Live to Love on the Edge Blog

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RWA First Day!

The caravan from NJ started at 7:30 when my buddy Lois Winston came to my house. Headed down to South Jersey and changed cars to go with Rayna Vause and Melinda Cooke, two other writing buddies from Liberty States.

Made it to DC without any problems at lunch hour and started working. Had to get changed in the bathroom because the room wasn’t ready, but what the heck!

Went to a great booksellers/librarians event where I met some old friends and made new ones. It was also great to see some of my author buddies there, like Kimberly Raye Terry (check her out in this month’s Cosmo), Sue Krinard, Berta Platas, Anna Destefano, Amanda McIntyre and so many others!

Then a quick break before heading off to the Literacy Signing. It was sooo amazing to see that many authors in one spot. You could feel the energy. I was sitting by my pals Berta Platas, Barbara Pierce and Andrea Pickens. Always nice to see them as well as Allie Pleiter. We’ve been sitting together for years now at the signings.

Then it was off to the first ever RWA gathering of the Liberty States Fiction Writers. It was so nice to have both local and long distance members sit down and share meal, be able to chat about all kinds of things.

Finally, sleep. So tired after all the running around.

If you want to check out photos from the first day, please click on this link!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027966&id=1130005412&l=6c6b222032

More for you tomorrow!

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Networking

Since I’m headed off to the RWA National conference like many other writers, I thought I’d offer up some tips on networking!

Conferences are one of the best ways of not only improving your craft skills, but also provide wonderful opportunities for meeting new people and expanding your contacts. That kind of networking is invaluable in today’s publishing climate.

So what are some things you can do to accomplish that kind of networking?

  • 1. Get out of your room and down into the common areas. Mingle and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone who is sitting beside you or standing alone in the lobby if they seem open to communication.
  • 2. Know when not to approach. If two people are standing there talking, heads close together or directly facing one another, they probably don’t want to be interrupted. Also, don’t hover by expectantly. Step away and approach only when they are ready to invite another into the discussion. How do you know that? Look at their body posture. People standing side-by-side or not directly facing one another have not closed themselves off to others.
  • 3. Make sure you have business cards. If you’re a published author, have one card for business contacts and another for fans and readers. The first should have detailed contact information and the latter should have info on your books as well as your website.
  • 4. If you’re published, have bookmarks available to hand to fans and readers, but not to publishing people. They don’t need your goodies, but do need your business card.
  • 5. If you want to submit to someone, see if they are attending and wait for a good time to approach them. In the few minutes before their workshop is not a good time! Also, remember they are people as well. They likely will appreciate some general talk and getting to know you first. Let the conversation segue naturally into talk about what you do and your submission.
  • 6. Be positive! Negative talk is a total turn off so always try to look on the bright side of things and always offer a smile and a thanks. Positive vibes are always welcome.
  • 7. Last, but most importantly, have a good time! Meet new people and reinforce old friendships.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Tuesday Tips. We’ll be traveling tomorrow, so look for some photos and updates on Thursday.

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Guilty Pleasures Monday – Rob Lowe

Photo by Alan LightI was busy writing yesterday morning, trying to get a bunch of pages done in anticipation of writing time lost at the upcoming RWA National conference, I ended up watching ST. ELMO’S FIRE while I was writing. I was like, wow, that Rob Lowe was a cutie, but then quickly amended to “is a cutie.”

So, this Monday’s Guilty Pleasure is Rob Lowe who is aging marvelously and still totally good looking.

Look for a Tuesday Tip, but then a break on Wednesday since that is our travel day down to Washington, D.C. for the conference. I’ll be snapping away from pictures for you on Wednesday and will try and get them posted for you on Thursday!

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A Wicked apology!

Sorry, but the Internet connection at the beach is spotty and I’m having problems. I’ll be back on Monday with the regular blog and also something special on Wednesday – reports on the RWA National conference and hopefully they’ll be some fun reports!

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Tuesday Tip – Garage Sales

garagaThey say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and those words were never more true when it comes to garage sales.

I love garage sales, especially those town-wide ones where you can hit dozens in one day. We’ve been spending some time at the beach which means new requirements in our lives. Beach-style bikes. A rollie thing to carry all the chairs and cooler down to the beach.

Luckily, we were able to hit two neighborhood-wide garage sales and within two weeks, we had our rollie thing for $10 and a pair of bikes for $11. Of course, the bikes needed a little work and that cost a little bit more money, but when we were done, we had new comfortable bikes for less than $50.

In today’s economy, saving those few dollars is a big thing. Of course, you should be careful of what you buy at garage sales. For example, baby carriers and other safety items, even if only a few years old, may no longer comply with current safety regulations.

Garage sales are also a good way to encourage your kids to get rid of unwanted stuff. We started having our daughter do a sale every six months. She totally handled all the sales, which was a good way of learning to deal with money and meeting people (with parents hovering nearby of course). She kept a part of the sales money, a part of it went to a charity and any leftover items which were still in good shape went to a local church thrift store to help them raise money.

How can you know when there’s garage sales or advertise one of your own? Believe it or not, there’s a bunch of sites on the ‘Net to help you! Here are links to some of the sites:

Also check out your local newspapers for ads for the sales.

Of course, besides saving money, who doesn’t imagine buying that dusty old painting or unusual book that will turn out to be worth quite a lot of money. I love watching Antiques Roadshow and hearing someone say they bought it at a yard sale for a dollar and it’s worth several thousand!

So, take a break from your busy lives and find a yard sale, stroll around and enjoy the sights of a new town (or even your own town) and maybe find something useful in someone else’s junk!

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Guilty Pleasures Monday – Nick Jonas

Creative Commons License by garryknightA young Guilty Pleasure this morning since I’m sitting on the beach listening to the Jonas Brothers courtesy of my daughter. But be sure to check out Nick Jonas on the cover of Rolling Stone to see how nice he’s growing up!

A short blog this morning as the ‘Net on the beach is kind of slow.

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Fun Friday – Book Trailer for TORTURED

Got this from my friend Amada McIntyre and had to share it with you since it’s so intriguing! Check out her new book trailer for TORTURED. Which would you choose? Vengeance or love?

Wishing you all a Happy Fourth of July! Hope you have a safe and happy weekend.

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