Energized from Arizona

A week ago I was in Arizona. Actually, I spent 10 days there and they were jam packed. What energized me the most was all the conversations about writing!

It started off with the Desert Dreams Conference in Tempe. This is a wonderful conference because the Desert Rose RWA chapter (I’m a member) is so warm. They provide a hospitality suite where anyone, author, aspiring author, agent, editor, publisher, husband (yes, we had all of these characters there) can hang out, have a snack and a drink, and chat in a relaxed area. Isn’t that unique?  I always have so much fun in that room ;-) My covers were part of the presentation on the big screen in the ballroom which was so cool. Of course, there were also wonderful workshops at the conference and even fun baskets to be won. Happily Ever After Thoughts authors donated one too.

 

Then there were the lengthy conversations with some of the romance writers that I look up to. Both Jennifer Ashley and Caris Roane were so forthcoming with insights and advice. I can’t thank them enough for spending their valuable time one-on-one with me. These ladies rock!

Next was my presentation to the Valley of the Sun RWA Chapter (I’m a member). It was great to be back in the warm fold of their smiles. This group has been my mainstay while isolated on my island and a number have visited me. They enjoyed my talk on “Refining Your Writing Process” and it felt so good to give back a little after all the support they have given me. Then later in the week a contingent of VOS friends (Cathy McDavid, Arabella Thorne, Tia Dani, H.D. Thomson) met me and my husband for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a wonderful time talking about life, love, and writing.  

 

Lastly, squeezed in at the 11^th hour, was a business meeting with my wonderful critique partner Marie Patrick and my designer/formatter Carol of Bella Media Management. Hard work was started and plans made for future projects. After all these discussions, I am more revved up to work on my two current projects that ever!  So I guess I better get going. I’m so thrilled to have visited Arizona. I may just have to go back next year ;-)

Always, Lexi

The Latest News Is All Good!

I’m so excited! Lots of wonderful news about my books!

First, I was recently notified that my book Masque is a finalist in the Carolyn Readers Choice Award! To me that is an amazing honor. That readers found my book to be among the best is humbling. I am grateful that it was so well enjoyed.

Second, I received a wonderful review from Ali Crean over at All the Things In Between for Passion of Sleepy Hollow. She writes “Lexi Post doesn’t only give you a new taste of Sleepy Hollow and it’s legend with this novel, she pretty much remaps your taste buds!” And then to top it off, Ali recommends other books for readers interested in my type of book and one of those recommendations is the amazing JenniferAshley! 

Third, and this is such a fun event for readers, is my participation in the Night Owl Reviews Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt April 1 – May 15 (Yes, it has already started). I am one of the “required finds” and I’m offering a basket with his and hers Venetian masks made in Italy, a signed copy of Masque, a gift card for books, sweets and swag. Just click here to participate.

Lastly, I’m signing books at the DesertDreams Conference in Tempe Arizona on  April 5th and then at the RomanticTimes Convention in New Orleans on May 17^th.  So if you are in the area, I hope you will stop by and say “hi.” I will be giving away a Venetian mask at those events too!

All this good news is making me hungry. Hmm, I think the best way to celebrate is with some homemade cherry vanilla ice cream. What do you think?

Always, Lexi

www.lexipostbooks.com

Desert Dreams Conference Experience

At the end of April, I spent the weekend at the lovely Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, Arizona, attending the Desert Dreams conference….and my brain is still full. What a lovely weekend! The weather was perfect and I was able to connect with some friends I hadn’t seen in a while.  

           

I also had the opportunity to attend some fabulous workshops given by some of my favorite authors (which is why my brain is full). Such marvelous writers, so willing to impart their knowledge, so generous in their time and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them! 

Elizabeth Hoyt is a hoot! Funny, sweet and charming. Brenda Novak is not only fabulous and wise,  but lovely as well. I met Terri Brisbin (a New Jersey girl like myself) and I’m happy to report, she is kindness itself.

           

I had promised myself that I wouldn’t go crazy during the author book signing, but truthfully, I wasn’t able to help myself. Meeting these authors after having read their novels was such a treat. I couldn’t help purchasing more of their books and having them signed (and yes, I will be hiding the credit card statement when it comes in)!

            

As I said, my brain is full and I am slowly disseminating all the information, however, that hasn’t stopped me from reading and I’m happy to say, my TBR pile is shrinking. Whooo-hoooo!

As always, happy reading,

Marie

For photos and more on the 2012 Desert Dreams Conference check out these links :-)

http://kathrynekennedy.blogspot.com/2012/05/photos-of-desert-dreams-conference-2012.html

http://desertdreamswritersconference.blogspot.com/2012/05/reminiscing-in-pictures.html

http://desertdreamswritersconference.blogspot.com/2012/05/pictures-of-event-continued.html

http://desertdreamswritersconference.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-pictures-from-conference-continued.html

Desert Dreams Conference in Scottsdale Arizona April 27th - 29th

The Desert Dreams conference in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona is coming up soon (end of April….I can’t wait!). I love this conference! It’s big enough to draw really great authors and editors and agents, but small enough to be intimate and friendly and what can beat Arizona’s weather in April?

            

 This year marks the fifth time I’ve attended and the excitement and anticipation is the same as the first time. The opportunity to meet authors you’ve read and loved is nothing short of fabulous. The workshops are, again, nothing short of fabulous. To listen to a writer you love is awe-inspiring (and yes, I’m such a fan-girl, I can’t help gushing over one or two or ten or twenty!). I’ve learned so much from these talented, gracious people that now I am a published author.

            

There’s also an opportunity to pitch your manuscript to an editor or agent, something you shouldn’t miss even if you are nervous. In my experience, every agent and editor I have pitched to has been kind and sweet and do their best to put you at ease.  

           

So if you are a writer and have a manuscript to pitch or want to learn something from a workshop or just want to rub elbows with your favorite author, come to the Desert Dreams conference. You’ll love every minute of it as I do!  

Marie 

I completely agree with Marie. This wonderful conference is only offered once every two years, so if you write romance, you don't want to miss it.  This will be my third Desert Dreams Conference and I love it too! Registration ends March 31st, so sign up now!

Agents and editors attending include:

Brenda Chin - Editor, Harlequin       

Deni Dietz - Senior Editor, Five Star                        

Rose Hilliard - Editor, St. Martin’s Press      

Carolyn McCray - Founder, Indie Book Collective Indie Publishing

Jill Corcoran - Agent, The Herman Agency

Michele Grajkowski - Agent, 3 Seas Literary

Holly Root - Agent, Waxman Literary

Jennifer Schober - Agent, Spencerhill Associates

Rebecca Strauss - Agent, McIntosh & Otis

Cherry Weiner - Agent, Cherry Weiner Literary

Plus the rooms are suites that include a full breakfast and only $149 a night for two people! 

Keynote speakers include

NY Times Best Selling Author Allison Brennan

Martha Alderson, AKA The Plot Whisperer

NY Times Best Selling Author Bob Mayer 

Seriously, if you write romance, you do not want to miss this conference, so I have included the link for your convenience :-) See you there!

http://www.desertroserwa.org/conferences/Phoenix-Romance-Writers-Conferences.php

Alexis