Thursday, August 31, 2006

Pen Pals

I belong to a small writing group of extremely talented, extremely supportive women who call ourselves "The Writer's Playground" (not to be confused with another group out there who call themselves the Playground, too, but whatever *grin*). Our group began when we got our hands slapped for having too much fun on a bigger loop, so we naughty girls spun off and formed a group of our own - we even invited the 'handslapper' to join us, and she did! We joke, giggle, laugh, cry, share dream hunks and even bigger writing dreams, critique, encourage, comfort and support each other. You can see most of them in my photo gallery.

Since we formed our Playground in March of 2004, 7 of our 18 members have finaled in the Golden Heart (multiple times), there have been more RWA chapter contest wins than I can possibly count, 8 of us have signed with literary agents, and 6 of us (including me) have gone on to achieve our ultimate goal of publication.

Last year we began a new tradition: when one of us sells, the rest of us chip in for gifts: a customized 'Build-A-Bear' based on the genre of our books, a bookbag imprinted with the book cover, and/or a beautiful, personally engraved fountain pen to sign those precious contracts. Here's mine... ain't it purty?

And here, without further ado, are the newest contract signings by my Pals:

New Harlequin Blaze author Tawny Weber signing her contract for 'Double Dare', with her purple pen.
New Harlequin Historical author Stacey Lynn Reimer (a/k/a Stacey Kayne) signing her contract for 'Mustang Wild' with her green pen.
And yours truly, signing her contract with Avon HarperCollins for 'Dead Girls Are Easy' and 'Where The Ghouls Are', with my green pen (Stacey always copies me *snicker*).

Do you have any 'Pen Pals' in your life? Someone to share the ups and downs of your writing with? If you don't, find some. I was extremely lucky to find mine, and it's made the journey all the sweeter.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pretty and talented. And no, I'm not biased.

Anonymous said...

Look at those gorgeous women with their awesome pens signing those amazing contracts!! I feel so lucky and blessed to be a part of our Playground. You ladies mean the WORLD to me!!

~ The Hand Slapper

Anonymous said...

Well crap! I've just realized my flash was turned off *g*

But what an honor to be sandwiched between suck rockin' Pen Pals ;-)

And who wouldn't want to copy Ms Spooky?? But I'm pretty sure you ended up with a green pen because I picked it out out *lol*. I've been known for my green fettish *BG*.

#1 Spooky Fan

Anonymous said...

Also known for my typos--sheesh! My CP's do NOT get paid enough ;-)

#1 Spooky Fan

Terri Garey said...

Um... Stacey meant to say 'SUCH rockin' Pen Pals', and 'FETISH' instead of 'fettish'. She really is known for her typos. LOL

And I feel the same way, Leslie (Mean Old Sheriff, a/k/a MOS, a/k/a the hand slapper :). I love you guys!

And Pigtails, we know you would never, ever, never say 'I told you so'. Particularly not when there are so many other creative ways to say it. :p

Anonymous said...

I love seeing these pictures and all your successes! I am so honored to be a part of our Playground! Congrats ladies, it's all very well deserved! (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

Awwww, look at that. Terri- what a lovely ode to the Playground, and to such amazing events. You are all simply amazing and wonderful!

And look - I got to be on top *beg*

Terri Garey said...

I knew it would make you happy to be on top, Tawny. :)

Hi, Heather!