Finally a Finalist!!

I'm delighted to announce that my novel CATCH ME has been selected as a finalist in the romantic suspense category of the prestigious and competitive award, The Emily, run by the West Houston Chapter of the RWA. I was encouraged to enter the contest by historical romance author, Vicky Dreiling, and, as usual, blitzkreiged my way through the submission process last minute, once again using the greatness of my lateness (and Vicki's unswerving support) to spur me onwards.

This is the first time I've been a finalist in a writing contest of this nature and to have it be for such a prestigious award as The Emily is icing on my well-frosted chocolate cake (did you really think it would be any other flavor?). Winners are announced in a big hoopla ceremony in Houston on February 11, 2012 and it looks like I'm going to have the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony in person.

Look, a list!

Emily Contest

From West Houston RWA

Congrats to the 2012 Finalists!

Contemporary Series

• Dawn’s Light by Jo Anne Banker
• Mistress By Blackmail by Caro LaFever
• The Seduction by Mary Oldham

Contemporary Single Title

• The Last MacKlenna by Katherine Logan
• Hope’s Gentle Touch by Laura Hodges Poole
• Teach Me by Ella Sheridan

Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal

• When Angels Soared by Lana Dahlen
• Seeker: Aiodhan by Sandy James
• The Vessel by Mary SeRine

Historical Romance

• The Enemy Spy by Jinhee Jun
• Scandal in Spades by Wendy La Capra
• Lady’s Knight by Kayla Westra

Novel With Romantic Elements

• Princess of Bosque Bend by Jeanell Bolton
• Princess Redlander by Jeanell Bolton
• Missing You by Tracy Brogan
• Trust Me by kimberle swaak

Romantic Suspense

• Portrait of a Dead Guy by Larissa Hoffman
• Catch Me by Kiersten Hallie Krum
• Deception by Jennifer Beane

Young Adult

• Forget Tomorrow by P.H. Dunn
• Invisible by Abby Gaines
• Dust to Dust by Virginia Munoz

In addition to The Emily, I've also entered CATCH ME in the romantic suspense category for the Golden Heart, the RWA national contest for unpublished writers. Finalists are announced mid-March with winners being crowned during a ceremony at the RWA National Conference in the end of July.

Looks like I'm off and running, finally seeing years, nay decades (or maybe it just feels that way), of work, emotion, setbacks, spurts, self-sabotage, blood, sweat, and tears come to tangible fruition. Seeing the title of my book on that finalist list for The Emily, the first time I've ever seen it listed anywhere I didn't put it myself, is a giddy experience. A week later, I'm still flying high.

Gonna be one hell of a start to 2012!!!