I Made PRO!! by Alicia Coleman

                                                               
Life finally took a back seat so I could fulfill my dream of becoming a romance writer. I joined RWA (Romance Writers of America) in early 2011. Writing as well as craft books, novels, novella, short stories, workshops, writers' groups and conferences took up all my available time. And I'm still studying. The next step was to apply for PRO.

According to the RWA website, "The purpose of the PRO community of practice is to establish within RWA a network of communication and support to effectively promote and protect the interests of romance writers in the areas between manuscript completion and PAN eligibility."

Two weeks ago, I stood on the precipice of change.  Should I take a chance and send in my manuscript or no?  I looked back. Lurking there were fragmented dreams. So I turned forward. Opportunities. The future is unknown and scary, but I can't advance unless I take the plunge.  So I jumped....

I landed on firm ground. Whew! I succeeded. I made PRO! 

Next is publication, but I feel up to the challenge.

                                                                         

Image from dakotaa.deviantart.com

I'm almost there!

Heart of Dixie Romance Readers Luncheon

Please join the Heart of Dixie RWA Chapter for their 18th annual Romance Reader's Luncheon on June 14, 2015 in Huntsville AL. The guest speaker will be New York Times Bestselling Author, Sylvia Day.

This is a great way to meet your favorite authors. Doors open at 10:00am.

The cost is $35. Attendees will receive a coupon good for $5 off a Book Fair purchase. If you plan to bring your own books for the authors to sign, the limit is 5.  Those with e-readers may bring them to make onsite purchases of select books.

Registration closes May 31, 2015.  You can register here.

Margie Lawson Workshop

Yesterday I attended a workshop at my local RWA chapter, Southern Magic.  The workshop was Empowering Characters Emotions by Margie Lawson (www.margielawson.com).  This workshop was an eye-opener for me. Helping me to see where my MS needed more work.  Using the Margie Lawson Edit System, I am now able to look at all my WIPS and see where changes need to me made.  My stories will be more energized. This edit system will help me to display fresher characters that can express enhanced emotional responses, better action, more tension and more developed conflict/plot issues.  Truly awesome workshop! What about you, what type of edit systems are you using to make your works better?