I'm Moving!

I'm moving....my home on the web, that is.

I've put this off long enough because : I DON'T LIKE CHANGE!

But it's time to close down my pretty pink blog because:

MY NEW WEBSITE IS UP! Here's the link: http://www.wendysmarcus.com/
And now I have a pretty new blog...which is Wordpress...and I'm working hard to get the hang of it.

I know you're all busy, but if you could delete my Must Have Romance link from your blogs and add my new link, I'd greatly appreciate it. Here's the link to go straight to the blog: http://wendysmarcus.com/blog/

Thanks so much and I look forward to chatting with you over there!!!

I'm Happy to Report:

I'm happy to report my post, How Realistic is Too Realistic, on the Medical Authors Group Blog on 1/6/2011 is presently ranked the most discussed blog post on the eharlequin.com blog homepage! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check it out.

I got a sneak peak of the 2in1 cover I'll be sharing with Janice Lynn come June 2011. It's fun and flirty and everyone I've shown it to loves it. Unfortunately it's not in a format I can post to this blog. My editor is on the lookout though. As soon as I can I'll upload the cover for you all to see.

I am back to writing daily and am currently immersed in chapter 5 of book 2. I feel a sex scene coming on. Must get back to work.

So what are you up to? Sticking to your New Years resolutions? What have you accomplished so far?

I'd Appreciate Your Input

Hi All!

I'm blogging over at the Harlequin Medical Author's Group Blog today (1/6/11). The title of my post is: How Realistic is Too Realistic? I'd really appreciate your input on where you draw the line as far as realism in your reading. Here's the link: http://community.eharlequin.com/content/medical-authors-group-blog. If you can't stop by today, it's not too late. The post will be up through Saturday.

Thank you to everyone who's already visited! And I know some of you have trouble posting to the the eharlequin site. No worries.

Bring it On!

Today is day one of 2011, the year I will officially become a published author, and I am anticipating lots of busy days ahead. You see, there's book 2 to write (BY MARCH 1st), my website to get up and running, and promo for When One Night Isn't Enough, my debut novel coming out in the U.S. in July 2011 for any newcomers. There are ads to place, postcards/bookmarks to order, and blogs to write for my debut blog tour. There's the author book signing my local library scheduled when they made me AUTHOR OF THE MONTH for July. (How exciting is that?) Then there's RWA national where I may be signing my new release, which quite honestly, scares the confident right out of me.

But getting published has been a goal of mine for a few years now so I say BRING IT ON!

In preparation for my new year, I spent part of last night cleaning out my office. I sorted through dozens of judge's score sheets from contests I didn't win, or even place in. In fact, I found results from one contest  where I finished second to last. (In 2008) And if I can go from a second to last place finish to published in three years, YOU CAN, TOO! If you take the time to learn from the the judge's suggestions, study books on the mechanics of writing, attend conference workshops and take online classes to hone your writing skills. (If Christine stops by, maybe she'll post the link to some upcoming online writing workshops she's coordinating.)

On some positive notes:
- My editor liked my chapters 1-3 and I am deep into chapter 4. It's 1,500 words a day or no downtime reading for the entire month of January! Then I'll have February for fine-tuning/final editing. (Don't tell anyone, but I purposely stuffed my muse with so many chocolates and cakes this holiday season, she'll be too weighed down to travel.) 
- My web designer, Diane, is amazing and as difficult as I've been because I can't seem to pinpoint exactly what I want, she has come back time and time again with new templates without complaint! (At least she doesn't complain to me.)
- My editor tells me that while she hasn't yet seen the cover for the 2in1 UK version of  When One Night Isn't Enough, she's heard very favorable reports. Apparently the art department gave it a very contemporary even chick-litty feel. I can't wait to see it!

For the month of January I plan to blog every Sunday. I hope you'll stop by to see what I'm up to, and keep me up to date with what's going on with you! I'll also be blogging on the Medical Authors Group Blog on the first thursday of every month, starting on January 6th. If you have time, I hope you'll visit me there. Here's the link: http://community.eharlequin.com/content/medical-authors-group-blog

So, what are you doing to get your new year off to the right start? What changes are you making to achieve the goals you've set for yourself?

I Hope This Makes You Smile

Hi All!
This joke came across my e-mail and I found it so funny I had to share. (Maybe it's the nurse in me, but I think it has universal appeal.) I hope it makes you smile. Let me know what you think.
Wishing you a safe and happy new year!

So here goes: (And remember, this is a joke, not a pharmacology lesson.)

All drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name.

Example, the trade name is Tylenol and it's generic name is Acetaminophen.. Aleve is also called Naproxen.
Amoxil is also called Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.

The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra..

After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin.

Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.

Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer..

It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one.

Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of 'cocktails', 'highballs' and just a good old-fashioned 'stiff drink'.

Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.

Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2020, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.

A New Inspiration

I am happy to report I've finished the first three chapters of book 2 and they are with my editor awaiting approval to proceed with the rest.

I found a great quote I will be adding to my inspirations, but wanted to share it here so you don't miss it:

It is said that good things come to those who wait. I believe that good things come to those who work. - Wilt Chamberlain

Happy, Healthy Holidays to all! I look forward to chatting with you in the New Year!

My First Interview!

Hi All!
My writing friend Janet has posted an interview with me on her blog. There's an excerpt from my first book, When One Night Isn't Enough... if you'd like to take a look. Here's the link:
http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com/ 

So, after reading the interview, I realize I need to take more time to make myself seem interesting and funny. (And limit my use of the word while.) I'm a work in progress.

My muse has seen the error of her ways and has returned to me. I am busy writing and am once again hopeful I will be able to meet my March 1st deadline for book 2.

Happy Healthy Holidays to you all. During this busy time of year, don't lose sight of what's important. Love. Family. Friends. Happiness. And taking the time to enjoy them.

The Medical Romance Blog Party is On!

The Medical Romance Blog Party is on! Apparently 12/9 comes early in Australia....or late in the US, depending how you look at it! If you have a few minutes, I hope you'll stop by! Here's the link:
http://community.eharlequin.com/content/new-medical-authors

Happy Holidays!
Wendy

Save the Date!

On Thursday, December 9th, I will be blogging over at eharlequin's medical authors group blog to celebrate three new medical romance authors. (One of them is me!) If you have some time, I hope you'll stop by. Here's the link: http://community.eharlequin.com/content/medical-authors-group-blog

Runaway Muse

My muse is on the lam. If you should happen to stumble upon her, please pack her up and ship her home. I will happily pay all necessary expenses!

An author recently told me, "The second book will be the hardest you'll ever write."

I hadn't been worried about book 2 until that moment.

Then, after I finished the final copy edits for book 1, I asked my editor, "What happens next?" She replied, "...it’s all about focusing on ensuring Kyle and Victoria’s story (book 2) is a suitably amazing follow-up!"

Yikes. No pressure there.

So here I am, under deadline, unable to get chapter 1 into the computer in any form I'm happy with. I know people say....just write down anything and move on. But I can't. I need to wrap my head around chapter 1 before I can move on. It's killing me.

I'm sure the craziness of life has something to do with my difficulties. I'm hosting Thanksgiving for 24 in 3 days, followed by Chanukah for my family and a special dinner for over 100 people the following week.

Is it silly to even try to write this time of year? Deadlines don't care about the holiday season mayhem. My life is in chaos. Somethings got to give. I'm afraid it's going to be blogging.

I'll be back in early December when I'll be joining the medical romance team for a blog party welcoming three new medical romance authors (one of whom is ME!) I'll post the information as soon as I have it. Hopefully you'll have time to stop by.

Until then, wishing you all stress-free days in which you accomplish everything on your to-do lists!

Report Card Rejections

My childrens' school system instituted a new program this year where I can get their grades via computer weeks before I receive a paper report card. I think it's great. Marking period ends on a Friday, grades available the following Wednesday. Problems identified earlier, threats made, plan of correction implemented immediately, not several weeks into the next marking period.

Numbered grades are accompanied by comments so you can see exactly how your child is doing and why. A pleasure to have in class. Satisfactory effort. Assigned work not complete. Homework quality must improve. Low test scores. Work improving. Late homework.

I'm proud to say my son (11th grade) missed straight A's by one point (an 89 in honors social studies). My daughter (8th grade) needs to work on French, social studies, and homework quality. Let the nagging begin!

What does this have to do with writing? I read so many posts from writers upset about receiving form rejection letters. Wouldn't it be great to get a report  card rejection. Something quick like: A: Better than most but still not there. B: Getting closer. C: Average - need to do something to make yourself stand out. D: Needs a lot of work. F: Didn't make it past the first page. And a few quick comments would help immensely: Voice is a pleasure to read. Satisfactory punctuation. Plot not complete. GMC (goals, motivation, conflict) must improve. Slow pacing. Saggy middle. Good story - no market. Take a writing class.

So what do you think? Are you all for an industry wide grading scale so you have some idea where you stand? Or have you had enough of report cards while you were in school? 

Creature of Habit

Hello Friends!

Wow it's been a busy week since I last posted. Which brings me to the topic at hand. I am a creature of habit. I eat the same thing for breakfast (maple brown sugar oatmeal with raisins, two Eggo Nutrigrain low fat waffles, and juice) most days of the week. I follow the same morning and nighttime rituals. When I drive somewhere I take the the route I'm comfortable with, regardless of whether it's the quickest.

I may sound boring...I'm not...only my comfort in the routine is.

And finally getting my new computer up and running has shot my work routine in the gut!

I knew this would happen, which is why I've put it off as long as I could. (My brand new Dell has been sitting in the box, unopened, since August.)

Yes, it boots up quicker, and I love my new keyboard, but so far, those are the only positives. My screen looks different, even though I'm using the same one I used with my old computer. For some reason the words look smaller and I had to increase the font size. As a result, my familiar websites and blogs seem narrower and a bit elongated, if that makes any sense, and it's reeking havoc with my temperamental eyes. I upgraded to Windows 7, and while it's similar to Windows XP, it's taking some time to get used to. Thank goodness my computer guru clued me into F1 (help).

Of all he times to be under deadline for my second book AND receive the line/copy edits for my first book. But I'm muddling through...at the expense of my blog time.

So what about you? Do you embrace change? Welcome it? Look forward to it? Or do you fight it like me? And any Windows 7 pros out there who can give me some helpful hints?

What I've Learned So Far

Since receiving 'the call' my life has been a whirlwind of activity. In an effort to help you all who are not yet published, but close, you know who you are - you're finaling in writing contests, agents/editors are requesting partials or fulls - I'd like to share what I've learned so far.

In the process of pursuing publication, writers spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting for critique partners to get back to you, waiting for contest results, and waiting for a response to your numerous queries and submissions. How you spend that time can ease your transition to contracted/published author.

Within a few days of receiving my offer from Harlequin Mills and Boon, I needed to complete more revisions and submit a brief bio, a dedication page, and a Dear Reader letter for my book. Then there was the contract to review (thank goodness for my agent, Michelle Grajkowski), the promo picture to coordinate, and the website to design. Oh, and did I mention I have a deadline for my second book? 2/1/2011. That's in three months. A little stressful considering I worked at writing my first book for over a year and then revised for five months to get it where it needed to be for publication.

Anyway, my suggestions to you all who are close to publication:

1) When you visit author websites you enjoy, jot down what you like and make a note of the web designer (usually listed at the bottom).  This will help you when it's time to create your own website.

2) If you have some techno-savvy, which I do not, consider exploring do-it-yourself website options.

3) When you visit author/writer blogs and websites, note their promo pictures. Are they outdoors or indoors? Formal or informal? Note outfits, expressions. Figure out how you want to look in your promo picture. Maybe have a friend or family member play around with your digital camera. Although, in my very limited experience, while a professional portrait is not required by my publisher, it is highly recommended.

4) When you read books by your favorite authors, pay attention to the dedication pages, the bios and Dear Reader letters. Becoming familiar with these, maybe playing around with writing your own, will make it much easier when it's time to do it for real.

5) Join writers loops where you have access to published authors. Their suggestions and guidance are invaluable. For instance, I am a member of Heartbeat RWA, a special interest chapter of RWA for medical romance writers and writers who use medical scenes in their writing, as well as others. Once I posted news of my sale I was contacted by several of the published author members. I was invited to join a Medical Romance authors loop and I was invited to blog on the Medical Romance Authors Group Blog at eharlequin.com. All because I'd put in the effort to find special interest groups, specific to my writing, ahead of time.

6) KEEP WRITING! Toss around ideas for new stories. Create character profiles for book 2 or 3 or 4. So when an agent/editor asks, "What else have you got?" you have something to show them

So what do you think of my suggestions? Have you done some of these things? All of them? And if you have experience with do-it-yourself web design, would you please share it here? (While I've contracted with Novel Website Design to build my site, some of my visitors may be looking for info on how to do it themselves.)

I Got My Title!

On Tuesday I received the title of my book! Before I share it, let me say I am soooooo pleased that Harlequin Medical Romance has decided to 'try something a bit different' with my title.
 
And here it is: When One Night Isn't Enough...

I absolutely love it!

As if a wonderful title isn't enough, I was told my debut Medical Romance will be released first in the UK on 6/11/2011, as part of a 2in1 (two separate books bound together as one) paired with a book by none other than Janice Lynn! If you follow my blog regularly you know I am a HUGE fan of Janice Lynn, and her book Dr. Di Angelo's Baby Bombshell is the reason I set to work converting my work in progress into a medical romance.

So what do you think about the title of my book? Are you disappointed it's not more medical? Does it make you want to pick up a copy? I hope so!

How Soccer Relates to Writing

This time of year I spend a good chunk of my waking hours on the soccer field. Not playing, mind you. Spectating. And we spectators are a hardy bunch. Rain. Wind. Fog. Bees. Snow. We're out there. (Although I must admit, I have watched from the car a time or two!)

My son plays on two teams, one travel and the other his high school varsity team. My daughter plays on a modified travel team. They've both played since they were little so I've been spectating for years.

What does this have to do with writing? Participation in competitive sports (in this case soccer) teaches children valuable life lessons that can benefit us all:

1) You fall down, you get up. Fast.  
2) You miss the ball, you chase after it.
3) You get hurt, whenever possible, you shake if off and resume play.
4) You lose the ball, you do your best to get it back.
5) You elbow someone, you're going to get elbowed back. (Same applies for tripping/cleating/jersey pulling.)
6) Your coach tells you to do something, you do it, or you won't get to play.
7) You take a shot and miss, you keep shooting until you score. And then you shoot some more.
8) You win, you celebrate.
9) You lose, you practice harder, play better and put forth your very best effort to win the next time.
10) You never, ever give up...if you want to stay in the game.

Writing is hard work. It can be frustrating and lonely. But if you want to succeed, learn the lessons I mentioned above.

And consider this: A soccer team succeeds when one player is having a bad game so another picks up his/her level of play to compensate. When one player is down and his/her teammates pump them up. When the coach requests the impossible and the team unites in support of one another.

Become part of a team. Be they friends, family, or blog buddies. Find a supportive bunch of peers to accompany you on your journey toward publication. It makes the trip a little easier. (And a lot more enjoyable.)

Over the past year, since I seriously began to pursue publication, I joined my local RWA (Hudson Valley RWA) and GIAM (Goals in a month). Both have wonderful and supportive writers loops (thanks to Taryn Kincaid and Amy Atwell.) I've also connected with some terrific writers and blog friends who commiserate my disappointments, cheer my accomplishments, and encourage me to keep going. (As I try to do for them.)

So what do you think? Are you part of a supportive group or do you prefer to go it alone? If you're part of a group, please tell us about them. 

Show Me the Money and an Update

Hi Blog Friends!

If you're one of those people who pay close attention to detail, like me, you'll notice I've added my middle initial to my name. Come to find out there is another Wendy Marcus who's an author so I've added my middle initial (S for Sue) to differentiate myself.

As much as I'd like to keep up my prior post (which received a record-breaking number of comments thank you very much) it is time to move on. For those of you who haven't heard, author Brenda Hiatt has recently updated the Show Me the Money page of her website. This contains valuable information on what romance publishers are paying. I encourage you all to take a look.

Are you a published author? In your experience, are the numbers accurate? Were you aware of Brenda's Show Me the Money page before you visited my blog?

I hope you found this information helpful.

For those of you interested in my journey, I've finished what I hope are the final final revisions to my contracted medical romance. I am in the process of creating character profiles for my second book and hope to have the synopsis finished next week. At the same time I am researching website designers. Can you think of any author websites that stand out from the rest? If so, what makes them so special? And would you be so kind as to give me the link?

Thank you!

My First Sale!

Hi All!

Just in case there's anyone out there who hasn't heard my good news, I spoke with my editor and my agent this morning, and Harlequin Mills and Boon offered me a contract for a two book deal. My first book should be in their publishing lineup in June or July of 2011.
I am absolutely thrilled.
I have some more revisions coming. Of course. I don't know what I would do with myself if I wasn't working on revisions. But, finally, there's an end in site.

I'm so glad you all have shared this journey with me. There's lots more to come so stick around, and keep writing. I can't wait to celebrate your good news soon.

And congratulations to my writing buddy Amy Strnad who sold her manuscript, also as part of a two book deal, to Harlequin Mills and Boon, Modern Heat. You rock! 

I Did It!

I Did It!

Sold my book? No. Not yet.

But I did get my oldest daughter, my first to leave the nest, settled into college seven hours away. And I'm proud to say I did it with a minimum of tears. (Although I lost it after I returned home and popped my head into her still messy room, which still smelled of her incense, and didn't see her lying in bed watching TV.) It was difficult seeing her so happy to be rid of me and hearing her say "Too much love. Too much love," when I hugged her goodbye (and had a bit of trouble getting myself to let go.) As much as I miss her, I'm so proud of the woman she's become, and excited for the journey she is about to take. (And yet I can't help but wonder how she'll manage without me there to nag remind her what needs to be done!)

On the writing front, in the midst of shopping, packing, and traveling, I finished my third rewrite/revision of my WIP and all 54,918 words are in my editor's mailbox waiting to be read. With all the contests Mills and Boon have been running lately, I don't anticipate an answer anytime soon.

Although I'm tempted to give myself a break, maybe read a few books (in between hourly e-mail checks and blogging), I have plenty to keep me busy while I wait. I'm working on a collaboration with three wonderful women, all romance writers, and now friends. I'm very excited about it. At the same time I will begin brainstorming another medical romance and maybe dabble in my military series which sadly has taken a backseat of late.

So what's new with you? Share your successes, I can't wait to read about them.

Humor, Heat, and Hooks Part 2

As promised, here is my second post from the Humor, Heat, and Hooks: The Building Blocks of a Page Turner workshop I attended at national. My apologies again to author Katy Madison, the presenter, as I am unable to access the link she provided and thus cannot transfer it on to all of you.

Humor is one of the quickest ways to endear a character and engage the reader's attention.

Using self-depreciation can let the reader know that:
-  Your character is not a whiner
-  Your character has a sense of humor and is likable
-  Your character is optimistic and not beaten

Even if you don't have a sense of humor, your characters can. But remember not everything is funny to everyone.

Ways to write humor:

Alliteration
Reverse
Unexpected
Series of three
Running joke
The ridiculous
Dogs and children
Fish our of water
Banter ---Not argument
Male vs. female differences
Slapstick ---Can be easily overdone.

Caveat: Never, never have your characters laugh at another character's jokes.

And tread lightly --- this is a place where less is more.

I like to write humor. I think most of you have heard about my beloved cactus scene. In my WIP I had a scene, one of my favorites, where, at the hospital's New Years Eve party, in the process of avoiding her ex and the hero, a nurse hides out in a dark office......and bumps into a cactus. Not just any cactus, a huge six footer that weighed several hundred pounds. I researched cacti. Learned about their spines and which ones were most likely to attach to clothing.

Did you know the San Pedro cactus is alleged to have aphrodisiac properties? But I digress.

The scene was funny...hysterical in my opinion. With lines like: The King Kong of Cacti and a cactus accoutrement.  My agent says it was so different, it's one of the reasons she signed me. I entered the scene in two contests and finaled in each with very positive feedback. I won the Medical Romance Pitch with that scene. And yet the editor I'm working with said something to the effect....it's a great scene, I just don't think the cactus adds anything to it. Doesn't add anything? It added humor. (My character: "Hello. Caught on a cactus here." Now that's something you don't say every day.)

And that's when I learned that humor, solely for the purpose of laughs, is not what my editor is looking for. In fact she mentioned the reader may be concerned for my character's safety, worried about her being injured by the sharp spines. That's not at all what I'd intended. So, after three attempts to get it past her and with much procrastination, I edited it out.

Do you write humor? Do you enjoy reading humor? Any humorous scenes that have taken root in your mind that you'd like to share?

Getting Your Picture to Show up on Blogs

Hello Blog Friends!

I'm writing a quick post to share some interesting information I've come across. It's always frustrated me that my picture only seems to show up when I post on certain blogs. Well, I recently learned of a site named  Gravatar and when you upload your signature picture it shows up on most blogs as long as you log in using the e-mail account attached to your Gravatar profile.

I tried it out tonight, and it worked!

Did you find this information helpful? I hope so.

Happy writing!