It was an honor to know, Kate Duffy!

Only four years ago did I arrive at my first writers conference.

I had no clue about any of the publishing industy. (Still trying to figure some things out.)
Anyway, I remember there was a Query letter contest and I decided what better way to learn, right? Well, I had no idea the judge would be editor Kate Duffy, with Kensington.

Well, then my second mistake was I didn't realize there was a class with Kate and she was going over everyone's query letter and giving them advice. I ran down the hall and noticed she was still sitting there with a lady who was writing a book about a woman going through a divorce. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. I was probably shaking in my shoes.

I sat down and waited, hoping she wouldn't throw me out saying I was late. She didn't. Instead, she told me my query was runner up. After that I felt like I was on cloud nine. She still had lots to say about the query letter, and I still have that query marked up by her today. Then later I pitched my first book every written. She rejected it of course because I had every begginers mistakes through out my submission. Then I saw her again and again and again at different conferences.

Every time I pitched to her, she requested my ms, and she told me to keep on submitting to her, that I should never give up. My books will eventually be published she said. She even compared my voice to one of her own authors... Boy, did that make my day... I've since become friends with this author.

And every time I saw Kate, she remembered my name. She knew I was a Louisiana girl, and she told me about her family that lived here. She told me and others how she loved the Kite Runner, and her Kindle. It's why I bought both.

Thanks being you, Kate! You were one of a kind! Your wisdom and encouragement was priceless.

We will miss you.

I hope you have loads of wonderful books in heaven with you, and don't give them cute male angels too much trouble...

If you have your own Kate story, feel free to post it here.


Dawn
Romance on the rocks!

Comic Book Collectors (Spider-Man #252)

Someone at the Heather Graham's Conference was talking to me about collecting comics. I told them my parents use to own a book shop when I was growing up and they still have tons of old comics that they are interesting in getting rid of. Lots of #1's and such. I can't remember who it was that I spoke to but if you happen to read this post here is the information I promised you where you can purchase a variety of those comics. Actually, anyone who reads this can contact him if they are hunting for collector comics.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=AGSIK4B4QEVVZ

If the link doesn't work you can email him at comicsguy75@yahoo.com
He can give you a list of his comics.

I never read many of the collector editions, my favorites were Archie, Richie Rich, any of the spooky looking ones I loved. Ah, the good old days...

Dawn

SEPTEMBER SOLA-RWA SPEAKER - STEVEN SCAFFIDI

Join Sola on Saturday the 19th at 11:00am for a presentation by Steven Scaffidi. The focus of the presentation will be on screen writing. The information below is from his website. Hope to see you there!!! (p.s. The meeting will be back at the library on West Napoleon)

Ghost Rider Pictures was established in 1990, with a singular vision of producing thought-provoking and entertaining films and television programs. Early on, Ghost Rider established itself as one of the leading production companies in the South, producing films for The United States Marine Corps, Pioneer Entertainment, General Motors, Monsanto Agricultural Company, Exxon, Chevron, Pan American Life and banks across America..

Company founder, Steven Scaffidi, is known for producing, directing, and shooting many award-winning films and documentaries, most recently, his documentary feature, FORGOTTEN ON THE BAYOU: Rockey’s Mission to the White House www.forgottenonthebayou.com. The film received the prestigious Humanitarian Vision Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival and won for Best Documentary Feature Film at the Moondance International Film Festival in Hollywood, the First Glance Philadelphia Film Festival and the Ozone Film Festival and was a finalist at the Palm Beach Film Festival. Steven has been represented out of Los Angeles by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and has created and sold original programs to New Line and Atlas Enterprises.

His latest project is currently with Rebel Entertainment and in development with Emmy Award-Winning Producer Scott Messick who is one of the original producers of Survivor.Ghost Rider Pictures also produced the award-winning documentary, THE PEOPLE'S STORY: The Devastation of Central America, and was the first U.S. production company to land in Honduras following Hurricane Mitch. The film was recognized as a winner at the New York, Houston and Telluride Independent Film Festivals and was a finalist in the 2000 Academy Awards.

Steven has unique flair for storytelling and has extensive experience working with actors and real people. His latest dramatic feature film stars a real warden and a real death row inmate that pushes the envelope in casting. EXECUTION www.executionfilm.com is based on his original screenplay which follows the final seven days of a condemned man’s life on death row.

This is an extraordinary and haunting film that puts the audience closer to an actual execution by electric chair than any film ever made.

(Come join us Saturday, met Steven and learn more on screen writing....)

Dawn Chartier

Heather Graham's Writers Conference in New Orleans

It's 11:00pm at night and I snuck home a little early. I feel like I crammed my head with so much new information on writing that I'm about to explode.

Friday it all started at 11:00ish am at the Acme Oyster House on Iberville. I met a few friends and authors at lunch then hit the registration desk after. From then on its all a blur. From one panel to the next things just started meshing together...but I am taking notes and hope to sort it out once I'm home in my comfy space.

Today was another bunch of panels and again I learned tons. I'll blog a little more when I'm not so tired.

Tomorrow is editor pitch day. I'm excited.

p.s. If there are any typo's please excuse, I'm sleeping while typing this.

Good night,
Dawn

Going to miss TrueBlood...Bill, Sam and Sookie...

Tonight I watched True Blood on the DVR and I'm so upset that we have only one episode left. Where has the time flown? Seems like it just came back on since last years season...We'll it did. I think it started in July...they need more episodes per season for sure.

In last Sunday's episode I never laughed so hard at Tara's reply to her mama'. I can't remember it exactly, but it had something to do with the devil hiding in her mama's sunday church hat. Too funny. And Jason, is a riot. I laugh everytime I hear him talk. He's so serious with his saving the world attitude.

I mean, you can't take the show serious, its as funny as they come, and thats why I love it. I mean who ever heard of vampires playing Yatzee? (sp?)

Funny stuff. Mrs. Harris sure has a wonderful imagination when it comes to her characters.

Oh, well. Night everyone. p.s. Did you notice I spelled Hurricane wrong in my prior post? Well, yes I do know how to spell it, I just didn't hit the "e" button hard enough is all...(grin)........

Night,
Dawn