A couple of years ago, Chris and I discovered we lived near each other. Since we were already in the same local RWA chapter, critique group, and writer’s book club, we started carpooling to writing events.

A one-size-fits-all super mom/wife/substitute teacher/writer, Chris puts the Energizer Bunny, Excel spreadsheets, and Nora Ephron to shame. I would say Erma Bombeck, but I’m not sure it’s flattering to compare a friend to a deceased humorist. I never know what Chris and I will discuss, but I know we will have fun whether rum is involved or not.

Chris writes contemporary single title romance about “real women, sexy men, lots of laughs.” Her manuscript, SAIL AWAY, finaled in the 2011 RWA® Golden Heart Contest. Her most recent manuscript, DON’T COME BACK, finaled in the 2012 Utah RWA Great Beginnings Contest.

As a “self-confessed worrywart,” Chris blogs about life with comical verve. She covers topics from “Thirty-Seven Shades of Pink” to parenting to pets to projects to time travel. Click here to visit her website. www.chriscampillo.com

P.S. Chris also hosts a not-to-be missed caroling party each year. Just ring the doorbell and don’t forget the rum cake. Cake optional.

Although Cheryl and I were in the same local RWA chapter, we really didn’t meet until serendipity intervened. She wanted to sell one of her Mac computers at the same time I needed to buy a newer Mac. Desperately. (When you have to use the Rosetta Stone to translate data, you’ve waited too long to upgrade. Just saying.)

When it was time for my website to awaken after six month’s hibernation, I contacted Cheryl. True, there would be a beautiful header when visitors clicked on my site. However, unless Cheryl uploaded, re-sized, and wrapped my photos and text, there would be nothing else to see and read. Not an effective way to create a web presence.

What I like best is working with Cheryl. Besides being patient with people who are technologically challenged, she solves problems promptly. When I send emails that begin with “You know that thing that filters stuff out,” she understands what I mean. I wish I could do a Vulcan mind meld on her brain. It sounds less painful than installing the Rosetta Stone on mine.

That’s why I’m letting Cheryl tell you about herself and talents for the rest of this post. You’ll see what I mean.

Cheryl Rae Fine artist, graphic artist, webmaster and hopeful published author/screenwriter.

I create works of art for galleries, web design, romance trading cards, book marks, You name it! A bonafide SyFy junkie, I work from home and create one of a kind mosaics and dream up wild ideas to write about.

My WIP’s include:

an historical romance set in the civil war period, North Carolina about the first woman lawyer in America entitled Illusions.

a contemporary sci-fi thriller about a dream center and stolen identities entitled Just a Dream.

a dystopian mainstream about people being born with crop circles tattooed on their arms entitled Gaia Children.

This is one of my mosaic triptych’s. It’s called “Woman.”	Email me! Cheryl Rae www.cheryl-rae.com

You’re not in the wrong place. This week Gary Brandt is my first male honoree. Being the princess that I am, I’ve proclaimed him Writer Whisperer of the Week.

I used to meet with Gary and other writers from our local RWA chapter. Sometimes he and I were the only ones who came. We critiqued each other’s work, but I know he helped me more than I helped him.

Gary is terrific at catching detailed errors in logic, which frankly is not how my brain works. Having access to his male writer’s point of view is invaluable. I also love reading his stories and have three favorite ones I want to share.

“Hot Link” is a short story about a lawyer, who Googles his name and sees a link to another man with the same name. When the lawyer clicks on the link, he becomes the other man. I’m ready to pay money to see this story at the movie theater, and I bet I’m not alone. Gary, what are you waiting for? Pitch and sell it!

One of These Nights is a WIP (Work in Progress). It’s a paranormal novel with a twist. The hero is a hairdresser in a small town, which is invaded by the Devil and his half human daughter. Gary, please watch Zombieland and finish this novel.

Gary and I like the same movies, even the ones that weren’t big box office hits. I was excited and apprehensive when he told me about Bourne Beginning. It’s the prequel to the other books and movies in the series. The novel covers Jason Bourne’s life before Treadstone and his previous and current relationship with Nicky Parsons. Gary has my permission to finish this novel, too, with one condition. DO NOT KILL NICKY PARSONS! The princess has spoken.

Here’s a list of Gary’s works, which are an interesting mix of science fiction and romance.

Short Stories – Only If You Catch Me, Hot Link, A Christmas With Spirit (2nd place winner in the Lockhart Eugene Clark Library Contest), Just Your Thoughts; Maybe Not, Chooser of the Slain, Dancin’ in the Moonlight

Novels – Trashcan Baby and The Solerian Connection series: Book 1 Solerian Waterfall, Book 2 The Hybrid Robotic Automobile, Book 3 Solerian Honeymoon, Book 4 The Rescues (WIP)

Other WIP – One of These Nights and Bourne Beginning

P.S.

Gary doesn’t have a website yet. If you’re a literary agent, editor, or movie producer interested in Gary’s writing, send an email to this site. I’ll forward it to him. What are you waiting for?

Laurie and I have never met in person although our dust bunnies probably have. Neither of us likes housecleaning.

I met Laurie through one of her terrific online courses. Besides learning how to write an effective synopsis, I loved experiencing the special way Laurie encouraged the other writers and me. She prefers live and lively classes, so she can provide in depth and personal instruction. Me, too!

In case you were wondering about Laurie’s writing credentials, she’s one of a few writers who have ever beat out Nora Roberts for a writing award, Romantic Times’ Best of the Year. Don’t miss your chance to take one of her classes soon! Here’s a list of the next three classes.

June 4-15^th MASTER CLASS: THE ALPHA FEMALE, FROM ANGELINA TO ZENOBIA (Class size limited.)

August 6th-31st BLURBING YOUR BOOK

September 3rd-28^th NINE TYPES, THREE TASKS & DOZENS OF CONFLICTS

I met Sue at the YMCA a few years ago. It was about time! We had previously lived in two other places at the same time going through identical life experiences without bumping into each other. We’re the exception to the small town rule about everyone knows everything about everyone.

Sue and I finish each other’s sentences and “read” each other’s thoughts. That’s not too unusual for close friends except those connections were instantaneous. Sue calls me on the phone at the exact moment I’m calling her or vice versa.

The adventures we share are sometimes bizarre but always fun. Who doesn’t want a bird flying inside their car, a waitress sitting in their booth while they eat, or a movie projector exploding five minutes before the film ends?

Many of my writer friends say their non-writer friends don’t understand what it’s like to be a writer. Sue isn’t a writer, but she understands and supports my writing life. Without my asking, Sue brings groceries, mails packages, and anything else I need when I have a deadline. She doesn’t get angry if days or weeks go by without one of our adventures.

I know how fortunate I am to have Sue in my life. That’s why she’s my Writer Fairy every day. Sue, thanks for being you and for being my friend!

Haley Whitehall and Nanette Littlestone
Haley and Nanette are terrific online editing partners, and I couldn’t feature one without the other. The three of us met by chance, but we’ve never met in person or talked on the phone.

We took back-to-back writing classes with expert instructor, Margie Lawson.* Deep-edits and dialogue cues and body language! Oh, my!  Fifty page lectures and questions and rewrites! Oh, ____! (Insert expletive of your choice.)

Due to Nanette and Haley’s support I survived what seemed like a yearlong slumber party. I don’t think I’ve caught up on my sleep, but I’d go through the experience again as long as they were my editing partners. I value their friendship and the fact that they appreciate my wacky emails.

These ladies have unique talents as writers, too. Here are their author bios in alphabetical order by first name.

Haley Whitehall is an Indie author who writes historical fiction set in the U.S. during the nineteenth century. She published her debut novel Living Half Free in February 2012. Her goal is to shed light on little-known history and as a result her out-of-the-box stories often feature an underdog. To find out more about Haley click here.

Nanette Littlestone is a freelance editor, author, graphic designer, and food lover. She has an affinity for words, relationships, ancient Rome, and Celtic things and places. Her upcoming novel, The Sacred Flame, is book one in a women’s fiction trilogy, which explores the wonders and heartbreak of love from ancient Rome to 1940’s Ireland. To find out more about Nanette, click here.

*I hope to feature the fabulous Margie Lawson on this blog soon.

Deb was the first member of my RWA (Romance Writer’s of America) chapter to invite me to write at a coffee shop. I think my first newbie questions were  ”Who is WIP?” and “Is head-hopping POV contagious?”

Deb smiled and answered questions for two hours without any attempt to escape through the nearest exit. To my amazement, she asked if I wanted to meet on a weekly basis. I had found my first Writer Fairy.

Despite two out-of-state moves, a full time job, and pursuing her writing career, Deb continues to smile and answer my questions. Actually I’m not sure if she’s smiling, but that’s how I prefer to imagine her. For all I know, she could be putting a Jillian-asked-another-question notch underneath her writing desk. In which case, she’s probably writing on the floor by now.

Without Deb my website wouldn’t have its beautiful lark header, and my business cards would be blank on one side. Worst of all, I wouldn’t have a wonderful friend and supporter of my writing career. Deb, you’re the best!

Deb writes romantic suspense and paranormal novels and published her first Indie book in November 2011. She is listed at #38 in the IReaderReview list of the TOP 50 INDIE AUTHORS for April 2012.

Learn more about Deb and what she’s up to by clicking HERE.