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