It’s that time of year- the RWA conference is upon us!

The excitement is palpable in all of the writer’s loops. RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) conference is coming up. This year it’s hosted in San Diego from July 13^th through the 16th.

Problem is, I’m green with envy, because I’m not going this year. 

I did get to experience an awesome adventure last year, when RWA was in New York City from July 22^nd through July 25^th and this country mouse visited the big city. 

RWA 2015 NYC

• I have a few confessions

This was my first writing conference.

So sure, why not choose the biggest romance writing conference, hosted in a city this small town girl never visited, to make my conference debut?

This was my first time traveling alone.

I don’t like to travel. I jokingly refer to myself as ‘directionally-dysfunctional’ and haven’t been able to master packing a suitcase without bringing my entire closet.

That is—until the desire to attend RWA 2015 motivated this travel-phobic, introverted writer to venture to New York City.

Alone, to room with two ladies I’d never met before.

The love of writing (and the desire to meet my long-time critique partner in person) pushed me through my anxiety and insecurities.

(Okay, I’ll be honest, there was still a lot of anxiety.)

• Murphy’s Law

Anne, my writing BFF & traveling connoisseur, assured me she would hold my shaking hand and help me navigate my way from the airport at NYC to our hotel.

I wrongfully assumed once I got through the airport security and waited to board my plane, that I’d conquered my biggest challenge.

I was wrong.

My flight was delayed again, and again—and again. Moving me hours past our designated meet time where we planned to share a taxi from the airport. Luckily, Anne, and our other roommate, patiently agreed to wait for me.

Finally I boarded the Plane…

…and the delays continued. I can assure you, no one who sits down and buckles into their seat on a plane wants to hear an announcement stating the pilot is sick and they’re waiting on a replacement.

Then to hear that said replacement announce there was some trouble with the plane, but no worries, he just needed to cnt/alt/del it just like a computer.

Yeah…that eased my mind.

• I made it!

I met up with Anne and Samantha and after an adventurous taxi ride; we were relieved to arrive at our hotel. We finally collapse into the room and notice the glass-enclosed. Voyeur shower.

I did mention we just met, didn’t I?

It seemed we were going to have to leave our modesty at the door.

• Escalators and elevators—oh my!

I don’t really like escalators and elevators all that much. So after registering, I was a bit concerned that it was recommended that I watch an instructional video on how to use the elevators at NYC Marriot Marquis Times Square

And I’m not even going to discuss how much I had to overcome my escalator discomfort with the number I was forced to use (and the number of times some broke down because a dress, shoe or other item got jammed into one of the multitude of escalators) just to get to the conference sessions.

• I’ve found my peeps!

From the first conference I attended- aptly entitled First Timers Orientation, I knew I found my people. (Since it was a romance writers conference, I really thought we’d be called virgins, lol)

The acronyms I had to explain to all my non-writer peeps were used in everyday conversation—MS, WIP, POV, HFN, CP, HEA—These people got me.

I did learn one new acronym. CWD. Anybody? You’ll find the answer at the end of my post- and it’s something I’ve been guilty in my writing.

The sessions were beyond amazing. There was so much information in one place. I walked around as a ‘fan-girl’ gaping at authors I revered. It was awesomely overwhelming.

• Ribbon Envy

I had no idea how much I still wanted ribbons. I assumed the desire to accumulate as many as possible faded with my high school years- I was wrong.

The first thing one looked for when they met someone new was at the number of ribbons dangling from their name tag.

• Did I mention the Free Books?

There isn’t much more painful to a book lover than being unable to take all of the free books offered. I had no idea. When you’re flying home, and have limited suitcase space, accumulating too much sway isn’t an option.

So we immediately determined how much it would cost to mail books home. This enabled me to bring home more books, but not all that I wanted to take. Limited time, and managing funds, forced me to miss out on more books and authors than I wanted to admit.

• Rita and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony

The ceremony was something to see. Even though I didn’t have a book in the running, I lived vicariously through the nominees, and waited with eager anticipation to discover the winners while dreaming of the day I might enter a book and get to walk the red carpet onto the stage.

I still received a Rita award. Granted it was chocolate, and didn’t last
long because it was delicious. We did take the time to snap some photos of ourselves receiving our chocolate Rita.

Despite all the excitement of NYC, the huge conference and the wonderful writing sessions, the best part of the entire conference was getting to meet my writing BFF, Anne. 

Did you ever push yourself to do something you never thought you'd have the courage to do?
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What inspired you to make the leap?

Answer: CWD= Chicks with Dicks. No, it’s not what you think! It means when you are writing from the male point of view, but your man sounds like a female. Remember that most likely your hero isn’t going to notice the pattern on the new blinds or talk in flowery, verbose sentences.

The post RWA 2015 -Adventures in NYC appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

I’ve got all the sexy, magical details, and my review of Avenge Her.

As a Highland Warrior cursed with immortality, Malcolm Campbell fought many battles, but staying away from a beautiful witch is proving to be the greatest of his life. But when a blizzard traps them together in his castle and dark energy shrouds his home, her closeness ignites buried desires and tests the vow of celibacy he made to his wife’s broken body centuries ago.

Izzy Alexander embraces being an empath and a witch—until she falls for a man she can never have, a man who hates the very essence that is her. When Tarot cards mysteriously appear, and Izzy experiences disturbing visions featuring their godchild in company with a demonic visitor, and the impending deaths of her sister and brother-in-law yet again, she secretly uses her powers to uncover the dark threat.

Without acceptance and trust, love is impossible. Somehow, Izzy and Malcolm must learn to do both before black magic claims another victim.

By letting go of the past, they can ensure their godchild’s future and break the inevitable cycle of death each life time. As a storm rages, desire burns—and ancient evil lurks.

Read an Excerpt of Avenge Her: 

Why can’t I be like everybody else?

Izzy Alexander stared at the fish swimming, in their virtual aquarium, across her computer screen. While she sat at her desk in Malcolm Campbell’s castle, the soothing scene didn’t calm her as it sometimes did. No, the poor creatures were forever stuck in purgatory, they’d never get anywhere, never accomplish anything. Kind of like her, and her infatuation with Malcolm.

God, how had she fallen head over heels with a man who was in love with someone else, and who couldn’t stand what she was?

Why can’t I go through life with blinders on, not knowing what people feel, what they think by touching them? Why does my life have to be so strange? Well, let’s see. Maybe because I’m a witch and an empath who fell in lust with a thirteenth century Highland warrior who’d been cursed with immortality by Lailoken, a Druid High Priest, and who also happens to be my current employer as well the owner of this castle in which I now sit. Yup, that about summed it up and equaled weird as hell.

 “I can’t do this anymore,” she said and peeked behind her. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she met Malcolm’s stare. Damn, he’s gorgeous in a rugged masculine way, but he was never going to be hers. He leaned against the mantel of a huge stone fireplace in the great hall wearing black dress pants and a green designer sweater, a glass of whiskey in the same hand that had sent desire coursing through her body two years ago at his slightest touch.

But that’s all it had ever been, one night in Scotland, one kiss, the promise of passion.

Grab your copy today! 

 Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, The Wild Rose Press

My Review of Avenge Her

Sophia Kimble had me at a castle, a mysterious, sexy, brooding man who honors his deceased wife for centuries, sisters, and a witch. What’s not to love?

I immediately fell in love with Malcolm. If I wasn’t rooting for Izzy to have him, I might of made a go at the gorgeous Highland Warrior who still clings to family, honor and tradition. Except I’m a married woman—and Malcolm is a fictional man. Although Sophia’s engaging writing style and impressively described scenes often made me forget.

Avenge Her provided a wonderful escape from reality into Sophia Kimble’s world of magic and someone seeking revenge. Could it be Izzy’s retaliation against Malcolm’s rejection of her magic?  The unusual happenings with their Godchild? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out. Sophia will keep you guessing.  (You didn’t think I’d give the whole story away, did you?)

Avenge Her is the second book in the Druid’s curse series, but you don’t have to read them in order. The characters from Protect Her are in Avenge Her, but the story is Izzy and Malcolm’s. I highly recommend them both!

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Avenge Her, the second book in The Druid's Curse series is out today! http://amzn.to/28Mcbxy #newrelease
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I loved Protect Her, and I think you will too! Here’s what I had to say about Protect Her.

What is your favorite series?

About the Author:

Sophia Kimble has always wanted to be an author, but for years, life got in the way. She wouldn’t change a thing about how her life turned out, though. Her family keeps her laughing and loving. Her wonderful husband and two extraordinary children stand beside her every step of the way and make this journey called life worth living.

Sophia has worked as a nurse for twenty years, but has put that career path aside to devote her time and imagination to writing down the stories that keep her up nights.

She takes her love of the paranormal, history, and genealogy, and weaves them into tales of family, fated love, and supernatural occurrences.

Find Sophia:

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter @SophiaKimble

Website

The post Avenge Her – Happy Release Day! appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

I’m participating in Sophia Kimble’s January Contest. Stop here to enter and sign up to win fabulous prizes! I’ll be sharing my writing tip on January 23rd.

P.S.

No, you’re not seeing double, those are my twins. (Well, unless you had too many NYE drinks..then maybe you are seeing double.)

The post New Year- New Giveaway with Sophia Kimble appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

After this frenzy of shopping for everyone else. It might be nice to win some stuff for yourself…or you could give it away and forget about the shopping.

The post Is it better to give or recieve appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

my name is Maureen Bonatch and I’m a panster. (Ie: I write by the seat of my pants and plotting gives me hives). Stop by Sophia Kimbles blog today  where I’m comparing writing to building a house- not your usual writing tip for plotting your story, but works for me. Come see if you agree or share some tips of your own.

Plus-

Sophia has an awesome November giveaway going on right now that you can sign up for. Come on– you don’t want to miss it! Maybe you’ll win something and can cross someone off your list for the holidays!

Maureen

The post Writing tips with Sophia appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Happy Book Birthday today to Sophia’s Kimble’s release

 Protect Her

One thing I liked immediately (and I think you’ll like too) about Protect Her was this…the cover! Feast your eyes upon this beauty! The details, the sense of story all came across to me immediately, it is absolutely breathtaking.

Another thing I love about Protect Her is the story. Check out this blurb:

Golden Alexander flees her hallucination of a demon, and runs heart first into the brooding alpha male she’s been dreaming about for years.

Kris Pietka is done with women…he’s broken. But when he meets Golden, an overwhelming need to protect her tests everything he knew about himself.

A centuries old Druid’s curse prophesying their demise thrusts them together and they race across the country trying to break the ancient bond.

But something evil watches—it covets.

Yet Another thing
…I’m trying to limit it, but there’s just so much I love about Sophia Kimble’s writing (and you will too)…
I love to hear from authors is how the story started, where it all began. Here’s a peek into an interview Sophia did with her main character, Golden Alexander. From Golden’s lips to Sophia’s ear:

“Do you ever wonder if you’re going crazy, or are already there?”
I assured her I had and she closed her eyes. “Heavenly blue morning glories.”
“Pardon?” I had no idea what she was talking about.
“It’s my favorite flower. It also happens to be the color of the man’s eyes I’ve been seeing in my dreams since I first saw the demon seven years ago. I know his eyes almost better than I know my own. Almond shaped with scattered flecks of violet, long lashes surrounding the piercing blue color, light-brown eyebrows, and sandy-brown hair hanging to his shoulders. He comforts me.”
I kept quiet, waiting for her to continue.
“God, I wish he was real. Dr. Rosenthal said I invented him to help with the traumatic loss in my life, and I guess he’s right about that, even though he’s full of crap about the other diagnoses.”
“What other diagnoses?”
Her lids popped open, deep green eyes boring into mine.
“The demon, Sophia . . . it’s real.”

Okay…One more thing..
I promise, then I’ll stop so you can buy Protect Her right now, don’t wait, do it now! (I love being bossy about other people’s stuff)

A cool fact about Protect Her is that Sophia’s great, great aunt was Golden Alexander and there were two other Golden’s in her family tree. Sophia’s genealogy research on her own family helped mold much of the story for Protect Her. Resulting in a story with details so vivid and rich that Sophia made me a potential lover of historicals!

I spy with my little eye:

Take a look at Sophia’s beautiful picture below and compare it to the cover of Protect Her, then tell me in the comments below if you notice any similarities.

Sophia Kimble has always wanted to be an author, but for years, life got in the way. She wouldn’t change a thing about how her life turned out, though. Her family keeps her laughing and loving. Her wonderful husband and two extraordinary children stand beside her every step of the way and make this journey called life worth living.

Sophia has worked as a nurse for twenty years, but has put that career path aside to devote her time and imagination to writing down the stories that keep her up nights.

She takes her love of the paranormal, history, and genealogy, and weaves them into tales of family, fated love, and supernatural occurrences.

Connect with Sophia at the following sites:
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter

The post Stuff I love about Sophia Kimble’s release, Protect her appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

(I was lucky enough to get a little of the inside scoop on this novel and her current WIP, and I must say, we are all in for a real treat with Sophia Kimble’s writing! Sexy and sassy  

How Does my Work Differ from Others in the Genre?
I have a good bit of humor in my writing.  Although I love a good villian, sometimes the biggest threat from them may be excessive sarcasm I like to think of my writing as ‘book candy’. Something that is hard to just read one page. It’s light-hearted and warm and gives a nice escape from the stressors of the everyday world.

Why do I Write What I Do?
I can’t help it. Really, I’ve tried to write a story without any out of the ordinary elements and magic, but somehow it always sneaks in there. My characters are usually living in the ordinary world with a little bit of extraordinary sprinkled in, so it happens easily enough.

How Does My Writing Process Work?
The character usually starts talking to me with the first line of the story. I know that and the name of the book before anything else. Then I listen. I’m pretty much one of the seat-of-your-pants writers and have been trying to get myself to outline a little more so I don’t have as many edits after.

The post My Writing Process Blog Tour appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.