As August begins, we enter the dog days of summer but that isn’t slowing the WHRWA chapter down. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for Judythe Hixson, whose SEEING CLEARLY finaled in the inspirational category of the TARA contest sponsored by Tampa Area Romance Authors. The final round judge is Natalie Hanemann, associate editor at Thomas Nelson. Winners will be announced in September. Congratulations, Judythe on reaching the finals!

In upcoming releases, Kim Lenox is excited to share that the Doubleday and Rhapsody Bookclubs will carry her October Signet Eclipse release, NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, as an upcoming featured alternate selection.

Also, look for Teri Thackston’s second paranormal romance, which will be released in ebook form, August 21. SCENT OF LAVENDER is another spooky ghost story from Cerridwen Press.

A round of applause is in order for two WHRWA members who have made recent sales. PJ Mellor’s next four new works of erotic romance have been bought by John Scognamiglio for Kensington Aphrodisia. Jennifer Schober at Spencerhill Associates (world) handled the sale.

Joan Reeves has contracted an essay that will be in SOUTHERN INSPIRATIONS, an anthology about the South to be published by Blue Mountain Arts. Joan’s essay is entitled “Your People.” Booksigning frenzy!

Patty Henderson will be speaking at the Katy Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting on August 20 at 6:45 a.m. on “How I Write a Novel and Market It” and will have a book signing afterwards. At her first booksigning in her hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas on June 20th, she was made an Honorary Alumni of the University of Arkansas. Patty will also have a booksigning at Katy Budget Books on September 13th, 2:00-4:00 pm.

Finally, I’d like to give a big thank you to Tera Lynn Childs who made my daughter’s day by sending her an autographed copy of OH. MY. GODS. to my daughter at camp. You have a lifelong fan.

Don’t forget to send me your news for next month by August 20. Please send it to me at micheledunawaybooks@earthlink.net or whosinthenews@whrwa.com

-Michele Dunaway

Gerry Bartlett shares the exciting news that REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY hit the Barnes and Nobles Trade Paperback bestseller list at #7 and #6 the first two weeks it was released and #7 and #8 at Borders. No news yet on week three. Also, one of her fans has started a Glory St.Clair fan club on Facebook. She’s still trying to figure out how to get in to see it, but she’s jazzed that her “fans” are getting organized.

What a thrill for Tera Lynn Childs! Publishers Weekly gave OH. MY. GODS. a starred review, calling the novel “an an effervescent, fast-paced read”.

Deeanne Gist won the Anne-Bonney Award for Most Emotional Romance for THE MEASURE OF A LADY. Her latest release, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE, was a “June Top Pick” in RT and received a 4-1/2 star review.

June has been an exciting month for Laura Gompertz! Not only does her newest book, SOUL BONDS release from Loose ID, but she received her PAN approval from RWA National. Congratulations in reaching that exciting career milestone, Laura!

Christy Janisse is thrilled about a 4 ribbon review of her first book, MISTAKEN, written under her pseudonym of Brandy Jordan. Romance Junkies posted a wonderful review on their site at: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/suspense/Mistaken.shtml.

Kerrelyn Sparks is happy to announce that BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART is a finalist in the published Laurie contest, sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. BE STILL is the third book in the Love at Stake series. Book number five, ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A VAMPIRE, will be released as an Avon Superlead at the end of October 2008. For more information and fun vampire games, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com

Congratulations are in order! Colleen Thompson shares that she received notification that HEAD ON (Love Spell Romantic Suspense, 7.07) is a finalist in the Daphe du Maurier contest sponsored by the Kiss of Death chapter, in the Single Title division.

Kristi Gold announces that her next Special Edition, THE MOMMY MAKEOVER, will be a February ‘09 release. This is the fourth book in the O’Brien series that began in Desire.

Patty Henderson announces the print release of her romantic suspense novel, GIFT OF DECEPTION, from Wild Rose Press. She recently held a booksigning in her home town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on June 20th. Congratulations, Patty!

~ Note from Kim…

I’ve had a wonderful time receiving and writing about your news over the past year, but this is my last time writing the Who’s In the News article.

Michele Dunaway has graciously agreed to take over, so make a note of her contact info. You can let her know about your news by the 20th of each month at micheledunawaybooks@earthlink.net or whosinthenews@whrwa.com

Gerry Bartlett’s January 2009 release has a new name. What began life as REAL VAMPIRES MAKE WAVES is now called REAL VAMPIRES DON’T DIET. Gerry reports that this is book 4 in the Glory St. Clair series featuring a full figured vampire and that the marketing department at Berkley decided the full figure aspect should be emphasized. The cover of the trade paperback still features Glory in a form fitting corset, though, and that waist size never looks more than twenty inches! Vampire magic? You can read a teaser chapter of REAL VAMPIRES DON’T DIET in the back of REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY, her June release in the series.

Congratulations to TJ Bennett, who continues to receive excellent reviews on her recent historical release THE LEGACY. The Romance Reader’s Connection recently awarded TJ’s novel a 4½ Stars, and declared it a “keeper”. TJ has also received the
book cover for the next book in her Behiam series, THE PROMISE. You can see it at her blog: http://tjbsopinion.blogspot.com/

Sale news!! Sharie Kohler announces the sale of two more paranormal romances in her Moon Chasers series to Lauren McKenna at Pocket, the first book of the contract (book#3 in the series) to release in September 09.

Laura Gompertz, writing as Lynn Lorenz, is already receiving praise for her upcoming Loose ID release, the second book in her series IN THE COMPANY OF MEN – JACKSON’S PRIDE. Reviewer Jesse Wave says, “Lynn Lorenz has written another brilliant story about a far-off era that is inhabited by complex and multifaceted characters and she is as good as or better than most writers in the art of world building. I can do no less than give this story 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers unfamiliar with her writing and fans alike.” Rainbow Reviews raves, “This was a great read and I only have one criticism: I wish the story were twice as long!” Natasha Smith at Romance Junkies says, “This was such an engaging and truly sweet tale that I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.” Laura/Lynn wants to remind WHRWA members that SOUL BONDS is coming out in June. It’s a fast paced, contemporary romance set in Houston. You can check out an excerpt on her website: www.lynnlorenz.com.

Let’s all celebrate with Jane Perrine, who has learned her September 2007 release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired, LOVE’S HEALING TOUCH, is a finalist in the Desert Rose Chapter’s 2008 Golden Quill for published authors.

Teri Thackston, aka Tea Trelawny’s erotic romance GOING DOWN? is a featured review at Myspace reviewer site, Manic Readers, who say, “GOING DOWN?
is absolutely fantastic! This is the best erotic romance story I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the very first sentence and fell head over heels for all of the wonderful characters.” You can’t beat review endorsements like that! Congratulations to Teri!

More exciting deal news! Colleen Thompson is happy to announce the sale of two more romantic suspense novels to Dorchester Publishing. The first of these, BENEATH BONE LAKE, is the story of a civilian worker in Iraq who returns home to find her family — including her fouryear- old daughter- missing… and suspicion pointing to the handsome paroled computer hacker living next door. Publication is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2009. Colleen is also looking forward to the July 29th release of TRIPLE EXPOSURE, which has garnered a number of positive advance reviews, including one from bestselling novelist Eloisa James, as a Barnes & Nobles feature review. James shares, “In this novel the suspense of the romance completely, satisfyingly overwhelms the chills connected with the physical threats, though Thompson craftily peppers in chapters told from the killer’s POV. I read every page of Triple Exposure, which says something about my interests — but also about Thompson’s skillful portrayal of characters we — breathlessly — want to survive. Together.”

Kudos galore to Linda Warren, whose book, ONCE A COWBOY, won an Award of Merit in the Holt Medallion in Short Contemporary. As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, another of her books, ADOPTED SON, won an Award of Merit in the Long Contemporary.

Spectacular news from Sarah Andre! Agent Michelle Grajkowsy of 3 Seas has requested a full of her romantic suspense manuscript, LOCKED, LOADED AND LYING, which Sarah pitched to her at the Desert Dreams conference. This is the second request for a full she’s received on this story (Patience Smith also requested after Sarah finaled in the Lone Star last year.) We’re looking forward
to hearing more good news from you, Sarah!

Gerry Bartlett announces that REAL VAMPIRES LIVE LARGE just went small. At least it came out in the mass market edition this week for a mere $7.99. It should be at a book store or WalMart near you. So if you got hooked on REAL VAMPIRES HAVE CURVES and never picked up LIVE LARGE, here’s your chance to grab it at a bargain price. Or maybe you have friends who haven’t
started the series at all. CURVES came out in the mass market size in February. Get them on the Glory train and then you can all wait eagerly for book 3, REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY, which will be out in June.

TJ Bennett has been traveling to promote her April release, THE LEGACY. She presented, "Finding the Dark
Side of Your Knight in Shining Armor," in Los Angeles in mid-April. The feedback from participants was good, and the handouts were very popular. She’ll be giving the same presentation for Bay Area Houston Chapter in June, so if you’re interested, put the date on your calendars.

Here’s news with a good cause! Cheryl Bolen would like to remind everyone that during the month of May is Brenda Novak’s fabulous auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes. Just go to her site and bid on tons of stuff, including reads by top agents and editors. Cheryl has donated a stars-and-stripes tote bag stuffed with some of
her out of print books (new and autographed) and hopes someone will bid on it. She expects it will go cheap.

Gladys Clifton reports that she pitched to Megan Records while in attendance at the Romantic Times Conference in Pittsburg, and received a request for a full. Go, Gladys, go! Let us know how things turn out!

Tera Lynn Childs is happy to announce a series of upcoming events for May. Blue Willow Bookshop will be hosting her debut party for the release of OH. MY. GODS. on the 8th at 7:00pm. In addition to signing at the May WHRWA meeting on the 10th, she will be speaking on writing for a teen market at the early workshop. Her first school visit will be at The Rice School/La Escuela Rice on the 16th. She’ll also be guest blogging at Killer Fiction on the 17th and the Jaunty Quills on the 19th. All events subject to cancellation should she not survive the release of her debut novel, OH. MY. GODS., on the May 1st. If you’d like to know more about Tera and OMG, Tera gave an interview to the online review website, Darque Reviews. They’ve also posted a review for the book! (http://darquereviews.blogspot.com)!

Christie Craig is in the news! WEDDINGS CAN BE MURDER received a great review in Library Journal! http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6547833.html?industryid=47120 The book also rated a 4 ½ star review from Romantic Times Magazine! The Houston Chronicle also featured Christie in a online video feature: chron.com/mm/devotion But wait, there’s more! On the eve of her second book’s release, Christie
has agreed to a new three-book deal with Dorchester. Christie, we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2008 holds for you! CHEERS!

Contest maven Vicky Dreiling won first place in the historical category of the Great Expectations Contest with her entry, THE DUCHESS COMPETITION. The entry was judged by Tessa Woodward - - who had already requested the manuscript at the NOLA confernence. Vicky, we hope it’s just a brief matter of time!

KUDOS to one our out-of-state members!! Michele Dunaway announces a new 2 book contract with Harlequin American. We’re looking forward to hearing Michele share some of her secrets to success when she visits us as our meeting speaker in July!

Laura Gompertz, writing as Lynn Lorenz, is amassing a collection! A collection of great reviews! She announces that her February Loose Id release, THE MERCENARY’S TALE received 5 Nymphs and a Golden Blush Recommended Read designation from Literary Nymphs Reviews! Review site, Sensual Romance, awarded the book 5 stars and Sizzling said it was a ‘truly masterful piece’ and a ‘must read novel’. Fallen Angel Reviews gave it 5 Angels and made it a Recommended Read. The sequel to this book, JACKSON’S PRIDE, comes out April 15.

Sharie Kohler a/k/a Sophie Jordan announces that the foreign rights for ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT have sold to Spain and that her August Avon historical release, SURRENDER TO ME, has been selected as a featured alternate in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Bookclubs.

Publisher’s Weekly blogger, Barbara Vey, featured PJ Mellor’s upcoming anthology piece, HARD IN THE SADDLE (from ONLY WITH A COWBOY). http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288/
post/420025442.html

Chicago North has announced the finalists in their 10th annual Fire and Ice Contest. Winner’s will be announced later this month in Chicago. Congratulations to our two WHRWA members: Patricia O’Dea-Rosen for her Series Romance final with A PLACE AT THE TABLE, and Jody Payne with STALKED in Single Title!!

Great news from Georgia Ward (writing as Georgia Tribell)! She announces the release of her newest book,WINDHANDLER, published with Cobblestone Press. Check out an excerpt here: http://www.georgiatribell.com/wind

And finally — Ellen Watkins, Emily Contest Chair, announces that judging by the booksellers is now complete and WHRWA is proud to announce the winner of Best of the Best! The winner will receive a detailed critique of the first three chapters and synopsis of her manuscript by Patience Smith of Silhouette Books. Placements are
as follows:
1. An Early Frost by Tanya Holmes
2. The Devil’s Virtue by Laura Williams
3. Breaking Daylight by Mary Fechter
4. Project Honeymoon by Becke Turner
Congratulations to all of our finalists, and congratulations to Tanya Holmes for winning the Best of the Best!

Tera Lyn Childs shares her first “official” review for OH. MY. GODS. Advanced Reader proclaims the book, “a really fun, funny, and heartwarming story,” and “so. much. fun.” Check out the entire review here: http://advanced-reader.blogspot.com/2008/02/swish.html

Tera is also heading to the Romantic Times Convention in Pittsburgh, PA next month, where she will participate on two Young Adult/Teen panels.

Christie Craig and her writing partner, Faye Hughes, received an offer for their new non-fiction book. The book is a humorous selfhelp relationship book on what women can learn from romance
heroines. She also received a phone message written by her son: “Someone called and said U finaled in the GAL WISON award.” Congratulations, Christie, on your Southern Magic RWA Gail Wilson final for DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS!! Winners will be announced at the Silken Sands Writers Conferencein Pensacola Beach, Fla. on April 12th, and we’ll all be cheering for you!

If you’re headed to the Romantic Times Convention, check out Christie and Faye’s Great Agent Hunt workshop. Christie will also be sitting on a Contemporary Romance panel!

Kudos to Vicky Dreiling! Bookends, Inc. Literary Agency has been running a weekly contest for the first 100 words of a manuscript. Last week Vicky was one of three runners-up in the historical romance category. Kim Lionetti, Agent, had this to say about Vicky’s 100 word entry, excerpted from her book, THE DUCHESS COMPETITION:“Just plain wonderfully written. I can see Tristan standing there and smirking. Another hero I’m dying to hear more from. From this short excerpt, we know that he plays his role as a society gentleman, but he recognizes the silliness of it all and doesn’t take himself too seriously either. I’m dying to meet the woman who will catch his eye and get past his jaded perception on the fairer sex.”

Levy Home Entertainment has invited Deeanne Gist to be a part of their 2008 Author Bus Tour which is hosted by Meijer. It will be a 5-city bus tour with 9 scheduled signings. The tour is scheduled to take place September 18 – 21. Visit Deeanne’s web site at www.IWantHerBook.com for more information.”

That’s not all of Deeanne’s good news! THE MEASURE OF A LADY is a finalist in the Most Emotional category of the 2007 Anne-Bonney Readers’ Choice Award Contest. The books will now be sent to booksellers to determine the winners.

Tracy Goodwin has good news in multiples!! She finaled in the Houston Bay Area’s JABBIC contest – DANCE WITH DECEPTION placed fifth in the Historical Romance category! DANCE WITH DECEPTION received another five star review, this one from Lettetia Elssaser of SingleTitles.com who stated “DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a stellar debut by gifted author, Tracy Goodwin. You will be proud to display this one on your‘keeper’ shelves … DANCE WITH DECEPTION expertly blends romance, danger and lush sensuality in one brilliant novel. I applaud you, Ms Goodwin.” DANCE WITH DECEPTION also received a five cup review from Coffee Time Romance who said “DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a lush and endearing romance … as touchingly romantic as anything I have read recently.” And from Fallen Angel Reviews, a four angel review, stating “DANCE WITH DECEPTION is a riveting story from beginning to end … the depth of emotions expressed will touch the heart and have readers cheering this couple on. This was a highly satisfying read and it is a definite page-turner!!!”

Applause for Patty Henderson! Her book, THE GIFT OF DECEPTION, has garnered an enthusiastic review from The Long and The Short Of It, who calls the book, “a surprisingly thrilling romance”. The reviewer concludes, “This contemporary romance hides many fun surprises, a couple scary ones, and offers some very well developed characters. It also houses some super suspenseful moments - once you get started, you won’t want to put it down! 4 books”.

Sharie Kohler/Sophie Jordan will be participating in a historical panel, as well as signing her historical and paranormal titles at the Romantic Times Convention!

Linda Jacobs announces that the third book in the Yellowstone Series, LAKE OF FIRE, finaled in the Spur Awards from Western Writers of America! It also won the New Mexico Press Women’s 2008 Excellence in Communications Competition in the novel category. She also received word the book finaled in the Gail Wilson Competition. That’s a lot to celebrate, Linda!

Congratulacion!! Dawn Temple has received some extra special news! Her debut, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, has been reissued under Harlequin’s Julia line. She can’t read most of the copyright page, but her best guess is, Marido y mujer will be distributed in Mexico and South America. It’s very exciting to see her words translated to another language, not that she has a clue what they say!

Teri Thackston (writing as Tea Trelawny, for Ellora’s Cave) is thrilled by the review her first erotic romance, GOING DOWN? received from Manic Readers. Among other things, the reviewer said, “Going Down? is absolutely fantastic! This is the best erotic romance story I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the very first sentence and fell head over heels for all of the wonderful characters.”

Congrats to our Rita and Golden Heart Finalists!

Fall From Grace by Kristi Gold
Harlequin Enterprises, Everlasting Love - (0-373-65404-9)
Beverley Sotolov, editor
Contemporary Series Romance (Rita)

Blackthorne’s Bride by Shana Galen
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books - (978-0-06-112497-6)
May Chen, editor
Regency Historical Romance (Rita)

Beauty and the Geek by Sarah Castleberry
Contemporary Single Title Romance (Golden Heart)

Also to our former member for finaling in the Rita!

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Penguin Group USA, NAL - (0451221842)
Kara Cesare, editor
Paranormal Romance (Rita)

And to an Emily Winner - who finaled twice!

Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell (Emily Winner)
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books - (978-0-06-123491-0)
Lucia Macro, editor
Regency Historical Romance (Rita)

Untouched by Anna Campbell
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books - (978-0-06-123492-7)
Lucia Macro, editor
Regency Historical Romance (Rita)

TJ BENNETT announces a date and time for her book launch/food tasting party! The event will take place on April 18 (Friday), 6 - 8pm, come join her in celebrating the debut of her first novel, THE LEGACY, a historicalromance, at Read it Again & Again Bookstore in Houstonon Beechnut. The fabulous Chef Norie will provide thefood for the tasting part of the event. She promises totake our palates back in time and will feature somethingfrom the historical setting of my book (Early ReformationGermany)– Americanized for the modern foodie, of course.

We all recently heard that SARAH CASTLEBERRY finaledfor the 3rd consecutive year in the Southern Heat2007 Writing Contest with BEAUTY AND THE GEEK.Final round judging is complete, and Sarah WON hercategory! She has a full request from Tessa Woodwardat Harper Collins! Sarah, we’re hoping to hear somevery happy news from you soon!

VICKY DREILING’S success with her manuscript, THEDUCHESS COMPETITION, continues! She won first placein the Historical Category of the Romancing the TomeContest sponsored by the Coeur de Louisiane RWA. Thatled to a request for the full manuscript from MichelleGrajkowski of theThree Seas Literary Agency. Vicky hasalso learned she’s a finalist in Historical Category of theGreat Expectations Contest, sponsored by the NorthTexas RWA. Tessa Woodward of Avon/HarperCollinswill be the final round judge.

LAURA GOMPERTZ, whose e-book MERCENARY’STALE was released on Feb. 19th by Loose-id, was February’sspotlight author on romanticinks.com (under thepen name of Lynn Lorenz). Be sure to check her articleout - it’s a wonderful read and full of Laura’s trademarkhumor! Here’s the link: http://romanticinks.com/spotlight/spotlight-lynn-lorenz/

One of our new members, ROBIN HASELTINE, took thirdin the Paranormal Category of the Romancing the Tome Contest with CURSE OF THE DRAGON’SSPELL, which was judged by Sean Mackiewicz ofNocturne. And FIRST SALE NEWS: Robin announcesshe sold this book just a couple of weeks ago to TigerPublications. Congratulations on your first sale, Robin!

LARK HOWARD received third place honors in the Romantic Suspense category of the Silicon Valley RWA’s GOTCHA Contest. The first fifteen pages of THE PRICE OF PARADISE will be read by Chris Keeslar of Dorchester. Woo hoo!

There’s more exciting contest news! JOANN ROBISHEAUX won second place in the Inspirational Category of the Golden Pen Contest with her entry, SHADES OF GRACE. SHADES will be judged by Melissa Endlich of Harlequin Enterprises

And it’s vampire music to our ears! KERRELYN SPARKS‘ fourth book in the Love at Stake series, THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, hit number 14 on the New York Times bestseller list. It also spent two weeks on the USAToday and Borders bestseller lists, and it went into a second printing two weeks after its release. Meanwhile, the third book in the series, BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, has gone into its fifth printing. Please visit Kerrelyn at her website www.kerrelynsparks.com to chat in the forum or play vampire games!

TERI THACKSTON announces that she’s so excited her flippers are floppin’! (Sorry Teri, I had to use it!) GOING DOWN? — her first erotic romance — just released at Ellora’s Cave. The e-book is published under my new pseudonym Tea Trelawny. It’s always exciting when a book goes back to print!

COLLEEN THOMPSON announces that THE SALT MAIDEN, along with HEAD ON, will be heading back to press for a second printing.

Triple Kudos to LINDA WARREN! Her February SuperRomance, TEXAS BLUFF, made the Waldenbooks Series Bestseller List at #8, making her in good company with…

JOANNA WAYNE! POINT BLANK PROTECTOR made the Walden’s Romance Bestselling List as well!

Kim Lenox wants to share your news— please email her atwhosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

It’s that time of year when Romantic Times announces its 2007 Nominees! Our own Linda Barrett’s HOUSEFUL OF STRANGERS was nominated for Best Harlequin Superromance!

Also nominated by Romantic Times is Nina Bangs, for her novel, WICKED FANTASY, in the Best Vampire category. Nina also has the very special honor of being nominated for a Career Achievement Award for Contemporary Paranormal Romance.

*** Keep reading! You’ll find out about our other RT Nominees further below!

TJ Bennett is off to an exciting 2008. Her April release, THE LEGACY, a historical romance set in Reformation Germany, has garnered a 5 cup rating from Coffeetime Romance! Here’s a sneak peek: “This story is superb . . . The Legacy is a riveting story that explodes with tight action. It is an interesting plot with in-depth feelings that even pierced this reader’s heart. There are situations between this loving couple that made my heart leap for joy. Drama at its best, this is one overpowering, extraordinary tale.”

That’s not all! Romantictimes.com has invited TJ to participate in their “exclusive Author Spotlight area” on their website. The spotlight will run in March 2008. The site will run a short article written by TJ, a description of the book, the cover of the book, and a 500-word excerpt.

Repeat kudos to Sarah Castleberry! For the second (or third?) consecutive year, Sarah has finaled in the East Texas RWA contest! She entered BEAUTY AND THE GEEK (the story we all enjoyed in the Gather contest) in their single title category. Her final round judge will be Tessa Woodward at Harper Collins.

First Sale Announcement! Lara Chapman has sold her first novel to RWA-recognized The Wild Rose Press. HIT REPLY is a humorous contemporary romance about a woman who is dumped by her boyfriend in an email — that goes to everyone she works with. She flees to the small hometown she once escaped and meets a man who makes her question her resolve to live a “Big City” life. This book will be released under the publisher’s Champagne Rose line.

Christie Craig has numerous reasons to celebrate! DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS hit 83 on Book Scan! On the heels of that great news, she heard Dorchester will take the book to a second printing. Christie has also been interviewed for the Houston Lifestyles & Homes magazine, and is featured along with her two book covers. Be sure to pick up a copy and check it out. It’s under the “City Scope” section on pg 20. DD&D is also a nominee for All About Romance’s Best Cabin Romance and Best Favorite Funny! And finally, look for her in the January issue of The Motivated Writer (www.themotivatedwriter.com)

Congratulations to Vicky Dreiling who received the exciting news she finaled in the WHRWA Emily with her historical THE DUCHESS COMPETITION. It’s being judged by Tessa Woodward of Avon/Harper Collines and agent Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management. The same book finaled in the Duel on the Delta contest and is being judged by Allison Brandau of Berkley.

Missouri WHRWA-er Michele Dunaway is featured in the Columbia Missourian in this article on romance: http://www.columbiamissourian.com/ stories/2007/12/07/passion-writing/Michele Dunaway. If you’d like to peek at the cover for her April 2008 Harlequin American Romance, THE MARRIAGE RECIPE, it’s now posted on her blog at www.micheledunaway.blogspot.com. The Marriage Recipe is her 17th book for Harlequin Enterprises! That’s fantastic, Michele!

Shana Galen’s (Shane Bolks) NO MAN’S BRIDE is now out in Dutch. The title “Liefde op het tweede gezicht” means LOVE AT SECOND SIGHT. The cover is on her website…http://www.shanebolks.com/nomans.html. Even more exciting is Shana’s Romantic Times Nomination for 2007 Best Historical Love & Laughter with her recent release, BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE!

2007 was a stellar year for member Deeanne Gist, and it looks like 2008 will be no less spectacular! Deeanne and her novel, COURTING TROUBLE were mentioned in the November 19th Publisher’s Weekly article, “Romance Readers Definitely Read Around.” She has also been asked to be the Grand Marshal of this Spring’s Corsicana Texas’ Derrick Days Parade, as her latest book, COURTING TROUBLE and upcoming release, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE are both set in Corsicana during the oil boom days. Attendance for the event runs between 3000 and 5000 attendees. Organizers also have her slated to speak as part of the weekend’s offering.

There’s more! Deeanne has also been invited to speak at RWA Nationals and will give the same presentation she gave our chapter last year, except now it is titled, “What Takes So Long?: What Happens to Your Manuscript From Signed Contract to Store Shelves.”

Congratulations to Tracy Goodwin, whose book DANCE WITH DECEPTION has been nominated for LASR’s Best Long Print Romance for 2007!

Big news! Romantic Times has recognized member Heather MacAlister with a nomination for Career Achievement in the Series Romance Love and Laughter category!

Leslie Marshman won first place in the Chase the Dream contest with her entry, DESIGNS ON THE TEXAS TYCOON. She offers thanks to everyone who voted for her and helped make it happen! Check out her winner’s interview at: http://chasethedreamcontest.wordpress.com/entries/week-10-finalist/leslie-marshman/

A big cheer for Janice Martin, who finaled in the WHRWA Emily Contest’s Single Title Category with her entry, THE BLESSING.

PJ Mellor shares thrilling news! She learned one of her February 2007 books, THE FIREFIGHTER, is a CAPA nominee for Best Erotic Anthology 2007. She also received a great review from Romantic Times for her upcoming release, MAKE ME SCREAM. Here’s an excerpt! “Mellor’s captivating tale has characters that are real and exceptionally entertaining, which will keep you tied into the story. If you haven’t already, you’ll definitely want to read more of this author’s work.”

First Sale News!! Joann Robischeaux announces her first sale to RWA-recognized The Wild Rose Press. A FRESH START is a heart-warming story about a teacher who leaves Texas to find a new life in Wyoming, teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. The book will be released through Wild Rose Press’s Yellow Rose line!

Kerrelyn Sparks invites you to dinner! The great folks at Katy Budget Books have arranged an Author Dinner which will take place the evening of February 15th at Victor’s restaurant on Fry Rd (just down the street from KBB). To reserve a spot and/or preorder a copy of THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, just call KBB at 281-578- 7770! Kerrelyn will also be signing at KBB on March 1st from 11 am to 1 pm. And she’ll be signing THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR at the February West Houston meeting. See you there!

Just before Christmas, Dawn Temple got a great gift from her editor, who called and bought her second novel. MOONLIGHT AND MISTLETOE will be a Holiday 2009 release from Silhouette Special Edition.

Teri Thackston has a reason to dance! Her latest romantic suspense, DEADLY CLIMB, from Cerridwen Press, received a Reviewer Top Pick score of 5 from Night Owl Romance: “Exhilarating. . .a beautiful job… The book had it all from the beginning, suspense, action, love and yes even betrayal that made it a huge 5 rated book for this reviewer. Awesome.”

The complete review is available online at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/ Review.asp?ReviewId=971

Teri also announces the release of her first erotic romance — a humorous paranormal — on Feb 13 under the pseudonym of Téa Trelawny. Great timing because it’s set on St. Valentine’s Day. Called GOING DOWN? the story is set in a haunted Manhattan elevator.

Romantic Times has nominated Colleen Thompson’s THE SALT MAIDEN for Best 2007 Romantic Suspense! In additional news, Colleen also announced the sale of four of her backlist titles to Bulgaria. Georgia Ward’s novel, BAYOU TREASURE, has been nominated for the CAPA award from The Romance Studio for Romantic Suspense. She also announces a new sale – she’s signed a contract with Cobblestone Press over the holidays for another futuristic romantic suspense novella. Congratulations, Georgia!

Kim Lenox wants to share your news— please email her atwhosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Announcing the 2008 Emily Finalists!

** WHRWA members

Single Title

BREAKING DAYLIGHT by Mary Fechter
A BRIGHT HOT LIGHT by Karen King
RAWK MY WORLD by Brenda Kranz
JUSTICE IN THE BARREL by Linley Maroney
THE BLESSING by Janice Martin **
DANGEROUS CHOICES by Donna Meier

Historical

THE DUCHESS COMPETITION by Vicky Dreiling **
A BRIDE FOR ANGEL by Karen Seaton
THE DEVIL’S VIRTUE by Laura Williams

Series

HER TROPHY HUSBAND by Laura Fasick
REMEMBER THIS by Jeannine Ramey
PROJECT HONEYMOON by Becke Turner

Paranormal

HUNGRY HEART by Fran Abram
AN EARLY FROST by Tanya Holmes
LOVE CAME HOWLING by Carolyn Matkowsky

Vicky Dreiling has lots to celebrate going into the Holiday Season. She has finaled in the Coeur de Louisiane’s Romancing the Tome Contest with her historical, THE DUCHESS COMPETITION. Her entry will be judged in the final round by Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency.

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Michele Dunaway has not one, but two books out this month, perfect for holiday reading! This is her 15th book for Harlequin American and her 16th book in her publishing career. Look for HART’S VICTORY, a Harlequin NASCAR book, and THE CHRISTMAS DATE from Harlequin American in stores everywhere.

Sale news!! Sharie Kohler, writing as Sophie Jordan, has sold three more (Victorian) historical romances to Avon. We will be looking forward to titles and release dates on these books! Congratulations Sharie!

2008 is already looking great for Leslie Marshman. Wanda Ottewell has requested a full based on Leslie’s partial submission of DESIGNS ON THE TEXAS TYCOON, for Harlequin’s Desire line. More accolades go to Leslie for her final, with this same manuscript, in the Chase the Dream Contest.

Jane Myers Perrine announces that she has received a publication date and title for her Western Inspirational for Steeple Hill. SECOND CHANCE BRIDE will be available in January, 2009. We are looking forward to that release from Jane!

The Writer’s League of Texas announced the winners of the annual Violet Crown and Teddy Awards. The winner of the Teddy Children’s Award/Short Works Category was GRANDPA FOR SALE, by our own Vicki Sansum (Richmond) and her co-writer, Dotti Enderle who has visited our chapter in the past. Congratulations Vicki and Dotti!

Grab a big mug of hot cocoa and get comfy in front of your computer! Kerrelyn Sparks is now appearing in two videos at RomanceNovelTV and she was unveiled as a very sneaky Mystery Author for the week of Nov 5-9. Check out the forum’s Mystery Author section to see Kerrelyn’s (she told me “lame” but we don’t believe that!) attempts at writing a historical Regency and dark paranormal. http://romancenovel.tv/forum/

Kerrelyn has even more news! Her upcoming January 29th release, THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, was featured in a blog at Publishers Weekly. What a nice surprise! Click here to read: http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288.html

On Saturday November 17th, our very own Teri Thackston signed copies of PERILOUS PASSIONS at the first annual Houston Writers Festival at the Galleria area Barnes & Noble location. 20 writers took part in signings and readings, including Texas’ 2008 Poet Laureate Larry D. Thomas.

Have you finished your Holiday shopping? Here’s something for everyone! Colleen Thompson announces that she and chapter member Christie Craig are teaming up to sign copies of their December releases. Christie will be signing DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS and Colleen will sign THE SALT MAIDEN, both of which have received fantastic advance reviews!

Here’s the details on their upcoming schedule:

December 1, 2007 Autographing at Katy Budget Books, Katy, TX. From 11-2.

December 8, 2007, Autographing with author Christie Craig at Barnes and Noble in The Woodlands Mall (The Woodlands, TX) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

December 15, 2007, Autographing with author Christie Craig at Murder by the Book in Houston from 4:30 to ? PM.

January 12, 2008, Speaking (Colleen) and autographing at chapter meeting of West Houston Romance Writers of America.

January 12, 2008, Autographing at Borders in The Woodlands with fellow authors Nina Bangs, Gerry Bartlett, Christie Craig, and Teri
Thackston from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

January 15, 2008, Speaking and autographing (just Colleen) at Houston Bay Area RWA.

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis , The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Author and Diva News

KUDOS! to Sarah Andre for finaling in the Romantic Suspense Category of Finally a Bride with her new story, LOCKED, LOADED & LYING! The final round entries will be judged by both editor and agent. Best wishes on a favorable outcome, Sarah!

Linda Barrett announces she has a contest running each month for Oct, Nov, Dec at her website. www.linda-barrett.com Check it out! You could win a $10.00 gift card to B&N!

Sandra K. Moore was honored to accept Jo Anne Banker’s First Place Maggie in Long Contemporary for her SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD, at the Georgia Romance Writer’s annual Moonlight & Magnolias Conference. Jo Anne wore her ‘jewelry’, the silver Maggie medallion, to the October meeting.Victoria Curran with Superromance has requested the full manuscript, so Jo Anne is writing furiously to finish it soon. Congratulations, Jo Anne!

Deeanne Gist has another jewel in her already sparkling crown. She is a finalist for the Writer’s League of Texas annual Violet Crown Award with her novel, THE MEASURE OF A LADY.

Tracy Goodwin is thrilled to announce that DANCE WITH DECEPTION has reached #1 on two Chapters.indigo Bestselling Lists (both the Trade Paperback and Romance Pre-order lists)! In addition, it is holding steady in eBook format remaining a bestseller at #2 on EPIC eBookstore’s Romance Bestseller list and #8 on Fictionwise’s Romance Bestseller list. Dance With Deception is available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Biggerbooks.com, Chapters.indigo.ca, and Target.com. It is also available in eBook format at Fictionwise.com.

Patty Henderson’s entry, GIFT OF DECEPTION, has won the romantic suspense category in the final round of judging of Mid-Michigan RWA’s Happily Ever After last chapter contest. We are sure this is only the beginning of Patty’s Happily Ever After!! GIFT OF DECEPTION will be released by Wild Rose Press in December 2007.

Exciting news from Jo Ann Robisheaux! She finaled in the Inspirational Romance category of The Golden Pen with her entry, SHADES OF GRACE. Melissa Endlich at Steeple Hill will be the final round judge.

Very thrilling news for Kerrelyn Sparks! Her name has been added to the Honor Roll on the RWA website! Her latest book, BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, qualified her for the list when it spent two weeks on the Publishers Weekly top fifteen bestselling mass market paperback list.Kerrelyn is also part of a new HarperCollins website program.To see it, please visit http://www.harpercollins.com/KerrelynSparks

Booksigning alert! Teri Thackston will be signing PERILOUS PASSIONS at the Houston Writers Festival on Nov 17 from 11:00 to 2:00. It’s at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5000 Westheimer.

Colleen Thompson is delighted to announce that her December release, THE SALT MAIDEN (Leisure Romantic Suspense), has been garnering great advance reviews, including a Top Pick from Romantic Times.

Linda Warren has fantastic news to share – Her book, THE COWBOY’S RETURN, won the Aspen Gold in the Contemporary Category given by the Heart of Denver Chapter.

Johanna Wayne has S-U-P-E-R news! She signed a four book contract with Harlequin Intrigue which will include a 2008 Christmas book to follow up the Colts Run Cross Series (Miracle at Colts Run Cross) and a three-book Special Ops Texas Series to be released in 2009. Her good news doesn’t stop there! TEXAS GUN SMOKE made the Waldens/Borders bestselling romance list recently, checking in at # 7.

WHRWA had a number of members who finaled in the prestigious Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Competition. Laura Gompertz took first place in the Futuristic, Fantasy, Paranormal category with MCCALLEN’S BLOOD. Sarah Andre took third place in the Romantic Suspense division with LOCKED, LOADED & LYING, and had her full manuscript requested by Patience Smith at Silhouette! Fleury Sommers brought home second place honors in the Single Title category for her entry, CANVAS. Kelly Harms asked Fleury to contact her. Judythe Hixson took third place in the Inspirational with ANNIE’S HEART. Way to go Ladies!

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis , The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Author News

Nina Bangs and Gerry Bartlett are off to Birmingham, Alabama for a Books-A-Million Trade Show October 8 and 9 to meet and greet over 200 book sellers for that chain of book stores in the eastern region. They’ll also make a few stops in the Smokey Mountains so Gerry can see the fall colors for the first time since she grew up in Houston and was usually teaching when the leaves turned.

But that’s not all! Gerry Bartlett, Nina Bangs and their critique partner Kimberly Raye will be autographing their latest releases at the Barnes and Noble on Bay Area Boulevard from 4-7 on October 27. That’s the Saturday before Halloween, so come by and show support for this “afternoon with vampire writers”.(They assured B&N that they could come out before dark — they just write about vampires!)

Linda Barrett will be chatting with readers about THE SOLDIER AND THE ROSE at NovelTalk on Wednesday, November 14th at 8 p.m. CT. Come join the conversation about love and war and the “greatest generation.” Linda also extends an open invitation to visit the Everlasting Love authors, aka “The Lovelies” at their new blog. This is the new Harlequin series where “happily-ever-after is just the beginning.” So come meet the authors and share your own stories. They talk about love, writing, dreams, magic, food (of course) and many other topics! Here’s the link: http://hqeverlastinglove.blogspot.com/

Tera Lyn Childs, our wandering – but returning –Houstonian, is excited to share the (nearly) final version of her cover for OH. MY. GODS. She posted it in the Book Covers photo album on the WHRWA Yahoo! Group site and on her MySpace blog (http://tinyurl.com/3×9pru). Check it out!

Keep your eyes peeled! Romantic Times recently interviewed Christie Craig for their December issue. Christie’s been visible in the print media in advance of her December release from Dorchester, DIVORCED, DESPERATE & DELICIOUS. If you haven’t yet read your September RWR, be sure to check out page 16 for her article, “Character Motivation: Blame It On Their Parents”.

We’re all cheering for Shana Galen, whose BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE is a 4 ½ Star Top Pick in the November RomanticTimes!! Shane was the speaker at the NWHRWA September 29th meeting, and spoke on, “Hitting the High Notes in your Writing.” Clearly the RT reviewer saw those “high notes” in this recent release!

Needing to hone your skills? Pat Kay will be offering her SCENE AND SEQUEL WORKSHOP from October 8 — October 31. To register, send an e-mail to classes@patriciakay.com. The cost is $25.00, payable via PayPal to pk@patriciakay.com or by check to Patricia Kay, PO Box 441603, Houston, TX 77244-1603. Deadline to register is October 6th. To learn more about Pat, or this course, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.

Book Lauch Party Announcement! Mark your calendar for October 7th between 2pm and 4pm so you can celebrate the release of Dawn Temple’s debut novel, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. The party will be held in the bar at the Roadhouse on 45 S near El Dorado (in the Wal-Mart shopping center). Go to her website www.dawntemple.com for more details!

Colleen Thompson is happy to announce the sale of TRIPLE EXPOSURE, another romantic suspense, again to Dorchester. There’s no pub date as of yet, but the story concerns the return of a female photographer acquitted of murder in the shooting of a stalker to her hometown of Marfa, Texas. When the glider she is piloting is sabotaged, she fears her violent past has caught up with her, or could the attack be related to the darkly-mysterious desert recluse her photographs made famous?

More contest final news from Linda Warren, who is a DOUBLE finalist in the Aspen Gold Reader’s Choice. SON OF TEXAS placed in the romantic suspense category, while THE COWBOY’S RETURN placed in the category.

Diva News

The second round of the gather.com first romance chapter contest has begun!! Congrats to Sarah Andre and Sarah Castleberry for moving onto this next round! Sarah C’s BEAUTY AND THE GEEK made the top 15 in votes for the first round, and Sarah A’s THE ARCHITECT was one of 10 picked by the Gather Team to move onward. Both of their chapter two entries can be viewed at: http://romancenovel.gather.com/ Go Vote!

Several members placed in the Fort Bend Writer’s Guild Writing Contest! Betty Pichardo took a SECOND PLACE with her entry, THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL. Linda Krzywicki (PAWSITIVE ATTRACTION) and Theresa Lehr (CACTUS FLOWERS) share a THIRD PLACE spot. Of note in the Honorable Mention category was June Faver with two works, BONE DEEP and BAD HABIT, as well as Linda Krzywicki’s DUAL ATTRACTION.

Laura Gompertz is SMOKIN’!!! Not only did she take 3rd place in the Tampa Area Romance Authors (TARA) Contest with her manuscript, OPEN DOORS, and come away with a request for a full from editor Jessica Alvarez of Steeple Hill, but she also won first place in the paranormal category of the Lone Star Competition. Last but not least, thanks to a Romance Junkies Contest, an editor asked for a full of THE AVALONE PATROL, a fantasy/para currently sitting on Heather Osborns’ desk at Tor.

KUDOS!! to Patty Henderson, who finaled in Mid-Michigan’s Happily Ever After Contest in the romantic suspense category with GIFT OF DECEPTION.

Judythe Hixon’s manuscript, ANNIE’S HEART, has obviously stolen the heart of many a contest judge. She announces another contest final, this time in the Inspirational category of the NWHRWA’s Lone Star Writing Competition!

Jody Payne continues her adventures! For her suspense manuscript she had visited the Tomball Police so many times they asked if she’d like to attend their Citizen’s Police Academy. Of course, she jumped at the chance. She’s learning about fingerprinting, breathalizers, and (watch out!) interrogation techniques. She’ll get to shoot weapons, and ride along on a real shift – she’s hoping to ride along with the K9 Unit!

Way to go Terri Richison!! She finaled in the From The Heart RWA Chapter’s Golden Gateway Contest in the romantic suspense category with her entry, DEADLY INHERITANCE. Final round judge is Jessica Zita at Pocket. Terri’s good news continues — she also took third place in the Celtic Hearts RWA Chapter Golden Claddagh Contest with DEADLY INHERITANCE. Final round judge is Esi Sogah - Avon.

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis, The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Author and Diva News

Sarah Andre is probably still doing cartwheels over in her part of Houston! Her entry, LOCKED, LOADED AND LYING finaled in the Romantic Suspense category of the NWHRWA Lone Star Writing Competition! Sarah, please let us know how things go in the final round!

Congratulations to Jo Anne Banker! The Georgia Romance Writers announced their 2007 Unpublished Maggie Awards finalists, and our very own president finaled in the Long Contemporary category with SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD. This was the first contest for this new WIP, and gets her in front of Harlequin Superromance editor, Victoria Curran.

Gerry Bartlett will speak to the Professional Women’s Group of Houston on September 4 at the Junior League on “Finding Your Passion”. She also hopes to entice them to find another kind of passion in the pages of her books — and will be selling and signing them to the 100-plus attendees after the breakfast meeting.

TJ Bennett announces she has finished negotiations to write a second book for Medallion Press. THE PROMISE, which will be released in 2009, is the story of a German mercenary who falls for a Spanish blade merchant’s daughter during the Italian campaigns of 1525. TJ has even more exciting news! She’s been offered representation by Kevan Lyon of the Sandra Dijkstra Agency. Way to make WHRWA proud, TJ!

Cheryl Bolen is a finalist in the highly competitive Published Authors Special Interest Chapter (PASIC) Book of Your Heart Contest with her story, BACK IN CARLO’S BED. Though she’s always written historical in the past, this project is a category romance. We all wish her much success with this new endeavor!

Kim Chambers has news! She will be writing for Berkley under the pen name Kimberly Frost. She’s also launched her blog site. Visit her at http://frostfiction.blogspot.com

Lara Chapman finaled in the short contemporary category of the Golden Gateway Contest with her manuscript TORNADO ALLIE. This is her first contest final! Way to go, Lara!

Christie Craig and cohort writing partner, Faye Hughes, will be presenting their dynamic workshop, The Great Agent Hunt at the Romantic Times Convention in Pittsburg next spring. Romantic Times linked to their promotional video and they’ve already had over 500 hits! If you’re one of the few not to have seen this very entertaining piece, here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcdyCn4Opx0 Christie has also been participating in an exciting new blog with several other talented authors. You can find them at http://killerfiction.net

Applause for June Faver, who learned her entry, BAD HABIT, finaled in the Mid Michigan Romance Writer’s Happily Ever After Contest. The HEA is a contest where the last chapter is judged. BAD HABIT is now in the hands of an agent! June, let us know how this turns out!

Kudos to Laura Gompertz, who finaled in NWHRWA’s Lonestar Writing Competition’s paranormal category with her entry, McCALLEN’S BLOOD.

Patty Henderson is excited to share the cover for her upcoming release, GIFT OF DECEPTION. Check it out at www.myspace.com/pattyhenderson_romance

Judythe Hixon’s manuscript, ANNIE’S HEART, has obviously stolen the heart of many a contest judge. She announces another contest final, this time in the Inspirational category of the NWHRWA’s Lone Star Writing Competition!

Give a B-I-G shout out to Bonnie Johnston, who has finaled in From the Heart RWA’s Golden Gateway Contest’s paranormal category with her entry, VESSEL.

PJ Mellor just heard from her Kensington editor that the title for her second cowboy anthology will be ONLY WITH A COWBOY, to be released in May 2008.

Sale news!! Mary O’Conner is pleased to announce the sale of two books to New Concepts Publishing! THE SEDUCTION OF PRINCE FROG will be an August 2007 release, to be followed by THE VIOLET SOCIETY: DEATH AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, date to be announced! Check out the cover for next month’s release at Mary’s website: http://www.maryoconnorbooks.com/

Jane Myers Perrine’s third Love Inspired book now has a title! Look for DEEP IN THE HEART, which will be in September 2009 and yes, Jane reports the story does take place in TEXAS!

Fleury Sommers has reason to boast! Her entry, CANVAS, finaled in the NWHRWA’s Lonestar Writing Competition in the Single Title division. Congratulations, Fleury!

Teri Thackston’s newest book with Cerridwen Press, THE ABDUCTION OF MISS JENNY CHANDLER, is now available for purchase at the Cerridwen Press site: http://www.cerridwenpress.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419910180

Teri’s novel is set in 19th Century Texas and involves bandits, U.S. Army gold and a handsome Texas Ranger. . .what more could a young lady want? Teri will be signing her Cerridwen Press contemporary novel, PERILOUS PASSIONS, at a group booksigning at the South Park Borders store in Austin on Sept 8 from 1 to 5. They’ll be offering readings from their books and participating in a question/answer session. She’ll also be signing at Hastings Books in Victoria on Sept 15 from 2 to 4. As she’ll be the only author signing, she would love to see some familiar faces!

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis , The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Author and Diva News

Starting off with an excellent piece of news! Linda Warren’s book, THE COWBOY’S RETURN, won the Greater Detroit RWA Chapter’s Booksellers’ Best Award in Dallas in the Long Contemporary category. She received a beautiful silver pin, a certificate and a gorgeous color copy of the poster displaying all the winners’ covers which will go to booksellers across the country. Linda reports feeling shocked, but none of her chapter-mates are!

Congratulations to Terri Thackston, who announces her novel, PERILOUS PASSIONS, is now available in print from Cerridwen Press.

Lorna Michaels won her category, Series Long Contemporary, in the Orange County Chapter RWA’s Book Buyer’s Best with her Silhouette Special Edition, A CANDLE FOR NICK. Awesome news, Lorna!

Christy Janisse, aka Brandy Jordan, announces that her e-book short story will be out very soon (date to be announced!). The book, titled MURDER AND THE MEDIA SPECIALIST, will be released by The Wild Rose Press, Crimson Rose line in the next few weeks. Christy is also working hard on the proposal requested by Kathleen Sheibling of Harlequin American and the request of partial from agent, Kevan Lyons. Fingers crossed for you, Christy.

Hot off the presses! Deeanne Gist’s novel, THE MEASURE OF A LADY, won the Romance category of the 2007 Christy Awards, which recognizes excellence in Christian fiction. This is Deanne’s second Christy, as she won last year with A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING! We are so proud of her! What an accomplishment. She shares even more news, received from her publisher: “COURTING TROUBLE made the Wal-Mart Best Seller Modular for JUNE 2007 (1 of about 30 titles) which has the best of the NY houses and select Inspirational titles – very competitive.” Congratulations, Deanne!

Lots of fun to be had on Christie Craig’s new website, www.christie-craig.com . Check out the very entertaining trailer for her December debut novel from Dorchester, DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS.

Tera Lynn Childs has news in multiples! She announces she is moving back to Houston–and back to WHRWA at the end of August. Secondly, her new website is now live: And finally, the release date for OH. MY. GODS. has been moved up from “Late Summer” to “Early May” 2008.

Applause for Sarah Castleberry, who came in second in the single title category of the Central Florida Romance Writers’ Touch of Magic Contest with her manuscript BEAUTY AND THE GEEK.

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis , The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Author News

Tera Lynn Childs announces that her title, Growing Up Godly,to be released by Dutton in summer 2008, has received a title makeover and will be released as OH. MY. GODS. Great title, Tera! Check out the exciting Publisher’s Marketplace announcement for this sale: Tera Lynn Childs’s OH. MY. GODS, in which a cross-country-running California girl gets uprooted to a tiny Greek island and struggles to find her place at a school for the descendants of Greek gods… without getting zapped to Hades in the process, to Sarah Shumway at Dutton, in a nice deal, by Jenny Bent at Trident Media Group (world English).

Michelle Dunaway announces the title for her upcoming April 2008 Harlequin American Romance will be The Marriage Recipe (Michelle, if we read the book do we get the recipe?)

Deeanne Gist’s The Measure of a Lady finaled in the Bookseller’s Best Contest hosted by GDRWA, and in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest hosted by Faith, Hope & Love RWA. Winners will be announced at Nationals in July. As if that weren’t exciting enough, Deanne shares that Woman’s World Magazine – with a circulation of 3 million — featured Deeanne Gist’s new release Courting Trouble as their “What To Read” pick in the June 5th weekly issue.”

Pat Kay’s next eight-week Write Your Novel course will begin on July 2nd. If you’ve been thinking about taking it, it’s time to sign up! Learn more at her website, www.patriciakay.com. Click on the link at the top that says WRITING CLASSES.

Thrilling news! Robin Popp received the coveted honor of being a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR for her Dorchester Love Spell novel, Immortals: The Darkening. Robin! We couldn’t be more excited for you!

Gail Ranstrom and Barbara Dawson Smith have both finaled in the Historical Romance Mystery/Suspense category of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier contest – Gail as a double finalist with her Harlequin releases, The Courtesan’s Courtship and Indescretions, and Barbara with her St. Martin’s Press romance, THE ROGUE REPORT. Best wishes to both of you, as you are both very deserving!

Barbara Dawson Smith has also finaled in the Booksellers Best Contest with The Rogue Report! Barbara, your Rogue has garnered quite a reputation!

Daredevil alert! Colleen Thompson missed the WHRWA June 9th meeting – and bravely risked death – all in the name of research. She went up for her first glider ride, and found the experience exhilarating!

Diva News

Kimberly Chambers received the best sort of news this month: “THE CALL” from her agent! The Berkley Publishing Group has made a two-book offer for her humorous urban fantasy, Would-be Witch, and a sequel. Let’s help Kimberly celebrate her new deal in Dallas!

Contest Announcement! Laura Gompertz finaled in the 2007 TARA Contest, sponsored by the Tampa Area Romance Authors. Her entry, Open Doors, placed in the inspirational category. Final judge is Jessica Alvarez of Steeple Hill!

Kudos to Patty Henderson, who announces her first sale to Wild Rose Press. Gift of Deception is a romantic suspense told with a unique southern voice and is Patty’s first completed manuscript! Her sale to Wild Rose Press is a result of her pitch at San Antonio RWA’s Super Saturday in May.

Christy Janisse is excited to announce she’s sold a short story to The Wild Rose Press. Murder and the Media Specialist will be released as an e-book this summer. Way to go, Christy!

Congratulations to Terri Richison who finaled with Deadly Inheritance in the Celtic Hearts Golden Claddagh contest in their romantic suspense category.

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis , The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Are we headed into a “lazy summer”? It doesn’t appear that way by the look of all these great announcements!

Author News

Nina Bangs, Kimberly Raye and Gerry Barlett represented the chapter well on Sunday, May 6th at Book People in Austin, where they signed copies of their books.

Linda Barrett is delighted to announce that she is a finalist with A MAN OF HONOR in the National Readers’ Choice Awards sponsored by the Oklahoma Chapter RWA. Winners will be announced at the Dallas conference. Regardless of outcome, she thinks it’s fun to get those exciting phone calls!

Thrilling news for Gerry Bartlett! REAL VAMPIRES series will continue in 2008. REAL VAMPIRES GET LUCKY will be a June, 2008 trade paperback release from Berkley with REAL VAMPIRES MAKE WAVES out in October, 2008. Also, Berkley intends to release the first two REAL VAMPIRES books in mass market with REAL VAMPIRES HAVE CURVES out in February, 2008 and REAL VAMPIRES LIVE LARGE out in May, 2008. She also wants to thank the many members of West Houston who remembered her with cards and support during the sad time following the loss of her husband. Thanks also to the chapter for the lovely plant they sent just when she needed cheering up.

Medallion Press will buy TJ Bennett’s historical romance, ALONSA’S CHOICE. This is the companion novel to The Legacy (April 2008), and focuses onthe middle brother of the hero from the first novel. The story, set in 1525, follows the adventures ofa German mercenarywho falls for a Spanish blade merchant’s daughter, a beautiful widow haunted by a violent curse on any man who loves her. ALONSA’S CHOICE will be a 2009 release.

Michele Dunaway had some exciting (if delayed) news! Her book, EMERGENCY ENGAGEMENT won Best Harlequin American of 2005. While she insisted no congrats were necessary – any good news is news worth celebrating, even a year and a half late! So kudos to Michele!

Cheers for Deeanne Gist whose THE MEASURE OF A LADY was nominated for the Christy Award for “Best Christian Romance 2007.” Winners will be announced this summer at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta

Jolie Mathis was pleased to get a call from From the Heart RWA Chapter, letting her know THE SEA KING had won third place in their Published LORIES Contest.

PJ Mellor is staying very busy! She’s been asked to do another cowboy anthology–her novella is titled HARD IN THE SADDLE.

Jane Myers Perrine sold not one, but two more books to Steeple Hill; a contemporary tentatively titled SILVER LAKE and a Western historical tentatively titled ANNIE’S SONG. Her second Steeple Hill Love Inspired, LOVE’S HEALING TOUCH,will be out in September of this year.

Teri Thackston’s second book, TO THE RESCUE, is now available for purchase at Cerridwen Press (www.cerridwenpress.com). Congrats to Teri for now being officially “multi-published”!

Jes Trapp and Deeanne Gist have both finaled in the First Coast Romance Writers’ Beacon Contest – 2007 Published Division; Jes in the Historical Category for MASTER OF DESIRE and Deeanne in the Inspirational Category for THE MEASURE OF A LADY.

Linda Warren’s THE COWBOY’S RETURN is a finalist for the Golden Quill given by the Desert Rose Chapter. The good news doesn’t stop there! SON OF TEXAS is a finalist for the Wisconsin WriteTouch Award. Congratulations, Linda!

Diva News

June Faver was thrilled (and terrified) to learn her novel, BAD GIRL! finaled in the Writer’s League of Texas contest. BAD GIRL has been forwarded to the agent judge. The entry goes on to agent Cameron McClure with the Donald Maas Agency. GOOD GIRL, June!

Lark Howard’s DEYROLLE won first place in the paranormal category of Missouri RWA’s Gateway to the Rest contest. It’s no surprise that the judge, Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency, has requested a partial.

Judythe Hixson shares her good news: ANNIE’S HEART placed 3rd in Heart of the Rockies. ANNIE’S HEART is also a finalist in the Charter Oak RWA Chapter 2007 Golden Acorn Excellence in Writing Award (Inspirational category), and will move on to Jessica Alvarez, Assistant Editor, Steeple Hill Books, for final judging. We know she’ll impress Ms. Alvarez!

Let’s celebrate with Sarah Castleberry, who finaled in the Single Title category of Central Florida’s Touch of Magic Contest with her new manuscript BEAUTY AND THE GEEK. An added bonus: her revised entry will be sent to editor Megan McKeever of Pocket.

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis, The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

Author News

Nina Bangs received a 4 ½ Star, Top Pick Review in the May edition of RomanticTimes Magazine, for Wicked Fantasy. This isn’t Nina’s first Top Pick, and we’re sure it won’t be her last!

Tune into KTRH for Gerry Bartlett’s interview with Tracee Evans ( www.ktrh.com ). Specifically, click the following pull-downs – “Blogs”, then “Bookmark This”. At the bottom of Tracee Evans’ page, you’ll see Gerry’s Real Vampires Have Curves book cover (among other familiar covers and names!) Gerry’s interview will be played in April in advance of the RT Convention.

TJ Bennett launched her new website this month. Check out her beautiful on-line “crib” at www.tjbennett.com

Applause for Christie Craig, whose entry, Under the Precious Sky, took first place in the Spicy Hot category of the North Texas RWA Great Expectations contest. She garnered a request for a full from Laura Barth of Harlequin Books. Christie also won Best of the Best (1st Place!) for her novel, Fatal Promise.

Michelle Dunaway has a lot of news this month! The cover for Legally Tender is a nominee in the 2006 Cover Café Cover Contest – you can still cast your vote at www.covercafe.com. But that’s not all! Her current release, Nine Months’ Notice, ranked #19 on the Waldenbooks/Borders series bestselling list for the week ending 4/14/07. Wait, but that’s not all! Michelle shared the good news that she’d be writing two NASCAR ‘08 continuity books. This is her 20th sale to Harlequin — her 20th in 8 years. Congratulations on that exciting achievement, Michelle!

In big news, two WHRWA members received Romance Writers of America RITA nominations. Deeanne Gist’s The Measure of a Lady received a Romance Writers of America RITA nomination in the Inspirational category. Kristi Gold received a RITA nomination for her book, House of Midnight Fantasies, Best Short Contemporary category. Kudos, ladies! We will all be cheering loudly for you in July!

*** Four past members of WHRWA also received RITA nominations: Jolie Kramer, Christina Dodd, Susan Wiggs and Kimberly Raye.

Tracy Goodwin’s novel, Dance With Deception, has had its publication date moved up to November 28, 2007.

Donna Malloy has super news to share. Her entry won first place in the Young Adult category of the North Texas RWA Great Expectations contest. Her story, Legend of the Fox, is about a Regency-era shape shifter. She received a request for a full from Michelle Grajkowski at Three Seas Literary Agency.

Let’s celebrate with Barbara Dawson Smith, whose novel, Countess Confidential, won the prestigious 2006 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Historical Category.

Kerrylyn Sparks latest release, Be Still My Vampire Heart, has spent three weeks on the USA Today Bestseller list and the Borders bestselling romance list. For the week ending 4/15, it made the Publisher’s Weekly top 15 bestselling mass market paperbacks, thus making Kerrelyn eligible for RWA’s Honor Roll of bestselling authors.

Congratulations to Colleen Thompson, who announced she has signed a contract to write a fourth romantic suspense novel for Dorchester — The Salt Maiden is slated for release at the end of 2007. Colleen shares even more good news! Her first three romantic suspense titles, Fatal Error, Fade the Heat, and The Deadliest Denial will be translated and published in German by Verlagruppe Random House. Never one to rest on her laurels, Colleen will be teaching a course through PASIC in May, “What You Need to Know When You’re About To Sell!” Register at http://www.pasic.net//classes.html

Jessica Trapp’s sexy historical, Master of Desire, is a finalist in Passionate Ink’s 2006 Passionate Plume contest for Published Authors.

Kimberly Ungar, who writes as Jolie Mathis, was excited to learn her debut historical, The Sea King, is finalist for 2006 Best First Book in the HOLT Medallion Contest. In late breaking news, she has also agreed to a two-book deal with NAL for her Victorian paranormal series, the first of which is currently (and likely temporarily) titled Shadow Hunter.

Let’s hear applause for Linda Warren! Her book, The Bad Son, was announced winner of the prestigious 2006 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Long Contemporary category.

Diva News

Let’s all celebrate with Patty Henderson, who finaled in HeRA’s 2007 Show Me the Spark contest with her entry, Dancing With Tadpoles. This is extra exciting news to Patty because this is her first contest final! Her entry moves on to be read by Laura Barth at Harlequin Books and Jennifer Jackson of the Donald Maas Literary Agency.

Judythe Hixson is pleased to announce Annie’s Heart is a finalist in the Inspirational category of CRW Heart of the Rockies (Unpublished) Contest. Annie’s Heart also received Honorable Mention in the 5th Annual Reading Writers Fiction Contest. This is an annual contest sponsored by Reading Writers website, http://readingwriters.com/welcome.htm. Their next writing contest will feature Flash Fiction.

Christy Janisse, writing as Brandy Jordan, had some thrilling news. Her novel, Mistaken, ranked #4 at Fictionwise.com for the week of 4/6/07. Look for the paperback release of this book on May 11, 2007.

Georgia Ward (Tribell) received a wonderful four steaming cups review from Coffeetime Romance for her exciting New Concepts release, Firestarter.

Please send Kimberly Ungar/Jolie Mathis, The author of the award winning book The Sea King, your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month.

The amazing Christie Craig has some news to share. Along with her critique partner, Faye Hughes, she has just signed a contract to write a nonfiction book - The Everything Guide to Writing a Romance Novel. Congratulations, Christie! Does that make five sales for you in the past two months?

Teri Thackston was featured in an interview with Cerridwen Press, the publisher of her romantic suspense debut, Perilous Passions. You can read all about it at http://www.cerridwenpress.com/newsletter/newsletter_0307.asp.Way to go, Teri!

Barbara Dawson Smith’s historical romance, Countess Confidential, is a finalist for the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. The Rogue Report has also finaled in the Historical Category of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence. Congratulations, Barbara, and we’ll be pulling for you in the final rounds!

Sharie Kohler’s second release, Too Wicked to Tame, has hit the USA Today bestseller list! Congratulations, Sharie! We’re thrilled for you!

Congratulations to WHRWA finalists in the North Texas RWA Great Expectations contest: in Mainstream with Romantic Elements, Life, Love and Maggie Baldovino by Jane Myers Perrine; in Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal & Time Travel, The Stone Warrior by Donna Maloy; in the Steamy Hot Category, Under the Precious Sky by Christie Craig. Donna Maloy also made the finals in Young Adult with Legend of the Fox. Best of luck in the finals!

We also have two finalists this year for the Reviewers International Organization’s Award of Excellent. In the mainstream category, DeeAnn Gist has finaled with The Measure of a Lady. In Romance Science Fiction and Fantasy, we have Robin Popp with Seduced by the Night. Congratulations to the two of you!

Heather MacAllister’s Lone Star Santa came in first place in an E-Harlequin poll for Best Love and Laughter of 2006. Congratulations, Heather!

Michele Dunaway has been asked to be a part of Harlequin’s NASCAR continuity series for 2008. Michele will write Out of Line (working title), a May 2008 release. This marks Michele’s 19th sale to Harlequin!

We have another new sale to report! Colleen Thompson’s romantic suspense, The Salt Maiden, will be published by Dorchester in late 2007 or early 2008. This May, Colleen Thompson (while not writing frantically) will also be teaching a month-long class, “What You Need to Know When You’re about to Sell,” for the Published Authors Special Interest Chapter. The class will cover agent and editor basics, first contract pitfalls, how to establish yourself as a professional, and promotional efforts. FMI, visit http://pasic.net/classes.html.

Jane Myers Perrine and four other writers from Steeple Hill Love Inspired are writing a non-fiction book on how each coped with dyslexia. It will be published by Tsaba Press, a small press. Sounds like a worthy subject, Jane!

Nine months after its release, Deeanne Gist’s The Measure of a Lady was still selling strong enough to hit the CBA (Christian Booksellers Assoc.) Bestseller List once again. This time, she was #17 out of all Christian fiction titles. Wow, Deeanne, that’s impressive!

Gerry Bartlett’s fun, new vampire romance, Real Vampires Have Curves, debuted at #5 on Barnes and Noble’s list of trade paperback bestsellers and was also #63 on the Bookscan list of romance bestsellers. We’re thrilled for you, Gerry! May the good news keep on coming!

Jessica Trapp has started a wonderful new challenge group for those wishing to build the habit of writing by producing at least 100 words a day for 100 days straight. The catch is, if you miss a day, you have to start over. Great idea, Jes!

Christy Janisse, writing as Brandy Jordan, enjoyed a fabulous first few days of sale with her first release, Mistaken. She is listed in the number one spot on her publisher’s site for best selling books overall. www.thewildrosepress.com. Also, Christy/Brandy is running a contest on her website for a lovely spa goodie basket - www.brandyjordanbooks.com.

Sharon Mignerey received some good news. Her book, Small Town Secrets, is a finalist in the Inspirational category of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence. Member Gail Ranstrom also finaled with her historical, Indiscretions, along with Barbara Dawson Smith as mentioned above. Congratulations, ladies! We’re very proud of you.

Results are in from tabulations involving finalists for RWA contests held for 2006 (unpublished) tabulated by the Divas with Tiaras website. To no one’s surprise, we had several members recognized, including Christie Craig, who made the finals 27 times with 6 different manuscripts (four of which have sold to Dorchester and Triskelion), Sharie Kohler, for her “grand slam,” of first, second, and third place wins with Once Bitten, Twice Shy (which subsequently sold to Pocket). Contest may not be the only path to publication, but things have worked out well for these ladies, among many others in our group. Congratulations to you!

Romantic suspense author Colleen Thompson, a past RITA-finalist whose latest release is Heat Lightning (Love Spell Romantic Suspense, Nov. 2006), announces WHRWA’s glad tidings in each month’s “Who’s in the News” column, wherein she shatters her self-imposed moratorium on exclamation points. Please send Colleen your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month

Author News

Romantic Times BookClub magazine has announced nominees for its list of Best Books and Authors of 2006. Congratulations to the following West Houston authors for their nominations!

• Kristi Gold—The Pregnancy Negotiation, Best Series Romance, Silhouette Desire
• Barbara Dawson Smith—The Rogue Report, Historical of the Year
• Sophie Jordan (Sharie Kohler)—Once Upon a Wedding Night, First Historical Romance
• Jolie Mathis (Kimberly Ungar)—The Sea King, First Historical Romance
• Robin T. Popp—Seduced by the Night, Best Vampire Romance

If you’ve ever struggled with writing a manuscript’s ending, check out Colleen Thompson’s article in this month’s issue of the Romance Writer’s Report. Colleen also has a series of articles and exercises on endings coming in a future edition (date TBA) of Writer’s Digest, so look for her there, too, and check out the writer’s blog she and new member Joni Rodgers have started at www.boxingoctopus.blogspot.com .

Kerrelyn Sparks is pleased to announce that How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire and Vamps in the City have sold to Germany. Her third book in the series, Be Still My Vampire Heart, goes on sale on March 27th. Way to go, Kerry!

Linda Barrett has an excellent review to share. Her March release, Houseful of Strangers, received four-and-a-half stars from Romantic Times. Way to go, Linda!

Winners of Houston Bay Area’s JABBIC cover art contest were recently announced. Among West Houston’s winners were Pam “P.J.” Mellor, whose book The Cowboy took first in Single Title/Mainstream while her Pleasure Beachwas third in the same category. Robin Popp’s Seduced by the Night came in third in the Fantasy/Futuristic/Paranormal Category. Kim Ungar, a.k.a. Jolie Mathis was fourth in Historical with The Sea King. Colleen Thompson’s The Deadliest Denial was fourth in Romantic Suspense.

Pam Mellor, a.k.a. P.J. Mellor, has been asked to participate in another cowboy anthology for Kensington’s Aphrodisia imprint, thanks to the overwhelming demand to her first, “Cowboy in Paradise,” from The Cowboy. Ride ‘em, Pam!

In addition, Pam Mellor recently traveled to San Diego to speak and sign at Mission Valley Barnes and Noble and to the SDRWA the following day. She had extremely positive response on both days, which was a real thrill. That’s great news, too!

Christie Craig’s Under the Precious Sky has reached the final round of the Great Expectations contest’s Steamy Hot category. In the Mainstream with Romantic Elements division, Jane Myers Perrine finaled with Life, Love and Maggie Baldovino. Congratulations to you both!

Jessica Trapp’s Master of Pleasure will be translated into German! Great going, Jesica!

Teri Thackston wants to share the happy news that Perilous Passions finally releases on March 1. I’ve also received a release date for my fourth book with Cerridwen Press. Deadly Climb will release on October 4, 2007. We’re thrilled for you, Teri!

After much discussion with her editor, Dawn Temple’s October release from Silhouette Special Edition has been re-titled. Both editor and Senior Editor assure her the new name, To Have and to Hold, will sell well in category. But her editor still loves the original title, A Will to Love and intends to use it as the shout line over the back cover blurb.

Kristi Gold’s new release, Fall from Grace, is a launch book for Harlequin’s brand new Everlasting line. The book was awarded Desert Island Keeper Status from All About Romance. Excellent news, Kristi!

Sophie Jordan/Sharie Kohler has release dates and titles for her next two books. One Night with You, her third historical with Avon, will release in Jan 08; and, Marked by Moonlight, her first paranormal with Pocket, will also release in Jan 08. We’re looking forward to them, Sharie!

Linda Warren has some late-breaking news. Her book, The Bad Son, is a finalist for the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence in the long contemporary division. Excellent, Linda!

Michele Dunaway was featured in the alumni magazine of her alma mater, the University of Missouri – St. Louis. To read the article, click here.

EMILY RESULTS!

Winners of West Houston’s Emily Awards have been announced. In Single Title Contemporary, congratulations to West Houston members Jerre Ferns, who took Third Place with Dead in the Heart of Texas, and Jo Ann Robisheaux, who came in fourth with A Fresh Start. In Series Contemporary, we’re thrilled that Christie Craig took first with Fatal Promise and Christy Janisse came in second with Mistaken (which has since sold). In the Paranormal category, our own Sharon Forret took second with Phantom Spirit. We proud of all of you!

Also this month…

Mistaken by Brandy Jordan (aka Christy Janisse) is available from Wild Rose Press in e-book form this month. http://www.thewildrosepress.com A paperback release comes out in May.

Romantic suspense author Colleen Thompson, a past RITA-finalist whose latest release is Heat Lightning (Love Spell Romantic Suspense, Nov. 2006), announces WHRWA’s glad tidings in each month’s “Who’s in the News” column, wherein she shatters her self-imposed moratorium on exclamation points. Please send Colleen your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month

Author News

Here’s some more terrific sales news. Linda Jacobs is pleased to announce a new two book sale to Medallion Press, the same wonderful folks who’ve already published three of her books. Lake of Fire by Linda Jacobs will be the third in her Yellowstone Series after the WILLA Award winning Summer of Fire and Rain of Fire. Lake of Fire will be released in August 2007 and is a historical set in 1900 at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel. The Senator’s Daughter, writing as Christine Carroll will be a winter book next year. It’s the second in the San Francisco Bay Area Series of contemporary single title romances, this new one will be set in the Napa Valley. That’s terrific, Linda! Keep ‘em coming!

Jane Meyers Perrine will be teaching an online class, “What Earl and Mary Teach Us about Humor” for the Outreach International Chapter of RWA in August 2007. Colleen Thompson will also be teaching an online class for the Outreach chapter. “Emotionally Engage from the Very First Page.” The workshops are open to all, and more details can be found at http://www.oirw.net/campus.htm.

We have some good news on the foreign sales front to report this month. Kimberly Ungar, w/a Jolie Mathis received word that Portuguese rights were sold to The Sea King. Colleen Thompson reports that Fatal Error and Heat Lightning will be translated into Estonian and Polish, respectively.

The cover of Patricia Kay’s novel, Come October, is the winner of the 2005 Annual Cover Café Contest in the Series category. It’s a wonderful cover, as many voters agreed. Congratulations, Pat!

Congratulations to Shane Bolks, a.k.a. Shana Galen, whose hero, Stephen Doubleday, of her February historical release, Good Groom Hunting, was awarded a KISS from Romantic Times BookClub. Also, Shana has a title for the third book in her Misadventures in Matrimony series. The December release will be titled Blackthorne’s Bride.

Pam Mellor, a.k.a. P.J. Mellor, is celebrating a four-star review of her new release, Give Me More, from Romantic Times BookClub. Pam was also the featured Kensington author of the month. Nice work, ladies!

Judy Duarte is pleased to announce the sale of a 3-book series to Silhouette Special Edition. The first story in the Texas Homecoming series is tentatively entitled The Cowboy Takes a Wife and will be released in early 2008.

Robin T. Popp’s Tempted in the Night - the third in her Night Slayer series debuted Jan.1, 2007 at #47 on Bookscan’s Top 100 romances, at #22 on Barnes & Noble’s Top 50 romances, was a recommended read in a Border’s flyer and, like the other two books in the series, is offered in hardback by Doubeday Book Club. The fourth book in the series, Lord of the Night, is complete and due for release in December. And the last book that’s kept her hidden away from the world, Immortals: The Darkening, which she’s doing for Dorchester’s Immortals series, is complete and due out in June. Check out all her books at: www.robintpopp.com and www.immortals-series.com

Shane Bolks, writing as Shana Galen, will appear on the Fox 26 morning show Monday, February 6 in the 7 a.m. hour to discuss what men can learn from romance novels and give tips for a romantic Valentine’s Day. We’ll be watching for you, Shane!

Also, Shana Galen, Sophie Jordan, and Robin T. Popp will be presenting “So You Want to Write a Romance Novel” at the Barnes and Noble Copperfield at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, with a book-signing to follow.

Linda Warren has some excellent news to report. All Roads Lead to Texas and Son of Texas are finalists for the Readers and Bookbuyers Best Laurie for published authors. Congratulations, Linda!

First Sales

New member TJ Bittick, writing as TJ Bennett, has a first sale to report! Her outside-the-box historical romance, The Legacy, has been bought by Medallion Press, a royalty and advance paying print publisher recognized by RWA. Though TJ’s book won’t be out until April 2008, she should be proudly wearing a first sale pink ribbon in Dallas this coming July. Look for her behind the big smile! Welcome and congratulations!

We have another first sale to report this month! Christy Janisse has sold her romantic suspense manuscript, Mistaken, to The Wild Rose Press. She has chosen the pen name of Brandy Jordan for this one, since it’s an e-book (though it will be available in print as a trade paperback a few weeks after its digital release). This manuscript has also finaled in West Houston’s Emily contest, in the Contemporary Series category. Her website (still under construction) is www.brandyjordanbooks.com. For more information on the publisher, please visit www.thewildrosepress.com. We’re delighted for you, Christy!

Contest Divas

Sara Andre and Fleury Sommers have recently received agent requests for full manuscripts. Good luck to both of you with your submissions!

Though Christie Craig recently sold four (count ‘em!) books in one week, she still has great contest news pouring in. A Promise Is a Promise has finaled in the 2006 Gateway to the Rest contest in Contemporary Category. She is a triple finalist in the Connections Contest, with To Remember Jenny and Murder, Mayhem & Mama in Single Title and A Desperate Woman in historical. In the Romancing the Novel Contest, To Remember Jenny is a finalist in Single Title, and in the Beacon, Tough Love is a finalist in Single Title. Way to go, Christie!

Lark Howard reports that her paranormal entry, Deyrolle, is a finalist in the Gateway to the Rest contest. Congratulations to you!

Terri Richison also has some contest news. Her entry, Storm Clouds, is a finalist in the Heart of the West contest, in the Mystery/Suspense Category. Best of luck in the finals!

In addition to Christy Janisse, Member Jerre Ferns is thrilled to be a finalist in West Houston’s own Emily contest, in the Single Title category with Dead in the Heart of Texas. JoAnn Robisheaux’s entry, A Fresh Start, is also in contention for an Emily in Single Title Contemporary, along with Christie Craig’s Fatal Promise in Short Contemporary and Sharon Forret’s Phantom Spirit in Paranormal. Nice work, ladies. This is an incredible showing from our chapter, and we’ll all be rooting for you in the final round!

Results are in for the Finally a Bride contest, which is limited to entries which finaled in other contests. Jerre Ferns took second place in the Romantic Suspense/Single Title category, while Kay Hudson was fifth in the Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic division. Congratulations, ladies!

Member News

Several members participated in National Novel Writing Month with fabulous results! NaNoWriMo asks participants to clear their schedules, put off editing, and blast through 50,000 to 60,000 words in only a month. William Simon completed 59,980 words in 30 days! Becky Gotthardt succeeded in meeting the goal as well, with 50,068 words. Anna Phegley was derailed by a health issue after 19 days, but she still gamely managed 34,321 words. Not only does NaNoWriMo help writers meet their goals, the organization also raised money to build and fund six children’s libraries in Vietnam. Something tells me that we’ll have many more members going for broke next November! Way to go!

Romantic suspense author Colleen Thompson, a past RITA-finalist whose latest release is Heat Lightning (Love Spell Romantic Suspense, Nov. 2006), announces WHRWA’s glad tidings in each month’s “Who’s in the News” column, wherein she shatters her self-imposed moratorium on exclamation points. Please send Colleen your news at whosinthenews@whrwa.com by the 15th of each month

Emily News - 2007 Finalists

** - members of West Houston RWA

Contemporary Series

• Christie Craig, “Fatal Promise” **
• Christy Janisse, “Mistaken” **
• Catherin McClain, “The Engineer’s Encore”

* only 3 finalists, because of entry number

Single Title

• Marilee Brothers, “Magpie’s Redemption”
• Kay Dykes, “Deceptive Redemption”
• Mary Fechter, “Beneath the Surface”
• Jerre Ferns, “Dead in the Heart of Texas” **
• Deborah C. Johnson, “Riding the Blind Spot”
• Jo Ann Robisheaux, “A Fresh Start” **

Historical

• Jennifer Haymore, “Revenge”
• Tracy Parker, “The Bride Hunt Ball”
• Keri R. Smith, “The List”

* only 3 finalists, because of entry number

Paranormal

• Gabriela Anderson, “The Amulet”
• Sharon Forret, “Phantom Spirit” **
• Carol Webb, “Shrouded in Mystery”

* only 3 finalists, because of entry number

Author News

Hats are off to a number of our members who exercised their right to free speech after Texas comptroller candidate Fred Head slammed incumbent Susan Combs for having written “pornography,” in the form of a 1990 Kismet romance novel. Kimberly Unger, a.k.a. Jolie Mathis was among the first to get the ball rolling on her blog, and what a ball it turned out to be, with our authors spreading the word on their own blogs and giving quotes to news sources from Time to Fox News to The Houston Chronicle and then some. Participants included Shane Bolks, a.k.a. Shana Galen, Patricia Kay, Sharie Kohler, a.k.a. Sophie Jordan, Jessica Trapp, Joan Reeves, and Colleen Thompson.