Saturday I was treated to a luncheon by the delightful women of the MCRW (Music City Romance Writers) in Franklin, TN. I was invited by Ramona Richards (who I met at RT 2 years ago) after she read that I’d be in town. Then Jody Wallace saw a Twitter I posted about my visit to Tennessee and also contacted me (see how valuable Twitter is). We were joined by other members Marie-Nicole Ryan, Haley Elizabeth Garwood. Juanita Socha, Kim Law, Monica McCabe, Lara Hansen, Rae Ann Parker, Angela Britnell, Cherie Denis, Amanda Gillespie, Gretchen Stull, and Becky Harter were all on hand while we held a lively discussion on websites, publishers, getting slotted in genres and branding.
A wonderful surprise was meeting Cherie who lived in my hometown of South Milwaukee, WI for 30 years before moving to TN 10 years ago. We were probably in our little library together at some point and never knew it. Small world indeed.
I also was treated to an impromtu historical tour of Franklin by Jenece, whose great-grandfather fought in the Civil War and died in the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. We saw the Carnton Plantation, battlegrounds, and Carter House. Jenece (who used to be a tour guide) was a font of information with chilling stories of the horrors of the war, along with the heroic efforts of the citizens of Franklin. I hope to have the time to learn more while I’m here.
In other news, from author Edie Ramer: The 3rd round of Dorchester Publishing’s American Title V contest starts Monday. This month’s entries are story summaries, and they’ll be on the Romantic Times website. Two finalists will be eliminated this round. (The site should be posted at 9 a.m.)
From PW: PW is seeking nominations for our 16th annual awards for Bookseller of the Year and Rep of the Year. This year’s award winners will be profiled in Publishers Weekly‘s April 27 BookExpo America preview issue and will be honored in New York during the BEA convention. (Start nominating…I know you all know people who should win this!)
From Schwartz Bookstore (Independent Family Owned): We believe there is wisdom in knowing the appropriate time to say farewell. After 82 years of bookselling, it is with immense sadness that we announce the closing of Milwaukee’s own independent Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops. Our doors will be permanently shut as of Tuesday, March 31st, 2009. (Another victim of the sagging economy)
From the Mystery Writers of America: Mystery Writers of America is proud to announce, as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe, its Nominees for the 2009 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television and film published or produced in 2008. The Edgar® Awards will be presented to the winners at our 63rd Gala Banquet, April 30, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City. (You can see the list of nominees here.)
Bottom Line: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
We had a great lunch with you there, Barbara! We were definitely the loudest table in the restaurant. Thanks for coming.
Good morning, Barbara! It looks like you’re having a wonderful time on your visit to Tennesee. It was great meeting you on Saturday. PS: Apologies if this posts twice. I have no idea why it does. http://www.marienicoleryan.com
Good morning, Barbara! It looks like you’re having a wonderful time on your visit to Tennesee. It was great meeting you on Saturday. PS: Apologies if this posts twice. I have no idea why it does. http://www.marienicoleryan.com
I’m sorry I missed the fun on Saturday. You all look =mahvelous=.
Beth
Wow Barb–red is your color! The photo of the luncheon is wonderful! Thanks for the MLK quote–very appropriate for the day & for the inauguration!
It was lovely to see you on Saturday, Barbara. Lunch was tons of fun.
Lunch was a blast! Especially when you had to duke it out with the waiters to hang onto your food. Twice! :~) It was great meeting you again and I hope you enjoy your remaining time in TN. Watch out for those uber-spooky haunted houses though. Unless you’re hoping for a ghost to spice things up!
Hey Barbara! Lunch was a blast Saturday. I went home and told my husband about how much fun it was. Specifically, I told him how amazed I was with your ability to entertain and draw people in to your conversation. So many people talk and you eventually wish they’d just shut up
Hey Barbara! Lunch was a blast Saturday. I went home and told my husband about how much fun it was. Specifically, I told him how amazed I was with your ability to entertain and draw people in to your conversation. So many people talk and you eventually wish they’d just shut up
..oops… I ended with saying I believe I could sit and listen/chat with you for hours! I was a true pleasure meeting you.
..oops… I ended with saying I believe I could sit and listen/chat with you for hours! I was a true pleasure meeting you.
I’m glad you’re enjoying your time in TN!
Sorry I missed all the fun Saturday.
You all look like you’re having a fabulous time.
You all look so good and so … warm. Barbara, you missed our delightful single digit weather. Thanks for mentioning the American Title V contest!
Hi Barbara
Thanks for mentioning the American Title V competition. We all appreciate it 
Hi Barbara
Thanks for mentioning the American Title V competition. We all appreciate it 
Barbara: Thanks for joining us on Saturday for lunch. I am glad you are enjoying your time in TN.
Barbara: Thanks for joining us on Saturday for lunch. I am glad you are enjoying your time in TN.
Barbara, you are a joy. I’m glad you got to spend time with our group, and I was thrilled to play catch-up with you. A lot has happened since RT! You do more for the industry than most realize – readers and writers alike should be flocking here. Word is getting out! Hope to see you again soon.
The tour of Franklin sounds like it was delightful. That plantation house is spectacular!
I would like to propose not to wait until you get enough money to buy goods! You can get the loan or just auto loan and feel free
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