CP Shenanigans: Pam Mantovani in the House!

I would not be where I am today as a writer if it weren't for my incredible relationship with Pam Mantovani. She's more than a critique partner, she's a friend dear to my heart. I've got other amazing writing friends and readers, but Pam is my primary partner in writing crime.

We met through the Georgia Romance Writers of America Moonlight & Magnolias Maggie Contest, which she chaired in 2009. I called to ask for help with their first ever online form and the rest is history. One Maggie final and five years later and we're sharing an incredible writing partnership.

Pam arrives today for one of our super charged critique partner weekends. We'll write, brainstorm, muddle our way through understanding technology together, and do it all over again. Three days to work together and encourage each other is a gift of time that I cherish. I only wish we could meet more often.

The key to a great critique partnership isn't just ability or talent, it's TRUST. I trust Pam Mantovani with my stories, the heart that I pour into them, and with ME. All of my vulnerabilities, highs and lows as a writer are entrusted to her.

This is where being a writer has been such a blessing to me. The friendships I've made with other like-minded souls. And Pam is one in a million.

Best of all, we get to share the "we sold" dream together. Pam Mantovani's debut novel COWBOY ON HER DOORSTEP releases from Belle Books in July 2014. If you love cowboys and romance, you'll love her story. Trust me. I've read it.

Are you in a critique partnership? If you're not a writer, who would you consider your best partner in fun and crime?

:)

Writing Life 101

Sometimes writing is two steps backward, one step sideways, and it's often never in the right direction. But I know I will get to the end of the story if I write every day. And I know I have a critique partner Pam Mantovani who will help along the way.

I'm a crapper-pantser-fixer-upper. A moniker I forever immortalized accidentally during a Southern Magic meeting when I learned I was the 2012 Linda Howard Award of Excellence triple finalist.

My CP can attest to my process. It is kind of scary. However, I do appreciate her sticking with me.

How do you face down your manuscript demons? Got any suggestions to make my writing journey less messy?

Welcome Pam Mantovani

I'm so excited to welcome my critique partner Pam Mantovani into the World Wide Web. I already know she's a fabulous, award winning writer who I'm lucky to have reading my CRAPPER-PANTSER-FIXER-UPPER manuscripts. She's a gifted writer targeting the American Romance Harlequin line and I have a feeling her career's going to soar. I can't wait to read all about her life with her Craftsman in the upcoming months.

But don't hog her from me. I need her to read my manuscripts.

So if you want to welcome Pam Mantovani to the cyber world and start following her, click www.pammantovani.blogspot.com and say hello to one of the best people I am lucky to have in my life.

Golden Hearts & My Critique Partner

No, I didn't final in the Golden Heart. But I did get the next best thing: seeing my critique partner, Sharon Wray, final in the Romantic Suspense category. She's entered four times (or five--we can't remember) and this is the first time she has finaled.

Best news of all: a request from a contact's agent/editor as soon as the word was out.

I am over the moon for my friend. She's worked hard for it and she's earned it. She's experienced the low of NOT finaling for four years in a row.

Now she is experiencing the HIGH.

So for those of you out there celebrating, I celebrate with you all. And for those of you out there who are feeling a bit stung and low, remember my friend's experience. Keep writing, keep focused and NEVER GIVE UP!