Preparing for Romantic Times Conference

Right now, I'm busy getting ready for one of my favorite writing conferences, Romantic Times or better known as RT. My first one was in 2008 in Pittsburgh where I attended the Beginning Writer's pre-conference workshop taught by the fabulous Judi McCoy. Judi gave me the best advice for becoming a better writer. Ready for it? She told me to put my ass in the chair and write! Give yourself a reachable writing goal each day, say one thousand words, and do it. On those days when I really don't feel like putting fingers to the keys, Judi's voice pushes me along.

My second RT was last year in Orlando. There I attended the Advanced Beginner's class taught by one of the best romance authors around, Bobbi Smith. I'll be eternally grateful to Bobbi because winning her Creative Challenge allowed me to submit my manuscript to her agent, Evan Marshall. I'm proud to say I'm one of his clients now.

When I return, I'll give you an update of what's new in the romance genre and what some of my favorite authors did at the conference.

Later,

Rhonda

Revisions, Revisions, Revisions

I'm in the middle of revisions for a novel I finished this month and a novella that needs to be tweaked a bit before I send it out again. Luckily, I just completed Margie Lawson's Empowering Characters Emotions course (www.margielawson.com). I would recommend this online class to everyone who is serious about becoming a better writer. If you don't have the time for a class, you can purchase lecture packets off her website. Once the revisions are done, I'm going to delve into her Deep Editing course.

Wish me luck!

My Website Is Up and Running!

Well, I finally sat down and put together a website. Check it out at www.authorrhondamarks.com

Writing Is Hard Work!

Hi all,

I'm learning that trying to launch a writing career while keeping up with your day job is hard work. Okay, I knew that from the start but hoped that things would be different for me :-))
People in court regularly see me with my Alphasmart NEO and know to stay clear: Rhonda's working on one of her books. With all the downtime I sometimes have, if I can find a relatively quiet nook, I can write quite a bit. Most times though, I'm happy to sit with my buddies and just gab. They give me some of my best lines!

I just finished the first draft of a new novel and have set it aside for a week to marinate. I'll pick it up again next week and start those dreaded revisions. This month I'm taking Margie Lawson's Empowering Characters Emotions, and I'd recommend it to everyone who's serious about writing. I'm confident the class will help me make that manuscript shine.

RAM

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. Some wonderful things have happened since I last visited. I attended the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando, Florida in April. I entered Bobbi Smith's Creative Challenge and my novel, MAKING TIME FOR LOVE, won. My prizes included an opportunity to submit the novel to an agent and thereafter to Dorchester Publishing. The agent, Evan Marshall took a look at it and offered to represent me!!

I am now a PRO member of Romance Writers of America and the president of my local RWA chapter, Western Pennsylvania Romance Writers. The annual RWA conference was held in Washington, D.C. and I had a ball with old and new friends.

I am now working on a new novel with an anticipated completion date of early October. I guess I'm on my way!!

Well, I'm getting ready for the Romantic Times convention and I'm so excited! I'm going to attend the pre-convention workshop led by Bobbi Smith for Advanced Aspiring Writers. I also entered her contest, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll let you know how everything turns out when I return.

Welcome to my blog!

Greetings and welcome to my blog. Come along with me on my journey to publication. Currently I'm working on a romantic suspense novel and once it's done, I'll start on a young adult (YA) novel.

I just returned from my first writers conference of the year, the San Francisco Writers Conference and I had a ball. Anyone thinking about writing should attend a conference (or two or three) every year. Not only do you learn how to become a better writer, the networking opportunities are priceless.

Again, thanks for stopping by and I'd love to hear from you.

RAM