NETT ROBBENS, Writer …Aspiring Romance Novelist

There’s something terribly wrong when you have to try 10 times to remember your password for your blog/Web site. But that’s me and my attempt to renter my blogging life. I’ve been a rotten blogger for more months than I care to acknowledge. Work, life and a whole slew of things got in the way of chatting with the few people I have had the good fortune to engage in the first place.

A writer’s life is a precarious one. On one hand you set up a blog to communicate with others who share the same woes, triumphs and challenges. Yet on the other side of that double edged sword, you can’t blog all day and night because you’d never get any writing done.

So what’s an author/blogger to do? Establish a schedule to blog, whether it’s daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly and stick to it. And, starting now, that’s what I intend to do.

It’s good to be back online, but I have some writing to do—my hope is a few pages or chapters this weekend. But before I log off, I wanted to share a bit of good news. A few days ago, I received a call informing me that I was a finalist in the “Put Your Heart in a Book,” contest for my manuscript, “The Heat Between Us.”

Needless, to say I screamed, and once again, called my critiquing partner. After all she shares in my successes and, every so often, my miseries. I’m very excited and honored, and look forward the October announcement of the winners at the NJRW conference.

In the meantime, it’s back to working on my second book and hopefully, completing it in time to pitch at the conference.

Posted in Writing
Tags: blogging, Writing

After browsing through my Google alerts, I came across an interesting article in Publishers Weekly that veteran African-American writer, Donna Hill (one of my favorite authors) has launched her own e-publishing company, InnerVision Books.

The first thing that popped into my mind was Stevie Wonder’s (and I’m dating myself) “Innervisions” album because it was a collection of lofty songs such as, “Higher Ground”, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” and “Living for the City.” IMHO, these were songs of hope, struggle, achievement, and love.

InnerVision Books will publish fiction, poetry and non-fiction in a digital format. Its name, which is reminiscent of Stevie’s songs, implies (again, IMHO) that it might also offer hope to authors—veteran and aspiring—who write multicultural characters and plots, but are struggling to achieve success.

With a publishing company dedicated to highlighting “multiculturalism in a global society,” authors have a chance to work with a company that understands that multicultural literature is expansive and layered, and shouldn’t be placed in one section of the bookstore.

And InnerVision Books doesn’t want to stop at e-publishing. Eventually they would like to publish trade paperback editions as well. Woohoo!

It’s wonderful to see a publishing company dedicated to working with authors of the multicultural genre.

Perhaps well-written multicultural stories that don’t make it to the larger publishers, because they’re not, “a good fit” or “not what they’re looking for,” will fit perfectly with InnerVision Books and be exactly what they seek to publish.

Bravo to Donna Hill and other publishers, who look for ways to tell these stories and embrace them.

Posted in Thoughts, Writing
Tags: african american, digital publishing, donna hill, E-publishing, multicultural, publishing

It may be only December 3, but I’m already planning my travel and writing itinerary for 2010!

Next year will consist of a couple of writer’s conferences. The Romantic Times Convention, takes me to Columbus Ohio. I can’t say I’ve really ever been there. I’ve flown over and driven through.

This time I happy to say, I’ll be staying for a few days. The conference kicks off at the end of April and looks to offer a great deal of information that authors, published and aspiring, will want to know. E-publishing, social media, writing erotica, (Woohoo!) and good old fashion how to write a synopsis are just a few of the things I saw on the agenda. The RT Convention Web site has a list of events happening and over 400 authors who plan to attend.

I’m all about learning all I can, so this will be a definite stop.

Romance Writers of America National Conference is in Nashville this year. Since I attended in Washington, last year I’m not sure if I’ll make this one. However, plans do change! Of course they’re offering great workshops on the craft of writing, publishing and marketing your manuscript. It should be a great conference.

If you don’t think you’ll be able to attend any workshops or conferences this year, there’s a great book entitled, “Writing the Breakout Novel,” by Donald Maass. Yes, of the Donald Maass literary agency. You may want to check it out. This is a great resource and I’ve shared this information with all my writing buddies. Mr. Maass also has a workbook to complement the book and it features actual exercises and workshops that he uses during his live sessions. I purchased mine at Barnes and Noble, however I’m sure you can find it on Amazon.

Those are the trips so far, but locally I will attend writers’ meetings for inspiration and craft.

How are you planning to write better, and get the work done?

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: Romance Writers of America, Romantic Times, Thoughts, travel, Writing

Thanksgiving in the United States is usually the point when most people recognize that the current year is winding down. However, I think Thanksgiving is also a time when many of us reflect and give thanks for things in our lives and the lives of our family and friends.

On a personal note, I’m happy to be a year older, and yes wiser. I know that in the publishing industry, which is relatively new to me, there are people who know more about it than I do—authors, industry experts, writers conference speakers, contest judges and agents. I’m thankful that I’ve taken their advice by continuing to learn the business. It continues to be an education worth having.

I’m thankful that I’m at a point in my life where I can take on an endeavor such as writing romance novels. It’s been put on the back burner for quite some time, due to day job responsibilities and family, but now it’s my turn to let loose all the stories that have been hibernating on my hard drive.

I’m indebted to my family who put up with my craziness—locking myself in the room and not answering the phone until a chapter is finished.

I’m thankful for my critiquing partner, Louise, who always wants more and puts up with my meltdowns, listens to my rants and raves, and then tells me to, “keep writing.” I’m thankful for my good friends, Sharon and Diane, who will journey to New Jersey the minute I get “the call” to come party with me.

I’m grateful for the many people I have met, who have expressed interest in my work, and tell me to hurry and get the #%@$# book published.

I’m thankful to everyone who reads this blog. You rock!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: thanksgiving, Thoughts, Writing

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been following publishing industry news about how romance giant, Harlequin, has branched out to self-publishing and e-publishing.

As a business communicator, I see how the world has adjusted, and still is, adjusting to the various means and trends of communicating (e-print, e-news, INTERNET, hello!). IMHO, it’s a given and bottom-line advantageous for corporations to rethink how they do business and communicate.

And as an aspiring romance author, I believe this holds true for any other company, with stockholders (i.e. publishers).

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in the standard publishing tradition of receiving an advance and royalties for one’s hard work and talent.

However, I am not opposed to having my work published by an only-digital publisher such as Samhain, Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, and Loose ID–to name a few (although Samhain and Ellora’s Cave are doing print). These e-publishers allow authors who may never publish traditionally, the chance to have their work published and their talent displayed.

I’ve been following self-publishing and have friends who have gone that route and have become successful. They did so because they couldn’t find a traditional publisher (or agent) willing to take the chance on their work.

I’m sure we’ve heard plenty of stories how a self-published author, who was scoffed by traditional publishers, goes on to make millions. That’s great and I’m happy for them.

But I’m also happy for the author who, after self-publishing, receives accolades and (guess what?), an agent—after their book sold a few thousand copies. This is a monumental feat for pre-published authors who have developed personal relationships with the big “R”—rejection letters. It shows determination, confidence and resilience.

I’m not sold on publishers that offer to help “self” publish, but charge a large fee and want half the royalties (i.e. Harlequin Horizons, who have subsequently changed their name to DellArte Press). If I’m going to self publish, I’d like to do the work and reap the benefits.

As with anything, you have to weigh the good and bad. With self-publishing and digital publishing, you have to be aware of the pitfalls and disadvantages. Do your homework. Talk to people who have been through the process, just as you would talk to authors who have dealt with certain traditional publishers.

I’m not looking for millions. (But if they come, hey that’s a different story!) I’m looking for a nice bottom line that my business partners (agent, publishers) and I can enjoy. My main goal is to offer romance readers what they want—a story that makes you sigh, cry and beg for more.

Posted in Romance, Soapbox, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: Authors, digital publishing, E-publishing, Harlequin, publishing, Romance, Writing

As most of you know I have a page dedicated to fine-looking men or as I call them, “yummy pops.”

Some months ago, I blogged about a few gentlemen who I thought fit the description of a yummy pop—men who are pleasing to the eye, and who hold a little something extra in their walk, talk and being.

It’s my pleasure to welcome and introduce one of the these homegrown yummy pops from, New Jersey, the Garden State: Mr. Romance 2005, Randy “Wood” Ritchwood.

Wood is no stranger to romance or making a woman’s heart flutter. As the first African-American to wear the title “Mr. Romance,” he has graced the covers of many romance novels including those from bestselling authors Brenda Jackson and Rochelle Alers, and appeared on the first episode of the reality show, “I Love New York.”

A few weeks ago, he completed a tour in Tyler Perry’s new stage play “Laugh to keep from Crying,” and in 2010, Wood takes romance prime time when he hosts blog talk show, “What Women Want Prime Time TV.” A hardworking entrepreneur, Wood’s New Jersey entertainment company offers something for everyone, especially the ladies. Visit his Web site at Kija Entertainment.

Wood has graciously agreed to pop in and share thoughts on love, life, relationships, and more important, “What makes it sizzle and how to keep it hot.”

N: Wood, According to Romance Writers of America, romantic fiction earned 1.375 billion dollars in sales in 2008, which is a great thing for romance writers. The current economic climate has been said to be one factor. However, women wanting that happy-ever-after have a lot to do with it as well. Any insights on why more people are reading romance novels?

Wood: The economy has a lot do with many things—unfortunately. From a male perspective, we’re losing jobs at high rates; some of us are working two and three jobs to make ends meet. People are giving and receiving less attention at home. And it can put a strain on the relationship. Sometimes you’re just too stressed or tired.

But I’m happy that romance fiction is earning money, because it keeps the writers working and the readers happy. It’s a good thing because whatever our women experience reading they can bring home to us and share.
N: What’s your advice to women and men who want to keep their relationships spicy and sizzling?

Wood: Change the bedroom scene. Don’t get too comfortable doing the same thing. Change up your routine. Ladies, for example if you go to bed nude, switch it up and put on pajamas, a gown or wear your man’s shirt one night. Even though we know already what’s underneath, men still like to wonder.

Same goes for the men. If you normally wear cologne, go without it one day and see if your woman notices. Or if you wear pajama bottoms to bed, switch it up and wear boxers. Don’t settle for status quo. Gentlemen, treat your woman to a foot wash and massage, give her the full treatment. Ladies, you can do the same. It’s all about appreciating the spontaneous things that keep relationships hot.

We look forward to more chats with Wood, and advice from a male point of view. Questions for Wood can be submitted using the Contact Me form on this blog.

All questions that are not considered relevant to this blog will be deleted.

Posted in Romance, Romantic Notions, Thoughts
Tags: Advice, Mr. Romance, Randy Ritchwood, reading, Relationships, Romance, Thoughts, Wood

I recently had a discussion with a group of friends on an age-old question. While the majority of us agreed that a virgin (male or female) could appreciate a hot love scene, we differed on the question, if could they write one …

What’s your take?

Posted in Romance, Romantic Notions, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: Love, Passion, Sex, Writing