I’m thrilled that “Bittersweet” is a finalist in the Single Title Contemporary Romance category of the Maggie awards for unpublished manuscripts. Sponsored by the Georgia Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America, the Maggies are one of the oldest and most popular of the romance writing contests.
Works in Progress
I am finishing up revisions on the first novel in a trilogy of romances based in Chicago and featuring people in various food-related professions. The books derive their inspiration from “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma” and “Persuasion.” Because, really, how can you go wrong with Jane Austen as a muse?
“Bittersweet” features a pastry chef who’s having a really bad year and the coffee mogul who falls for her. How could a pastry baker and a coffee guy not get together? Needless to say, they encounter plenty of roadblocks on the way to HEA (Happily Ever After, that is).
“Bittersweet” a Winner
I’m happy to announce that my as yet unpublished novel, “Bittersweet,” won first place in the Single Title Contemporary Romance category of the Wisconsin Romance Writers Fab Five Contest.
This is the fifth contest I’ve entered. I highly recommend entering writing contests, as well as joining a writers group. Romance Writers of America has tons of chapters, many of which host contests. It’s too easy to get caught up in your own writing and lose objectivity. A few objective critiques can put you back on track. I’m revising my manuscript based on critiques from fellow writers and contest judges, and it’s much stronger as a result.
