The Best Holiday Memories

Christmas Eve, a special time of year and one of the most cherished memories that will always hold a sentimental place in my heart.

Springing out of bed and giddy with excitement, my sister and I were going to Baba's (my grandmother's) for Christmas Eve. The holiday could not be here soon enough. "What time are we leaving?" I would ask for the millionth time. The minutes took an eternity, but it was finally time to go.

Proudly displaying our Christmas dresses with our Mary Janes and white tights, we got all bundled up in our winter coats. Donning our hat and mittens, exhilaration filled the frosty air. My sister and I jumped in the car, restless in the back seat. First, because we were going to Baba's. Second, because the car took forever to heat up. Singing every Christmas carol under the sun, we surely made the Griswald's proud! We were on our way.

Glancing out the foggy windows, winter-white snow drifts grazed the landscape and made the picturesque Norman Rockwell scene come to life. As we crossed the bridge over the river, the houses appeared as though they were merely little villages that belonged under a Christmas tree. You could actually feel the holiday spirit come alive.

At last, we pulled into Baba's driveway, her brick Cape Cod covered in snow. Her home always reminded me of a storybook gingerbread house and it was the perfect holiday backdrop. Sprinting out of the car, but careful on the driveway (Mary Janes were quite slippery in the snow), we followed the stone path between the house and row of emerald green arborvitae trees. Reaching the back porch, we stomped our feet, shaking off the snow. We finally made it.

Opening the wooden door, the warmth brushed against our cold skin. Baba stood at the kitchen sink with her green apron as we had seen her so many times before. Raising her head, she casted a warm smile and opened her arms to embrace us--her hug so comforting. *sigh* Immediately engulfed with the smell of Christmas Eve dinner, we searched the counter for something we could sample. Yelling at everyone else for picking before dinner, she turned away from them, sneaking my sister and I samples of anything we wanted.

Surrounded by family, we sat around her enormous dining room table. This is what it was all about. All of Baba's prepping and cooking was well worth the wait and effort. It was simply delightful.

Having finished dinner, the men made their sly escape into the living room (no surprise there) while the women cleared the table and washed the dishes. Had I known then what I know now! LOL. With the last dish washed and put away, we were finally ready for my favorite part.

Bustling into the living room and everyone finding their comfy spot, the old record player was brought down from the upstairs bedroom. The Mitch Miller Christmas sing-a-long albums were spinning and we all sang our little hearts out. Glancing around the dim-lit room, the fire crackled and popped, the Christmas tree was twinkling with baubles of Christmas past as the outside world was lost to us all. All that mattered was family and that particular moment in time.

There was only one song left to sing. White Christmas.

When my grandfather came home from World War II, he called my grandmother to say he'd be home for the holidays as White Christmas played in the background. Ever since then, my grandmother and grandfather would cry at the drop of a hat upon hearing the enchanted melody. Although it has been many years since my grandparents left us, the song still makes me tear up when I hear it.

The best holiday memories are made with family and friends. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas or Hanukkah, and I hope you create a Norman Rockwell scene of your own.

A Thanksgiving Letter

There is nothing like the love between a mother and daughter. And today I discovered that even more. 

My eleven year old daughter came into my bedroom and said, "I wrote this in class. I thought you should have it." She handed me a letter written in her own hand and then simply left the room. 

I sat down on the bed and read... and cried. This is what she wrote for class and nothing has been edited.

October 18, 2012

Has someone in your family ever become an author? Well, mine has. My mother. It's pretty cool being a daughter of an author. Here is how my normal Mom became a published author.

She started reading books that her friend was giving her to read. She then got inspired. So she started by just taking some notebook paper and writing a short story. Little did she know that this story would land her a three-book deal.

My mom started to think that she might have a chance to be published. She worked really hard every night and was writing and writing. It took her four years to write her book. She started talking to publishers and seeing if they were interested in her book. Then one day she got a call. She was an author.

I was so happy for her when I found out. We went out that night and celebrated. Then she told me some more good news. She not only was an author but got a three-book deal. I didn't know how to express myself. She worked so hard to accomplish this much. My happy meter exploded because I was just so happy.

Right now, in the present time, my mother has published two books. She is now done with her third book and editing it. She has a lot of famous friends, like Nora Roberts. She always orders cookies when she goes to a book signing to interest people in her books. I help her a lot with giving her ideas and my opinions on her books. Even my little brother helps. He wears a kilt (man skirt) because my mom writes historical romance. Everybody says he's so cute.

The incident affected me a lot. I could never be so proud to say I am Victoria Roberts's daughter. She has a great imagination and personality. I hope you enjoyed my story on how an ordinary mom could become a famous author.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

What a wonderful time of year. Not only do our little ones get to dress up and get truck loads of candy, but it's my birthday today. I love having my special day today. As a kid, it was always so much fun. Candy, birthday cakes, costume parties, and plenty of laughs and scares to go around. 

The picture above is my daughter in first grade. She had that beautiful bride outfit when she took dance lessons, and then transformed it into her own design. Yep, that was all her idea. She frightened other kids, scared the living-daylights out of her teacher, and her father and I just shook our heads. Kids. She had a blast.  

From there, she was Freddie Kruger.

Yep, that's my baby! My precious first-born.

This year my son is going as a Navy seal and my daughter as a basketball player-go figure. What about your kids? What's the biggest costume trend this year?

Nuts About Nora and Gaga for Grace

I had another wonderful opportunity to return to Turn the Page Bookstore for Girls' Night Out yesterday.

Rather than having a formal book signing, the authors had the chance to chat with readers and other authors. When my daughter and I arrived, we met 10 year-old author McKenzie Betts who wrote Blue Bear Finds a Rainbow. In the picture below, McKenzie is signing her book for my niece.

She will be the next Nora Roberts before you know it! 

Fellow Marsal Lyon Literary Agency sister Erika Robuck returned with her beautiful novel, Hemingway's Girl. Erika is truly the epitome of grace and character, and she's quickly becoming my hero. And since it's a small world in which we live, Erika and I met agency sister Melissa Foster, Chasing Amanda.

 

After chatting several times on-line, I finally met Anita Clenney, Awaken the Highland Warrior. 

One of the highlights of the night for me had to be when fellow Sourcebooks author Grace Burrowes walked into the room. I immediately scoffed up Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight for her to sign for my CP (critique partner.)

After I told Grace I was star-struck, she laughed and said, "Oh, please. Two years ago I wasn't even published." She certainly made me feel comfortable, and let me just say that Grace Burrowes is awesome! I met Grace Burrowes! *jumping up and down*

I picked up a new novel from K. R. Flanagan called Thane: The Fae Prince of Fir Manach and I can't wait to dig into that one. K. R. Flanagan was very charming and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author. 

The readers were phenomenal. I was honored that Alison Rush drove two hours to see me. Of course I hooked her up with some serious Bad Boy swag. Alison and readers like Alison make this journey all worth while. I thank you for reading Temptation in a Kilt. As long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing. ;-)

And the night could not be complete without once again chatting it up with the infamous, the multi-talented, Nora Roberts.

 

Please do not wake me from this dream...

Sold Out with Nora Roberts



The words every author wants to hear...

Yesterday, I had the honorable privilege of participating in a book signing with Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Eloisa James, Maya Banks, Erica Robuck and Lora Leigh at Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD.

My son and I arrived at 11:15a.m. and immediately received a pleasant greeting from Nora and her office manager, Janeen. I was asked to sign a couple of pre-order copies, literally two, while Nora signed hers, literally--well, a lot. Janeen told me that any books I didn't sell would need to be signed for Turn the Page so they could mail out any additional orders.

Nervously, I prepared my table. MacGregor tartan tablecloth, bookmarks, postcards, newsletter book, sharpies, t-shirts, kilt cookies, check. I was ready to rock and roll.

I met some fabulous authors. Erica Robuck was also a debut author and a fellow agency sister from Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She was there showcasing her new novel, Hemingway's Girl. And of course we had to get our picture taken again with Nora!

With the initial set-up complete, Janeen told all of the authors that normally 150 readers come to the event. That didn't happen. We had 250 turn out! I knew this was going to be an exciting day. And I wasn't wrong.

   

I nervously signed Temptation in a Kilt for my first reader, and my son and I quickly developed a system. I'd sign, my son inserted the bookmark and handed the reader a kilt cookie. We passed them out like hotcakes. And then it slowed down a bit.

When the line wasn't moving and a couple of readers passed us by, my son said, "I didn't give them a cookie."

I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "They didn't buy Mommy's book."

His eyes widened, he leaned back and said a little louder, "That sucks! You're book is really good. How come they're not buying it?" I was just about to answer him when he whipped his head around and said again, loudly, "Hey, look! I see they have it, and they have it, and they have it."

Out of the mouths of babes. We definitely had some interesting experiences.

A man came up to the table and asked my little man, "Do you recommend your Mom's book?"

My little lad hesitated (not understanding the word "recommend" at 7 years old) and shook his head--no. I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer... Fortunately, the man laughed and bought the book for his wife.

I met some downright charming people. Everyone was very nice, and even if they didn't buy the book, they offered congratulations on the accomplishment. I heard some great stories and met some great people. One moment in particular stands out.

There was a charming older woman who traveled from Cape Cod with her daughters to the event. To be honest, I've never laughed so hard in my life. The woman proceeded to tell me that she came to Nora's signing last year. Apparently, she made quite the impression with Nora the last time she was here. The woman walked up to Nora, looked her straight in the eye and said, "It's about time I get to finally meet my favorite author--Danielle Steel."

Nora, ever the professional, laughed it off and said, "No matter how famous you become people always mistake you for someone else."

Two hours into the signing, all of the books on my table sold. Janeen promptly brought me the remainder of the stock. My son and I stacked up the remainder of the books and the ritual continued.

My kin played a huge part in this event. My Dad told the ladies that he was the male cover model on my book and Sourcebooks photo shopped his head. My sister was outside and told readers that her author-sister was in there signing her first novel. My daughter wore her Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt and walked around the bookstore. And my son sat diligently by my side, sporting his kilt. 

When we were down to the last hour, I ran out of books. Since I'm my mother's daughter, I always over-prepare. I pulled out my personal stash of Temptation in a Kilt that I brought from home. And there it was. They were ALL GONE! SOLD OUT! The bookstore's and my own!

Janeen walked by and discreetly gave me the thumbs up as the last reader walked through the line. There were no books left over for me to sign. I did it. My debut novel. My first book signing and it's with Nora Roberts. I SOLD OUT!!!!!

At the end of the day, I walked up to Nora and thanked her profusely for having me. When she found out I sold out of Temptation in a Kilt she said, "I'm really happy for you."

Then I said, "Oh, and I need to thank you for something else."

Nora's expression became puzzled. "And what's that?"

"Thanks to you, I'm right next to you on the shelf."

Nora laughed and said, "I'm glad I could help you out."

I will never forget this experience of a lifetime. "All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."--Walt Disney. 

Release Day

It's finally here. Release day for Temptation in a Kilt.

As I unleashed my new baby into the world, I took a step back, realizing my emotions were so out of whack. Frankly, I don't know how debut authors do it. How can one feel excited, thrilled, joyful and scared to death all at the same time? Seriously. If anyone knows, please fill me in.

"Get a grip, Roberts." That's what I keep telling myself over and over.

I know one thing for certain. My heart and soul went into this book and I hold my head high with pride. It touches me dearly when a reader takes the time to send me a personal note to tell me how much this book touched them. And you know what? That one reader makes it totally worth the ride. 

I'd like to thank the following people for their support.

Sabrina Jeffries, for making me realize it’s never too late to try something new.

Hannah Howell, for her support while I was bogged down in synopsis hell.

Eliza Knight, for giving me the courage to put myself out there.

To my agent, Jill Marsal, for her endless support and encouragement.

To my editor, Deb Werksman, for giving me a chance.

To my critique partner, Mary Grace, there are really no words to express the tremendous amount of gratitude I hold for you. All those times I ruffled your feathers about having your nose planted in a book, even when you walk… For your brutal honesty and endless reads, your unwavering support and encouragement, these Bad Boys came to life. Thank you for believing in me.
 

To my family, for their unwavering support and dedication to this Bad Boy. For my son, who understood at such a young age that Mommy was editing. For my daughter, the only Gaelic-speaking lass in the fifth grade. And for my husband, who makes dinners countless nights. I could not ask for a more encouraging bunch. I love you all, and you have my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. I could have never done this without you. 

  

Mom, Dad and Michelle, thank you for believing in me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you or miss you, Mom. I hope I made you proud.

 

Thanks for helping me spread the word, and I'm raising a cyber glass of champagne to all of you.

RT Book Reviews and a Whisper of Faith

The clan and I recently returned from a much needed vacation at Myrtle Beach, SC. If you're like me, getting back into the working groove can be somewhat grueling. While I was beach bound, I took my laptop to check e-mails because nothing irks me more than coming back from a break with 200 e-mails to sort through. Grr...

As a debut author, everything is new for me. Between working through editorial comments, copy/edits, galleys, ARC's (Advance Reader Copies) sometimes it's a little unnerving because you don't know what to expect. Since Temptation in a Kilt is virtually ready to go for its September 1st release, I now swim the uncharted waters of editorial and reader reviews. That being said, when I received an e-mail from Sourcebooks on vacation and they advised me that RT Book Reviews posted a review of Temptation in Kilt, my eyes widened, I literally froze and my stomach knotted tighter than a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

I read the following caption from my publisher. 
RT Rating: 4 Star Review
"Roberts' debut novel will charm fans of Scottish romance. Her love of Scottish history and Highland heroes is quite evident in the fast-moving plot. Well written, full of intrigue and a sensual, believable romance, this book captivates the reader immediately. Definitely an author whose next book will be eagerly awaited by her readers."

My family was thrilled. My sister and brother-in-law were so excited and my Dad's eyes bordered on tears. He gave me a hug and said, "Your mother would be so proud of you."

Thoroughly ecstatic, I truly thought that was the end of it. Imagine my complete surprise when I started getting e-mails from my chapters telling me I was in September's issue of RT Book Reviews. I assumed it was the review that Sourcebooks told me about and gave polite thank-you's to my writing clan. When one of my chapter sister's said that I polluted the pages of RT in a good way, I rushed out to Barnes and Noble and bought the latest issue.

It all started on page 17 where I was listed in First Books in a New Series Launch.

Victoria Roberts
BAD BOYS OF THE HIGHLANDS
Temptation in a Kilt

That was awesome. Who doesn't love seeing their name in print? As I scrolled through the magazine, my breath hitched on page 32.

The top section indicated my RT review rating, 4, Victoria Roberts, TEMPTATION IN A KILT, 9781402270062, Sourcebooks. I thought that was sort of neat and then I glanced down.

OMG! Is that MY book cover in the corner? WHAT is going on?

The caption says, "K.I.S.S. (es) for SEPTEMBER Knights in Shining Silver."

Among the heroes of Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Kieran Kramer, Anna Randol, Nina Rowan, Sara Luck, and Margaret McPhee is me, Victoria Roberts. There were cute captions such as "Eloisa James' James Ryburn knows a confident woman isn't The Ugly Duchess."


I kept reading to find "Victoria Roberts' hero, Ciaran MacGregor, embodies honor, sensuality and Temptation in a Kilt."

OK. By this time, I'm jumping up and down. I didn't know this was going into the magazine. And then came page 38.

Tears strolled down my cheeks and all I could say was, "I did it, Mom!"

To some, this may seem trivial. To me, it meant the world. I finally found myself on this side of 40-ish. The memory of my mother on her deathbed holding my hand and talking to me about my book, so proud, so loving, telling me she would be there for me. Always. It touched a special place in my heart. So this is for you, Mom! 

In honor of my first good review and in memory of my Mom, I will give away a signed ARC and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt to one random commenter. Just tell me your favorite memory of your mother. Winner will be announced Monday, August 6th. (US and Canada only, please.)

Happy Father's Day

That's my Dad. Yep, coming out of the outhouse that my uncle used to own in Tionesta, PA.

Many of you know that this has been a traumatic year for me and my family. With the death of my mother in February, there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of her. With Father's Day approaching, it makes me appreciate my Dad that much more.

I have a lot of fond memories of my Dad spending time with my sister and me, but the one which stands out is our annual trip to my uncle's camp in Tionesta. Believe me, this was truly a camp, a hunter's lodge. No running water which meant no shower, no toilet, no TV, no phone, no comforts of home. If we needed water, my sister and I carried a huge jug down to the spring well and carried it back. If we needed to wash our hair, we walked down to the spring. If we had to go to the bathroom, we went to the outhouse. Ick!

The camp's musty smell grew on you like a second skin. We had to pack our clothes in garbage bags because luggage would be ruined. Note: One time my Dad actually packed the garbage from home instead of his clothes, but that's another story! The kitchen and living room were connected with only a center island between them. Eerie magazines (horror comics) rested in the corner basket. Over the couch was a huge picture-puzzle that took up the entire wall. One bedroom with two queen beds shot off from the kitchen. Yep, that was it! In fact, when you pulled into the camp, there was a sign nailed into a tree that said, "Camp. This is it!"

We sat for countless hours at the center island playing cards, normally UNO. My Dad would crack jokes, poke us and make us laugh. He taught us how to fish and even though I never wanted to bait my own hook, he was forever patient and never complained about doing it. He ensured that my sister and I had a great time. And we always did!

Down the road was a very small animal habitat with deer, raccoon, rabbits and Rosie and Jiggs. Rosie and Jiggs were two black bears that we never failed to stop and visit.

My uncle's camp was the last camp at the bottom of the hill and sat next to a heavily wooded area. Bears have been known to visit. Sometimes at night, my Dad would light a bonfire and we would cook hot dogs or roast marshmallows. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the fire making popping noises into the night and smell the smoky wood and crackling leaves. I can still see the glowing embers floating up into the tall, dark pine trees. 

I'll never forget the fun times we had there. And even though it didn't have any amenities, my Dad made it a place for a wonderful family gathering.

What was the best memory you have of doing something with your father?

You're a What?

I've lost count of how many times I've seen this look upon the faces of many. What causes such a judgemental, horrified expression?

I would like to think I'm a nice person, easy going, and I do genuinely care about my friends and family. I want to know how the people in my life are doing. And I enjoy meeting new people. But what I don't like is a one-sided conversation. Particularly this kind.   

It irks me when someone pretends to play nice in the sandbox. You know the feeling. You had a nice time, chatted, got to know one another. And like a bucket of cold water was thrown over the conversation, it changes, becomes cold. 

For the umpteenth time. I'm a romance writer! I write Scottish historical romances! No, I am NOT ashamed or embarrassed. Why would I be? My family supports me. My CHILDREN support me. YOU. KNOW. NOTHING about me. 

No matter how many times I prepare myself for these type of people and conversations, it's completely annoying. If that's not bad enough, some of them choose to continue their rant. 

"So... you're published. How did you manage to accomplish that?" Snicker.

Straightening my spine, I hold my head high and say, "I won a writing contest and was asked for a full submission." I pick up my glass and take another drink before other words escape me. 

"Really?"

"Yep. Imagine my surprise when the publisher not only loved it, but she asked me to pitch three, a series."

Smirks. "So... do you have an agent then?"

"Of course."

"Well, I suppose you don't make enough money to quit your day job."

Is life not too short?

God, if they only knew of the blood, sweat and tears, edits and re-edits, writing goals, countless hours, 2:30a.m. revisions to make a deadline, the dreaded synopsis, copy/edits, galleys, hooks, marketing, sales, reviews...

I want to scream at the top of my lungs, "I hate stupid people!"

My writing friends know this feeling all too well. Tell me. What is the best line you ever used on these type of people?

Kilted Bliss!

Look what arrived in my mailbox! I just placed my hands on my first baby! Sorry if you heard me scream (again!)

I cannot tell you the feeling of accomplishment, the sense of completion, the thrill of the moment, touching my first completed book.

The ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies) have arrived for Temptation in a Kilt. In celebration of this moment, I am giving away a free ARC and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt to one lucky commenter. 

All you have to do is enter a comment below, including your e-mail address, and I will select one random winner. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the name of the winner!

Temptation in a Kilt Back Cover Blurb

It's here! I just received my back cover blurb for Temptation in a Kilt. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

She’s on her way to safety

It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that

she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging

as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about

hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master

of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is

completely beyond her control…

He redefines dangerous…

Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get

embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as

headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise

to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck

with her, even though she challenges his legendary

prowess at every opportunity. When temptation

reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he

really is…on and off the battlefield.

What do you think?

Jimmy Thomas, a Book Signing and a Little Lad in Training

What in the world does Jimmy Thomas, a book signing and a little lad in training have in common? Yep, I thought the same thing.

I've posted several times before about the wonderful sayings that come out of the mouths of babes. And just when I think nothing else would surprise me, bang, there it is.

It all started when Temptation in a Kilt was published. As every author would do, I privately reflected and asked myself, "What if this is a NYT Bestseller? What if this is a USA Today Bestseller? OMG! What if it's both? Wait, reality is sinking in... What if it gets really bad reviews and bombs?" *shaking head and clearing out negative thoughts*

When things start to bother me, I like to talk instead of keeping all of my musings inside to fester. I started talking to my kids about how I would promote the book. We talked about promotional items, what I would take to the book signing, etc. You know--anything to lighten said dark thoughts.

My daughter smirks and says, "Boy, it's too bad you can't have Jimmy Thomas attend. How great would that be to help you sell your book?"

For those of you that don't know, Jimmy is the Highlander gracing my website and blog and also the Highlander in the Temptation in a Kilt book trailer.

Of course I agree with my daughter. How could I not?

Right on cue, my son says, "I'll do it. Buy me a kilt and I'll do it. But... I will only do it if you buy me the shirt, shoes and dagger. I want to look like a Highlander. Then I can pass out your bookmarks and say, "Thank you for buying my Mom's book." And I swear this was entirely my little lad's idea. Both of my kids are verra proud of Mom.

As any mother/author of Scottish historical romance would do, I ordered my little lad the complete Scottish get-up from Heritage of Scotland. 

And it arrived...

I can admit that I may be a wee bit partial. But I think my son will do great at the book signing! What do you think? A future Highland laird mayhap?

Celtic Guide

Imagine my surprise when I opened an e-mail from Jim McQuiston, Editor and Publisher for the Celtic Guide asking me if I'd like to be a contributing author for the on-line magazine. That was indeed a no-brainer. The purpose of the Celtic Guide is to promote and preserve Celtic culture. What another amazing opportunity for Bringing my love of Scotland to life...

When I wrote the article for the April issue, I knew two things. First, I wanted the readers to connect with my love of all things Scotland. Second, I wanted a way to bottle the mystical lands of Alba. And what better way to express the breathtaking beauty of the lochs and moors than by my favorite Scottish photographer, Cameron Morrison, providing the pictures? Cam's photos amaze me on a daily basis.

Please check out the latest issue of the Celtic Guide and let me know what you think. I always love to hear from readers!

Temptation in a Kilt

Did you hear the scream? Sorry, it was me! Imagine my surprise when I opened an e-mail from my wonderful editor and saw... this! Who wouldn't?

It's official and I'm telling the world.

Coming September 2012 from Sourcebooks Casablanca is my debut novel, Temptation in a Kilt. This is Book 1 of my Bad Boys of the Highlands series.

Please excuse me while I pop open a bottle of champagne and raise my glass to the Highland hotty that graces my first cover...

This is a verra fine day indeed.

Women Read/Women Write

Yes! That's me and New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Hunter! When this picture was taken, I was hoping her literary expertise would rub off on me--literally. As she strolled through the crowd passing out bookmarks, I was so nervous that I froze like a complete dolt. My heart was beating faster and faster. If not for my friend snagging her attention, introducing us and telling her about my Scottish historical coming out in September, I would have missed my chance to meet her. (Thanks, Karen! I owe you one!) In all honesty, the moment was almost lost, but my daughter kept poking me in the ribs. I don't think she would've let that happen.   

I attended the first Women Read/Women Write event in Pittsburgh celebrating the books women love to read. There were a vast panel of authors ranging from literary novelists, women's fiction, mystery and of course my personal favorite--romance!

Many authors shared their personal journeys about dredging through the publishing world and were very open and honest about how difficult this business can be. Between query letters, submissions, rejection letters, agents, publishers, marketing, no subject was left unturned. It was a meeting of the minds like no other.

The event would not have been complete without New York Times Bestselling Author Gaelen Foley.

Gaelen's new release, My Ruthless Prince, just hit the New York Times Bestseller list after one week! These ladies are indeed an inspiration to all. 

I also had the privilege of meeting RITA® Award winner Gwen Cready.

Needless to say, there was a ton of hometown pride. These ladies, *clearing throat* and one gentleman were indeed awe-inspiring. It was an educational experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope to join the panel next year and learn a great deal on the coattails of these wonderful authors.