Yes, I know it was Valentine's Day yesterday, but that's not why I had fun. Most of my critique group got together yesterday at Joseph Beth booksellers to chat about our wips. We had 'frou-frou' coffee, as one of the girls called it, and bounced ideas off each other. Face to face works so much better than on-line, because you can express youself so much better. I received some excellent suggestions, and I'm still going through corrections. They also suggested I read a couple of books.
Once the critique group broke up, I wandered the store itself. One book I was looking for was 'Lord of Scoundrels' by Loretta Chase. I was told that the hero was very similar to the hero in my wip. (I stayed up until 2 am last night to finish the book, and they are indeed alike) There's a wonderful, dark-haired little lady there that really helped me out and suggested several others, including several local authors. Shiloh Walker made a little money off me, as well as Maddie James. She also suggested J.R. Ward and Lora Leigh for paranormal, and Toni Blake for 'a just plain good read'.
I had to laugh, because it seemed like she was reading off the membership roster, and it made me really proud. No, I'm not published (YET!!!) but I'm hoping some of this talent rubs off with proximity.
Anyway, for those of you pubished and with books on the shelves at Joseph-Beth, you can rest assured that the store personnel is really working your merchandise. I wish I hadn't run out of money, I would have bought more!
Happy Day, Happy Day... Books to read, Books to write...
Sounds like you had a really good day. I used to love the face-to-face crit group thing. Then everyone drifted toward crit groups online, and it's just not the same.
ReplyDeleteThere is a HUGE amount of talent in Ky. I know the feeling of pride when you run across their books EVERYWHERE and you think to yourself, "I know these people!" :o)
So, tell me. Would you recommend Lord of Scoundrels? I've been keeping my eye out for a really good historical, and I've seen it reviewed and mentioned all over the net. Is all the buzz deserved?
Don't know about you but I'm writing today! Yippee! Hubby's working all day so I've got HOURS to myself. :o)
Wow, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing. It's great to see that Gina is still working her magic hand-selling our books. What a gem she is. And THANK YOU for buying and supporting...and for this post. It made my day. :)
ReplyDeleteDevon, I do not read historicals. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have, usually given to me by my mother. But I have to tell you, I REALLY enjoyed it. I did not like the hero at first,(He's ugly and nasty) but he really grows on you. Jenny in the crit group told me I needed to read it, because my current hero is very similar, but Mrs. Chase rolled hers out so much nicer than mine. I still have work to do to be as good as she is.
ReplyDeleteIf you have the spare cash, pick it up. I'm afraid I'm not going to share this one, it's going on my keeper shelf.
Maddie, is that what her name was? Gina? Short little thing with curly dark hair? She was awesome! Very knowledgable, and had tastes similar to my own. I felt bad because she reccommended so many great books but I ran out of money, and couldn't buy any more.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look her up next time I go in.
Thanks, Jennifer! I love those kinds of heroes, who start out as badasses then evolve as we learn more about them. I think I'll cruise over to Amazon and have a look. Really GOOD historicals are in short supply these days, at least that's been my experience, so I think I'll try this one since you liked it so much. :o)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, what a fun day--thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your bookstore/coffee/critique get-together! But I'm glad you had a nice time. Those meetings and relationships are so important!
ReplyDeleteAnd it is cool, isn't it, to walk through the romance section and see the names of people you know!? One of my most memorable experience (along those lines) was being in the Borders on Fourth Street in Louisville with J.R. Ward, and looking at her book on the shelf as she and I had a conversation. Was sort of surreal!
Great post!
I'm glad you all enjoyed my day. You'll have to come along next time!
ReplyDeleteI love Gina and the crew at Jo-Beth. They really know their stuff and go the extra mile. I can't wait to see my own title on their shelves next month.
ReplyDelete~Sheryl