Woot! My ebooks are now available through Barnes & Noble.

That's full of so much awesome sauce and win I can't even begin to describe it. This reminds me, I desperately need to update the website...once I get unpacked. *sigh*

        

They say the only constant in life is change, and I have to believe it, because change is definitely in the air for me.

First, there was the whole RWAChange thing (well, it's still going on). Which is a change of sorts.

Then, I got a new editor with Loose Id.

And now, this weekend, I'm moving to Austin and in with my boyfriend.

Hopefully, soon, I'll be starting a new job in  Austin, too, since I'll be commuting an hour and a half each way until I do.

So, changes. Good changes. Hectic changes. But changes nonetheless. Some come with a bit of sadness, but others come with a great deal of happiness and excitement. It's a mixed bag, really.

I'm hoping that once things settle down, though, that I'll be able to get back to updating this blog regularly, and back to writing. I have all these ideas in my head, I just haven't had the time or energy to sit down and actually work with them. Nothing saps you like looking for a new job AND planning a move to another town. Especially when that move means you and your boyfriend are combining two apartments into a nice, big house, and having to pick and choose what you want to keep and what gets tossed. Or when you  have to replace mini blinds in said house—I'm convinced they're the spawn of Satan.

Other than all the changes, though, I have some other news.

Blessed Be has been Joyfully Recommended!



This is definitely one of the best reviews I've received so far—and I've received some really awesome ones! I'm just thankful (and, hell, surprised), that people are still reading Blessed Be seven months after it was published. I mean, I have no problem reading Christmas stories in the summer time, but then again I'm a little odd like that. So to everyone who's bought the book, read it, reviewed it, etc.—thank you. And to anyone who might be anxiously awaiting my  next release—I promise you, I plan on having at least one by the end of the year, if not two (including, hopefully, another Christmas story, because I enjoy Christmas stories *grin*).

Now, to just get past all these changes so I can get back to writing...

        

So, according to RWA President Diane Pershing, I'm not a serious, career-minded writer because I've chosen e-publishing over traditional NY print publishing.

*scratches head*

I guess those royalty checks I get in the mail every month are just to fund my "hobby." And that Master of Arts I received last year from Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program? Eh, I wanted to double my student loan debt so I could pursue a hobby rather than advance my career as a writer.

*rolls eyes*

It's annoying, really, to feel such intense levels of condecension from the very organization that's supposed to be there to support me—and my fellow e-pubbed authors—in our careers. And yet, the RWA board generally doesn't seem to want to recognize us or our publishers' legitimacy. Why? Because we don't receive $1000 advances? Because we've chosen a path that isn't traditional? It's ridiculous, not to mention patronizing and demeaning to us and our publishers.

Yes, there are some less than honest e-pubs and small press print pubs out there. Yes, there are publishers who take advantage of new writers who are starving for a chance to reach an audience. But those pubs have been around in one form or another for decades, and grouping all e-pubs together as less than legitimate is disingenious.

As for the money issue...I know several e-pubbed authors who make well over $1000 in their first month of sales—all without an advance. And I know others who make less than that (I'll be honest, Blessed Be made roughly $230 in its first month of sales, and another $175 in the next month). But what irks me about the focus on money, on that $1000 (which seems a bit arbitrary, but maybe that's just me), is that there's the assumption that all of us write just so we can get paid.

Sure, I want to get paid for my work—because it IS work. It's hard work, much harder than non-writers can imagine, I think. But more important for me is the fact that people actually READ my work. Honestly, receiving emails from readers who thank me for writing stories, from readers who tell me they laughed and cried and are eagerly awaiting my next release—that's more rewarding than any amount of money I can ever deposit into my checking account. Receiving reviews that tout me as an author to watch out for, and from reviewers who say they're glad someone is writing quality erotic romance featuring full-figured heroines is rewarding to me. And I'm willing to guess most of us writers feel similarly. I'm not saying we don't enjoy getting paid (because we do), but that there's so much more to writing and publication than what we report to the IRS.

That, to me, is one of the intrinsic flaws of Pershing's stance. The other is that for those of us who have pursued e-publication, it's usually because we're writing something that isn't readily accepted in NY. I write full-figured romance. Sure, NY is beginning to jump on board with the curvier heroine, but I'm still noticing a disturbing amount of "ugly duckling stories" where the heroine has to lose weight in order to find love (Crusie and Weiner are definitely two exceptions to that rule). E-publishing is open to GLBT romance, which NY still doesn't seem to know what to do with. You also have your menage stories, polyamory stories, and romances that blend two if not more genres. Quite frankly, I believe those things make NY uncomfortable, so they don't touch our stories with a ten-foot pole. And yet we sell. We continue to sell. My sales rose dramatically once Blessed Be hit Fictionwise and reached a broader audience, which tells me readers WANT to read unique stories that don't follow the traditional romance format. I have many friends who write m/m erotic romance, and who make quite a good living doing so. I have other friends who write traditional m/f erotic romance, and who—again—make quite a good living doing so.

So why, then, is RWA so afraid of e-publishing? Why the refusal to recognize us as legitimate, to say that we're not serious about our careers? Let me tell you, the women (and men) I know who are e-published work just as hard—if not harder—than the women and men I know who are print published. We just happened to go about it in a different way.

And, really, what's so wrong with that? Isn't writing supposed to be about creativity and trying new things anyway?

**As an aside: I find it completely ironic that I originally got published because of an ad I saw in the RWR for Loose Id's March Madness contest. They don't want to recognize my publisher or me as legitimate, and yet they'll run an ad for a writing contest for said publisher? Which resulted in me getting published. Yeah, I can honestly say that's probably the only thing RWA has ever done for me as a member.

        

You may or may not have noticed the nifty little word count widget I added to the sidebar to the left. If you did (or even if you didn't and now you are), it's my visual way of keeping track of my progress on my WIP. This seems to be a really cool widget, too, since every time I update my word count progress I can also add notes, which can be viewed by anyone who clicks on the word count meter.

I'm a visual person, so having the graphic over there showing me how much I've done (and how much I have left), helps keep me accountable where my writing is concerned. Plus, I really like the fact that I can add notes regarding my progress.

If you go check out the stats, you'll notice there's a short description of the story—a blurb, really. I could have added more, but that's all I want to share right now. Not because I'm stingy, but because I want to pique your interest.

I am thinking about doing some different things with this, just to hopefully garner interest but also to keep myself accountable and to make sure I'm writing (my boyfriend sometimes calls me a slacker...I can't imagine why *wink*). My goal is to have this story done by the end of June (believe it or not, 25K is doable for me in a month, considering I wrote Blessed Be in a week, and it came in around 25K). After that, I want to work on a Christmas story proposal for Loose Id, and possibly something else in there, too. My goal for this year was to have 3 books come out. I'm not sure, at this point, if that will happen or not, but I'd be happy with two, considering my life took some unexpected (but good) twists and turns at the beginning of the year.

Speaking of Blessed Be, though, sales are still going strong, and reviews seem to keep coming in. Seriously, I'm not sure who's buying a Christmas story in May, but THANK YOU!!!! For anyone who hasn't read it and still wants to, it's currently available through Loose Id, Fictionwise (where it's currently 30% off), and AllRomanceEbooks. Of course, Going Up, Going Down, featuring Heavenly Bodies, is also still on sale, and can be found at Loose Id, Fictionwise (again, it's 30% off) and AllRomanceEbooks.

Review-wise, Blessed Be has received a few new ones, which I need to update on my website (truth be told, I'm in the process of redesigning the entire thing anyway, so look for that in the near future, too).

From the review: Ms. Johnson weaved a thoroughly believable and heart warming, yet at the same time, heartbreaking story. There was laughter, tears, regret and romance-all the great elements to a beautifully written and entertaining story. I will definitely be watching out for more by Renae Johnson. - Megan, FAR

I'm so happy that people are enjoying this book, and that readers can relate to it. And having reviewers with major review websites say they're going to watch out for more of your work? Pressure, albeit a great, very welcome kind of pressure. *g*

A few other reviews:

Four Kisses from Two Lips Reviews
Newer review of Going Up, Going Down from Joyfully Reviewed
Review of Blessed Be from RRTErotic
4 Stars from EcataRomance

So, yeah. I realize this update might have seemed all over the place, and for that I apologize. But, hey, at least I gave you links to click!

Oh, and again, feel free to sign up for my mailing list, or follow me on Twitter (@chicklitter).

Cheers!

        

Okay, so, again, I apologize for being so quiet. Life's STILL been crazy, and I'm not sure I've had all that much to say. I've been attempting to write ("attempting" being the operative word in that statement) and feel like I've just now gotten back on my feet writing-wise. The historical has been ditched for the time being, since my heart really isn't in historicals right now. So, yeah, I'm working on a contemporary with some seriously screwed up characters, and interesting situation, and some great music.

Anyway, on to the topic of tonight's little blog post.

Bathing suits.

More specifically, bathing suits and the plus-size woman.

Now, I know most women don't look forward to so-called "bathing suit season," but for those of us who have to shop in the "women's" section at the local Target or who are on Lane Bryant's "Frequent Buyers List," bathing suit season comes with an extra set of issues. Namely: finding something that actually looks good, is age appropriate, inexpensive, and offers something remotely akin to support.

Sure, plus-size bathing suits have come a long way, but they still haven't come far enough. For the most part, the ones that are actually cute and figure flattering also run close to 80 bucks and up, and, really, what reasonable person would put 80 dollars in a pool full of chlorine or a salty ocean? Hell, one wear and it's pretty much ruined. And really, what fun is it wearing something you're scared to even breathe in?

But then you have your more affordable ones, like the ones you see at Target. Now, I love Target. I'll go walk around Target and look at stuff just because it's oddly soothing. And their women's section has gotten MUCH better over the years, and I'll find cute stuff there quite often. Bathing suits, though...

Here's the problem with plus-size bathing suits: they're rarely made with the plus-size woman's body in mind.

Take for example the tankini. In theory, fantastic idea. Mix and match, you can get whatevever style top you want and whatever style bottom you want, mix colors and patterns and create all sorts of cool looks. In reality, though, you usually end up with a top that somehow manages to roll up the tummy to under the boobs, which kinda defeats the purpose of wearing a tank top rather than a bikini top.

Then, there's the always lovely swim dress, or skirted bathing suit or what I like to call, "Ugly things old ladies wear." Although, to be fair, I remember my mom wearing one at one point. It wasn't any more flattering on her than it is on old ladies. For those of us in our 20s and 30s (and even 40s, really), the last thing we want is to look old or frumpy (which, really, is still an isue with plus size clothing in general). Plus, in a lot of ways, all those damned skirts really end up doing is drawing more attention to the areas we're trying to cover up—namely our thighs and hips and, okay, lower tummy area. Now, I love wearing skirts and dresses, but the ones attached to bathing suits generally aren't the cute ones that flatter.

As for tops...oh, good Lord, do not let me get started on bathing suit tops. It's like the makers don't take into consideration that plus-size women generally have large, heavy breasts. Not always, but generally speaking, we're busty chicks. Hell, I'm not ashamed to admit that I am quite busty, and almost fell over in shock the last time I had a bra fitting and found out I'm technically a G cup (my response was something along the lines of: "G cup? As in great googley moogly, G cup?"). And these babies have to weigh at least five pounds each. Needless to say, run of the mill lycra is not going to get the job done. The girls need some support in the form of padding and underwires, not to mention straps that are more than a quarter inch thick.

Which brings me to halter tops. When you're wearing a strapless bra (over even one with clear straps), a halter top can be comfortable. However, when it's in the form of a bathing suit top? Not to much. Basically, all of the work to keep the girls up with being done by the halter itself, which means the back of your neck. Ten pounds dragging against the back of your neck for more than 15 minutes is not comfortable. For anyone.

So, seriously, what the hell folks? And for you other plus-size ladies out there, got any tips on bathing suit shopping and finding good deals that won't break the bank? Or your neck?

        

I know, I know, it's been far too long. Forgive me, but life decided to get interesting over the past couple of months (in a good way—basically, yay for boyfriends!).

At any rate, I just wanted to let anyone who might be reading this and/or worried know that I'm still alive. *g* I'm also pressed for time right now, so I'm only going to provide a quick update.

In no particular order:

I've received a few more reviews for Blessed Be, all of which have been fantastic. I am so happy people are loving that story.

I started working on a new contemporary, but the characters are not gelling for me whatsoever. I was trying to figure out just what to do about it when TPTB with LI approached me about writing an erotic historical romance. Writing an historical wasn't even on my radar screen, but I've been thinking about it and doing a little bit of research, so I'm thinking I might actually try my hand at one.

Blessed Be is now available at both Fictionwise and All Romance Ebooks. With B&N buying out Fictionwise, I wonder if this means people will eventually be able to buy my books through their website, too (in e-format, but still)?

Don't forget to sign up for my mailing list—the info is on the home page of my website.

Oh, and if you have a Twitter account, feel free to follow me at twitter.com/chicklitter. Or just read the little patch on the side of my blog. *g*

At any rate, I'm going to sign back off. And I promise not to be so quiet from now on—I just needed a couple of months to swoon, is all.

Cheers!

Renae

P.S. If you've emailed me within the past month or so, I apologize if I haven't responded to you—I've been having weird email issues where I can receive them but can't send them out. I've been trying to get it fixed, but so far no dice.

        

So,  I'm totally squeeing right now, and have been for probably, oh, the past 30 minutes.

I've mentioned before that one of the really cool things about being a writer is receiving your cover art. And it is. I love getting cover art, and seeing how someone else has interpreted my story. However, this isn't the only other cool thing about being a writer.

Every now and then, you have those "squee" moments, those moments where you feel like you're on cloud 9 eating rich dark chocolate while receiving a massage from a gorgeous, scantily clad poolboy with a ridiculously foreign accent who along with having the best hands ever also thinks everything about you is gorgeous and isn't scared to touch the not so toned parts of your body.

Okay, so maybe that's my fantasy. *ahem*

Anyway. One of the other cool things about being a writer is receiving reviews. Even the bad ones are kinda cool, because at least someone read it and took the time to say something, even if that something wasn't so nice. But the good ones, though? Oh, how I love the good ones.

Which brings me back to the squeeing.

Ever so often I'll do a Google Search of my name, just to see if anything has popped up (like a review, or someone trying to illegally distribute my books). I try to do this at least once a week. Well, I had some free time—as can be witness by the incessant rambling—and did my Google Search.

And came across this little gem.

Four stars? Seriously?! "The perfect romance" and "a gifted writer?" Oh, be still my swooning heart. I'm not sure non-writers realize how much reviews like this mean to us. Sure, reviews aren't everything, since they're subjective, but it's always nice to know people like your work and "get it."

IMO, the only thing cooler than this is receiving fan mail, which I've gotten from exactly one person (sorry, Mom, you don't count since you kinda HAVE to be my fan *wink*). That had me so excited I did a very rhythm-less happy dance in my living room, with thoughts of framing it. Seriously.

So, yeah. Basically, if you still haven't bought Blessed Be—what the hell are you waiting for?

Cheers!

        

Okay, well I'm not sure you could really call it a new "feature," but this is something new I'm going to attempt to try. What is this "new" thing I'm attempting?

A mailing list.

I know, I know. Simple, easy peezy, probably should've had this set up long before now. But hey, I'm a new author, and for the most part the only people who have really shown interest in my stuff (well, to me at least) have been friends and the few family members who are aware that I'm writing erotic romance. I have had a couple of people I don't know contact me, though, so apparently my name's getting out there and people are reading my books.

So, if you're one of those people I don't know—or one of those people I do know, for that matter—free free to subscribe to my mailing list. I promise I won't spam you or sell your email addy or anything remotely nefarious. Instead, it's just a way to let y'all—my loyal readers—know about upcoming releases and other update type things that might be going on. I eventually want to do some fun things through the mailing list, and I've been toying with a couple of ideas that still need to be fleshed out (such as contests and flash fiction pieces). I'm guessing you won't even get one email per month on average—that's how non-spammy this is going to be (plus, I'm busy, you're busy, we're all busy and don't want to spend time composing or wading through silly emails that will just end up in the trash).

Sign Up Today for Updates and Other Fun Stuff!

* required

Email Address: *



Email Marketing by VerticalResponse

        

Happy New Year, everyone!

With the birth of a new year comes all those pesky resolutions that everyone seems compelled to make. Personally, I'm not a big fan of resolutions—they're usually unrealistic and the resolution makers are simply destined to fail.

Goals, however, I can get behind. I'm a very goal-oriented person, have been since pre-school (sadly, I'm not joking). So instead of making resolutions at the beginning of a year, I set goals for myself. My goals are always of the professional bent, rather than the personal (for the personal side of things, I create a "theme" for the year—for example, 2007 was "trying new things"). While I have goals for my day job, most of my professional goals are focused on my writing.

So what are these goals you ask?

Well, here we go:

1. To keep submitting to agents for my ms that's written under my other name (it's a women's fiction/rom com, and more suited for print).
2. To begin to work on my next women's fiction/rom com under my other name.
3. To have at least two stories published with Loose Id this year, although I'm now thinking that goal might be three. One of those I plan on being novel-length (50K-120K, probably between 50 and 75), the other two I plan on being novellas. The thing about this goal, is that when I set it this is all there was to it. Since then, though, TPTB have announced new submission guidelines, which include the fact that any novel-length books accepted will automatically be considered for print publication. And, yeah, I would love to be in print, too. I love the ebook format, but being in print would be pretty freaking awesome, IMO. Thus, goal 3 has kind of become a two-part goal.

I've seen other writers' goals for this year, and some of them...holy crap. My reaction to a few has been, "Um, when are you going to, y'know, SLEEP?" Much less have a life. And that's important to me—both sleep and having a life outside of my writing. I'm one of those weird extroverted writers who needs to socialize and be around people. I get a buzz from it—not to mention some great character and story ideas. Plus, I fully believe that if we, as writers, aren't participating fully in life, how are we going to write about life?

To some, my goals may seem simple. To others, well, they might be thinking, "Holy crap, when are you going to have time to sleep?" And to them I say: If I don't achieve everything, if I only publish two stories rather than three, or if I do three novellas rather than two novellas and a novel, that's okay. Used to, I wouldn't allow myself that kind of flexibility—it was all or nothing. Now, though? I see goals more like loose guidelines that are flexible. They breathe, just as you and I breathe.

At any rate, I've already gotten to work on 1 and 3. I've submitted to one agent already, and have plans to submit to more this month. I also began writing my next story that I plan on submitting to Loose Id, which I think readers will really enjoy. It's a fun idea (which somehow seems to be turning slightly serious in some regards, although I really shouldn't be surprised at this point), which plays upon a common theme in romantic comedies, just twisted a little bit.

So what are your goals for the New Year?

        

Happy Christmas, everyone! In order to celebrate, I figured this edition of Random Drive By Hottie should be dedicated to the sexiest man of them all—Santa Claus.

Enjoy!