Mojo Monday

What’s Jack up to? Jack had a very happy 3rd birthday yesterday. Filled with fun and new toys. I even let up on his special diet and got him a birthday cupcake which though his was happy to eat, didn’t stay down. Oh, well at least he enjoyed himself.
Jack, says thanks for all the well wishes yesterday!




I’m back from the NJ romance writer’s conference and happy to report that I had just THE BEST time. It’s such a well run conference full of friendly people with top speakers and presenters. The only downside? The 4 and 5 am fire alarm. That stunk. Here is some of the NY crew at dinner lunch. Notice the wine on the table. The hotel thought it would make up for lack of sleep. It did not. That cute little sweetie there did not partake.
But as you can see I think the rest did.

(Carolyn, Isobo (holding other the cutie Jack) Leanna, Stacy)

Upside. Rooming with my PIC Megan and Liz M. too for a hot minute. Sorry I don't have a picture of Liz. Hi Liz! Here are Megan and I in the hotel's faux Soho lounge. It's pretty. The only pic I have of Liz was taken during the fire alarm. I think it's nice. I'm afraid she may not.



Some of the great workshops I attended were:
One on digital publishing with super smart Icantalkdigitalinmysleep and, yes, I think she can, Angela James.
Darn, how did I let her leave without telling me what format was best for my Sony.


A dialogue workshop with Bestselling author Karen Rose. Here is Karen with friends and fans Louise and Danielle.

Also a super workshop on Collages with Jennifer Crusie that blew my artist mind. I already do story boarding but this will have me taking it to the next level. I knew Jennifer was Ms. New York Times Best Seller but now that I know she was an art teacher and is quite an artist I think I’m more in love. Notice it says behind her "creativity is play" something to keep in mind.
Finally I spent many an hour hanging around Bestseller (I was doing that a lot trying to get some mojo to rub off) Madeline Hunter. She had 2 workshops


1. Surviving Almost There (a place where I seem to have been hanging out for quite a long time)

2. Alaso a double session on conflict that rocked my world. I learned so much. She really got the gears working.
Now I just about thought I’d swoon when I went to the book signing later and gave Madeline my card and she said that she had been to ye little old blog before. Oh happy, swoony day! Thanks for that moment Ms. Hunter.



And now for your viewing pleasure a few more pics from the signing:

Golden Leaf Winner YAY!!! Anna DePalo. Congrats Anna.

Leanna Renee Hieber







Isabo Kelly






Janet Mullany. Lucky me getting her last copy of: A Most Lamentable Comedy.

So as you can see I've had quite a weekend. Now time to put all that inspiration and fun into practice. Gotta hit the writing cave. Will be popping out for brief sips of air.
Bye!

Best,

Kwana

Smart Women Rule

What's Jack up to? Jack's running in circles right now with his new birthday chew toy. It's already missing and ear. He's going round and round. I'm not sure why, but as long as he's not getting into serious trouble I'm happy.


I had such a good time at the New Jersey Romance Writers Put Your Heart In A Book conference. It was a wonderful weekend getaway. No kids, no stress, tons of books. Bliss. And just enough info to not put me on overload.



Like in said in yesterday's post there were so many smart women there and so many writers that I admire such as: Eloisa James who reminded us of the importance of writing from your heart and Lisa Scottoline who gave such a funny and inspirational luncheon speech that she had many of us running to her workshop on how to write a novel right after. I'll admit, I ran.










I had an ah-ha moment in the world building workshop with Jessica Anderson (Hi Jess!) and J.R. Ward (Yep J.R. Ward!) when one really smart attendee asked the question about what was the hardest thing you had to learn or get over. I was shocked when J.R. said it was learning to plot. She used to be a pantser. Hmmm... Thanks J.R. you may have rocked my world.

I have a new saying: "Plot it out B!" I won't fill in the B here, but think Ari from Entourage and you've got it. Said with that type of attitude to really mean it and get to work. And make no mistake this is WORK.







My all time favorite moment came when I got to meet live and in person, Elizabeth Hoyt. The very same author whose Prince series I blogged about last week. Who woulda thunk it! I'm happy to say she was lovely in person and gave an, um, informative workshop called: Sex Scene Viagra. Thanks Elizabeth!










I was also thrilled to end up sitting right next to Katie from Rambling on Romance which got one of my blog awards last week. Small world. This was our first meeting and we hit it off right away.

The conference ended with dinner at Bonefish Grill with old and new friends. So much fun.

Clockwise from top left: Leanna, Sinead, Abby(hiding) , Megan, Me, Maureen, Katie, Stacy and Elizabeth.

Big shout out to the PIC! Thanks for putting up with me. You're the bestest!

Best,

Kwana

pic thanks to NJ website and me