Petit Fours » Nicki Salcedo

The Wish List by Gabi Stevens

Nicki Salcedo — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:00:29 +0000

A review by Nicki Salcedo

If you were a Rare One and could listen to the world you might hear this:

I wish I were a real princess.

I wish I had a puppy.

I wish he liked—

I wish—

For Kristin Montgomery the ability to hear people’s wishes is just the beginning of her developing powers.She’s a CPA with three aunts who suddenly reveal that they are fairy godmothers and Kristin is too.What do you need to be a fairy godmother?A magic wand, some reluctance, and a guide in the form of Tennyson Ritter.He’s a scholarly, brooding, magical arbiter.Sound great doesn’t it?

Well, there’s the bad guy and the rules.Lots of rules.Never use your magic in anger.Not all wishes should be granted.Simple Magic is often the best magic.Magic isn’t always the answer.Kristin’s life is soon cluttered of danger and responsibility.She also has two men looking out for her.You know which one she should choose, so don’t expect too much deliberation.But I like a heroine with dating options and good friends.Kristin’s world is filled with interesting Groundlings (That’s regular people) and Arcani (They’ve got the magic).

I like to classify books by their Trauma Factor.These are stories where the main characters go through so much drama and peril it leaves you weeping.I love a book with a high Trauma Factor, but at times I like to read something light.The Wish List is a sweet, fast read.Great for a day when you don’t want your leisure reading to weigh or worry you down.The Wish List is a nice blend of paranormal, comedy, and romance.You will likely fall in love with Tennyson long before the heroine does.

My only concern was the sense that the author was holding something back. Even though the story is light, Ms. Stevens has flare for language and talent for describing dark worlds and heroes. I think she wants to give us something more. With rest of the trilogy already in the works, (Spellbound in April 2011 and Toil & Trouble in March 2012) I hope we’ll get the rest of the magic in the next two books.

Ever had a wish that came true? Do you have a wish that you’ve had for a long time? Ever wished for something and now you’re glad didn’t come true?

For more on Gabi Stevens check out her interview with Petit Fours and Hot Tamales.

The Wish List (Time of Transition Trilogy) by Gabi Stevens

Available now, TOR, Paranormal Romance, ISBN-10: 0765365030

3 Petit Fours, 2 Hot Tamales

How To Make Love

Nicki Salcedo — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:05:50 +0000

by Nicki Salcedo

I’m sure your mother told you it’s impolite to talk about the politics, religion, and sex. Lucky for you, I’m here to make mom mad today.

Politics. I have a surprising number of friends who are my political opposite. I think I need to wear more shirts that say “Anarchy” or “Make Love Not War.” The truth is I like to surround myself with lots of different types of people and in my life sometimes different means opposite. Sports fans get together for the love of the sport even if they are cheering on different teams. We should take that spirit into politics. I wish more people talked about politics. We should be like sports fans.

Religion. I have a friend who is spending every week this year visiting a different place of worship whether or not the place of worship reflects her religious tradition. Isn’t that fabulous? Are you afraid that experiencing another religion will draw you away from you current beliefs. What if it reinforces your believes? What if it allows you to be educated? What if it allows you to have a healthy respect for another person’s spiritual practice? I know. Crazy. Are religions screwed up? People screw up religion. Humans are awesome at take sound ideas and turning them into sausage. Conclusion: Religion is about closing your eyes and knowing the world is still there, flawed and perfect. Religion is the best of a mystery, fantasy, and spy novel wrapped into one and turned into a self-help book. If you don’t have a religion, you should try one!

Sex. Let’s talk about it. Your mother was right: Do not talk about sex. It’s like the first and second rules of Fight Club. My doctor keeps explaining this “theory”about where babies come from. I’m pretty sure my doctor is wrong. I don’t want to talk or hear about sex.

Politics and religion are communal and worthy of discussion, but sex is not communal (Please don’t give me examples to the contrary. I know about them.). Sex is private, and there are the reasons we don’t talk about sex. At its worst, sex can be angry, hurtful, an act of dominance or desperation, a plea, or a false sense of connection. At its best, it is a mutual pleasure, a comedy, or a thanksgiving. We don’t talk about sex because the word is load with too many conflicting connotations.

But then again, maybe we should talk about sex. When I look at magazine articles describing 25 ways to do it, they don’t tell you that:

Sex is how you make babies (if you believe that).
There are really only 4 ways to do it and the rest are just flourishes.
What you are really looking for is not better sex, but better love.

How to make love? You don’t want advice from me. I’ll tell you to sleep in separate twin beds like Lucy and Desi did. They were still able to make a baby! Sex is 1 hour a day, and love is 23 hours of the day. You need the recipe for Love? I made this for a friend just before she got married, but you can make it G-Rated for your children and friends who may also need your love. Sometimes it comes in handy to have a recipe when you’ve forgotten how to do it.

Recipe for Love by Nicki Salcedo

Please do not make Love in the bedroom. You should only make Love in the kitchen as with all other recipes.

Ingredients:

1 Quick kiss goodbye in the morning

1 “Have a good day, [insert term of endearment]“

1-2 Conversations, emails, messages that end with “I love you” during the day

1 “I’m happy to see you” at the end of the day

1 “Tell me about your day”

1 Playful touch during dinner that has nothing to do with sex

1 X-rated kiss before bed that has everything to do with sex (even if you are too tired or have too much work to do to even think about having sex)

Directions:

To make Love add more of each ingredient as needed. Learn to appreciate the sunshine and rain. Laugh at yourselves. Try to make Love as often as possible. No need to cool. Love should be (and is often best when) served hot! Make Love everyday. Yield two servings.

I heard Anne Lamott speak this week, and she will get you thinking! You willing to talk to me about politics, religion, or sex? Fire away!

Thinking Outside the Boxes

Nicki Salcedo — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:05:01 +0000

By Nicki Salcedo

I dislike clichés and when I read them I feel insulted. It makes me think the author believes I’ve never read another book before. Don’t get me wrong, I still write about dark and stormy nights and chiseled-chinned heroes, but I delete those clichés during the editing process. Good writing is never predictable writing. Surprise your readers and yourself. When I write I don’t just think outside the box, I think outside ALL of the boxes.

It was a dark and stormy what? What do you think of when you think of rain? A funeral? A precursor to a dramatic first kiss? Why can’t rain signify something happy? Lightening could mean something exciting is happening instead of something frightening.

What you talking about, Willis? Do not say I love you. It’s wrong. I’m sorry. Think about memorable movies lines that didn’t say I love you. “You had me at hello.” “Ditto,” and “I can’t quit you.” In response to Princess Leia’s I love you, Han responds, “I know.” Classic. But in that moment you know he loves her too. He doesn’t have to say it.

I’m too sexy. Some of us are looking in all of the wrong place to find sexy descriptions of our characters. He’s seven feet tall and got a chest like a barrel. His face is so angular, I’m afraid he’s going to cut me. Forget his eyes, chest, and thighs. Tell me about his hands, feet, shoulder blades, the dimple in his chin, the scar on his forearm. I don’t need to know about how much hair he’s got or how much he’s lacking. What I do need to know is why he’s different from the thousands of other heroes I’ve read before. Why can’t he be a good cook? Why can’t we fall in love with him because of the way he takes care of beloved dog or horse?

We love a story because of the unexpected parts.

In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera, the hero considers a red rose, but then deliberates. His thoughts and actions speak more of his love than a simple I love you:

“A red rose, symbol of flaming passion, might offend her mourning. Yellow roses, which in another language were the flowers of good fortune, were an expression of jealousy in the common vocabulary. He had heard of the black roses of Turkey, which were perhaps the most appropriate, but he had not been able to obtain any for acclimatization in his patio. After much thought he risked a white rose, which he liked less than the others because it was insipid and mute: it did not say anything.”

Try some writing exercises.

1) She sees him across the crowded room (I know a cliché) and the first thing she notices is . . .

2) He catches her before she boards the midnight train to Georgia (yes, another cliché) and tells her that he . . .

3) She had never been so afraid in her life. It was bright and sunny and she could clearly see the . . .

Finish the sentences with something unique and post them in the comment section below. Happy writing! Want more exercises?

Wait For Midnight

Nicki Salcedo — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:00:43 +0000

by Nicki Salcedo

What if the main character in Cinderella was a man? What if the ball was being held for a lonely princess? Would the story still ring true? Try to put a twist on a favorite story or fairy tale and see what happens! Happy Writing.

Wait for Midnight

Elliot walked the two men out of the restaurant toward the limousine and rested the urge to call them evil.

“You should come with us,” one said.

“Absolutely,” the other added.

The two men straightened their perfectly tailored tuxedos. They suddenly looked uncomfortable, when moments before they’d been wearing the black and white attire like second skin.

Elliot didn’t own a tuxedo, and he hadn’t had the time to rent one. He was wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt stained with food from a full day of cooking.

“You should be there as much as us. We all own this restaurant, and this is our big night.”

“Go on, guys. You know that I hate these functions. It’s why you handle the marketing,” he pointed to one man. “You handle the finances,” he pointed to the other. “And I do the magic. I do the cooking.”

Elliot looked at his watch. Eight o’clock. Behind him was a kitchen full of dishes, prep work for tomorrow, and food to be put away. In front of him was a limousine about to go the ball without him. He smiled and pushed the men towards their ride and watched them climb in.

“We’ll tell The Princess to save a dance for you,” the men shouted from the limo.

Elliot sighed with a smile.

They weren’t evil exactly, but they were his stepbrothers.

###

Mare hated being called “the princess.” It was not a term of endearment. She was born Mary Victoria Preston. She figured there were better options for a nickname, but her mother wasn’t one for originality.

Mare had gone to the best boarding schools and better graduate schools. No one cared that she was interested in business development and international investments, because she was The Princess Preston, heir to her mother’s hotel empire. She had enough money not to work. She dated chiseled movie stars and statuesque athletes. She went on a hundred blind dates at her mother’s urging, because her mother wanted only one thing more than her vase empire. Annabelle Preston wanted a grandchild.

To get a grandchild Annabelle needed a son-in-law and Mare just wasn’t cooperating with her mother’s incessant ploys to find her a husband.

“Tonight is the night,” her mother warned. “If you don’t find someone you like tonight, I give up.”

“Mom, you’re rushing something that should come naturally. Putting me on deadline isn’t going to help me find the right person.”

“True, but you don’t even try.” Her mother sighed. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I am happy, mother.” She was. Besides the idiotic parade of dates her life was good, quiet, normal, and happy.

“Okay, I just want you to be happier.” Her mother gave a weak smile. “Smile, flirt, anything. Just tonight. I’ll never bother you about it again.”

“Deal,” Mare said. She could flirt for one night. With five hundred men in the hotel ballroom, there had to be one out there that wouldn’t call her princess. And if her mother was true to her word, which she always was, Mare only had to survive until midnight.

###

Happy Valentine’s Day! For the rest of the story go to 8headedhyra.com.

Thoughts on Writing

Nicki Salcedo — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:12:54 +0000

My Achilles’ Heel
by Nicki Salcedo

I write for myself. Everyone says, “Know your target audience.” I am my target audience. I tried to write for a specific market once. I dreaded writing. I never once had the urge to go back and re-read my words. Now, I’m back to writing for me. I always wished that my grandmother or mother kept a journal. I write for me and my kids. I hope they’ll be curious about the world and how other people experienced the world. I’m still figuring out how to channel my creative voice into my novel writing voice. Ignoring industry advance is my folly. Isn’t folly a wonderful word? I write joyfully. I write for myself. Write for yourself. Write something you think no one else will like or appreciate. Then see if you aren’t, for a moment, free.

Writing is work
by Susan May

I think writing requires talent, imagination, but most of all I think it requires desire. It is hard work. Want it and want it badly. Being a writer, a published one, means having to keep moving forward, even when I feel like quitting. I prevent myself from quitting by surrounding myself with people who write by attending conferences, regular writing meetings, taking classes, reading writing relate magazines, listening to other writers experiences and most importantly by writing daily. I know if I’m receiving rejections it is because I’m sending material out which is necessary if I want my work published. The reward for writing is being able to share my story which is always worth the hard work.

J PERRY’S VIEW ON WRITING (as gleaned from others):

I can’t say anything about writing that hasn’t been said before, but here are some of the bits of wisdom that guide me:

1) Everyone who writes, writes crap. Give yourself permission to shovel a draft full.

2) You can’t fix a blank page.

3) Persistence is of utmost importance.

4) Only praise in public. If you must criticize, do so in private. (I think Warren Buffet said this)

5) The writing community is a great mother. All you have to do is ask, and she’s there.

6) Everyone who is on the writing journey, deserves to be there. Treat colleagues (published, unpublished, and industry professionals) with respect.

A Year in the Life of Petit Fours and Hot Tamales

Nicki Salcedo — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

by Nicki Salcedo

I wish you knew all of us. We are a diverse group of women brought together by a common goal. The love of writing. Since words are our passion read what we say to find out all you need to know about us.

Ana Aragón Thursday, October 15, 2009 Taking a Machete to your WIP
So when the editor I pitched to asked me to send the full manuscript, I knew what I had to do…yeah, get rid of the prologue and start the book with Chapter 3. If you need to get rid of 20,000 words, that’s a good place to start.

Anna Steffl Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Having Cake and Eating It, Too
I do labor to find occasional metaphors and similes that match my characters’ ways of seeing the world. I like to think that when I do use them, they really sparkle, are my characters’ north stars.

Carol Burnside Monday, November 9, 2009 Subtext and an invitation
As we get to know each other, we compartmentalize our personal lives from business less and less. Some are more cautious than others, but eventually we expose tiny bits of ourselves.

Cici Barnes Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Now that the honeymoon is over . . .
So goes the way of entering into the wedded bliss of writing. You cross the threshold into the world of words, pecking out ideas that have sprouted in your mind.

Cinthia Hamer Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Looking Backward . . . Looking Inward
There are times in life when you must take leaps of faith; times when you just gracefully accept whatever gifts are given. . . .And to think, I almost let it slip through my fingers.

Darcy Crowder Thursday, August 13, 2009 The Little Things
It’s the small details that can have the biggest impact, show us who a character is, make us care. From the clothing choices they make, to the kind of art they have hanging on their wall. . . .The answers to these types of questions are what make characters come alive; relatable in their similarities, fascinating in their differences.

Debbie Kaufman Wednesday, May 20, 2009 SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER
By the time the time Captain Kirk started his famous “Space the Final Frontier” voice-over, I would be sitting cross-legged on my sofa within reaching distance of the TV dial. . . .Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Bones, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov, Scotty, and assorted others faithfully kept me company once a week.

J Perry Stone Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Why EQ Is More Important Than IQ
Even before an author can bang out a scene, she must observe interaction around her and participate in it if she ever has a hope of expressing genuine emotion through her words.

Monday, April 20, 2009 Making The Writing Muse Your Bitch
Try to write as best you can, of course, but don’t crucify yourself when you don’t. If you do, in the long run you’ll be hurting yourself far more than if you just shrugged and chalked it up to a crap writing day. Everyone writes crap. EVERYONE who writes, writes crap.

Linsey Lanier Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Beware the Smiling One
It might be an indication that I need therapy, but I love creating villains. I love getting into their heads and figuring out what makes them tick. The villains in my books have included a sadistic son of a Nazi, a psychotic wife abuser, and in my current WIP, a Chicago Outfit mob boss who’s something of a cross between Tony Soprano and Hannibal Lechter.

Marilyn Baron Thursday, April 23, 2009 Would a Rose by any other Name Smell as Sweet?
I was born without a sense of smell, a trait I inherited from my grandmother. I think that puts me at a disadvantage. In writing workshops I learned the importance of capturing all of the five senses. How can my writing describe the hero’s “pungent aftershave,” or the fact that the heroine “carries the scent of cinnamon,” when I have no personal experience in that area?

Maxine Davis Monday, July 20, 2009 Conflict in Fiction
Conflict is what makes us want to read the story. Conflict creates suspense. It hooks the reader. Conflict makes us love or hate the characters. It is the plot, the reason we read the book. There must be a struggle that we fear will end the relationship, yet we must keep reading to see how the struggle will be resolved and that resolve can leave us laughing, crying, or sighing.

Michelle Newcome Monday, April 27, 2009 Faded Glory Stretch – The Way America Lives
Our glory has certainly faded a bit, both as a nation and as individuals. I could look at this through any number of lenses – political, economic, inventive – but I use words so I’m going to stick with the world of words.

Nicki Salcedo Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Some Dance to Remember
Why do we write (or read for that matter)? . . . . Some write to remember. Some write to forget.

Sally Kilpatrick Tuesday, April 28, 2009 It’s All About the Story
Hi. My name is Sally, (Hi, Sally) and I’m addicted to playing with words. I’m addicted to letting my ability to turn a phrase distract me from crafting deep, heart-felt conflicts.

Sandra Elzie Tuesday, August 11, 2009 FICTION WRITERS ARE PROFESSIONAL LIARS
Your character must stay the course and your story must move with “singleness of mind” toward a conclusion, not straying down rabbit trails or getting bogged down with useless chatter.

Susan May Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Graduating
Graduating is a step forward to the next challenge. Enjoy your accomplishments but don’t stop what you are doing instead make the next step forward to where you want out of your writing life.

Tamara DeStefano Sunday, May 10, 2009 Aspen Exposé — Group Novel — Chapter Two
Kissing her left something to be desired—the rest of her.

Thursday, May 26, 2009 Tamara and the Three Critique Partners
As Tamara looks back on that fateful day five years ago, she doesn’t remember a noisy tavern, a trio of witches, or their unending chatter. What she does recall are three irreplaceable women, Novel Knights, The Triple F’s, who smiled warmly, welcomed her into their midst and taught her to believe in her talent.

Tami Brothers Tuesday, April 14, 2009 A Blessing in Disguise
I’m a full-time college student, a wife, a mother, and a writer. Add to that my recent addition of full-time employment in Corporate America and it’s easy to see how there isn’t time or room for a whole lot of extra in my life right now.

Sunday, March 22, 2009 Writing Challenge
Monday, October 5, 2009 PF&HTs Treasure Hunt Kickoff!

Tammy Schubert Monday, November 30, 2009 Pay it Back by Paying It Forward
Once his words of wisdom were conveyed, he promptly got up, waved and headed off. . . .How many of us would have done the same? How many of us would take a little bit of risk on without expecting anything in return?

Thanks for learning about my blog sisters through their words this year. Whose words have impacted you most in 2009? What did you write that you are most proud of? We hope to see you again in 2010. Happy Writing and Happy New Year.

10 Presents to Myself

Nicki Salcedo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong. Nicki age 2.
by Nicki Salcedo

Today is my birthday!I love birthdays. I want to thank my parents, and especially my mom for enduring not just my delivery at birth, but also my delivery from many of life’s trauma. Happy birthday to you, mom, and thanks for everything. Today is really a day I celebrate you!

I recent celebrated my sister’s 40th birthday. We spent the weekend with her best girlfriends at Château Elan for nice food, wine, and spa fun. While the other ladies were getting their spa treatments, I wrote by a fireplace and enjoyed a rare block of time free of demands. I knew that what I needed more than a massage was time to write. It was a gift I gave myself.

A few years ago, I started a book I called “30 Presents to Myself”. It was a comedy and here is the synopsis: A woman on the eve of her 35 birthday finds the list of things she was supposed to have done before her 30 birthday. She hasn’t completed any of the things on the list, many thankfully so, but now she wants to give herself 30 presents. Each chapter is a funny contrast between what she thought she would need at 30 and what she realizes she really needs to be happy at 35. Even if it is five years too late!

Here’s is my confession. Today is my 35th birthday, and I never finished writing that book. Every once in a while I write a chapter or tweak the plot. I think I’ll go back to working on it. As for today I will give myself 10 presents. Hopefully, you can share some of these presents with me, too.

Sweet 16. Same blingy smile, different birthday!

Ten Presents to Myself

10. NaNoWriMo. November is National Novel Writing Month. What a great birthmonth present. Even if you aren’t officially signed up take the time to write. Best present you can give yourself if you are a writer.

9. Don’t be ashamed of yourself. For this day forward, I would like to be able to proudly state my age AND weight for the rest of my life. I’m 35 years old and 160 lbs. I could still stand to lose another 20lb, but remember I’m doing it slowly. When I’m 70, I’m going to want to remember how much I enjoyed being 35 not how much I lamented it. I’ve also been heavier and lighter, and the last thing I want to worry about is my weight. On another planet, I’d only weigh a few pounds!

8. No gifts please. I don’t like birthday presents. Presents make me feel uncomfortable. So do greeting cards. Trees die, papers wasted. But I do like to know how my friends are doing on this day or any day. Tell me something good you’ve done for yourself and that will make my birthday a happy one.

7. I’m going to take a walk. I’m going to renew my energy in eating well and exercising.

6. I treated myself to a DuMore Improv Women’s Retreat workshop last month. I realized that my hesitation has to do with my fear of doing things wrong. I learned that the art of comedy (and creating) has to do with letting go, listening, and reacting positively to what you hear. Creating and comedy and improv are also about reacting in unexpected ways.

5. I sent out 7 query letters. Two agents have kindly declined. Two have requested the full manuscript. I’m waiting on the rest. My next birthday presents to myself will be sending out more queries and the final manuscript.

4. I wrote the last chapter of my book,but I am still writing (and re-writing) and still filled with self-doubt and hope. Self-doubt and hope are enemies, but they also work together to keep you from achieving your dreams.

Nicki at age 34.9 as Uhura. Sexy Geek!
3. Thirty days later and my life has calmed down enough to realized the great gift I received with my Maggie Award. Best. Birthday. Present. Ever.

2. Celebrate every birthday as though it is better than the one before. The American Cancer Society has a cool birthday campaign out right now. Do you know what some people would do for another birthday? Treasure yours. (On a side note, the third Thursday in November is the Great American Smokeout. Consider quitting smoking or encouraging a loved one to quit. You might help save their life or your own.)

1. Say a pray for someone else. I’m probably here today because of other people’s prayers. Mostly my mom and dad. Maybe family or friends. Maybe even the prayers of strangers. If you are the kind to pray or meditate, could you spare a moment from my dear friend Christina Crook and her husband Mercer Crook today? They need prayers more than I need birthday wishes today.

I hope you have a wonderful day and birthday and writing day! Happy NaNoWriMo. Get writing and enjoy it.

Lose 30 lbs, Write a Book, and Save the World!

Nicki Salcedo — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:05:00 +0000

A lesson plan for life. Revisiting New Year’s resolutions nine months later.

My first blog with the Petit Fours and Hot Tamales was called Don’t Wait for January 1. I had big plans for the year, and now I’d like to give you a quick update on what’s happened in the past nine month. And yes, friends, it is the first nine months in forever where I didn’t have a baby!

December 28th resolutions with updates

Lose the dreaded final 30 pounds. I’ve lost 23 lbs total since January (Including 15 lbs lost since June). I hope never to find these pounds again.
Redefine my image. Nothing doing on this one. I’m wearing a few more dresses, but I’m still avoiding wearing heels. Like Popeye, I am what I am.
Keep the clutter out of my house. Doing okay, but not great on this. Three kids are constantly conspiring against me. I lieu of cleaning, I just spray bleach. On everything.
Update my personal website. Done. Check out 8 Headed Hydra. I also started my personal diet and fitness blog. It is really an online food and exercise journal to keep me accountable to my fitness goals.
Enjoy my participation in Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. Absolutely! Nine months and nine blogs later, I have a very different perspective on what I write and how I write it.
Focus on my writing. I’m a Maggie Finalist! I’m writing more (and I think better) than I did last year. I’m also working on a short story for our Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. scavenger hunt in October (check back next month). I feel better and stronger about my writing than I ever have before.
I also plan to save the world. In progress. One recycled item, one smile, one push-up at a time.

I still don’t like New Year’s Resolutions. If anyone is going to be successful at something they must start it immediately. Change can’t wait for a Monday or the first of the month or the beginning of the year. Neither can you.

Nicki’s Plan to Save the World

If you are a writer you have 15 days to register for Moonlight & Magnolias. Back in July, I told you about the importance of writing conference. This conference will change your life and your perspective on writing. To register go to Georgia Romance Writers and click on M&M Conference.
If you are a reader, come by the book signing at Moonlight & Magnolias on Saturday, October 3 at 4:00pm.Free and open to the public. Meet #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Sherrilyn Kenyon and 50 other fabulous authors.
Look back on your New Year’s resolutions. If you have done even one thing on your resolution list, you are a success. If you didn’t make a list in January, make one in September. Make one October, but don’t wait for January. Do it now.

My biggest revelations this summer was about the ability to change. I went to Hilton Head Health Institute, and one of the instructors asked why we wanted to get fit. To become healthier? To lose weight? To gain confidence? The answer I gave surprised me. I wanted to see a change in myself. I wanted to be able to become a different person. Not weight loss specifically, but my whole life. Better wife, better mom, better at my job, better at my writing. I’m not really sure how to do this, but I’m trying different things each day. Some days it is more time in the park with my kids, another day it is exercising, another day it is writing a short story for our blog.

Can I save the world? No. Can I change it? Maybe not. (Notice I didn’t say no). Can I change myself? Yes! As always, I thank this blog and group of writers for pushing me forward every day. My final words of advice for saving the world:

Have the desire to see change in yourself. When you see the change happening it can be scary. We don’t really want to be different. But embrace change like a butterfly. It might be dark, lonely and scary, but then it is suddenly beautiful.
Surround yourself with people who want to do more and be more. They will encourage you and change your perspective. I’ve got great writing buddies and fitness buddies. You don’t have to change the world alone. You can do it with friends.

I have two prizes up for grabs. A writing journal and pedometer. Here’s how to win. Anyone one who both 1) registers for M&M between September 1-7 and 2) posts a comment on this blog post between September 1-7 will be eligible to win the journal. Everyone else is eligible to win a pedometer, but you have to post a comment here and on my diet blog. See, if you want free stuff, you’ve got to work for it. And I’m getting you ready for the scavenger hunt in October. The rest of you let me know how your New Year’s resolutions are coming along!

See you in October with my not so spooky story. Until then happy reading and writing!

From RWA Nationals to Moonlight & Magnolias

Nicki Salcedo — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

All Conferences Big and Small: How to Navigate the Romance Writers of America’s National Conference, Georgia Romance Writers’ Moonlight & Magnolias, and other One-Day Writing Conferences.

Nicki Salcedo is a graduate of Stanford University where she majored in English and Creative Writing. She has served on the Executive Board of Georgia Romance Writers as Recording Secretary, Vice President – Conference, Vice President – Programs. She has been the Moonlight & Magnolias Book Fair Coordinator, Maggie Award for Excellence Historical Category Coordinator, and Assistant Web Administrator. She has contributed to her chapter newsletter, The Galley, and the Romance Writers of America‘s PROspects. She has served as the Literacy for Life Raffle Chair, and on RWA Leadership, PRO Advocacy, and PRO Steering committees. She is currently the Book Review Editor for the Journal of Popular Romance Studies. In addition to the stuff above, Nicki also has a real job by day (one that pays her money) and at night she is a writer. She has three kids under the age of five (the monsters), a cat (named for a baseball player), and a husband (what’s-his-name). She is tired, but can be found blogging with Petit Fours and Hot Tamales and online at 8headedhydra.com

The RWA National Conference is an exciting time for any member of Romance Writers of America. After my first conference, I could only describe it as summer camp for grown-ups with my new 2,000 best friends. The event runs from Wednesday to Saturday. Earlier if you are a board member and different events are available if you are a librarian or bookseller, PRO member, or belong to a special interest chapter having events at Nationals.

Barbara Vey (Publisher’s Weekly) and Sherrilyn Kenyon
(#1 New York Times Best Selling Author )

Wednesday is the night of the “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing. You don’t want to miss this event. All of your favorite authors, tons of energy in the room, and raffle prizes.

Thursday – Saturday are the workshops, editor/agent appointments, PRO retreat, and special speakers. You’ll really need to plan your time in advance to maximize the conference. Some people attend for the free books (yes, publishers have free signings throughout the conference), but do you really want to miss the all important craft workshops? Bob Mayer recently blogged about this topic, and I thought his comments were right on the mark.

National ends on Saturday night with the prestigious Rita and Golden Heart Awards. RWA puts a lot of time and energy into this event; you’ll feel like you are at the Academy Awards. It is a great way to end the conference. For more on RWA go to http://www.rwanational.org/

The same year I went to my first National conference, I also attended my first Moonlight & Magnolias. Georgia Romance Writers has put on one of the most successful regional conferences for over twenty-five years. It has all of the perks of Nationals – editors and agents, keynote speakers, author signing, and Maggie Award ceremony – but instead of 2,000 attendees there are 300. Instead of 50 editors and agents there are 10. If you do the math, the ratio of time and access to published authors and publishing professionals can’t be beat. Last year, attendees came from 23 different states and Canada. 70 published authors were in attendance for the conference and book signing. It cost less than half the price of Nationals, but it can be double the fun.
Go to http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/mm-conference for more.

One-day events are a valuable to way to gear up for bigger events. Deb Dixon, Margie Lawson, Dianna Love and Mary Buckham, Bob Mayer, and Michael Hauge are well-known presenters and experts on writing. One-day events are just that, one-day and possible a hotel stay the night before or after. If you aren’t sure about spending your time and money on a full week or weekend conference, try a one-day workshop first.

I absolutely love RWA National and Moonlight & Magnolias. Every year I go, I feel that my money is well spent. I also like one-day events to give me a quick boost to my writing during the year.

Why Go? Why Spend the Money? Why not Stay Home and Write?
Going to a conference or one-day event is a great idea for a few reasons. It will:

Motivate your writing
Build a support system with other writers
Educate yourself about the craft and the business of writing
Connect and network with industry professionals and publishing houses

Conference Tips!
Here are some suggestions for making your experiences successful.

Goody Room at Moonlight & Magnolias

How to pack

Bring clothes and toiletries of course, but also bring your business cards. Some people swear by business cards. I have some, but I don’t think everyone has to have them. I’ve met plenty of wonderful people at conferences without business cards, and I just wrote their contact information in my notebook! A name tag holder with an extra pocket can come in handy. Remember you’ll be carrying your phone, pen, notebook, room key, cash, and credit card. Going to take pictures? Don’t forget your camera. Travel light and smart during the conference hours and secure items in the hotel room safe when you don’t need them.

Leave space in your suitcase for goodies, books, or raffle prizes. Want to get really organized? Print it out my conference packing list!

What to wear
This is a professional organization and a business conference. Business casual attire is recommended. A sweater or wrap would be a good idea. Workshop areas may be cold. For the award ceremony, anything from professional to dressy is acceptable. Be kind to your feet at all times. Be ready for walking, standing, and dancing! A dear friend once mentioned to me that we are writers and we should be able to dress any creative way we like. I agree. She loves purple, and would never wear a business suit. Hey, neither would I! Allow your personal flair to shine through, too.

What to do professionally
Have a goal in mind. Are you there to learn? Are you there to pitch? Are you there to promote yourself? Create a plan based on the conference schedule. Attend the autographing. Organize your time. Plan for some down time.

What to do socially
Volunteer. Much of RWA’s success (and any local chapter) is built on the strength of its volunteers. Help and network at the same time.

Be friendly. I know you’d rather be in your cave writing, but pretend you are outgoing and make a new friend. Talk to someone you see standing all alone. Sit at a table with strangers and introduce yourself. Ask other writers about their work and listen to what they have to say.

Act like the world is watching you. This is not the time to be funny or strange or unprofessional. People are watching and remembering what you do and say. Be positive in all of your interactions even if the editor or agent isn’t interested in your manuscript. You don’t know who might be listening. Don’t talk too much about yourself. You should listen, too! But don’t be so quiet that you go unnoticed! Remember to smile and have fun.

More Hints

Arrive early for appointments and workshops
Turn off your cell phone on during all conference events, workshops, meetings, or luncheons.
Talk to authors who write what you want to write
Thank speakers and congratulate award winners
Be courteous, not confrontational, to:

Workshop presenters. If you think you know more than someone else, don’t badger them. Submit a workshop proposal for yourself for next year.
Editors and agents. Understand that the editor or agent who has your manuscript also has the manuscripts of 50 other people sitting on her/his desk. It is not personal. Don’t put an editor or agent in an uncomfortable situation by questioning them about the status of your manuscript.
Conference staff, volunteers, and hotel staff. Understand that mistakes happen and allow the staff to try and correct it. It will make your conference experience much more pleasant if you thank the volunteers and staff members. The server pouring your iced tea, may one day be your biggest fan.

Carry a mirror or walk with a good friend to check your teeth!
Skip the perfume and scented lotions

Editor and Agent Appointment Tips

Note what grabs the attention of editors or agents and any industry trends
Pitch finished manuscripts only
Be ready with a 50 words or less high-concept “elevator pitch” of your manuscript
Write down your pitch on a note card. This will really help you if you are nervous.
Have two stories ready
Be prepared to answer any questions about other writing projects and how long it takes for you to complete a book
Bring your business cards
Please be courteous of everyone’s time in group appointments. Do not monopolize the time when others in the group need their fair share, too. Be respectful of others story ideas.
Note how the editor or agent prefers queries (mail or email) and submission type (synopsis, three chapters, etc)
The editors and agents will be giving their honest opinions on what they like or do not like. Publishing is not for the faint of heart. Any interest or praise or criticism is only one person’s opinion
Don’t bring or give a hard copy to any editor or agent in person. If they want one, they will tell you where to mail one!
If your pitch is requested, don’t delay. Send your queries within one month of the conference.

One of my 2,000 best friends
What to do post-conference?

Send thank yous to authors, editor/agents, and presenters who you made connections with.

Send emails to new friends.

Fill out the workshop and conference surveys.

Note what you learned, what you liked, and what you would do differently next year. Have fun at the conference, and then get back to writing!

Got conference tips? Post your suggestions.

Fall in Love Again: Careers, Marriages, & Critique Partners

Nicki Salcedo — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:00:00 +0000

by Nicki Salcedo

Working 9 to 5

I recently attended an all day meeting at my new job. I got to work at 6:30 a.m. and didn’t get home until 9 p.m. It was a loooong day, but I learned a great deal about finance, marketing, and operations. All business stuff, but the most interesting comment I heard came from the Vice President of Human Resources. He said there are three things that employees must have to be successful at their jobs. I’ll paraphrase what I heard:

Employees must enjoy their actual job. The tasks. The stuff they do.
Employees must like their co-workers. The people they know. The people they work with.
Employees must respect their managers. They must believe that they work for a capable leader. Or a capable company.

If any one of these three things is missing, an employee won’t like going to work. After this meeting, I spoke to a former colleague, and I mentioned that things were going well on my new job. Her response, “You’re still in the honeymoon phase.”

George Bailey, I’ll love you ’til the day I die

This month, many of the Petits have spoken about weddings and marriages. I hope my work honeymoon lasts as long as my marriage honeymoon phase. I’m still in it. I believe that work is a lot like marriage. Bear with me. I’ll tell you something that’s a lot like both work and marriage, but first some marriage advice from an eight-year newlywed. If you know me, you’ve heard this advice a hundred times before. And if you continue to know me, you’ll hear it again.

Do things freely and cheerfully. Don’t do anything with the expectation that your spouse/partner owes you something in return. If you are scratching his back so you get your back scratched in return, you are scratching for the wrong reason. Just scratch because you want his itch to go away.
Be glad when you see your spouse at the end of the day. I like to tell what’s-his-name, “You’re the least idiotic person I’ve seen all day.” Your spouse should be your ray of sunshine. You should be able to see the good in the ordinary things they do. Try to think of three good things about your spouse each day. Think of it as a prayer or mediation or an offering of thanks.
Treat your marriage like your job. Respect each other. He should be the smartest, funniest guy you know. She should be the most intuitive and spontaneous person you know. If you can only think about his beautiful biceps, remember that one day things are going to change. You better be able to appreciate his intelligence and humor when he starts looking like Mr. Potato Head.

You are the Wind Beneath My Wings

A critique group is the ultimate blending of career and marriage. A lot of what I learned about critiquing came from college. I was a creative writing major, and there were some simple rules.

You’ve got to like writing and be willing to share your writing.
You’ve got to critique with people whose opinions you trust. Who is the grammar girl in your group? Who is the plotting guru? The motivator? The word weaver? No sense in having a critique partner who loves everything that you write. Nothing critical about that.
You’ve got to respect that the writing process is both creative and a craft. Establish parameters for how and when you’ll critique. Set realistic expectations for your group.
No excuses or explanations. Let your writing speak for itself. Save talking for brainstorming. Just bring it on the page!
Your rebuttal is your revision(s). Revising doesn’t mean to change your story every way someone suggests, but it does mean understanding the critique and using your best judgment to make your story stronger based on the critique.
Write every word like you are writing for an audience. When I was a kid, I used to write poetry in a purple notebook. I never wanted anyone to read it. Writing was my secret escape. Most writers start out that way. I’m never going to share my 30 page ode to River Phoenix written in slant rhyme with you. But today, I am writing for you. And you are writing for your career. Write like your book is going to be published. Write like your future editor or agent is reading. Don’t censor yourself. Let your real voice and story shine through.

Falling Out of Love

Have you ever had a stomach ache before going to work? Have you looked at your spouse and wondered, what happened to the person you fell in love with? Do you sometimes do everything possible to avoid writing? Just as we fall in love, sometimes we fall out of love. Maybe one or two of the tips above might help you. I encourage you to stay focused and motivated in all aspects of your life.

Fall in Love Again

A spouse should help you be a better person than you would be alone. I hope that your critique partners do the same. They should make you a better, stronger, faster writer than you ever have been before. Love your job, love your spouse, and love the hybrid of the two: your critique partners. Here’s to Jena, LaShon, Jeanette, Marilyn, Michelle, Kimberly, Kym, Maria, Alissa, Jennifer (in China) and the other Jennifer, my nieces and nephews, my sisters, my mom (another Jennifer), what’s-his-name, and anyone who has ever shared their writing with me or been brave enough to read my words. Critique partners are some kind of wonderful.

Let’s fall in love all over again. Happy writing.

Pop Quiz:

Find the movies. I’ve referenced at least five movies in the blog above.
I’d love to hear comments about what you like about your job.
Got any advice for a good marriage?
What works in your critique group?
For my non-writing friends, what do you do that you love? Golf? DragonCon? Running? What’s your bliss?