While I was cleaning out some file cabinets I haven’t looked in for ages I found two Daphne entries. May ‘04 the postmark. A year before I sold my first book. As I skimmed through the comments for my favorite entry of the two, WM, a book that I am certain will be rewritten and published, I discovered I missed finaling by 2 points. I had two perfect 128 scores, one 126 score and the kiss of death score, a 76.

Now, I am going to gloat a bit, and I probably shouldn’t but, well, I am. And here’s why. The two judges who gave me the perfect scores were published in both romance and non fiction. The 126 score was by an unpublished author and the 76? A published in romance only author.

Let me give you a bit of a blurb on this story. Dark alpha detective goes under cover to nab a suspected black widow. This is a dark, single title, romantic suspense. It’s evident from page one.

So this judge who gave me the 76? She made comments like “Your hero comes across harsh.” Well duh he’s pissed he has to go undercover and he has zero respect for the black widow. “Your hero seems a bit caustic.” Double duh, he’s a homicide detective. “If you fixed the hero I would recommend this book.” Yada yada yada. She obviously is not familiar with the ‘hot alpha cop’. (her loss) I found out why.

She signed her name.

I hadn’t noticed that before. Soooo, I googled this published romance author. Hmm, she has a nice site. She writes category. Now before anyone jumps on me and says category authors do write red hot alphas, I am not implying they don’t, I just haven’t read many…hardly any…none. Hell, maybe I’m just not reading the right ones. But in my defense every time I was rejected by HQ/Sil the problem was always my hero. Too dark. But, I digress. Anyhoo this judge hasn’t had a release since 2004.

Here’s the real weird thing. The other entry? It just missed finaling as well, and that story will never see a bookstore shelf, no matter how many times I revise. My top scores, one a perfect 128 and one 2 minus perfect were judged by published in romance authors. None left their names, and they were stingy with the comments. Nary a mark on the submitted pages. I’m scratching my head. I don’t get it. The first entry rocked the house!!!! The second? It was admittedly a dud. Why did they score almost identical?

I will say the judge who hated my hero in the rockin’ entry did give me this tidbit to chew on. “You have potential. Never give up!” I appreciate that. I’ve written those words myself on entries I’ve shredded only to see them go on and sell. So what the hell do I know?

Hmm, when I started to write this I felt kind of smug, now, I feel kind of dumb. I feel bad for the judge who hated my entry and prevented me from finaling. She hasn’t released in 3 years, and from the content on her site it doesn’t look like she has anything on the horizon. And that my friends I would never wish on any author. Ok, well there is this one…but, well, you know what I mean.

Now with all of the above said, I have had other judges decimate my entries. I’ve had some who have said the entry was so bad they could not judge it. I had one judge say (I’m paraphrasing here) “It is obvious English is not your first language. To better reach your American audience I suggest you take English classes.” I’m serious. It didn’t bother me in the least that she didn’t get that English was not the heroes’ first language. But it didn’t matter, the entry sucked the big one anyway. But have you ever had such nasty comments from a contest judge that if you knew voodoo you’d use it?

And please share the bloodletting. I love hearing snarky judge comments. I’ll give a signed copy of GOOD GIRL GONE BAD to the commenter with the meanest judge comment.

K*

Are those fighting words?
Maybe.
For some.

Is there a difference between erotic romance and straight romance? Yes, there is. Do I know what it is? No. Not exactly. Do I write erotic suspense? I think so, it’s what my contract says I have to write for my contemps. But reviews say it’s just steamy suspense. So who knows? Frankly, I don’t care. It takes too much time, and too much energy to think about it. Am I a bad author because I don’t pick up the sword and defend my genre? Some may say, yes. I say, I don’t care what you think. I pick my battles and this is one I don’t chose to engage in.

When people ask me what I write I say erotic suspense and sexy historicals. But here is a little sampling of what the general populace’s perception is of what I write.
True story:

Hubby and I are out to dinner a few weeks ago with a few other older family members. One of them casually asks, “So, when are you going to stop writing the smutty books?”
I sipped my margarita and said, “As soon as they stop paying me the big bucks.”
End of conversation.

Many writers who write my genre would have instantly bristled, took up arms, and defended what they write. Mostly because they would have felt insulted and felt the need to explain that just because it’s erotica doesn’t make it smut, and so on and so forth and blah blah blah.

I have no time, no patience, and certainly no desire to explain myself to anyone. You see. I’m a big girl. I know what I write won’t appeal to everyone, and I’m okay with that. I don’t need anyone to go off and defend me. Everyone on this earth is entitled to their own opinion.

Now as far as RWA goes, I LOVE RWA!!!! Are they perfect? Nope, but I love the organization, and how they have brought 9,000 romance writers together under one umbrella, and I love National conference and I love how they really, really try to keep nearly 9,000 women happy. HAH! The day that feat is accomplished we can all go home!

Anyway RWA is talking about changing the categories for the RITA. How many of you even know what the RITA is? How many of you care? I have honestly not given the contest much consideration. When asked to judge this year I balked at the seven books I had to read then judge. No thanks. I really don’t have the time.

Besides, I think it’s too flawed to be accurate. Peers read their peer’s work and judge it. Guess what? There are a lot of authors out there who have made enemies. Do you honestly think if one of the combatants gets the nasty author’s book she’s going to give it a fair shake? Hell no. Now if this particular author is a big enough bitch and word gets around, how many of you think the book will get high enough marks to final? I highly doubt it would. Romance publishing is a very small world.

Women hold grudges, and women react emotionally. Women like to get even. Yeah yeah yeah, we’d all like to think we’re better than that, but we all know there are some very small, pea-brained people out there. It’s a fact of life. There are those types of people who go to blogs and make snarky little comments because they know someone they want to get a dig at visits regularly. There are those who just have no class or subtly at all and throw the shit out there, stir it up, then stand back and watch the cat fight. Then there are those people who suck up to those types so as not to feel the brunt of their wrath. Gee, I’m so proud. Do you see what I’m talking about?

Isn’t it sad, that books cannot be judged for the stories they are but by the nature of the author who wrote it? Or if you get some squeamish reader who doesn’t like to read hot steamy over-the-top loves scenes and who has the option to send it back because they are offended or, ‘er uncomfortable with the material, doesn’t because she is too lazy.

For me the solution is simple. No names on the entries. So instead of sending in a book to be judged, print it out or send it electronically like the Golden Heart entrants do. I think names should not be optional. Total anonymity.

Now, will I enter the RITA next year? Maybe. And here’s why I will consider it. It will introduce my name to a reader or two, and most importantly, if I should by some fluke final? A RITA final means something to Sue Grimshaw. And aside from the fact Sue is a most decent person, she gets us romance writers. Really gets us. She is a huge advocate for romance. And it’s always nice to be recognized by someone who gets us. All of us. Hmm, maybe there should be a Sue Grimshaw award. The lady has made romance a staple in Borders/Waldenbooks.

She doesn’t sit up in an ivory tower, she comes to us. She gets down into the trenches rolls up her sleeves and does her job. She does not discriminate. She pays attention to the facts. I wish more women would take her cue, and just be a stand-up professional.

Okay this blog did not start out as a testament to Sue, but what the hell. She’s a great gal who happens to be great for my biz.

I guess my bottom line is, I am tired of the drama. I’m tired of being told I have to defend my genre. I’m tired of feeling bad if I don’t. I’m tired of hearing about the perceived or real discrimination in RWA and/or the world at large against erotic romance writers.
I am most sad to see women, my own gender, out for the blood of other women. No wonder I was a tomboy growing up.

Is it me? Or do you feel the unrest too?

K*

Come on over to Murder She Writes today and hang out. It’s my blog day.
ciao

K*

LOVE HEALS ALL

Here is what Hilary had to say: First place. I would like to see this one. I liked the direct style, the way the author stayed in the moment and drew me in without tipping off the plot. It’s clear from the beginning who the hero and heroine are, but not what’s going to happen next, which made me want to read more.

Congrats Donna!!!! I’m very excited for you. Good luck with Hilary! (I’ll firm up the details with her on how she wants to proceed)

LaDonna’s RUBY’S DAUGHTER came in second. Hilary would like to see more of her story as well. Congrats, LaDonna!!!

LaDonna, and remaining finalists, I’ll email you Hilary’s comments. Congratulations to all of you for finaling, and I wish you all the best of luck with theses stories!

As for AI, I almost missed it! I had an event at my house last night (hey who knew it would conflict with the AI finale?). Anyway, you should have seen us gals last night trying on clothes and watching AI. At the bewitching hour everything stopped and we watched the moment of truth. I was happy for Jordin, and you could tell Blake was equally as happy for her. He’s a good kid. I wish him well.

Okay, so guess what I have waiting for me? A garage that needs some TLC. Grrrr…I think I’m going to wait until this weekend. Speaking of the holiday weekend, what are y’all doing?

K*

I have the rankings! But, I am not going to announce them, yet, because, Hilary has very graciously offered to do a critique on each entry! Ain’t she sweet? I should have them by the end of the week. So, stand by.

K*

Yay! Apolo and Julianne won!!!!! I just love, love, love their chemistry. They’re the perfect couple. As a writer it’s damn hard to find two characters who mesh so perfectly. Kudos to them both. They deserved the victory. I am going to seriously miss their dancing. Hmm, maybe, just maybe I’ll have to go see the Dancing thingy when it comes to town.

I have to hand it to Laila for being so honest in her disappointment. Instead of saying “Oh, well, that’s how it goes.” She said, “I’m pissed.” I was pissed for her. But I’m still happy Apolo won. (looks like my 20 something votes last night helped)

As for AI tonight, I really enjoyed Blake’s performances, but Jordin’s last song did it for me. I was getting emotional as she sang the last few lines. I think Jordin will win, but I can honestly say, I will not be upset if Blake wins. They’re both great kids and very deserving of their success.

Now that my mad compulsion for the year is over, much to hubby’s relief, although he can name most of the women dancers, and all of the dancing celebs, he told me tonight that he would happy when this ‘crap’ was finally over. I dutifully smacked him.

So, on to a bit more news. I chatted with Hilary today and she should hopefully have some much anticipated information for us this week. Maybe even tomorrow. Be sure I will announce the winner as soon as I get the information.

So, someone give me a topic to blab about Thursday.

K*

Neither do I, but it looks like GOOD GIRL GONE BAD will! I’m really excited to announce GOOD GIRL has sold to a German publisher. I’ve been hoping to sell to the Rhineland. It’s a large market, and from what I understand the Germans love American cop stories. I can’t wait to see the cover. I’m hoping to see the Japanese cover soon.

Okay, so that was my little news for today.

Now, who watched Dancing? I missed Laila’s fist dance but just in the nick of time I was able to watch Apolo and Juliana do the rumba. I thought it was hot! Sizzling hot. I laughed when Bruno said they could have conceived a child right there on the dance floor it was so hot. And even though Len had his issues with it, I respect his old world style charm. Their freestyle was really a treat. I wasn’t as impressed with Joey as I normally am, and wasn’t real thrilled with Laila and Maks’ freestyle.

Can you tell I’m partial? This is how partial. I haven’t voted all season but tonight I voted on all four phone lines I have in this house, including the fax line. I didn’t go so far as to vote on my cell phone, although I would have if there had been time. As it was, it took an hour to get the allowed votes on each of the four lines they were so busy.

So, I did my job. I hope Apolo and Julianne win the competition, but I won’t be hugely disappointed if they don’t.

Now here is something to consider. With Dancing finaling tomorrow night and AI the following week, what the heck are we gonna talk about on Tuesday and Wednesdays?

Hmm, maybe I’ll think up another contest, or we could ask Officer Friendly to come back and guest host a day. But I hear he’s really, really busy these days. He may need encouragement.

Oh, oh, oh,I have a question????? Now that Miss Snark is retiring, supposedly because she is vera busy and has been outed, would someone please tell me who the heck she or he is?

K*

I’m just kind of floating along feeling quite content right now. Kind of like smoking a cigarette after…well you get my drift. The reason? JADED. I wrote the rough draft of this, Jase Vaughn and Jade Devereaux’s story, in January. It was loosely plotted, so loosely that I veered off the page more than once and ended up with a different killer.

When I went back a couple of weeks ago to clean it up, something amazing happened. I fell head over heels in love with my characters, and my heart wrenched for them. I’m not saying I have never felt this way about my other characters, I have, but not to this degree. And the writing part of the story? Best ever. I love the angst, the passion, the hurt, and the love in this story. I love my heroine. I am in love with my hero.

My friend Rocki calls this kind of a book a gimme. I love gimmes. I want every book to be a gimme. REDEMPTION was a gimme. Here’s the blurb. (I’d love to say I came up with it, but when I received what I considered a vanilla blurb for the story, I sent it to my trusted girls, Josie, Poppy and Tawny for help. Poppy nailed it.)

After a fatal car crash, bad boy cop Zach Garret’s descent into hell is interrupted by an archangel with a devilish deal. To earn a second chance at life, all Zach has to do is return to earth as a warrior for good, and father a child with ex- fiancée Danica Keller, the unknowing keeper of a power coveted by the forces of dark. But the only thing harder than keeping Danica alive long enough to father that child, is convincing her to give a second chance to the man whose betrayal once cost her job, her integrity, and almost her life.

Sounds good, huh? I’ve seen the first round of cover art for WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE, the antho this story is in, it looked good, really good, but there are some tweaks to be made. It was interesting when Allison, Rocki and I all had an opinion. Happy to say we were all on the same page. Those two ladies define professionalism. I’m very eager to see what Lauren has come up with after we all discussed our vision.

So, I have a question, one that has been asked many times by many people. But here we go anyway: when you are in a book store, and you pick up a book by an unknown author, do you impulse buy off a back cover blurb if it intrigues you? Or do you open to page one and read the first paragraph?

K*

And to my birthday boy? Happy 21st! I love you, sweetheart!

I had a feeling tonight was going to be Melinda’s last night. And it wasn’t her singing that got her booted. There is no question she has talent, in my opinion more talent then Blake and Jordin combined, but she doesn’t have that certain je ne sais quoi?

I think it’s a no-brainer Jordin will walk the new American Idol. If Blake gets it? Shrug. He’ll do as well as any of them have, with the exception of maybe Carrie Underwood. Was she too cute with Tony Romo at the ACM’s?

Now how about Elliott Yamin tonight? I totally dug his new do and I was glad to see he got a new grill. He is a sweet guy.

So, let’s throw down our picks for next week.
On DWTS, I think Laila will go home. I also think Jordin will be our next Idol.
Whatcha think?

K*

Sorry, I was up until 4 a.m. this morning working on JADED. I love the quiet house and the lack of interruptions. Even my cat is quiet. The today was a busy one. I’m just now getting to the pressing matter of my blog!

So, first of all, I was not surprised to see Ian go. Lisa? Sorry, sweetie, I knew he was your fave. All of the performances were strong, but my heart is on my sleeve for Apolo and Julianne. I just love the two of them together. Laila and Maks are good together too. Have I mentioned I think Maks is hot?

Now on to AI.

You’re going to get the abbreviated version. I think all three idols had excellent performances. I really enjoyed Blake’s version of Roxanne and Jordin’s rendition of I Love You. Melinda was as usual solid. Although I thought her Whitney song was pitchy. But what the hell do I know?

So, I predict Blake will go. And for those of you watching Dancing, wanna pick your winner now?

K*