Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Reasons I Need My Critique Partners

1….They keep me on track.

2….They procrastinate along with me.

3….Only another writer can understand the stress.

4….They help me fill the potholes of my plotline.

5….They can be brutally honest.

6….They support all my wacky ideas for stories and trudge through them all.

7….They can brainstorm till the cows come home.

8….They keep me sane.

9….They don’t mess with my voice or style.

10…I respect every single one of them and their individual talents make us one hell of a team!

11…They help me focus on what’s important – even if it’s personal.

12…They know my characters as well as I do and keep them in line.

13…They remind everyday why I love to write!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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Eight Random Things…

Here are the rules:

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose four people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight things about Debora:

1. I got married at 22

2. I’m not the best driver or map reader (thank God hubby just bought me a GPS for the car!)

3. I love anything chocolate (no big revelation there!)

4. I am so afraid of driving in the snow that I would mention it during interviews – as in – “I won’t be at work if it snows and I”ll leave work if I see one flurry out my window.” (Believe it or not – I did actually get offered a job after this statement and I worked for that man for five years!)

5. I have an addiction to bags. Most family members know any gift is a great gift if it comes in a basket, decorative container or bag!

6. In the summer I love to sleep with the air-conditioner on full blast – just so I can sleep under my blankets.

7. I hate coconut – except in a pina colada!

8. I will not leave my house without my lipstick on – everything else is negotiable!

There you have eight random facts about me – maybe more than you really wanted to know!

I’m tagging: Gina, Cyn, Sri, Cynthia

Today’s Coffee: Green Mountain - Southern Pecan

Land Rush…

Otherwise known as the great agent/editor appointment scramble over at RWA.

Yes, I was among the masses vying for a spot with the agent or editor of my choice at the conference in July. Evidently the traffic was too much for the server to handle and alas I wasn’t able to get my first choice of agent or editor.

I take comfort in the fact that I am not alone.

While passing the frozen margaritas and tissues between my fellow loopmates that just like me didn’t get the spot they wanted – a few things became clear. So if you’re like me and didn’t get the appointment you wanted – take heart and listen to some of the advice I’ve heard on the loop:

1. With well over 2000 writers in attendance for the conference – your odds at actually scoring the appointment of your dreams is similar to playing the lotto. So get your nickers untwisted and start brushing on your networking skills!

2. Get your business cards ready – your contact info on the front – your one sentence, high concept blurb typed on the back…you never know who’s next to you waiting for the elevator. (This is not to say you should be sticking your card in everyone’s hand – be polite and respectful. If you’re asked what you write and the opportunity presents itself – you’re prepared)

3. Going with the polite and respectful approach – take note of who is sitting at your table at the many functions. Opportunity girls!

4. Have fun, be yourself and have confidence in your writing! Know your “elevator pitch” inside out and be in love with your work – that exuberance will show.

5. VOLUNTEER. What better way to mingle with the people you want to talk to than to “hang out” with them? Moderate their workshop. Be visible. Maybe they won’t ask – maybe they will.

So, now that I know I’m more at ease, I can start focusing on the real issue – WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR??? On a drive by reading of my roommate’s blog – Gina - I was horrified to see that she’s begun shopping already and has a dress for the awards ceremony!

I’ve got to get to the mall!

Today’s Coffee: Green Mountain - Rain Forest Nut