Seattle is a hotbed of writers and readers, which means book signings and craft workshops galore. I’ve got my eye on the Valentine’s Day Victorian Tea–tea and romance novels? How can you go wrong? Also, Patricia Briggs will be signing the latest Mercy Thompson book in March. If I haven’t gone into labor, I’ll be there with bells on.

PNWA Craft Workshop: Story, Structure, Subplot, Scene, Style: Keys to Rewriting Your Novel by Robert J. Ray
Thursday, February 11, 7 pm
The key to rewriting your novel is a workable plan: Story first, then Structure, Subplots,  (Key) Scenes, and Style. The toughest rewriting task is fixing your subplots. Before you can fix a subplot, you must peel it away from the novel, using tools like Character Arc, Character Grid, Scene List, Scene List, Scene Profile, Scene Template, and Core Story. Learn how to use these tools and make your rewrite hum in a hands-on workshop (with writing in the room) led by Robert J. Ray, using techniques from his latest book, The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel.
Participants should bring a prose sample, two pages, double-spaced.
Chinook Middle School. Non-PNWA members are allowed to attend two meetings. Please see the PNWA website for more information.

Saint Valentine’s Day Victorian Tea book signing
Saturday, February 13, 2-4pm
Join local authors who delight in creating romantic stories set in the Victorian era at the Bellevue Library. Music, refreshments and a book signing will follow the program. Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library. Books will be available for sale at this event. Organized by the King County Library System.

author of Prima Donna	author of All He Desires	author of Promise Me

Check out these author and book events in Seattle in the upcoming months. Questions should be directed to the host organization, as I am only passing on the information.

SEPTEMBER: Southcenter Barnes & Noble celebrates its 15th anniversary!
Please join us for author panels and signings:

Sun. 09/06 J.A. Jance 1pm (thriller)
Sat. 09/12 Jayne Ann Krentz 3pm (romance)
Sun. 09/13 Robert Dugoni 1pm (thriller)
Sun. 09/20 Team Seattle 2pm: Mark Henry, Cherie Priest, Lauren Dane, Kat Richardson (speculative fiction/urban fantasy)
Sat. 09/26 Yasmine Galenorn 2pm (paranormal romance)
Sun 09/27 Margaret Mallory & Gerri Russell 2pm (historical romance)

Southcenter Barnes & Noble
300 Andover Park W. #200
Tukwila, WA 98188

SEPTEMBER 19-20: Half Price Books Washington Warehouse Sale
Everything $1 or less! 9 am to 6 pm
9241 Greenwood Ave. N. in Seattle

SEPTEMBER 25-27: Seattle Public Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Library hold two major book sales every year, in Spring and Fall. At each sale, over 200,000 books and other items are offered to the general public. Proceeds go to benefit The Seattle Public Library. Location: Magnuson Park, Hangar in Building #30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 98115

• Friday, September 25: 6:30- 9:30 p.m. Member preview sale. Members may purchase up to 25 items. Memberships $10 in advance; $30 at the door.
• Saturday, September 26: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Sunday, September 27: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

OCTOBER 7: 826 Seattle fundraiser: Where the Wild Things Are movie preview
826 Seattle is a nonprofit writing center that helps students, ages 6-18 develop their creative and expository writing skills. Be the first on EVERY BLOCK of Seattle to see what is the most anticipated movie of the year by attending this preview showing of the movie, sponsored by 826 Seattle and our pals at the Northwest Film Forum. How come Warner Brothers is letting us do this? Because Dave Eggers, co-founder of 826 National, also co-wrote the screenplay with director Spike Jonze.

Check out the trailer: http://wherethewildthingsare.warnerbros.com/

Quick! Buy tickets here right now: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/79215

OCTOBER 8, 7pm: R.A. Salvatore
The Ghost King: Transitions, Book III (WOTC)
University Bookstore store Seattle
Don’t miss the gripping conclusion to Salvatore’s New York Times best-selling Transitions trilogy! When the Spellplague ravages Faerûn, Drizzt and his companions are caught in the chaos. Seeking out the help of the priest Cadderly–the hero of the recently reissued series The Cleric Quintet–Drizzt finds himself facing his most powerful and elusive foe, the twisted Crenshinibon, the demonic crystal shard he believed had been destroyed years ago.

OCTOBER 10, 4 pm to 6 pm: Emerald City Book Fair
The public is invited to the book fair of the Emerald City Writers Conference, where tons of local romance authors will be autographing books. The event is held at the Bellevue Hilton. The official author list is not yet public, but I’ll post it when it is. We are pleased to donate a portion of the Book Fair proceeds to DAWN, Domestic Abuse Womens Network of South King County.

OCTOBER 23-25: Seattle Steamcon
Dust off your brass goggles for the first ever Seattle Steampunk Conference. There will be costumes, tea parties, Steampunk author speeches, music (Abney Park), games and more. Check out http://www.steam-con.com for more information.

OCTOBER 24-25, 10am-6pm: Seattle Book Festival
Columbia City Event Center. Remember the old Northwest Book Festival on the waterfront? Seattle’s Columbia City community is bringing it back. It’s going to be very cool event with at least 50 authors in attendance and over 80 exhibitors. This is a grass roots effort with all the funding coming from participants. Rumor has it there will be a panel on the “Changing Face of Romance.”

Deb Schneider, Library Goddess, author and Seattle RWA member, has planned some fabulous writing workshops through the King County Library system. The deadline for the 2009 Clarion West speculative fiction workshop is March 1. Urban Fantasy authors Kim Harrison, Mark Henry and Caitlin Kittredge and romance/erotica author Lauren Dane are reading and signing in Seattle in March. Portland is holding a celebrate romance conference for romance readers to meet local authors. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend, but if any of you are planning on going please tell me all about it!

• What’s Your Story??? A Writing Workshop
  Newport Way Library, Sundays March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 1-3pm
  We all have stories to share. This six-week workshop provides an opportunity to try creative writing – fiction, nonfiction, memoir – in a nurturing atmosphere. Marketing your material will also be discussed. All writing levels welcome. Please register online or call 425.747.2390.
  Sponsored by the Newport Way Library Association.
• Writing Novels for Kids and Young Adults
  Sunday, March 15, 3:30pm
  Ages 13 and older welcome
  North Bend Library
  Join local children’s author Kevin Emerson for a workshop and discussion about writing and publishing for young readers. Author of a hardcover novel, Carlos is Gonna Get It, and a paperback series, Oliver Nocturne, Kevin draws from his own experiences to cover topics such as generating ideas, developing a ‘voice’ for young readers, writing a manuscript, and getting published. Be prepared to write!
• Power Editing
  presented by thriller author Bob Dugoni
  Sunday, March 22, 2pm
  Mercer Island Library
  Now that you have typed, “The End” – you’re finished. Or are you? Review the common mistakes novelists make and how to fix them before submitting to an agent or editor. Learn five steps to editing your manuscript including: making judgments about your protagonist and antagonist, evaluating secondary characters, tightening the manuscript, reviewing word and sentence choice and polishing your work to eliminate typos and spelling errors.
• Monday • March 30 • 7pm
  Fantastic Fiction Salon with Nancy Kress: Planning Your Novel
  Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue, Seattle
  What do you need to know before you begin writing your novel? The full cast and everything that will happen? Only the first scene? The ending? This workshop will explore decisions to help you plan that book you always wanted to write, or perhaps are writing now: plotting, choosing characters and point of view, starting strong, structuring and pacing for the long haul, research, and “the promise of the ending.” The day will include lecture, discussion, samples of professional work, and writing exercises. You’ll come away with a draft for what you want your novel to be.Sponsored by NW MediaArts, Richard Hugo House, and University Book Store. $5 donation at the door.
• Getting Started and Moving in the Right Direction
  presented by thriller author Bob Dugoni
  Tuesday, March 31, 7pm
  Bellevue Regional Library
  From the initial query letter to your published novel, the writer must convey they understand classic story structure. This NY Times best-selling author will provide in-class exercises and assignments to help students better understand story structure so they can evaluate their novel’s plot. Learn the four stages to writing and determine if you should or shouldn’t, outline.

The Deadline for Clarion West applications is March 1:

Clarion West is an intensive six-week workshop for writers preparing for ­pr­ofession­al careers in science fiction and fantasy, held annually in Seattle, Washington, USA. The 2009 workshop will run from June 21 through July 31. For more information on the workshop and how to apply, visit our Workshop page.

Author Signings:

• February 27th – March 1st
  Celebrate Romance 2009
  Portland, OR
  Conference where romance readers and authors come together as equals to celebrate their love for the romance genre. Unlike many other conferences, this gathering has no other agenda but to support readers and their passion for romance novels.
• Monday • March 2 • 7pm
  Kim Harrison
  White Witch Black Curse (The Hallows, Book 7) (WILLIAM MORROW)
  Reading & Book Signing
  University Book Store in Seattle
• Saturday • March 7 • 5 PM
  Mark Henry, Lauren Dane and Caitlin Kittredge
  Signing books, giving stuff away, harassing customers
  Barnes and Noble: 300 Andover Park W. #200, Seattle
• Tuesday • March 17 • 7pm
  The Paranormal Bender Tour: Four Authors, Seven Days, One Hell of a Road Trip
  Mario Acevedo (Jailbait Zombie), Mark Henry (Road Trip of the Living Dead), Caitlin Kittredge (Second Skin), and Cherie Priest (Fathom) are cruising the west coast for five evenings of witches, vamps, shapeshifters, zombies and all things weird. Just look for the classic Impala and listen for the questionable content, as the authors read choice selections from their latest works, bandy about prizes and sign their new releases. The Paranormal Bender Tour is for mature audiences only—though an immature sense of humor is welcome and even encouraged. So bring your fangs, your cauldrons, and your appetite for brains. This is a night for kindred spirits and killer stories, from the demented minds of four of the most twisted purveyors of paranormal fiction (and a few special guests).

Seattle romance authors were out in force last weekend at the Emerald City Writers Conference. Aspiring authors, published authors and avid readers converged on the Bellevue Hilton for three days of motivational speeches, writing workshops and more cake than any sane person could eat. Editor and Agent pitches, overflowing raffle baskets and career milestone recognitions rounded out the fun-filled frenzy. I met amazing women who speak my language. It was thrilling.

Highlight 1: In which Susan Mallery launches us on a glorious quest

Susan Mallery gave the best speech of the weekend, sharing her path to publication and urging us to “show up.” She has written over one hundred books, and finally hit the best seller list after 18 years. At one point she received over fifty rejections within twenty months. She has two secrets to success: 1) Set Goals, and 2) Show up and do the work. The goal to “get published” is different from the goal to “have a career as an author.” The former is the wrong goal; it is not the same as making a living as a writer. (Donald Maass shares the same advice in his landmark book The Career Novelist, as well as advice on how to build the latter.)

After Ms. Mallery achieved her first goal, getting published, it took her twelve years to set another one. She urged the audience not to repeat her mistakes. “Make sure your goal is clear,” she said. “Know the path to get there. Most importantly, write it down.”

She encouraged us not to sell ourself short, but to reach for the stars. “Put your goal in the universe and it will happen,” she said. “You must set an impossible goal and show up to do the work.” In my head I began to hum “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha: This is my quest / To follow that star / No matter how hopeless / No matter how far.

Publishing may not be hopeless, but it is quite daunting. Ms. Mallery shared numbers: one in one-thousand will sell her novel. Less than fifty-percent of those will sell a second time. “You must believe in yourself,” she said. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back.

She provided note cards to the audience so that we could write down our goals. I wrote two I have control over, and then, with Don Quixote singing in my head, wrote two that feel terrifyingly far away. Wish me luck.

Highlight 2: In which I am attacked by a boa

This fabulous thing snuck up behind me and wrapped its soft, molting length around my exposed neck. My eyes rolled up in my head as it sank its long fangs into my jugular and released its Diva energy directly into my blood…

My confirmation to RWA PRO membership came just in time for me to be honored with a fabulous feather boa during the Key Note luncheon. I have joined, according to the RWA, the ranks of the “almost published.”

PRO focuses on the business side of writing rather than craft and offers many benefits to its members. To be eligible to join PRO, RWA members must either provide proof that they have completed a romance manuscript and that they have submitted the manuscript to a publisher or literary agent.

Here I am with my fellow fashionistas.

Highlight 3: In which Julia Quinn makes copious lists (and I take copious notes)

The Key Note Address was given by delightful regency author Julia Quinn, whose latest book, Mr. Cavendish I Presume, recently hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list. We raised a glass in her honor. Julia’s lists:

Top Four Things I Learned Before Getting Published

1. When setting up work space, make sure you cannot reach the refrigerator without getting up from the chair.
2. There is no substitute for knowing your market. (Ms. Quinn didn’t join RWA until after publishing her first book. She used a Joanna Lindsay novel to count how many words should be in a manuscript.)
3. The only way to finish a book is to write. Writing has to be a priority. Just do it. (swoosh!)
4. Rejection is part of the journey.

What I Learned After Publishing – The Practical

1. Hit save on your computer every time you pause to think and back it up every night.
2. People on the cover of your book will never look like your characters do in your mind. Authors are notoriously bad judges of what looks good on a cover, because they overanalyze. A good cover makes an impression in under thirty seconds.
3. Marketing departments know a lot more than authors think they do. Give them consideration before you freak out.
4. Word of mouth is a one-way street. A book can sell based on buzz, but buzz can rarely sink it.

What I Learned After Publishing – The Inspirational

1. Make friends with other writers: they are people with common interests whose eyes will not glaze over when you talk covers and marketing.
2. You Must have a life outside of writing: it will force you to remember there are people who don’t notice Point Of View switches every time they read a book.
3. You will never hurt your career by helping another author.
4. Learn the importance and art of setting goals. Set short and medium-term goals alongside long ones. Make them achievable. Celebrate every milestone and every small victory.

Top Four Things to Never Forget

1. Everyone needs an editor. When you find a good one cherish her; throw yourself around her ankles and never let go.
2. Your writing will determine how far you get, but luck will determine how fast you get there.
3. We do important work: romance novels make people happy. Don’t ever forget to be proud of what you do.
4. Have fun!

Highlight 4: In which I attack authors with my fabulous boa and flip cam

The Book Fair was well attended by local, and not so local, romance and urban fantasy authors, and raised money for DAWN. I took a few Desert Island Interviews, before the batteries died, and bought more books than I had cash for. Proud member of Book Whores Anonymous. Star-struck, I only remembered to take a handful of photos. (clockwise from top: GSRWA President Shelli Stevens, Christine Feehan and Katie MacAlister, Allison Brennan, Mark Henry, Richelle Mead and Christine Warren.)

Highlight 5: In which Cherry Adair kicks butt and challenges us to a duel Write the Damn Book!

Every year at ECWC, Cherry Adair motivates aspiring authors to finish their book by offering prizes to participants who can write the book they pledge to write in one year. Full conference fees for ECWC and RWA Nationals, including airfare and hotel, National RWA dues and first chapter critiques were some of the extremely generous gifts she handed out at this years ceremony.

I signed up for this years challenge, pledging to write a 90,000 word dark paranormal romance tentatively entitled The Gates of Hell by October 1, 2009. I honestly hope to finish it by Christmas (NaNo’s coming), but hey, who’s counting? If I’m really good I’ll have the trilogy completed by the deadline.

Urban Fantasy author Mark Henry shares the six books he would bring if stranded on a desert island.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssx9MDsuwAg]

Seattle. One minute you’re drinking a vanilla breve, the next, some creepy old dude is breathing on you, turning you into a zombie. And that’s just for starters. Now, the recently deceased Amanda Feral is trying to make her way through Seattle’s undead scene with style (mortuary-grade makeup, six-inch stilettos, Balenciaga handbag on sale) while satisfying her craving for human flesh (Don’t judge. And no, not like chicken.) and decent vodkatinis.

Making her way through a dangerous world of cloud-doped bloodsuckers, reapers, horny and horned devils, werewolves, celebrities, and PR-obsessed shapeshifters—not to mention an extremely hot bartender named Ricardo—isn’t easy. And the minute one of Amanda’s undead friends disappears after texting the word, “help” (The undead—so dramatic!) she knows the afterlife is about to get really ugly.

Something sinister is at hand. Someone or something is hellbent on turning Seattle’s undead underworld into a place of true terror. And this time, Amanda may meet a fate a lot worse than death…

Mark, who is a comedian, warns strangers “prepare to be insulted” about his debut novel, Happy Hour of the Damned. I picked up an autographed copy at the 2008 Emerald City Writers Conference Book Fair and will let you know if his prediction comes true. To tide you over, here are some other blogger reviews of Happy Hour of the Damned:

• Anna’s Book Blog
• Urban Fantasyland
• ParanormalRomance.org
• *headdesk*
• Graeme’s Fantasy Book Reviews
• Fantasy Book Critic

Last night I had the pleasure of celebrating Lauren Dane‘s year of Über productive writing, meeting irreverent zombie author Mark Henry, and catching ghost orbs with Christina Arbini. What better place to discuss faucet erotica, flesh-eating heroines, and dinner theater hangings than Buca di Beppo?

Lauren Dane was a writing fiend this year, penning two 100-word novels, two 60-word novels, and a bunch of shorter works. She has many books in print and quite a few series. I recommend her Cascadia Wolves series featuring hawt alpha werewolves from Seattle. What’s not to love?

FATED

Just because Fate brings you your perfect mate doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.

Cascadia Wolves series

Could there be any worse fate than a road trip from Seattle to L.A.—with one’s mother—to attend a wedding? Why yes, when one isn’t married yet, like Megan Warden. Toss in a grandmother and a carload of already married sisters and it’s a recipe for sneaking sips of “special” coffee while someone else drives.

Shane Rosario has better things to do than attend a wedding where his father’s relatives will be at him nonstop about getting married and having children. If it weren’t for seeing his anchor bond, Layla, he’d have taken a pass on the entire weekend. It would be easy, since he’s become adept at hiding who and what he is.

When the two weren’t even looking, Fate steps in and before they know it, their bond is sealed. Bonded pair, married in the eyes of their people. Two people tied together in every way. Trouble is, Shane’s not sure he wants all that comes with Megan. And Megan’s certain she’s not willing to live outside her pack, pretending to be human.

The distance between them is more than geographical. It’s a widening gulf rapidly filling with resentment…an emotional divide only acceptance could bridge. Can Shane can accept himself to cross it? Only if they let love take control.

Mark Henry writes humorous zombie Urban Fantasy. His publication story is one in a million: He pitched to an editor without having written a single word. The pitch: Sex in the City meets Dawn of the Dead. Editor asked for 50 pages by the end of the month. Mark chained himself to his computer and wrote 50 pages. Editor read it, asked for the entire book. Mark chained himself to his computer and finished the book. Book went up for auction. Book is currently optioned for a tv show. Book 2 comes out in February. Whew! And now I must get my hands on a copy of the book. “Prepare to be insulted” only makes me want to read it more. He is a blogging addict, and can often be found at the League of Reluctant Adults with fellow Washingtonian author Caitlin Kitridge.

HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAMNED

Seattle. One minute you’re drinking a vanilla breve, the next, some creepy old dude is breathing on you, turning you into a zombie. And that’s just for starters. Now, the recently deceased Amanda Feral is trying to make her way through Seattle’s undead scene with style (mortuary-grade makeup, six-inch stilettos, Balenciaga handbag on sale) while satisfying her craving for human flesh (Don’t judge. And no, not like chicken.) and decent vodkatinis.

Making her way through a dangerous world of cloud-doped bloodsuckers, reapers, horny and horned devils, werewolves, celebrities, and PR-obsessed shapeshifters-not to mention an extremely hot bartender named Ricardo-isn’t easy. And the minute one of Amanda’s undead friends disappears after texting the word, “help” (The undead-so dramatic!) she knows the afterlife is about to get really ugly.

Something sinister is at hand. Someone or something is hellbent on turning Seattle’s undead underworld into a place of true terror. And this time, Amanda may meet a fate a lot worse than death.

“Gruesome, ghoulish, and utterly groundbreaking. Mark Henry is daring and scathingly funny.”—Jackie Kessler, author of The Road To Hell

Lauren Dane, Mark Henry, Christine Feehan, Julia Quinn, Cherry Adair, and many more Pacific Northwest authors will be at the upcoming Emerald City Writers Conference. The book signing is Saturday, October 11, 4-6 pm and is open to the public. Stop by and say hi to our talented local authors!

Emerald City Writers Conference Book Fair
October 11, 2008: 4 pm – 6 pm
Bellevue Hilton
300 112th Avenue SE,
Bellevue, WA – 98004