I was very excited to learn Fancy Free has been nominated as one of the best contemporary/suspense books over at Night Owl Romance. Here’s the link. There are lots of great books up for awards. Go over and vote – either for me or one of the other excellent books. I feel like a winner just being nominated!
A few years ago agent Donald Maass of the Donald Maass Literary Agency visited New Zealand to speak to us at our conference. He’s a wonderful speaker and I came away from his workshop feeling very inspired. At the moment he has a free download at his website of one of the books he’s written – The Career Novelist: A Literary Agent Offers Strategies for Success. I’ve already downloaded my copy. I like his book Writing the Breakout Novel. I have a copy, which I must read again because it’s full of excellent advice.
I’m about all things tea this week while I gear up for the 14 October release of Tea For Two, my first Samhain book. I noticed when I was over in the US recently that everyone drinks iced tea. We even had iced tea at the conference. I have to say it’s not something I enjoy drinking. Hot tea–yes, but not iced tea. Could someone tell me why they like iced tea because I can’t see the attraction.
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I loved Writing the Breakout Novel, and I’m sure that The Career Novelist has just as much valuable information. This freebie was already mentioned on my RWA Chapter loop and it was being discussed that it’s actually a sad reflection of the publishing industry that this book–that was written in the mid-90’s is still so relevant to today’s market overall.
by JK Coi October 6th, 2008 at 4:59 amI have Writing the Breakout Novel as well – and dowloaded the Career Novelist last night. So many people have recommended it I can’t wait to read it.
I voted for you, Shelley!
by Christina Phillips October 6th, 2008 at 5:05 amHi JK – yes, you’d think the industry would have changed over the years.
Thanks, Christina!
by Shelley Munro October 6th, 2008 at 11:42 amDonald Maass was an amazing speaker… I learned so much from him at the NZ conference. I’ve downloaded his book. I too already have Writing the Breakout Novel.
Good luck in the awards, Shelley.
by Sara Hantz October 6th, 2008 at 11:49 amWell, see Canadians put sugar in their iced tea. Yanks don’t, and I can’t drink the American version of iced tea unless it’s in a bottle and I know that it’s been sweetened.
Congrats on the NOR and I totally just downloaded Donald Maas’s book.
AND congrats on the upcoming Samhain. WOOT!
by Amy Ruttan October 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pmthanks for the tip on the download! and Congrats of the nomination! Its an obvious choice, I really enjoyed it!
I am a tea addict. I like it hot and iced. Iced is more portable, especially on the beach. Its very refreshing and doesn’t bloat you like carbonated sodas. Love it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprig of mint. sometimes a bit of honey stirred in.
by Marissa Alwin October 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pmAh Amy the southern part of the US sweetens their tea. And my husband loves it sweetened – he’s always happy to go to the south for work ‘cos that means sweet tea on the menu! LOL
I like iced tea but I don’t drink it very often and I prefer it unsweetened. But I don’t like hot tea. Go figure. LOL
Congrats on the nomination! I got one too.
by Karen Erickson October 6th, 2008 at 2:13 pmAmy – Maybe that’s my problem. I don’t like sugar in either tea or coffee. The idea of cold tea – ugh! You’d have to search long and hard to find iced tea in New Zealand.
Marissa – thanks. I was surprised to receive a nomination. The competition is fierce.
Karen – congratulations! That’s awesome.
by Shelley Munro October 6th, 2008 at 4:36 pmThanks for the tip on Donald Maas. I’ve downloaded it now.
Congratulations on Samhain.
by Barbara Martin October 6th, 2008 at 9:07 pmHi Barbara – it’s a great free download. Thanks for the congrats.
by Shelley Munro October 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pmLol, that American stuff sounds scary, iced and sweetened tea. Yuck.
Nay, I stay with the British version. They know how to make a good tea.
What I’m missing in German hotels is the tea cooking facilites you get anywhere in the UK, even in the tiniest B&B. I run on tea – nice hot tea.
by Gabriele October 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm