Our PAN Spotlight for this month is Gerry Bartlett.

Here is Gerry… In her own words…..

Q: How long have you been writing?

Gerry: Since 1980

Q: How long did it take you to publish?

Gerry: Sold my first book in 1998

Q: How many manuscripts do you have hidden away/
under the bed/in storage?:

Gerry: At least five

Q: Do you have a writing schedule and if so, what is
it?:

Gerry: Unfortunately not. I have to be in the mood to write, but sometimes drag myself to the computer anyway. Once there, I can sit for hours because I get into the story.

Q: Do you have a critique group? If yes, how many are in the group?

Gerry: Yes. I couldn’t have done this without my beloved team. It has changed over the years. I started out with Nina Bangs and Kimberly Raye. Donna Maloy joined soon afterwards. Many others have come and gone. Kim lives in Bulverde outside of San Antonio now so we do some critiquing by email but the rest of us hang in there with lunch and dinner meetings but not weekly like we did for years. We started in 1990 when none of us were published. So basically just three of us meet now.

Q: If this is not the only critique group you’ve participated in, how many others did you have before finding the one that worked?:

Gerry: This is it, but as I said it has changed over the years. It is very important that personalities and writing styles and priorities are compatible. Some of our members couldn’t take the criticism. Some didn’t write romance and some just lost heart and couldn’t wait for the length of time it takes to make it in this business. Only the strong survive.

Q: When developing an idea for a new story, which comes first– the plot or the title or the characters?

Gerry: I’ve been known to dream plots. The idea for the Real Vampires series came from nagging Nina Bangs. She wanted me to try my hand at paranormal because the historical market was soft. I said I’d have to do it my way and came up with the central character. Kim Raye (actually Groff) brilliantly suggested the title and plus size concept and I was off and running.

Q: How do you handle new story ideas that pop up when you’re in the middle of a project? (ex: notebook by the bed/separate word file/ etc?)

Gerry: I’m very disorganized and usually just add new ideas right into the book. I do have notebooks everywhere and slips of paper. File folders are useless around me, though I did clean out my office recently. Which lasted about five minutes.

Q: Have you ever gotten to the middle of a project

and got bored or lost your momentum? If so, how did you handle it? Gerry:I have lots of unfinished projects, but those were pre-contract. Now I try not to do anything that I don’t have a contract for. What a luxury! I highly recommend it and realize it’s a dream come true. Some day I’d like to go back to some of those and actually I steal ideas from them and incorporate tidbits into the work I’m doing now. Problem with writing under contract is that if you’re bored or out of steam, tough. You’ve got to suck it up and find your muse or fake it.

Q: Finish this sentence: If I could write anything I wanted and knew it would sell, it would be….

Gerry: I feel like I’m doing that now. I love Gloriana and I’m getting great fan mail almost every day from women who can relate to her and her figure issues even though she’s a vampire. What fun!

Q: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in regards to your writing career?

Gerry: To stick with it. To never give up. I’ve almost quit many times. And my buddy Nina is always pushing me to try harder, not to be content with a cliché but to try for an original line or situation. She really makes me stretch and that makes me a better writer. I love her!

Q: What is the worst?

Gerry: To write every day whether I feel like it or not. Sorry, but some of us just aren’t built that way. I have to fill the well or my creativity just isn’t there. So I play some days. Then when I do sit down to write I can do it with enthusiasm and for hours on end.

Q:What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Gerry: I love the interaction between characters, the dialogue and banter. And, yes, sometimes I do crack myself up. Hopefully, what I think is funny or sexy is also funny or sexy to the reader too. I can never be completely objective about what I write because I am so totally invested in the characters, especially when writing first person like I’m doing now.

Q:What is you least favorite?

Gerry: Sitting down to write in the first place. I’m a real procrastinator.

Q:Which came first for you – the editor or the agent?

Gerry: I sold three books before getting an agent and it sure wasn’t for lack of trying. Signing with an agent is hard, but I’m convinced it was a case of the right project at the right time with this book. Everything finally fell into place with REAL VAMPIRES HAVE CURVES. I had listened to Julie Kenner talk about her agent at a West Houston meeting, realized my new idea was similar to what she wrote and shot off an email to her agent, Kim Whalen at Trident Media Group. The rest is history and the beginning of what I hope is a long and fruitful partnership.

Q: How many contests did you enter before you sold? How many did you final in?

Gerry: I entered at least five, not sure exactly. I won the Golden Triangle in the Historical Romance category, finaled in the Golden Heart with the same book and got some decent scores in others. I sold that historical to Dorchester. It was my third sale.

Q:How do your promote your books?

Gerry: I have a web site, a My Space page and use Amazon Connect. I also had flyers printed, write for the Houston Bay Area RWA chapter newsletter and the articles are reprinted all over the world. I have flyers I hand out at my antique shop in Galveston, have spoken to several groups, including this one, and done a few signings. I also gave away Vampire Viagra (gourmet jelly beans in pill bottles) at RWA nationals to Librarians and booksellers and signed at the Literacy autographing.

Q: Free form – your chance to tell us anything you’d like - tidbits, advice, funny stories, pet peeves, hopes, dreams, etc:

Gerry: Don’t we all have the same dream? New York Times, baby! Right up there with Nora, Sandra, and all the other fabulous ladies RWA has fostered over the years. And, I’ll be honest here, I never would have sold book one without RWA. I met my critique group at a chapter meeting (Bay Area, sorry, W.Hou) and I have learned so much technique, craft and marketing I wouldn’t know where to start listing it all. Stay connected by attending chapter meetings. Otherwise, this business is just too lonely to stick with. And you’ll end up one of those dropouts that no one will ever hear of. The three in my critique group who started in 1990 have now sold a total of over 70 books! How’s that for inspiration!

October Meeting

Who:

Main Meeting: Karleen Koen
Premeeting: Jo Anne Banker and Vicky Dreiling

What:

Main Meeting: Alter Egos/Creating A Character Facebook
Premeeting: THE GOLDEN RULE OF THE CONTEST CIRCUIT, or Judge Others As You Would Have Them Judge You – Part 2

When:

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

Where:

Memorial Drive Christian Church, 11750 Memorial Drive, Houston, 77024

More about this month’s program:

Alter Egos/Creating A Character Facebook

Everything you need to create vivid characters is inside you. Come experience a fun, interactive workshop in which writing and imagination exercises show you how to dive inside and fetch details that create characters who stand up and walk around on the page.

Taken from my Continuing Education Something Novel 8-week class at Rice University, this is one of my favorite set of exercises, and one which my students’ find inspiring. It’s fast-paced, interesting, and when you’re done, you have the beginning of any number of characters waiting to be added as friends and the realization that your imagination is all you need.

“Her large cast-both historical and fictional-are sharply rendered, and the larger-than-life. Alice makes a memorable heroine-imperious, even vindictive, but always unwavering in conviction.” Publishers’ Weekly on Dark Angels

“Alice is a great character, vivid and three-dimensional, constantly seething with plots, ploys and pride.” Washington Post on Dark Angels

Karleen Koen is the author of three novels, Through A Glass Darkly, a New York Times Bestseller, Now Face to Face, and Dark Angels, released in September of 2006. She teaches a continuing education course on novel basics at Rice University in the fall and spring. She is an award-winning editor and writer, having worked in the Publications Department at the University of Houston and many moons ago on a local home and garden magazine. She has extensive freelance experience and is one of the founders of Women in the Visual and Literary Arts (WIVLA). Her interests are history, gardening, cats, shoes, and misbehaving grandchildren.

Premeeting – Judges Workshop

Forget the old parable of “Judge not, lest you be judged,” because if you enter onto the contest circuit, you can bet your ego you’ll be judged. Ever heard that the best defense is a good offense? Awareness of “good” and “poor” judging will help to keep you sane when an entry you were counting on to final so as to be seen by a targeted agent or editor comes back slaughtered by a less than wise or tactful judge.

Learn the ins and outs of judging, how to dissect a contest entry, fairly judge its pieces, and find positive things to say, while offering a worthwhile critique. Judging is also a great way to advance your own craft knowledge.

Join Vicky Dreiling and Jo Anne Banker for the second half of our contest judge’s training workshop, offered as an early morning presentation beginning at 8:15 AM on October 13th. Doors open at 8 o’clock.

Jo Anne Banker, as yet unpublished, is working on her third book, a contemporary targeted for Superromance. She is the president of West Houston RWA and a member of Bay Area and NW Houston Chapters of RWA. Jo Anne has contest experience from both ends of the spectrum. She has finaled in over one-third of the 19 contests she has entered with 3 manuscripts and one short story. She also was the Contest Coordinator for the NW Houston RWA Lone Star contest for four years and has judged in many other contests.

Vicky Dreiling is aiming for a dual career. Her “day job” in marketing came in handy at the recent national RWA conference. Her two-line elevator pitch at a workshop earned her a request for the full manuscript from an agent. In between business trips to New York, Paris, and London, she’s busily putting the finishing touches on her Regency-set historical. A former Emily contest coordinator and Golden Heart finalist, Vicky has judged the Emily for several years.

Adopted Son
By Linda Warren
McCain Brothers, Book 5
Harlequin SuperRomance
September 2007
ISBN-10: 0373714408
ISBN-13: 978-0373714407

After answering a call asking for backup, Texas Ranger Jeremiah “Tuck” Tucker discovers an abandoned child at the crime scene. Little Brady has been neglected – and it turns out is he had no living family. Tuck is determined to give the two-year-old boy a home, and starts the process of adoption.

He’s furious when he learns Grace Whitten, a lawyer and family friend, is representing a couple who also want Brady. She and Tuck have never gotten along, and now she’s questioning his abilities as a parent. But once he finds out Grace’s true intentions for the child, he feigns to see beyond the lawyer, to the woman. And to the potential wife and mother…

I have been having a hard time putting my feelings about this book into words. I really enjoyed the book. I found it very heartwarming. But I don’t want to just stay that. Whenever I read one of Linda’s books, the characters and circumstances feel very real to me that I can see the events of the book really happen. A woman seeking her meddling father’s approval and support has neglected her personal life for her career. A man’s desire to continue the work of his adopted parents and his connection with a little boy that he wants to give love and security. Their struggle to make sure the child is put into the perfect home. The novel is a perfect end to a great series.

The “street” date for Adopted Son is Sept 11. Put this great book on your wish list for this month, even if you haven’t read the rest of the series.

-reviewed by Sarah Schroeder

Love’s Healing Touch
By Jane Myers Perrine
Love Inspired
September 2007
ISBN-13: 9780373874507

Mike Fuller works as an orderly at Austin University Hospital, but he really should be in medical school. As much as he knows that, life has interfered with his goal so much that, at this point, he doubts his true calling. And his faith. Beautiful ER doctor Ana
Ramirez sees Mike’s innate ability and recognizes his skill.

When she asks him to have coffee with her, even though she says it’s purely professional, Mike is excited by the chance to spend time alone with gorgeous Ana. But then, when she asks Mike why he isn’t in medical school, he’s clearly uncomfortable. Their supposedly professional conversation takes a decidedly personal turn and Mike does what he does best—he runs.

But that doesn’t deter Ana. She needs a project, and Mike’s a good one, even though he doesn’t talk much. And he’s very easy
on the eyes. Then there was that sizzle when she touched his hand… Ana’s a very determined woman, maybe a little pushy sometimes, but she knows a good thing when she sees one.

What starts out as a project develops into something much more between Ana and Mike. Their relationship only grows closer when their extended families begin to mix and mingle. Then sparks fly between Mike’s widowed mother, Tessie, a former art forger, and Antonio, Ana’s widowed papa and head of her large familia. The extended families of both Mike and Ana are a delight, including Mike’s cousin Francie and her husband (and former parole officer) Brandon from Ms. Perrine’s first book, The Path to Love.

Ana’s stubborn determination to make Mike realize his true calling is pitted against Mike’s equally stubborn desire to keep his past, and his family’s brushes with the law, a secret from her and from everybody. Set against the backdrop of Austin, Texas, their journey to love, and faith, is indeed wonderful to experience. Ms. Perrine’s quirky sense of humor, plot twists and portrayal of the interaction between these two very disparate families make this book a joy to read. I highly recommend it.

-reviewed by Ellen Watkins

Author and Diva News

Sarah Andre is probably still doing cartwheels over in her part of Houston! Her entry, LOCKED, LOADED AND LYING finaled in the Romantic Suspense category of the NWHRWA Lone Star Writing Competition! Sarah, please let us know how things go in the final round!

Congratulations to Jo Anne Banker! The Georgia Romance Writers announced their 2007 Unpublished Maggie Awards finalists, and our very own president finaled in the Long Contemporary category with SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD. This was the first contest for this new WIP, and gets her in front of Harlequin Superromance editor, Victoria Curran.

Gerry Bartlett will speak to the Professional Women’s Group of Houston on September 4 at the Junior League on “Finding Your Passion”. She also hopes to entice them to find another kind of passion in the pages of her books — and will be selling and signing them to the 100-plus attendees after the breakfast meeting.

TJ Bennett announces she has finished negotiations to write a second book for Medallion Press. THE PROMISE, which will be released in 2009, is the story of a German mercenary who falls for a Spanish blade merchant’s daughter during the Italian campaigns of 1525. TJ has even more exciting news! She’s been offered representation by Kevan Lyon of the Sandra Dijkstra Agency. Way to make WHRWA proud, TJ!

Cheryl Bolen is a finalist in the highly competitive Published Authors Special Interest Chapter (PASIC) Book of Your Heart Contest with her story, BACK IN CARLO’S BED. Though she’s always written historical in the past, this project is a category romance. We all wish her much success with this new endeavor!

Kim Chambers has news! She will be writing for Berkley under the pen name Kimberly Frost. She’s also launched her blog site. Visit her at http://frostfiction.blogspot.com

Lara Chapman finaled in the short contemporary category of the Golden Gateway Contest with her manuscript TORNADO ALLIE. This is her first contest final! Way to go, Lara!

Christie Craig and cohort writing partner, Faye Hughes, will be presenting their dynamic workshop, The Great Agent Hunt at the Romantic Times Convention in Pittsburg next spring. Romantic Times linked to their promotional video and they’ve already had over 500 hits! If you’re one of the few not to have seen this very entertaining piece, here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcdyCn4Opx0 Christie has also been participating in an exciting new blog with several other talented authors. You can find them at http://killerfiction.net

Applause for June Faver, who learned her entry, BAD HABIT, finaled in the Mid Michigan Romance Writer’s Happily Ever After Contest. The HEA is a contest where the last chapter is judged. BAD HABIT is now in the hands of an agent! June, let us know how this turns out!

Kudos to Laura Gompertz, who finaled in NWHRWA’s Lonestar Writing Competition’s paranormal category with her entry, McCALLEN’S BLOOD.

Patty Henderson is excited to share the cover for her upcoming release, GIFT OF DECEPTION. Check it out at www.myspace.com/pattyhenderson_romance

Judythe Hixon’s manuscript, ANNIE’S HEART, has obviously stolen the heart of many a contest judge. She announces another contest final, this time in the Inspirational category of the NWHRWA’s Lone Star Writing Competition!

Give a B-I-G shout out to Bonnie Johnston, who has finaled in From the Heart RWA’s Golden Gateway Contest’s paranormal category with her entry, VESSEL.

PJ Mellor just heard from her Kensington editor that the title for her second cowboy anthology will be ONLY WITH A COWBOY, to be released in May 2008.

Sale news!! Mary O’Conner is pleased to announce the sale of two books to New Concepts Publishing! THE SEDUCTION OF PRINCE FROG will be an August 2007 release, to be followed by THE VIOLET SOCIETY: DEATH AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, date to be announced! Check out the cover for next month’s release at Mary’s website: http://www.maryoconnorbooks.com/

Jane Myers Perrine’s third Love Inspired book now has a title! Look for DEEP IN THE HEART, which will be in September 2009 and yes, Jane reports the story does take place in TEXAS!

Fleury Sommers has reason to boast! Her entry, CANVAS, finaled in the NWHRWA’s Lonestar Writing Competition in the Single Title division. Congratulations, Fleury!

Teri Thackston’s newest book with Cerridwen Press, THE ABDUCTION OF MISS JENNY CHANDLER, is now available for purchase at the Cerridwen Press site: http://www.cerridwenpress.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419910180

Teri’s novel is set in 19th Century Texas and involves bandits, U.S. Army gold and a handsome Texas Ranger. . .what more could a young lady want? Teri will be signing her Cerridwen Press contemporary novel, PERILOUS PASSIONS, at a group booksigning at the South Park Borders store in Austin on Sept 8 from 1 to 5. They’ll be offering readings from their books and participating in a question/answer session. She’ll also be signing at Hastings Books in Victoria on Sept 15 from 2 to 4. As she’ll be the only author signing, she would love to see some familiar faces!

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis , The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.