There’s No Place Like… Rome? Nome? Nope… like Home

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Ann Roth

I guess you could call me a homebody. Sure, I love to travel… But I love to come home even more. 🙂

Recently (Saturday night) I flew home from San Antonio, Texas, where I attended the fabulous Romance Writers of America conference. I’ve never visited San Antonio before and I loved what I saw of it. I was busy–way too busy– to visit much of the city, but I was fortunate to tour the Alamo and the Manger Hotel, which is supposed to be haunted. If only I could’ve taken the ghost tour! Unfortunately, those tours happened only in the evening, after the sun set and the temperature began to drop. There was so much going on at night that I couldn’t get away.

All in all, it was a wonderful conference. I caught up old friends and made new ones. Talked writing and publishing and exchange information. Networked. Participated in the annual RWA literacy autograph signing, where every penny earned is donated to various literacy organizations. Sat in some great workshops–and taught one, too.

I also managed to snag a few quiet moments. Our hotel sat right on the San Antonio River Walk, which has a lovely path along the river to walk along and relax. I did manage to sneak in a walk here, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A peek at the San Antonio River walk

But coming home? Such a terrific feeling. Here are two views of Seattle taken from the window of a plane. I didn’t take either one, but these photographers did a super job.

Aerial view of Seattle in early evening

Another aerial view of Seattle

Now I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. On that note…

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a productive and enjoyable few days,

Ann

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Fantastic Friday: In the Thick of It!

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Ann Roth

I can’t believe it’s Friday already! I’m having a wonderful time here, learning tons and socializing. And don’t forget the parties.

On tonight’s agenda: Harlequin author party! Dancing to fabulous music with my pals, food and drink–what could be more fun?! Even Nora Roberts shows up for this one. If that isn’t cool…

Tomorrow from 11:00-noon, I’ll be presenting my workshop, Men and Women–We Really Are from Different Planets! If you’re at the conference, join me for a chance to learn things you never knew. 😉

Time to head for a meeting, but I’ll be in touch again later. In the meantime, I’ll be posting updates on my author FaceBook page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnRothAuthorPage, and on Twitter, @Ann_Roth.

Until Monday, have a wonderful weekend, and party on!

Ann

Hump Day Wednesday: Conference!

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Ann Roth

I’m here in San Antonio! These photos are of the Marriott Riverwalk, where I’m staying. This hotel is located on the San Antonio River, and you can bet I’ll do some walking here. In the early morning, before the temperatures climb above 80.

On tonight’s agenda:The 2014 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in the 3rd floor ballroom. This year, proceeds from the Literacy Autographing will benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide, Literacy Texas, Restore Education, and Each One Teach One San Antonio.

Stop by, meet your favorite author(s), and buy a book to benefit this wonderful autographing party. If you do, come say hwllo.

I’ll be in touch again later. In the meantime, I’ll be posting updates on my author FaceBook page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnRothAuthorPage, and on Twitter, @Ann_Roth.

Until Friday, and wishing you a great few days,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Conference Time!

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Ann Roth

Tomorrow I leave for the Romance Writers of America Conference in San Antonio. I’m excited!

This conference will be attended by over 2,000 members and associate members of the Romance Writers of America. Wow, huh? I love this conference, where everyone writes and everyone understands what I do all day long. Plus, I get to catch up with editors, agents and writer friends– face-to-face instead of online. I also attend workshops and learn new things about craft and business of writing. And bonus: I get to party. In general, I’m not much of a party person. But at this conference, I am.

All these activities require various outfits–lots and lots of them. 🙂 I love to dress up, but sadly, usually don’t get the chance to do much of that at home. Here, I get to wear my nice stuff, and even change clothes once or twice during the day, depending on what’s up next.

If you plan to be there, please stop by and say hello at the literacy signing on Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 pm. Over 500 authors will be signing books, and all proceeds will be donated to a literacy charity. Or drop in at my workshop on Saturday, from 11:00 am noon, Men and Women- We Really Are from Different Planets! You’ll learn some cool stuff.

In the meantime, I’ll be posting updates on my author FaceBook page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnRothAuthorPage, and on Twitter, @Ann_Roth.

Well, it’s time for me to get back to packing.

Excitedly yours, and until Wednesday,

Ann

Fantastic Friday: Conference!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Ann Roth

Today I’m visiting the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, where I’ll be on a panel with two other authors and an editor. This conference is attended by writers from every imaginable genre: fiction (novels, short stories, thrillers, mysteries, historical, children’s lit, romance, etc.), non-fiction (travel, journals, etc) and everything in-between. Our topic centers on a craft that every writer needs to learn, and is titled, 10 Tips to Writing a Page Turner. It’s going to be a dynamite panel!

Next week, I’ll be heading for San Antonio for the Romance Writers of America conference. I’ll tell you more about that on Monday.

Until then, and wishing you a terrific weekend,

Ann

Hump Day Wednesday: Make It Happen

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Ann Roth

It’s going to be a good day! What would happen if this was your first thought as you lay in bed after waking up this morning? You’d get pretty much what you expected–even if some of it didn’t go as well as you wanted.

Lately I’ve been kick-starting my day with this very thought, and you know what? It really, really helps. Even when I had to pare down my manuscript during a sweltering heatwave, with tons of other things on my to-do list. I made up my mind to take each day as it came, put a positive spin on whatever happened, and make the day a good one. And I did, and finding the silver lining turned what could have been a dreary, oh, no! experience into something positive.

Starting my day with a slant on the positive, and finding the silver lining in whatever happens–this could become a habit. Give it a try and see what you think.

Until Friday, and wishing you a very good day,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Heat Wave and Deadlines

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Ann Roth

It’s hot! Here in Seattle, not many of us have air-conditioning. We usually don’t need it. But when we do… This is our 3rd or 4th day of temperature in the 90s, and the heat wave will continue through Thursday. People flock to coffee shops, malls and movie theaters to stay cool. We eat massive amounts of ice cream and popsicles, and drink gallons of ice water and cold drinks.

Thankfully, the nights are cooler. Put a fan in front of the open window, and a comfortable rest is guaranteed.

I am grateful to have slept well, especially over the past few days. On Friday, my editor asked that I cut 1,500 words from the book I turned in several weeks ago. The book ran long, and I’m lucky she didn’t want me to cut more! Still, paring down was a challenge. Not wanting to take away from the story in any way, I combed through the manuscript , carefully cutting phrases and words, and sometimes full sentences.

The end result? Not bad. I sent the shorter manuscript off today. Now I can focus on other things–just in time for the heat wave to break.

Stay cool and hydrated, and wishing you quick work of whatever challenges come your way,

Ann

Fantastic Friday: Coming Soon!

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Ann Roth

This arrived in my email last week: The cover of my October release!!

I absolutely love this cover. Loved writing the story, too. This is the second book in my Prosperity, Montana miniseries. Here is a back cover blurg:

Mr. Right-There-All-Along

Since she was a teen, there’s been one guy that restaurateur Dani Pettit can always count on—her best friend, Nick. Their relationship is purely platonic…that is until a single kiss changes everything. Now Dani is falling hard for the one man she shouldn’t fall for—the one who can truly break her heart.

Although rancher Nick Kelly knows he’s to blame for his string of failed relationships, Dani is the only woman he ever trusted. Nick doesn’t want to be just another guy who lets her down, but his new feelings for Dani are too strong to resist. Do they dare risk their lifelong friendship for a once-in-a-lifetime love?

Hump Day Wednesday: Summer Abundance

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Ann Roth

Our raspberry patch is alive with color! Early in the morning, I go out and pick fresh raspberries, which I add to my breakfast cereal or smoothie. Such a lovely addition, and so tasty! Sometimes I make jam. It’s so easy, and small batches work well. With small batches I can skip sterilizing the jars and simply refrigerate what I make for eating now. But if you want to make a large quantity, sterilize your jars first.

Easy raspberry jam

Use equal parts sugar and raspberries. Turn on the heat to high and pour raspberries into a heavy saucepan. Mash slightly with a masher or a fork. Add sugar. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Lower heat to maintain a soft boil and cook until mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Pour into a clean glass jar. (If making a large quantity of jam, make sure the jars and sterilized and hot. Use canning lids to seal.) When cool, refrigerate your small batch. If you use the sterilize method, store your jam in a dark, cool, dry place.

Yum!!

Until Friday, and wishing you fabulous raspberries,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Nurture Your Inner Child

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Ann Roth

The world seems to move faster every day. And the news–dismal at best. When life seems to get me down, I know it’s time to let my inner child out and pay attention to what she wants.

Laughing, playing, living in the moment–this is what kids do well. No dream is too big, no imaginary scenario too weird. Giving my inner child the freedom she doesn’t get nearly enough of makes her joyous and in turn refreshes and invigorates me.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, step away from your problems and let out your child. Roll up your pant legs and wade through the water. Buy a bottle of bubbles and blow bubbles everywhere. Laugh uproariously at something silly. Forget about the past and the future and stay right where you are, in the moment by moment.

Try it–just for a little while. You won’t be sorry.

Until Wednesday and wishing your inner child a big ol’ belly laugh.

Ann