New Romance Workshop with Jeanne and Client News!
Can we believe it's already Spring??
Hi, Friends!
Somehow I blinked, and we’re staring down Spring! Work has been wonderful the last ten weeks. I’ve juggled a full load of writing students at both Stanford’s Continuing Studies Program and editing students at UCLA Extension while also managing some private client work and ghostwriting. (Phew!)
They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I can tell you that I have never been more honored, excited, and inspired than I was working with the writers and editors I met this winter. Teaching Novel IV and Query/Submissions Prep, I met students across the genres and read literary fiction, historical fiction, and genre fiction that included mysteries, the AIDS epidemic, and journeys that had me dusting off my copy of Moby Dick! My romance writing students blew me away… So much so that since I’m not teaching a general romance writing workshop this spring, I decided to open up a private workshop that will open in May! Details on that below.
Spring Schedule!
It’s always a fun challenge to juggle classes I’m teaching, client work, and you know, keeping the apartment clean, but the next terms at UCLA and Stanford are shaping up to be fun. I’ll be teaching, editing private clients, ghostwriting, and (thanks to those who nudged me and shared they wanted this!) opening up a private romance writing workshop. While I was on the road, Michael Lee built me a new school platform to replace the old Romance Writing Academy site that sorely needed a refresh. That means I have a new beautiful platform and can open up more direct-to-student courses and workshops on both writing and editing. While my practice is open to almost any genre of work, romance has my heart quite literally!
If you’re interested in learning more about the 11-week workshop, feel free to click the button below and complete the interest form. If you have any questions, you can reach out any time and ask! If you have a romance novel simmering on the back burner, let’s move that work in progress up front and get you writing this spring!
Client News!
I headed to Chicago in February and exchanged lots of hugs and stories with Tod Lending over the book release of The Umbrella Maker’s Son. Tod remains one of the most wonderful humans, and I can’t believe how moving it was to celebrate the book release in person. The readers in the room sung Tod’s praises, so if you have not yet picked up this moving story, this is your friendly reminder to run to your local bookstore!
Romance author Katie Delahanty celebrated the release of her fake bridesmaid, destination wedding romance Waiting for a Girl Like You. If you love yacht rock and rom-coms, this is one case of a book that is actually better than the absolutely awesome cover! Congratulations, Katie!
Former romance writing student Teresa Christine shared the news that her small-town, found family, holiday romance (also with a wedding!) The Half of It released in March as well! Spring, love, and stunning covers are most definitely in the air! Congratulations, Theresa!!
In the nonfiction space, YouTuber and self-publishing guru extraordinaire Dale L. Roberts has released two new books in Feb and March. With all the changes in social media sites and on Amazon, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve recommended Wide Publishing for Authors over the last 3-4 weeks alone. It’s great to know alternatives for indie authors looking to publish wide, and no one breaks down the options better than Dale!
In personal news, I spent several weeks in Chicago and got a taste of freezing cold weather while Los Angeles got some much-needed rain. (Thanks to Michael Lee for holding down the Book Genie fort while I was on the go!) I’m back in LA feeling grateful for an end to the winter fires and every drop of water that falls on my adopted home.
Talented Friends and a Free Class for Children’s Book Authors/Illustrators!
I routinely receive inquiries about working on projects outside my areas of expertise, especially from authors writing children’s books or needing picture book illustrators. My amazing friend and fellow UCLA Extension instructor Aleesha Nash is now working with clients on a freelance basis. I referred one client her way and heard nothing but heartfelt praise for Aleesha’s insights, expertise, and talent. A Fred Rogers Writing fellow, Aleesha’s work speaks for itself. Check out her website and Linktree! If you need a children’s book expert, either on the writing or illustration side, please reach out to her or let me know and I’ll make an introduction.
And there is no better place to learn more about children’s literature than in a FREE CLASS! Aleesha is teaching a free class through UCLA Extension called The Art of Picture Book Collaboration. Check out the link and reserve your spot for zero pennies!!
Your Turn…
How have you been? Writing? Editing? What challenges are you facing in your creative work? The past few months have been unpredictable, and for many authors, revenue, energy, and inspiration is low. We’re feeling it too, but finding comfort and joy in our community of creatives. Need a class? A worksheet or tool? Comment below, reach out via email, or shout from the rooftops and let us know how Book Genie can help turn your wishes into books. We love what we do, and we want you to feel that love with every word, every page, and every publication. Stay creative and keep in touch!
You are too kind! Thank you, Jeanne! I appreciate the love and support.