Where does it all come from?

I’m asked that question all the time. Some of it comes from memory, some of it comes to me the instant I close my eyes and let my fingers glide across the keyboard. Yes, I do tend to type with my eyes closed. What better way to describe something than to visualize the scene playing out before you? And while we don’t have time to cover every character, today I will touch on the ones I’m asked about most frequently.

Years ago, I interned in breed management on a reining horse ranch back in New Jersey. While the ranch no longer exists, it was state-of-the-art at the time and gave me the idea for the Bridle Dance Ranch in the Ramblewood series. Equine artificial insemination fascinated me and Lexi Lawson, Ramblewood’s equine vet was born.

Who are the Langtry brothers? They are a combination of every sexy, confident, red-blooded American male I have come across. But I do have to admit, the basic idea of them probably originated with the Dukes of Hazzard. Who could resist those Duke boys?

Everyone wants to know who Mable Promise is. Mable is my all-time favorite character of any book I’ve read. She even beats out Scarlett O’Hara and I didn’t think anyone would ever touch that golden spot. Mable is the most honest, kind-hearted, mom-to-everyone, gospel loving woman you will ever meet. She’s also the first person to set you straight and put the fear of God into you if you dare walk across her clean kitchen floor with your mud cake boots. She’s a blend of many people I’ve known and a woman with a story of her own.

People always ask what town I patterned Ramblewood, Texas after. It’s a combination of all the small towns I’ve traveled to and through over the years. It sits in the heart of Hill Country where family and community come together as one. Ramblewood’s not perfect by any means. People have some deeply buried secrets, which you’ll start to see in BLAME IT ON THE RODEO.

When I started writing BETTING ON TEXAS, I knew Ramblewood would never just be one book. I had originally planned a four book series, featuring the Langtry brothers, but as BETTING ON TEXAS ended, a few other characters came to the foreground and begged me to tell their stories. Where will end? It may not – Some towns live in our hearts forever as I hope Ramblewood will for my readers.

So when I’m asked, where does it all come from? I have to reply…from the heart. In writing this series, I hoped to create a place where the readers want to stop and grab a bite to eat at The Magpie or take a canoe ride down Cooter Creek before heading to Slater’s Mill for a beer and a night of dancing. Ramblewood lives in the heart of all of us looking for a warm place to call home.

August brings about the release of HOME TO THE COWBOY, the second book in the Ramblewood series. Tess Dalton is home for a visit, but you know how those Langtry men can put a wrinkle in a woman’s plans, and Cole is no exception! So if you find yourself driving through town, or browsing the bookstore aisles, pay a visit to the folks in Ramblewood and catch up on your favorites. I’ll see you there!

Amanda Renee
BETTING ON TEXAS (March 2013)
HOME TO THE COWBOY (August 2013)
BLAME IT ON THE RODEO (February 2014)

www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage



Getting to know: Tess Dalton (HOME TO THE COWBOY)

Today I'm kicking off my Getting to Know You Character Interview Series with Tess Dalton, the heroine from HOME TO THE COWBOY. ~Amanda

Hello, I’m Ava Vienne, entertainment reporter for the Ramblewood Gazette, and today I’m chatting with Tess Dalton.

Ava: Welcome back to Ramblewood, Texas. We haven’t seen you in a while.

Tess: Thank you, Ava; it’s good to be here.

Ava: You’re currently living in New York, right? How’s city life treating you?

Tess: You know the city, everyone’s always on the move.

Ava: I heard through the grapevine—

Tess: (laughs) The grapevine or Magpie gossip? Because I think I know where this is headed.

Ava: Okay, Magpie gossip has it that you’ve had some big changes in your life recently.

Tess: Um, there have been. I was engaged, now I’m not. I’m also looking for a new challenge career-wise.

Ava: So you were fired?

Tess: No, I was not fired, so please let’s not spread that rumor around. The firm I worked for downsized and my position was eliminated.

Ava: That’s where you were a web designer.

Tess: Web design and internet marketing.

Ava: Is that why you’ve come back to Ramblewood?

Tess: I’m here for Jesse and Miranda’s wedding, but the timing was perfect for an extended visit.

Ava: You were a no-show at Joe Langtry’s funeral a few months ago. I’m sure that shocked quite a few people considering your close relationship with the family.

Tess: Wow—I can see I’m getting the wire brush treatment here. I had some, um, scheduling conflicts and couldn’t get away. Can we redirect the questions here?

Ava: I hear you’re helping Cole Langtry develop a website for the horse therapy ranch he’s starting. He’s also your ex isn’t he? How’s it been working with him?

Tess: It’s called Dance of Hope and I’m actually designing the site with his mother, Kay, but yes, Cole and Jesse are following their father’s dream of building a place where the horse’s movement aids in the patients rehabilitation. I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible and enlightening it’s been to see this therapy in person. The other day I met the most amazing little girl named Ever, who has cerebral palsy and has gone from being wheelchair bound to walking with crutches and braces. I mean when you think about how much independence she’s gained from this therapy, it’s just unbelievable.

Ava: You seem very fond of Ever.

Tess: There is nothing this girl can’t accomplish. Her eyes light up with such enthusiasm over everything she does. It completely baffles me that someone hasn’t adopted her yet.

Ava: Ever’s an orphan?

Tess: Sadly, yes. Ever is one of thousands of special needs children who are given up for adoption because their birth parents either can’t handle the situation or can’t afford to care for them.

Ava: You could always adopt Ever, move back to Ramblewood and have her go to therapy at the Langtry’s Dance of Hope.

Tess: If life were only that simple. I’m not exactly equipped for adopting a child.

Ava: There’s still quite a bit of opposition to opening of Dance of Hope, isn’t there? Aren’t Cole’s brothers battling for control of the family fortune and blocking the facility from breaking ground.

Tess: I wouldn’t quite put it that way. Every new business has some wrinkles that need ironing.

Ava: How hard was it seeing Cole again after the past few year years?

Tess: (laughs) You’re really digging deep on this one. Um, it was fine, we’re fine, we’re friends.

Ava: But between us girls, he’ll always have a piece of your heart, won’t he?

Tess: Oh my God! Dramatic! The Langtrys will always be a part of my life which is why I came home for Jesse Langtry’s wedding.

Ava: Have you thought about settling down in Ramblewood and coming home to stay?

Tess: I have. I’ve toyed with opening my own business but I also have some feelers out in Austin and Dallas with some corporate headhunters. I’m not sure if New York is where I really want to be anymore. Never say never, but Ramblewood's not what I’m planning right now.

Ava: You could open up your own business here in town.

Tess: There aren’t any corporations in Ramblewood and what I do doesn’t really pertain to little mom and pop operations like we have here in town.  With today’s internet and with the resources available, anyone can design a professional looking website, have their business cards printed and promotional mailers sent out all within a few hours. I don’t see my services fitting in around here.

Ava: Not even with Cole Langtry?

Tess: Oh my God. What is with you and Cole Langtry? It’s over and done with and in the past.

Ava: Why did you break up? Everyone thought you two were the next couple to get married.

Tess: I don’t know why. We weren’t even together for that long. It’s so amazing that people have this vested interest in our relationship. We dated for a few months. We were best friends all our lives, we tried dating, it failed miserably and it’s over with. We weren’t meant to be a couple. Some people are just better off being friends.

Ava: Now wouldn’t he make a great father for Ever?

Tess: Okay, you know what, I’m done here. Thanks for the interview.

There you have it folks – Tess Dalton is back home in Ramblewood, Texas, but the question remains…is she back for Miranda and Jesse’s wedding or has she really come HOME TO THE COWBOY?

Ya'll come back now!

Love,
Ava

Her Heart Never Left

It seems as if all of Ramblewood, Texas, is far too up-to-date on Tess Dalton's love life, or rather, recent lack thereof. She thought the trip home would help heal her heart-instead it just put her face-to-face with the first man to crush it.
​
Cole Langtry is determined to fulfill his father's dream of building an equine-assisted therapy facility on Bridle Dance Ranch. He doesn't have time for distractions, especially of the heartbreaking brunette variety. What he and Tess once had should stay in the past.
​

But when one remarkable little girl finally brings Tess and Cole together, it's hard to remember why they're apart. They've never backed down from a challenge before, but facing their true feelings for each other might be the ultimate test.

Amanda Renee
BETTING ON TEXAS (March 2013)
HOME TO THE COWBOY (August 2013)
LEGACY OF A LONE STAR (Early 2014)

www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Picnic Time!

My best friend is flying into town this weekend for a “girls weekend”. I haven’t seen Kelli in a few years and I’m looking forward to cutting loose and taking some road trips.

Our friendship began twelve years ago, when I was the new girl at the company we both worked for.  Kelli’s department was down the hall from mine and one day she sent me an email with a list of “getting to know you questions”, ranging from do you have tattoos?  to what kind of music do you like? It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and I often refer to Kelli as my unbiological sister.

Harlequin® American Romance® is about family, friends and community and in my debut release, BETTING ON TEXAS, there is a 4th of July picnic scene where the entire town gathers to meet Double Trouble’s new owner, Miranda Archer.  She’s the new kid on the block, completely out of her element, not unlike I was during my first year as a newbie author. The annual picnic is a place where people can relax and spend time with their friends and neighbors.

My readers are part of my extended family and I love learning about the people reading what I poured my heart and soul into.  To me, the reader/author relationship is very similar to a community picnic…we’re all gathered together and I’m sitting in the middle telling the stories.

Spring's here and it's pretty warm down here in the south. Join me for a month long, community picnic so we can get to know each other better.   Who’s up for the Question Game?

Choose one…choose them all…ask anything back!

• What’s something most people don’t know about you?
• What is the scariest movie you ever saw?
• If you were marooned on an island with a single person, who would you want it to be?
• Do you have any hidden talents?
• What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
• What is your favorite body part?
• What sound do you love the most?
• If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?
• If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
• If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
• If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
• When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
• What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or get weepy?
• What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?
• What do you miss most about being a kid?

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of BETTING ON TEXAS so you can see how Miranda made out at her first community picnic.

Amanda Renee
Betting on Texas (March 2013)
Home to the Cowboy (August 2013)
Legacy of a Lone Star (Early 2014)


www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Happy Anniversary To Me!

Happy Anniversary To Me!

One year ago today, I received THE CALL from HARLEQUIN® AMERICAN ROMANCE® Senior Editor, Kathleen Scheibling—at 10:02 AM to be exact. My life changed instantly and it’s been a whirlwind year ever since.

My debut book, BETTING ON TEXAS released this month. HOME TO THE COWBOY releases in August and I am currently wrapping up LEGACY OF A LONE STAR, due on my editor’s desk Monday morning.

Many exciting projects are planned for the upcoming year. I'm going to take a few risks and see where they lead. In this industry, there’s no limit to your imagination. You can create small towns, big cities, new worlds—the pen is the most powerful tool in the world. Everything starts with a thought, and as authors, we turn those thoughts into realities.

I love my job. It’s a dream come true and I can’t say that enough. Every day I wake up saying, "I did it!" My wish for everyone over the next twelve months is to live your dreams. Let nothing hold you back from doing what you love. You have the power—it’s within all of us. Reach for it, grab it and do it! Make no apologies for those dreams, because I sure don’t.

Life is too short. I realized that almost two years ago when I lost a very dear friend to cancer. I vowed that day to do everything I could with whatever time I have on this earth.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME – Tomorrow I want to celebrate your anniversary—of anything you do—make today the first day. I have faith in you…have faith in yourself and as Walt Disney said—If you can dream it, you can do it.

So tell me...what we will celebrate of yours tomorrow? Don’t be shy, don’t be afraid—start simple with a one-day goal—start writing that movie script you've always wanted to write, sign up for the piano lessons you've always wanted to take—take that first step towards your dream and tomorrow we'll celebrate together.

Now go do it! :)

Peace, love and paws,
Amanda

Amanda Renee
Betting on Texas (March 2013)
Home to the Cowboy (August 2013)
Legacy of a Lone Star (Early 2014)


www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Trifecta…Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, Book Release

Happy Belated Mardi Gras! – Happy Early Valentine’s Day!

Since my monthly blog date falls in between two holidays, I thought we should have a three day party!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!  Let the good times roll!  Mardi Gras, one of my favorite holidays is definitely celebrated in my family.

Even Duffy gets into the act with his Dragon Costume!

I hosted a Mardi Gras party and had the king cake flown in from Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans.  Look who found the baby!  That makes it official...I'll be hosting again next year :)

My Valentine’s Day is still a mystery but I was informed it will be "complete with pink champagne and a surprise dessert!"

Since I write romance, I am always interested in everyone's Valentine’s Day stories.  And this year I’d love to hear yours.

My favorite wasn't the day as much as it was the gift…a lop-eared bunny I named Arizona Tesla. She was the sweetest creature.  Sadly she is no longer with me, but she will always remain my most special Valentine.

What was your best, worst, funniest, most memorable Valentine's Day?

Continuing on the celebratory path, tonight I will be web chatting about my debut book, BETTING ON TEXAS.  

Join in the fun for a chance to win a signed copy of 

BETTING ON TEXAS!

Mo’s Book Buzz 9:00 PM EST

at

www.romrevtoday.com

Click the RRT Chat button and choose Mo’s Book Buzz.  

No passwords are needed, just your name.

BETTING ON TEXAS officially releases on March 5th, but you can pick up a copy sooner directly from Harlequin® at www.harlequin.com.

And remember...commenting on any of the American Romance blogs automatically enters you in the monthly drawing for one of our books!

Amanda Renee
Betting on Texas (March 2013)
Home to the Cowboy (August 2013)
Legacy of a Lone Star (Early 2014)
www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

A Year of Firsts!

I’ve come full circle. 

A year ago today, I sent off my first submission to Harlequin, as part of their So You Think You Can Write competition.  Nerves were an understatement, but three months later to the day, Kathleen Scheibling, senior editor of the American Romance line called me and changed my life. 

What a wonderful year of firsts…

December 13, 2011 – My first submission to Harlequin.  Actually, it was my first submission to any publisher.

My First Sale - March 13, 2012 – BETTING ON TEXAS made it to Harlequin’s American Romance Line.

First Celebratory Dinner – There was champagne, chocolate, flowers and Chinese food.  It was a night I’ll never forget!

First Blog – Fellow American Romance author Marin Thomas grabbed my hand and led me here.  I love visiting with all of you every month.

First Contract – I never saw a document more beautiful!

First Advance Check – You mean they pay me for doing what I love?

First Revisions – No author is perfect.  Our editors find the flaws and steer us in the right direction.  My editor is a dream come true.

First Art Fact Sheet (AFS) – This should have come with a warning!  This is a database where an author enters the fine details about their book, from a character’s physical traits, clothing, scenery, etc., which in turn allows the art department to create our amazing covers. 

First Title Change – For years, my book was known as Double Trouble.  The name had been previously used by another author (shame on me for not doing my homework) so I had to come up with another one.  BETTING ON TEXAS was born.

First Dear Reader Letter – I’ve read hundreds of these, yet when it came time for me to write mine, I had so much to say I didn’t know where to begin.  

First Dedication – Words can’t describe how I feel.  Thank you mom and dad!

First Line Edits – Editor extraordinaire, Kathleen Scheibling, read through and edited each line of my manuscript.  This was the final time for me to make any major revisions to the book.

First Copy Edits - A Copyeditor goes through the manuscript with a fine tooth comb and ensures every comma, every letter, every everything is in the right place.

First Author Alterations (AA’s) - This is the author’s final read through to double check for errors.  A proofreader at Harlequin simultaneously reads the manuscript and changes are made if necessary, before another proofreader runs through it again.

First Pre-Order – Nothing compares to the feeling of seeing your book become available for pre-order at all major booksellers.

First Book Cover – Squee!

I enlarged this puppy to a 16x20, framed it and hung it in my foyer.  People can’t help but notice my cover when they walk through the door.  Obnoxious?  Nah – just proud J

First Proposal – Fellow American Romance sister, Laura Marie Altom, guided me through the right and wrong way to submit a proposal (I am forever grateful!) – Things are much different when a contest isn’t involved.  There were many rewrites…and lots of rum! 

First Multi-Book Contract – The sequels to BETTING ON TEXAS, HOME TO THE COWBOY (August 2013) and LEGACY OF A LONE STAR (early 2014) are coming to a bookshelf near you!

Soon I’ll have my first review, first sales ranking, first time I hold my printed book in my hands and many more firsts I’m sure I don’t even know about yet.

If you had told me exactly one year ago today that I would have three Harlequin books under my belt with so many exciting opportunities ahead of me, I would have said you were crazy. 

I’m living my dream and I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. 

Thank you for coming on this journey with me, I hope you stay for the next one.  The next time we meet, it will be 2013.  Have a safe and wonderful holiday season and a Rockin’ New Year!

Amanda Renee
Betting on Texas (March 2013)

Home to the Cowboy (August 2013)
Legacy of a Lone Star (Early 2014)

www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Cover Art Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Good Things Come...

I know, we’ve all heard the phrase good things come to those who wait … The origin of the idiom is more diverse than all Heinz 57 varieties represented in that ketchup slogan from the 1980’s.  Younger peeps will know it as the Guinness beer slogan.  Regardless, they never tell you waiting is the hardest part, another phrase in itself, one of which many songs and poems have been written about. 

So, I waited for that next contract to come along.

Patiently. 

Alright, who are we kidding?  I don’t know the meaning of the word patience.  I’m a take no prisoners, ass kickin’, top of the world, there’s work to be done so let’s make up the rules as we go along type of person.

But, still I waited, my toes tapping while I checked emails repeatedly over the course of the day and even gave my editor a special ring tone (When You Wish Upon a Star) that I swear I heard on numerous occasions, only to find a blank caller id instead – listen, there is no cure for me so don’t even try.

I played by all the rules of publishing.

And you know something?  It paid off.  I received the email and the phone call I was hoping for and I signed a new two-book contract.  Yippee!  The Bridle Dance Ranch saga continues with HOME SWEET COWBOY and LEGACY OF A LONE STAR.  Those Langtry men just can’t keep themselves out of trouble!

I think one of the biggest fears for a new writer is the thought of being a one trick pony.  For me especially, considering I was discovered through Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write competition.  I’d never been through the normal submission process before all of this.

I made my share of mistakes – trust me on this one.  Let’s just say, I’ve learned how NOT to write and submit a proposal.  I’m getting the hang of it, but learning everything was the equivalent of heading down a bumpy trail while facing the wrong way in the saddle.  Nerve wracking was an understatement.

Now I have deadlines…many of them.  Books, blogs, interviews, online chats, promos, and I’m sure there are few I don’t even know about yet.  The truth of the matter is, I thrive on every morsel of it.  Deadlines drive me to push myself even harder than I did before. 

Was it worth the wait?

You betcha! 

To learn more about my first year with Harlequin and how I'm Moving the Story Forward, hop on over to Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write Blog on November 19th and be sure to join my editor, Kathleen Scheibling and myself for a global Twitter chat at 10AM, EST.

Looking forward to seeing you there!  And remember, sometimes patience really does pay off :) 

Amanda Renee
Betting on Texas (March 2013)
Home Sweet Cowboy (August 2013)
Legacy of a Lone Star (Early 2014)

www.amandarenee.com
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

NEVER AGAIN!

I’m not only an author, I’m an avid reader.  From time to time I stumble across things that really set my teeth on edge.

My rant is twofold. 

#1  An editor is an author’s best friend.  They want you to write the strongest book possible, so embrace them and let them edit!  With self-publishing on the rise, I see far too many books in desperate need of editing. If you go this route, please hire a professional editor.  Your readers will thank you. 

#2  I want to know what ticks you off, so my books don’t end up in the “never again” pile.

 

My NEVER AGAIN items:

Member – No No No!  Don’t do this to the male appendage.  For some reason every time I see member, I think of the band Menudo. I have no idea why.

Flower – Do NOT under any circumstances refer your heroine’s area down there as her flower.  That warrants a book toss.

Pebbled – Really?  He kissed her neck and her breasts pebbled against him.  REWRITE!

Little (when referring to an adult) – I judged a contest recently where the author wanted to convey the heroine’s small stature. I’ll allow it once, twice, maybe even three times, but when it comes to the repetitive use of little hands, little feet…we get it.  She's small, but she’s NOT a child. 

A well-known author (name withheld) went through a "little" stage in the late 80's where every book for prattled on about the small heroine.  I stopped reading her books.

Last page character introductions – This mainly pertains to thriller/suspense books. I'm invested in the story, trying to solve the mystery, only to discover on the last page a new character is introduced and they conveniently are the villain.

Beautiful Abuse –  I just finished a romance where the heroine was described as “beautiful” thirty-six times in fifteen chapters.  After the first chapter, I kept score.  Despite her beauty, I found the flawless character very unbelievable. 

A page of dialogue…without tags – Sure, I leave them off too, when it’s very clear who is speaking. But when I see an entire page of tagless dialogue and I have to actually COUNT down the page, “him, her, him, her” then you have a problem. 

My friends and family chimed in with their book peeves:

Mom dislikes over descriptive filler - pages of details that don’t move the story forward and are clearly there to make page count.  

Kelli can do without the info dumps.  “I’d like crime writers to stop having the cop/forensic characters describe forensic procedures to each other.  It is their job to already know that, isn’t it?”

Kimberly has trouble with pronoun abuse.  “There were so many she she she, he he he I lost track of who was who.  Put a name in there every once in a while.”

Since I'm a debut author, it's important for me to listen to my readers. After all, I’m writing for you and I don’t want to write the book you toss across the room.

Let's get down and dirty.  Tell me what you never want to see in another book again.

Amanda Renee 
Betting on Texas (March 2013) 

www.amandarenee.com 
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee 
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

So I thought I could write…

Last year this time, I was just another writer. I say writer because you’re not officially an author until you sign on the dotted line. I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t write. I learned at an early age that writing could be a weapon, a way to cope with pain, a reward or a vacation to any place in the world. Writing can be anything and I could be anyone. If I thought it, I could write it.

When you walk through my house, you will see quotes all over the walls (even the bathrooms!). Everyday these are my constant reminders that anything is possible.

I wanted to be many things when I grew up. I still haven’t grown up (do we ever really?) but in between wanting to be an architect, auto designer, actor, engineer, John Taylor from Duran Duran’s wife, one thing remained constant. I wanted to write…and I wrote.

And sometimes my words got me into a whole heap of trouble, and other times I was revered. For me, the freedom that comes with writing is like that of an eagle, soaring high into the clouds. Nothing can stand in my way.

Two years ago, I heard about Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write Contest. I looked at it, thought about it, did nothing. I was a member of RWA and a whole slew of others writer organizations, but I still backed away from submitting.

Last year, I was flitting around Twitter when I saw the contest was rolling around again. My Double Trouble manuscript had been sitting in a drawer for 7 years. It needed to be tweaked a bit…okay, it needed a complete rewrite, which is why when Harlequin asked me to submit it 7 years ago, I never did. I wasn’t ready and it wasn’t ready.

For those of you not familiar with Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest, imagine American Idol for romance writers. With two weeks until the deadline, I made a decision to enter. And in the middle of my rewrite, I came down with the flu. I had a fever for over a week, but I’d be damned if I was going to let that stop me. I can remember staying up until 5am, writing and rewriting in bed, on a netbook, with a thermometer hanging out of my mouth. I even remember hallucinating a few times, thanks to the wicked reaction I had to NyQuil.

That quote right there says it all and it's my all-time favorite. It sits in a tiny 2x3 frame and I look at it every single day. Whenever I think I can’t do something, I read it and then I get my butt in gear and just do it.

I submitted my manuscript – yep, last year’s contest meant submitting your entire manuscript. I worked hard, met the deadline and waited…and waited. When the winner was announced, I didn’t get upset. I don’t think I ever expected to win because I never looked at it as a contest. For me, it was an opportunity to get my manuscript in front of an editor by jumping over the slush pile. They said they were contacting other entrants with offers and I figured I was one of them.

As the days ticked by, I dreamt one night that I got “the call”. I phoned my mom the next morning, telling her how real it felt. I was more than confident. I was 100% positive. Not being offered a contract wasn't an option. In fact, the thought honestly never crossed my mind. Until the day they announced all follow-ups were completed.

I was devastated. I think I cried for 5 days straight. But I didn’t stop writing. I tore the manuscript apart and started over – Obviously, it needed edits since it wasn’t chosen, and I wasn’t quitting.

Then on March 13th, my mobile rang and the word TORONTO appeared on the caller ID. I knew who it was. Harlequin is in Toronto. Small problem though…I was frozen in place. I swear I answered the phone a split second before it went to voice mail. It was Kathleen Scheibling, senior editor for Harlequin American Romance.

Kathleen began by explaining my manuscript had been sitting on her desk and she would have called sooner, but she was really busy (understatement of the year – the woman has an amazingly full schedule!) and she offered me a contract.

For the first time in my life, I was speechless. Mute and drooling, I nodded my head as if she could see me. I was also typing short email bursts to my best friend, Kelli, filling her in. My vocabulary range eventually grew into 5 or 6 words. I was so embarrassed afterwards, I sent Kathleen a follow up email apologizing for my complete loss of the English language.

And then I hung up the phone, screamed, cried and jumped up and down - and quickly put my manuscript back together!

So I thought I could write…and I was right! 

Now it’s time for Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write 2012 – A global event where your dreams can become a reality.

I’m not going to tell you how to format your submission or how to write that winning manuscript. Harlequin and So You Think You Can Write will guide you with their community forums and an online conference. I’m here, sitting on your shoulder with a pitchfork (I’m no angel), jabbing at you until you enter this contest.

If you want to write for Harlequin, what is stopping you? Only one thing…you. Don’t blame your day job, your spouse, the kids, the “I don’t have time…blah, blah, blah”. I don’t want to hear it and I won’t sugar coat things either. No excuses – you can do this! We create our own destiny and there is nothing you can’t do.

A fool once told me I was a dreamer. When I said he would see my name on a book one day, he said “Ha! You can’t even write your name in the snow.” My response? “The hell I can’t! I just have to move around really fast, that’s all.” Bottom line, there are always obstacles in life. Sometimes you have to change course a bit in order to clear them.

So You Think You Can Write is an amazing opportunity – How many publishers hold your hand and walk you through the craft of writing and submitting? None that I know of.

On Monday, September 17th, So You Think You Can Write kicks off a free, 24/7 online conference. You have an opportunity to spend an entire week with 50 editors, from three countries, all from the comfort of your own living room! You can even wear your Betty Boop pajamas and pink fuzzy bunny slippers if you want to. This boot camp will help you prepare your submission for the So You Think You Can Write contest.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much my life has changed since 10:02 AM on March 13, 2012. Double Trouble became BETTING ON TEXAS, and two days ago, it became available for pre-order. It’s been 6 months since I received my call and I will never forget a single moment of it.

So You Think You Can Write is lighting the path and leading the way. Come join me and cross over to the Harlequin author side.

I’ll leave you with one last photo from my house…

Start Dreaming, Doing, Achieving 

The End Is Just A New Beginning

Live Life, There Is No Take Two

So I think YOU can write… 

Amanda Renee 
Betting on Texas (March 2013) 

www.amandarenee.com 
www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee 
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Praise the pie and pass the whipped cream…

Pie.  My favorite dessert of all time.  My earliest pie memory was when I was five years old and we first moved to New Jersey.  A few feet from our back porch stood a cherry tree.  Mom and I would pick and pit the cherries and she would make the most amazing cherry pie. 

Growing up, my family made weekend jaunts to Cape Cod, where we frequently ate lunch at a small cafe called The Brown Bag.  Their specialty was Kentucky Sky High Pie.  Pecans, molasses, chocolate and pure heaven.  The Brown Bag no longer serves that pie and our backyard cherry tree is long gone, but the memories remain.

The Magpie luncheonette and bakery is featured prominently in the series I am currently writing.  For the sake of literary accuracy and not wanting to steer my readers down the wrong pie path, I find it necessary to research various types of pies.  I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to sample and add to my collection. 

While I can never duplicate my fondest pie memories, I have come to realize the ones that now win my heart over are the simplest to prepare, like my rustic apple pie.  Place three sliced apples with a smattering of sugar and cinnamon in the center of pie crust and loosely fold the edges over leaving the center exposed.  No pie plate necessary.  Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until golden brown.  You can easily substitute pears, peaches or other fruits.  I promise, you’ll never feel guilty about a slice. 

In the northeast, pie was reserved as a summer treat.  I live in South Carolina now, and pies are a year round staple.  Candles adorn birthday pies.  Pot luck suppers mean multiple pies.  I’ve even seen pies replace the traditional wedding cake. 

Pie crust is an art in itself.  There are even television cooking shows devoted to it.  The best one I’ve seen is the series Alton Brown did for The Food Network on the science of pie crust for his Good Eats show.  I have to admit, sometimes (not always) I cheat and buy the premade pie crust you thaw and unroll.  Shhh.  It will be our little secret.    

Now that I’m craving a slice, tell me, what is your favorite pie?  Feel free to share a recipe or two. 

Amanda Renée

Betting on Texas (March 2013)

www.amandarenee.com

www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee
www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Writing tools, backups and whiskey...Oh my!

Happy Friday the 13th!  My first blog back in April was also on Friday the 13th and I discussed my Triskaidekaphobia (the fear of the number 13).  I am happy to say, I've conquered that fear.  But there is a fear that still remains...the fear of losing my work in progress.

Many years ago, my laptop crashed and it cost me $800 and a bottle of whiskey to have the data recovered.  I met the man in a dark basement of his non-furnished house, in a remote town, an hour away.  I brought a friend for protection once I heard the words "bring whiskey".  

Times have changed and the way I go about writing has too.  My tools were once a notebook and pen.  I upgraded to a desktop, then to a laptop.  Now I have an entire tool bag to work with.

iPhone - I love smart phones for on the fly note taking, photos and minor digital recording. Last year I wrote my entire NaNoWriMo manuscript on my iPhone using two apps. Dragon Dictation (free) and My Writing Spot ($2.99). A 50,000 word rough draft was completed in 12 days. It's amazing what the proper tools can allow you to accomplish.

Kindle Fire - I recently eliminated stacks and stacks of research materials by utilizing the Adobe app (free) and the built in documents feature. I can grab it and go and even make edits if I need to with the QuickOffice app (free). I save a bundle on printing and paper costs, never mind the lack of clutter. I even receive most of my magazine subscriptions on it. Added bonus, it's very green!

Notebook and pen - I have notebooks of all sizes stashed everywhere. My bag, my truck, my exercise equipment, the nightstand.

Multicolored index cards - Each book gets its own color. I'm currently writing a series so this makes it super easy to keep track of what characters, locations, animals, etc. are in each book. When time permits, I transfer everything into a spreadsheet.

Laptop - My main writing source. This one stays home.

Netbook - My travel writing source. It's small and light, easily fits in my bag and the battery lasts an entire day without charging. I've written 4 manuscripts on mine.

USB drives - You can never have too many of these. BACK UP YOUR WORK! Either that or get the whiskey ready...for you...avoid the shady guy in the basement. I use mine to transfer work from my laptop to my netbook, as well as all those research photos I took with my iPhone.

iPod - I visualize everything as a movie. Similar to a soundtrack, a particular song helps me capture the mood as I write a scene.

Digital recorder - This is my favorite tool. I have the Sony UX512 and I never leave home without it. Since it's fully customizable, I have a folder for each book I'm working on. I can record story ideas into a specific folder at the touch of a button. I find it imperative for dialogue. I literally perform every word before it hits the page. I can record it, play it back and see how it sounds.  If it doesn't sound natural, out it goes. I even record my read-throughs after my edits are completed. Essentially, it's my own audiobook. It enables me to catch things I may have missed. It also makes for comical grocery shopping. I left my iPhone in the car a few weeks ago, but my recorder was in my bag. I had a story idea and I was afraid to lose it. I whipped out my recorder and in the middle of the toilet paper aisle I started talking into it. Oh, the looks I received could stop a clock! Being the ever loving trouble-maker than I am, I raised the recorder to my mouth and said, "we will need to amputate all limbs, stat". The gawkers couldn't get away from me fast enough. They either thought I was a deranged doctor or a serial killer. Probably the latter of the two.

Post it flags - Can't live without them. Perfect bookmarks.

Click Free backup drive - BACK UP YOUR WORK! Can't say it enough. The Click Free plugs in and back up your entire system. No hassle, no worries, no need to buy that bottle of whiskey.

Planner - I have a separate planner just for writing. This one is the size of an index card and goes everywhere with me.

I am constantly on the go.  My ideas usually strike at the most inopportune times so it's nice to have these items at my fingertips. Now, I don't carry everything with me all the time.  The laptop and the Click Free stay home, unless I'm running from a hurricane (I live in the south and these things do happen).  Everything else tucks nicely into my Dooney Florentine bag.  It's not the weak or meager.  Empty, the bag weighs 5 lbs and with all my daily crap, we're looking at 10-12 lbs.  A few months ago I pulled a muscle using the shoulder strap and it took 3 weeks to heal. But everything fits with room to spare. Injury be damned, it's my tool bag, my handbag, my everyday bag.

One last piece of advice when it comes to backing up your work.  I always email a copy to myself at the end of the day.  The email account has to be one that uses a cloud type of mailbox.  Yahoo, Gmail, etc. allow email and attachments to remain on their servers so in the event of a computer crash and the lack of a backup, you can easily retrieve your documents from any computer.  I use a separate email account that only I know about (to eliminate hackers and theft). There are many cloud services to choose from. Most of them are free.

And then there are some days when technology ticks me off and I just need to unplug for a while.  There's something to be said for the simplicity of an old fashioned notebook.

That's my writer's tool bag ... what's in yours?

Amanda Renée

Betting on Texas (March 2013)

www.amandarenee.com

www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee

www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage