April Release

Inspirational author, Debby Mayne's newest book, Peachtree Dreams was just released this month! Debby Mayne is a multi-published author and is a member of the Tampa Area Romance Authors. Check her out at www.debbymayne.com

Some of her other books include: Double Blessing and If the Dress Fits

And in June look for: Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida

Congratulations Debby!!

RITA and GOLDEN HEART Finalists

This past week The Romance Writers of America announced the finalists in the national RITA and GOLDEN HEART contests.
Two of my fellow TARA members were finalists in the RITA contest for published authors. Karen Rose and Roxanne St. Claire were both nominated for a RITA in the romantic suspense category. Congratulations, ladies!! :)

For a list of all the finalists, check out the RWA website: http://rwanational.org

The awards are given during a ceremony held at the national RWA conference. This summer the conference will be in Washington, DC! Fun.

New Books

With the beginning of March comes four new books being released by TARA authors. Look for them in a bookstore near you. :)

You're The One That I Haunt by Terri Garey (Paranormal Romance)

Always Ready by Joanne Rock (Harlequin Blaze)

Through the Garden Gate by Loretta Rogers (Anthology)

And debut author, Carrie Ryan's book: The Forest of Hands and Teeth (YA Fantasy)

Congratulations to all of our fellow writers for their published books!

2009 TARA Contest

We're gearing up for our annual TARA contest!

The TARA contest is open to unpublished writers or any published authors who haven't published in the past three years and are not currently contracted for any novel-length (40,000 words +) books with any publisher (epub, mass market, etc). We have an excellent line up of editors for the final round judging.


The categories and final judges are as follows:

*Series Contemporary-- Wanda Ottewell /Harlequin

*Paranormal -- Danielle Poiesz /Pocket

*Single Title -- Deb Werksman /Sourcebooks

*Women's Fiction -- Lindsay Louis /NAL

*Historical -- Leah Hultenschmidt /Dorchester

*Romantic Suspense -- Amy Pierpont /Grand Central

*Inspirational Anne Horch /Faith Words

Out of 22 finalists last year, 9 entries were requested by editors and one request resulted in a sale!!

Enter the first chapter, 4000 words max, including prologue if applicable. For all the rules and guidelines check out http://www.tararwa.com/

The deadline for entries is May 1, 2009. :)

TARA Authors

We have many published writers who are members of the Tampa Area Romance Authors (TARA). Seven of them have books being released this week!

Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael

Dead Right by Cate Noble

Kill For Me by Karen Rose

She Thinks Her Ex is Sexy by Joanne Rock

Something Wicked by Julie Leto

Kiss of the Demon King by Kresley Cole

Lords of Desire by Virginia Henley

Congratulations to all on their latest published books. There's something for everyone in these compelling stories -- romantic suspense, paranormal, historical, sizzling sexy, and romantic comedy.

Enjoy!!

Let's Get Published!

I recently went into my file where I keep all the names, dates, and other pertinent information in regards to contacting agents and editors. It had been a while since I visited this not-so-long list of who and when I sent a query, so I was shocked to learn I queried exactly two agents in all of 2008. What!?

My pursuit to get published will never become a reality with this kind of I'll do it tomorrow attitude. As mentioned in my earlier post about Goals, I have a strong personality trait (flaw) called procrastination. Never so evident as in my search for a literary agent.

I truly admire the writers who are working diligently to get their projects out there. It is the difference between getting noticed with a contract in hand....or never getting published. Keep in mind, however, if you are searching for an agent or publisher, make absolutely certain you have a finished, polished manuscript! Don't waste their time or yours with a project that's not proficient and needs major revisions.

Writing everyday has become an attainable objective for me, now I need to work on the challenge of sending out query letters to agents. My completed romantic suspense Summer Light is ready to be considered for publication. As an active member of Romance Writers of America and the Tampa Area Romance Authors, I have many resources available to me to augment my quest for an agent. Through the national RWA website, there is information -- for members only -- on the latest agents and publishers.

Time to get busy! :)

Scream For Me

Author Karen Rose writes incredible romantic suspense. In her books, she blends serial killer suspense with passionate sexual tension. A winning combination! :)

Her latest book, Scream For Me was published in hardcover last fall, and has been released this week in paperback. Pick up a copy and prepare to be thrilled and chilled. :) And in just a month her next release Kill for Me will be out. I can't wait!

Karen Rose is the award winning, New York Times best selling author of nine books including: Don't Tell, Count to Ten, and Nothing to Fear.

http://www.karenrosebooks.com/