LSF Writers held its first off-site get together at the 2009 RWA Conference in Washington, D.C. Here are some photos from the first, but not last, LSF Writers dinner.

Mitzi Flyte has won two awards from the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group:
Essay: “Love Pats” in The Ultimate Cat Lover Book
Short Story: “Deadly Inked” in the Deadly Ink Anthology 2008

Mary Kennedy is pleased to report that she will start writing reviews for Book Page this Fall. Book Page is available free in libraries all over the US and has over half a million paid subscribers. She continues to write crime fiction reviews for the Examiner at http://bit.ly/3Nldpd.

Cris Anson is thrilled to report that DANCE OF THE ROGUE, the fourth book in her DANCE series, was released by Ellora’s Cave on September 2. This is particularly gratifying to her because after her husband’s death, she had been unable for several years to concentrate on writing. In ROGUE, Bad-Boy Rolf finally finds his own (older, plus-sized) heroine. Read an excerpt at www.crisanson.com.

Melinda Leigh is pleased to have made the final round in the From The Heart Romance Writers Golden Gateway contest as well as the Heart of the West contest.

Jamie Banta’s DEEPER THAN BONE placed with an Honorable Mention in the paranormal category of the Put Your Heart in a Book contest.

E.F. Watkins gave talks on fiction this summer at the Pequannock Public Library and at Barnes & Noble in Ramsey. In September, she will be taking part in the Red Bank and Jamesburg street fairs with LSFW and SinC/CJ, respectively. On October 17, she will be doing a panel at the Barnes & Noble in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and will have a signing on October 25 for DANU’S CHILDREN, at Practical Magick in Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Marsha Browne, Zita Christian, Paula Scardamalia, and Anne Frazier Walradt taped a pair of Page 1 TV shows recently, which will be seen on Connecticut and Massachusetts public television. The shows are interviews telling how a group of six women (including the four above) completed the book of a dying friend. The book, 101 WAYS YOU CAN HELP: HOW TO OFFER COMFORT AND SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING by Liz Aleshire, was published in May 2009 by Sourcebooks.

Caridad Piñeiro will be appearing at the DragonCon Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, from September 4 to September 7. Look for her at booth 707.

Shobhan Bantwal will be appearing at the Edison Public Library on September 11 at 6 P.M. to discuss her latest release, THE SARI SHOP WIDOW.

Debra Mullins was featured on the Borders True Romance Blog.

Judi Fennell’s Wild Blue Under is a finalist in the Prism Awards, Light Paranormal. Winners will be announced at The Gathering at the FFP celebration at the RWA National Conference.

Kathy Kulig’s Damned and Desired received 4.5 cherries and was Book of the Week at The Long and Short Reviews

Patt Mihailoff will be doing a talk at the Clarendon Library (near Brooklyn College) on June 8th at 6 p.m.

Caridad Piñeiro just received the cover for her November 2010 release STRONGER THAN SIN. Caridad is also pleased to announce that she has accepted an offer from Carina Press for two Aztec-themed paranormal romances and an offer from Grand Central Publishing for two more books in the SINS paranormal romance series.

Anne Elizabeth was Author Reporter at the BEA for PW’s Barbara Vey. Here’s a link to the news:
http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/
Anne also signed her graphic novel—PULSE OF POWER—and over five hundred promo pieces with LA Banks (for her Vampire Huntress comics). Both Anne and LA Banks debut in July with Dynamite Entertainment.

Autumn Jordon’s OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE received 4.5 stars at The Romance Studio.

Penelope Marzec’s FIEND OF WHITE BUCK HALL received a great review at Hot Gossip Hot Reviews.

Cris Anson is pleased to announce the sale of PUNISHMENT AND MERCY to Ellora’s Cave. PUNISHMENT is wildly different from her contemporary DANCE books—it’s a ménage set in 1694 Massachusetts Bay Colony. Cris’s editor said, “I don’t know where this story came from in your mind, but I can only say that it reads as inspired. The way you’ve done the voice of the characters, the absolute ‘feel’ of the piece—it’s amazing!” Oh, yeah, she also says “And, boy oh boy, is this a hot one!”

Anne Frazier Walradt will present a workshop “Secrets of the Ha-Ha Sisterhood: The Community of Women’s Humor” at Maumee Bay Resort (Oregon, OH) for “A Writing Retreat: In the Company of Women” on April 16-18, 2010. Registration is limited: http://www.bigwits.com/MAUMEE general info.htm
Joanna Aislinn received her first review at Amazon and it was 5 stars.

Autumn Jordon’s OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE was released on January 27th by Wild Rose Press.

Blaise Kilgallen’s TIMELESS was released on January 15 by Class Act Books. The sequel to “TIMELESS” — “CADY’S STORY” — will be released on March 15th.

Judi Fennell’s third Mer story, CATCH OF A LIFETIME, is up for Best Book on Long and Short Reviews.

Jenni Holbrook is teaching an on-line class about Pitching and Synopsis writing at HCRW in February. Registration is still open. I’m really looking forward to teaching. This is my favorite topic. For more information, please visit http://www.heartofcarolina.org/
Mary Kennedy was interviewed by Jean Henry Meade.

Kat Henry Doran was recently interviewed by the Rochester Romance Novel Examiner.

Lori Varallo has released her first article at the Examiner.

Shobhan Bantwal appeared at the Edison Public Library on September 11th to discuss her latest release, THE SARI SHOP WIDOW.

Caridad Piñeiro appeared at the DragonCon Convention in Atlanta, Georgia and participated in a panel on Staying Afloat in an Uncertain Publishing Industry.

Trudy Doyle makes her Home Shopping Network debut Monday as part of a six-book set of Contemporary Romances in HSN’s “Escape with Romance” promotion! Come join Ravenous Publisher Holly Schmidt as she introduces this fabulous collection at the following times:

Monday September 14 – 8:35am – 8:55am then 4:35 pm- 4:55pm. Early Tuesday September 15 -3:00am – 3:20am.
http://electronics.hsn.com/escape-with-romance-exclusive-6-book-collection_p-5700283_xp.aspx?cm_mmc=rss*Browse*2*NA

Debra Mullins is thrilled to announce that she has accepted an offer for her paranormal romance trilogy from Heather Osborn at Tor Forge.

Karen Bostrom Walling is excited to announce that she has recently signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press to publish her first romantic suspense novel, DANGEROUS SANDS. Writing as Karen Bostrom, she has just begun the editing rounds process of her book which will be part of the Last Rose in Summer line. She would like to thank the members of Liberty State Fiction Writers and other writing organizations, and especially her critique partners, for all their hope and support throughout the years.

Various members of the Liberty States Fiction Writers participated in the group’s first street fairs in Red Bank and Jamesburg.

Joann Hali is pleased to announce she was admitted to RWA’s PAN group in September.

Melinda Leigh is now represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Christine Bush is happy to announce that she’s gotten a contract from Wild Rose Press for her new contemporary, Cindy’s Prince. There is no publication date yet, but the book will be in print and e-book. This one is an upside down fairy tale, set in Philadelphia. “What happens if Cindy loves living her single parent life, helping out in her struggling community and absolutely refuses to go hide in the castle? It takes a true Prince to adapt to car seats and occasional baby puke in order to live happily ever after…”

Patt Mihailoff was honored at this year’s Golden Apple Awards as the 2009 Author of the year.

Chris Redding is pleased to announce that she has signed a contract for her romantic suspense INCENDIARY with LBF (Lachesis) Books. This a book of the heart for Chris since it involves a rescue squad.

Wendy La Capra’s historical suspense, BEWARE, MY LOVE, is a finalist in The Heart of the West’s Great Beginnings contest. It is Wendy’s first final so she’s very excited about it.

AMETHYST, The first book in Kathye Quick’s contemporary series for Avalon Books entitled Grandmother’s Rings is already listed on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Caridad Pineiro has just received the cover for her November release from Grand Central Publishing, SINS OF THE FLESH. SINS OF THE FLESH is Caridad’s first single title paranormal romantic suspense.

LSF Writers members Eloisa James, Caridad Pineiro and Lois Winston were featured in this month’s NJ Monthly. To read the article, please use this link:
http://njmonthly.com/articles/lifestyle/people/whole-lotta-love.html

Cris Anson’s FIRST TO DIE, which was released digitally last July, will shortly be on the Cerridwen website in print! If you’d like to read a blurb and an excerpt, please visit http://crisanson.com/Firsttodie.html

Elaine Charton’s PANDORA’S JUSTICE was a Thrill Me Thursday Pick at Crave More Romance. For more, please visit this link: http://cravemoreromance.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Martin is a finalist in the Hearts Through History Contest. Hearts Through History is specialty chapter of RWA. Winners will be announced at the RWA National Conference in July.

Dianne Gerber has just signed another contract with The Wild Rose Press. Her novel, WILDFIRE, will be part of the Wayback series.

Penelope Marzec is pleased to announce that Crescent Moon Press reissued IRONS IN THE FIRE, her paranormal novel. IRONS IN THE FIRE is a Nominee for Best Small Press Paranormal.

Caridad Pineiro is pleased to announce that FURY CALLS, her March 2009 release from Silhouette Nocturne, received 4.5 stars from Romantic Times Bookclub which said, “Piñeiro infuses her vampires with very human feelings, making her paranormal story seem realistic. It’s a great read!”

Jacquie Rogers’ DOWN HOME EVER LOVIN’ MULE BLUES won the The Romance Studio 5-Heart Sweetheart and the book was featured on the TRS homepage for the week.

Pearl Wolf’s TOO HOT FOR A SPY, a March release from Kensington Publishing, received 4 Stars from Romantic Times.
Shobhan Bantwal will be signing copies of her two books, THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER and THE DOWRY BRIDE on March 7 at 2 pm at the Classics Bookstore, 117 South Warren Street. Trenton, New Jersey 08608.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts honored 26 individuals with 2009 Artists Fellowships at its meeting Tuesday at the Union County Arts Center in Rahway. LSF Writer member Writer Pamela Burke of Middletown received a perfect score in the prose category from the panel of judges and received a fellowship from the organization.

Please visit with Cheryl Solomini at one of her upcoming events!
Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 PM
Murder at the Beach (book-signing)
273 Pineapple Grove Way Delray Beach, FL; (561) 279-7790
Friday, February 27, 11:00 AM
“Getting Press Coverage” (workshop leader)
Saturday, February 28, 3:15 PM
“Humor in Mysteries” (panelist)
Sleuthfest, the South Florida mystery conference;
DEERFIELD BEACH HILTON 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL
Saturday, March 14, 2:00 PM
Monmouth County Library (discussion and book-signing)
125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 PM
Bound Brook Library (discussion and book-signing)
402 E. High Street, Bound Brook, NJ 0880

Luci Weston’s HERE WE ARE . . . WITH LUCI’s blog entry was selected for inclusion in the January 31 issue of Blogger’s Best Carnival, edited and compiled by Karen of WriteFromKaren. The Carnival includes topics on “Life, Love, Children, Writing, Family” and more, by bloggers from all over the blog-o-sphere.
Melinda Leigh is thrilled to be listed as a finalist in Casablanca Author’s Perfect Pitch contest for her novel, Tempted.

Dianne Gerber, writing as Autumn Jordon, is proud to announce the sale of her first novel, a romantic suspense, HIS WITNESS (working title), to The Wild Rose Press. Please visit her at www.autumnjordon.com where you can sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Blurb: Elementary school nurse STEPHANIE BOYD’s ordinary world changes forever when she and her children witness a blood bath. To escape the wrath of the Russian Mafia, she has no choice but to help the FBI uncover the Mafia’s mole inside the U.S. Treasury. While on the run with the handsome agent who is willing to die for them, Stephanie learns the meaning of self-sacrifice and love.

Agent JOHN DOLTON’s only break in solving the case that cost him everything is a couple of kids and a beautiful widow. But keeping his witnesses safe seems impossible when their every move is foreseen by their enemy. Within weeks, Stephanie and her children soften the loner’s heart and John allows himself to let go of his all-consuming sorrow.

This time John vows not to fail to protect the family he loves.

Lori Avocato just received a gratis copy of The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists because she had several quotes in it The best part: Lori’s name is the same size font as Mary Higgins Clark, Lawrence Block, Jennifer Blake and Suzanne Brockman’s on the front cover. She also has quotes in two recent Wtiter’s Digest books on how to write.

Melinda Leigh is pleased to announce her manuscript, WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, won first place in the Romantic Suspense category of the Missouri Romance Writers of America’s Gateway to the Best contest. Melinda is also pleased to announce that her manuscript, WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, won first place in the Romantic Suspense category of Romance Writers Ink’s Where the Magic Begins contest.

Debra Mullins’s GARLANDS AND GARTERS series, beginning when a wedding planner returns to her native
England to plan a prominent wedding only to have it disrupted when the young bride’s far-too-attractive fiance (believed lost at sea) returns, to Esi Sogah of Avon, in a nice deal, by Lucienne Diver of The Knight Agency.

Caridad Piñeiro’s December 2008 release, SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD from Silhouette Romantic Suspense,
received 4 Stars from Romantic Times who said ―Soldier’s Secret Child (4) feels like a wonderful dream. . . Cataromance gave the book 4 1/2 Stars from and noted that SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD was ―Intriguingly suspenseful plus overflowing with conflicting emotions, SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD is poignantly compelling. In addition, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN was chosen as a Joyfully Reviewed Recommended Read for December.

Kathye Quick’s Leadership Class 2008 had to do a community service project, so 14 of us did a Go-Green E-Zine which is now posted on several county and municipal websites, the Somerset County Energy Council, all the Boards of Education in Somerset County, the National Association of Counties and New Jersey Association of Counties. Since it was my idea, I was Project Manager and now our Go-Green Group has won an Award from Somerset County for the E-Zine for Excellence in Planning and
Education. We’re getting it on January 20.

Chris Redding will be offering SHOW UP NAKED, an online course, to the Orange County Chapter from February 16 to March 15. For more information, please visit www.occcrwa.org/classignup.html.

Anne Walradt will perform LOVE LETTERS at the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, NJ, 257 Broad Street, on Feb. 14, 2009, at 7:30 PM. Desserts will be served. Free-will offering.

Lois Winston will be offering PREPARING YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR THE EDITOR OR AGENT OF YOUR
DREAMS, an online course, sponsored by the Elements of RWA Chapter the first two weeks in March. For more information, please contact workshops@elementsofrwa.com.