 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
May 11, 2007
It looks like spring has finally arrived for good here in western Michigan. The southwest corner where I live is nicknamed the World’s Heart of the Fruit-belt, because a huge variety of fruits and vegetables grow on the numerous farms that dot the area. This time of year the orchards are bursting with blossoms, and we like to ride through the countryside to see them. In the next few months there will be roadside stands offering everything from asparagus in May to strawberries in June, blueberries in July, peaches in August, and apples in September. Have I made you hungry yet? Truly, I feel blessed to live here.
Something else I enjoy every spring is attending the Retreat from Harsh Reality, sponsored by the Mid-Michigan chapter of Romance Writers of America. For entire weekend in April, writers gather at St. Ives Resort in northern Michigan to relax, write, attend workshops, and just talk writing. This was the 22nd year for our retreat, and we had a wonderful time with amazingly perfect weather. (It has snowed in previous years!) Author Julie Kistler was an excellent speaker and gave us lots of tips on improving our work. We recognize first books sales with a champagne toast, and we have a “toot your horn” session where we acknowledge other achievements such as contest wins, good reviews, interviews, and awards. The main event of the weekend, so to speak, is the book basket auction held on Saturday. Thanks to the donations of authors from all across the country, we are able to auction off baskets full of books and other goodies, with all proceeds going to help a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. We traditionally raise over $1,000.00, and this year was no different. It’s a really great weekend, and everyone goes home with lots of energy and a renewed commitment to their writing.
This year’s retreat was also special for me because I received the Angel Award, given to a member for extraordinary service to the chapter. I have been a member of MMRWA since it began in 1984 and have served on the board as vice-president and treasurer, as publicity chair and currently as a chapter co-librarian. It’s a chapter made up of many very talented writers and I consider it a privilege to be a part of them. It was a thrill to be recognized in this way. I also received a beautiful plaque with the cover of my book, Chance’s Return, my name, publisher and date of publication on it. This is something the chapter does for all members when they publish their first book. I hope to have a new office in the near future, and you can be sure these will be among the first things I hang on the wall.
Speaking of Chance’s Return, besides winning a Cupid and Psyche Award from The Romance Studio, I’m pleased to say this very romantic inspirational romance has also been given several other 5 rating reviews. Twolipsreviews.com gave it 5 kisses, Redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com gave it 5 roses, and a 5 Blue Ribbon rating came from Romance Junkies. Needless to say, it’s quite exciting to read those glowing reviews. Chance’s Return is still available as an e-book from my publisher, Triskelionpublishing.com. They have a brand new website, so when you have a few moments be sure to check it out.
I am at work on another contemporary romance, which I hope to have completed soon, and am also still writing a pet column that helps promote animal welfare and responsibility in pet ownership. If you would like to know more about those subjects, please visit my Links page. I’ve also written some articles for the Mid-Michigan RWA chapter newsletter, and those can be found at www.midmichiganrwa.org.
Thanks so much for your interest in my writing, and enjoy Spring wherever you are!
Lucy
Author of heartwarming romance!