This blog will serve two purposes.  1.  It will let others know that they are not alone in their fear/dread/utter torture of sending query letters, no matter where they are on the writing journey. (You know you’re out there, just like me!) 2.  It states my intent, putting it out there so that I have no choice but to actually do what I say I’m going to do.
It’s time for me to start the query process all over again.  Yikes!  The thought of it makes me cringe while at the …

Ever say that when you’re talking about something fun?  “So many books, so little time.”  That’s when it’s the best right?  When we have so many fun things we would like to do and there’s just not enough time in the day.  
Boy, do I wish that were the case today.  Nope, instead I’m thinking about galley edits on one book, 1st round edits on 2 others, this blog post, promo material to format and CD’s to burn for RomCon, a RWA chapter meeting program to give today, and about 5 other pressing items on …

Sitting at my computer this morning, I thought, “I should check out what’s at Happy Endings this morning,” and then I realized there’s nothing new for today because I was supposed to post.  This after I completely forgot last month.  (Sorry!!)  Am I the only one that’s happened to?  They say kids suck your brains out (starting in the uterus), but what little bit I had left after the 3 kids, writing has completely taken over.
So, I looked back in my files and found an article I’d written for my …

I have never been much of a teacher, so hopefully this comes across in a way that’s helpful, even if in just some little way.  It’s nothing more than a before and after example of a manuscript I wrote back in 2004/05.  I edited it in 2009, submitted to The Wild Rose Press, and am happy to say I signed a contract for Trust in the Lawe in January.
I can compare my writing from pre-RWA/writer’s groups to now and see a remarkable difference.  I know I still have work to …

In September 2009 my local Barnes & Noble started a Romance Readers’ Book Club.  I began attending in October as a means to connect with readers, and because I’m stuck in my ways with what I read, I thought—hoped—it’d be a way to broaden my horizons.  (Yes, I know it’s a Romance book club and I’m still reading romance, but these days I’m so busy with my own writing that I mostly read new releases of my author friends.)  When talking to romance readers, I’ve found I have a hard …

This month, I was going to promo my new Christmas anthology, MISTLETOE RULES (release date Nov. 20th), but my 8yr old daughter gave me a different idea Halloween afternoon and I decided I’ll pimp my book with an excerpt in December.  (Of course, if you absolutely can’t wait until then, you can always check out my website, www.StaceyJoyNetzel.com. *grin*)
On to the real post:  Beginnings
“It was a very dark night.”
No, that’s not the first line of a Snoopy novel, there are no vampires, and it’s not a suspense.  Well, on …

Anyone who watches the show Castle read my title and is probably thinking, “Duh.”  And I’ll get to that in a minute, but first I know I’ve mentioned previously (though maybe not here) how much I Love, yes, that’s a capital L, the TV show Castle.
Richard Castle, a multi-NY Times Bestselling author killed off the main character in his most popular crime detective series and needed inspiration for a new character.  He called his good buddy the mayor and next thing NY Detective Kate Beckett knows, she’s got a cute, cocky, …

I probably should’ve titled this post “I Love My Kids—Really!”, but let’s be honest, Toads in the Tub is much more catchy.  Plus, it really happens at my house.  No, it’s not some strange phenomenon, the toads in my tub are from my kids.

This summer, with my being laid-off, if it kept them busy for awhile and away from my computer chair every five minutes, saying, “Mom, I’m hungry”, or “Mom, I’m bored,” I let them have as many toads hopping around in there as they wanted.  Not to mention …

Today I’d like to welcome my good friend, co-author of Welcome to Redemption, and critique partner, Donna Marie Rogers.   We’re about as opposite as they come: She’s shorter, I’m taller.  She’s got dark hair, I’m a red head.  She loves reality TV, I hate it.  She grew up in the big city suburbs of Chicago, I grew up in the country; Crivitz, population 1049 (or close to that–I can’t remember the exact number on the sign when I drove by on my way home this past weekend).  
 
We have many back and forth discussions on …

BY STACEY JOY NETZEL
“I am the best writer in the world and I DESERVE MY DREAM”
Okay, before any of you start saying, “Wow, she’s pretty darn arrogant.”, let me explain:  Sherrilyn Kenyon made me say it.
She made everyone say it at the WisRWA 25th anniversary conference in Green Bay, WI June 5-7, 2009.  And wow, what a wonderful, completely inspiring keynote speech she gave after our dinner.  (Not to mention she’s sweet as can be and is wonderful with her devoted fans.)  …