Go Today!
Check out this great story from The Today show on the RWA conference last week. It actually puts a positive spin on the genre. Wow! And check out the cool Sarah from Smart Bitches who I got to meet at her lovely meet and greet along with Candy. Thanks Sarah and Candy! And the Fabulous Beverly Jenkins. Love her! Scroll below for more pics and posts… with Nora and The DH!
Inspiration for Life
What’s Jack up to? Dear Jack is still missing Nana. Yesterday he ran out to circle the car and wouldn’t come inside the house. My theory is that he saw her leave in the car and he was convinced that if he got in he could go and find her. Or her just wanted us to chase him around for a while. Nice work Jack.
On Wednesday night in San Fran was the Readers for Life charity literacy autographing where fans could go and buy books and meet their favorite romance authors. Over 500 of them! The event raise $58,000 for literacy. How fabulous was that? And here are a few pics from that night.
The first is my great friend Marley Gibson participating is her first RWA signing for her Sorority Series. How great does Marley look and how fab do those books look? Yay!
The next is me along with my PIC Megan making a Liz Carlyle sandwich. The amazing Liz totally blew up my DH’s head by signing my book “To Kwana with the HOT husband” how cool and cagey was that? You know my DH happily paid for all my books after meeting Liz and seeing that dedication.
The final STAR meeting was our encounter with the Nora Roberts. Check us out. First up is me getting a book signed for Nana as payment for watching the Dear Twins for us. She is a huge Nora fan and I must get her a signed Nora Roberts book at every conference. I also must have it signed to ‘NANA’ and not to her real name. She strangely prefers that which Nora found cute and shared with me that she is a ‘Nana’ to her grandchildren also.
I have to go on a sidebar here and say that this woman is pure inspiration. Her line was a mile long but she was gracious and kind to each and every person she met, always seeming to have a kind word no matter how nutty or how star struck they were.
During her workshop “Chat with Nora Roberts” I will never forget her words of advice to the young writer who asked what do you tell the writer who some days feel that they can do it and other days feel like they can’t?
Nora’s advice? “Oh grow up!” I think I’ll have it framed all over my house and maybe made into a needlepoint pillow for my couch. In the very least it will be a screen saver for inspiration along with this picture. Hey, with 193 books under her belt. “Oh grow up!” can’t be bad advice.
A final pic is the DH with Nora Roberts. He had to get in on the action after waiting with me on that line. He even had to be different and switch sides on her. But he’s happily now reading his first J.D. Robb signed to him and telling all the women in his office about his meeting with greatness. How thrilled is he to meet her?
And big shout out to the fabulous and patient Laura! It was wonderful to meet you (time and time again!). We hope to see you again next year.
Sidebar: I have to say here how much I love the DH for being such a sweetheart during the signing. While I gushed over all the the authors he gushed over me telling me that it was just a matter of time before I was in their place signing my own books. How much do I love him for that?Best,
KwanaThe more you know…
What’s Jack up to? Poor Jack is missing Nana terribly. I hate to say it but I think I pale in comparison to her. I doubt very much that he traveled around whining for me when I left last week.
Pics from RWA are to come but I thought I’d start off with some photos from the Napa leg of our trip last week. What a beautiful part of the country. And I was so happy to get to hook up with my good friend and fellow writer Wendy T and her DH Matt.
And later we got to meet up with the lovelies Aryn and Kristen for more wine tours and tasting at Sterling and Cakebread.
We had a little lesson at Cakebread which was very informative and I walked out feeling quite smug and in the know, but today I can’t recall a bit of it. Oh well. At least I did come away with an expansion of my palette and the ability to branch out from my white zin though I can’t promise to completely part from my first love. I don’t care what the folks say. Love is Love!What do you love that you often get teased about but love anyway?
Best,KwanaI Left My Heart…
What’s Jack up to? From what I hear Jack has been a total doll while we’ve been away. He seemed so happy to see us. Jumping and nipping and rolling around. So sweet.
Well, I’m back home from Nationals. I had such a wonderful time. It’s going to take me a day or so to get all my thoughts together. So many amazing workshops and so many amazing friends and writers. I found it so hard to leave. Fun pics to come.
Now I’m back and newly motivated in myself and my writing. That’s what what it’s all about.
Big shout outs to: Megan, Marley, Elizabeth, Carolyn, Amanda, Kristen, Louisa, Liza, Eileen, Megan, Pam, Andrea (new bud), Roxanne (new bud) and many more who I’ll think of once I get my head on straight. I love you all. Thanks for being so wonderful.
Sidebar: Add on shout outs now that it’s later and my head is on straighter… Hey Maureen! Miss you already.
More shout outs… Wendy, Aryn, Kristin, Napa was so much fun with you all and how much do I love Matt?
Mel!!! You were way missed out there. But your blog makes up for that. You are cra-zy!
Best,
Kwana
No Whining From Me
What’s Jack up to? From what I hear he’s being a sweetheart for Nana and the Dear twins but who knows they may be pulling my leg. What do you think?
The DH and I have arrived in San Fran after two lovely days in Napa Valley sipping wine and enjoying the beautiful country. So no whining from me. I’m a happy girl! I hope you’re enjoying your week. Workshops start soon so I’ll be hitting the books. I can’t wait!
Best,
KwanaSan Francisco Here I Come!
What’s Jack up to? As you read this Jack is probably being spoiled senseless by Dear Nana. I’m sure he sitting at her feet while she sitting on the porch and watching all the neighborhood action go by.
Today I’m on my way with the DH to San Francisco and the Romance Writers of America National Conference. Hooray! I’m sure I’ll come back with tons of inspiration and fun stories and I hope an autographed book from Ms. Nora Roberts for Dear Nana. I’ll try and stop in here when I can with updates.
First stop- Wine tasting in Napa! Lovely and much needed.
Best,
KwanaMamma Mia!
What’s Jack up to? It seems the wild one was just groomed, but he’s in dire need of another bath so it’s back in the tub for him and more fun for me. Oh my glamorous life.
Wow, I feel like I’m the last to see this movie but the DD and I got to finally see Mamma Mia. It’s so hard to pin a busy teen down to see a movie with her dear mother you know. No surprise here- we both love it. In order to show her where the musical inspiration came from I’m posting this tidbit. Thanks YouTube!
Best,
KwanaAsk The Agent
Here’s Ask The Agent for this week. With Fab agent Elaine Spencer from The Knight Agency. Take it away Elaine… “Can you discuss the genres you represent? (Feel free to talk about your current clients and/or fave reads if applicable) Are you looking for anything in particular and/or what’s on your wish list?”
As most readers of this blog are probably aware, the Knight Agency is largely for its representation in the women’s fiction and romance genre. Consequently a strong percentage of my current client list falls under this umbrella. Romance is such a fun genre, and there are so many different sub-categories its hard to easily describe my tastes. I would say that the voice and the writing are far more important elements to me than the actual “theme” or sub-genre. I don’t typically do anything that is extremely erotic and I don’t go too far into the sci-fi/fantasy realm. Those are my basic limitations, there are other things I won’t be as eager to look at, such as a Western, but I have to be honest, crazier things have happened. I have a client who is working on the most amazing biblical fiction novel right now, I could not have imagined how much I would enjoy it. Its been amazing to be a part of and I’m so excited about getting to shop it soon.In general TKA doesn’t do any screenplays, poetry, short stories or children’s books. I myself am not looking for any real dark horror.
I would love to find a great sweeping historical, an amazingly character driven women’s fiction, a brilliant original contemporary, a charming and fresh “chick-lit” type story (key word, FRESH!!). Characters are big to me, big, big, big! I love those characters that you just feel like you know right from the get-go. I have seen some really compelling inspirational titles and some brilliant multi-cultural work. I’m game for any of these.
I also am open to paranormals, typically I’m more drawn to the lighter side of things, such as my client Candace Havens who writes really quirky heroines that just happen to be touched by the paranormal. Or Melissa Mayhue, who has the most charming “Daughters of the Glen” series, the covers alone speak volumes about my kind of taste. I’m not however saying I wouldn’t be open to something darker, I think the *right* dark paranormal just hasn’t hit my desk.
I also represent some really exciting young adult titles. I would love to find some more high concept stories in this realm. I love reading stories aimed at the teen audience, the emotions are just so raw and point on, and the cross-over appeal is just huge right now. I’m totally open to that. Another of my clients, Linda Gerber, has a great new thriller-mystery series out for teens, that is the epitome of fun, DEATH BY BIKINI; check it out its a great example of why I love young adult novels. For YA I’m wide open, there is so much potential in this market, I want to see it all.
You know, like I said, keep in mind the rules of writing. Tell me a great story with great characters, a great voice, a great plot, and you’ll be on your way. Fingers crossed for finding some great stuff in SF!
Thanks so much. As always please post your questions in the comment section. Ask the Agent will be on break next week as Elaine and I will be be in San Francisco for the RWA National Conference. We hope to come back with all sorts of fun things to share.Best,KwanaATA Coming Soon
What’s Jack up to? He’s all feisty and barking at me this morning because I’m not getting his food to him fast enough. The nerve. Is he learning from the Dear Twins?
Ask The Agent is coming soon. Sorry for the delay. Check back later. In the meantime…
Best,
KwanaProject Makeover
What’s Jack up to? It’s Raining bucket’s so he’s perched up high on the couch looking longingly out the window willing the rain to stop. Sorry Jack.Project Runway is underway hooray. Holla at your boy. Not.
Kelli has her immunity so she is free to breathe easy for this challenge. The day starts off with reality setting in for Suede and the other designers. They set off to parsons and the model pick off. Kelli says with her model and Joe stars the switching. Jen snatches Jarell’s model making him salty. I love that word. Salty! Let’s all use it this week.The next challenge is making cocktail dress for their models. Sounds sweet. Maybe a little too sweet of you ask me. They have to use green fabrics. No not green- green environmentally friendly green. But here’s the twist. The models get to shop for the fabric! Ha! Funny.
The poor models are lost in Mood. One was pulling out some gold lame looking stuff and there were some very slinky things that didn’t look green to me but we will see.
Kenley instantly nixes some fabric from her model and Keith hates some of his models fabrics. Wesley is not happy.
At least Jarell is smiling and so is Suede. Once again Stella is complaining. Waa, waa, waa. Going against what her model wants.Suede goes crazy the bias strips and stars talking about himself in 3rd person.
3 designers have the same fabric. How much do I love the models for that? And Korto and Emily and similar dresses and are getting all crazy over it. The competition is fierce
It’s time for Tim’s walk though and Korto confuses him with her inside out stitching. Too green for ya Tim?
Suede excites Tim, but so far scares me. We’ll see.
Leanne has gone circle crazy.
And Tim announces no immunity for this challenge but the winner will have their dress manufactured by Bluefly.com
Runway show day and its panic time except for Leanna who is all confidence. And Blayne pulls out the Lisiousness.
Stella is lucky that her model likes the dress even though she didn’t listen to her.
Daniel is still at the sewing machine with 5 minutes to go.
And crazy Stella tried to steam her dress ON the model. Way to burn your client Stella.Time for the runway show with special guest judge Natalie Portman.
But first sidebar. How much do I love Terri’s wild hair? Did I say that last week?
Now really to the show:I Likeie: Terri, Jerell, Daniel, Suede, Leanne. Emily, Jennifer, Joe, KenleyNo Likie-Keith, Wesley, Kelli, Stella, Blayne, KortoI originally had Korto in the likie group until I really looked at the wings on the side of the hips. Not a good idea.
I predict Kenly as the winner and Wesley as going home.
Let’s see. Winner is Suede. Wow. Ok. I’m shocked. But ok. I think Kenley was robbed. What do you think?
Poor Korto is in but teary as all get out.
And as for out it’s… Wesley. You can’t make it under the harsh runway lights with puckered satin.
Whew. No energy for Shear Genius but I’ll give it a go.
Nicole wakes first and there are some flip flops. She picks first then calls the stylist up for a day at the beach.
The guest judge is Oscar Blandi and the shortcut challenge is transforming a client’s hair after a long day at the beach without washing the client hair. The clients are all hot surfer guys who come shirtless and wet out of the water.
The stylist can use shears, batters powers clippers and a spray bottle.
Daniel and Glenn are talking mess about Nicole still being there making her all Salty.
Glen and Dee have twins so the competition is really thick there.
Once again Nekisa is wack. Big surprise. Not.
Daniel and Glenn bottom two
Tops are Dee and Nicole and the winner is Nicole.
They head back and meet the clients who are dealing with Alopecia a disease which has made then completely bald.
The stylists are moved as they cut and style the perfect wig for their clients.
Nekisa is not winning over Rene and neither is Glenn.
The emotions are going wild and the tears are flowing. Even Charlie can’t make any cracks in this room.
On to the hair show. I have to say, I’m not a fan of all the red wigs.
The top 2 here Nicole and Poulo and the winner is…Poulo. All his emotion with his client paid off. But stinker for him, no immunity in the next challenge. Bummer Dude.
Bottom 3 are Gail, Nekisa and Charlie. Who’s going home? Why it’s… Gail.
Charlie had better step up his game it’s his 2nd time in the bottom 2. The rose has lost its bloom.
Photos thanks to Bravo.
Well I’m off for some preliminary conference beauty prep. What’s up for your day?
Best,
Kwana
