Theresa’s Hangout

2003 Golden Heart Finalists, aka The Wet Noodle Posse

My favorite time in the month of March is Golden Heart Announcement time! The Ritas are exciting too and I always try to read as many Rita finalist books as I can. I first entered the Golden Heart in 1999, I believe. I didn’t final until 2003. What a thrill that was for me! I was in the shower and I did NOT think I would be getting a call. Not in a million years…  When my husband heard the caller say she was from RWA he put her on hold and came to tell me. I jumped out of the shower to take the call. After the caller told me I finaled, I said, “No way!” at least fifty times. Last year was my first time being a DOUBLE finalist. That was exciting too! This year I didn’t think I would be getting excited…but already I find myself thinking about those calls going out. Hey, as long as I’m not published yet (because the stars have yet to align properly) I’m going to keep going for the gold and I’m going to enjoy the ride!

If anyone out there has any questions at all pertaining to the Golden Heart, let me know and I’ll be happy to help out!

Wild rabbit outside my window keeps me entertained while I try to find my muse

Come visit me today at the Wet Noodle Posse where we’re talking about what genres you like to read or write in. If you’re a writer, what are your working on? If you’re a reader, what genres do you love most?

revision process

The word THAT:  If you go to Three Seas Literary Agency, they have some writing tips about the overuse of the word THAT. Here’s what they say:

Read, and then read again, all sentences which contain the word “that.” Many, many times “that” can be omitted, or the word “which” can be substituted. Sometimes, however, “that” is necessary and must remain in the sentence.

That not needed: I’m certain that you understand everything I’m trying to say.

Better way: I’m certain you understand everything I’m trying to say.

NOTE: Only by reading the sentence out loud and concentrating on it, will you be able to delete all unnecessary usage of the word that. HINT: Use the “find” for locating all of the times you used “that” in your manuscript.

Now for the word THEN: Am I the only writer who still has to edit out the overuse of the word “then” after the first draft is written? He untied her hands and then…  Jessica leaned back in the chair and then…  He made a left and then a right before…  Arghhh! It drives me nuts. Why do I do that? Well, at least I can edit them out.  Phew.

My 2008 RWA badge

I am still working on my first romantic thriller. I love writing, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I struggle, I stare at a blank screen, I scribble a few words and then stop to think. I’ve been writing for over ten years now and it’s still difficult. But I can’t stop. I want to see my books on the shelves at the bookstore down the street. I won’t give up until that happens.  

The Golden Heart is an unpublished contest put on by Romance Writers of America. This March, finalists will be announced. I am a six-time finalists, but have yet to win a coveted necklace. Maybe this will be the year! Better yet, maybe I will sell a book!

Keep dreaming!

Happiness is jumping!

Yeah, I know. Some people don’t believe in the law of attraction or being positive. Some don’t like being around happy people…period. I do. I like when a stranger looks me in the eye and smiles as we pass. I believe thinking positive about the future or even about getting a parking space up front, or knowing you’re going to have a great week or year, can’t hurt. I’ve seen first hand how negative people attract negative reactions. I KNOW today is going to be a great day because every day is wonderful. Since surviving cancer, Lance Armstrong says he has great days and good days. And yes, being happy doesn’t mean that bad things don’t happen to good people. I wish it wasn’t so. I wish evil didn’t exist, that people stopped warring over land and religion. I wish people stopped judging others. Complaining doesn’t do anyone any good; it serves no purpose. I used to dwell on all the horrible things that happened in my life. I used to resent people for “ruining” my life…but then I realized the only one who could ruin my life was me. And I began to see the good in everything. I began to appreciate each day. Life is a gift. Material things do not make people happy. Happy people are happy because they like themselves and they are grateful for being alive. It’s the little things that count. Be happy!

All My Children (with Aunt Mary)

Despite starting out colicky, my first born son, Jesse, 28, ended up being the sweetest, shyest, most easy-going kid in the world. He makes people laugh. He’s a nice guy. He’s a considerate, compassionate human being. He has ideas and solutions. He’s a deep thinker, an intellect, a hardworker. Jesse is FUNNY. 

Joey is 21. He’s a kind-hearted, adventurous soul. He doesn’t take life too serious. He likes to find ways to make a quick buck. People gravitate to Joey. A partier and a lover of life, he’s fearless and fun. Joey is LIFE.

Morgan is 20. She’s determined, compassionate, trustworthy and responsible. She’s a do-er and a hardworker. She’s drama. She’s loud. She’s nice. She wears her emotions on her sleeves. Family and friends are important to her. Morgan is LOVE.

Brittany is 16. She’s a list-maker, an out-of-the box thinker and do-er. She wants to try everything and she’s good at everything she tries. She’s quiet. She is positive and optimistic. Brittany is ADVENTURE.  

So far this year, Jesse has managed to keep his Brooklyn, NY company DIJIFI running in these hard economic times. Joey is leaving in a few days for a month of fun and rock climbing in Italy. Morgan moved to Los Angeles and is taking entertainment hosting classes. She landed two jobs within her first week in the City of Angels! Brittany is studying like crazy, doing her best to get good grades so she can go to Cambodia and teach english in an orphanage before starting college…

That’s all for now!