| By Laurie Kellogg | July 9, 2009 |
Romance Writers of America®’s national conference in Washington, DC, is less than a week away and culminates on July 18th with the RITA/Golden Heart® Awards ceremony.
Okay, so I’ve WON the highly-prized Golden Heart Award, not just once, but twice (2004 & 2006), and I still haven’t sold a book—much to my family’s outrage. “How can you win the equivalent of a Pulitzer for unpublished romance authors twice and not sell?” they ask, along with everyone else I know.
People unfamiliar with the workings of the publishing industry don’t understand that selling a book isn’t necessarily about how well-written or compelling a story is—although it needs to
be those things first and foremost. The sale of a novel is more often dependent on marketability.
At present, editors and agents are looking for the next Twilight (by Stephanie Meyers) or My Sister’s Keeper (by Jodi Picoult). Regrettably, I’m not a fan of paranormal, and I love happy endings, so that leaves my work (which tends to sit on the fence between series and single title romance) at the bottom of the editors’ and agents’ slush piles.
I know there’s a good chance I could sell a lot of my past projects to e-publishers, who aren’t quite as dependent on current trends. However, I’m not ready to give up my dream of landing a more lucrative contract for those works after I build an audience as a print-published author. I just need to find an editor who appreciates the seriocomic blend of my LaVyrle Spencer-style plots and Susan Elizabeth Phillips-like voice
This year, I’m a GH finalist for the fifth time with a book that’s probably also a fence-sitter. Since the conference is so close to my 
home in Pennsylvania, most of my family is attending the awards ceremony (eight to be exact) and is expecting me to win again like I did when five family members came in 2004, the year I was a first-time, double finalist.
The painful truth is—I know something my family doesn’t. When I mailed my entry for The Great Bedroom War last November, I had just completed the first draft of the manuscript and still needed to move a lot of back-story and polish the book. So you can imagine my shock when the entry actually made it into the final round of judging.
Now, my dilemma is how to save my family—especially my 14-year-old niece, who is always begging me to TELL her one of my stories because I won’t let her READ my steamy love scenes—from a huge disappointment on the 18th.
I keep explaining I’m pitted against seven other extremely talented writers in my category–one of whom has also won twice before. I point out that only one author, a 2004 GH
friend of mine, has ever won three times (probably because most writers sell a book before they achieve that dubious honor). Nonetheless, my family just laughs at me and says, “Yeah, yeah, you said that the two times you won.” They refuse to believe I have about as much chance of walking away with the Gold this year as President Obama has in balancing the federal budget.
I’m praying my family is merely being supportive. I had hoped having them all at the awards would be a great bonding time. Now I’m terrified it will be a big letdown for them because their expectations for me are so high.
Will I feel SHAME when I don’t win? Absolutely not. Disappointment? Maybe. However, seeing as I have serious doubts that my first-draft entry could possibly win—probably not. At the Academy Awards, they don’t say, “It’s a SHAME just to be nominated.” It’s a great honor to be a Golden Heart finalist because, in order for a book to make the cut to the final round, it has to score in the top ten percent of over a thousand manuscripts entered—and the competition gets fiercer every year.
Would I prefer FAME a
nd seeing my name and pudgy face on RWA’s website again for the next year? You bet I would. Sadly, just like my dreams of winning the lottery (despite that I rarely buy a ticket)—it’s not happening this time.
So why do I keep entering this notable contest when it causes so much angst and potential disappointment—not to mention, acid indigestion?
Here are my TOP FIVE REASONS FOR ENTERING THE GOLDEN HEART
1. The camaraderie between the finalists each year is amazing. I’ve made so many great friends through the Golden Heart. This multi-author blog is the result of my friendship with my ‘007 pals. 
This year, many of the 2009 GH finalists (aka The Ruby-Slippered Sisters) will be wearing glitzy, red high-heel pins (and red shoes) as a symbol of our sisterhood and the belief that the secret to our success isn’t down a yellow brick road. It resides deep within each of us in the form of talent, determination, and perseverance. Our motto is There’s No Place Like the Best Seller List!
Okay, so the pin is mostly an emblem of our fondness for talking about what we’ll be wearing in DC. 
2. Attending the conference as a finalist is a total blast. Finalists are treated as celebrities. As I said in my acceptance speech in 2004, “Everyone treated me so special and made such a fuss over me I felt almost as if I were, well . . . published.”
3. FIVE (5) preliminary round judges have to absolutely LOVE an entry for it to be nominated for the award. Therefore, in an industry that’s filled with so much criticism and rejection, being a GH finalist is affirmation that my writing and stories can’t be total excrement, to put it politely. I continue entering the contest each year because, if I didn’t periodically get this kind of reassurance, I would have to give up.
4. Ranking in the top ten percent of unpublished romance writers earns you credibility and respect in the publishing industry. Finalist or winner status can be used as a writing credential.
5. Manuscripts that are GH finalists get publishing professionals’ attention. Will that status sell a book? Possibly. But if nothing else, it moves the manuscript to the top of editors’ and agents’ to-be-read pile. So whether an author receives the Golden Heart necklace or not, she’s already won simply by being nominated.
I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you in DC as possible. And we’ll Party like it’s 1999!
(That way we can all be ten years younger!)
Now I’d like to hear from you. What are your thoughts and advice on how to deal with my family’s expectations? If you’re also a writer, what are your top reasons for entering the Golden Heart contest? If you’ve been a finalist, how did it enhance your life or affect your career? As a reader, would a book’s Golden Heart status influence your decision to buy it after it’s published?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Yay, Laurie, my ruby-slippered sister (and fellow GH competitor)!!!!!! Nice blog. I see your delimma with the family, but I just can’t imagine how they could ever be disappointed even if you didn’t win. And you know…you just might! Even if they have seen you up there before, just the razzle-dazzle of the awards show and seeing your picture and book title up on those screens will have to be another, very proud moment for them. Just try not to worry about them and enjoy having them there.
It’ll be in my neighborhood next year and even if I’m not up for an award I’ll drag some of the family with me so they can see how totally awesome the awards show is and I know they’ll be even more proud then to know my name was up there this year.
Good luck!!!! But, ahem…not too much
July 9th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Great post, Laurie! Congratulations on your final.
As for advice on how to deal with your family’s expectations, well, that’s not your problem. If you win they get to say “I told you so…” and if you don’t, they’re young, they’ll get over it.
The main reason I entered the Golden Heart was to see if I could get into the top 50%. I guess I did.
The other reason I entered, and it’s the reason I entered every contest, was to put my work in front of editors. It worked because I was lucky enough to have sold Romeo, Romeo to one of the final judges even before I won.
The Golden Heart and RWA has changed my life indelibly for the best. My experience at Nationals was incredible, I got the attention of editors (although it didn’t help me in my quest to get an agent), and the best part is the wonderful group of women who have become my Golden Heart Sisters, I’ve made some incredible friends and adore all of the Bond Girls.
I have yet to take off the Golden Heart I won two years ago. It’s my lucky charm and one of the things I’m most proud of.
A Golden Heart finalist would definitely influence my buying habits. My publisher must have thought so too since they put it on the book cover.
Good luck, Sweetie! I’ll be cheering for you!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:16 am
I forgot all about the JUMBO-tron, Kim. It’s exciting to see your face blown up on two 20-foot screens. Except mine looks chubbier than ever that big
I’m proud to be competing against you and the other writers in the contemporary series category. I’ve read the synopsis of your book on your website, and it screams WINNER. It’s definitely something I would want to read.
Good Luck. And thanks for stopping by, my Ruby-Slippered Sister.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Fantastic post, Laurie! I have my fingers crossed that this time your golden glow will attract a publishing contract.
My family and non-writer friends are blissfully ignorant of what a big deal the GH is. I’ve been able to keep my feet on the ground as a result! The main reason for entering was to see if I could better my placing in last year’s contest.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Robin, my family would LOVE the opportunity to say I TOLD you so! And for a change, it would be nice to hear them say it. But I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, because it’s clear from your writing voice you were also raised by a bunch of smart-mouths.
Romeo, Romeo was fabulous. I hope you’ll be signing in DC, so I can get a copy of Too Hot to Handle.
My #1 reason for entering the GH is to make fabulous friends like you. Don’t forget our date with Laura and Pat to part-eeee in DC!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:41 am
My fingers are crossed for you as well, Vanessa. You’ve got a great shot at selling in Young Adult. YA has really exploded in the last few years. I hope to be getting a Facebook message from you any day now that you’ve landed a contract.
Good luck on the 18th!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Great post, Lori. I can’t wait to meet all my Ruby Slippered Sisters in DC.
Like Robin I entered the Golden Heart to see if I had written that marketable book and could make the cut. I guess I did too.
And like Vanessa, my family has no clue what is happening and why I’m in a frenzied state. The DH will find out, as he will be attending the ceremony with me.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Oh man Laurie, I needed to be reminded why I even enter the GH! I have finaled twice and the last one was in 2007. I entered this year and didn’t final and swore I wouldn’t enter again unless they start dropping the lowest score cuz every year I have one ms that doesn’t make the cut because of ONE score. It’s very frustrating.
But you are so right, I am still enjoying the benefits of my two previous finals and have to hang on to that. The camaraderie is number one. I’ve met so many wonderful and supportive writers through the GH. They are the best! And it’s great being able to put that final in a query letter. Even though it has yet to land me an agent or editor hopefully it garners some attention I wouldn’t otherwise receive.
Good luck with the final round this year Laurie! You very likely will be the second finalist to pull off a 3 time win!
Beth
July 9th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Laurie, I hear ya. I write contemporary as well, and trust me, I have my frustrations with the GH! I had a book that finaled two years in a row, and not only did it *not* get bought by the house it was with at the time, but I still wait up to a year for responses on requested manuscripts. What, again, are we supposed to gain with the GH…? LOL
I blame some of this on RWA–I think the contest is over-hyped. We hear prestige, prestige, prestige…yet I think maybe one or two of the finalists in my category over the past couple of years (combined) have sold to NY. Winners of all categories seem to do pretty well, but a lot of other finalists have no luck. Why is that? Could be the market. Who knows.
Regardless of any benefit you may or may not see when it comes to editors and agents, finaling in the GH is huge for the reason you mentioned–five people have to love it, and the number of entries is enormous. It means you write well, no matter what. So congrats to you and all the ‘09 finalists! I won’t be in DC, but I’ll be watching for the winners’ names.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Autumn–It’s really exciting when your family attends the awards ceremony and you see the light bulb go on in their eyes when the witness what a big deal it is.
Good luck on the 18th! I’ll be cheering for you.
Beth–I know the feeling of being a finalist one year, and not the next. That’s what happened to me last year. With any luck, neither of us will be eligible in November to enter again.
Avery–I think a nomination for a Golden Heart carried more weight years ago when the market wasn’t so tight. Today, publishers are buying so few new authors less and less GH finalists are selling. Kate Duffy told me in 2007 that new authors need to give them something BETTER than what their pubbed authors are already providing. Otherwise why would they bother with publishing a no-name who has no established audience. Stinks for us who are trying to break in, but I do see her point. We’ll be thinking of you when we’re partying in DC.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Laurie, even more than a win, here’s hoping you are NEVER ELIGIBLE AGAIN for the Golden Heart come November!
I enter the GH because it’s alost a rite of winter for me, lol. After winning in 2007, I thought I’d sell right out of the gate, but it wasn’t in the cards. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a lot of writing possibilities, and managed to achieve my dream (working from home, supporting myself thru writing–as a single person this was a challenge!) without selling fiction. That made me really explore why I write fiction, and the result is that I’m now tinkering with all sorts of stories, anything that makes my heart smile.
I guess each of our paths is different, though I will GLADLY join the ranks of the published as soon as I possibly can, and I expect you will get there ahead of me!
Here’s hoping the best of all possible things for you.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Thanks, Jenn. From your mouth to God’s ear.
I think it’s great that you’re able to support yourself doing something you love–even if it isn’t in the fiction market. Not many writers can. Every little publishing credit helps.
Here’s to hoping NEITHER OF US are eligible to enter the GH come November.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Laurie,
Like Jenn, I hope you’re never eligible again for the Golden Heart come November, publicly because I wish you a publishing contract, privately because I’m entering the GH this November and I’m scared to death of competing against you!
Big hugs to you as you prepare your family for what you ASSUME will disappoint them. I wish I knew what to tell you. My kids are much younger than yours and they get super excited — or disappointed — every time I win — or lose — ANY contest. Me winning the GH wouldn’t register in their brains as any big deal. They’d probably ask me if this meant I was finally getting published in fiction and they’d get to go to Disneyland.
Just remember that you’re ASSUMING the worst when, really, you’re already sitting where so many of the rest of us would kill to be. I, personally, am both extremely proud — and jealous — of you!
As for what I look for in a book as a reader? Before I joined RWA and started writing fiction, a contest credit on a book didn’t mean beans to me. I shopped by author or content. If I’d enjoyed the author before, I bought her book. If the story sounded interesting to me, I bought the book. Honestly? I still don’t shop for books based on contest credits, although NOW I notice them if they’re listed and know what they mean. My opinion is that the contest credits we all collect over time mean more to the industry insiders — other writers, agents, editors, etc. — than most readers. Otherwise, you’d see NY snatching up a lot more GH finalists and winners than they do.
I’m sending all my good vibes your way to win — again — this year. (My apologies to the other finalists, but I’m biased toward Laurie this year!) But even if you don’t win? Your friends and family love you, you’re a kick-butt writer, and you’ll have a fantastic time at conference. Wish I was going!
Heidi
July 9th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Good luck!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Laurie, I would sooo love to see the look on your face if you win this year, and I think it’s lovely that you have such an enthusiastic family. Deliciously good thoughts to you and to all of my Ruby Slipper sisters!
I’m on my third GH final in three years, and I enter because it forces me to complete and polish one manuscript a year. The journalist in me thrives on deadlines. Also, what a great return on investment. That $50 entrance fee nets finalists some pretty significant exposure and puts a jump on name recognition for when they sell. (Trish Milburn, anyone?)
And as you said, when you final you have the affirmation that five people really “get” you. And it’s things like that that keep the fires burning. Joy!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Oh, Heidi, (sniff) I wish you were coming too. Next year in Nashville I’ll be cheering you on.
I agree with you that contest credits on a book cover probably mean more to people in the industry. Although, before I started writing when I saw NYT Best Selling author or Winner of any writing award on a cover, I usually took a closer look.
I’m tickled that you stopped by.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Thanks Kelly and Shelley–ooh, neat, the two of you rhyme.
Trish is my role model for perseverance. EIGHT-X GH Finalist and 2X Winner! She deserves every bit of her success. She worked hard for it.
Can’t wait to party with you in DC.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Great post Laurie! My heart went pitter-patter when I saw the picture of our pin.
I’m a newbie in this arena of recognition, but already I know the fear. My chapter president called me out in front of the whole meeting to say I was getting “close”, couldn’t I feel it? (Ok, I’m vice-pres so she gets to pick on me and she’s up for a RITA so she has her own brand of torture that we gush at her too.)
No advice for dealing with your family, unfortunately. I feel like you’re a big sis and I’m a wide eyed guppy.
Can’t wait to meet you and win or lose, they’ll never take our slippers.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Good luck this year, Laurie!
My GH final, I can’t really say if it’s done anything for me or not. The manuscript got a full request after the contest, but then the editor left the house, and I haven’t experienced the top-of-the-pile situation at all. In fact, I’m having a hard time *locating* the manuscript. It’s been nearly 22 months since submission….. ‘Nuff said.
I don’t see how your family could be disappointed in you. You’ve explained the ins and outs of the contest to them well. When I finaled, I knew I wouldn’t win my category. I didn’t sub a first draft manu (mainly because I don’t write first drafts in their entirety), but I entered with a manu that I’d begun revising, and I’d only revised up to the partial point (it was a last minute entry). So if the finalist judges attempted to read the full, at the top of chapter four they would have seen, “Continue Revising from This Point,” LOL.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Laurie, excellent post! I love your term fence sitter when describing your work; because it tells me you don’t write to the market and WHEN I pick up your book in the bookstore, I’m going to be reading something compelling and marvelous. It’s interesting to me to see people at conference when an agent or editor tells them what they’re looking for — and all these notebooks spring miraculously into thin air — and people begin scribbling. You obviously write books you are passionate about. And passion trumps market any day in my very subjective opinion. Talent wins out. You are cream rising to the top. You are a force to be reckoned with. Well done!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Jeannie, I can’t wait to wear our RED shoes together!
Cindy, I did exactly the same thing this year. In fact, it was on the top of PAGE ONE that my full manuscript was a first draft version. After 22 months, I’m thinking you should resubmit to another editor at the house. That baby is probably lost for good. But you never know. I once got a reject from a house (that will remain nameless) on a submission they’d had for over three years.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Thanks, Donnell. You are so good for my ego.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Hey, Laurie! Fun for you that your family can attend! I so hear you on the family expectations. I’ve entered three times – 1994 (and won), 2007 (didn’t win), and this year. I’ve been at this a long time (with a short hiatus for family issues).
I’d like to think I’m close, but as you mentioned, this business is interesting. Right manuscript, right time, right editor – all the pieces need to be in place. Hang in there – RSS – your day is coming!
To be honest, I don’t tell my extended family much about my writing. They all wonder why I haven’t published yet…:-)
Congrats to all of this year’s finalists! Kayla
July 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Kayla, sometimes I wish I’d kept quiet. Whenever I go to a family function I’m inevitably asked, “So when am I going to be able to buy one of your books?” As if I’d actually want my aunts and uncles reading my love scenes.
July 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Laurie, Wow! I didn’t realize I was up against such stiff competition! But since I never expected to final in the first place, I’m just enjoying this part. This time has been great and I’m going to enjoy conference to the utmost.
The first thing some of my family asked was, “So NOW are you going to sell a book?” I have to admit, that was a little painful. But I just keep trudging on and hope for the best. That’s all I know to do. I can’t wait to meet all of you in DC. I”m almost ready for conference…. Yay!
July 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Wonderful post, Laurie!!!
I feel much the same way you do. My chances of winning are slim to none, but just the final has been life-altering! This is all just so exciting and I’m ridiulously honored to have all my new sisters!
Congrats!!!
~D~
July 9th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Hi Laurie (and my fellow Ruby Slipper Sisters),
I truly wish we could all win Saturday night. By the time the awards ceremony rolls around I feel like a cheerleader for the other finalists. But as you say, we’re all winners already.
See you in D.C.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I know what you mean, Laurie! I finished my first manuscript in 2001 and entered it in my first-ever contest, the 2002 GH. It finaled, and I thought, “Hey, this isn’t so hard!” Well, that book is still under my bed, alongside my 2007 finalist, and my friends and family are still asking, “When can I buy your books?” ::sigh::
My reason for entering the GH is pretty simple– like Shelley said, it forces me to finish and polish one manuscript per year. I always enter as soon as they open for entries, so then I have that $50 hanging over my head, urging me on!
I’ll be cheering you on in DC!!
July 9th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Stiff competition, Danniele? Honey, you weren’t nominated for the GH award because your work isn’t as great as everyone else’s–You ARE the competition. And when you go up to accept your award on the 18th, I’ll be cheering as loudly as anyone.
Darynda–with a title like First Grave on the Right, how can you lose?
Yes, we are all winners, L.A. If we get nothing else out of our GH nomination, we’ve gained a great group of friends.
Can’t wait for next Tuesday, my Ruby Slippered Sisters!
July 9th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hey, CP!!! Finally made it. As I told you on the phone, love that you used the motto and I can’t wait to don my pin—it will, of course, go with my entire wardrobe. LOL
Thanks for the pep-talk, doll, on the phone AND via the blog. I love the GH and what it stands for. Validation at the national level is validation of the best sort–and your writing has achieved it four times. Can’t argue with that.
{{{Hugs}}}
July 9th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Laura–Thanks for your good wishes. I can’t wait to get together with you, Pat, and Robin in DC!
July 9th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Gwynlyn–I’m so glad you stopped by long enough to say hi. Now get writing so I can really HATE Percy.
Hugs backatcha!
July 9th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Hi Laurie – great post. Sorry I’m late to the party but I’ve been out all day.
I LOVE the red shoe pins and shoes. I’ll be looking for them. That’s a darling idea. I’m sure your family will have a blast whatever the outcome. Awards night just has that magical quality that is awe-inspiring….
Good luck. You’ve had a wonderful career so far. I’m sure the call is just a heartbeat away.
Can’t wait to reconnect.
Hugs,
~Caro
July 9th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Thanks, Caroline, for your faith in me. I hope to see you at the conference.
Laurie
July 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I feel your pain, Laurie.
My GH final got me read again by a house that had already passed on that manuscript almost a year earlier. Still, it was nice to get the request and second chance.
And the affirmations from contests are nice.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
PS. Good luck this year!!!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Congrats on the final, Laurie!
I don’t think we can measure our success in this industry through our sales. That may be the ultimate goal, but just because an experience or honor doesn’t send us directly down that path doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile–your top 5 shows you understand that.
Thanks for the post and may wonderful things happen for you before the next GH deadline!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Good luck on your submission, Maureen. Here’s hoping the editors see the light this time.
Thanks, Leshia. I do understand it. I just wish the rest of the world did.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Oh, I am very sad now that I’m not going to be in DC to watch you during the awards, Laurie!
I have my ups and downs with the GH,…and the Rita’s for that matter. I judged the RITA’s for the first time this year and had two PHENOMENAL books in my stack that did not final. When the finalists were announced I was left scratching my head. The same has happened in the past when I’ve judged the GH. I really think finaling in either contest is an accomplishment you shouldn’t overlook. To have five people rate your book so high? You should feel extremely proud.
But it’s true…what judges think are great isn’t always what NY wants to buy. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said new authors have to give publishers something BETTER (or even different) than their already established authors are giving them. That’s really the key. And that might not be what scores high in a contest like the GH because it means it has to be completely different than what’s being published already. It’s a really weird place to be as a writer.
My CP finaled for the 3rd time in the GH this year as well (in RS). I have everything crossed for her. Does it mean her book will sell? I hope so. But I don’t know anymore than you do what NY wants to buy and why. For a struggling writer though, just the recognition the GH brings (even if it’s only in RWA) is something that can make your year and give you the encouragement you need to keep writing.
Good luck, Laurie! I’ll be rooting for you!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Thanks, Elisabeth. I wish you were coming to DC too. The thing I find so frustrating in this business is that when an author gives NY something different, the editors claim it’s not marketable because they can’t stick it into one of the niches that are already being filled.
So really what they want is something that’s the SAME, but only a LITTLE different. And that’s totally a subjective call, depending on the whim of the editor and the way the wind is blowing at that particular second.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Laurie,
You’re going to have a marvelous conference, and those of us there will all be cheering for you no matter what the outcome! One of my wonderful Chicago-North RWA chaptermates (Pat White), was a GH finalist 6 times before she sold her first novel. Sometimes it just takes a while for all the factors to align. Family members may not understand this, but other writers do…
For me personally, I wish I could say that having won a GH was enough to sell. It wasn’t. Not by a long shot, actually. I think you’re quite right about marketability being key. The publishers have to know how to approach selling the book. In my case, that GH book required a LOT of revision before an editor could see the potential market. Sigh. But I think just about every aspect of this industry requires a lot of work.
Being a GH finalist is like being an RWA rockstar, though. Have FUN with it–and good luck!!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Thanks, Marilyn. I hope to be cheering back for you next year when you’re a RITA nominee!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
That was a very excellent post. Thanks for having the courage to say aloud what many of us think in our heart of hearts. Wishing you the best of luck.
Tina
2 x GH Finalist
July 10th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Managing other people’s expectations is hard. The whole publishing thing and why it takes so long is hard to explain. Especially when you’re finalling in things.
But it sounds like you’ve got the right approach. As for finalling in the GH, well it was fabulous and exciting but I haven’t sold yet either. But I believe in hang in there, follow the dream and you’ll get there.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Thanks, Tina. Stephen King says a person will never be a great writer unless he/she writes the truth.
Melanie–I believe we’re all going to get there . . . eventually. I just hope it’s before I’m eligible for social security.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I feel like I am not only speaking for the rest of my family when I say, we are proud of Laurie for making it this far. Who cares if she acutally wins?? Been there done that! I happen to love being able to tell people “my mother-in-law writes award winning romance books with steamy love scenes and everything.” It really seems to impress people for some reason…..except for my husband. I think he gets a little creeped out that his mom thinks that way.
(Someday she should explain to him how he got here). Besides….it gives us all an excuse to take a mini vacay to D.C. and get dressed up. I cannot think of a better way to spend time together as a family, than celebrating the accomplishments of someone who we are all so very proud of. 
July 10th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
AWWWWW. Thank you, Amiee. Now everyone knows why I love you like a daughter.
July 11th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Great post, Laurie!