Sunday, February 28, 2010

ANWA Conference

Yesterday was the ANWA Conference, "Start Write Now". It was at the Dobson Ranch Inn in Mesa, AZ. The facilities were roomy and nice; lunch was a delicious buffet of salads and sandwich fixings. We all chuckled at the pitchers of iced tea on each table - after all, how much iced tea will a bunch of Mormons drink? The speakers all did a great job of teaching and inspiring and challenging us. J Scott Card was the Keynote Speaker and one of the presenters. I really enjoyed his comments. The presentations I attended were all very informative and I enjoyed each. I will blog about them later. Afterward various authors and the presenters had their books for sale. I got my Waterworld book signed and bought a bunch of other books.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Heroes and Heroines


Last Friday marked the beginning of a biennial event that I absolutely love and I always feel a tinge of sadness when it ends. Of course, I then look forward to the next Olympic Games two years away. I cheer for the athletes when it all comes together. Their training and hours and hours of work grant near perfection – to the awe of audiences around the world. I sorrow for these amazing people when disappointment overwhelms them because even with all their preparation they have an ‘off’ day. And, naturally, I am mortified when morals and integrity take a back seat to winning (i.e. French judges and Tonya Harding).

As I thought about this it reminded me of the characters in my novel. I want to create heroes and heroines that readers will cheer for in their successes and ache for when things go askew. Then there is the antagonist – if they had morals or integrity it would make things less interesting in my fictional world. So, here’s to Master Kael and Siri as they fight their unknown foe who is determined at every turn enslave the elves and usurp all power in the elfin kingdom of Enyls. 

Book Sale!

Need some sweet romance to sigh your way through the holidays? Here you go: Merry Christmas and happy wishes for however you celebrate!