the name of research

2010-09-15T17:15:00.004+09:30

At Boot-i-Con I was lucky enough to brainstorm my next project - I won't say too much other than I need my hero and heroine trapped together in a very small vessel for a long voyage, and they will spend a lot of time tripping over each other.

So I've been hitting the local library and raiding their caravan, motorhome and boat magazines - full of glossy spreads detailing some of the most fabulous equipment to be had. Each review has a "I would have liked" section, and as I read I'm jotting these down. Already my vessel is taking shape - yes there are two seats but every time you sit in one of them, you hit your head when you stand up again. Or perhaps there's no power outlets in the lounge/dining nook to plug in things like laptops, and the kitchen sink doesn't have a splash guard so the bed gets wet if you're a messy kitchen hand. The possibilities are endless.

This research has had some additional benefits. Our library is in a big shopping centre, so I've already picked up some bored retireees hanging round the library while their wives shop, all willing to share their caravanning stories when they see my reading list. Next on my list is a trip to a caravan yard so I can pick up some brochures. Hubby is looking increasingly worried about my new interest, and having seen the prices of some of the luxury rigs, I can see why.

Rachel's next book

2010-09-13T23:13:00.000+09:30

Rachel Bailey's latest release At the Billionaire's Beck and Call? is out this month in the US. What a fabulous cover.

Congrats Rachel!!

Rachel is also blogging over at the Silhouette Desire Author's blog. Please pop over and say hello.

It's all in the description

2010-09-08T06:47:00.001+09:30

As a young bride I was over the moon to discover a picnic basket amongst the wedding presents. My delight however was short lived. Hubby looked at it in horror and muttered "I don't do picnics." My tartan picnic rug was destined to live its life out in the hall cupboard.

Until I discovered it's all in the description. The picnic basket is long gone, but in its place we have the "Smoko" Box. Fitted out at the local army disposals store, its suitable for trips to the motor sport, or for smoko down on the farm. Hubby is more than happy to boil a billy and sit out in the sunshine for morning tea or lunch, provided the word picnic is not uttered.

At some stage, I'm hoping to sneak it out to the park or the beach but I don't want to blow the cover of my picnic basket in khaki.

It's all in the description. And as a writer I figure I must be able to use this technique in lots of other situations. So what creative descriptions do you have for things around your house?

A history of romance

2010-09-01T19:51:00.005+09:30

I was involved in a really interesting conversation recently. We were talking about the changes in the romance genre since we've been reading, and someone mentioned Betty Neels. You could have knocked me over with a feather when another writer about the same age as me asked "Betty Who?" Betty was one of Mills and Boon's most prolific authors with a career spanning over thirty years and hundreds of novels. Betty's nursing heroines and doctor heros probably steered my career choice towards working in hospitals, and her chaste heroines were perfect for my early teen years.

It got me to thinking - my romance reading habit now spans three decades. I always thought I had no real brain for history, but looking back I've stored away a lot of romance history. Who was writing what, and when? Amazing, when you consider how many romances I've read over the years.

My all time favourite Mills and Boon author was Brisbane author Lynsey Stevens, Carol Mortimer came in a close second during the eighties and I couldn't go past Johanna Lindsey and Kathleen Woodiwiss for historicals in the nineties. I spent a couple of hours on the internet after that conversation and saw plenty of original covers I remembered, complete with the latest fashion and hair.

So thinking back to your early reading days, which authors were on your must buy list?

The Soldier's Untamed Heart cover

2010-08-28T14:38:00.000+09:30

Nikki's book 'The Soldier's Untamed Heart' is going to be released as a Cherish book by Mills and Boon (November in the UK). It will be a 2-in-1 with the other author being Barbara McMahon.

Here's the cover. Very elegant. Congratulations Nikki!!

First draft in 30 days

2010-08-26T07:37:00.003+09:30

I'm a disorganised writer.

There are piles of editing sitting on my desk, files scattered all over my computer and intrays full of "one day" projects. This is a complete contradiction to my day job, where all of my paperwork is filed according to the "rules" of the organisation, my desk is cleared at the end of the day and my time is scheduled down to the last second.

So why is it so hard to transfer those habits to my writing life?

I think its left brain-right brain confusion. My day job is 100% left brain, but when I write I want to turn on my right brain and create.

So when I saw "First Draft in 30 Days" by Karen S. Wiesner sitting at the RWA Conference bookshop, my left-brain saw the word "system" and insisted I had to have it. I'm gearing up to use this system on my new manuscript, the one I brainstormed at Boot-i-Con. Fingers crossed it will work.

Translation.....

2010-08-23T09:04:00.001+09:30

Nikki Logan's 'Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss!' has been released in South America! Congrats Nikki.

Boot-i-Con 2010

2010-08-19T19:38:00.003+09:30

It's been a bit quiet round here lately. Some of the Bootcampers attended the RWA conference in Sydney, followed by a three day writing retreat - Boot-i-Con 2010 in the NSW Southern Highlands. The conference was fabulous - sorry I don't have photos but I'm sure they'll start coming through any time soon.

Boot-i-Con was the perfect end to my week away - I roomed with Anne, who may actually be a twin (separated at birth of course). Our late night giggly conversations interrupted everyone else's sleep, but Bootcampers are a polite group, and no-one mentioned our midnight chats.

As well as writing techniques and ideas, I learned some new skills:

How to identify a wombat scat and wombat trails - unfortunately this did not lead to a wombat sighting despite several late night expeditions.
How to light and manage a fireplace - not a skill we need very often in Queensland
How to cook on a wood-fired stove. (And boy is having a continual supply of boiling water in the kettle a great thing for a writer)
How to pack an extra 7kg of books, gifts, writing supplies and chocolate into a suitcase that was pretty full to start with.

A big thanks to Jacqui for hosting us, to Dana for baking for us (those Snickerdoodles are to die for) and everyone else for making our 3 days away exceptional.

Book signing

2010-08-08T18:50:00.000+09:30

Both Nikki and Rachel are going to be part of the AARA book signing event on Friday 13th August.

It is in conjunction with the Romance Writers of Australia Conference.

Where: Terrace View Rooms, 1st Floor, Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach - Sydney

Time: 4.30 to 6.00pm

Further details including who else will be signing can be found here.

Eight sleeps to go

2010-08-04T19:54:00.004+09:30

Not that I'm counting, but it's eight sleeps till we leave for the Romance Writers of Australia Conference, and Boot-i-Con. The suitcase is out and I'm spending way too much time trying to decide what to take. Here in Queensland, I've been in shorts and T-shirts most of the week, but I know Sydney and our Boot-i-Con venue will be much cooler. So I've dug the gloves and scarf out and started planning my layers.

I'm really looking forward to the Friday workshop at this years conference - Debra Dixon's "Goal, Motivation and Conflict". Reading her book gave me a couple of lightbulb moments and I expect I'll get even more out of the workshop. So putting what I've learned to good use:

Goal: To pack smart for conference

Motivation: To leave enough room for books, lucky door prizes, books, gifts, books, freebies etc

Conflict: Needs outfits for three conference days, one fancy dress party, one awards dinner, one silver themed luncheon and three days of Boot-i-Con.

Something tells me I need to either re-organise my clothes, or buy a bigger suitcase.

Latest Nikki Logan release

2010-08-02T07:14:00.001+09:30

Nikki's latest release has hit....but it will only be released in the U.K. *sad face*. However you can order it in *happy face* (Book Depository is the coolest - FREE delivery!).

Back to Nikki's release. It is a novella called 'Seven-Day Love Story' in the anthology New Voices.

Jayne Morrow has moved far away from prying eyes, so when rugged Outback ranger Todd Blackwood strides onto her land, she won't let him into her heart.

This story has dogs in it, inspired by Bootcamper Rachel's furry kids....so I can't wait to get my copy! Did I tell you how much I love the Book Depository in the UK?

Yes, well being able to get Nikki's book is another reason.

Congrats Nikki.... and great cover!

Sheik's Destiny on the shelves

2010-08-01T08:09:00.000+09:30

Melissa's latest release Sheik's Destiny has hit the Aussie shelves as shown below.

Doesn't it look fab!!

Congrats Melissa :)

Coogee - here we come!

2010-07-29T20:56:00.001+09:30

The RWAustralia annual conference is on again in August and this year its being held at the fabulous Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach. So, to get everyone in the mood, I thought I'd find some great things to do in and around Coogee.

1. Attend the Australian Romance Readers Association Romance Author signing, on Friday August 13th from 4-6.30pm, at the Crowne Plaza Coogee.

2. Visit the Bali Memorial Sculpture at Dolphin Point, Dunningham Reserve, Coogee Beach for some quiet contemplation.

3. Run along Coogee Beach. For the really fit, the City2Surf run is on August 15th, and finishes at Bondi, just 3km from the conference venue. An early start, but you'd be back in time for morning tea.

4. Go walking along the coast and experience the best views and breathe in the invigorating salt air. For maps and information visit www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au.

5. Visit the many cafes and eateries along Coogee Bay Road. There's something for everyone and all so close to the conference venue.

So there you have it, five of the best experiences Coogee has to offer. Enjoy.

Bootcamper Data File: Eleni Konstantine

2010-07-27T20:47:00.002+09:30

Name: Eleni Konstantine

Writes: Fantasy & Paranormal fiction with romantic elements

Call sign: (ie nickname) Friends call me Helz or Legend (am looking at you Dana!)

Current mood: Looking forward to Club Booty, RWAus conference, and BootiCon!!

Reading:

Inspiration:

Judy Blume, Roald Dahl, David Eddings, Jennifer Roberson, Diana Gabaldon, my Bootcamper and RWAus writing buddies, Joss Whedon (a Legend!), programs with the word STAR in them ;))

Web hang outs: Gosh, there's a few. Here of course. Eleni's Taverna, Eleni's Library (links to my reading collections), Twitter, SARA, the RWAus blog, and of course I go visiting.

Favourite food when writing: Well I wish I could be original but it has to be chocolate!

Music listening to: Yngwie Malmsteen

Watching: Have been re-watching the Harry Potter films. Up to The Order of the Phoenix. Can't wait for Part 1 of The Deathly Hallows to be released.

Working on: getting ready for the conference and new story - Beyond World - to work at BootiCon.

Quote: "I'm sorry, the position of annoying talking animal has already been filled." - Donkey, Shrek 2

Sorry this data file is late.....

Also there will be no Data file or What We Are Reading in August. We'll be too busy having fun at the conference!

Get ready, get set....Club Bootie and Boot-i-Con!

2010-07-25T08:14:00.000+09:30

What, I hear you ask?

Club Bootie = the apartment some Bootcampers are sharing during Romance Writers of Australia's conference, and where the others will visit no doubt!!

Boot-i-Con = the writing retreat to Jacqueline's home after the conference!!

I don't know if you can tell from the exclamation marks but I am very much looking forward to both these and the conference!!! Unfortunately not all the Bootcampers can make the conference this year nor Boot-i-Con. They definitely be with us in spirit.

So just over 2 weeks!! And the only chance I get to see my bootcamp buddies in person. And of course a chance to meet up with our Bootcamp cousins - the 109ers, and 209ers.

Enjoying the Scenery

2010-07-15T20:40:00.004+09:30

This week I'm on leave, and instead of staying in bed in my pjyamas I've been catching a lift with my hubby to his work, then enjoying a leisurely stroll home each morning. Yesterday it was avenues of Queenslanders in Cooparoo (like the one above), today I checked out Stones Corner and the progress on the busway that in 2015 is expected to make it out to the end of my street. Tomorrow I'll be following the river for a while before veering across the suburbs.

Most of my walks are done with The Queen and The Moppett - both lab crosses - and there's no time to check out the scenery. Unless it involves the many trees, signs and fences marked by the boy dogs of our suburb. So an unaccompanied walk in the beautiful winter sunshine is well worth getting up for. And who knows, I might even discover the perfect setting or a great new hero for my next story.

Nikki's Their Newborn Gift on the shelves

2010-07-09T10:42:00.002+09:30

Finally made it out to Target the other day and here is Nikki's book on the shelf.

Congrats Nikki!

What we are reading....Roseanne

2010-07-04T22:33:00.000+09:30

I’ve just finished Kelly Hunter’s latest offering, Untameable Rogue. I loved it. Loved it, loved, loved it. Kelly’s characters live and breathe on each page. There is not one wasted word. Her heroine, Madeline Mercy Delacourte, is flawed, gorgeous and direct. Her hero, Luke Bennet, in a word, wow. This book was deeply moving, utterly sensual. The secondary character, Jacob Bennett, well he deserves a book of his own. Her minor characters, Yun, the housekeeper, and Po, were endearing. As I read I was transported to Singapore, could hear it, smell it. Another fantastic read by a brilliant Australian author.

I love category romance. I always have. Friends often suggest and recommend books by authors they think I’d enjoy. One of these books was, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. I plowed my way through thinking, okay, when’s this going to get into the story. But, seeing as it was recommended by so many, I continued to invest my precious reading time into it. Two thirds of the way in it grabbed my interest. In the end I enjoyed it, but I still don’t know if I’m ready to start The Girl who Played with Fire. I think it can stay on my TBR pile.

Anything Anne Stuart I also enjoy. Her latest book was Silver Falls. Thriller. Gutsy, feisty heroine. Unusual Hero, the black sheep of the family who wasn’t. The killer was creepy, so creepy, made my skin crawl. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

The book I’m reading ATM is a category romance by our fantastic Nikki Logan. It’s her latest release titled. Their Newborn Gift. The story of Lea, Reilly and Molly. From the first sentence I was sucked right on in. Unusual story, which is awesome, set in the Kimberley region of WA. Strong heroine, yet vulnerable. Same can be said for Reilly. I haven’t finished this story yet; I want to take everything in, the atmosphere of setting. The growing romance; Molly’s dilemma. Study can wait, tonight; I have a book to finish.

What are you doing?

2010-06-30T09:06:00.001+09:30

This past weekend was spent out at our "block of dirt" out in the bush, where we are working hard to clear the fences after years of neglect by the previous owners. Usually its a pretty solitary work environment, but this time we had supervisors.

Plenty of supervisors.

All asking the same question. What are you doing?

Next door's cattle discovered us and a procession of interested faces stared at us from over the fence. First the teenagers, who got bored really quickly and moved on. Then came the meaty looking bull (I kept dreaming of roast...), followed by a very contented looking cow and tiny calf.

Once they discovered we were no threat, Mr Bull took watch while the calf fed and then both mum and calf lay down. Then two more calves appeared out of the scrub. They were a bit older, and obviously motherless. Mrs Cow checked her calf, then said "come on, there's room for a few more" and seconds later she had them both lying down and was grooming them. Mr Bull kept watch for danger, never taking his eyes off us, letting the rest of them nap or chew their cuds.

Fascinating watching, and immediately I was thinking of romance plots. She's a real earth mother, with plenty of love to give. He's less trusting and always on the lookout, perhaps ex-military. There are two motherless children to protect. The possibilities kept me thinking all day as I cut, cleared and hauled.

We didn't have the camera with us, otherwise I'd have given you a glimpse of the "cattle" family as I like to think of them. But this photo shows exactly the scrutiny we've been under.

June Book in a Month

2010-06-23T16:49:00.000+09:30

It's been a bit quiet on the Bootcamper blog this month as a fair number of us are participating in the June Book in a Month Challenge. The idea started with National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWrMo as its known, held in November every year.

Those of us down under decided Winter would be a much better time to hold a novel writing challenge and decided on June. Brisbane has turned on a selection of fine days for our challenge, with cold clear nights just perfect for using the laptop, while snuggled under a home made quilt with a hot chocolate (we don't own a heater up here in the Sunshine State).

So how are we doing so far? Pretty good, wouldn't you agree team? We're all working through individual goals, rather than the stock standard 50000 word count. And most of us are on track to meet our targets.

Wish us luck.

A Planet Far, Far Away

2010-06-16T14:20:00.001+09:30

It's pretty well known that I like my sci-fi romance, and when I saw this photo, my immediate thought was "What planet is this?" The ominous sky, the bleak landscape and the hint of impending doom called to the author in my soul. I see a quest to the distant pyramid (ok, so its a mountain), and the most dangerous part of the journey is crossing this cold, exposed plain (ok, so its a beach). They won't get across undetected. There'll be a chase, and my team will be running for their lives, pursued by the planet's inhabitants. The near death experience will bring the team closer together, especially the commander and his second in command, who've spent the whole mission trying to ignore the attraction they feel for one another.

All this from one photo. I can't wait to explore this story further.

So tell me, what story do you see in this picture?

Bootcamper Data File: Melissa James

2010-06-14T17:50:00.000+09:30

Name: Melissa James

Writes: Harlequin Romance, Suspenseful Historical Mainstream

Call sign: (ie nickname) Um, haven't had one since called "Freckle Bum Junior" in high school. :) Friends call me Lis.

Current mood: Excited! Going on holiday tomorrow. Can't wait.

Reading: "The Terror Before Trafalgar" by Tom Pocock - a bio on the life of Lord Nelson, and the times in England and France just before the outbreak of war in 1803. It is research! Also reading "Lucia: A Venetian Life in Napoleonic Times" by Andrea di Robilant. More research!

Inspiration: Sharon Penman, Elizabeth Chadwick, JRR Tolkien, Nigel Tranter

Web hang outs: Only historical research places! I'm a technophobe and not really into blogs and stuff. We do download shows like Fringe though - where we live it's always 2 years behind.

Favourite food when writing: Duh...chocolate!!! Peppermint tea is always good too.

Music listening to: "The Romantic Violin" by Joshua Bell

Watching: "The Little Dictator" with Charlie Chaplin (really!). I also love Fringe, NCIS, CSI...

Working on: "Dark Waltz" - mainstream historical suspense set in 1803

May release

Visit Melissa at her website.

Collaging

2010-06-09T19:26:00.000+09:30

Have you ever tried collaging? Above is the collage I made for my Death of a Decade story. A few months ago we trawled through Toowong Cemetery looking for a grave from our chosen decade - mine was the 1970's. From that one grave, we needed to weave a story. And you'll see the grave that fascinated me above. Why, oh why, is this grave unfinished after all these years?

Fast forward to May and the collaging workshop. There were so many magazines to choose from - thanks to my friend Danielle and her mum. I decided early on to try and use only black and white pictures to give the collage a historic feel. But then I started seeing images in colour and I just had to have them. And then there were those "other" photos, the ones I have set aside for another story I have floating around in my head. And the two page spread of Johnny Depp pictures I snaffled before anyone else noticed them.

You'll see the bottom corner of my collage is left blank - I wanted to add the picture of the grave, which I have now done. I'm halfway through telling Margaret's story, having a great time researching music history from the 1970's as my POV character is in jail, with only a transistor radio for company. Wish me luck....

What we are reading....Rachel

2010-06-07T08:27:00.002+09:30

The last book I finished was ZANE: THE WILD ONE by Bronwyn Jameson. It’s part of a duo that was re-released which is great because I would have missed it otherwise. I *loved* this book. It was emotional and sexy and fun and gorgeous. I loved bad boy Zane and I loved the house where most of the action takes place. And the best bit is now I have QUADE: THE IRRESISTIBLE ONE, the other book in the duo, waiting for me!

I’m currently reading some romantic fantasy books that people suggested for me on the Lovecats blog. The first one I’m reading is WARPRIZE by Elizabeth Vaughn, and I have DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST by Juliet Marillier and HEART MATE by Robin D. Owens waiting on the bedside table. People gave me heaps of recommendations in the comments to my post, and I plan to work my way through them all.

Immediately before I read Bronwyn Jameson’s Zane, I was reading historicals – one of my favourite genres. The last ones were THE GRAND SOPHY by Georgette Heyer (which was *gasp* my first Heyer, but certainly won’t be my last because I adored it! What a fabulous heroine!) and the latest series by Elizabeth Hoyt (such sumptuous covers!). I only read the first of the EH series before my mother borrowed them, so I have the other three to look forward to soonish.

~Rachel Bailey

Nikki's second book available now....

2010-06-03T20:37:00.000+09:30

Available now from Mills & Boon Australia is Nikki Logan's next book, Their Newborn Gift. It is book 3 of the Outback baby series (Book 1 being Melissa's One Small Miracle and Book 2 being Michelle Douglas' The Cattleman, The Baby and Me).

Here is the Aussie Cover for Nikki's book. Very stylish indeed.

UK cover

US cover

Happy reading everyone!

Writing Retreat

2010-06-02T17:00:00.000+09:30

I'm just back from the Helles Belles (my face to face group) writing retreat. It started with a bang on Friday night with a cocktail party to introduce our writer "selves" on the same day in 2015. We'd all been really busy, and all of us were published. Preparing my book covers gave me plenty of new ideas and I'm struggling to know which one to run with next.

Saturday started with a walk on the beach and collaging and creativity workshops, followed by plenty of writing. More writing, then another walk on the beach and the Annual Awards Dinner.

Sunday we broke with tradition (no walk) with half the Belles braving the pool - not bad for the week before winter (air temperature 14 degrees). Two of us stayed as long as possible and we thought it was great. Right up until we realised we couldn't get back into the apartment complex without the key (which we didn't have). A big thanks to Roseanne (who'd already left for the shower) for rescuing us from hypothermia, and for cooking us breakfast to make sure we warmed up.

So, we revitalised our creative souls and are ready for the year ahead. Bring on the Bootcamper Book in Month Challenge in June.

Get Ready for a BIAM

2010-05-31T12:05:00.000+09:30

In June, we are going to be doing a BIAM (Book in a Month) challenge. Alison will be our BIAM mum and we are sending through our goals. Luckily this falls at the same time as 50Ks in 30 days, and so I will be reporting to both (hmmm....accountability), and I believe other Bootcampers will be doing the same thing.

So what do we do?

Write!!!

And then report in on a weekly basis on our progress. Of course there is an outpouring of support as always. And a little prodding along the way too. After all, what are friends for.

We'll let you know how we go at the end of June.

Bootcampers, get ready, get set......

Queenslander.... Perhaps

2010-05-26T19:16:00.004+09:30

Anyone on the eastern seaboard will be watching the State of Origin Rugby League match tonight, and divided by the huge rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales. I was born north of the border and have lived here all my life, so wearing the maroon should be a no brainer.

Except... My parents are both from NSW, my aunties, uncles and cousins all live in NSW, the farm is in NSW. If I wear QLD colours down there, I'll be lynched (or worse, have to listen to their gloating if the Blues win).

The clever people at the border crossing towns of Wallangarra/Jennings have come up with a clever solution for people like me. The pattern above is the pattern on my "yet to arrive" footy jersey (I would have taken a photo, but it hasn't arrived....). Hubby is getting the second one. Guaranteed not to upset the staunchest of footy supporters - these jerseys come in a range of different half/half patterns and can even be screen printed with the State of Origin mascots - the cane toad and the cockroach.

It's a best of three, so hopefully the jersey will be here for the next game. Fingers crossed.

Melissa's One Small Miracle

2010-05-24T12:11:00.000+09:30

I'm sorry to Melissa as I've had this photo in my phone for a little while and haven't had a chance to display....

Isn't it the cutest cover?

Congrats Melissa!!

Don't miss part 2 of this series - The Cattleman, The Baby and Me by Michelle Douglas, followed by part 3 by our own Nikki Logan.

Mission Report: Melissa James

2010-05-22T18:31:00.003+09:30

One of the great things about being a boot camper is that we have fantastic mentors. One of whom is the awesome Melissa James. Melissa's career is barrelling forward. Her latest releases for M&B are, One Small Miracle released downunder in May 2010. A Wish and a Wedding with the legendary Margaret Way, in July/August and The Sheik's Destiny in August/September 2010. Melissa has also found herself and agent to represent her in her mainstream work, her name, Eleanor Jackson of Markson Thoma. Melissa is thrilled to have her but I believe Eleanor is privileged to have Melissa. I'm sure it will be a long and industrious union. More good news for Melissa, is that from one page of a m/s, one page, she has THREE editors wanting to read the full. Megan Rocords of Kensington. Jessica Sebor of Bantam Dell and Margo Lipschutz of HQN. What a trio. Melissa, we wait along with you, with fingers crossed and hearts full of hope. Congratulations. Till next time, remember:

BOOTCAMPERS ROCK.

Origami

2010-05-20T19:59:00.003+09:30

Have you ever tried origami?

Many years ago I learnt how to fold origami cranes. Everyone I knew made at least one and we made a rainbow of hanging cranes - kind of like this one, but with the droops of cranes organised by colour.

I found out today this is called a Senbazuru - a group of 1000 origami paper cranes held together by strings. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds 1000 origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury.

So I've decided to rekindle my love of origami and make myself a Senbazuru. Progress so far: One crane down, 999 to go.

Wish me luck.

Bootcamper Data File: Annie Newton

2010-05-17T10:32:00.002+09:30

This month, our Bootcamper Data File is with Anne, who has been selected to be part of the 5DI workshops in July. Congratulations Anne!!

Name: Anne Newton

Writes: futuristic and paranormal romance

Call sign: (ie nickname) Bridget (which I am never explaining!)

Current mood: euphoric at being chosen for RWA's 5 Day Intensive in July

Reading: Spymaster's Lady by Johanna Bourne

Inspiration: my fellow bootcampers, Jennifer Crusie and Joss Whedon

Web hang outs: hmm. Jennifer Crusie's site, Television Without Pity (can't recommend this website highly enough. especially if you enjoy sarcasm as much as I do. If you miss an episode of your favourite show, visit this site)

Favourite food when writing: sadly, chocolate. I am trying for smaller portions as the writing hours increase.

Music listening to: God, everything. Last night was Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve

Watching: Supernatural, if Ch10 would do the right thing and leave it ON!

inspiration for Annie - Supernatural's Jensen Ackles

Working on: Paranormal trilogy (book one almost complete)

Join us next month for another Data File.....

Dreaded Feedback

2010-05-12T20:43:00.004+09:30

I've been at school this week, and this afternoon I graduated with a Diploma in.... wait for it.... Giving Feedback. My day job involves teaching new graduates, who after a year of training with us are sent off into the wide world of independent practice. And teaching them "on the run" while we're trying to get the work done is sometimes really difficult.

To finish the course, we each had to watch a role play scenario of a graduate performing a routine task, something we teach every day, and we had to provide feedback to the graduate on their performance. An assessor then gave feedback on our feedback.

Nerve wracking? Intimidating? You bet. But the skills I've learned as a writer stood me in good stead. At our face to face critique group, we each read the same piece, then have 10 minutes for feedback. Receiving feedback, I write down as much as I can of what everyone says on the back of the piece. Then when the shock of the comments wears off (how could you not love it?), I can look back at the comments and look at the writing objectively and see my colleagues are probably right.

Giving feedback is much harder. Members of our group tend to use the feedback sandwich, with the "meat" sandwiched between positives, and it is very clear it is the work being critiqued, not the writer. We focus on how the writing could be improved rather than pointing out every negative in the work. And we all work very hard to ensure the comments are constructive.

So how did I go in the assessment? There was no pass or fail - just plenty of feedback, and it wasn't too bad. I know where I am right now, what I need to work on and I've been given suggestions on how best to achieve results. It was just like being at my critique group....

Mission Report

2010-05-09T19:28:00.004+09:30

It seems like ages since I've contributed to the blog, thought it high time I make another appearance. Well, we're still waiting for Alison results from her last competition final, seems to be taking forever, but as soon as I hear, you'll all hear.

Nikki Logan has sold her latest ms to Mills & Boon, it's still untitled, but it's fantastic to know that Nikki is still working her magic. In June Nikki's release titled Their Newborn Gift will be released in US/UK, hopefully it will be in Australia's books shops not long after. Can't wait.
Seven Day Love Story (part of the "New Voices Anthology') is being released in September but only in the UK. I'm sure we'll be able to purchase a copy somewhere. The Soldiers Untamed Heart is due for release in the UK in October this year.

Tracey progressed to the 2nd round of the Emerald but this year, didn't reach the finals. Tracey is a wonderful, dedicated writer. She will keep working to elevate herself onto the list of published authors. Whoever signs her up will be happy they did.

I have some other news, but I'll have to check with the author and make sure I have permission to tell. Till next time. Remember.

Bootcampers Rock
Ciao Roseanne

2010 Romancing the West wrap up

2010-05-07T08:27:00.002+09:30

The 2010 RWA Romancing the West Conference took place this past Saturday, 1 May, in Western Australia’s beautiful capital city of Perth.

Four of Bootcamp’s inaugural members, Janine, Nikki, Tracey and Dana, attended the one day event.

Nikki Logan took centre stage mid morning for her presentation on branding and why you need it before you sell. If you’ve not seen this presentation, you need to!

Janine & Dana

Tracey & Nikki

Ms. Logan was amongst some of WA’s brightest and best. Authors Fiona Lowe, Fiona Palmer, and Juliet Marillier also shared their time and talents to help attendees strengthen our opening paragraphs/chapters, heighten our hero and heroine conflict, find our voices, and make our fiction believable.

Although jam packed with brilliant presentations, the day was interspersed with opportunities to mingle and interact with authors, presenters and fellow writers, both current RWA members and those soon to be!

A special thanks to Romancing the West’s committee members and coordinator! Ladies, fabulous effort and thank you for this amazing event!

Also, a shout out to our sister campers from 209—Claire and Rachel—who not only attended but also helped organize the day!

I’ll definitely attending this event again and I highly suggest it to others!

~Dana Scully

Future Gazing - 2015

2010-05-05T20:03:00.004+09:30

My face to face group are having a writing retreat at the end of May and this week my invite arrived for Friday night cocktails. What a fabulous challenge - each member of the group is to come as their "writer self" as they will be in 2015. Props such as published books are encouraged and from the moment we arrive Friday night we are in 2015.

This has got me thinking during the drive to and from work. Here's some things I know as facts:

I'll be closer to fifty than forty, still fit and healthy and not ready to start aging.
I'll still be trying to build a retirement house on a block of land two and a half hours from home (and still trying to clear the fences)
My trusty station wagon (The Saxon Warhorse) will be retired
My gentle giant of a dog (aged 10) will no longer be with us
My galloping pup (aged 1) will have grown a brain and hopefully stopped eating things - last week it was a cupboard handle from the kitchen
I'll still be writing and actively seeking publication. And I'll be improved from where I am now.

And now the things I can't be sure of:

I'll be published somewhere (But I'm thinking positive so now I have to mock up some books)
I'll have a website and a pen name
Maybe an assistant (for the fan mail)
And a cleaning lady
I'll need a new car - what to choose - station wagon (farm car), SUV, sports car
I might have finished the house and moved. I'll have a fireplace for all those cold winter's days and nights I spend writing.

So, all you writers out there, have a think about where you want to be five years from now, make a list and start working towards it. Keep it somewhere safe, pull it out every year and check your progress. You never know where you'll end up in the year 2015.

What we are reading....Jacqueline

2010-05-03T08:21:00.002+09:30

I've just finished reading "Black Ice" and "Cold as Ice" by Anne Stuart. She was at our RWA Conference a couple of years back with Jennifer Crusie. I read both books 'back to back' as they intrigued me from page one. Her words flowed effortlessly and suited my mood for relaxation. If you like intrigue where the protagonists take the 'mickey' out of one another, you might enjoy these.

"The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer is a tale of post-war friendship, love and books. It consists of letters that weave between the nuances of lives affected by the German occupation of Guernsey. Juliet comes to know and love the extraordinary personalities of these writers and shares it all with us in a light-hearted fashion laced with wry humour. It's a tea and cake and a curl-up on the couch type of book.

My other book by Robert Holman and edited by Peter Thompson is "On Paths of Ash" and I was not expecting a light-hearted read because Holman was an Australian soldier captured by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore and interned in Changi. What impressed me was the wry humour expressed by Holman for almost every occasion. It certainly tempered the horrific experiences of these men as they toiled on the Burma Railway, then worked in the coalmines in Japan where they witnessed the Nagasaki atomic bomb drop and finally came home.

Not for the faint-hearted but it is a genuine piece of our Australian history about which we all should know.

~Jacqueline

Writer's Slice - Butterscotch Brownies

2010-04-28T19:32:00.003+09:30

Yesterday I had to take a plate to a farewell afternoon tea and I decided to make my favourite baked slice - Butterscotch Brownies. This is one of those slices that you can't stop at one, so every time I make it, the leftovers are frozen. Then after dinner each night, one piece comes out, and I check my emails over coffee and a slice before I start writing.

The recipe turns out differently every time I make it - chewy or crunchy depending on the weather, the brand of brown sugar and whether you use butter or margarine (I'm a butter girl). Baking this slice is a bit like the creative writing process - same base ingredients/process each time, but the end result is influenced by all the variables impacting on your life at that time. So many times, when the words won't come easily, just making this slice gets my creativity going. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Butterscotch Brownies

60g butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup SR flour

3/4 cup coconut

generous teaspoon of vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

1 egg

Melt butter and sugar together to a butterscotch. Add vanilla and pre-scrambled egg (and salt). Stir in flour and coconut. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes in a shallow greased cake tin. Cut into pieces and enjoy.

Melissa's current and upcoming releases

2010-04-24T02:07:00.000+09:30

I have been remiss in bringing you the covers of our Bootcampers recently....

This month, Melissa James' book, One Small Miracle is out in Australia. It is the first of a mini-series, with books two and three (by Nikki) coming soon!

Here are the different covers... now everyone say awwwww..... :0)

US cover

UK cover

Aussie cover

And here are the upcoming covers too:

Go Melissa! Congratulations on your releases...

Taking the Scenic Route

2010-04-21T19:14:00.002+09:30

Life is incredibly busy some days, juggling work, home and writing commitments. The year flies by in a whirl of activity, and before you know it, another Christmas is coming up fast. So, when was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? The last time you made a conscious choice to take the scenic route.

I love Australian history, and we’re just back from a weekend exploring Warwick and surrounds. First we visited Pringle Cottage Historical Museum, a collection of historic buildings filled with a fascinating snapshot of life in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. We poked around for hours.

Then we boarded the steam train for a leasurely trip from Warwick to Wallangarra. Now I remember this trip by car as a child. It seemed to take forever, as the old highway went through every village on the way. Nowadays, the new road bypasses these historic towns, and travel time is around 80 minutes. A boring 80 minutes with nothing to see.

The train takes the scenic route – over bridges built of sandstone 100 years ago, past dams built to provide water for the steam, through tunnels built by hand, and across some of the most picturesque country the Southern Downs has to offer. A magical day, made better by the support of the local community. Farmers stopped to wave, people in cars pulled over to take photos, truck drivers blew their horn. All of them touched by a little piece of local history, running again because somebody had a dream.

We met people who’d worked on the railway fifty years ago and wanted to see the restored train first-hand. And passionate volunteers, who restore carriages in their spare time. Passenger attendants, train drivers and fire-fighters, all of whom give their time to keep the train running. The hustle and bustle of the city was temporarily forgotten as we enjoyed their hospitality. And then there were the train-spotters. People who drove the route with us to get photos – there were at least five different cars who shadowed us all the way.

The train was great, the scenery was fabulous, but for me the best part of the day was sharing it with like-minded people who wanted to take the scenic route.

Bootcamper Data File: Fiona Gregory

2010-04-19T08:39:00.006+09:30

This month, our Bootcamper Data File is with Fiona, who has been a part of the Little Gems Anthology two years running now. Congratulations Fi! I am sure you can make it a hat trick :-)

Name: Fiona Gregory

Writes: Futuristic Romance and short stories with romantic elements

Current mood: Wishing for a runner’s high after a trip around the suburbs

Reading: Lisa Curry-Kenny’s 'Get up and Go' and Nora Robert’s 'Honest Illusions'

Inspiration:
* Space and all its mysteries
* Sci-fi television – Startrek, Stargate, Dr Who, Torchwood - to name a few
* Regular sessions of “What if…”

Web hang outs:

I hang out here at Bootcamper Writing Drills and help with Gromit’s story

Favourite food when writing: Coffee.

Music: Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Dire Straits, Queen. Relaxation CD’s while I’m writing.

Please check Fiona's latest story in the Little Gems Topaz Anthology. Orders are now available via the RWAus site.

Join us next month for another Data File.

All Aboard!

2010-04-14T19:24:00.003+09:30

We've been watching James May's Toy Stories at our house - a series inspired by James May's desire to get children away from their console games and playing with old-fashioned toys. My favourite episode to date was an attempt to run a model railway between two towns miles apart but once joined by a real railway. It's re-ignited my love of model railways and I figure it won't be long before I head down to the hobby shop to look for a layout.

Or maybe I don't have to? We spend a bit of time in the Southern Downs, and the Southern Downs Steam Railway run scenic tours along disused rail lines. This weekend they are travelling from Warwick to Wallangarra via Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt, and we're lucky enough to have secured tickets.

This is the ultimate model railway - its real sized. The group is volunteer run, and members can perform all sorts of tasks - ticket seller, usher, even train driver. There are even volunteers in cars who go ahead of the train and act as mobile crossing guards.

The photo above was taken in the 1960's - its the actual locomotive we'll be riding behind on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Southern Downs Steam Railway). I can't wait to get aboard!

Mission report: Alison Leake

2010-04-07T21:50:00.003+09:30

It's been a few weeks since I received the news, but, unfortunately, slow download makes manoeuvring through google next to impossible. So with great tada to the fantabulous Alison let me share it with you all. Alison won her category of the Linda Howard Award of Excellence Competition in March. Her reward for brilliant writing is, Heather Osbourne of Tor/Forge has requested her full MS. Again, I can't name the ms but trust me, it's an awesome read. We wait along with Alison for the news. Ring Ring, is that the call? Won't be long now.

The Lunar Effect

2010-04-07T07:02:00.000+09:30

One of my least liked tasks at work is trying to roster about forty staff to additional shifts on weekends and at night, and then pay them back with rostered days off. I've just done the next three months and within seconds of putting it up on the roster board the hoards descended on my carefully constructed roster.

Anguished groans, cries of despair, even swearing greeted me as I braved the masses. How could I have committed such a heinous crime - rostering staff to work the night of our hospital ball? It's OK, I said, just swap out. The phones ran hot as staff jostled for position on the roster. Despite the fact its a "swap" system, at the end of the stampede some shifts were mysteriously vacant.

No worries, I thought, I can just slot in and fill the gaps. And then I started copying the dates into my diary.

Oh no! Every empty shift was the night of the full moon!

Anyone who's working in a hospital has heard of the Lunar Effect - an increase in lunatic behaviour on the night of a full moon. And when you run a phone service for the general public (as we do), you can pick a full moon evening without ever looking at the sky or a calendar. Some police stations roster extra staff on the night of a full moon. Not us, we just make do with normal staffing. But does the lunar effect really exist?

There's been heaps of research, but the scientific evidence says no. There's been a multitude of theories to explain it - electrical energy, effects on waves and water, effects on brain functioning. I've got a much simpler theory. It's much lighter overnight on full moon - harder to get to sleep, easier to stay out late, better visibility to get into strife in the middle of the night. As evidenced by the large number of people we see every full moon.

What's your experience of the Lunar Effect? And how do you explain it?

What we are reading....Dana

2010-04-05T08:09:00.000+09:30

It may sound like writer sacrilege, but I’ve sworn off buying another book until my TBR pile is gone, history, finito. Unfortunately, with the number of books in that pile, it will be the turn of the next decade before I can even venture near the bookstore!

But, don’t be sad for me, I have made one exception…for Australian authors—anymore that’s no small exception!

Authors such as Bootcamp’s Rachel Bailey, Melissa James, and Nikki Logan go to the top of the pile, as do Australian’s Juliet Marillier, Anna Campbell, Anne Gracie, Denise Rossetti and Kiwi claimed Zana Bell!

Between releases for those fantastic authors I have a stack of classics from Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones (I’ve been trying to get through this one for about two months now—man, Henry loves to hear himself talk!!!) to Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Then there are the non-fiction books on history, psychology, nutrition, OH&S and more! And don’t forget the plethora of romance! After all, one can never have enough romance!

But what, you ask, am I reading right now?

Well, at present, I’m re-reading Nikki Logan’s Lights, Camera, Kiss the Boss. It’s just too good for a single go!! I’ve also begun a re-read of Sarah Edelman’s (what do you know, she’s an Aussie too!!!) Change Your Thinking, because alas, even I have habits I would like to change, like re-reading books when I have five dozen in a non-diminishing pile that I haven’t read!!! Add to these, the university books on pathophysiology and pain management, my weekly news magazine The Week, and my monthly National Geographic and well, I’m pretty read out!

But, in an endeavor to reduce the ever ubiquitous TBR pile, I will continue to read on, and on… and on and on and on.

Until then…happy writing.

Dana

On another note, this blog post makes our 150th!! Bootcampers Rock! And thanks Dana for a fantastic blog entry.
~Eleni

Happy Easter from us

2010-04-04T23:22:00.000+09:30

From the Bootcampers, hope you have a

If you don't celebrate Easter, we hope you have a lovely long weekend!!

Cemetery Theatre Tour

2010-03-31T08:55:00.000+10:30

My face to face writing group did a night-time historic cemetery ghost tour for their Christmas Party and we found it fascinating and inspiring. We said at the time we couldn't wait to go back.

This last weekend we did a creativity exercise loosely title "Death in a Decade" at the same cemetery. Each member of the group dressed up as someone from a decade - someone keeping the home fires burning during World War One(10's), a flapper from the 1920's, a housewife from the depression (the 30's), an elegantly dressed 1940's socialite (complete with real fur) and a tie-died hippy from the 70's.

We set about finding the monument of someone who had died during our decade, and tried to weave a story around their life or their death. Sounds morbid? No, it was fascinating. One gentleman in the 1920's buried his second wife five years after the death of his first wife. In the same grave! Imagine the second wife's family's reaction.

So many families buried young children in the early years of the cemetery there is a pamphlet prepared by the cemetery's historical society detailing these families, and we paused to consider the impact of living 70 years longer than your infant child. One grave held two unrelated men, and the wording of the headstone verse led us to believe they were in love. In 1919.

There were fascinating monuments - a sailboat in marble, a stained glass window set in an oval marble frame that catches the sunrise, a miniature garden complete with flowers and artificial grass. We'd only covered about a quarter of the cemetery before we all found inspiration we needed. We'll be researching the history of our eras and preparing the groundwork to let us work on these stories at our planned retreat in May.

I can't wait to see the stories we come up with. And we'll definitely be exploring the rest of this cemetery some time in the future.

Beating Perfectionism

2010-03-24T13:00:00.001+10:30

I hate to admit it, but I'm a perfectionist. It might come from my job, where everything has to be accurate and organised, or maybe I was just born this way. Sometimes the perfectionist tendency can be a good thing eg when proof-reading printed information leaflets on medicines produced at my work.

Other times, like when I'm trying to write, it can grind me to a halt. Why? Because the image in my brain in no way matches what comes out on the screen. And if I give in to my perfectionism, I want to make it one hundred percent before I move on.

So, I'm waging a war against perfectionism in my writing. This includes

keeping my 2010 goals visible as I write
using my Alphasmart (small screen mini word processor, impossible to edit)
writing to a timer, and not re-reading at all until the chapter is finished
scheduling one week for new content, the next week for editing, and repeating this cycle between face to face critique group meetings
working on a fun writing project, not related to my current WIP
actively looking for ideas and keeping my ideas folder handy

And is it working?

So far, so good. Instead of scratching for content for my face to face group each fortnight, I've got chapters in the bank. I've ticked off goals on my to-do list without any all-nighters, just by sticking to my timetable. I've finally realised (its only been four years...) you can't edit to publishable standard unless you've got words on the page. The light has finally come on.

So, if you struggle as I do and you start procrastinating instead of writing, do what I did. Take yourself out of your comfort zone. Try a book in a month, book in a week, or daily sprint. Write messy, write without thinking. Switch off the internal editor and just write. You'll be surprised what you can achieve when you learn to let go of Mr/Ms Perfectionism.

Melissa blogging at...

2010-03-22T20:59:00.000+10:30

the Harlequin Romance authors blog on the paperwork life in Switzerland.

You can find it here.

~yia~

Rachel hits the Aussie shelves....again

2010-03-21T21:37:00.000+10:30

The Blackmailed Bride's Secret Child has been released in Australia and here is a look at it on the shelves in my local Target.

Congratulations Rachel!!!

Top shelf - hmmm - vertically challenged can't see

On tip-toes

Brought down to another shelf - you can just make out Nikki's book on the right

Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle

2010-03-17T13:00:00.001+10:30

I love a good mystery, and I'm a bit partial to putting together jigsaw puzzles, so when I first saw Mystery Jigsaw puzzles in the 90's I was hooked. These puzzles don't have a picture of the finished puzzle anywhere on the box, and they come with a short story detailing what happened in the minutes leading up to the puzzle image being taken. You read the story, assemble the puzzle, then try and solve the mystery. Actually, I like to put the book away until after I've finished the puzzle, its much more fun that way.

So when I saw one of these puzzles in a second-hand toy store recently, I had to buy it, because it came from the "Author Classic" range. Authors such as Sue Grafton, Nelson DeMille, Carol Higgins Clark and Julie Smith have all written for the range. I bought Jonathon Kellerman's "The things we do for love".

Anyone who does buys secondhand jigsaws knows you can sometimes be in for a surprise when you open the box. Chip crumbs, missing pieces and mangled corners are all possibilities. I opened the box with trepidation. To start with, it all looked good.

But what was that? Could it be? Tucked inside the story book was an immaculate five dollar note. Real, I wondered, or part of the story? It looked real enough and a quick comparison with other notes in my purse comfirmed its authenticity.

So what was it doing there? An additional clue to solve the mystery, left by the previous owner? A hidden gift from grandma, missed when the puzzle was unceremoniously traded in by its young owner without being completed? A clever forger with a new distribution arm?

I've yet to read the story, have only completed the border of the puzzle and can see what looks suspiciously like American money lying on the grass in one corner. My fingers are itching to get it finished.

This is one Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle that is certainly living up to its name.

Bootcamper Data File: Alison Leake

2010-03-15T08:54:00.003+10:30

Welcome to our second Data File, the quick snippets of info on our Bootcampers.

Our Bootcamper this month is the contest blazing, Alison Leake. Mark my words, she will be getting The Call soon - her work is just so wonderful.

Name: Alison Leake

Writes: Paranormal & Fantasy Historicals

Call Sign: Allie/Al

Current Mood: Tired

Reading: Kiss Me, Annabel - the second in the four book series about the Essex sisters by Eloise James

Inspiration: Dorothy Dunnett & Laura Kinsale for writing. My friend Roseanne in real life for her generous soul and fabulous, positive outlook on life. She always knows the right thing to say.

Web hang outs: Word Wenches, History Hoydens, Farmville *g*

Favourite food when writing: Wasabi Peas

Music listening to: Dire Straits

Watching: Black Adder (when I remember it's on)

Working on: A historical fantasy

Alison did forget to mention her inspiration for her dreamy Sebastian, Rupert Penry-Jones

Join us next month for another Data File......

Wild Weather

2010-03-10T22:02:00.003+10:30

Was it something I said?

Recently I posted about how hard it was to write about my hero and heroine clinging to life (and each other) during a cold storm when its hot and sunny, and I think the God of Weather must have heard me complaining. Here in Queensland (the sunshine state) we've had bucketing rain and out west the rivers are flooding. Our dams went from 70% full to 90% full over a couple of days (yeah!). Adelaide had severe wind storms the same day as our big downpour and on Saturday Melbourne was ripped apart by a hail storm.

We drove out on Friday night to check our block of land, with its minor river going from 10cm to 2m in three days last week. To get there, we go up Cunningham's Gap, a treacherous piece of road linking the coastal plain with the mountains. It's the only piece of road I know with its own helicopter pad for accident retrievals. And having driven up on Friday night, now I know why.

Sheeting rain, heavy cloud, water cascading over the road and evidence of rock slides greeted us as we crawled along in almost zero visibility. Truly terrifying! Hubby and I were bolt upright, wound as tight as a spring all the way to the top. We would have stopped, but there's nowhere safe to stop once you start to climb.

It pelted down all weekend. Great writing weather, so I snuggled up in warm clothes and wrote. From crunchy grass three months ago, our soil is now so waterlogged the rain doesn't run away. Getting the car bogged was a real possibility. And keeping our young pup clean and dry proved impossible. Both car and pup needed a wash when we arrrived home.

This weekend is probably the scariest driving experience I've ever had (unless you include crossing the Hornibrook Bridge during Cyclone Tracey in 1974 with waves washing over the car - I was six and absolutely petrified.) What's the most terrifying weather you've ever driven in?

Mission Report: Annie Newton

2010-03-09T22:34:00.005+10:30

What a day for Bootcampers. Annie has just been accepted into the 5 day intensive workshop being run by RWA. Annie, you deserve this. You have committed yourself to your craft. With what the intensive is offering, publishing houses will be knocking on your door. Your bootcamp buddies are thrilled for you. You will do well, we know it. And remember

Bootcampers Rock.

Mission Report: Fiona Gregory

2010-03-09T22:29:00.005+10:30

Hot news off the press. Fiona Gregory has won a place in this years Little Gems Anthology with her story titled. Sieze the Man. Woo hoo. Fi's short stories are worth the read, and this one is worth the wait so you can read it. Make sure to order you Little Gems so you don't miss out. Again. Congratulations Fiona, you rock'n bootcamper you.

Nikki's book on the shelves....

2010-03-07T15:01:00.000+10:30

I went to Target during the week to get a copy of Nikki's Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss. Of course, I did a little rearranging. All at a shelf that vertically challenged people like myself would have no problem seeing or reaching for :))))

I was soooo happy to see Nikki's debut just stocked book on the shelf. Congrats Nikki!

Yay, Nikki's first book on the shelf.

With Bootcamp Pal, Rachel Bailey - how cool is that!

And Bootcampers meet SARA - with Trish Morey on shelves too!

My local Target's Romance section. Quite impressive as if you notice most books have to be shelved with spine out as there is such a large selection. There is more but you can't I couldn't get it in frame.

Cool!!

Winners of Gail & Rachel's interview

2010-03-02T19:15:00.000+10:30

The virtual dice roller awarded Margaret Midwood as the winner of Rachel’s book giveaway! Congrats! Since you’ve read her debut release, Rachel will happily send you an autographed copy of her second book, The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child! Enjoy! :)

And Sharon Archer, you’re the gold medal winner for the Canadian Olympic draw! WTG!

Congratulations, ladies!! Please send your mailing information to gail.fuller@hotmail.com and then watch the mail for your prizes. :)

~Gail

Thank you to Gail & Rachel for their generosity...
~Eleni

What we are reading....Fiona

2010-03-01T02:43:00.000+10:30

Here's what I'm reading right now.

'The Gallant Waif' by Anne Gracie. I'd heard a lot about how good this book was, so when I saw a copy for sale I snapped it up. It's definitely living up to expectations.

'Thief of Light' by Denise Rossetti. Another scorcher of a tale from Denise, set in her Four-sided Pentacle Universe, with rich characters and seemless worldbuilding. I can hardly wait for the release of the next instalment in this series.

~Fiona

Little Gems Cover

2010-02-27T02:40:00.004+10:30

Thanks to Roseanne for the shout out in your last mission report.

Here's a look at the winning cover for the Little Gems Cover Contest 2010.

Rachel Bailey Chats About Reunion Romances ... Plus There’s A Giveaway! (By Guest Interviewer Gail Fuller)

2010-02-26T05:06:00.064+10:30

Three cheers for the Bootcampers! Thank you for hosting my recent interview with talented Silhouette Desire author Rachel Bailey. For those who don’t know Rachel Bailey, you’re in for a treat.

The following descriptors were taken from reviews for her North American January debut novel, Claiming His Bought Bride.

‘Complex. Page turner. Well crafted. Sensual love story.’

With such high praise, it’s no surprise this gifted author’s first book instantly landed on USA Today’s Best-Selling Books list. Congratulations, Rachel! BTW, for the lucky folks in Australia and New Zealand it’s out now. Look at these gorgeous covers.

So, what’s more exciting than a fabulous debut release? The immediate follow-up of Rachel’s second Silhouette Desire! The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child is on shelves in North America, but don’t fret dear friends in Australia and New Zealand. You can nab this story in March.

Enough of my yammering. Heeeeere’s Rachel!

Thanks for inviting me, Gail!

Would you tell us a bit about your first release?

It’s about Damon, who’s driven by some dark forces from his childhood, and Lily who has left him once already because he couldn’t prioritize her in his life. They come back together because they need each other – Damon has a chance to finally get his father’s company back from his uncle, if he produces a legitimate heir for the uncle to leave his fortune to; and Lily has found she’s pregnant (from when they were together before). So they both lay down their conditions and strike a deal for a marriage of convenience. Of course, Damon’s pretty keen to turn it into a ‘real marriage’ and when he sets his mind to it, he can be pretty persuasive!

*Sigh* Damon the Divine! :)

With degrees in psychology and social work, it’s no wonder you have such great insights into you characters. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

It was a slow realization – I can’t pinpoint an exact decision or moment. But it happened about six years ago. Before that the idea of writing books for a living had never really occurred to me. I was a voracious consumer of books and as a child I’d written bad poetry for my mother and had ideas for books (even writing a couple of chapters), but being an author wasn’t something I’d even considered possible. I’m so glad it worked out this way, though!

So are we!

I love reunion stories such as yours, as do many readers. What appealed most about creating stories with this theme?

I love reading books about couples who’ve been torn apart and then found their way back together. One of my all time favourite books is Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Sometimes I think characters (like real people!) need some time apart to help them make the relationship work the second time around. Perhaps they need time to adjust to what’s happened, time to gain some emotional maturity, or time to appreciate what they’ve lost. But, ah, when they come back together—the right couple, the right situation—it’s powerful.

Rachel, would you mind sharing your typical workday with us? Do you sit down in an office at the same time every day? Or write on the go with a notebook?

I begin my days with a round of dog-tennis—I have four dogs and the excitement level in the house is very high until dog-tennis has been completed for the morning. Then I have breakfast with my husband and get stuck into my writing for the day (aka: spend the day dreaming about heroes and heroines and write all that down J). Then it ends up with another round of dog-tennis before dinner.

Doggie tennis – I love it! Is the score always 50-love? :)

What is your favourite part about being a writer?

Holding my very own book in my hands. And being able to give a copy to my husband and mother who are both so proud of me. J And being able to see it in the shops – I was all nerdy and took a photo. ;)

Would you give us a sneak peak to hold us until we can pick up your second book?

It’s another reunion book! J This one has some of my favourite story elements – a tortured hero who’s trying to hold back his intensely passionate nature, and a reunion between two people who were always meant to be together. And a dog in a small role. I love a dog in a story. Oh, and a few secrets to be discovered along the way…

I have my own copy but my lips are sealed. :)

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m having a phase of historicals. I’ve just finished Anne Gracie’s To Catch A Bride (fabulous!!) and am halfway through Emily May’s The Earl’s Dilemma (a stunning debut – she’s an author to watch!).

Rachel, thanks for sharing this time with us. It’s been fun!

Want to know more about Rachel Bailey and her books? Check out the following websites:

Rachel's website

The Silhouette Desire Author’s blog

Plus, there’s a spanking new blog entitled, LoveCats Downunder – a group of new category (cat) romance (love) authors.

If you leave a comment between now and Monday, one lucky winner will have their choice of either Claiming His Bought Bride or The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, March 1st (or Tuesday’s early morning hours for the lovely people Downunder).

Gail Fuller, a former Golden Heart finalist, is excited about celebrating RWA’s 30^th anniversary in Nashville this summer. If you happen to see my I.D. badge on the person standing next to you (presuming you remember the name *g*), don’t hesitate to say, ‘hi.’ However, chances are high I’ll beat you to it. RWA conferences have a way of turning this introvert into an extrovert :)

Thanks so much for joining us Gail & doing a great interview with Rachel!
~Eleni

Nikki's second cover!

2010-02-25T00:05:00.000+10:30

While we are still waiting to see Nikki's LCKTB hit the DownUnder shelves, Harlequin have released Nikki's next cover.

Their Newborn Gift is the third book in the Outback Baby Tales mini-continuity and will be released in June in the US.

Congrats Nikki! It is a lovely cover.

Heroines in Winter Coats

2010-02-24T20:54:00.004+10:30

In sunny Queensland we are sweltering through the end of a hot, wet summer. Last week we had 100mm of rain in a few hours causing local flooding and sending the weeds in our garden into overdrive. The days are hot and sticky, the nights aren't much better. It's not surprising I'm having difficulty writing a scene involving a fierce winter storm.

Cue the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Hours of watching snow and ice and cold. Research I told my hubby as I settled in on the lounge to watch a bit of ice skating. And a bit of cross-country. And then their was the curling, where the interesting fashions made for compelling watching. But still I struggled with my hero and heroine out in the weather.

Then the David Jones Winter Catalogue arrived.

More hats, coats, scarves and boots than I could poke a stick at. Of course everyone looked happy to be out in the weather, but at least from the chin down they looked like freezing was a possibility. So, in the interests of my story, it was off with their heads. With a little imagination my well dressed hero and heroine really were out in the cold. Of course, when that happens there's really only one way to get warm...

So, does the weather at home ever cramp your style when you're writing. And what's your preference for the perfect writing day - hot or cold?

Mission Report: Helen Katsinis

2010-02-22T18:46:00.003+10:30

More great news for one of our Bootcamp Gals. Helen Katsinis aka Eleni, has won the "Little Gems Cover contest" run by Romance Writers of Australia. Fantastic news for the multi-talented, Helen. Can't wait to see it in print. I'm sure it will be as wonderful as the artist who designed it. Congratulations Helen. We're so happy for you. And remember

Bootcampers Rock.