conference,  jack,  writers

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