A Candy Store In Town!

We just discovered the new candy store in our area and it is so much fun! They have lollipops of all shapes and sizes, fudge (my weakness), giant jawbreakers on a stick, cotton candy, colored caramel popcorn, gelato and Dipping Dots, nostalgic candy like red, hotdog gum, Big League Chew and soda pop fizz candy, and the list goes on and on!

It is such a bright and cheerful place that my kids want to go back everyday!! So as not to break the bank we decided to make some candy of our own and my hubby found this amazing website http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/candy/recipe-taffy.html that explains the candy recipies. Our first attempt will be taffy!

I remember my brother and I making taffy with my great grandmother and mother one fall. Coloring it and stretching it was a blast. I have to admit that the recipie looks a bit challenging (I haven't been in the cooking mode in a while:). I'll let you know how it turns out!

What about you? Any favorite candy recipies? Favorite memories of making candy or going to a candy store? Tell me what you think of the Exploatorium website!

Have Fun!!!!

Jamie

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!

Thanks so much for all the comments on these wonderful interviews. As I said, each author will choose a winner who will then recieve a copy of their RITA Nominated book! AND I will choose a GRAND PRIZE WINNER who will recieve all of our books including SNOW ANGEL.

Go to the comments page to find out if you've won one of the individual contests (the authors will be posting the winners throughout the day today, so keep checking back:).

And the GRAND PRIZE winner is . . .

jeannie!!! Congratulations Jeannie!! I will email you for your address today!

Jamie

Last of the RITA Nominated Interviews (sniff) :-). Next time I talk about the RITA's I'll be back home from SF!







Introducing Emily Gee from New Zealand!! (Her nominated book THIEF WITH NO SHADOW is currently out of stock, so there might not be a contest winner for this interview - but please comment anyway:) Welcome Emily!

How did you get started in the publishing business?


I wrote, and wrote, and wrote—the typical apprenticeship. My sixth book sold … just when I was on the point of giving up!
Any surprises? Biggest challenge so far?


My biggest challenge has been juggling the demands of work and writing. Something has to give—and unfortunately it’s usually the writing!
What is the best part of being a novelist?


The license to daydream as much as I like!
What’s the average day in the writer’s life look like for you? Are you scheduled and organized or are you more the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” type?


I’m much happier when I’m organized. Typically I get up and go for a long walk, then write until it’s time to go to work. In the evening I may do some more writing—with a glass of wine!
What are your inspirations for your stories? Any tips and tricks for someone who is stuck?


No inspirations! I just daydream far too much…
Whenever I’m stuck, I go for a walk around the hills. By the time I get home I’ve worked out the answer to my problem.
Have you had a mentor, critique group or teacher that has helped you get where you are today? Have you been a mentor to someone else?


A very generous writer named Lisa Chaplin (Melissa James) read and critiqued a fantasy novel of mine. She made me rethink how I’d written each scene in the book. Without her help I may never have signed with an agent--or sold a book!
What does it mean to you to be nominated for a RITA award? How did you feel when you got the call? And what do you think the RITA means for the romance novel genre?


I was quite stunned to be nominated—and I walked on air for several days!
This may be the wrong analogy, but for me the RITA is the equivalent of the Oscars—the best of the best, as judged by peers. Just perhaps not so high profile as the Oscars!
What are you wearing to the RITA Awards Ceremony in San Francisco? (LOL) Do you have the dress picked out? Any stories?
Well … I wasn’t planning on attending the San Francisco conference (the cost was prohibitive) but fortunately I received a conference scholarship, so I’ll be there! My dress is something my sister found in an op shop—but it looks expensive (or at least, that’s what I tell myself!)

Are you preparing a speech in case you win?


I haven’t yet, but my writing mates Downunder are determined that I shall!
Congratulations on your RITA nomination. Any last thoughts?

I’m thrilled to have been nominated and I’m looking forward to San Francisco—and meeting my fellow nominees—with great excitement!

Introducing the Lovely and Talented Hank Phillippi Ryan with her Double RITA Nominated book - PRIME TIME!

(Remember, to win a free copy of Hank's book PRIME TIME, just comment on the interview and you will be included in the drawing:) Happy Reading, everyone!

How did you get started in the publishing business?

Really really started? When I was 19, I worked as a proofreader for a publishing company. My colleague and I read the entire Indiana Code of Laws OUT LOUD, including punctuation and capitalization. Then we made the index for the whole set of books, using—index cards.
Fast forward through 30 years of being a TV reporter—and then one day, I had a great idea for a mystery. I can remember the moment I thought—secret messages in computer spam? It still gives me goosebumps. And that was the beginning of this amazing journey.
Now book three in the Charlotte McNally Mysteries, Air Time, will be published by MIRA next year, and then Drive Time. Very very exciting. And now I’m doing my own proofreading!

Any surprises? Biggest challenge so far?

Everything is a surprise. It has been a long time since I was the new kid at anything. So—writing a book? Writing a whole book? Getting an agent? A publisher? Writing a mystery series? It was all a challenge, and all a surprise. But I must say—one of the loveliest surprises was how wonderful all my new book world friends are—generous, patient, kind and gracious.

What is the best part of being a novelist?

Getting to say I’m a novelist! And seeing my book in a bookstore. No—here’s the real answer. I was in the post office the other say, and a woman came up to me and said—are you Hank Phillippi Ryan? I’m kind of used to being recognized, since I’ve been on TV here for so long, so I said yes, sure, hi. And she said—I love your books! And pulled a copy of Prime Time out of her purse. It just doesn’t get better than that. (Winning the Agatha for Best First Novel was also astonishing.)

What’s the average day in the writer’s life look like for you? Are you scheduled and organized or are you more the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” type?

My average day is coming to work at Channel 7. Working a full day as the investigative reporter. Then dashing home, and ducking into my study to write. (My husband has eaten a lot of pizza over the past few years, and has done a lot of laundry. He’s really learned some survival skills!) I am extremely and totally organized. Have to be. Lists upon lists. I even have a chart of how many words I day I have to write. Most often, I’m behind. But at least I know how behind I am. It’s such a pleasure though, to create Charlie McNally’s world—the time just disappears.

What are your inspirations for your stories? Any tips and tricks for someone who is stuck?

I forget who said—Somerset Maugham maybe? I only write when I’m inspired. And I make sure I’m inspired every morning at 9am.
That’s kind of how it goes for me. I’ve spent so many years as a reporter, when you absolutely can’t miss a deadline, that I just have learned to power through times when it’s not working. I say to myself—just GO ON. Just write something. And then, I make it better later.
Tips? It’s all there in your brain. Just don’t be afraid to let it come out. I have a quotation on my bulletin board: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”

Have you had a mentor, critique group or teacher that has helped you get where you are today? Have you been a mentor to someone else?

Hmm. I was halfway through Prime Time when I finally took my first course in how to write a mystery. Hallie Ephron was the teacher, and she’s become a wonderful friend and mentor. Katherine Hall Page shepherded me a great deal, and Sisters in Crime has been an endlessly wonderful resource. I’m a mentor at for the debut authors at Thriller Writers, and that’s fantastic.
Critique group? Forgive me, but no. I’m just not the critique group type. Until my brilliant and amazing editor gets my manuscript, I guess I think I know best. I do adore editing other people’s work—but beware. I’m incredibly tough.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for a RITA award? How did you feel when you got the call? And what do you think the RITA means for the romance novel genre?
I’m laughing. I was in the midst of work chaos when I got the call, and had no idea it was RITA day. After the person said “I’m calling from the RITAs, and congratulations”…I fear I didn’t hear much after that.
I do remember asking, in disbelief and with apprehension about getting too excited—you mean—I’m a finalist? Nominated? Or just in a group where you’re still choosing the nominees? And the person said: Honey, this is the Oscars. You can put this on our tombstone!” That’s when I knew it was real. But I still smile whenever I think about it. When the second phone call came, for a nomination in the Romantic Suspense category, I was still floating. That caller certainly has no eardrums left.
Last Christmas, I gave my agent a first edition Nancy Drew, and a silver picture frame. I said—maybe we’ll put our RITA photo in it. That was a…well… Not a joke. But certainly a dream. I am full of joy and wonder to be on the list with such incredibly talented people.

What are you wearing to the RITA Awards Ceremony in San Francisco? (LOL) Do you have the dress picked out? Any stories?

Oh, the tension. No, I Don’t have my dress yet. Last year, the glam Michelle Buonfiglio wore the same ultra-slinky red dress that’s on the cover of Prime Time—I couldn’t believe it when I saw her! I’ll have to do some fast shopping—another RITA perk.

Are you preparing a speech in case you win?

No. Yes. No. Yes. Maybe. Am I superstitious? Or prepared? Hmm.

Congratulations on your RITA nomination. Any last thoughts?

You, too! And I wish we could all win. In fact, I think we already have. I’m so grateful. And so inspired. And I can’t wait to meet you all.

Thanks Hank for the inspiring interview! Learn more about Hank Phillippi Ryan and her books at http://www.hankphillippiryan.com/

Next Up! Kelly Parra with the YA Novel (And Double Nominated for a RITA Award!) GRAFFITI GIRL!

Kelly recently did an interview on Writers at Play http://www.writersatplay.com/ where I learned that Graffiti Girl has been mentioned in TEEN mag, become a Latinidad Top pick, and been selected for the NYC Book Up program to encourage middle grade students to become long time readers. She calls it her "Little Book That Could" and after reading the interview I felt so proud of her! (I'm almost old enough to be her momma!)

Please welcome Kelly Parra!

Hello Jamie! Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog along with these talented RITA nominees! :)

Kelly, how did you get started in the publishing business?

Creativity has always run through my blood. It wasn’t until I was home and expecting my first child that I took up reading Romance. I’ll always remember reading Nora Roberts’s BORN IN ICE…that hooked me on my path to becoming a faithful Romance reader and eventually writing. After joining RWA and writing short stories and failing miserably at contests, I became serious when I hooked up with two fabulous writers, Dianna Love and Tina Ferraro. From there it was finishing that book, learning the craft, and eventually querying agents, signing, and reaching that precious goal of selling!

Any surprises? Biggest challenge so far?

For me, everything is a surprise when I first experience it. My biggest challenge came very quickly after selling a novel to the Bombshell line and having my Romantic Suspense not published after the line closed. My young adult sale came quickly after and with my spirits down, it was mentally difficult to finish my second book, but I pushed myself and GRAFFITI GIRL was turned in. When it was published it meant so much more to hold it in my hands. That’s why this nomination and my nomination for Young Adult Romance are such a surprise and both a wonderful honor.

What is the best part of being a novelist?

Creating characters and stories all from my imagination. Sometimes I wonder where do these images in my head come from, but then I think I don’t care as long as they never stop. Being able to write stories is a gift, and one I don’t ever want to take for granted.

What’s the average day in the writer’s life look like for you? Are you scheduled and organized or are you more the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” type?

Oh man, I am so unorganized it’s not even funny! Okay, maybe a little bit. I have a chicken scratch list of tasks I need to take care of that is always growing. I really just switch my plentitude of hats every hour or so: Mom, wife, writer, blogger, interviewer, promoter, reader. Sometimes I have to wear them at the same time. Haha, talk about busy! ;)

What are your inspirations for your stories? Any tips and tricks for someone who is stuck?

My inspiration has always been wonderful books. When I read a novel that makes me feel I want to share that gift with other readers. I often become stuck, so when that happens I start to write from a different scene that will hook me back into the book. Works like a charm. :)

Have you had a mentor, critique group or teacher that has helped you get where you are today? Have you been a mentor to someone else?

I would have to say Dianna Love (http://www.authordiannalove.com/) has been my mentor for years. I met her on-line before either of us sold, and she was a Golden Heart finalist. She would take the time to answer my many questions and read my work. Through the years she has accomplished so much from becoming a Golden Heart winner, selling, RITA winner, and now recently a NYT bestseller with PHANTOM IN THE NIGHT. I am very proud of her!
My cyber partner and most valuable player in my writing life is young adult author, Tina Ferraro (http://www.tinaferraro.com/). We hooked up through a critique service years ago and have been best buds ever since. We share our hard times and our triumphs and I could not ask for a better critique partner and friend.
The mentoring I’ve done has been through judging contests and doing my best to share my thoughts and experience on my Words of a Writer blog. This RWA conference I’ll be taking part in a workshop with Shelley Adina, Carol Culver and agent, Jennifer Jackson. Hopefully, I’ll be able to speak past shaking with nerves!

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a RITA award? How did you feel when you got the call? And what do you think the RITA means for the romance novel genre?

As I mentioned, it is a wonderful honor to be nominated. I was in shock when I received my call and trembling! By the time I got my second, I thought pigs were surely flying, and until I saw the official announcement I wouldn’t believe it. What a day that was! I think the RITA is an honor to those who write Romance and for finalists and winners. Something to be proud of. :)

What are you wearing to the RITA Awards Ceremony in San Francisco? (LOL) Do you have the dress picked out? Any stories?

LOL, is right! I have never been to a RITA ceremony and I’m allergic to panty hose and heels. (Just kidding!) It is going to be quite the task picking a dress I feel comfortable in.

Are you preparing a speech in case you win?

I have not prepared a speech, and I may draft something, but the competition is so fierce for me it’s just been such a pleasure to be nominated! I never dreamed to be a finalist, but I’m always willing to take a chance.

Congratulations on your RITA nomination. Any last thoughts?

Thank you, Jamie! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. I’m sending my congrats to all of the finalists in every category as well as our own. Best of luck, Everyone, and I can’t wait until San Francisco!

Visit Kelly's site at http://www.kellyparra.com/

RITA Dress!

I've had several people ask if I've gotten my dress for the RITA Awards Ceremony and the answer is YES!! My sister and I went shopping together and when we saw it, we both knew it was the one! But it was a little big, so I thought I would have to keep looking. Then the sales woman showed me how it could be altered (she was a really good sales woman! LOL) and I decided to go for it! The beading is just gorgeous. Let me know what you think!

What is your favorite dress that you've ever bought (wedding dresses don't count:)? What was the occasion? I would love to hear your stories!!

Introducing Terri Garey with her RITA Nominated book - DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY

This interview had me cracking up and tearing up! Terri is such a sweetheart! Enjoy! To be a part of the drawing for a free copy, just comment on the interview:)

How did you get started in the publishing business?

I decided back in 2001 that if I was truly going to succeed as a novelist, I needed to educate myself about the industry. I got on the Internet and discovered Romance Writers of America—they were having a conference in New Orleans that year, and it seemed like the perfect place to start. (The Garden District, the Cajun cuisine, Jackson Square… all of it dear to this Southern girl’s heart.) So, not knowing a soul, not knowing a query from a question mark, a synopsis from a synonym or “category” from cat food J, I registered, got on a plane and went to every workshop I possibly could, soaking it all up like a sponge.
And I’ll be honest with you—it was baffling. It was overwhelming. It was more scary than the tour I took one afternoon of the local cemeteries and voodoo shops. J So much to learn, so much to sift through. But it was also inspiring – I met so many women who were excited and enthused and interested in what they were doing. I remember seeing all the women in their beautiful dresses heading toward the RITA and Golden Heart Awards ceremony, and thinking how very special it must feel to be nominated for an award like that. It truly is a dream come true to be one of those women seven years later!

Any surprises? Biggest challenge so far?

I’d have to say that the biggest surprise for me was learning how little control an author has over the actual “marketing” of their book once it’s been sold. The cover, the title, the release date, the back cover copy—all the things that you envision as you’re writing it become subject to the decisions made by your publisher and their team of experts. My publisher, Avon HarperCollins, has been absolutely wonderful about allowing me input in all those areas, but the ultimate decisions are always up to them.
The biggest challenge? I’d say coming to the realization that once you’ve finished that book, you really need to get busy on the next one! We focus so hard on getting published—I think in order to truly succeed, you have to realize that as an author, your job is never really done. The book may be done, but your job as a storyteller isn’t. There are people out there who are clamoring for more stories!

What is the best part of being a novelist?

You mean besides hanging out with Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp? Fielding movie offers? Dodging the paparazzi? J The best part of being a novelist (besides making my own schedule and making up stories like the fairy tale above), is knowing that there are people out there who are reading and enjoying my work. The emails I get from readers, the fun I have knowing I’ve made people laugh and taken them out of their daily routine, if only for a little while, is by far the best part for me.

What’s the average day in the writer’s life look like for you? Are you scheduled and organized or are you more the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” type?

I’m an “early-to-bed-early-to-rise” type who finds herself much more creative and productive in the morning than in the afternoon. I don’t have a set schedule, but after breakfast with my husband, I take a power walk with the dog and then sit down to work at my desk. I take a short break for lunch (usually reading while I eat), and then I’m back to work. I’m still there at 5:00, but I have a harder time focusing in the late afternoon, so lots of times I find myself blog surfing, answering emails or shopping online by then. (Don’t tell my editor!)

What are your inspirations for your stories? Any tips and tricks for someone who is stuck?

I get inspired by great settings or quirky things and/or people I see on the news. I’m a big believer in the “real life is stranger than fiction” example. I find music is a great way to get my mind going, but I absolutely can’t have music playing while I write—I need quiet for that. I also do a very small collage at the start of each book, with pictures and phrases that represent what I’m “going for” in that particular story. I keep it by my monitor until the manuscript is finished.

Have you had a mentor, critique group or teacher that has helped you get where you are today? Have you been a mentor to someone else?

I’ve never had a mentor, but I’ve had a couple of really wonderful authors who encouraged me along the way, particularly NYT best-selling romantic suspense author Mariah Stewart. We were total strangers when we met at a conference in NJ, but she’d read my work in a contest. She took the time to sit down and give me some excellent career advice, which led (by a bit of a roundabout route) to me signing with my agent. I strongly believe that having a great literary agent is a necessity in this business.

As for critique partners, I have to give a tremendous amount of credit to my very first critique partner, Sheila Raye, who hounded and nagged me through the first full draft of DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY, my RITA finaling book. I don’t think I could’ve done it without her. That was four years ago, but since my editor is now the ultimate “critiquer” of my work, Sheila has gone on to critique for others. I’ve tried to “pay it forward” by acting as judge in writing contests, and try to be as encouraging and informative as possible to anyone who’s interested in writing.

What does it mean to you to be nominated for a RITA award? How did you feel when you got the call? And what do you think the RITA means for the romance novel genre?

It’s truly a dream come true, which started back in New Orleans in 2001. Getting that phone call was one of the most exciting moments of my life—getting a second call fifteen minutes later was indescribable! I actually thought there’d been a mistake, and they’d notified me twice in error! It wasn’t until the very nice lady from RWA explained to me calmly that I’d finaled in two different categories (Best First Book and Best Paranormal Romance), that it sunk in. (Well, actually, it took another few minutes after I’d hung up to sink in… I think I was numb at that point!)

What are you wearing to the RITA Awards Ceremony in San Francisco? (LOL) Do you have the dress picked out? Any stories?

Ah, yes, the dress. *sigh* I absolutely adore it. Full length, bronze/gold satin with banding and a teeny bit of bling at the bodice, with a cute little bolero jacket. I’d gone shopping and narrowed it down to two choices, then called a dear friend and begged her to come down and help me choose. When I stepped out of the dressing room expecting only her, there were five women standing there waiting for an empty dressing room—total strangers all—who oohed and aahed and had very definite opinions on which dressed looked the best! LOL It was unanimous for the bronze/gold satin!

Are you preparing a speech in case you win?

No speech. Just a short list of people to thank.

Congratulations on your RITA nomination. Any last thoughts?

Thank you, and congratulations to you, as well! This has been such an exciting journey, and it really is true what they say about just being honored to be nominated—win or lose, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world!

To read more about Terri go to http://www.tgarey.com/

Thanks Terri!!