Talk about shock. I received my RWA chapter’s Outstanding Achievement award for 2010, which comes with this gorgeous crystal. Considering Washington Romance Writers is full of published authors, some of them luminaries, the award was highly unexpected. I think my perseverance had something to do with it. AN HONORABLE MAN is my tenth release from Superromance and I’ve had thirty sales, but I had a seven-year gap between the publication of my second and third books. Never stop believing!

Washington Romance Writers has a reputation for putting on a fun and fabulous retreat. I was lucky enough to serve on a panel about series romance with mega-talented Harlequin Historical author Diane Gaston and the wonderful Gail Barrett, who writes for Silhouette Romantic Suspense. Our moderator was the delightfully funny Tim Bentler-Jungr, who loves being surrounded by females.

I told you the WRW retreat was fun! The irrepressible Heidi Betts, who writes for Silhouette Desire and St. Martin’s Press, has on a halo. The day before, she wore devil’s horns. Heidi is with the equally enjoyable Karen Anders, a Blaze author who will soon have a book coming out from Silhouette Romantic Suspense.