Program will begin at 9:15am in the Athens Room! We are back in the Fellowship Hall.

The Happy Hookers: Using Hooks and Lines to Avoid Sinkers

Hooking for fun and profit? Join Heather MacAllister & Vicky Dreiling as they show writers how to create hooks that catch editors and readers and reel them in. The first part of the workshop will show how a story’s setting, subject, time, and even you, the author, can be used as a marketing hook. In the second part of the workshop, writers will learn to identify classic story hooks that are both intriguing and familiar to readers, and how to turn a time-honored plot device into a unique, compelling, high- concept premise.

Heather MacAllister used a holiday sales hook with her first book, DECK THE HALLS, a Christmas romance published twenty years ago this December. It worked so well, she used the same hook for several more of the 47 books she’s sold to Harlequin, including this December’s Blaze, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS.

Vicky Dreiling got a request from her agent with a one-sentence pitch. She swears she learned the art of brevity when told to cut 192 slides from a PowerPoint deck for a presentation to a VP. In her day job, Vicky is a market research analyst for a Fortune 500 corporation and a  former intern at Ogilvy & Mather. Her debut historical romance HOW TO MARRY A DUKE will hit the shelves on January 1, 2011. HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL is slated for publication in July 2011.

If you’ve ever heard the expressions ENTJ, ISTP, ESFJ, etc., you’ll learn how each of these archetypal characters handles stress—and how the same stressors can provoke wildly different reactions in different types. If you have no idea what these letters mean, come and learn more. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your heroine’s “shadow” function, or her emotional responses to the darkest moments of life, and will take away a handout that describes the heroine conflict types most frequently represented in romance—and ways to resolve storylines that stay true to your character’s type.

BIO: While employed with the Department of Defense and later as president of her own Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) consulting and training business, TJ Bennett used the MBTI instrument to help Fortune 500 CEOs and government executives develop successful work teams. Called an “author to watch” by Romantic Times Magazine, TJ is a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist. Her debut novel, The Legacy, a historical romance set in Early Reformation Germany, explored the destructive nature of secrets. Reviewers called the novel an “emotional rollercoaster,” “an overpowering, extraordinary tale,” and a “fast-paced tale that grabs your heart from the beginning and keeps it to the very end.” All About Romance awarded The Legacy “Buried Treasure 2008” status and named it a Desert Isle Keeper, saying it “…features the best relationship between hero and heroine [the reviewer has] read in a long time…”. TJ’s follow-on novel, The Promise, was a May 2009 release and earned a TOP PICK award from Night Owl Romance and 4 stars from Romantic Times Book Club.

TJ’s work reflects her “Dark and Daring Romance” brand. She knows a lot about the black moments of life and uses that knowledge to enhance her writing. She believes that nothing is ever lost, and no painful experience is in vain: it’s all research. Visit her at www.tjbennett.com

• -How a well-crafted query can save you stress and money.
• -The things you must understand before starting your query.
• -How to make an editor/agent want to like your blurb.
• -How not to sound like the other 200 lunatics and/or writers who sent in queries that day.
• -What you need to include in your blurb to be considered.
• -How to relay the tone of your story within the blurb.
• -When to choose to leave information out of your query.
• -What requests and rejections mean and do not mean.

Bio: Rhonda Morrow found out she was good at persuasive writing way back in high school when she won awards from the local TV station for her editorials.

After graduating with a degree in Journalism (emphasis in advertising), she worked for a major non-profit organization, writing press releases, speeches, volunteer recruitment letters, and various other materials aimed at gaining participation and donations.

She then moved to Viacom for six years, writing and delivering marketing presentations, and creating promotions, as well as sales and retention trainings for Showtime and The Movie Channel. But when her daughter came along, she opened her own learning center, for which she developed an advertising campaign, wrote press releases, and handled all sales activity.

When her mother (and educator/business partner) died, Rhonda closed her business and, after a year of intense grieving, found herself writing a novel. Although that novel remains on her hard drive, she now has four novellas published and a fifth under contract.

However, her big claim to fame among the writers who know her is the high rate of requests she garners from editors and agents with the query letters she writes for herself and others. “While most of the people I know are natural fiction writers trying to write marketing materials–like queries,” she says. “I’m a natural marketing writer who’s trying to write fiction.”

At the suggestion of local writers, Rhonda has just launched her own query and synopsis service at www.thequeryfairy.com.

Early Morning

RWA FAQ: AGENTS
EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW (EXCEPT THEIR SHOE SIZE)

Hiring a literary agent is one of the most important decisions an author makes in her career. With the rapidly evolving changes in publishing, it’s more important than ever to have a good working knowledge of what to expect before you begin the Great Agent Hunt. Join award-winning author Kimberly Frost and debut author Vicky Dreiling at the early morning workshop on July 10, 2010 to learn the basics and beyond about literary agents.

Kimberly Frost is the award-winning, national best-selling author of the humorous paranormal Southern Witch Series and has recently accepted a new contract to write an as yet untitled dark paranormal series. You can learn more about her books at: http://frostfiction.com

Vicky Dreiling received three offers of representation prior to selling her first historical romance in a three-book deal to Grand Central Publishing. HOW TO MARRY A DUKE will debut on January 1, 2011. Coming soon: http://www.vickydreiling.net

Chemistry is one of the most important ingredients in a dynamic, can’t-put-down romance.  And yet it is also one of the most elusive qualities to define and pin down.

The first half of the workshop aims to present a cohesive definition of chemistry: that combustible combination of sexual attraction and intellectual common ground spiced by both emotional connection and emotional conflict.  It is my goal to illustrate chemistry in the context of both story development and character arc.  I will also make clear what chemistry isn’t and highlight mistakes that writers commonly make when trying to generate chemistry.

The second half of the workshop focuses on the specifics of creating and deepening chemistry, from

big-scope tools—what kind of character pairing leads to greater chemistry—to paragraph-level detailing for enhancing the hero and heroine’s awareness of each other.

Sherry Thomas is a Rita-nominated, award-winning author of historical romances.  Her debut book, Private Arrangements, is a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2008.  Her sophomore book, Delicious, is a Library Journal Best Romance of 2008.  Lisa Kleypas calls her “the most powerfully original historical romance author working today.”

Her story is all the more interesting given that English is Sherry’s second language–she has come a long way from the days when she made her laborious way through Rosemary Roger’s Sweet Savage Love with an English-Chinese dictionary.  She enjoys creating stories.  And when she is not writing, she thinks about the zen and zaniness of her profession, plays computer games with her sons, and reads as many fabulous books as she can find.

Her latest release, His at Night, arrives on shelves May 25, 2010.

When Shana Galen was five months pregnant, she signed a contract for three new historical romances, all due before her baby would turn one year of age. She very quickly learned to balance a marriage, friendships, a new baby and her writing career. If you have trouble finding time to write, if life continually gets in the way of your career plans, or if you just want some tips on time management, join Shana as she takes you through the GMC of juggling life and writing.

Shana Galen is the author of five Regency historicals, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold in Brazil , Russia , and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston ’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She is a happily married wife and mother of a daughter and a spoiled cat.

RWA FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About RWA Contests and Conferences (But Were Afraid to Ask)

Sharie Kohler and Christie Craig will be sharing with you their takes on entering contests and going to conferences. Come learn and listen to what they wish they had known about making the most of these experiences when they first began their writing journeys.

Christie Craig is an award-winning, multi-published writer whose non-fiction and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her first single title romance novel, Divorced, Desperate, and Delicious, published by Dorchester, hit the stands in December 07, and five more titles followed.  She has since sold YA to St. Martin’s Press and a new series of Romantic Suspense to Grand Central.  Her upcoming non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, is to be released June 2010, is Wild, Wicked & Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You’re in a Romance Novel through Adams Media.

Sharie Kohler, aka Sophie Jordan, is a former high school English teacher and the New York Times bestselling author of several historical romances for Avon, paranormal romances for Pocket, and a forthcoming young adult series with HarperTeen.

• *Why motivation matters (Your character did what?)
• *How to find the motivation that fits your characters
• *Understanding your characters (Explaining why they do what they do)

Why does your hero refuse to make a commitment? Why is he afraid of career-driven women? Why can’t your heroine trust men? Why does your heroine refuse to wear perfume? Without the proper motivation, our characters not only come across unbelievable and flat, but unsympathetic and sometimes just plain weird. Christie Craig, multi-published author, will help you find the skeletons in your character’s closet and bring them out for a dance. Christie will show how a character’s background is the key to a character’s motivation. She’ll explain the difference between the deadly back story that warrants rejections and the much-needed character-building scenes that make our heroes and heroines leap off the pages and into the hearts of our readers.

Christie Craig is an award-winning, multi-published writer whose non-fiction and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her first single title romance novel, DIVORCED, DESPERATE & DELICIOUS published by Dorchester , hit the stands in December 07, and five more titles followed.  She has since sold YA to St. Martin’s Press and a new series of Romantic Suspense to Grand Central.  Her upcoming non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, is to be released June 2010, is Wild, Wicked & Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You’re in a Romance Novel through Adams Media

Intimidated by the IRS? Frustrated with the ever-changing tax laws? Confused as to whether you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to save a few bucks on your taxes? Here’s your chance to learn all the ins and outs–from an expert!

Diane O’Brien Kelly is a licensed attorney, a certified public accountant AND an award-winning writer, and she’s offering to visit your group (or chapter) to present a fabulous 2-hour workshop that delivers tons of information on taxes as they relate to writers.

Every writer needs at least a basic understanding of the tax rules relevant to their writing business. This workshop focuses on tax reporting and tax issues specific to a writing business, and will take the mystery and intimidation out of taxes. Even seasoned writers with many years of tax reporting under their belts are likely to learn a new thing or two in this informative presentation. As always, Diane adds a touch of humor to the presentation to keep the audience engaged.

The workshop covers:

1. How to distinguish between a hobby and a business and the tax rules relevant to each;
2. Deductible expenses, the options available, and the pros and cons of each option;
3. How to compute and pay self-employment taxes and estimated taxes;
4. How to establish a retirement plan for a writing business;
5. Record-keeping requirements;
6. Red flags to avoid;
7. Tips for hiring a tax professional and minimizing fees; and
8. Where to find forms and tax information.

Diane O’Brien Kelly is both a licensed attorney and a certified public accountant. Diane graduated with honors from the University of Texas accounting program, then proceeded to attend the University of Texas School of Law. Diane has worked as a tax specialist in both the Houston, Texas and San Diego, California offices of “Big Four” accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick, as well as serving a stint in the Finance Division of the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office. Diane currently works at a law firm as a tax and business advisor. Diane serves as a tax columnist for the organization Novelists, Inc. Her tax articles have also appeared in Writer’s Digest Yearbook, Fort Worth Business Press, Romance Writers Report, and various RWA chapter newsletters.

Diane is also an award-winning humor writer. Her humor and fiction pieces have appeared in Byline Magazine, True Love Magazine, Northwest Family News, and various other publications. Diane publishes a fresh humor piece each month on the “Blarney” page of her website, www.dianeobrienkelly.com. She also publishes tax tips on her “Tax Tidbits” page. Diane’s seminar “Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Taxes” is very popular with writing organizations, and is offered in both a live and online format.

Diane is a member of Romance Writers of America, Dallas Area Romance Authors, Texas Library Association, various PTAs, and the Friends of the Mansfield Public Library. She is also a proud graduate of her local Citizens Police Academy.

Diane lives in Texas with her husband, two rambunctious kids, and enough cats and dogs to violate several city ordinances

WHRWA Members: $20
RWA Members: $45
Non-RWA Members: $60

Registration is now closed.

Note: TIME CHANGE.  Doors open at 8am, Business Meeting starts at 8:45am.

Morning Program

How Characters Happen Creating objective-driven characters. How to establish and payoff arcs, contrasts, flaws and back story. How to write dialogue in character.

Sam Havens is a retired professor from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. Havens founded the Drama Department at the University where he teaches playwriting and screenwriting. Havens has written over fifteen plays with productions in the USA, Canada and Australia. His plays have been selected for showcase productions in New York City, Westport, Connecticut; Amherst, Massachusetts; and East Hampton, New York. He has received playwriting grants from the Ford Foundation and from the Texas Commission on Arts and Humanities. Three of Havens’ plays are published. Havens taught playwriting and screenwriting for ten years for Rice University’s School of Continuing Studies. In addition to writing and teaching, Havens performs voice-over narration for radio and TV commercials and industrial films. He is also an abstract artist and a consultant in presentation skills. Sam Havens and wife Gretchen live in Houston.

Afternoon Program

The Emotional Connection. Great books are about more than good plotting, likable characters, lots of conflict, and skillful writing. For a book to really grab a reader, the author must make an emotional connection with that reader. Otherwise, even though the reader may enjoy the book, it won’t be one he’ll remember. It won’t be one he’ll talk about. And it won’t be one he’ll recommend to others. In this session, we’ll learn various techniques for stirring the reader’s feelings and engaging him emotionally.

Patricia Kay is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 49 novels of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.  She is also an acclaimed teacher who formerly taught fiction writing at The University of Houston and now teaches exclusively online.  Pat has been a member of WHRWA since 1986.

Early program:

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

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

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

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

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

Morning: Tips from Madison Avenue: The Selling Synopsis

If you’ve ever had trouble writing a synopsis, here’s a hint: pretend you’re writing an ad. An advertising copywriter for 25 years, Laurie Schnebly Campbell was amazed to discover that the same skills which helped her sell bikes, bouquets and birdbaths ALSO helped her sell books. Discover how to use those “Madison Avenue” techniques to interest editor-agent “buyers” in YOUR product!

Afternoon: Block-Busting: Putting the Joy Back in Writing

At some point, almost all writers suffer from the inability to tell the story they want. Part of writer’s block is a lack of joy in the process. So counselor Laurie Schnebly Campbell looks at the causes — including exhaustion, boredom and fear of success — and the benefits of this block. Writers take home new awareness of what works for them, and renewed inspiration for returning to the craft they love.

Laurie Schnebly Campbell combines 25 years of writing for an advertising agency with a background in counseling…and in writing for Silhouette Special Edition, where she won Romantic Times’ “Best Book Of The Year” award over Nora Roberts. Her latest book is a how-to for writers on creating characters with ANY-uh-grams, and she’s spoken on psychology and marketing issues for writers from London to Los Angeles and New Zealand to New York. In fact, she loves teaching so much that she chose her website (Book Laurie dot com) so people would find it easy to Book Laurie for workshops. She also enjoys playing with her husband and son, running the AskAnAuthor and WriterU class loops, vacationing in the red-rock town named for her great-grandmother Sedona, recording Talking Books for the blind, and working with other writers. “People ask how I find time to do all that,” Laurie says, “and I tell them it’s easy. I never clean my house!”

***For our November Meeting, the cost is $20 for WHRWA chapter members, $35 for RWA members, and $60 for everyone else. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required for attendance.