West Houston RWA

Beginning at 8:00 AM, we’ll have an early morning presentation, the first of the chapter’s quarterly 2010 “N2K” (Need to Know) Programs, designed to provide basic information to our newer members (and anyone else wanting a smaller, less intimidating venue to ask questions and learn more).

Early program:

Longtime RWA members Jo Anne Banker and Kay Hudson will present: “Everything You Need to Know About RWA But Were Afraid to Ask.” PAN, PAL, PRO, WIP – what are all these acronyms, and how can various tracks and programs benefit you as a writer? Where do I fit into the world of romance (tour of the sub-genres)? Why is volunteering important, how can it help the newcomer, and what do the various jobs (from the smallest, one-time errand running to the chapter presidency) entail? How does a member get to be a judge and what can be learned from the experience?

Main program (following 9:00 AM business meeting/break):

“Collision or Collusion: What Happens When Authors Collaborate.”
Best selling author and two-time RITA nominee Deeanne Gist teamed up with suspense author J. Mark Bertrand this year, and their collaboration was an eye-opening experience for both of them. Gist will take her audience through the often hilarious misunderstandings, misdirections and eventual success of their joint venture into romantic suspense. Learn valuable tips in co-authoring a book, giving and accepting feedback and blending two very different writing styles.

Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her four very original, very fun historical romances. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success. Prior to her novels, Gist wrote for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel. She also has a parenting line of products called I Did It!® Productions that is available nationwide. She has four grown kids and lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs. She has a very active online community on her website, her blog and her chat room.

J. Mark Bertrand is the author of BACK ON MURDER (Bethany House, 2010), the first in a series featuring Houston homicide detective Roland March. He earned his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and now lives in South Dakota with his wife Laurie.

Patricia Kay is pleased to announce the sale of book #49 to Silhouette Special Edition. WRONG GROOM, RIGHT BRIDE will be a June 2010 release in a special “bride’s month” promotion. Pat is also taking part in a Hunt for Cinderella II: Finding Prince Charming series with three other Special Edition authors. Pat’s book (still untitled) will be the last of the four stories and is scheduled for publication in February 2011. Congrats Pat!

Kay Hudson’s humorous paranormal, JINN & TONIC, is a finalist in the Valley of the Sun Romance Writers’ Hot Prospects contest. After a series of near misses and spilt decisions (“I love this story!” and “What the heck is this pile supposed to be?” applied to the same entry–Kay likes to think this represents the infamous “strong voice” reaction), she is delighted to be a finalist again. Hot Prospects uses two final judges, an editor and an agent. Here’s crossing our fingers for Kay!

And with a win, we are thrilled for Pat O’Dea Rosen, whose contest entry, A PLACE AT THE TABLE, won the single-title category of the TARA contest. The final judge was Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks.