Starstruck
No, not by him. At least, not yet.
Last week I had an email from Pamela Morsi, historical and women’s fiction writer. Now, I’ve been a member of SARA for 9 years, I’ve been to several of Pam’s booksignings, I’ve been to her HOUSE, and yet I’m still tickled when she takes the time to email lowly ol’ me. To me, there is still that barrier between published and unpublished. Weird, huh?
Now, we have several published SARAs. Evelyn Rogers, the very definition of a lady, who borrowed my tape of the 24 season finale. Jo-Ann Power, whose house I’ve also been to. Miriam Minger, who got me started in SARA. Emily McKay, who actually called me when she found out she was pregnant. Robyn DeHart, whose wedding I attended. Mara Fox, who was the longest-lasting SARA “virgin” before she sold in 2003. Delores Fossen , who gave me a good talking-to at the Merritt conference about hanging in there. Delilah Devlin and Elle James who have critiqued my work.
And I still get starstruck.
When I started writing, I was on AOL. Nora Roberts had a message board. I got brave a couple of times and asked her questions, then PRINTED OUT THE ANSWERS. Sheesh. Then when I met her in New Orleans, well, I was not coherent.
That same conference, I met Suzanne Brockmann, who was just so damn friendly, and she took the time to talk to lil ol’ me. A lot.
Last year I met one of my favorite authors, Virginia Kantra , at the Golden Heart/Rita reception. Oh, I was in heaven. I’ve loved her books for years, and here she is offering advice and assistance to me. Yes, I know they’ve been where I am. Yes, I know they’re human. But to me, they’re celebrities. Even better, they are recognized for their talent and they’re reaching around to give me a boost.
Do you have a celebrity author you admire?
Goodreads
Good Reads
About Me
- MJFredrick
- I'm a mom, a wife, a teacher and a writer. I have five cats and a dog to keep me company. I love bookstores and libraries and Netflix - movies are my greatest weakness.
Beneath the Surface
Breaking Daylight
Breaking Daylight Review
Where There's Smoke
Where There's Smoke Review
Bull by the Horns
Hot Shot Reviews
Hot Shot
14 comments:
It would have to be JK Rowling, Mary. I just admire the heck out of her for what she's achieved with Harry Potter, and that she's not afraid to kill off characters. I also admire Suzanne Brockmann, Nora Roberts, and Michelle Cunnah. Not to mention RWA NYC's Rita winner Barbara Daly, who is a complete doll.
JK is amazing, to have created such a world, for one, but also for changing people's attitudes. That's pretty powerful.
I admire Teresa Medeiros, but I'm in awe of Nora. The discipline she has is phenomenal. She deserves every penny of her wealth for her hard work.
All my fave authors: Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, Laurell K. Hamilton, and the list goes on, but those are release date, must buy them at once authors. =D Kel
I totally understand what you said, Mar...but remember that all these women get up every morning and put on their slacks one leg at a time, just like everyone else. Don't be too much in awe of them, but yes, absolutely, respect their work and their efforts---it takes a lot of work to become a Nora or a Pam or an Evelyn.
When I was younger, I used to love the work of an author named Barbara Faith...anyone recall her? She has since passed on, but she very kindly answered my fan letter, way back when. Automatic buys for me are Julia Quinn, Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, any Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evanovich, Nora when she's writing paranormal, most cozy mystery series (I haven't read one yet that I didn't love). These are the ones that come to mind. I love what they do, I love what they give to the readers. For doing that with their lives, I admire them much. I know now more than ever how much a good book in your hands can get you through a helluva lotta things.
JoAnn
Has anyone had a close encounter with one of their heroes?
Yes, I agree with Nora's discipline. Sheesh. I'd love to have it, and I'm more disciplined than a lot of writers I know.
JoAnn, have you read the Sister books? They're cozies by Anne George and they are wonderful.
I've been lucky enough to be in local chapters with some pretty amazing writers, including Linda Howard, Gayle Wilson, Beverly Barton and Debra Webb. They're so gracious, kind and down to earth that even though intellectually I know they're highly successful writers, to me they're just my friends from my writing group.
I do remember having one really huge "oh my gosh" moment with another writer, though. A long, long time ago, when I had first started writing seriously after college, I met horror writer Robert McCammon. I loved his horror novels, especially the southern gothic GONE SOUTH, and I had a bit of a fangirl moment at the conference before I could talk myself into going up to the front of the room and introducing myself.
Years of RWA chapter meetings and conferences since have (mostly) cured me of being starstruck, though.
Paula
I have to agree on JK...but also SEP (who i completely adore!!!!) and Linda Howard. Michelle Cunnah is a doll. I haven't met her but she's in the chick lit chapter and yeah okay I'm a fan LOL I'd love to meet her. I cant wait for her new book.
I struck up a friendship with Pam Britton a couple years back (has it been that long?) and actually got to meet her last year at nationals. Another doll and a better mentor, shoulder, hand to hold I couldn't ask for! =)
Mary,
I met NR once at a mall signing. She used to be on AOL years ago in a romance writing forum I frequented. We all (NR and thirty or so other ladies) used to write these horrific round robin stories. One in particular featured a fellow male writer who used to trash romance, so we created a story with him in it. The poor man lost all his limbs and we even emascalated him. LOL! It was BIG FUN. From what I remember of her, NR is the sweetest lady you'll ever want to meet. Very down to earth too.
Tanya
Fangirl - perfect description of what I was trying to get at, Paula! Linda Howard - wow!
Tanya, we were probably on the boards at the same time. I was MHF13, but I don't remember the Round Robin bit. Maybe before or after my time.
I don't know who Michelle Cunnah is, must find out.
Sherrilyn Kenyon is my idol. She's in my chapter so I've got to talk to her a couple of times and she's as nice as she is talented :)
That's really cool, Kendra!
I'm surfacing. :) At the beginning of the romance writing, I was in awe of just about everyone. But I guess my biggest starstruck moment was when I met mystery author Nevada Barr. She's great fun and nice.
And yes, Sherrilyn is very nice. She's a local member of my local chapter.
Trish, who forgot her Blogger password -- duh
HEY, Trish!!! Don't worry, I forgot my blogger password when I was on vacation too.
I read a Nevada Barr once - very action-oriented!
Post a Comment