tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225770322024-03-07T01:42:09.682-08:00A Bell AwakenedLenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-9807744368212857992015-06-12T07:21:00.001-07:002015-06-12T07:21:19.334-07:00New HomeThis blog has moved to a new home. Read more about Lenora's adventures <a href="http://www.lenorabell.com/category/blog/"><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></a>!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-17010598572026519282014-09-17T06:13:00.000-07:002014-09-17T06:13:59.804-07:00The CALL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh my sweet stars! I got <i>The
Call</i>! The one that began with my agent saying, “I’ve got some fun news…”
advanced to me burbling something like, “<i>ohmygodthisisbeyondmywildestdreamsI’mgoingtocry,</i>”
and ended with, “Great! I’m calling them right now to tell them we accept!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m so giddy and thrilled to tell you that my Golden Heart
winning manuscript, <i>Charlene and the
Duchess Factory</i>, and two other books, sold to Carrie Feron and Amanda
Bergeron at Harper Collins/Avon books!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Avon is my dream house for so many reasons -- Eloisa James,
Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, <i>hello</i>! Plus
they have the most delicious, tactile covers in the business and I can’t tell
you how many times I’ve held one of their books and trailed my fingers over the sensual matte finish and fantasized that it
was <i>my </i>cover.</div>
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I have so much to celebrate and a HUGE list of people to thank. I will write a longer post and thank absolutely everyone very soon. For now I just want to say thank you to my sweet, long-suffering husband who cooked me dinners, built me wood
fires, and went out to play in the music studio when I needed space…you have bewitched me, body and soul.</div>
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Also a big shoutout to Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan for sticking with me since
Avon FanLit and showing me the path to greatness. And to Eloisa James for
inspiring me to write romance in the first place. Oh, and of course an enormous thank you to my amazing literary agent, Alexandra Machinist, for taking a chance on a
debut author.</div>
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That's the short version. More to come!</div>
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There’s a subplot in <i>Charlene
and the Duchess Factory</i> about rescuing girls in the Covent Garden
neighborhood of Regency-era London who have been forced into prostitution. I promised
myself that if I sold, I would donate a percentage to a local Bolivian shelter
for girls that have been trafficked. Some of them are only twelve, and
none of them can ever leave the grounds of the shelter. This month, we will
hold a “prom” at the shelter so they can wear pretty dresses, open presents, dance,
and be young. So this is perfect timing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Thank you to RWA, Avon Books, and a big hug and lots of gratitude to<i> you </i>for reading. Remember, even your
wildest dreams can come true!</div>
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<!--[endif]--></span>Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-8011896626596590292014-08-15T08:10:00.001-07:002014-09-10T14:09:13.698-07:00The Romance Dish: Today's Special - - Lenora BellI'm blogging today at The Romance Dish about my Golden Heart journey, and the romance authors who inspire me. What a thrill to tell my story and maybe even inspire others to keep writing and follow their dreams! Also giving away a Bolivian gift basket to a randomly chosen commenter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theromancedish.com/2014/08/todays-special-lenora-bell_15.html?spref=bl">The Romance Dish: Today's Special - - Lenora Bell</a>: PJ here. Remember how I mentioned in a recent RWA blog about how you meet the nicest people in the hotel bar at romance conferences? Tod...<br />
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Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-5891289008468826132014-08-06T08:59:00.002-07:002014-08-07T07:48:42.882-07:00Big Bubbly News!<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.66666603088379px;">
I am beyond thrilled to tell you that I am now represented by Alexandra Machinist of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICM_Partners" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #990000;">ICM Partners</span></a>!<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>Everyone told me that finding the right agent was like falling in love. When you found The One, you would just <i>know</i>. And that's exactly how it happened. I had multiple offers, and spent over a week researching, weighing options, seeking advice from friends and pros, and obsessing over contracts. But when I talked to Alexandra, I just <i>knew</i>. She was The One.</div>
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Alexandra, besides having the most adorable <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/literary-agent-alexandra-machinist-joins-689172"><span style="color: #990000;">no-nonsense yet hip glasses</span></a> <i>ever</i>, represents an amazing list of authors including a host of New York Times bestsellers including <a href="http://www.daryndajones.com/bio/"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Darynda Jones</b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.katbooks.com/"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Kat Martin</b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.laurenwillig.com/"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Lauren Willig </b></span></a>(who's eleventh book in the delicious <a href="http://www.laurenwillig.com/news/"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Pink Carnation series</b></span></a> debuted yesterday), and my new conference crush, the lovely <a href="http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/about/"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Jennifer McGowan</b></span></a>!</div>
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And now...me. CRAZY! WOW! SQUEEE!</div>
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I'm so excited right now I can't even think straight. Today is a Bolivian holiday so I can pop that champagne cork with impunity and celebrate Marilyn style.<br />
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Raising my glass to you!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Lenora</div>
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Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-5017179676520611902014-08-01T22:51:00.001-07:002016-01-08T05:59:51.442-08:00Top 20 Reasons the RWA 2014 National Conference Was Awesome!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
I feel like I'm in The Lego Movie because everything is awesome. So here are my <span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;"><b>Top 20 Reasons the RWA Conference Was Awesome</b></span>. Because ten just wouldn't be enough.</div>
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1. My fellow GH nominees, the Dreamweavers. What an amazing, talented group of writers. And so much fun!</div>
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2. THE <a data-mce-href="http://www.eloisajames.com/" href="http://www.eloisajames.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Eloisa James</span></a> hugged me after I accepted the <a data-mce-href="http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=1341#GHHIST" href="http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=1341#GHHIST"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Golden Heart</span></a><sup data-mce-style="background: #ffffff; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">® </sup>award for unpubbed historical romance authors. What a thrill!</div>
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3. Reconnecting with my pals from Avon FanLit, the amazing <a data-mce-href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/" href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Courtney Milan</span></a> and <a data-mce-href="http://www.tessadare.com/" href="http://www.tessadare.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Tessa Dare</span></a>. I had that dazed, deer-in-the-headlights expression on my face the whole night. But don't Courtney and Tessa look gorgeous?</div>
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4. The excitement in the air was palpable. There were clusters of writers everywhere, talking at warp speed, sharing stories, laughs, and margaritas.</div>
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5. One of my best friends got married the week before the conference so I was totally able to justify the expense of traveling to the U.S. Thanks guys!</div>
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6. Drinks in the bar with new friends <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/WriteAsRain_" href="https://twitter.com/WriteAsRain_"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">@WriteAsRain_</span></a>, <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/southerntart" href="https://twitter.com/southerntart"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">@southerntart</span></a>, <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/jeanettelgrey" href="https://twitter.com/jeanettelgrey"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">@JeanettelGrey</span></a>, and <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/LauraTrentham" href="https://twitter.com/LauraTrentham"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">@LauraTrentham</span></a>. Although the hangover the next day? Not awesome.</div>
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7. The Spotlight on <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/avonbooks" href="https://twitter.com/avonbooks"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">@AvonBooks</span></a>. One of the editors said that maybe some of us in the room would become their authors. I got chills.</div>
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8. Squealing over the cover of <span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;"><a data-mce-href="http://elledaniels.com/" href="http://elledaniels.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Elle Daniel</span></a>'</span>s debut novel, <a data-mce-href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hes-no-prince-charming-elle-daniels/1118480356?ean=9781455545551" href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hes-no-prince-charming-elle-daniels/1118480356?ean=9781455545551"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">HE'S NO PRINCE CHARMING</span></a>. Elle was the sweetest roommate ever. She gave me a sneak peak at the book and it's exuberant, witty, and utterly charming! Also, she gave me a twitter lesson because I needed some serious help.</div>
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9. Attending inspiring workshops. I especially loved "Suffragettes and Alpha Males: Exploring Feminism in Romance" with <a data-mce-href="http://www.tessadare.com/" href="http://www.tessadare.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Tessa Dare</span></a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/" href="http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Zoe Archer</span></a>, <a data-mce-href="http://loreliebrown.com/" href="http://loreliebrown.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Lorelie Brown</span></a>, <a data-mce-href="http://www.julieleto.com/" href="http://www.julieleto.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Julie Leto</span></a> and <a data-mce-href="http://carrielofty.com/" href="http://carrielofty.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Carrie Lofty</span></a>. If you weren't able to attend, you should download the audio from RWA.</div>
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10. Hanging on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk.</div>
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11. Wearing my lucky Golden Heart shoes that I bought in Bolivia. They totally worked! And they were a great conversation starter in the elevators.</div>
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12. PJ from <a data-mce-href="http://www.theromancedish.com/" href="http://www.theromancedish.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">The Romance Dish</span></a> gave me some of her delicious homemade truffles. Check out her "<a data-mce-href="http://www.theromancedish.com/2014/08/what-happens-in-san-antonio-part-five.html" href="http://www.theromancedish.com/2014/08/what-happens-in-san-antonio-part-five.html"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">What Happens in San Antonio</span></a>" RWA conference recap posts.</div>
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13. When I called my husband to tell him I won, he was at a Mötley Crüe concert. He was like, "What? I can't hear you. Vince Neil is singing too loud." </div>
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14. Enjoying some special time with my BFF's before the conference. I miss you Nonfiction Vixens!</div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>15. Receiving my first ever email from someone who wanted to know where she could buy my book. That is the most incredible feeling in the world. Would be even better if I could direct her to a link. Hopefully someday!</div>
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16. All the gorgeous, glittery dresses at the <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ritagh&src=tyah" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ritagh&src=tyah"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">@RitaGH</span></a> awards ceremony. Especially <a data-mce-href="http://dennysbryce.com/" href="http://dennysbryce.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Denny Bryce</span></a> and <a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenlindseth.com/" href="http://www.ellenlindseth.com/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Ellen Lindseth</span></a>!</div>
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17. Eloisa's moving tribute to <a data-mce-href="http://www.bertricesmall.net/" href="http://www.bertricesmall.net/"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">Bertrice Small</span></a>, winner of the <a data-mce-href="http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=543" href="http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=543"><span data-mce-style="color: #990000;" style="color: #990000;">RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award</span></a>. We hope you make it to New York next year, Bertrice!</div>
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18. There was a Goodwill within walking distance of the Marriott. I'm a thrift store junkie. I didn't have much time, but I ran in for a few minutes and scored some black leather cowboy/motorcycle boots.</div>
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19. Going home and finding that my twenty-one-year old cat was safe and happy. I cherish every moment I have with her because you never know when they get to be that age.</div>
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20. I can now say I'm an award winning romance author. Thanks, RWA!</div>
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Hugs!<br />Lenora</div>
Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-85634652238403500432014-07-26T12:19:00.000-07:002014-08-07T07:52:23.631-07:00Confessions of a 2014 RWA Golden Heart Finalist<div>
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I am loving the RWA National Conference in San Antonio! My fellow Golden Heart nominees and I have been kicking butt and taking names. We all have multiple requests and several of us have already sold. I'm so proud to part of this group of classy, talented ladies!<br />
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I've met so many fabulous authors and I've downloaded tons of books already. Some new favorite historical romance authors include: <a href="http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/about/"><span style="color: #990000;">Jennifer McGowan</span></a>, <a href="http://ericamonroe.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Erica Monroe</span></a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethmichels.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Elizabeth Michels</span></a>, and my roomie and new friend <a href="http://elledaniels.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Elle Daniels</span></a>.<br />
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Yeah, I'm here to sell my book. But I have to confess that I'm also a giggling, star struck fangirl and I've stuttered and fluttered my way through breathless meetings with Eloisa James, Elizabeth Hoyt, Tessa Dare, Cathy Maxwell, and Sarah MacLean, to name a few.<br />
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Here are a few pics. I'll blog more later about what the conference meant to me and my top takeaways.<br />
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Hugs!</div>
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Me with romantic suspense author <a href="http://www.careybaldwin.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Carey Baldwin</span></a>.</div>
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Me fan-girling out with NYT bestselling author <a href="http://tessadare.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Tessa Dare</span></a>. She's so lovely!</div>
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The inimitable <a href="http://www.eloisajames.com/">Eloisa James</a>. My hands were shaking too badly to focus the camera.</div>
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OMG. <a href="http://www.elizabethhoyt.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Elizabeth Hoyt</span></a>. Love her!</div>
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Fellow Golden Heart nominees <a href="http://www.lauratrentham.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Laura Trentham</span></a>, <a href="http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/meet-2014-golden-heart-finalist-charis-calhoon/"><span style="color: #990000;">Charis Calhoon</span></a>, and <a href="http://jillianlark.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Jillian Lark</span></a>.</div>
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Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-82765837998416860352014-07-23T15:30:00.004-07:002014-08-07T07:52:42.945-07:00Golden Heart Shoes!I couldn't resist these red sparkly golden heart shoes. Hopefully they'll bring me luck at the national conference of the Romance Writers of America<sup style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">®</sup><br />
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Highlights so far include bar time with favorite authors <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://tessadare.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Tessa Dare</span></a> </span>and <a href="http://www.careybaldwin.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Carey Baldwin</span></a> (the men from the fertilizer convention happening at the same hotel kept buying us fishbowl-sized drinks), an inspiring talk by the lovely and gracious romantic grand dame <a href="http://www.cathymaxwell.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Cathy Maxwell</span></a>, fantastic pitching advice from <a href="http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Jennifer McGowan</span></a>, <a href="http://www.robinperini.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Robin Perini</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.bemispromotions.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Liz Bemis-Hittinger</span></a>. Thanks ladies!<br />
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Having a blast!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-51256494362670013962014-03-26T13:10:00.002-07:002016-01-08T05:55:55.861-08:00Castles and FactoriesLife is beautiful right now. <br />
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Then, speaking of factories, today I found out that my latest manuscript, <b>Charlene and the Duchess Factory,</b> is a finalist in the Romance Writers of America<sup style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">®</sup><a href="http://www.rwa.org/p/bl/ar/blogaid=713"><span style="color: #660000;">Golden Heart® Contest</span></a>! I still remember the vicarious thrill I felt when my good friend the lovely <span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.maireclaremont.com/"><span style="color: #660000;">Maire Claremont</span></a> </span>finaled and then won the 2011 GH. </div>
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And the RITA finalists include so many of my absolute favorite authors: <span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/"><span style="color: #660000;">Courtney Milan</span></a>, <a href="http://tessadare.com/"><span style="color: #660000;">Tessa Dare</span></a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethhoyt.com/"><span style="color: #660000;">Elizabeth Hoyt</span></a>, <a href="http://nicolacornick.co.uk/"><span style="color: #660000;">Nicola Cornick</span></a>, <a href="http://www.sherrythomas.com/"><span style="color: #660000;">Sherry Thomas</span></a>, <a href="http://www.sarahmaclean.net/"><span style="color: #660000;">Sarah MacLean</span></a></span>, and <a href="http://www.annacampbell.info/"><span style="color: #660000;">Anna Campbell</span></a>. Exalted company, indeed!</div>
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Life is beautiful right now.</div>
Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-46413645503228997452013-08-06T08:40:00.001-07:002016-01-08T05:58:36.084-08:00Bell de Journey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndWWDZmpcfI/UgEYeJQ96fI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Ste6WrDrEGI/s1600/photo-of-La-Paz-at-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndWWDZmpcfI/UgEYeJQ96fI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Ste6WrDrEGI/s400/photo-of-La-Paz-at-night.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Where I live.</td></tr>
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I'm writing again. Every day. Characters wake me up in the middle of the night to give me advice about what they want to do in the next chapter. When I'm at work, part of my brain is obsessing about carriage upholstery and Regency profanity. This is why I write. To be possessed by my characters. To eat and sleep and dream their lives. Charlene was raised in a bawdy house. That's what she told me last night. I had no idea. Liam learned how to play spanish guitar in Argentina. Strange but apparently true. <br />
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I took a long break from the internet because in the past I've spent too much time blog-hopping instead of writing. Also I disappeared because writing had become a chore instead of a passion.<br />
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While I was away, so many of the lovely ladies I met through FanLit have hit the big time. <a href="http://tessadare.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Tessa Dare</span></a> is a superstar now. Of course. <a href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Courtney Milan</span></a> keeps publishing brilliant stories. Both of them push the boundaries of romance. Tessa's writing is so achingly funny and passionate that we absolutely believe <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Any-Duchess-Will-Spindle-Cove/dp/0062240129/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375803095&sr=1-1&keywords=Any+duchess+will+do"><span style="color: #990000;">a tavern serving girl could marry a duke</span></a>. And my friend Maire Claremont took us on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dark-Lady-Novel-Passions/dp/0451417992/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375802975&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dark+lady"><span style="color: #990000;">dark and drug-fevered journey</span></a> into redemption. Can't wait for Lady in Red!<br />
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I'm living in Bolivia right now. No RWA chapters here. So I'm looking for new critique partners and I'm ready to finish a book and put myself out there again. RWA San Antonio 2014 here I come!<br />
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<br />Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-52551316605172785292011-11-02T07:34:00.000-07:002012-12-26T17:56:15.192-08:00Rilke<br />
<strong style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 400;"> <span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: 180%;">Variation on a Theme by Rilke</span></strong> <br />
<strong style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">A certain day became a presence to me;<br /> there it was, confronting me--a sky, air, light:<br /> a being. And before it started to descend<br /> from the height of noon, it leaned over<br /> and struck my shoulder as if with<br /> the flat of a sword, granting me<br /> honor and a task. The day's blow<br /> rang out, metallic--or it was I, a bell awakened,<br /> and what I heard was my whole self<br /> saying and singing what it knew: <i>I can</i>. </span></strong><br />
- Denise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Levertov</span>Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-26316003775483930122010-04-29T21:54:00.001-07:002014-08-07T07:54:01.835-07:00Sassy!The lovely and talented <a href="http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/" style="color: #cc0000;">Delilah Marvelle </a>just won a prize for being <span style="font-style: italic;">sassy</span> at the Romantic Times Faery Costume Ball. Isn't that just so perfect? She is sassy and so are her books. I cannot wait for her <a href="http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/index_004.htm" style="color: #cc0000;">Scandal</a> series to come out from HQN in January-March, 2011!<br />
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I'll post pictures of sassy Delilah in her gorgeous costume soon. Forgot my upload cord.Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-91213035513258945002010-04-28T21:40:00.000-07:002014-08-07T07:56:25.339-07:00Dear Sir or Madam, Will You Read My Book?<div class="song_title">
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When I arrived at the <a href="http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=39f9fb57-5ebc-49a4-b572-a2316b792e98" style="color: #cc0000;">Romantic Times convention</a> this morning the Beatles' <span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback Writer</span> was playing over the speakers in the Hyatt Regency lobby. This song is such a fixture on oldies radio that it's been relegated to the Muzak section of my brain where it sloshes around with <span style="font-style: italic;">Circle Game </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sound of Silence</span> ensuring that I never really hear the lyrics. But it was such an appropriate song for the occasion. Thank you, Hyatt Regency, for unconsciously serenading the large trampling herd of aspiring paperback writers here to graze on the hope that we will meet the agent of our dreams and be rescued from the slaughterhouse of unpublished obscurity.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Paperback writer </span></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It took me years to write, will you take a look? </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Based on a novel by a man named Lear </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback writer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's the dirty story of a dirty man </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And his clinging wife doesn't understand. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">His son is working for the Daily Mail, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's a steady job but he wants to be a paperback writer, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback writer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback writer </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's a thousand pages, give or take a few, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'll be writing more in a week or two.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can make it longer if you like the style, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback writer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you really like it you can have the rights, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It could make a million for you overnight.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you must return it, you can send it here </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback writer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paperback writer </span>Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-79895318720314936802010-04-22T02:26:00.000-07:002014-08-07T07:56:51.979-07:00Ladies, tonight we are going to talk about the biggest baddest alpha male in all of historical romancedom. Yes I'm talking about Lord Beelzebub himself, the Bane and Blight of the Ballisters, that bad ass Victorian scoundrel Sebastian Leslie Guy de Ath Ballister, Earl of Blackmoor, Viscount Launcells, Baron Ballister and Luancells, and fourth Marquiss of Dain (um, yeah, those are all <em>his</em> titles).<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19skxrWBv1qbsnsi.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19skxrWBv1qbsnsi.jpg" height="521" width="391" /><br />
When our intrepid heroine first meets Lord Dain she describes him thus:<br />
<em>Dain </em>was<em> heavy artillery, she thought...Coal black hair and bold, black eyes and a great, conquering Caesar of a nose and a sullen sensuality of a mouth--the face alone entitled him to direct lineage with Lucifer...As to the body...She had half expected a hulking gorilla. She had not been prepared for a stallion: big and splendidly proportioned--and powerfully muscled, if what his snug trousers outlined was any indication.</em><br />
Oh my! *Lenora fans her rosy cheeks.*<br />
The man on the cover looks nothing like Dain. For one thing he's way more 1980's than 1880's with that feathered hair and those high waisted pants. Come to think of it he looks remarkably like Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing.<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tba6mqN1qbsnsi.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tba6mqN1qbsnsi.jpg" /><br />
<br /><strong>Here's my Dain recipe:</strong><br />
<br />Two parts Adrien Brody (that nose! those brooding eyes!)<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tcsDYpZ1qbsnsi.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tcsDYpZ1qbsnsi.jpg" height="454" width="331" /><br />
One part Clive Owen (that sensual mouth! the manly swagger!)<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tkdWdrV1qbsnsi.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tkdWdrV1qbsnsi.jpg" height="449" width="331" /><br />
And a dash (just a dash mind you!) of Hugh Jackman (um, pecs, hello!)<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tudT10r1qbsnsi.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l19tudT10r1qbsnsi.jpg" /><br />
OK that's all the alpha male I'm dishing up this evening. <br />
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Have you read Lord of Scoundrels? If you haven't get thee to a bookstore unholy wench!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-8140704541453993022010-04-05T21:31:00.000-07:002014-08-07T07:57:11.981-07:00Lenore/Lenora<strong>Lenore</strong><br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l14236yjfO1qbsotk.gif" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l14236yjfO1qbsotk.gif" /><br />
<strong>Lenora</strong><br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l14240Wpoc1qbsotk.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l14240Wpoc1qbsotk.jpg" /><br />
<strong>LENORE</strong><br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/Orchid-Thief-Susan-Orlean/dp/009928958X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271485915&sr=1-1" href="http://www.amazon.com/Orchid-Thief-Susan-Orlean/dp/009928958X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271485915&sr=1-1" title="Buy from Amazon"><img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l10cff1B7R1qbsotk.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l10cff1B7R1qbsotk.jpg" height="445" width="299" /></a><br />
<strong> </strong><strong>LENORA</strong><br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/Flowers-Storm-Laura-Kinsale/dp/0380761327" href="http://www.amazon.com/Flowers-Storm-Laura-Kinsale/dp/0380761327" title="Buy from Amazon"><img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l10ckzKdUZ1qbsotk.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l10ckzKdUZ1qbsotk.jpg" /></a>Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-63351098357402439592010-03-25T13:00:00.000-07:002010-04-16T13:18:02.391-07:00Congrats to Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan!Courtney Milan's "<a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/thiswickedgift.php">This Wicked Gift</a>" and Tessa Dare's <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://tessadare.com/bookshelf/surrender-of-a-siren">Surrender of a Siren</a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span>are finalists in the Romance Writers of America's <span><span style="font-size:78%;">RITA® </span></span>contest! See all the finalists <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.rwanational.org/cs/2010_rita_finalists">here</a>.Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-81901482094432897552009-07-25T20:42:00.000-07:002014-08-07T07:57:34.373-07:00Homeward Bound!I'm going home to Alaska on Tuesday. The funny thing is that it's supposed to be 85 degrees the whole time I'm there! Those poor little polar bears. Here's a picture my sister snapped earlier this summer.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SmvVvyaeSTI/AAAAAAAAARs/L2AsfNo90ig/s1600-h/-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SmvVvyaeSTI/AAAAAAAAARs/L2AsfNo90ig/s320/-2.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362614798278084914" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Congrats to Tessa! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Hunt-Tessa-Dare/dp/0345506863/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248581268&sr=8-1" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Goddess of the Hunt</span></a> debuts on the 28th--the same day as Eloisa James's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Duke-Her-Own-Eloisa-James/dp/006162683X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1248581251&sr=8-3"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;">A Duke of Her Own</span></a>. Exalted company indeed!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-51425157751604278662009-06-24T18:00:00.000-07:002014-08-07T08:00:56.618-07:00Delicious thingsI've decided to ignore the fact that I haven't posted on this blog in ten months. No big deal! I had my reasons (break-up and MFA, hello!). I'm sitting in my yard listening to Astrud Gilberto, sipping a delicate<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span id="main" style="font-style: italic; visibility: visible;"><span id="search" style="visibility: visible;"><em>rosé</em></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> working on my new romance novel, and trying to catch up on all the romance news I missed during my hiatus. Whoah! July, August, and September will be the best months ever because Tessa Dare's much lauded <a href="http://tessadare.com/bookshelf/" style="color: #990000;">debut series</a> hits shelves. I've pre-ordered mine--how about you? And what's this? Debuts from so many other amazing writers: <a href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/" style="color: #990000;">Courtney Milan's</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Proof by Seduction</span> from HQN in January 2010, <a href="http://slmangel.blogspot.com/" style="color: #990000;">Sarah Lindsey</a>'s <span style="font-style: italic;">Promise Me Tonight</span> from Signet in February 2010, <a href="http://maggierobinsonmeansromance.blogspot.com/" style="color: #990000;">Maggie Robinson</a>'s <span style="font-style: italic;">Tempting Eden</span> from Berkley in summer 2010!<br />
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There is so much to be thankful for right now. Sun filtering through the bamboo above my head; plump raspberries and rainier cherries to pick for breakfast; my friends who are achieving the success they deserve; the drive, passion, and time to write romance again; frilly gingham sundresses; mojitos with lavender-infused simple syrup.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SkLVki1d1SI/AAAAAAAAARc/VQE6NCWRkHw/s1600-h/DSCN3283.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SkLVki1d1SI/AAAAAAAAARc/VQE6NCWRkHw/s320/DSCN3283.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351074131072636194" style="display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Are you feeling as summery and full of love as I am? I hope so!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-69962379194062077562008-08-13T13:08:00.000-07:002008-08-13T13:15:14.109-07:00Yay Courtney!!!<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><br /></td> <td style="line-height: 140%;"> <div> Golden Heart Nominee for Breath of Honor Courtney Milan's PROOF BY SEDUCTION, about a rigidly logical marquis who uses the scientific method to save his heir from the clutches of a fraudulent fortune teller, only to fall for her and discover that the one hypothesis not susceptible to proof is love, to <a href="http://publishersmarketplace.com/cgi-bin/dealmaker.pl?id=1282" target="_blank">Ann Leslie Tuttle</a> at <a href="http://publishersmarketplace.com/cgi-bin/dealmaker.pl?id=3459" target="_blank">HQN</a>, in a good deal, at auction, in a two-book deal, by <a href="http://publishersmarketplace.com/cgi-bin/dealmaker.pl?id=863" target="_blank">Kristin Nelson</a> at <a href="http://publishersmarketplace.com/cgi-bin/dealmaker.pl?id=292" target="_blank">Nelson Literary Agency</a> (World). </div></td></tr></tbody></table>Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-60876248561264905222008-08-01T15:43:00.000-07:002016-01-08T05:54:26.024-08:00Once Upon a Bed...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SJdBhpZplqI/AAAAAAAAAMo/QRQZLXi8Aik/s1600-h/3314684.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230721538519045794" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SJdBhpZplqI/AAAAAAAAAMo/QRQZLXi8Aik/s320/3314684.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
I will be eating dinner tonight with my lovely writing friends <a href="http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/" style="color: #990000;">Delilah</a> and Moira...on a bed. Delilah is taking us to <a href="http://www.supperclub.com/" style="color: #990000;">Supperclub</a> where we will recline roman style and feast our eyes on a cabaret show.<br />
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The conference is going very well. I placed second in the <a href="http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/contest.htm" style="color: #990000;">Hearts Through History</a> contest and I'm thrilled because my friend and critique partner, <a href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/ramblings/" style="color: #990000;">Courtney Milan</a>, took first. Yay, Courtney! I've received quite a few requests for <span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">Filigree and Shadow</span> from agents and editors and that's really the whole point of the conference so Lenora is a happy girl.<br />
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Tonight we're off to karaoke at The Mint (one of my old stomping grounds) with a bunch of ladies including the lovely vixens <a href="http://www.lacydanes.com/" style="color: #990000;">Lacey</a>, <a href="http://www.edenbradley.com/" style="color: #990000;">Eden</a>, and <a href="http://www.shellistevens.com/" style="color: #990000;">Shelli</a>. Bliss!<br />
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I'll try to remember to bring my camera this time.<br />
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Hugs,<br />
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LenoraLenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-67732837183696276642008-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:002015-12-21T02:18:14.212-08:00I Left My Heart In...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SIzZfDeNBUI/AAAAAAAAAMg/RW8YJcHQkM0/s1600-h/4-8-08+thrifttown11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227792395001464130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/SIzZfDeNBUI/AAAAAAAAAMg/RW8YJcHQkM0/s320/4-8-08+thrifttown11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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Every time I go back to the city by the bay I contract a severe case of nostalgia. The rows of candy-colored Victorians; the salt-tang in the air; the beckoning racks of polyester prom dresses at Thrift Town; the sea bass, mango, and butter appetizer baked in a large mussel shell at Sushi Zone. But this trip I won't have time for thrifting or sea bass and I won't even get to see my friends who still live there. Every second will be spent at the <a href="http://www.rwanational.org/cs/conferences_and_events" style="color: #990000;">RWA National Conference</a>. Because my life is so insane right now I haven't spent much time preparing for the conference. Maybe that's a good thing. I also haven't had time to feel nervous.<br />
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Courtney was blogging about <a href="http://www.courtneymilan.com/ramblings/2008/07/26/movie-logline-pitch/" style="color: #990000;">pitching</a> the other day and I realized that I haven't practiced my pitch for Filigree and Shadow and I started to get a bit panicky. I don't have a problem talking to strangers since I'm accustomed to being on stage and I actually like schmoozing. But none of that will help me if I haven't memorized the salient details of a succinct pitch. So that's my goal for today.<br />
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I hope your conference preparations are going more smoothly than mine. I can't wait to meet all my internet writing friends in SF! See you in a few days...<br />
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LenoraLenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-66431277741598682362008-07-02T00:07:00.000-07:002008-07-18T20:01:43.604-07:00VelveetaMy friend and I went to happy hour tonight at a slinky new bar. I knew it was my kind of place the second I saw the crimson velvet chaise lounge inside the front door. After a few glasses of rosé I couldn't resist stretching out upon the velvet and pretending I was the languishing heroine of a Victoria Holt novel.<br /><br />I ate mac and cheese with the very fancy name of Käsespätzle composed of egg noodles, swiss cheese, and carmelized onions. Mmmm. Speaking of cheese...is my new blog photo cheesy enough for you? It was taken during a publicity shoot in China. Please tell me if it's over the top. I don't want to give anyone indigestion.<br /><br />In writing news, I have exactly 27 days to finish and polish Filigree and Shadow before the RWA national conference where I will be be pitching it to agents and editors. I thrive on mad scrambles to meet nearly impossible deadlines. So here goes...Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-86142531741448103892008-06-17T18:18:00.000-07:002008-07-15T14:54:17.342-07:00Winning WaysI guess I should come out of hibernation to mention that <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;">Filigree and Shadow</span> took first place in the San Diego RWA chapter's <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://rwasd.com/SIRC-08_Finalists.html">Spring Into Romance</a> contest.<br /><br />I don't expect anyone is actually still reading this blog since I've neglected it for so long. I don't have much of an excuse since school's out for summer. Guess I'm still unwinding from finals week. Also I started an internship at an amazing <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.livewireradio.org/">radio show</a>.Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-71704637553720603742008-05-19T17:06:00.000-07:002008-05-19T17:12:12.290-07:00More good news!<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Huge congratulations to <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.shellistevens.com/blog/2008/05/19/two-book-deal-and-an-agent/#comment-3319">Shelli Stevens</a> who just inked a two-book deal with Kensington and chose Laura Bradford as her literary agent.<br /><br />It seems like the good news in the romance world just keeps rolling in!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-6641883075073408142008-05-11T18:55:00.001-07:002008-05-11T19:00:23.573-07:00NewsFinally some good news to report. I entered Filigree and Shadow into three contests (my very first RWA contests) and finaled in two: <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://rwasd.com/">Spring Into Romance</a>, and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/contest.htm">Hearts Through History</a>.<br /><br />Yay!!Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22577032.post-53620648524406117052008-03-27T22:39:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:59:37.597-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/R-iTnGZ4zvI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yh4zbLjpe6c/s1600-h/oztwisterbg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qxVz4x7Lrf4/R-iTnGZ4zvI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yh4zbLjpe6c/s320/oztwisterbg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181553671233130226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been sucked into a whirlwind of work projects, grad school papers, and romance contest entries. I'm flailing wildly until further notice.Lenora Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07841633967011035274noreply@blogger.com12