There are a couple of blogs with a lot of negative comments, the negative comments mostly by people who weren’t at the convention. I’ll give you some blog posts by people who were at the convention and have pictures *and* videos to share!

Barbara Vey’s Publishers Weekly blog

MURDERATI

Gennita Low’s  A Low Profile

Even Redheads Get the Blues

The Rebels of Romance

Judi’s Journey

NakedAuthors.com

Fangs, Fur, and Fey 

You get wonderful, funny insights on what went on at the convention and the pics and vids are too much fun.

And you get to see the ray of sunshine, Michelle Rowen, and me when we got to meet up.

Enjoy! 

Cheyenne

I very rarely do critique sessions, mostly because I have beta readers I’m comfortable with. And I hate having to pick apart a stranger’s work, unless it’s in the comfort of my home where I can read a book and bitch in peace. Plus, in a group, there’s the whole group dynamic to worry about, and I’m usually far more concerned with people getting along than with the work at hand. Which is why I work alone, I reckon.

But I realize other people feel differently about it. So, in the interests of making things easier (always one of my favorite things to do) I’m going to offer some thoughts and tips about critique sessions.

Recently I participated in a Clarion-style critique session, where the more experienced critiquer goes first, everyone gets five minutes, and the writer is only allowed to respond during the brainstorming session. A fellow published author and I** were critiquing two unpublished authors, and the two unpubs were critiquing each other too. Which is a good way to get a range of advice.

One critique session went smoothly, the other not so smoothly. The one that went smoothly had an author who managed to keep his mouth shut and really listen to the advice being offered despite it being about one of his babies. He held his peace and during the brainstorming mentioned that he had majored in drama, so he could understand our concerns about dialogue. He asked our advice about specific ways to solve the problems inherent in the stories and took notes. Not only did the story impress me, but (and this is critical) the author’s taking of the critique impressed the editor in me. The guy seemed like he would be easy to work with, and that leads me to the first major thing critique sessions should never be used for.

Pitching. Please, dear God, DO NOT pitch your story to a published author or an editor during the critique session. It’s in bad form, especially to the others being critiqued. If they like your story, they may give you submissions tips, but that’s as far as it goes. Critique is supposed to make you a better writer, not sell your fantasy epic.

It is vital as well that you not seek to explain your story. If you have to explain your story during a critique session, you haven’t done your job as a writer. The story needs to stand without explanation, and most critique sessions will show you where the weak spots are that keep a story from doing so.

I don’t think any writer really loves to critique. We understand how dreadful a feeling it is to have one’s baby flayed and pinned to the wall, the flaws on open display. (Note: there are some toxic critiquers who delight in emotional banditry, insulting others’ stories. This post isn’t about them.) We don’t want to tell someone else what is wrong with their story–but we will in a critique session, because the information is valuable. It could be the difference between the slush pile and a contract. Try to remember that the critiquers by and large are overcoming their own natural reticence to help your story.

Above all, don’t get loud. If you disagree, wait for your turn and say, “I disagree.” But come on–if two of your critique partners agree on something, it’s something you need to seriously take a look at, not disagree with. At the very least there is a problem that might need tweaking in your text. But do not get loud. Do not blame your editor, or say that your story is for a small select audience who will Understand.

Because that sort of shit means you’ll never get published. An editor sees that sort of behavior and thinks, thank God I don’t have to work with that. You’re in the slush pile regardless of the quality of your work, and that is something no writer needs. Conversely, you can never tell when an editor will recognize your name and associate it with the great way you took a critique. Remember, editors are people too…and if they have to make a choice between 1. moderate quality and a person who’s easy to work with, and 2. higher quality but an a$$hole to work with, guess what they will choose most of the time? (Hint: it isn’t #2.)

Critiquers understand this is a delicate and explosive situation***. That’s why there are Rules. The Rules are there to take the emotion out or at least tone it down, to mitigate the hurt, and give a framework that makes it easier for us to be human beings instead of screaming emotion-driven banshees. Of course, Rules are only as good as the people playing by them or breaking them…but that’s beside the point.

So, things not to do during a critique:

* Don’t try to explain your story.
* Don’t get loud or combative, or distraught.
* Do not blame your editor, your beta reader, the sad state of literacy in America, the stupidity of readers, etc., for the fact that your story is inoperable.
* Do not talk when you’re not supposed to.
* Do not take the critique as a personal attack.
* Don’t try to sell or pitch the story.
* Above all, do not be rude.

Things to do during a critique:

* Take notes. You won’t remember everything without help.
* Keep your trap shut when you’re supposed to.
* Try to divorce yourself from the story for an hour. The clearer and more dispassionate you can be, the better.
* Be polite. Be polite, be polite, be polite.
* Thank the critiquers.
* Don’t ask how you can sell the story. Ask how you can make the story better.
* It is perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification. Use this with caution, though, as it is easy to slide down the rabbit hole into Defending Yer Story.

As usual, thy mileage will vary, my ducks. Take all my advice with a grain of salt, since this is only my personal perception, etc., etc., ad nauseum, ad infinitum.

Disclaimer done. Good luck out there.

* Heh. I make this joke only because I saw “kretek” on every packet of clove cigarettes I ever smoked.
**Not that I believe published authors are “higher” on the food chain. It’s just that they found something that worked and so, are uniquely placed to give advice.
***At least, the good ones do. There are still those emotional bandits, who are still another post.

So as usual, I’m behind on even announcing exciting things in my career.  First of all, the reissue of Fangs For The Memories was out the beginning of this month.  I love the new cover.  :)

I also want to post the trailer for my book, Any Way You Want It, coming in January 2008.  This is my first trailer, and I think it is fantastic.  NovelTeaser made it for me, and they are good!  I wanted to upload it to this page directly–but it ain’t workin’.  So please go here and check it out.  Any Way You Want It Book Trailer

The rock portion of the music was performed by The Sonny Kane Project, who also act as The Impalers for Erin McCarthy and me.  They actually played Heather Graham’s Writers for New Orleans conference for us–and were a big hit.   Erin and I were so pleased.

So for the last of my announcements, Erin and I are actually celebrating the success of The Impalers LIVE by running a contest at The Impalers site.  It’s a fun trivia thing with the winners receiving advanced copies of Any Way You Want It, and Erin’s Sucker Bet, neither of which are available until January–and you also get a CD of The Impalers singing Any Way You Want It and I Want You To Want Me. 

Free books and great 80’s tunes sung by vampires.  You got to check this out, right??  Just click to learn more…The Impalers Contest.

There I got a little caught up.  ;)

                I was on a panel with my agent and three friends, a sort of free form  Q & A session on the romance genre.  What a hoot!  We had a great time, filled with lots of laughter, but at the same time offering up solid  answers to some thoughtful questions.  I was pleased when several folks came up afterward to thank us and telling us how much they’d learned.

                I found one question interesting—what  one book on writing would you recommend to someone starting out in this business?   It was hard to come up with a single answer because there are so many good ones out there.  I suggested Rodale’s Synonym Finder  and a good book on grammar.  Personally, I use The Gregg Reference Manual.    My friend, Pat White, suggested Writing for Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias.    There were others mentioned, too many to list here.

                So here’s my question to you:  If you could have but one book on writing in  your personal library, what would it be?  

I am also extremly uncomfortable in situations where everyone each other and I know no one.

Things like the national RWA conference terrify me… or rather, they used to.

In 2002, I was a finalist in the Golden Heart, the preeminent contest for unpublished romance authors. The winners were to be announced at the RWA National conference in Denver.

Not that I was going to go.

No. Way.

Just the thought of it completely terrified me.

But then everyone I knew started telling me I had to go, that I couldn’t waste my GH finalist. The pressure got to me, and I sucked it up and went. And let me tell you, it was the best experience of my life, and one of the scariest. I learned so much, I thrived on being around other writers, I came home armed with more knowledge and ideas that I ever would have thought possible. But while I was there? It was really, really hard.

I dind’t know anyone. I didn’t have the courage to go up to groups of strangers and introduce myself. I actually spent one night sitting alone in the bar with my nametag on and draped over my arm in plain sight, hoping someone who knew me would see it and introduce themselves and start talking to me.

No one did, so I eventually gave up and went upstairs to my room and spent the night watching television while thousands of other romance authors bonded in Denver that night.

But I stuck it out, and it turned into the kind of experience that I truly believe changed my publishing career forever. It was *that* valuable.

And now, here I am five years later, on the eve of my fifth RWA National conference. I’m so fired up for the conference. I’m excited about the workshops, about meeting with my agent and editor, about touching base with the plethora of friends I now have in the busines. And, I am excited about plopping myself down at a table with people I don’t know and introducing myself. I try to do that several times at every conference, so that I can meet a few more people. I have offically turned into an extrovert when it comes to writing conferences, and I love every minute of it. And I believe that attending this conference every year is one of the best things I can do for my career.

But if I hadn’t been coerced into it five years ago, if I hadn’t somehow found the courage to tackle something that absolutley TERRIFIED me, I’d never be where I am today. I kicked myself out of my old comfort zone and fought my way through my fears, and now, five years later, I have a new comfort zone. It’s no longer a struggle to embrace the conference and the people and the strangers. It’s exhilerating and inspiring, and I am so grateful every day that I finalled in the Golden Heart in 2002, becuase I know that if I hadn’t, if something hadn’t happened to force me to step outside my comfort zone, I might still be staying home in July, afraid to go to this wonderful conference that everyone talks about.

Is there something that you’re thinking of doing? That you wish you could do, but you’re afraid to? Go to a conference? Try a new activity? Whatever it is, maybe it’s time to make yourself do it. You might suprise yourself, and you just might find yourself finally on the road you’ve been dreaming of for so long. Don’t let fear keep you back. Just do it!

                The energy level at the National Conference is incredible.  Everyone there has a purpose in mind, an agenda, a burning desire to  be the best at what we do.  I’m always amazed by the incredible generosity of the people I’ve met over the years.  All writers—published yet or not—have something to share:  specialized knowledge, contacts, sympathy, the title of the perfect reference book for you.  Something, anything.  It doesn’t matter.  That’s the real strength of a group that gathers for a common purpose.

                A lot of my friends will be there.  Considering how scattered we all are, this is often the one chance that we get to meet face-to-face and celebrate the year’s successes or brainstorm solutions to the year’s frustrations.  New friends will be there, too.  We  may not have met yet, but we will and find so much common ground.  Writers can talk knowledgeably about so many topics, it’s a wonder we don’t run out of oxygen before we run out of ideas to discuss. 

                I get to hang out with industry professionals who have had such an impact on my career:  my agent, my editor, booksellers, book buyers.   These folks often end up in the friend category, too, but the time I spend with them is important and I cherish it. 

                And even though I go to the conference as a writer, I’m also a reader.  Meeting those writers whose creations speak to my soul is a privilege and a gift.  There’s no telling who you’ll run into while in an elevator or sit next to a dinner one night.  I try not to gush (although with certain writers, I make no such promises!), but we all like to hear that we’ve done something right.  Writing is such a solitary business, it’s nice when you can make personal contact with someone who values your efforts.  Besides, we get free books.  Sure helps stretch my book budget for the year!

                So next week, I won’t be posting.  I’ve promised myself the week off from writing, but  I’ll share when I get back.   

                One final note:  I want to wish my dad a happy 88^th birthday today!    Way to go, Pop!

If you’ve read any of my posts over the last year, you may see a pattern.  I’ve been there a lot.  I adore this city.  Love it, love it!  I went with Erin McCarthy to do some research on an idea I have for a dark paranormal.  But my primary reason for going was because Erin and I are hosting the Welcome Party at Heather Graham’s Writers for New Orleans conference. 

I attended last year–the very first year Heather held it, and I cannot say enough good things about this get-together.  Great writers, wonderful readers, lots of mingling and chatting, and all done in the setting of the Big Easy.  There is no downside, I’m telling you.  If you can afford to attend, this is one conference to hit–writers and readers alike.

So, as part of the Welcome Party, Erin and I want The Impalers to play.  Yes, our fictional vampire band is going to make their first live (or undead, I guess) appearance.  Fictional, yet appearing live.  That alone should make this endeavor sound a little difficult.  Well, The Impalers are all actual musicians who work on Bourbon Street.  So they are indeed real.  Erin and I don’t have to try to conjure them.  (Sorry, that also means they aren’t really vampires, either.)

But here’s the thing…  While they are all real, they are not really in the same band.  They are, in fact, in three different bands.  Which makes organizing these guys a tad tricky.  So that was part of our goal last weekend.  To get all the guys to sign contracts, know where and when they are supposed to perform and with whom.  It was truly like herding cats.  If you know any musicians, you know what I mean.  But Erin and I persevered. 

And we pulled it off.  And we know the guys will be great.  Hey, they’ve already agreed to be fictional vampires.  I think they’re up for anything. 

So please check out Heather’s conference and come see The Impalers perform.  They really will be fantastic–or should I say fangtastic.

;)