I attended the Georgia Romance Writers Moonlight and Magnolia’s conference October 10-12 with Volusia County Romance Writers chapter mates and friends, Carla Mueller and Diane Burke. The very first night at the bar, I ordered the hotel restaurant’s signature drink called The Cherokee Rose. It would not be the last time….
The next morning, I was happy to find First Coast Romance Writers chapter mate, Marie Long at breakfast as well as new friend, Kim Castle. And then it was time for my pitch workshop hosted by Maggie Finalist, and ultimate Maggie winner, Jennifer Delemare. Did I luck out or what?
Immediately after, it was time to put my pitches to work. I met with literary agent, Nalini Akolekar, who requested partials of both my romantic suspense and paranormal work. Way to start the day. After many excellent workshops, I ventured off to my second agent meeting of the day. Stefanie Lieberman requested I send her a sample of my romantic suspense.
I finished out the day at Mambo Italiano joined by friends, Marie Long, Carla Mueller, Diane Burke, and Kim Castle. The servers wore T-shirts that said, “The taste that makes you want to mambo!” Much laughter and good food, combined with live music, sent me to bed happy.
The next day, I met with Sourcebooks editor, Mary Altman. I had so much fun pitching to her and she requested both manuscripts as well. Three appointments, five requests =Yay me! To celebrate, you guessed it, another Cherokee Rose. I think I deserved it.
I know the next question, what’s hot? At the agent/editor panel, I heard they are looking for M/M Military Romance, ménage, and Civil War Romance. Vampires are dead. LOL! Still open to werewolves, but paranormal is currently a soft sell. Sue Grimshaw predicted historicals are starting to make a comeback and will be hot again within the next two years. They are currently looking for Western historical, highlanders, and modern day cowboys.
The last day of the conference was all about writing love scenes your readers won’t skip. During Roni Loren’s workshop, we were asked to share the most memorable love scenes from books or movies. Pretty much any movie with Patrick Swayze qualified. Who can forget the scene from Ghost, making clay? And Dirty Dancing? Did someone turn on the heat? Thank God for that paddle fan included in the goodie bags. Whew!
We finished off the day with a trip to the local movie theater and Dracula Untold. Great job of mixing traditional mythology with actual history. I loved it and hope there will be a sequel. To top it all off, I came home to some unexpected news. After judging my contest entry, Cheryl Yeko of Soul Mate Publishing requested my full manuscript. I hit send on all my submissions this afternoon and now feel in need of a stiff drink! Oh Cherokee Rose, wherefore art thou?
Awesome! Here’s to success!
Thanks, Beth. I want that for all of us!
Jan, another awesome blog post. You summed it all up perfectly. We had so much fun at M&M. It was my first time attending this Georgia conference and hopefully not my last. It truly is like a mini Nationals. There were so many workshops that I wish I had a couple clones to attend the ones I couldn’t!
We had a blast “shaking our groove thang” after the Maggie awards ceremony. Ice, Ice, Baby never goes out of style. LOL
And, we will find the recipe for Cherokee Rose and recreate it.
I’m seriously proud of you Jan for sending out all your requests today. I’m praying for great news to come your way very soon. You deserve it.
Thanks so much, Carla. It is the caliber of National on a small scale. Hoping and praying for good things for all of us.
great Blog, Jan! Summed up the conference and socializing perfectly! So glad I got to attend with you and Carla. And, yes, did love that Cherokee Rose!
Thanks, Diane. Glad you got to come as well. And, that you came home to good news of your own.
Nice summary, Jan! And it was really great to meet another FCRW member there 🙂 I agree, Mambo Italiano was amazing. We’ll definitely have to go there next year if we do M&M again! I wish I could’ve stayed for the workshops on Sunday. It sounded like something I could really find useful to help hone my craft.
Super enjoyed spending time with you, Marie. And getting to know you better. If you go here: http://www.roniloren.com/writing-tips/ and scroll to the bottom, Roni posted the worksheet from her M & M workshop. Enjoy! And best of luck with your submissions!
Sounds like a lot of fun and congratulations on the requests. But what the heck is in a Cherokee Rose?
It was the signature adult beverage at the hotel bar, Ruth. It was fruity and loaded with Crown Royal Whiskey!
What wonderful news on all the requests Jan! I’m so happy for you! You definitely deserve to celebrate.
Thanks, Lorna. I plan on it!
Loved the recap, Jan. And thanks for the link to Ronie Loren’s website, too. Great stuff. Keeping fingers crossed and hoping for all kinds of good news on your submissions!!!