No Choos Required

Books, Boys, Buzz...

2007-01-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to send out a reminder that I contribute every Saturday to Books, Boys, Buzz... http://yawriters.blogspot.com

Representing seven different publishing houses, the Buzz Girls all have books coming out in 2007 or 2008. Our seventh and final publishing deal was inked last week by Dona Sarkar-Mishra, my YA critique partner, and most recently, my Golden Heart Awards date.

Dona was the one who grabbed my hands and shouted, "Dude! It's you. It's you!" when I was sitting there in shock after hearing my name called as the Golden Heart Winner for the YA category. If Dona hadn't been there, I don't know what I would have done.

Actually, I do. I'd still be sitting there in Atlanta shocked at my win.

God bless Dona for her speech writing and for her critique work on my novel Never Cry Werewolf.

Most of all, congrats to her on her sale to Harlequin Kimani-Tru! She is a fabulous writer, a gorgeous woman, and an amazing friend. Her blog is located at http://donasarkar.blogspot.com but her regular day is Sunday on the Buzz Blog.

Love you, Dona!

A Rose for Heather

2006-12-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

Here I am with my beautiful friend and mentor Pat White http://patwhitebooks.com She and I received our chapter "sale" roses at the Seattle RWA holiday party last week. If you notice, I have one rose for NEVER CRY WEREWOLF. Pat has a handful for her recent sales to Harlequin Intrigue. I am so proud of her!

I also can't say enough about the wonderful writers in my Seattle chapter. http://gsrwa.org It's been an up and down year in my life, but my writing friends were there for every part of it. Without them, it would have taken far longer to reach my goal of publication, and it wouldn't have been as fun! Kudos to all of you out there in the Emerald City dreaming up your stories and making magic happen with your dedication and enthusiasm.

I am proof that if you work hard enough, keep reaching toward your goal, and never give up in the face of rejection, you can make it happen. This isn't to say I've acheived every goal on my list, but I know someday my former students will be able to check out my book from the library and say, "Hey, I knew her! Look at what she did. Maybe I can go for my dream too."

Never give up your dreams -- make them into goals.

Love and Light,

Heather

Thought for the Year...?

2006-12-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

So, this morning I had brunch in a great little place near my home. The kind of place you can order a Bloody Mary and rock out to classics on the junkbox in the adjoining bar. The kind of place that serves crispy waffles drowning in butter and syrup and pretty good biscuits and gravy for a city diner.

Ironically, it was in that same place that my last major relationship began.

For a long time, I thought I'd have to make out in the bathroom hallway with a boy to banish the ghosts of romance past, but I've had good luck three out of three times and made it through meals without a single tear or sniffle, even.

The amazing thing was this morning my gaze lit on a local newsletter near the counter. There in black ink on recycled brown paper was something I've believed for my whole life, but especially this year. It said:

"People of poor character tend to blame their choices on circumstances. Ethical people make good choices regardless of circumstances. If they make enough good choices, they begin to create better conditions for themselves." -- John C. Maxwell

Hello? Isn't that what I've been living all summer? You can't blame your unhappy life on the people and conditions around you. You're still you no matter what the circumstances! You have to keep doing the right thing and eventually your circumstances will change.

I love that little diner. Ghosts or no ghosts, I'm going to keep going back. If not for the awesome hashbrowns, then for the little winks from the universe.

Hugs!

Thanks...giving

2006-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Everyone in the blogosphere is writing about what they're thankful for today...

My list is rather short:

1) Friends and family. I'm so thankful for the people who have stood by me through some of the roughest -- and alternately, most fabulous -- patches of my life. You never know how many people will lend you an umbrella until you're standing in a freaking downpour.

2) Passion. I couldn't do what I do without a huge measure of passion. Passion makes the work new everyday and every page a challenge worth taking on. Passion is what has propelled me toward some semblance of success and has helped me ignore the people who told me to, "just get a job at the dam." Uh... so glad I didn't take your stupid advice!

3) Love. Even in the midst of losing one love, you find that love is all around you. Love for yourself, love for your work, love for your friends, family, and life. And maybe that's what has sustained you all along...

4) Words. I still get goosebumps reading new words. I love looking things up in the dictionary. I love writing and reading words. I can thank my father for that one.

Happy Thanks -- giving day. I hope you have much to be thankful for and that you take the time to appreciate it all. :)

Books, Boys, Buzz...

2006-10-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Today is my day to blog over at Books, Boys, Buzz...

See you over there!

How Much Promotion Do You Need?

2006-10-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking alot about doing the whole Myspace thing. Wouldn't that be cool to link up with other authors and readers? I've heard good and bad about the Myspace site -- what do you guys think?

Tuesdays Were Made for Dancing!

2006-10-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

My uber-fabulous sister and I hit the Secret Machine's show at the Showbox last night, in the company of a great new friend from NYC. We had an amazing time, which I really needed. I'd been in a bit of a melancholy funk for the last few days -- and it was time to shake that loose.

I liked the music, which made me want to dance, even when a Yanni-ish looking dude said in passing, "That's too much dancing in a public place." Um. Say what? Is it somehow not okay to groove to the music at a concert? Or was it some kind of a ridiculous pick-up line. I tried not to care too much, and I kept dancing to spite the Yanni dude.

In the end, my sis decided that the music was too heavy for her -- so we headed home. But the effect of dancing, listening to good beat-driven music, and acting aloof toward Yanni look-alikes was long lasting. Life is way too short to let things get you down.

Things won't always be perfect. Things won't always go the way you want. But good friends and good music can help you through.

I have a lot of writing to get done today. Luckily, I'm working on a project that is making me laugh and smile. That's always a good sign for a humourous paranormal YA writer, right?

Have fun today in whatever you do!

Comments, Critiques & Crap

2006-10-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

I think one of the most important things you can learn as a writer is to consider feedback a gift. Mind you, it doesn't always feel like a gift, but when someone in the business takes the time to consider your work, offer advice, make observations, or give impressions it can be invaluable.

A while back, someone had a suggestion about my work, a slight twist of a timeline that made a huge difference in my manuscript. Had she not taken the time to give me that, the story wouldn't have worked as well as it does now.

When we're able to hold our work at arm's length and take a more objective look, we can see the story for what it is -- not for what we want it to be. So, next time someone offers you feedback in a rejection, a revision letter, critque notes, whatever, consider carefully what they say. Sometimes, it may be exactly the thing you need to hear to unlock your story's true potential.

Other times, of course, it may be crap. But that's for you to decide.... :)

My Sis the Beauty Queen

2006-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just to pay my sister back for dishing on the Books, Boys, Buzz Blog about the Prom Dress Incident -- here is a super cute picture of the two of us playing Intergalactic Charlie's Angels. 'Cause of course we do things like that all the time...

She's such a rad girl -- totally fun and stylish. She's one of the coolest people I know.

Love ya, B!

Goodbye, My Friend

2006-09-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I said goodbye to an old friend... my writing desk. As you can see in this picture, it's huge. (Read: heavy!) To get it into my office, my mom and I had to break it into two pieces using only a rock, shoe, and a screwdriver. Yes, I eventually bought an electric screwdriver and a hammer. :)

Here's my cozy little office, crammed with books, pictures, and writing memerobilia. It helps to be surrounded with things you love when you're going to Storyland.

I wrote so many good stories at that desk. It was sad to see it go, but latest fit of down-sizing I decided that it needed a new home. Luckily, my new friend Linda, who is just starting out in writing, loved it and wanted it! Yay, desk! So, she and her hubby came and got it on Sunday. Hopefully, it will give her many hours of comfort as she writes her novels.

As for me, I was given a new, lighter, fold-out style of writing table a la Ikea. I like it because I can carry it myself, it's easy to set up, and it's sort of sleek modern. The old desk was mission style and sort of went with my furniture better, but portability is a major improvement.

I can't wait to get everything all set up and start working at the new desk. It's going to be a fresh start.

What does your writing room look like?

Smart Vs. Pretty

2006-09-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Had a super weekend in the city with my little sis. Strangely enough, when she started introducing me to some of her friends and neighborhood peeps, one guy went, "Oh, you're the pretty one."

Uh... my sister is freaking gorgeous, people! She has always been and probably will always be the "pretty" one in the family. She's a pageant girl, for Pete's sake! So here's the question -- why can't there be more than one pretty, smart, funny, etc.. one in the family? No one is ever truly that one dimensional. No one can own an adjective.

Now for the comment I totally dug... "You must be the younger sister." Seriously. I got that more than a few times, and I credit writing YA novels for that little age-defying nod. :)

When I first began writing for teens, I put on sparkly eye shadow, cranked music from when I was sixteen, and went to work at my keyboard. My dogs eyed me dubiously, but it all worked.

I don't have to do all that stuff to get into the YA mood anymore. I love writing about the conflicted feelings you get on the road to self-acceptance and realizations about the important things in the world. I also love writing different endings to the often laughable outcomes of my various high school and college crushes and so-called relationships. The pain -- and joy -- of that time is fresh, even after all this time.

Maybe it's because everything seemed so life and death back then. Without the perspective of time, it just felt like situations meant more. Moments counted. Futures seemed so far away.

I kind of miss that sometimes...

New YA Blog!!!

2006-09-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all ---

I posted today on the brand spanking new YA blog I'm starting with authors Tera Lynn Childs, Stephanie Hale, Dona Sarkar-Mishra, and the lovely Simone Elkeles!

Here's the link to our new blog -- BOOKS, BOYS, BUZZ...

http://www.yawriters.blogspot.com

Go check it out and read all about my worst college break-up ever!

And if you happen to be the Gnome Boy in question, please don't sue me....

Hugs!!

Author Photos

2006-09-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm contemplating updating my author photos soon. Since May, I'm a bit skinnier (or more svelte as I like to say) so as much as I love my 2005 photos, I may have to give them the old heave-ho.

The problem is always outfits. How to choose the perfect, timeless-yet-current ensemble to wear. The make-up is a whole different story.

The one thing I'm not searching for is locations. There's a perfect spot on the steps of an old factory building close to my house. I can just picture the sensitive yet thoughtful look on my face as I stare out from those empty, paint-chipped steps.

More on this later...

Dorky Bios

2006-08-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

I had to write a new author's bio for the Emerald City Writers' Conference, which is coming up in October.

I'm actually presenting a pitching workshop along with multi-published and RT award-winning author Pat White. See how cool Pat's stuff sounds? Well if you know Pat, you'd know how cool I think she is. Just last week she sent me this cool carnelian bracelet (for strength). I heart Pat White. And she's got the publishing creds, sure 'nuff.

As for my bio, I ended up writing something about the GH award and some factoids about things I love, ie. puppies, Heath Ledger and Nutter Butters. So uncool, right? But then again, if you know me, you know I live for the dorky stuff.

I mean, who else was putting on strawberry Bonne Belle lip gloss at the Golden Hearts? Who else recently wrote a letter in the form of a crossword puzzle? Who else goes to the movies alone on purpose? Yeah, um... big dork here raising her hand.

But here's the thing I've learned -- claim your dorkiness. Embrace it. How else (especially if you write YA) are you going to remember how it felt when you tried to HIDE IT back in the day?

*****

Okay, I've just reread this post. It's officially completely dorky. See, there is no escape.

Punch Duty

2006-08-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ahh.... back from the wedding of the century and from the dreaded punch duty.

What did I wear? How nice of you to ask. A sparkly black skirt, white camisole, an aqua "librarian's" sweater with a pink and white rhinestone pin, and my golden heart shoes from last year. My mom said I looked pretty... serving punch. More about that later...

The wedding was really sweet. Hymns, scripture read by my uncle who has an amazing speaking style, and in a pink suit, my grandma Molly walking herself down the aisle.

I thought perhaps she'd ask someone to accompany her -- but she went it alone. How amazing it was to see her confidently stroll down that carpet, smiling at the man she loves! I hope I have that much spunk to do that for myself someday.

And truly, she's had to reinvent herself since my G'pa died. Learning to manage things alone, live by herself after all those years of marriage, see herself as a single senior woman -- my grandma did a fine job creating a single life for herself. I couldn't be prouder of how far she's come after losing a spouse.

So... back to the wedding and reception.

My cousin E. (the mastermind), sister B., and I were reception liasons of sorts. By the time we got to the buffet tables where the adorable cupcake wedding tiers, drinks, and snacks were arranged, people were already starting to flow in. B disapperared to take pictures, while E and I took our places behind the tables.

I started doling out cups of the frothy pineapple punch (note to Molly -- good non-staining color choice!) while E took cups of ice water to the frothing masses stuck at the back of the enormous line. She didn't want anyone to pass out at Grandma's wedding, after all. Pouring the cups of punch was a challenge with the big chunks of sorbet floating in it. A couple of times people seemed hesitant to take the sticky cups from me. I don't know why...

Anyway, when two full punch bowls were emptied and another cousin showed up to help with punch duty, things almost got ugly.

"What do you mean you're out of punch?" one oldster whined.

Yeah, um, I'm like a RELATIVE -- not a caterer girl! Do I look like I work here? I'm so getting a name tag next time I'm on punch duty. Wait -- no next time. I'll volunteer for something non-punch related.

Anyway, I flagged down the caterer, who then scurried away to whip up more pineapple froth. Left with nothing else, we handed out cups of ice water while getting dubious looks from people who wanted punch.

"People relax, the punch is coming, " I kept reassuring the crowd. Finally the punch arrived, and despite wanting to punch thirsty party-goers, we filled cups and smiled.

As the stragglers moved through the line, I looked at cousin E and said, "Enough with the punch duty. I'm taking you to eat a cupcake."

And we did. Chocolate. Yum. It was a good day. And I survived punch duty... just barely.

Granny Bride Again!

2006-08-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

So, if you thought because of recent events I'd given up on love -- totally *not* true, by the way -- check this out...

My Grandma Molly, at age 83, is getting hitched tomorrow!

I know, right?

It's been a few years since my grandpa passed, and she finally met a really sweet, funny man at church who is also in his eighties. The man, that is, not the church. :)

The two of them will begin their wedded bliss tomorrow. As is the tradition, Grandma assigned us relatives jobs. I have to serve punch, which, if you know how graceful I am, will probably end up on my outfit.

Needless to say, I'm a torn about what to wear. Something cute... something fruit punch resistant... okay, honestly something I don't care about getting ruined. It may be a difficult morning rummaging in my closet.

But, by the end of the day I'll be raising a glass of punch (or wearing it) in honor of the happy graying couple. They give us all hope and belief in second chances. They give us corny jokes. They make each other incredibly happy. Here's to Molly and Don.

And long live love.

And the Winner Is....

2006-08-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out...

Stephen is *the* Hottie of publishing!!!

Read the story at http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/

And the funniest part is, the picture could never even begin to showcase his charm, warmth and wit. He's a total sweetheart.

Now, I'm wishing I was the one who nominated him...

Hotties of Publishing...

2006-08-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

I just learned that my agent is in the running in the coveted Hotties of Publishing poll over at Galley Cat. So, go vote for Stephen. This will definitely *not* go to his head or anything...

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/

And he's a cutie, all right -- but I'm saying that in a quasi-professional evaluation kind of way, not a forbidden crush kind of way. :)

Plus, he's having a birthday! Yay! So, go vote for him.

Kryptonite

2006-08-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Hey, y'all --

Well, I'm still at the end of chapter one. So, I haven't made much progress in the last few days. Been thinking about what Susan Squires said in Atlanta, that if you write paranormal characters, try to give them "kryptonite". Something that can disarm them. Make them vulnerable.

So, in trying to figure out what my magic girl's kryptonite is, I pose this question:

What is your kryptonite?

Mine is....

I'm not sure. Maybe dogs? Every time I see a cute one up at my summer job on the lake, I melt. I miss my dogs so much. I call it getting "dogstracted" -- I have to stop what I'm doing and go pet the pooch.

Oh, also Nutter Butters. The world could fall around me and I would be happily dunking NB's into good, cold milk.

So.... post your kryptonite! I won't use it against you, I promise...

Bright and Dark

2006-08-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

Back into the writing again. This is a good thing, since most of July I sat at the keyboard, as uneasy as Bambi on ice.

So, I'm writing light. A light, confection with a dark, dark hero you are going to love. The girl gets to be the star (of course) and the redeeming factor for said dark hero. It's set in Seattle, with a magical world simmering underneath the surface of things. Urban fantasy, I guess -- although I've also heard the term "slipstream" to describe the parallel magic and real worlds coexisting.

I'm working hard not to put too much parental angst into this one, as looking back on my other YAs they all have parent issues galore. And I adore my folks! So, what's up with that?

I think it has to do with the theme of self-acceptance and transformation, that bridge you cross from childhood into adult life, and dealing with parental issues is part of that journey. I'm so glad I've dealt (mostly) with mine. As an adult, I have great relationships with my parents, which have come only through honesty and communication. And with the present challenges in my life, I'm so glad I have them to talk with.

I think it's true that if you don't know history, you're doomed to repeat it. That counts doubly when it comes to parental stuff. You have to know what is in their baggage so you can unpack your own.

Wow. This got deeper than just a discussion of a WIP. Anyway, I've got pages to write. I want to have this proposal done by the end of the month!

Happy writing!

Monday in the Real World

2006-08-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, I still haven't caught up on my sleep after the trip to ATL. Maybe it's just normal when you immediately have to jump back into work after a week-long conference trip where you basically:

A) Don't sleep 'cause you're too excited, or because you and your critique partner/roommate have waaaaaay too much to talk about. (Shh! Quiet time!)

B) Spend conference week constantly flat ironing your hair because of the humidity in the so-called air-conditioned hotel. (Yes, Dona and I had dueling flat irons.) Any time not spent flat ironing is spent obsessing about the need to flat iron. I know, right?

C) Eat strange and exotic foods from the Peachtree Mall and nibbles from receptions instead of real meals. You body knows nothing of time or appropriateness of food.

Actually, it's funny to have an appetite back after all this stress. Last night I caved and ate four Nutter Butters (the best commercial snack of all time) instead of the usual two. I'm slipping.

Speaking of food, I had a really memorable meal in Atlanta with my friends from Chicago North -- Flux YA author Simone Elkeles http://simoneelkeles.com and her group of merry friends and a couple of their agents. We ate at Hsu's restaurant (who knew they had good Chinese food in Atlanta?) and really had fun. Dona and I split noodles, and I had a great convo with Nadia, Simone's agent, who apparently knows my agent. It's a small world for these industry hotshots. :) Can I just say, I love, love, love Simone and it was so fun to hang out with her! Even better, Dona and I got to attend her and Nadia's workshop the next day and heckle her (not really) from the front row. What are friends for?

Another fun dinner was Saturday night before the Golden Hearts. Agency friend Jennifer joined me, Dona, and the Greater Seattle girls for dinner at Pacific Rim. Again, who knew about Atlanta and the Asian food? Anyway, we got Jennifer some spring rolls (before she started to gnaw on my elbow) and all was well. The girls surprised me with a red corsage, which really made me cry into my sushi. There are no friends like writer friends.

When Dona and I made it back to the hotel to change for the big night, another corsage was waiting for me -- the white roses from Pat White. I can't say enough about what a friend, mentor, supporter she has been for me. Thank God Chicago North has been kind enough to share her with me. I heart Pat.

Okay, so somehow this has turned into a recap post. So, I guess I'll just end with :

A) There was a chocolate fountain at the Golden Heart Reception. Alas, no romance writers cavorted within it. Disappointing, right?

B) My friends made me feel really special. Really, really freaking special.

C) The dress my Grammy helped pick out was beautiful. The shoes, while painful, were fabulous. I don't know if it was wise to lead off my speech complaining about them, though...

D) My critique partners back home are amazing and wonderful. And, Dona Sarkar http://donasarkar.blogspot.com is not only a great CP, she's a fashion goddess and stylist extraordinaire. (A woman who never irons!! How can this be?)

That's some of what happened in magical Atlanta. Okay, so most of it was about food. I have more stuff to tell you guys. I'll post later.

The Secret Life of Golden Heart Winners

2006-08-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

So what is it like to be a Golden Heart winner? Uh... in a word, scary!

Here's one of the screens where the names of the finalist are ginormously projected. You clutch your critique partner's hand while she repeatedly tells you to chill. You try to chat up NYT best-selling authors seated around you. Okay, the editors sitting next to them, actually.

And here's the same screen where YOU are ginormously projected if you win. Of course you try to make it up to the podium gracefully in your new heels. You try to remember all the names of the people who've helped you. You work in the name of your great agent. You smile...? Okay, so you might forget to smile. You're just a tad bit shocked.

You spend nearly the rest of the ceremony snapping open and closed the case the Golden Heart comes in. Yes, it's real. You keep mouthing OMG at your lovely critique partner Dona. She keeps mouthing it at you. Afterward, you put that golden pendant around your neck, so now you're forced to stare into your own cleavage to admire it. Creepy, I know.

It's a lovely night involving chocolate fountains and drinks and calling your family to share the good news. It's almost as good as meeting MEG CABOT!

Heart of Gold

2006-08-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you can totally Google me and read the good news. I won the Golden Heart for Best Young Adult Romance Manuscript at the National RWA Conference in Atlanta. Here I am with Simon Pulse author Jenn Echols after the ceremony, wearing the coveted charm around my neck. (Thanks to Stephanie Hale for the photo!)

Sadly, I have yet to buy a digital camera for my new place -- so I was stuck with a disposable version and a beautiful yet snap-happy critique partner Dona Sarkar. I promise to post those pictures as soon as they uh, get developed. So uncool, right?

Dona was so awesome as a roommate. Seriously, who else reminds a GH finalist to breathe? Who else leaps to their feet shouting, "It's you! It's You!" while you sit there in utter shock and (in your head) the room goes silent.

Who else comes up with the idea to handwrite *your* acceptance speech in case you might jinx yourself. Yeah, uh, last year, when I typed out the speech, pasted it to a pretty cardstock, decorated it with stickers? May have been a little jinxy...

It was a wonderful week spent in the company of so many fabulous, talented, resilient women. I'm so proud of Diana, Simone, Marley, Barb, and all the wonderful writers I know who are launching into their publishing careers full force. Remember, I knew you back when...

Oh, and in other news I got to meet my IDOL Meg Cabot. Yeah, um, total fan girl/stalker here. Again, uncool! But sometimes you just have to gush. It's good for the soul. Alas, no pictures of me with Meg -- which is probably good in case she wishes to press charges.

Hot-lanta Rocks

2006-07-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so...

I had a great time in ATL at the RWA National Conference.

My GA didn't attend, but I had fun hanging out with a wonderful colleague of his. So cool to be in the presence of someone who knows good food when she sees it -- and can call a crap steak a crap steak. Ha. Anyone who hires her is very, very lucky.

So many friends and parties and dinners and workshops my head was spinning. Will blog more about all the happenings soon. Hopefully will have some pictures to post.

Thanks again to my peeps (in Seattle, the Eastside, Chicago North and the Chicks from everywhere) for all the love and support. You guys rock!

I'm Like a Bird

2006-07-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

One last post before I fly out the door to begin my RWA adventure.

It's screaming hot again in the Northwest and I broiled in the sun all day at my lake job. Exciting moment of the day?? Evicting a baby bat from the store. What is it with me and wildlife relocation?

Anyway, as I pack, I'm shaking off my country girl personna and cultivating my inner diva. Seven pairs of pants? More, I say! Four pairs of heels? What's one more snuck into the suitcase? Make-up? Bring it all.

The RWA conference is the great unknown, after all. You don't know what will happen -- only that on Saturday night, the Golden Heart Winners will be crowned and the suspense that's dogged me since April will be let loose. It's weird to be going there a double finalist -- maybe it's more pressure... But, on the other hand, it's a really nice "right on" from the universe, telling me I'm making headway in a tough profession.

I'll be sure to post all the gory (or glorious) details when I return. Until then, write damn it!