West Houston RWA

Single Title Finalists

• UNOPENED DREAMS by Jan Aldridge
• GETTING LUCKY by Katie Graykowski
• DEAR PRUDENCE by Ann James
• MURDER, CURLERS, AND CANES by Arlene McFarlane
• CLAIMING ANNIE’S HEART by Judythe Morgan**
• ODIN’S END by Dawna Rand

Paranormal Finalists

• DARKNESS DAWNS by Leslie D. Duvall
• TIGER PRINCESS by Higley Browne
• WARRIOR by Allison Leake
• INNER EYE by Gwen Mitchell
• BLOOD BORN by Kylie Griffin

Historical Finalists

• THE DEVIL MAY CARE by Elisa Beatty
• VIOLETS AND VIOLINS by Keli Gwyn
• GUARDIAN by Patricia Patton
• SECRET by Patricia Patton
• THE LAST WOMAN by Karen Stuyck

Contemporary Series Finalists

• REDEMPTION by Nancy Evertz
• HIS DARK PAST by Rebecca Sampson
• GRAVE SECRETS by Linda Trout

**Member of WHRWA

Announcing our Romantic Times Award Nominees!

Harlequin Intrigue
BRAVO, TANGO, COWBOY
Joanna Wayne
(Nov.)

Innovative Historical Romance
SINS OF A WICKED DUKE
Sophie Jordan
Avon (Apr.)

Historical Vampire/Werewolf/Shapeshifter Romance
SO STILL THE NIGHT
Kim Lenox
Signet Eclipse (May)

Shapeshifter Romance
ETERNAL CRAVING
Nina Bangs
Leisure (May)

Best Inspirational Novel
A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN
Deeanne Gist
Bethany House (Jun.)

October gears up to be ghostly and spooky, and a very short news column. Many of us are waiting for news, and here’s crossing our fingers that it’s good.

However, both news items are fitting for the month that ends in Halloween.

First up is KERRELYN SPARKS, who is thrilled to have another foreign sale! Rights for How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire have sold to Poland, so now the book will be translated into German, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Polish. The Spanish version of book 6 in the Love at Stake series, La Vida Secreta de un Vampiro, releases in December. It’s available online for preorder, along with the eighth book in the series, The Vampire and the Virgin, which releases in March 2010. For more information, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com.

Speaking of vampires, the second news tidbit is that MICHELE DUNAWAY got the nod to write The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the World of Vampires coming from Alpha books in July 2010. She’s thrilled with this first book-length foray into nonfiction. And guess what? She’ll be interviewing expert Kerrelyn Sparks. Anyone else who has any great vamp comments feel free to send them her way.

Wow, after a jam-packed July full of great news, August seemed like it must have been a bit calmer as only a few things trickled in this month. Hopefully everyone is making great headway writing, or if not, taking a well-deserved vacation!

In release news, Teri Thackston reports that her second western romance ebook will be released Sept 10 at Cerridwen Press (http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=13). This is a stand-alone sequel to THE ABDUCTION OF MISS JENNY CHANDLER and is called THE SALVATION OF CAPTAIN BEN CHANDLER. Here’s a little blurb: Rumors of her death have cost Clarity Breckenridge her home and her precious Arabian stallion Sir Robin. Civil War weary Captain Ben Chandler just wants to deliver the stallion he purchased for his cousin in Texas. Thrown together by fate, held together by mutual attraction, they struggle together to outwit a killer who threatens both their plans. Sounds great. Congrats Teri!

Christy Janisse, writing as Brandy Jordan, is happy to announce the release of her book, HIS KEEPER. Available from thewildrosepress.com, the romantic suspense will be available in e-book Sept. 11 and also in print. You can order your copy directly from Christy (princessc1987@msn.com), or amazon.com, or your favorite bookstore (though you’ll have to ask them to order it). Christy will be guest blogging Sept.10, on Romance in the Backseat, which is found at http://ritbs.blogspot.com/. Be sure to join her for her first ever blog promotion!

Congrats go to Linda Warren, whose TEXAS HEIR won The Bookbuyers Best Award in the short contemporary category. And it was chosen the “Top Pick” by Sue Grimshaw of Borders Groups, Inc. Yay Linda!

Cheryl Bolen was recently elected PAN co-chair for Beau Monde, the Regency subchapter of RWA. Sharing the PAN chairmanship duties with her will be Sally MacKenzie. For several years Cheryl’s done a monthly column for the Beau Monde newsletter, The Quizzing Glass, and has previously served as silent auction chair. Congrats Cheryl on your new position!

Lara Chapman is thrilled to announce she has signed with the amazingly talented and beautiful Holly Root with The Waxman Literary Agency. Holly will soon begin pitching Lara’s YA novel currently titled FLAWLESS, a Cyrano love story with a modern-day twist.

Laura Gompertz writing as as Lynn Lorenz is proud to announce the release of her latest novel, BEST VACATION THAT NEVER WAS. It was released on August 25th from Loose Id.

And finally, Michele Dunaway is busy with the teaching day job and loving every minute of it. The high school yearbook she advises just received top honors—the coveted All American rating from the National Scholastic Press Association. She’s also advises the newspaper web site and podcasts, and you can find her students’ news stories at www.fhhstoday.com. In addition, Michele and co-author Susan Benedict had their article published in the fall issue of Communication: Journalism Education Today, the professional journalism educator
quarterly.

Welcome to August, and the fact that fall is right around the corner. Eke? Where did summer go? Although for WHRWA members, July was a very hot month and filled with tons of great news.

First, congrats to Tera Lynn Childs who is still on cloud nine after OH. MY. GODS. won the RITA for Best First Book.

WHRWA members also won or finaled in other contests as well. Donna Maloy is thrilled to announce she won second place in the Beau Monde chapter of RWA’s Royal Ascot contest, “sweet and mild” category. The cool thing is that this was for a YA book in a category that was not specifically YA. The ms. was actually labeled Middle Grade, though it did have a “sweet and mild” attraction between a girl and a boy (or should she say between a shapeshifter and a werewolf?)! Donna did get a recommendation from the final judge for a full to be sent to the YA editor at Source books—and a subsequent rejection. Not for the writing, characters or plot (which were praised), but because their list is overfull with fantasies that have girl protagonists. They want boy-book fantasies—which is why her next book is probably going to be a Victorian steampunk boy-book!

Jo Anne Banker’s THIS CHILD IS MINE finaled in the Orange Rose Contest! She’s excited about this one, since the  Orange Rose is a heavy hitter contest, in which there are no categories. The top ten best scores are finalists. So Jo Anne’s contemporary series romance was the only category manuscript to final along with historicals, paranormals, and even a mainstream with romantic elements. They do not announce their final judges, but two ‘genre specific’ editors will be looking at it.

And there is sale news! Long distance member Kathryn Kelly is pleased to report she has sold HEARTS UNDER SIEGE to The Wild Rose Press. Her release date is March 12, 2010. It’s a historical romance and will be available in print format. Congrats Kathryn!

Kimberly Frost’s first novel in the Southern Witch series, WOULD-BE WITCH, was a May 2009 Recommended Read at PNR Reviews and was named a Blue Ribbon Favorite of 2009 by Romance Junkies. Also, Kimberly just accepted an offer from Berkley to write a third book in the Southern Witch series that is tentatively-titled, HALFWAY HEXED. Way to go!

In other sale news, Vicky Dreiling sold her debut Regency historical CONFESSIONS OF A DUCHESS: A MATCHMAKERS MISADVENTURES in a three-book deal to Grand Central. She is officially jazzed.  Congrats Vicky! You deserve to be.

Colleen Thompson is also celebrating another sale, this one foreign. Her Rita-nominated TRIPLE EXPOSURE will be published in Norway.

It’s July, which means for many of us our thoughts turn to staying cool, going to RWA in DC and of course writing, writing, writing.

Congrats go to Donna Maloy, whose teen fantasy, LEGEND OF THE FOX, is a finalist in the Royal Ascot contest sponsored by the Beau Monde RWA chapter. The contest category “sweet and mild Regency” included YA submissions.

In addition, Pat O’Dea-Rosen is thrilled to announce that A PLACE AT THE TABLE, a single title entry, made the finals of the Tampa Area Romance Author’s TARA contest. The editor judge is Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks. Congrats Pat!

In more contest news, Linda Warren’s book ALWAYS A MOTHER won first place in the More Than Magic contest in the sensual contemporary category. Also, her book TEXAS HEIR is a finalist in short contemporary in the Bookbuyer’s Best Contest.

Kerrelyn Sparks will be biting her nails twice at Nationals. Once at the RITA ceremony and again at the ceremony for the Booksellers Best Award, where ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A VAMPIRE is a finalist. And more good news–some foreign sales! The Love at Stake series will be published in Russian, Chinese, and French (in addition to previous sales to Germany and Spain).

Cheryl Bolen was shocked that some dear soul paid $106 on Brenda Novak’s Auction for Diabetes for Cheryl to critique her synopsis! Last year Cheryl donated a tote bag filled with her books and some other goodies, and it only fetched $80. Since all her books were in storage this year (due to the reconstruction of her house after Hurricane Ike), she was unable to do a gift “basket.” Happily, Cheryl reports that she is now back in her house — after nine months! Yay!

Last but never least, July sees the release of THE AVALON PATROL: THE ROAD TO AVEA, the first in a trilogy by Amber Quill Press from Lynn Lorenz (Laura Gompertz). It’s a paranormal romance set in a world of majick. Also, Common Powers 3: Edward, Unconditionally was the Top Rated Gay Romance at ARe this month. And Common Powers 1: Soul Bonds and 2: Rush In The Dark, have now both gone to print and are available at Amazon, and the Loose Id website. Congrats Lynn.

As I sit here and write this, it’s hard to believe that we’ve passed Memorial Day weekend and the official start of summer. Where did the time go? Is it me, or does it seem to speed up the older we get and the busier we are?

First off, Teri Thackston will be signing TO THE RESCUE and Christie Craig will be signing GOTCHA at Katy Budget Books on June 6 from 1-3 PM. Drop by and see them.

We’ll start this month’s news with contest finals. Congratulations go to Susan Breeden who has finalled in the Writers’ League of Texas 2009 Manuscript Contest (Romance category).

Next up for a big hooray is Jo Ann Robisheaux, who writes as Claire Sanders. She’s a finalist in the Inspirational category of the Dixie First Chapter Contest.

Kay Hudson’s JIN & TONIC is a finalist in RWA-San Diego’s Spring Into Romance contest (paranormal division). The final judge is LaToya Smith of Grand Central Publishing. Good luck Kay!

Linda Warren continues her contest streak. TEXAS HEIR is a finalist in short contemporary for the Golden Quill given by the Desert Rose Chapter. Also, ALWAYS A MOTHER is a finalist in long contemporary. Also, because I may have missed including this last month, Texas Heir is a Rita finalist in Series Contemporary and it won first place in contemporary romance in The Lories Best Published Contest. Always A Mother won second place in mainstream category in The Lories Best Published Contest. Way to go Linda.

Great reviews keep rolling in for WHRWA authors. Deeanne Gist’s June release, A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN, received a 4-1/2 star review from RT and is a June Top Pick!

Christie Craig’s news is that GOTCHA! earned Christie her first PW and Booklist review. It got Top Pick 4 1/2 stars from RT, and sold to Rhapsody Book club. Christie reports that she also just turned in her third book in the Divorced & Desperate Series: DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DECEIVED.

Sharie Kohler/Sophie Jordan officially has a title for the first book in her young adult Harper Teen series—
FIRELIGHT! It has also been decided she will be writing the series under her Sophie Jordan name. She also has a title for her historical romance April 2010 release—IN SCANDAL THEY WED. Sharie’s first book in her paranormal series, MARKED BY MOOLIGHT, has been scheduled for reprint in August for Target’s backlist promotion. Yay!

Kerrelyn Sparks continues her domination of in the world of vampires. Kerrelyn Sparks’ FORBIDDEN NIGHTS
WITH A VAMPIRE has survived a third week on both the 4ew York Times and USAToday bestseller lists. Kerrelyn is currently working on book 8 of the Love at Stake series and has agreed to write four more for HarperCollins. To watch book trailers, read excerpts, and play vampire games, please drop by www.kerrelynsparks.com.

Teri Thackston’s latest erotic romance (written as Tea Trelawny) will be released June 12. WARRIOR’S RELEASE is a paranormal “romantica” from Ellora’s Cave and will be released initially in ebook format. Congrats Teri!

Donna Maloy is very pleased to announce, and we are thrilled as well, that she has signed a contract with Ammi-Joan Plaquette, who is a new agent with the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Erin is one of the top agents for children’s and young adult books. The first thing Joan is going to be shopping is Donna’s middle grade historical fantasy, LEGEND OF THE FOX (book one in The Shapeshifter Chronicles). Legend won the YA category in North Texas RWA’s Great Expectations contest in 2007. Donna’s new website is www.donnamaloy.com.

Two other authors aside from Kerrelyn have sale news. Shana Galen has accepted a contract with Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks to write 3 historical romances. The first book will be out in June 2010, and Michele Dunaway reports that she’s sold another romance to Harlequin American, her 23rd. UNDER DOCTOR’S ORDERS (w/t) will be out in summer 2010.

Congrats go to Jessica Trapp, whose THE PLEASURES OF SIN received a KISS award from RT!

Saturday, June 20th, from 2:00-4:00 PM, Colleen Thompson and Christie Craig are celebrating their latest releases with a launch party at Read It Again and Again. Fajitas, adult beverages (free to attendees) and, oh, yeah, autographed copies (not free, but such a bargain) will be featured. Come out and help them celebrate!

Wow. That one word sums up the news for this month.

Leading off is Kerrelyn Sparks, whose latest release, SECRET LIFE OF A VAMPIRE, hit lucky # 13 on the New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. It debuted at # 36 on the USAToday list. The second in back-to-back books, FORBIDDENNIGHTS WITH A VAMPIRE, releases April 28. To read excerpts, watch book videos, or enter the contest, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com.

Following that, we have Linda Warren who is a having a surreal year, but one that is very well deserved. Linda is not only a RITA finalist, but ALWAYS A MOTHER won The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in Contemporary Series. Congrats Linda.

Another nominee is Deeanne Gist, who reports that she’s been nominated for a RITA (Inspirational category)— woo hoo!!—and that she’s also a finalist for the Write Touch Readers Award (Wisconsin RWA). We’ll keep our fingers crossed.

And the good news doesn’t stop. Following up on Tera Lynn Childs’ double RITA nominations from last month, OH. MY. GODS. has finaled in the Best First Book and Young Adult categories of the National Readers’ Choice Award.

Moving from awards to reviews, Kim Lenox is pleased to share the news that her May release, SO STILL THE NIGHT, has received a four-and-a-half-star, Top Pick designation from RomanticTimes Book Reviews magazine!

Another wow for Linda Barrett, whose May Superromance, SUMMER AT THE LAKE, received 4.5 STARS from RT Book Reviews. Also, Linda is looking forward to speaking to the Cactus Rose RWA Chapter in Las Vegas on May 16. As for gambling there? She says we do it every time we send out a manuscript!

Saving terrific news for last for it’s that big, Sophie Jordan sold a three book young adult hardcover series to HarperTeen. The first book in the series is scheduled for a Fall 2010 release. She is also still walking on air from the news that SINS OF A WICKED DUKE landed on the USA Today bestseller list. Sophie’s alter ego, Sharie Kohler, can chime in to report that the first parnormal novel in her Moon Chasers series, MARKED BY MOONLIGHT, was picked to be a Target backlist promotion.

Finally, don’t forget to stop by and visit Christie Craig and Teri Thackston, who will be signing their latest books at Katy Budget Books Saturday, June 6, from 1-3 PM. Mark your calendars now and watch for reminders on the list serve.

As we enter April, we’ve finally turned the corner. Spring is officially here and with it comes a sense of rebirth as the earth sheds its brown winter coat and blooms into full color.

Cheryl Bolen was trolling the web, and she came across this fantastic tidbit. Five West Houston PAN members have made the cut for Kimberly Eiland’s amazon.com list of the Top 22 Best Romances of All Time, two of them—Jessica Trapp and Cheryl Bolen—for two books. Here are the West Houston authors, their placement and the books: Shana Galen (Shane Bolks) No. 2 for PRIDE AND PETTICOATS; Jolie Mathis (Kimberly Ungar) No. 6 for SEA KING; Colleen Thompson, No. 11 for FADE THE HEAT; Jessica Trapp, Nos. 19 and 20 for MASTER OF PLEASURE and MASTER OF DESIRE; and Cheryl Bolen rounds out the list with Nos. 21 and 22 for ONE GOLDEN RING and THE COUNTERFEIT COUNTESS. Congrats to all. It is well deserved.

In contest news, TJ Bennett is a finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence published authors contest. Winners will be announced this month so we have our fingers crossed for good news for TJ.

Deeanne Gist’s bestseller, COURTING TROUBLE, won the Anne Bonney Readers Choice award for BEST COVER and is a finalist for BEST HEROINE (the winners for the latter have not yet been announced). Sam’s Club has also placed an order for four different titles by Deeanne. They are to be in stores nationwide beginning this June!

Congratulations also go to Teri Thackston, whose ebook FINAL WORDS recently won the Eppie award for Best Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. This award is given by EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Internet Connection. Also one of Teri’s romantic suspense novels, TO THE RESCUE, is now available in print from Cerridwen Press.

In release news, Gerry Bartlett finally got a decision from Berkley on the title for book number five in her REAL VAMPIRES series. After a contest on Myspace for title suggestions, the editor picked Gerry’s original title which she thought was too long. REAL VAMPIRES HATE THEIR THIGHS will be a February 2010 trade paperback release.

If you are out and about in the Houston area, Jo Ann Robisheaux (who writes as Claire Sanders) will be participating in the Houston Bay Area Chapter’s Bookseller’s Reception at the Chocolate Bar, April 16. A few days later, she’ll be signing FRESH START at Read it Again and Again, April 18 from 1:00-3:00. Stop by and see her. Jo Ann is also excited to announce that her book has been chosen for the Katy Budget Books Romance Book Club. She’ll be speaking to the club members April 28. Congrats Jo Ann!

Long distance member Michele Dunaway is proof that press releases work. She received an article the March 20 Washington Missourian and a mention the Webster-Kirkwood Times newspapers announcing the publication of TWINS FOR THE TEACHER, Michele’s 20th book. For those of you who twitter, Michele is at www.twitter.com/micheledunaway and her July cover for BACHELOR CEO is up at www.micheledunaway.blogspot.com.

We are happy to announce our members to have finaled in RWA’s Rita contest:

Linda Warren for Texas Heir (Harlequin American Romance – 9/08)
Contemporary Series

Tera Lynn Childs for Oh.My.Gods. (Dutton – 5/08)
Young Adult and Best First Book

Deeanne Gist for Deep in the Heart of Trouble (Bethany House Publishers – 6/08)
Inspirational Romance

Judy Duarte for Mulberry Park (Kensington – 4/08)
Inspirational Romance

Colleen Thompson for Triple Exposure (Leisure Romantic Suspense – 8/08)
Romantic Suspense

Kerrelyn Sparks for The Undead Next Door (Avon Books – 2/08)
Paranormal Romance

Kudos to a couple of our former members (and who have moved far, far away):

Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs (MIRA)
Contemporary Single Title

Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery (HQN)
Contemporary Single Title

And Emily Alum…

The Dangerous Duke by Christine Wells (Berkley)
Regency Historical

(WHRWA own Tera and Judy are also Emily Alum.)

March roars in like a lion with lots of exciting news for WHRWA members.

First, congrats to Judythe Hixon, who writes as Judythe Morgan. Judythe entered Sourcebooks/Casablanca’s January Blog contest–a 50 word pitch with a pitch for ALEX my single title contemporary that won first in the 2003 Emily. She didn’t see her name when she checked the winner announcement blog and didn’t check again. Then, a friend in New York emailed Judythe that she was one of the additional authors that editor Deb Werksman wanted a full and synopsis to review based on her pitch entry. Judythe reports it was exciting, especially since ALEX has set dormant for four years now.

Gerry Bartlett finally has a release date for the next book in her Glory St. Clair, REAL VAMPIRES series. It will be out in February 2010. She’s still looking for a title and has a contest going on Myspace. If you’ve got a suggestion, pop over to myspace.com/gerrybartlett to her blog. Winner gets an advanced reading copy of book 5. In the meantime, book 3, REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY, will be released in mass market form this coming November.

Sophie Jordan (Sharie Kohler) is celebrating her first (and stellar!!) review from Publishers Weekly for her April release, SINS OF A WICKED DUKE. She’s also over the moon that SINS OF A WICKED DUKE will be displayed in the mass-market fiction towers of all Barnes and Nobles during the month of April. Congrats!

Reviewers for CataRomance selected Judy Duarte’s MULBERRY PARK as one of the best single titles of 2008.

Multi-published author Colleen Thompson’s happy to announce her first sale to Silhouette Romantic Suspense, of a 2 in 1 edition to be written with New York Times best selling author Sharon Sala. DEADLIER THAN THE MALE will be a 2010 release. Colleen is also celebrating her first Norwegian translation rights sale for her single title romantic suspense, THE SALT MAIDEN.

Tera Lynn Childs followed her editor to Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, with the sale of her third and fourth books. FORGIVE MY FINS, the story of a half-mermaid princess attending high school on the mainland, will be a Summer 2010 release with an untitled sequel to follow.

Some WHRWA members are literally making headlines. Jo Ann Robisheaux (writing as Claire Sanders) was featured in an interview at http://www.examiner.com/x-3098-Houston-Romance-Novels-Examiner.

Deeanne Gist was featured in the “Faces in the Crowd” section of the Houston Chronicle ( http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/conroe/news/6252859.html ) this February. She was also mentioned/pictured in the PW Daily and the Dallas Morning News after her presentation and signing at “Girlfriends Weekend”–an annual convention of the nationwide Pulpwood Book Clubs. Her 2007 release, COURTING TROUBLE, has been nominated for “Best Heroine” in the Anne Bonney Readers Choice Award and she will be presenting a workshop this summer at the National RWA Convention in D.C.

Speaking of the Anne Bonney Award, Tracy Goodwin’s news is that DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a double finalist in the Anne Bonney Readers Choice Award in the Most Emotional and Favorite Hero categories. The contest link is http://web.mac.com/vickihinze/ACRA/Anne_Bonney_Award.html Way to go to these two authors!

As for Michele Dunaway, Jeff Herman’s Guide To Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents 2009: Who They Are! What They Want! How To Win Them Over! 19th Edition used the April 2008 Harlequin American books as the “sample” titles, meaning Michele was mentioned in the book on page 474. She found that rather cool. Michele was also quoted in Colleen Thompson’s “Secrets of Starving Artists” in the February Romance Writer’s Report and in teaching news, Michele’s principals presented her with their “Golden Sail” recognition award, which came with a $10 QT gift card. And lastly, she’s celebrating the release of her 20th book, TWINS FOR THE TEACHER, this month. Whew.

First, let me wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day, and good luck to all those who
finaled in WHRWA’s Emily.

One person we’re all pulling for is our very own JO ANNE BANKER. Jo Anne is proud to announce that she has finaled in the Emily contest in the Series Contemporary category with her newly completed This Child is Mine. This is Jo Anne’s first final at her WHRWA home chapter, making it a tasty treat. Sending you good karma, Jo Anne, and keeping our fingers crossed.

In release news, KERRELYN SPARKS is delighted that HarperCollins (Avon Books) is going to make the first two books in her Love at Stake series available as e-books. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire and Vamps and the City were originally released in print only. More good news: Kerrelyn will be interviewed in the Writers on Writing section of the RWR, tentatively scheduled for the May issue which coincides perfectly with her next two releases, coming out back-to-back in April and May. For more information, please visit her website at www.kerrelynsparks.com.

We love sequels, and KIMBER FROST has learned that Barely Bewitched, the sequel to her debut novel, will be a September 2009 Berkley Release.

Our very own JOANN ROBISHEAUX (writing as CLAIRE SANDERS) has a booksigning scheduled for February 7th at Brazos Bookstore from 11:00 to 5:00. She’ll be signing her debut novel, a contemporary romance titled Fresh Start.

TERI THACKSTON also has a sequel. Congrats to Teri for another contract with Cerridwen Press for a new western romance called The Salvation of Captain Ben Chandler. It’s the sequel to her western that came out last year.

Happy New Year! As we ring in 2009, there is a lot to celebrate as we have a double dose ofthe good news. So grab some champagne and give a toast to the following! First up is KERRELYN SPARKS, whose latest release, All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire, passed three weeks on the printed New York Times bestseller list, three weeks onthe USA Today and Borders bestseller lists, and over two weeks on the Publishers Weekly list. Kerrelyn was also interviewed by USAToday, and that can be seen at http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-11-05-book-buzz-_N.htm. However, that wasn’t all as Kerrelyn was thrilled to discover All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire was mentioned in Newsweek magazine. Tosee the article online, go to http://www.newsweek.com/id/172558. Thanks to great promo like this, All IWant for Christmas is a Vampire went into its fourth printing within the first month of its release. For info on the next two back-to-back books from the Love at Stake series, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com.

It’s award nomination time. CHRISTIE CRAIG’s second romantic suspense, Weddings Can Be Murder is a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice nominee in the Romantic Suspense Category. Chicken Soup for the Soul also reprinted two of Christie’s stories in the Dads & Daughters edition.

Another RT award nominee is KIM LENOX, whose first book in the Shadow Guard series, Night Falls Darkly, has been nominated by Romantic Times Magazine for Best First Historical Romance. Kim also announces the sale of the third book in her Signet Eclipse Shadow Guards Series, currently untitled. Way to go, Kim.

Romance Novel TV nominated SHARIE KOHLER’s novel Marked by Moonlight for Best Debut novel. Congrats and good luck!

With more sale news, GERRY BARTLETT reports that she is happy to have a new contract for book 5 in the Glory St. Clair Real Vampires series for Berkley Publishing. No title yet, but Gerry’s calling it Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs, but doubts that title will stick. The book should be a late 2009 release right after the mass-market release of Real Vampires Get Lucky and Real Vampires Don’t Diet.

COLLEEN THOMPSON’s books are going global. Colleen is pleased to announce the sale of Bulgarian translation rights to two of her romantic suspense novels, Fatal Error and The Deadliest Denial. Her romantic suspense The Salt Maiden sold to Poland and she reports the publication of her second German translation,that of The Deadliest Denial. Also, look for an article in the February 2009 Romance Writer’s Report. "Secrets of Starving Artists" offers financial survival tips for writers, including a number of authors’ own economicsurvival tips—a must for these lean times.

Making her 48th sale, PATRICIA KAY has just agreed to take part in a second Hunt for Cinderella seriesfor Silhouette Special Edition. Hunt for Cinderella II – Seeking Prince Charming will feature the four female “cousins” of the Hunt Brothers, introduced a year ago to SSE readers. The new book has a pub date of February 2010.

In another sale to Special Edition, and to editor Susan Litman, JUDY DUARTE’s next three works of romance sold in a three-book deal for publication in 2010, by her agent Karen Solem at Spencerhill Associates.

Speaking of Susan Litman, JO ANNE BANKER finaled in the "Launching A Star" contest in the Series Contemporary category with her new WIP, This Child is Mine. It’s the first contest try for this manuscript, so Jo Anne is happy that the final garnered her a request from Susan Litman of Harlequin. Jo Annealso reports that although she did not final in the NOLA Stars Suzannah contest, she was pleased with her scores, which were the equivalent of ninety-seven and a half out of one hundred – at least, until she found out that barely got her into the top twenty percent. Contests – you gotta love ‘em.

Hooray for DONNA MALOY, who won first place in the YA category of the 2008 On The Far Side contest. The contest is sponsored by the FF&P (Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal) chapter. Her entry, a dark Victorian fantasy for young adults, is called Enshadowed — a made-up word she felt had lots of "atmosphere." She was going to purchase that domain name, just in case, but found out somebody else had the same idea; Enshadowed belongs to the World of Warcraft online gaming colony! But she still thinks it will make a great book title.

In another contest final, SARAH CASTLEBERRY’S new story Notorious finaled in the RWA-East Texas Chapter Southern Heat Contest, Single Title. The manuscript now goes to an editor with Harlequin/MIRA. Sarah has also sent a partial of Notorious to an editor at Dorchester who requested at Nationals. Crossing our fingers for good news!

REE RENZI or as the West Houston RWA knows her, Gerri Hanten, received First Place in the sensual category with River Time from the Ohio Valley RWA 2008 Summer Sizzle Contest.

In non writing, but still impressive honors, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce conferred Diplomat of the Year on HBA member CHUCK EMERSON at the Chamber’s annual Chairman’s Ball, held Nov. 1 at South Shore Harbour Resort. Diplomats perform host and welcoming functions at most Chamber functions. As a memento this year (his third win in the last four years), Chuck received a sterling silver and 14k goldkey ring and fob. Chuck reports he “was so happy just to be able to finally get out of the house after last year’s broken ribs and surgery.”

Those interested in learning more about Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire portrayed by Keira Knightley in the recent film, DUCHESS, can get the real scoop at CHERYL BOLEN’s website, www.cherylbolen.com. For a comprehensive article on Georgiana, check out Cheryl’s article in the section on "Articles on the Regency." This first appeared in the Regency Plume. For a shorter article, check out Cheryl’s review of Amanda Foreman’s book, GEORGIANA, DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE, which is listed under "Cheryl’s Reviews ofGeorgian/Regency Reference Books." The movie was (very loosely) based on Foreman’s 1999 best selling book.

Speaking of books, TERA LYNN CHILDS received ARCs for her second book, Goddess Boot Camp and reports they are just beautiful.

A big hip hip hooray to JO ANN ROBISHEAUX, whose first book was released Dec. 12. She had her firstbook signing on Dec. 21 at Katy Budget Books. Fresh Start can be purchased at Katy Budget Books and theusual online merchants. Jo Ann’s pen name is Claire Sanders. Her next book signing will be held at Brazos Bookstore on Feb. 7, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm!

P.J. MELLOR is pleased to announce an RT rating of 4 1/2 stars for her upcoming January 2009 release, Drive Me Wild, from Kensington Aphrodisia.

And a big congrats to TERI THACKSTON whose paranormal romance Final Words has finaled in EPICs Eppie contest!

Finally, and I’m sure to repeat it in upcoming columns, be sure to look for a story by JODY PAYNE in the March issue of True Love Magazine. Congrats Jody on your sale.

And tooting my own horn a little, MICHELE DUNAWAY (me!) has been asked to be a featured speaker atthe JEA/NSPA National Spring Convention in Phoenix in April. The committee selected Michele based on her being both an award-winning journalism teacher and a published author. I have no clue what I’m going to talk about, but I have to write a 30-minute speech to present in front of what could be 200 people. Eke!

West Houston RWA is very proud to announce the finalists of The Emily
2009 in alphabetical order:

Single Title

• Desperate Situations by Angela Abderhalden
• Missing by Christine Barth
• Something Old, Something New, Something Dead by Cher Gorman
• Kingdom on Fire by Yvonne Harris w/a Leslie Lacoste
• Tuesday’s Child by Dale Mayer
• How Internet Dating Ruined My Life: A Love Story by Vivi Andrew

Paranormal

• Carpe Diem by Pamela Callow
• Touch of Twilight by Clarissa Ellison
• Ghost Planet by Sharon Fisher
• Deyrolle by Lark Howard**
• Jinn and Tonic by Kay Hudson**
• Better Dead by Pamela Kopfler

Historical

• Hidden Beauty by Tiffany Chalmers
• Vigilante’s Bride by Y.L. (Yvonne) Harris
• Border Laird’s Bride by Allison Withers

Series

• This Child Is Mine by Jo Anne Banker**
• Witch Ever Way You Can by Deborah Blake
• Second Chance For a Family by Kim Grooms
• The Lawman’s Baby by Lyn Wagner
• Where There’s a Will by Kimberley Wenger

The Emily 2009 winners will be announced at our Emily Awards ceremony on
February 14th, 2009. Best of luck to all our finalists!

** Denotes WHRWA members

Happy November! As you read this, the stores have already set out the Santa displays and reindeer ornaments and we haven’t even seen Thanksgiving yet.

WHRWA has seen another few contest finals though, and congratulations to Donna Maloy whose historical fantasy, Enshadowed, finaled in the YA category of the FF&P chapter’s On The Far Side contest.

Janice Martin received Second Place for her Inspirational Contemporary Romance, The Blessing, at the 2008 Lone Star Writing Competition sponsored by the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America at their Oct.25 conference. During her agent appointments with Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency and Carolyn Grayson of Ashley Grayson Literary Agency, both agents asked Janice for the first three chapters and synopsis. Multi-published author Patricia Kay was the featured speaker at the conference, teaching the importance of grabbing your readers in The First Five Pages, as well as the Fundamentals of Scene and Sequel.

In release news, first up is Laura Gompertz writing as Lynn Lorenz. Her latest novella, It Takes A Hero, a contemporary m/m romance, is available from Loose Id, Nov. 4, and it will be followed in December by Warriors At Heart, a contemporary paranormal novel.

Don’t forget to drop by Patty Henderson’s book signing, which occurs Nov. 8, from 1-3 at Katy Budget Books. Those who purchase a copy of The Gift of Deception have a chance at the $125.00 gift basket she will be giving away at the end of the day.

Congrats go to Kristi Gold, who is excited to report that her next O’Brien family installment, His Miracle Girl (working title), has sold to Harlequin Superromance (release date TBA). Her next book, The Mommy Makeover (Special Edition), hits the shelves February.

Also with news in the sale department, hooray for Christie Craig whose December release Divorced, Desperate and Dating sold to Rhapsody and the Mystery Guild. Christie also gave the workshop The Balancing Act of the First Chapter to the Final Twist, in Spring, Texas, Nov. 1.

Joan Reeves received an early holiday present as she came home from vacation to find a box of author copies. The first of her books to be reprinted by Ulverscroft in Large Print is Love Will Find A Way. She reports that the edition is very nice on good acid-free paper stock with a cover more pleasing than the original version when the book was first published.

And already looking ahead to the New Year, Kerrelyn Sparks is thrilled to announce that the sixth and seventh books of the Love at Stake series will be published back to back! Secret Life of a Vampire will come at the end of March 2009, and Forbidden Nights with a Vampire will release at the end of April. To find out more, watch book trailers, and enter contests, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com.

October ushers in fall colors and a return to cooler temperatures. After a particularly ghoulish visit from Hurricane Ike last month, it’s time for some good news.

Congratulations are in order for Janice Martin, whose The Blessing finaled in Northwest Houston RWA’s Lone Star contest in the inspirational category. Congrats are also in order for Lark Howard, who finaled in the paranormal category of the same contest.

Kerrelyn Sparks also found contest gold. Her Be Still My Vampire Heart won first place in the paranormal category of the published Laurie contest, sponsored by the Smoky Mountains Romance Writers. Meanwhile, the fifth book in the Love at Stake series, All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire,
goes on sale October 28! It’s already been given a 5 ribbon rating from Romance Junkies, 5 cups from Coffee Time Romance, and 4 ½ stars from the Romantic Times. To read an excerpt, play vampire games, or join the Forum, please go to www.kerrelynsparks.com!

Good things come in threes, and Tera Lynn Childs is thrilled to announce she’s been thrice blessed. First, bust out the iPod, because her debut YA novel OH. MY. GODS. is coming to audio thanks to Audible, Inc. Second, you’ll need to brush up on your Scandinavian languages so you can read OH. MY. GODS. in it’s upcoming Swedish and Norwegian editions. Last, but not least, prepare to splish-splash away with her just-sold third book from Dutton Children’s, the tentatively titled Forgive My Fins, about a half-mermaid princess who attends high school on the mainland. Congrats!

And, because everyone needs a fun night out to celebrate good friends, fellowship and awesome books, mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 25 at 9 PM. Sharie Kohler (Kiss of a Dark Moon) and Kim Lenox (Night Falls Darkly) invite you to their joint book release party at the “haunted” La Carafe Wine Bar, located in Old Market Square (813 Congress; 713.229.9399) in downtown Houston. Light fare and dessert will be provided. Bring cash for the bar, as they aren’t equipped for credit cards. Books are $7 each. Come sit out on the balcony beneath the beautiful lights of downtown and enjoy great company! Sharie and Kim hope to see you there!

It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the ninth month of the year! Where did summer go? Must be that we’re all so very busy that September snuck up on us, and luckily with such great news!

Linda Warren’s Harlequin American ONCE A COWBOY not only got a great cover last year, but the book
was fabulous as well. Don’t take just take my word for it. It’s a Maggie finalist in Short Contemporary. In addition, Linda’s current release TEXAS HEIR (out this month) received a Top Pick designation from RT! Congratulations Linda!

In book sale news, first up is Kerrelyn Sparks, who is thrilled to announce a new three-book contract with HarperCollins for books 6, 7, and 8 of the Love at Stake series. Book 6 is THE SECRET LIFE OF A VAMPIRE, which is already available for pre-order on Amazon and is releasing at the end of March 2009. Meanwhile, the cover and excerpt for book 5 are now posted on her website, kerrelynsparks.com. ALL I WANT FOR
CHRISTMAS IS A VAMPIRE goes on sale October 28, 2008. A contest and book trailer will be coming soon!

Christy Janisse is thrilled to announce Wild Rose Press has bought HIS KEEPER. This is Christy’s third
release for Wild Rose, under her pen name of Brandy Jordan. HIS KEEPER is slated for e-book release this fall. The cover can be viewed at Christy’s myspace page: http:///www.myspace.com/brandyjordanbooks.

In further WHRWA sale news, P.J. Mellor has accepted two new contracts with Kensington: a two-book single title contract and a two-novella contract. Both novellas have already been assigned: ESCAPING CHRISTMAS will be in the Christmas 2009 anthology and a firefighter story will be in the 2010 firefighter anthology.

Tera Lynn Childs is floating sky high and seeing stars of the Hollywood kind because Fremantle Media (the company that produces American Idol) has optioned the television rights to her debut novel OH. MY. GODS. on behalf of Ashley Tisdale (of High School Musical fame)!

Great news continues, as Sophie Jordan (WHRWA’s own Sharie Kohler) has been promoted! Avon has promoted Sophie Jordan from her previous level of Avon Romance to the level of Avon Treasure!! Sophie is also featured in the summer issue of KATY magazine. Congrats Sharie!

In release news, Teri Thackston’s second paranormal romance SCENT OF LAVENDER was released
August 21.

Laura Gompertz aka Lynn Lorenz also has news in that her novel, RUSH IN THE DARK, the second in the Common Powers series, was released Sept. 2. She’ll follow with a Halloween novella in October.
SECOND MOON is a paranormal about a witch and a dying werewolf, and will be epubbed by Liquid Silver Books. Laura is also waiting to hear the final okay about her military novella, IT TAKES A HERO, which is the story of a Marine, wounded in Iraq, and the physical therapist who helps him recover his life and his career. This ebook will come out in Nov., at Loose Id, in an anthology. She also has a December release. Wow!

-Michele Dunaway

As August begins, we enter the dog days of summer but that isn’t slowing the WHRWA chapter down. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for Judythe Hixson, whose SEEING CLEARLY finaled in the inspirational category of the TARA contest sponsored by Tampa Area Romance Authors. The final round judge is Natalie Hanemann, associate editor at Thomas Nelson. Winners will be announced in September. Congratulations, Judythe on reaching the finals!

In upcoming releases, Kim Lenox is excited to share that the Doubleday and Rhapsody Bookclubs will carry her October Signet Eclipse release, NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, as an upcoming featured alternate selection.

Also, look for Teri Thackston’s second paranormal romance, which will be released in ebook form, August 21. SCENT OF LAVENDER is another spooky ghost story from Cerridwen Press.

A round of applause is in order for two WHRWA members who have made recent sales. PJ Mellor’s next four new works of erotic romance have been bought by John Scognamiglio for Kensington Aphrodisia. Jennifer Schober at Spencerhill Associates (world) handled the sale.

Joan Reeves has contracted an essay that will be in SOUTHERN INSPIRATIONS, an anthology about the South to be published by Blue Mountain Arts. Joan’s essay is entitled “Your People.” Booksigning frenzy!

Patty Henderson will be speaking at the Katy Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting on August 20 at 6:45 a.m. on “How I Write a Novel and Market It” and will have a book signing afterwards. At her first booksigning in her hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas on June 20th, she was made an Honorary Alumni of the University of Arkansas. Patty will also have a booksigning at Katy Budget Books on September 13th, 2:00-4:00 pm.

Finally, I’d like to give a big thank you to Tera Lynn Childs who made my daughter’s day by sending her an autographed copy of OH. MY. GODS. to my daughter at camp. You have a lifelong fan.

Don’t forget to send me your news for next month by August 20. Please send it to me at micheledunawaybooks@earthlink.net or whosinthenews@whrwa.com

-Michele Dunaway

Gerry Bartlett shares the exciting news that REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY hit the Barnes and Nobles Trade Paperback bestseller list at #7 and #6 the first two weeks it was released and #7 and #8 at Borders. No news yet on week three. Also, one of her fans has started a Glory St.Clair fan club on Facebook. She’s still trying to figure out how to get in to see it, but she’s jazzed that her “fans” are getting organized.

What a thrill for Tera Lynn Childs! Publishers Weekly gave OH. MY. GODS. a starred review, calling the novel “an an effervescent, fast-paced read”.

Deeanne Gist won the Anne-Bonney Award for Most Emotional Romance for THE MEASURE OF A LADY. Her latest release, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE, was a “June Top Pick” in RT and received a 4-1/2 star review.

June has been an exciting month for Laura Gompertz! Not only does her newest book, SOUL BONDS release from Loose ID, but she received her PAN approval from RWA National. Congratulations in reaching that exciting career milestone, Laura!

Christy Janisse is thrilled about a 4 ribbon review of her first book, MISTAKEN, written under her pseudonym of Brandy Jordan. Romance Junkies posted a wonderful review on their site at: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/suspense/Mistaken.shtml.

Kerrelyn Sparks is happy to announce that BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART is a finalist in the published Laurie contest, sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. BE STILL is the third book in the Love at Stake series. Book number five, ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A VAMPIRE, will be released as an Avon Superlead at the end of October 2008. For more information and fun vampire games, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com

Congratulations are in order! Colleen Thompson shares that she received notification that HEAD ON (Love Spell Romantic Suspense, 7.07) is a finalist in the Daphe du Maurier contest sponsored by the Kiss of Death chapter, in the Single Title division.

Kristi Gold announces that her next Special Edition, THE MOMMY MAKEOVER, will be a February ‘09 release. This is the fourth book in the O’Brien series that began in Desire.

Patty Henderson announces the print release of her romantic suspense novel, GIFT OF DECEPTION, from Wild Rose Press. She recently held a booksigning in her home town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on June 20th. Congratulations, Patty!

~ Note from Kim…

I’ve had a wonderful time receiving and writing about your news over the past year, but this is my last time writing the Who’s In the News article.

Michele Dunaway has graciously agreed to take over, so make a note of her contact info. You can let her know about your news by the 20th of each month at micheledunawaybooks@earthlink.net or whosinthenews@whrwa.com

Gerry Bartlett’s January 2009 release has a new name. What began life as REAL VAMPIRES MAKE WAVES is now called REAL VAMPIRES DON’T DIET. Gerry reports that this is book 4 in the Glory St. Clair series featuring a full figured vampire and that the marketing department at Berkley decided the full figure aspect should be emphasized. The cover of the trade paperback still features Glory in a form fitting corset, though, and that waist size never looks more than twenty inches! Vampire magic? You can read a teaser chapter of REAL VAMPIRES DON’T DIET in the back of REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY, her June release in the series.

Congratulations to TJ Bennett, who continues to receive excellent reviews on her recent historical release THE LEGACY. The Romance Reader’s Connection recently awarded TJ’s novel a 4½ Stars, and declared it a “keeper”. TJ has also received the
book cover for the next book in her Behiam series, THE PROMISE. You can see it at her blog: http://tjbsopinion.blogspot.com/

Sale news!! Sharie Kohler announces the sale of two more paranormal romances in her Moon Chasers series to Lauren McKenna at Pocket, the first book of the contract (book#3 in the series) to release in September 09.

Laura Gompertz, writing as Lynn Lorenz, is already receiving praise for her upcoming Loose ID release, the second book in her series IN THE COMPANY OF MEN – JACKSON’S PRIDE. Reviewer Jesse Wave says, “Lynn Lorenz has written another brilliant story about a far-off era that is inhabited by complex and multifaceted characters and she is as good as or better than most writers in the art of world building. I can do no less than give this story 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers unfamiliar with her writing and fans alike.” Rainbow Reviews raves, “This was a great read and I only have one criticism: I wish the story were twice as long!” Natasha Smith at Romance Junkies says, “This was such an engaging and truly sweet tale that I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.” Laura/Lynn wants to remind WHRWA members that SOUL BONDS is coming out in June. It’s a fast paced, contemporary romance set in Houston. You can check out an excerpt on her website: www.lynnlorenz.com.

Let’s all celebrate with Jane Perrine, who has learned her September 2007 release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired, LOVE’S HEALING TOUCH, is a finalist in the Desert Rose Chapter’s 2008 Golden Quill for published authors.

Teri Thackston, aka Tea Trelawny’s erotic romance GOING DOWN? is a featured review at Myspace reviewer site, Manic Readers, who say, “GOING DOWN?
is absolutely fantastic! This is the best erotic romance story I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the very first sentence and fell head over heels for all of the wonderful characters.” You can’t beat review endorsements like that! Congratulations to Teri!

More exciting deal news! Colleen Thompson is happy to announce the sale of two more romantic suspense novels to Dorchester Publishing. The first of these, BENEATH BONE LAKE, is the story of a civilian worker in Iraq who returns home to find her family — including her fouryear- old daughter- missing… and suspicion pointing to the handsome paroled computer hacker living next door. Publication is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2009. Colleen is also looking forward to the July 29th release of TRIPLE EXPOSURE, which has garnered a number of positive advance reviews, including one from bestselling novelist Eloisa James, as a Barnes & Nobles feature review. James shares, “In this novel the suspense of the romance completely, satisfyingly overwhelms the chills connected with the physical threats, though Thompson craftily peppers in chapters told from the killer’s POV. I read every page of Triple Exposure, which says something about my interests — but also about Thompson’s skillful portrayal of characters we — breathlessly — want to survive. Together.”

Kudos galore to Linda Warren, whose book, ONCE A COWBOY, won an Award of Merit in the Holt Medallion in Short Contemporary. As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, another of her books, ADOPTED SON, won an Award of Merit in the Long Contemporary.

Spectacular news from Sarah Andre! Agent Michelle Grajkowsy of 3 Seas has requested a full of her romantic suspense manuscript, LOCKED, LOADED AND LYING, which Sarah pitched to her at the Desert Dreams conference. This is the second request for a full she’s received on this story (Patience Smith also requested after Sarah finaled in the Lone Star last year.) We’re looking forward
to hearing more good news from you, Sarah!

Gerry Bartlett announces that REAL VAMPIRES LIVE LARGE just went small. At least it came out in the mass market edition this week for a mere $7.99. It should be at a book store or WalMart near you. So if you got hooked on REAL VAMPIRES HAVE CURVES and never picked up LIVE LARGE, here’s your chance to grab it at a bargain price. Or maybe you have friends who haven’t
started the series at all. CURVES came out in the mass market size in February. Get them on the Glory train and then you can all wait eagerly for book 3, REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY, which will be out in June.

TJ Bennett has been traveling to promote her April release, THE LEGACY. She presented, "Finding the Dark
Side of Your Knight in Shining Armor," in Los Angeles in mid-April. The feedback from participants was good, and the handouts were very popular. She’ll be giving the same presentation for Bay Area Houston Chapter in June, so if you’re interested, put the date on your calendars.

Here’s news with a good cause! Cheryl Bolen would like to remind everyone that during the month of May is Brenda Novak’s fabulous auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes. Just go to her site and bid on tons of stuff, including reads by top agents and editors. Cheryl has donated a stars-and-stripes tote bag stuffed with some of
her out of print books (new and autographed) and hopes someone will bid on it. She expects it will go cheap.

Gladys Clifton reports that she pitched to Megan Records while in attendance at the Romantic Times Conference in Pittsburg, and received a request for a full. Go, Gladys, go! Let us know how things turn out!

Tera Lynn Childs is happy to announce a series of upcoming events for May. Blue Willow Bookshop will be hosting her debut party for the release of OH. MY. GODS. on the 8th at 7:00pm. In addition to signing at the May WHRWA meeting on the 10th, she will be speaking on writing for a teen market at the early workshop. Her first school visit will be at The Rice School/La Escuela Rice on the 16th. She’ll also be guest blogging at Killer Fiction on the 17th and the Jaunty Quills on the 19th. All events subject to cancellation should she not survive the release of her debut novel, OH. MY. GODS., on the May 1st. If you’d like to know more about Tera and OMG, Tera gave an interview to the online review website, Darque Reviews. They’ve also posted a review for the book! (http://darquereviews.blogspot.com)!

Christie Craig is in the news! WEDDINGS CAN BE MURDER received a great review in Library Journal! http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6547833.html?industryid=47120 The book also rated a 4 ½ star review from Romantic Times Magazine! The Houston Chronicle also featured Christie in a online video feature: chron.com/mm/devotion But wait, there’s more! On the eve of her second book’s release, Christie
has agreed to a new three-book deal with Dorchester. Christie, we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2008 holds for you! CHEERS!

Contest maven Vicky Dreiling won first place in the historical category of the Great Expectations Contest with her entry, THE DUCHESS COMPETITION. The entry was judged by Tessa Woodward – - who had already requested the manuscript at the NOLA confernence. Vicky, we hope it’s just a brief matter of time!

KUDOS to one our out-of-state members!! Michele Dunaway announces a new 2 book contract with Harlequin American. We’re looking forward to hearing Michele share some of her secrets to success when she visits us as our meeting speaker in July!

Laura Gompertz, writing as Lynn Lorenz, is amassing a collection! A collection of great reviews! She announces that her February Loose Id release, THE MERCENARY’S TALE received 5 Nymphs and a Golden Blush Recommended Read designation from Literary Nymphs Reviews! Review site, Sensual Romance, awarded the book 5 stars and Sizzling said it was a ‘truly masterful piece’ and a ‘must read novel’. Fallen Angel Reviews gave it 5 Angels and made it a Recommended Read. The sequel to this book, JACKSON’S PRIDE, comes out April 15.

Sharie Kohler a/k/a Sophie Jordan announces that the foreign rights for ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT have sold to Spain and that her August Avon historical release, SURRENDER TO ME, has been selected as a featured alternate in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Bookclubs.

Publisher’s Weekly blogger, Barbara Vey, featured PJ Mellor’s upcoming anthology piece, HARD IN THE SADDLE (from ONLY WITH A COWBOY). http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288/
post/420025442.html

Chicago North has announced the finalists in their 10th annual Fire and Ice Contest. Winner’s will be announced later this month in Chicago. Congratulations to our two WHRWA members: Patricia O’Dea-Rosen for her Series Romance final with A PLACE AT THE TABLE, and Jody Payne with STALKED in Single Title!!

Great news from Georgia Ward (writing as Georgia Tribell)! She announces the release of her newest book,WINDHANDLER, published with Cobblestone Press. Check out an excerpt here: http://www.georgiatribell.com/wind

And finally — Ellen Watkins, Emily Contest Chair, announces that judging by the booksellers is now complete and WHRWA is proud to announce the winner of Best of the Best! The winner will receive a detailed critique of the first three chapters and synopsis of her manuscript by Patience Smith of Silhouette Books. Placements are
as follows:
1. An Early Frost by Tanya Holmes
2. The Devil’s Virtue by Laura Williams
3. Breaking Daylight by Mary Fechter
4. Project Honeymoon by Becke Turner
Congratulations to all of our finalists, and congratulations to Tanya Holmes for winning the Best of the Best!

Tera Lyn Childs shares her first “official” review for OH. MY. GODS. Advanced Reader proclaims the book, “a really fun, funny, and heartwarming story,” and “so. much. fun.” Check out the entire review here: http://advanced-reader.blogspot.com/2008/02/swish.html

Tera is also heading to the Romantic Times Convention in Pittsburgh, PA next month, where she will participate on two Young Adult/Teen panels.

Christie Craig and her writing partner, Faye Hughes, received an offer for their new non-fiction book. The book is a humorous selfhelp relationship book on what women can learn from romance
heroines. She also received a phone message written by her son: “Someone called and said U finaled in the GAL WISON award.” Congratulations, Christie, on your Southern Magic RWA Gail Wilson final for DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS!! Winners will be announced at the Silken Sands Writers Conferencein Pensacola Beach, Fla. on April 12th, and we’ll all be cheering for you!

If you’re headed to the Romantic Times Convention, check out Christie and Faye’s Great Agent Hunt workshop. Christie will also be sitting on a Contemporary Romance panel!

Kudos to Vicky Dreiling! Bookends, Inc. Literary Agency has been running a weekly contest for the first 100 words of a manuscript. Last week Vicky was one of three runners-up in the historical romance category. Kim Lionetti, Agent, had this to say about Vicky’s 100 word entry, excerpted from her book, THE DUCHESS COMPETITION:“Just plain wonderfully written. I can see Tristan standing there and smirking. Another hero I’m dying to hear more from. From this short excerpt, we know that he plays his role as a society gentleman, but he recognizes the silliness of it all and doesn’t take himself too seriously either. I’m dying to meet the woman who will catch his eye and get past his jaded perception on the fairer sex.”

Levy Home Entertainment has invited Deeanne Gist to be a part of their 2008 Author Bus Tour which is hosted by Meijer. It will be a 5-city bus tour with 9 scheduled signings. The tour is scheduled to take place September 18 – 21. Visit Deeanne’s web site at www.IWantHerBook.com for more information.”

That’s not all of Deeanne’s good news! THE MEASURE OF A LADY is a finalist in the Most Emotional category of the 2007 Anne-Bonney Readers’ Choice Award Contest. The books will now be sent to booksellers to determine the winners.

Tracy Goodwin has good news in multiples!! She finaled in the Houston Bay Area’s JABBIC contest – DANCE WITH DECEPTION placed fifth in the Historical Romance category! DANCE WITH DECEPTION received another five star review, this one from Lettetia Elssaser of SingleTitles.com who stated “DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a stellar debut by gifted author, Tracy Goodwin. You will be proud to display this one on your‘keeper’ shelves … DANCE WITH DECEPTION expertly blends romance, danger and lush sensuality in one brilliant novel. I applaud you, Ms Goodwin.” DANCE WITH DECEPTION also received a five cup review from Coffee Time Romance who said “DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a lush and endearing romance … as touchingly romantic as anything I have read recently.” And from Fallen Angel Reviews, a four angel review, stating “DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a riveting story from beginning to end … the depth of emotions expressed will touch the heart and have readers cheering this couple on. This was a highly satisfying read and it is a definite page-turner!!!”

Applause for Patty Henderson! Her book, THE GIFT OF DECEPTION, has garnered an enthusiastic review from The Long and The Short Of It, who calls the book, “a surprisingly thrilling romance”. The reviewer concludes, “This contemporary romance hides many fun surprises, a couple scary ones, and offers some very well developed characters. It also houses some super suspenseful moments – once you get started, you won’t want to put it down! 4 books”.

Sharie Kohler/Sophie Jordan will be participating in a historical panel, as well as signing her historical and paranormal titles at the Romantic Times Convention!

Linda Jacobs announces that the third book in the Yellowstone Series, LAKE OF FIRE, finaled in the Spur Awards from Western Writers of America! It also won the New Mexico Press Women’s 2008 Excellence in Communications Competition in the novel category. She also received word the book finaled in the Gail Wilson Competition. That’s a lot to celebrate, Linda!

Congratulacion!! Dawn Temple has received some extra special news! Her debut, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, has been reissued under Harlequin’s Julia line. She can’t read most of the copyright page, but her best guess is, Marido y mujer will be distributed in Mexico and South America. It’s very exciting to see her words translated to another language, not that she has a clue what they say!

Teri Thackston (writing as Tea Trelawny, for Ellora’s Cave) is thrilled by the review her first erotic romance, GOING DOWN? received from Manic Readers. Among other things, the reviewer said, “Going Down? is absolutely fantastic! This is the best erotic romance story I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the very first sentence and fell head over heels for all of the wonderful characters.”

Congrats to our Rita and Golden Heart Finalists!

Fall From Grace by Kristi Gold
Harlequin Enterprises, Everlasting Love – (0-373-65404-9)
Beverley Sotolov, editor
Contemporary Series Romance (Rita)

Blackthorne’s Bride by Shana Galen
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books – (978-0-06-112497-6)
May Chen, editor
Regency Historical Romance (Rita)

Beauty and the Geek by Sarah Castleberry
Contemporary Single Title Romance (Golden Heart)

Also to our former member for finaling in the Rita!

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Penguin Group USA, NAL – (0451221842)
Kara Cesare, editor
Paranormal Romance (Rita)

And to an Emily Winner – who finaled twice!

Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell (Emily Winner)
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books – (978-0-06-123491-0)
Lucia Macro, editor
Regency Historical Romance (Rita)

Untouched by Anna Campbell
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books – (978-0-06-123492-7)
Lucia Macro, editor
Regency Historical Romance (Rita)

TJ BENNETT announces a date and time for her book launch/food tasting party! The event will take place on April 18 (Friday), 6 – 8pm, come join her in celebrating the debut of her first novel, THE LEGACY, a historicalromance, at Read it Again & Again Bookstore in Houstonon Beechnut. The fabulous Chef Norie will provide thefood for the tasting part of the event. She promises totake our palates back in time and will feature somethingfrom the historical setting of my book (Early ReformationGermany)– Americanized for the modern foodie, of course.

We all recently heard that SARAH CASTLEBERRY finaledfor the 3rd consecutive year in the Southern Heat2007 Writing Contest with BEAUTY AND THE GEEK.Final round judging is complete, and Sarah WON hercategory! She has a full request from Tessa Woodwardat Harper Collins! Sarah, we’re hoping to hear somevery happy news from you soon!

VICKY DREILING’S success with her manuscript, THEDUCHESS COMPETITION, continues! She won first placein the Historical Category of the Romancing the TomeContest sponsored by the Coeur de Louisiane RWA. Thatled to a request for the full manuscript from MichelleGrajkowski of theThree Seas Literary Agency. Vicky hasalso learned she’s a finalist in Historical Category of theGreat Expectations Contest, sponsored by the NorthTexas RWA. Tessa Woodward of Avon/HarperCollinswill be the final round judge.

LAURA GOMPERTZ, whose e-book MERCENARY’STALE was released on Feb. 19th by Loose-id, was February’sspotlight author on romanticinks.com (under thepen name of Lynn Lorenz). Be sure to check her articleout – it’s a wonderful read and full of Laura’s trademarkhumor! Here’s the link: http://romanticinks.com/spotlight/spotlight-lynn-lorenz/

One of our new members, ROBIN HASELTINE, took thirdin the Paranormal Category of the Romancing the Tome Contest with CURSE OF THE DRAGON’SSPELL, which was judged by Sean Mackiewicz ofNocturne. And FIRST SALE NEWS: Robin announcesshe sold this book just a couple of weeks ago to TigerPublications. Congratulations on your first sale, Robin!

LARK HOWARD received third place honors in the Romantic Suspense category of the Silicon Valley RWA’s GOTCHA Contest. The first fifteen pages of THE PRICE OF PARADISE will be read by Chris Keeslar of Dorchester. Woo hoo!

There’s more exciting contest news! JOANN ROBISHEAUX won second place in the Inspirational Category of the Golden Pen Contest with her entry, SHADES OF GRACE. SHADES will be judged by Melissa Endlich of Harlequin Enterprises

And it’s vampire music to our ears! KERRELYN SPARKS‘ fourth book in the Love at Stake series, THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, hit number 14 on the New York Times bestseller list. It also spent two weeks on the USAToday and Borders bestseller lists, and it went into a second printing two weeks after its release. Meanwhile, the third book in the series, BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, has gone into its fifth printing. Please visit Kerrelyn at her website www.kerrelynsparks.com to chat in the forum or play vampire games!

TERI THACKSTON announces that she’s so excited her flippers are floppin’! (Sorry Teri, I had to use it!) GOING DOWN? — her first erotic romance — just released at Ellora’s Cave. The e-book is published under my new pseudonym Tea Trelawny. It’s always exciting when a book goes back to print!

COLLEEN THOMPSON announces that THE SALT MAIDEN, along with HEAD ON, will be heading back to press for a second printing.

Triple Kudos to LINDA WARREN! Her February SuperRomance, TEXAS BLUFF, made the Waldenbooks Series Bestseller List at #8, making her in good company with…

JOANNA WAYNE! POINT BLANK PROTECTOR made the Walden’s Romance Bestselling List as well!

Kim Lenox wants to share your news— please email her atwhosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

It’s that time of year when Romantic Times announces its 2007 Nominees! Our own Linda Barrett’s HOUSEFUL OF STRANGERS was nominated for Best Harlequin Superromance!

Also nominated by Romantic Times is Nina Bangs, for her novel, WICKED FANTASY, in the Best Vampire category. Nina also has the very special honor of being nominated for a Career Achievement Award for Contemporary Paranormal Romance.

*** Keep reading! You’ll find out about our other RT Nominees further below!

TJ Bennett is off to an exciting 2008. Her April release, THE LEGACY, a historical romance set in Reformation Germany, has garnered a 5 cup rating from Coffeetime Romance! Here’s a sneak peek: “This story is superb . . . The Legacy is a riveting story that explodes with tight action. It is an interesting plot with in-depth feelings that even pierced this reader’s heart. There are situations between this loving couple that made my heart leap for joy. Drama at its best, this is one overpowering, extraordinary tale.”

That’s not all! Romantictimes.com has invited TJ to participate in their “exclusive Author Spotlight area” on their website. The spotlight will run in March 2008. The site will run a short article written by TJ, a description of the book, the cover of the book, and a 500-word excerpt.

Repeat kudos to Sarah Castleberry! For the second (or third?) consecutive year, Sarah has finaled in the East Texas RWA contest! She entered BEAUTY AND THE GEEK (the story we all enjoyed in the Gather contest) in their single title category. Her final round judge will be Tessa Woodward at Harper Collins.

First Sale Announcement! Lara Chapman has sold her first novel to RWA-recognized The Wild Rose Press. HIT REPLY is a humorous contemporary romance about a woman who is dumped by her boyfriend in an email — that goes to everyone she works with. She flees to the small hometown she once escaped and meets a man who makes her question her resolve to live a “Big City” life. This book will be released under the publisher’s Champagne Rose line.

Christie Craig has numerous reasons to celebrate! DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS hit 83 on Book Scan! On the heels of that great news, she heard Dorchester will take the book to a second printing. Christie has also been interviewed for the Houston Lifestyles & Homes magazine, and is featured along with her two book covers. Be sure to pick up a copy and check it out. It’s under the “City Scope” section on pg 20. DD&D is also a nominee for All About Romance’s Best Cabin Romance and Best Favorite Funny! And finally, look for her in the January issue of The Motivated Writer (www.themotivatedwriter.com)

Congratulations to Vicky Dreiling who received the exciting news she finaled in the WHRWA Emily with her historical THE DUCHESS COMPETITION. It’s being judged by Tessa Woodward of Avon/Harper Collines and agent Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management. The same book finaled in the Duel on the Delta contest and is being judged by Allison Brandau of Berkley.

Missouri WHRWA-er Michele Dunaway is featured in the Columbia Missourian in this article on romance: http://www.columbiamissourian.com/ stories/2007/12/07/passion-writing/Michele Dunaway. If you’d like to peek at the cover for her April 2008 Harlequin American Romance, THE MARRIAGE RECIPE, it’s now posted on her blog at www.micheledunaway.blogspot.com. The Marriage Recipe is her 17th book for Harlequin Enterprises! That’s fantastic, Michele!

Shana Galen’s (Shane Bolks) NO MAN’S BRIDE is now out in Dutch. The title “Liefde op het tweede gezicht” means LOVE AT SECOND SIGHT. The cover is on her website…http://www.shanebolks.com/nomans.html. Even more exciting is Shana’s Romantic Times Nomination for 2007 Best Historical Love & Laughter with her recent release, BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE!

2007 was a stellar year for member Deeanne Gist, and it looks like 2008 will be no less spectacular! Deeanne and her novel, COURTING TROUBLE were mentioned in the November 19th Publisher’s Weekly article, “Romance Readers Definitely Read Around.” She has also been asked to be the Grand Marshal of this Spring’s Corsicana Texas’ Derrick Days Parade, as her latest book, COURTING TROUBLE and upcoming release, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE are both set in Corsicana during the oil boom days. Attendance for the event runs between 3000 and 5000 attendees. Organizers also have her slated to speak as part of the weekend’s offering.

There’s more! Deeanne has also been invited to speak at RWA Nationals and will give the same presentation she gave our chapter last year, except now it is titled, “What Takes So Long?: What Happens to Your Manuscript From Signed Contract to Store Shelves.”

Congratulations to Tracy Goodwin, whose book DANCE WITH DECEPTION has been nominated for LASR’s Best Long Print Romance for 2007!

Big news! Romantic Times has recognized member Heather MacAlister with a nomination for Career Achievement in the Series Romance Love and Laughter category!

Leslie Marshman won first place in the Chase the Dream contest with her entry, DESIGNS ON THE TEXAS TYCOON. She offers thanks to everyone who voted for her and helped make it happen! Check out her winner’s interview at: http://chasethedreamcontest.wordpress.com/entries/week-10-finalist/leslie-marshman/

A big cheer for Janice Martin, who finaled in the WHRWA Emily Contest’s Single Title Category with her entry, THE BLESSING.

PJ Mellor shares thrilling news! She learned one of her February 2007 books, THE FIREFIGHTER, is a CAPA nominee for Best Erotic Anthology 2007. She also received a great review from Romantic Times for her upcoming release, MAKE ME SCREAM. Here’s an excerpt! “Mellor’s captivating tale has characters that are real and exceptionally entertaining, which will keep you tied into the story. If you haven’t already, you’ll definitely want to read more of this author’s work.”

First Sale News!! Joann Robischeaux announces her first sale to RWA-recognized The Wild Rose Press. A FRESH START is a heart-warming story about a teacher who leaves Texas to find a new life in Wyoming, teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. The book will be released through Wild Rose Press’s Yellow Rose line!

Kerrelyn Sparks invites you to dinner! The great folks at Katy Budget Books have arranged an Author Dinner which will take place the evening of February 15th at Victor’s restaurant on Fry Rd (just down the street from KBB). To reserve a spot and/or preorder a copy of THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, just call KBB at 281-578- 7770! Kerrelyn will also be signing at KBB on March 1st from 11 am to 1 pm. And she’ll be signing THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR at the February West Houston meeting. See you there!

Just before Christmas, Dawn Temple got a great gift from her editor, who called and bought her second novel. MOONLIGHT AND MISTLETOE will be a Holiday 2009 release from Silhouette Special Edition.

Teri Thackston has a reason to dance! Her latest romantic suspense, DEADLY CLIMB, from Cerridwen Press, received a Reviewer Top Pick score of 5 from Night Owl Romance: “Exhilarating. . .a beautiful job… The book had it all from the beginning, suspense, action, love and yes even betrayal that made it a huge 5 rated book for this reviewer. Awesome.”

The complete review is available online at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/ Review.asp?ReviewId=971

Teri also announces the release of her first erotic romance — a humorous paranormal — on Feb 13 under the pseudonym of Téa Trelawny. Great timing because it’s set on St. Valentine’s Day. Called GOING DOWN? the story is set in a haunted Manhattan elevator.

Romantic Times has nominated Colleen Thompson’s THE SALT MAIDEN for Best 2007 Romantic Suspense! In additional news, Colleen also announced the sale of four of her backlist titles to Bulgaria. Georgia Ward’s novel, BAYOU TREASURE, has been nominated for the CAPA award from The Romance Studio for Romantic Suspense. She also announces a new sale – she’s signed a contract with Cobblestone Press over the holidays for another futuristic romantic suspense novella. Congratulations, Georgia!

Kim Lenox wants to share your news— please email her atwhosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Announcing the 2008 Emily Finalists!

** WHRWA members

Single Title

BREAKING DAYLIGHT by Mary Fechter
A BRIGHT HOT LIGHT by Karen King
RAWK MY WORLD by Brenda Kranz
JUSTICE IN THE BARREL by Linley Maroney
THE BLESSING by Janice Martin **
DANGEROUS CHOICES by Donna Meier

Historical

THE DUCHESS COMPETITION by Vicky Dreiling **
A BRIDE FOR ANGEL by Karen Seaton
THE DEVIL’S VIRTUE by Laura Williams

Series

HER TROPHY HUSBAND by Laura Fasick
REMEMBER THIS by Jeannine Ramey
PROJECT HONEYMOON by Becke Turner

Paranormal

HUNGRY HEART by Fran Abram
AN EARLY FROST by Tanya Holmes
LOVE CAME HOWLING by Carolyn Matkowsky

Vicky Dreiling has lots to celebrate going into the Holiday Season. She has finaled in the Coeur de Louisiane’s Romancing the Tome Contest with her historical, THE DUCHESS COMPETITION. Her entry will be judged in the final round by Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency.

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Michele Dunaway has not one, but two books out this month, perfect for holiday reading! This is her 15th book for Harlequin American and her 16th book in her publishing career. Look for HART’S VICTORY, a Harlequin NASCAR book, and THE CHRISTMAS DATE from Harlequin American in stores everywhere.

Sale news!! Sharie Kohler, writing as Sophie Jordan, has sold three more (Victorian) historical romances to Avon. We will be looking forward to titles and release dates on these books! Congratulations Sharie!

2008 is already looking great for Leslie Marshman. Wanda Ottewell has requested a full based on Leslie’s partial submission of DESIGNS ON THE TEXAS TYCOON, for Harlequin’s Desire line. More accolades go to Leslie for her final, with this same manuscript, in the Chase the Dream Contest.

Jane Myers Perrine announces that she has received a publication date and title for her Western Inspirational for Steeple Hill. SECOND CHANCE BRIDE will be available in January, 2009. We are looking forward to that release from Jane!

The Writer’s League of Texas announced the winners of the annual Violet Crown and Teddy Awards. The winner of the Teddy Children’s Award/Short Works Category was GRANDPA FOR SALE, by our own Vicki Sansum (Richmond) and her co-writer, Dotti Enderle who has visited our chapter in the past. Congratulations Vicki and Dotti!

Grab a big mug of hot cocoa and get comfy in front of your computer! Kerrelyn Sparks is now appearing in two videos at RomanceNovelTV and she was unveiled as a very sneaky Mystery Author for the week of Nov 5-9. Check out the forum’s Mystery Author section to see Kerrelyn’s (she told me “lame” but we don’t believe that!) attempts at writing a historical Regency and dark paranormal. http://romancenovel.tv/forum/

Kerrelyn has even more news! Her upcoming January 29th release, THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, was featured in a blog at Publishers Weekly. What a nice surprise! Click here to read: http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288.html

On Saturday November 17th, our very own Teri Thackston signed copies of PERILOUS PASSIONS at the first annual Houston Writers Festival at the Galleria area Barnes & Noble location. 20 writers took part in signings and readings, including Texas’ 2008 Poet Laureate Larry D. Thomas.

Have you finished your Holiday shopping? Here’s something for everyone! Colleen Thompson announces that she and chapter member Christie Craig are teaming up to sign copies of their December releases. Christie will be signing DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS and Colleen will sign THE SALT MAIDEN, both of which have received fantastic advance reviews!

Here’s the details on their upcoming schedule:

December 1, 2007 Autographing at Katy Budget Books, Katy, TX. From 11-2.

December 8, 2007, Autographing with author Christie Craig at Barnes and Noble in The Woodlands Mall (The Woodlands, TX) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

December 15, 2007, Autographing with author Christie Craig at Murder by the Book in Houston from 4:30 to ? PM.

January 12, 2008, Speaking (Colleen) and autographing at chapter meeting of West Houston Romance Writers of America.

January 12, 2008, Autographing at Borders in The Woodlands with fellow authors Nina Bangs, Gerry Bartlett, Christie Craig, and Teri
Thackston from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

January 15, 2008, Speaking and autographing (just Colleen) at Houston Bay Area RWA.

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.

Author and Diva News

KUDOS! to Sarah Andre for finaling in the Romantic Suspense Category of Finally a Bride with her new story, LOCKED, LOADED & LYING! The final round entries will be judged by both editor and agent. Best wishes on a favorable outcome, Sarah!

Linda Barrett announces she has a contest running each month for Oct, Nov, Dec at her website. www.linda-barrett.com Check it out! You could win a $10.00 gift card to B&N!

Sandra K. Moore was honored to accept Jo Anne Banker’s First Place Maggie in Long Contemporary for her SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD, at the Georgia Romance Writer’s annual Moonlight & Magnolias Conference. Jo Anne wore her ‘jewelry’, the silver Maggie medallion, to the October meeting.Victoria Curran with Superromance has requested the full manuscript, so Jo Anne is writing furiously to finish it soon. Congratulations, Jo Anne!

Deeanne Gist has another jewel in her already sparkling crown. She is a finalist for the Writer’s League of Texas annual Violet Crown Award with her novel, THE MEASURE OF A LADY.

Tracy Goodwin is thrilled to announce that DANCE WITH DECEPTION has reached #1 on two Chapters.indigo Bestselling Lists (both the Trade Paperback and Romance Pre-order lists)! In addition, it is holding steady in eBook format remaining a bestseller at #2 on EPIC eBookstore’s Romance Bestseller list and #8 on Fictionwise’s Romance Bestseller list. Dance With Deception is available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Biggerbooks.com, Chapters.indigo.ca, and Target.com. It is also available in eBook format at Fictionwise.com.

Patty Henderson’s entry, GIFT OF DECEPTION, has won the romantic suspense category in the final round of judging of Mid-Michigan RWA’s Happily Ever After last chapter contest. We are sure this is only the beginning of Patty’s Happily Ever After!! GIFT OF DECEPTION will be released by Wild Rose Press in December 2007.

Exciting news from Jo Ann Robisheaux! She finaled in the Inspirational Romance category of The Golden Pen with her entry, SHADES OF GRACE. Melissa Endlich at Steeple Hill will be the final round judge.

Very thrilling news for Kerrelyn Sparks! Her name has been added to the Honor Roll on the RWA website! Her latest book, BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, qualified her for the list when it spent two weeks on the Publishers Weekly top fifteen bestselling mass market paperback list.Kerrelyn is also part of a new HarperCollins website program.To see it, please visit http://www.harpercollins.com/KerrelynSparks

Booksigning alert! Teri Thackston will be signing PERILOUS PASSIONS at the Houston Writers Festival on Nov 17 from 11:00 to 2:00. It’s at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5000 Westheimer.

Colleen Thompson is delighted to announce that her December release, THE SALT MAIDEN (Leisure Romantic Suspense), has been garnering great advance reviews, including a Top Pick from Romantic Times.

Linda Warren has fantastic news to share – Her book, THE COWBOY’S RETURN, won the Aspen Gold in the Contemporary Category given by the Heart of Denver Chapter.

Johanna Wayne has S-U-P-E-R news! She signed a four book contract with Harlequin Intrigue which will include a 2008 Christmas book to follow up the Colts Run Cross Series (Miracle at Colts Run Cross) and a three-book Special Ops Texas Series to be released in 2009. Her good news doesn’t stop there! TEXAS GUN SMOKE made the Waldens/Borders bestselling romance list recently, checking in at # 7.

WHRWA had a number of members who finaled in the prestigious Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Competition. Laura Gompertz took first place in the Futuristic, Fantasy, Paranormal category with MCCALLEN’S BLOOD. Sarah Andre took third place in the Romantic Suspense division with LOCKED, LOADED & LYING, and had her full manuscript requested by Patience Smith at Silhouette! Fleury Sommers brought home second place honors in the Single Title category for her entry, CANVAS. Kelly Harms asked Fleury to contact her. Judythe Hixson took third place in the Inspirational with ANNIE’S HEART. Way to go Ladies!

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.

Author News

Nina Bangs and Gerry Bartlett are off to Birmingham, Alabama for a Books-A-Million Trade Show October 8 and 9 to meet and greet over 200 book sellers for that chain of book stores in the eastern region. They’ll also make a few stops in the Smokey Mountains so Gerry can see the fall colors for the first time since she grew up in Houston and was usually teaching when the leaves turned.

But that’s not all! Gerry Bartlett, Nina Bangs and their critique partner Kimberly Raye will be autographing their latest releases at the Barnes and Noble on Bay Area Boulevard from 4-7 on October 27. That’s the Saturday before Halloween, so come by and show support for this “afternoon with vampire writers”.(They assured B&N that they could come out before dark — they just write about vampires!)

Linda Barrett will be chatting with readers about THE SOLDIER AND THE ROSE at NovelTalk on Wednesday, November 14th at 8 p.m. CT. Come join the conversation about love and war and the “greatest generation.” Linda also extends an open invitation to visit the Everlasting Love authors, aka “The Lovelies” at their new blog. This is the new Harlequin series where “happily-ever-after is just the beginning.” So come meet the authors and share your own stories. They talk about love, writing, dreams, magic, food (of course) and many other topics! Here’s the link: http://hqeverlastinglove.blogspot.com/

Tera Lyn Childs, our wandering – but returning –Houstonian, is excited to share the (nearly) final version of her cover for OH. MY. GODS. She posted it in the Book Covers photo album on the WHRWA Yahoo! Group site and on her MySpace blog (http://tinyurl.com/3×9pru). Check it out!

Keep your eyes peeled! Romantic Times recently interviewed Christie Craig for their December issue. Christie’s been visible in the print media in advance of her December release from Dorchester, DIVORCED, DESPERATE & DELICIOUS. If you haven’t yet read your September RWR, be sure to check out page 16 for her article, “Character Motivation: Blame It On Their Parents”.

We’re all cheering for Shana Galen, whose BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE is a 4 ½ Star Top Pick in the November RomanticTimes!! Shane was the speaker at the NWHRWA September 29th meeting, and spoke on, “Hitting the High Notes in your Writing.” Clearly the RT reviewer saw those “high notes” in this recent release!

Needing to hone your skills? Pat Kay will be offering her SCENE AND SEQUEL WORKSHOP from October 8 — October 31. To register, send an e-mail to classes@patriciakay.com. The cost is $25.00, payable via PayPal to pk@patriciakay.com or by check to Patricia Kay, PO Box 441603, Houston, TX 77244-1603. Deadline to register is October 6th. To learn more about Pat, or this course, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.

Book Lauch Party Announcement! Mark your calendar for October 7th between 2pm and 4pm so you can celebrate the release of Dawn Temple’s debut novel, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. The party will be held in the bar at the Roadhouse on 45 S near El Dorado (in the Wal-Mart shopping center). Go to her website www.dawntemple.com for more details!

Colleen Thompson is happy to announce the sale of TRIPLE EXPOSURE, another romantic suspense, again to Dorchester. There’s no pub date as of yet, but the story concerns the return of a female photographer acquitted of murder in the shooting of a stalker to her hometown of Marfa, Texas. When the glider she is piloting is sabotaged, she fears her violent past has caught up with her, or could the attack be related to the darkly-mysterious desert recluse her photographs made famous?

More contest final news from Linda Warren, who is a DOUBLE finalist in the Aspen Gold Reader’s Choice. SON OF TEXAS placed in the romantic suspense category, while THE COWBOY’S RETURN placed in the category.

Diva News

The second round of the gather.com first romance chapter contest has begun!! Congrats to Sarah Andre and Sarah Castleberry for moving onto this next round! Sarah C’s BEAUTY AND THE GEEK made the top 15 in votes for the first round, and Sarah A’s THE ARCHITECT was one of 10 picked by the Gather Team to move onward. Both of their chapter two entries can be viewed at: http://romancenovel.gather.com/ Go Vote!

Several members placed in the Fort Bend Writer’s Guild Writing Contest! Betty Pichardo took a SECOND PLACE with her entry, THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL. Linda Krzywicki (PAWSITIVE ATTRACTION) and Theresa Lehr (CACTUS FLOWERS) share a THIRD PLACE spot. Of note in the Honorable Mention category was June Faver with two works, BONE DEEP and BAD HABIT, as well as Linda Krzywicki’s DUAL ATTRACTION.

Laura Gompertz is SMOKIN’!!! Not only did she take 3rd place in the Tampa Area Romance Authors (TARA) Contest with her manuscript, OPEN DOORS, and come away with a request for a full from editor Jessica Alvarez of Steeple Hill, but she also won first place in the paranormal category of the Lone Star Competition. Last but not least, thanks to a Romance Junkies Contest, an editor asked for a full of THE AVALONE PATROL, a fantasy/para currently sitting on Heather Osborns’ desk at Tor.

KUDOS!! to Patty Henderson, who finaled in Mid-Michigan’s Happily Ever After Contest in the romantic suspense category with GIFT OF DECEPTION.

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!

Jody Payne continues her adventures! For her suspense manuscript she had visited the Tomball Police so many times they asked if she’d like to attend their Citizen’s Police Academy. Of course, she jumped at the chance. She’s learning about fingerprinting, breathalizers, and (watch out!) interrogation techniques. She’ll get to shoot weapons, and ride along on a real shift – she’s hoping to ride along with the K9 Unit!

Way to go Terri Richison!! She finaled in the From The Heart RWA Chapter’s Golden Gateway Contest in the romantic suspense category with her entry, DEADLY INHERITANCE. Final round judge is Jessica Zita at Pocket. Terri’s good news continues — she also took third place in the Celtic Hearts RWA Chapter Golden Claddagh Contest with DEADLY INHERITANCE. Final round judge is Esi Sogah – Avon.

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.

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.