Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Today's Special - - Vanessa Kelly


Vanessa's here!  We're excited to welcome Dish favorite, Vanessa Kelly back to the blog today.  The Dishes had the pleasure of being present at this year's Georgia Romance Writers Moonlight & Magnolias Conference when Vanessa was awarded the prestigious Maggie for Best Historical Romance for Sex And The Single Earl.  Believe me, there weren't many dry eyes at our table when her name was announced!  Vanessa is here today to blog about her journey from beginning writer to Maggie winner.  Please give her a warm welcome!





IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Writing a book is by its nature a solitary act. The writer approaches the blank screen or blank page by herself, either facing down the demons of doubt or, when the muse complies, skimming along on a lovely torrent of words. When I wrote my first book, Mastering The Marquess, I knew little about the publishing industry and even less about the romance writing community. What I did have was my love of romance novels, writing skills honed by several years in academia, and a husband who was—and still is—a grammar fanatic. That was about it. I wrote quietly and carefully, picking my way through the paragraphs and pages until I reached The End.

But once I wrote the final words to that manuscript, my peaceable little kingdom of one began to expand. I gave it to my husband to read and I sent it to a friend, a romance-loving English prof and book critic, who provided me with editorial feedback. Then I happily stumbled upon the local chapter of the Romance Writers of America, found critique partners, began entering contests, found an agent, and finally found an editor.

Then I encountered the most important element in the writing equation—readers, including the incredible community of romance bloggers and reviewers who do so much to support the genre.



My sophomore effort was a book called Sex And The Single Earl. It quickly dawned on me that writing a book didn’t have to be such a solitary process. This time around I had critique partners and beta readers from the get-go. They critiqued various iterations of the manuscript, and prevented me from making truly stupid mistakes that might have sunk the book.  I had the support of my publisher, the gift of a phenomenally beautiful cover (with a wonderful quote from the fab Anna Campbell), and support from the romance blogging community and other authors who let me appear on their blogs to natter on about my book, my research, hot guys, and just about anything else I could think of to interest readers.






Vanessa & Kim Castillo
I had the support of my husband and my wonderful assistant, Kim Castillo. Because they did so much heavy lifting, I was able to let go and enjoy the actual process of writing the book.

And there were the readers who bought Sex And The Single Earl and took the time to write and tell me they loved it. I also appreciated the readers and reviewers who didn’t like the book, because more than once their feedback clarified something for me about my writing, something I could use when I next faced that lonely blank page.

Still, I hadn’t yet fully realized how much I was now part of a community, one that made a real difference to the quality of my life. But then I got an unexpected and very welcome call informing me that I had finaled in the Maggie Awards, the contest sponsored by the Georgia Romance Writers. In fairly short order, I decided hubby and I should attend the Moonlight & Magnolias Conference, where the Maggies finalists would be honored and the winners announced.


Vanessa & the Dishes
Truthfully, I didn’t expect to win. The reason I really wanted to go—besides attending a very good conference—was to see my friends. The keynote speaker was Eloisa James, so the conference turned into something of a reunion for the Bon-Bons, the lovely group of women who came together several years ago on Eloisa’s bulletin board. I mostly lurked on that board, but it’s where I met some wonderful folks in the romance community, including Manda Collins (a fabulous debut author with St. Martin’s Press), and Kim, my assistant. The four ladies of The Romance Dish were going to the M&M, too. Throw in the wild and wonderful J. Perry Stone and I was hooked. Come hell or high water I was going, and I used all my arts of persuasion on my husband.



Vanessa wearing her Maggie medallion
Long story short, against all my expectations I won the award for best historical romance. When I was announced as the winner, my husband and I looked at each other and burst into laughter. We couldn’t believe it. Then my husband started to tear up, which made me tear up. When I got to the stage I looked out at the audience and saw the faces of some of my favorite people. A few, like Kim and Manda, had worked on Sex And The Single Earl.  
Others, like P.J., Gannon, Andrea, and Buffie had  blogged about the book and given me encouragement and support.   It was an incredible moment for me, not just because I had won, but because I could share the win with my husband and so many good friends. In that moment, I truly realized I was part of a vibrant community—one that in its generosity had welcomed me with open arms. And how cool is that?

Vanessa and her wonderful husband
My writing process has changed since my first book. I now also write books with my husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes, which brings its own joys and challenges. I have critique partners, and I’m also attentive to feedback from readers and reviewers, although it’s not always the kind of feedback I enjoy hearing. Do I sometimes miss my solitary kingdom of one? A bit, since I love peace and quiet and, frankly, solitude. But there are some things I love even more—my husband, my friends, and all the wonderful people in the romance community I’ve met over the last several years. I wouldn’t give them up for anything. They’re my village, and a village beats a lonely, quiet kingdom any day.

Who is in your village?  How do they make your life better?

Vanessa's newest book, My Favorite Countess, was published in May 2011 and was just nominated for a RT Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Regency-set Historical Romance.

Find out more about Vanessa and her books at her website, like her at Facebook and follow her at Twitter and Goodreads.

In addition to the daily Anniversary prize from the Dishes, Vanessa is also giving away a Books & Sweets prize package - some delicious chocolates and all four of Vanessa's books - to one randomly chosen person leaving a comment on today's blog.  (U.S. & Canadian addresses only)

**NOTE: We are giving away prizes all week and want everyone to be included. Please put U.S. (if your mailing address is in the United States) or INT (if you live in a country other than the United States.) at the end of each of your comments, so we know which prize drawings to enter you in. The more comments you leave this week, the more chances you'll have to win!**

For today only, please indicate CAN if you live in Canada so we can put your name in the draw for Vanessa's prize.

Don't forget to come back this Saturday when we'll list all the prize winners from our Anniversary Celebration!

~PJ

99 comments:

  1. Hey, do I get the rooster cooked into a dish?

    PJ, Gannon, Buffie and Andrea, so sorry I missed the first two days of your celebrations. Meant to get here, really did, but I'm deep in deadline cave. Anyway, you knows I luvs y'all y'all, don't you? This is a wonderful site. It's one I recommend to people when they ask where to go to talk about romance. I love that you guys are so positive and supportive and smart and funny and... Yeah, I could add the adjectives until the cows come home. But needless to say, I won't. So congratulations on your second anniversary. I'm chuffed up to the nines at being part of this wonderful site and even chuffedier that I count you guys as my friends. Mwah!!!! Here's to many more years together!

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  2. OK, having got that off my chest, waving madly at Vanessa! And you were more than welcome to the quote for your wonderful story, my friend! I find writing is a really weird occupation - by nature I'm quite solitary, so I find sitting for hours at the computer not that much of a stretch. But then there are times when I seem to be out dealing with hundreds of people. And nothing much in between.

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  3. Hi Anna! Not sure how the rooster would feel about being cooked into a dish. I'm guessing he may have a few objections! ;-)

    Thank you for those lovely thoughts. You know we love you too! (I'll be talking more about that in Friday's blog.) ::grin::

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  4. What a lovely post, Vanessa. I love Caddy Girls and look forward to Hardball. My village includes the usual family and friends, but also some coworkers that I've become close to. It's good to have people at work you can count on for assistance when you need it.

    U.S.

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  6. since this is for US/Can only, so i will only send a greeting to Vanessa =D

    looking your pic with your husband, i think you two are paired, as they say (an issue) the couple who have the similar face was paired (believe it or not) ;)

    INT

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  7. I enjoyed the post, it was thought provoking. The people in my village are my family - my son and his fiance, my sister and her husband and their children.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com
    U.S.

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  8. Hi, Vanessa! Congrats on your Maggie! You and S&TSE really deserve it! Congrats on your RT Reviewer's Choice nomination as well!

    My village consists of my family and friends.

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
    US

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  9. A great post Vanessa loved it

    My Village includes my Hubby of 34 years my children and grandchildren and some fantastic friends but also the friends that I have met on the interenet

    Have Fun
    Helen
    INT

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  10. Congrats Vanessa & love your thoughtful post. My village consists of my family of whom I couldn't do without. They are always there & love me unconditionally; which I swear is not always the easiest when I'm in a blue funk!

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
    INT

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  11. The people in my village are mostly family but there are lots of us (I'm one of six) so it's quite a large village.

    INT

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  12. Congrats on your award!

    My village would consist of my family especially my daughter and my sister, my friends from HS, college and work. I would have included my neighbor of 25 years, Gladys, unfortunately she developed CA and died within 3 months. (June) My husband of 34 years is my best friend and biggest supporter.

    Best wishes for continued success with your writing!
    johns lake at usa dot com

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  13. That's so sweet. :) Glad that you have such a good support system. For me, it's my 2 yr old daughter. :) She makes everything better when she gives me a kiss. :)

    I love my favorite countess by the way. Really enjoyed it when I read it about 2 to 3 months ago. :)

    CAN

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  14. Hi, Vanessa! I enjoyed reading your post and am impressed with how methodically you have different people critique your books. That's a great idea in that I'm sure it gives you different points of view, similar to those you might hear from your readers, enabling you to "fix" anything before it heads to your editor.

    A village is what it takes for all of us as we go through the days of our lives. It can be our spouses, children, siblings and friends. I feel that each of these people in our lives can help us with different things and all together, they become our sounding boards and we become theirs.

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  15. It's good to have people at work you can count on for assistance when you need it.



    It's very good and I'm glad you have those people, Jane!

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  16. since this is for US/Can only, so i will only send a greeting to Vanessa =D


    Eli, Vanessa's prize is for US/Canada only but all comments left on today's blog will be put in the draw for the Dish's international prizes!

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  17. Barbara E said, The people in my village are my family - my son and his fiance, my sister and her husband and their children.


    I count my family among my village members too, Barbara. My younger brothers (and their families) and I are very close. I know I can always count on them to have my back, as I have theirs.

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  18. Sheree said, Congrats on your RT Reviewer's Choice nomination as well!


    Isn't that great news? I love when good things happen for good people!

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  19. *waving madly* Vanessa!! Your post made me tear up...and I'm at work! Haha! I love this heartfelt post. I am so glad that I was there when you were announced as the Maggie winner. It was most assuredly my biggest highlight from M&M! (((hugs)))

    My village includes my husband, my kids, my sister Trisha, and my parents. They are my rock! And I'm blessed to have the support of my Dish pals!

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  20. Awww, Anna!!! We are blessed to have you as part of our site! Thanks for all you do and your continued support! Love you, too! (((hugs)))

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  21. Helen said, My Village includes my Hubby of 34 years my children and grandchildren and some fantastic friends but also the friends that I have met on the interenet


    Congratulations on 34 years of marriage, Helen! That's a wonderful accomplishment!

    For those of you who aren't members at Romance Bandits, Helen was just named the first BANDITA BUDDY OF THE MONTH at the new Romance Bandits site. (announced in the inaugural Bandits newsletter, complete with photo and interview)

    Congratulations, Helen! That's a village that wouldn't be the same without you!

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  22. Linda said,My village consists of my family of whom I couldn't do without. They are always there & love me unconditionally; which I swear is not always the easiest when I'm in a blue funk!

    How fortunate we are to have people who love us, warts and all!

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  23. Beebs said, The people in my village are mostly family but there are lots of us (I'm one of six) so it's quite a large village.


    I bet it's a fun village too, Beebs!

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  24. Good morning, Romance Dish ladies! I am so thrilled and honored to celebrate your anniversary with you. And I'm so with Anna on this - The Dish is on of the best sites in Romancelandia. Your positive energy, your kindness, and your collective smarts just blow me away! Randy and I are so happy to know you, and delighted to be a part of this wonderful community!

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  25. Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear of your neighbor's death. Cancer takes too many loved ones from all of us.

    My husband of 34 years is my best friend and biggest supporter.


    Congratulations on 34 years! My late husband was also my best friend and biggest suppporter. I wish you and your hubby many more years of happiness.

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  26. May said, For me, it's my 2 yr old daughter. :) She makes everything better when she gives me a kiss. :)


    Nothing better than sweet, little kid kisses! :)

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  27. Connie said, A village is what it takes for all of us as we go through the days of our lives. It can be our spouses, children, siblings and friends. I feel that each of these people in our lives can help us with different things and all together, they become our sounding boards and we become theirs.

    Very well said, Connie!

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  28. Andrea said, *waving madly* Vanessa!! Your post made me tear up...and I'm at work

    Andrea, when I got the post from Vanessa, I emailed her and told her she should have sent it with a "tissue alert!" :)

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  29. Vanessa, that's a terrific story! I can remember how excited I was when I read Mastering the Marquess and knew that, thanks to Manda, I'd found another historical author to add to my autobuy list. And I squeed loudly when you won your Maggie--and before that, at your rising star status.

    I'm blessed with my village that includes not only my family and friends, some of them life-long, whom I see often but also my Bon Bon buddies and other friends whom I've met online through blogs.

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  30. Good Morning, Vanessa! It's our pleasure, and our honor, to have you here today. You and Randy are among the Dish's favorite people!

    Congratulations on being nominated for the RT Reviewer's Choice Award! What wonderful news! Will you be attending the RT Reader's Conference in Chicago in the Spring?

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  31. I admit to never having heard of Vanessa Kelly but from reading this post, I have clearly been missing out on something. (Adding to my TBR pile.) That was a touching post. My village is the same as most (family and friends) but I would add mentors.

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  32. Fantastic and inspiring story. Thank you so much for sharing. When I first started writing, I did it alone. Then, I found a fabulous critique group led by two prolific and well-seasoned authors and my writing has blossomed because of it. It truly does take a group to raise a writer. USA

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  33. Janga said, I'm blessed with my village that includes not only my family and friends, some of them life-long, whom I see often but also my Bon Bon buddies and other friends whom I've met online through blogs.

    Janga, I'm very blessed to count you among my Bon Bon buddies!

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  34. Dee said, I admit to never having heard of Vanessa Kelly but from reading this post, I have clearly been missing out on something. (Adding to my TBR pile.)

    Dee, Vanessa is a wonderful person and a very talented writer. I hope you enjoy her books!

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  35. I am new to your blog but,it looks like fun.As for my village there is just me and my hubby. Our kids are teenagers and in their own world.nicholsterry27@yahoo.com

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  36. Luna Zega said, Then, I found a fabulous critique group led by two prolific and well-seasoned authors and my writing has blossomed because of it. It truly does take a group to raise a writer.

    Thanks for stopping by, Luna! Best of luck with your writing!

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  37. Gail said, I am new to your blog but,it looks like fun.As for my village there is just me and my hubby. Our kids are teenagers and in their own world.

    Welcome, Gail! We love new visitors! Pull up a chair and make yourself comfy.

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  38. Vanessa, congratulations on your Maggie win amd RT nomination!

    Congratulations again to the Dishers on your anniversary week!

    My village is a complicated one. Or maybe I inhabit several. There's RWA, of course, which has led me to friends around the world, including my closer-than-a-chapter blogmates, the Romance Bandits, and our wonderful buddies, including the Dishes.

    Then there're my fandom (comic books and SFF) buddies, whose gatherings do not require heels, dressy clothes, or makeup--unless you're dressed as a super-hero or fictional character requiring such things.

    My family, especially the dh and the boy, are vital sources of support.

    There are my college friends, many of whom I'll see this weekend, and my friends from the small town where I grew up. They remember a me who has long since disappeared from my mirror.

    US

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  39. Jane, I'm so glad you liked the VK Sykes books - thank you!

    Hi Eli! Yes, Randy and I really are two peas in a pod, but I'm happy to say that I have more hair than he does!

    Hi Sheree! Thanks so much for the congrats - I'm thrilled!

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  40. May, I'm so glad you enjoyed MFC!

    Connie, you're right. You really need all those eyes on a manuscript. Writers tend to get a little too close to their work - it's sometimes difficult to pick out problems or figure out the solution by yourself.

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  41. PJ, thank you so much - I'm thrilled about the RT nom.

    Hi Andrea!! Thanks for having me on! Spending the M&M with you gals was a wonderful highlight for us too. Randy is still talking about it - he loves the four or you!

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  42. Laurie G., I'm so sorry to hear about your friend - it's tragic to lose the people we love. I'm really glad you have such a strong support network to see you through difficult times like that.

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  43. Vanessa said, Spending the M&M with you gals was a wonderful highlight for us too. Randy is still talking about it - he loves the four or you!

    We love you too, Randy!

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  44. Hi Janga! Folks, Janga was one of my beta readers for Sex And The Single Earl, and her feedback was critical. She's one of the people who kept me from stepping into deep doo-doo! We all need people like that in our life, don't we?

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  45. PJ, thanks so much for having me on! As for the RT convention...it's a bit up in the air right now. Let's just say it's under discussion!

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  46. Hi Vanessa! I first came to know you through Candice Hern's board "The Manor".
    I was very happy to get in on the ground floor of Vanessa Kelly works :-)
    My village is family, friends, co-workers and to some degree my computer "family".

    Hrdwrkdmom52 at aol dot com
    US

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  47. I don't think I've read any of Vanessa's books. I'll have to jot her name on my TBR list since you gave her post such a glowing intro.

    acm05atjuno.com
    U.S.

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  48. Hi Vanessa! Lovely to see you at The Dish again! :) What a great post.

    For me, my friends are definitely part of my village. There are always there for me to celebrate the highs, and help me through the lows. I know I can tell them anything, and they'll still love me anyway. I've always said that a good group of girlfriends can help you through ANYTHING, and I know that for a fact.

    During my time in law school, my fellow law school classmates were instrumental in helping me through. No one else understood the stress, pressure, and insanity better.

    As I have gotten to know more romance authors, and gotten more involved, I definitely have to say the romance community is one of the most generous, kind, and supportive groups I've ever encountered. I felt totally embraced and welcomed from the beginning.

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  49. Wonderful post Vanessa. My family, husband, children and grandchildren. Best wishes.

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  50. Congrats on winning!!! So cool that your hubby teared up causing you to do the same... My village is filled with the teary-eyed!! mostly family and a few long-time friends..

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  51. Love your books, Vanessa! You have your own tab on my Kindle :)


    U.S.

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  52. Very nice post. I imagine that since writing is such a solitary existence that friends and loved ones are especially important in keeping you grounded. The people in my village would always be my family. They are and always will be there for me.
    US

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  53. Hi Nancy! Thanks for stopping by!

    Dianna, how are you!! Candice's board was such a great hangout, wasn't it? I met so many nice people there - like you!

    Christy P, I'm honored to have a tab on your Kindle - thank you!

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  54. I want to thank everybody for their best wishes - I'm kind of zipping in and out today because I'm turning in my next book to my editor this week. I'll be back later in the day!

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  55. Vanessa, this was a lovely personal story. I am also grateful for my own village of friends and family. It must be so difficult to accomplish things in life without a strong support system. Congrats on your well-deserved success!

    Cheryl in US

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  56. Hello Chicks of TRD!

    It appears that we have a lot of things in common...like our Blogoversary, for one. While you guys are on your second year, b2b is celebrating its first.

    Congrats on your second year! Wishing you many, many more :)

    ...and Vanessa, for second. While she's letting us know of her 'village' here, over on b2b, she's trying to 'Hook' us on a book of her choice!

    Vanessa I love your 'village'! Congrats on your RT Reviewer's Choice nomination! Must feel so good!

    It goes without a question that we all need those 'villages' around us, and it looks like mine is getting bigger by the day :)

    It has been only a year since b2b went 'live' but the village has grown by leaps and bounds and thanks to Chicks like the Dish Chicks, and authors like you, we've become a family that welcomes one and all :)

    Hugs and Love!

    Melanie
    www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com
    'Hook-a-Book' by Vanessa Kelly

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  57. Hello, Vanessa!

    I don`t have a very large village, but the people who are a part of it are very very close to my heart. They are my parents and my closest friends.

    INT

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  58. Hi Vanessa and all you lovely Dishes. First, I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your baby picture blog from yesterday; what a terrific trip down memory lane. I am the family photo archivist and I have a gallery wall filled with framed black and white pictures from both sides of our family and I keep adding to it. My goal is for it to go totally wall to wall and floor to ceiling. Whenever I have the families over everyone gathers to check out the new and remember the old. The family and their pictures in history are my first village.

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  59. Great post and I love your books.

    The people in my village is my husband and son! Also have two sisters that play a big part in my village.

    Thanks for sharing with us today.

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  60. What a great post, Vanessa. As I reader, I love it when an author wants to share her happiness and success by giving us her backstory. Thanks so much for visiting with us today.

    US

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  61. Aloha, Vanessa! My village are the military families at my children's schools, scouts, and sports.

    The Hawaiian culture is centered around "village cooperation" so your post today resounded with me.

    Love the pictures!

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  62. Hi Vanessa! I had a good support system when my son was born I worked midnights and my mom would come to take him to her house so I could get a few hours of sleep when I got home. After she died my mil watched them for me for a few hours a day... Good luck with your books...

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  63. Hey, Vanessa! *waving wildly and blowing kisses*

    What a wonderful blog---makes me sentimental. I'm so thrilled we could all be at M&M when you won. So, so fabulous!!

    And I'm so with Anna on this - The Dish is on of the best sites in Romancelandia. Your positive energy, your kindness, and your collective smarts just blow me away! Randy and I are so happy to know you, and delighted to be a part of this wonderful community!

    Vanessa, that is just the sweetest, loveliest compliment we could ever get. We just love you and Randy!

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  64. Anna said: I'm chuffed up to the nines at being part of this wonderful site and even chuffedier that I count you guys as my friends. Mwah!!!! Here's to many more years together!

    The same goes for us, Anna! Mwaaaaah! xoxo

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  65. Well, I just realized I never answered the question. ;-) My village is my husband, children, sister, friends,and the rest of my family. Add to that the Dishes, the wonderful women I have met who share a love of romance---that includes those I've met in person and online---and I've got one heck of a village. I'm blessed and grateful for each and every one.

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  66. Vanessa is a Maggie winner, Vanessa is a Maggie winner, woot woot! I was so happy for you and still am.

    My village is small but loving: Dad, Mom, Aunt, older sister and me, the baby of the bunch =) These people are my world.

    CAN

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  67. Vanessa -- thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. I agree, while peace & quiet can be nice, a wonderful village filled with the support & love of family & friends sure is better :)

    (us)

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  68. Gosh, thanks so much, everybody! What lovely comments, and so nice to read about other people's villages. The Romance Dish, of course, is one of the best little villages on the planet. It's so great to be celebrating their annivesary with them!

    And Gannon, thank you - we love you too!

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  69. How wonderful it is to be recognized for all the hard work it must take to write a book! And to have your husband there to share must have been extra special.
    US
    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  70. This is a wonderful site. It's one I recommend to people when they ask where to go to talk about romance. I love that you guys are so positive and supportive and smart and funny and...

    Awww, Anna, you are too sweet! You know we love you bunches and bunches :-)

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  71. Vanessa, welcome once again to The Romance Dish ((hugs))

    I have to say that I actually teared up while reading your post. Thinking back to the night you won your Maggie Award makes me just smile. It was a thrill to be there with you (and that wonderful hubby of yours too!). Positive thoughts and a circle of love can take you anywhere :-)

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  72. Spending the M&M with you gals was a wonderful highlight for us too. Randy is still talking about it - he loves the four or you!


    Tell Randy we love him too!! I bet he has that picture of him with the four of us on his desk. :-)

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  73. Realizing now that I didn't answer Vanessa's question.

    My village is full of people -- hubby, kids, parents, siblings, lifelong friends, my Dish pals, and so many more.

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  74. Buffie said: Tell Randy we love him too!! I bet he has that picture of him with the four of us on his desk. :-)

    That's right, Buffie. The one titled "Randy and his Dishy Harem" *g*

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  75. It was so nice to meet you Vanessa and all the other Romance Dish ladies at the M&M conference! Congrats on your win, in case I didn't say it then, LOL I also remember the time when writing felt so solitary, but with all the support I have now, it's just wonderful! Can't wait to read your book :)

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  76. So sorry forgot to be US on my post!

    lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

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  77. Congratulations to Vanessa on her win! I think it's always great to have a village around to support you and I would say my family is mine.

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  78. Hi, Vanessa and Dishes! Vanessa, i loved your post and I'm a big fan of your books. I have to agree that you and your DH look a lot alike. People say the my DH and I do also. Congrats on your Maggie and RT Reviewer's Choice nomination.

    My village is made up of my DH of 39 years and my friends. He is my biggest supporter and fan.

    US

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  79. Thanks for all the lovely comments, folks! I so appreciate it!

    Buffie, PJ is sending me a disc with the pictures from the M&M. I will be sure to frame one of Randy and his harem, and put it on his desk! He really likes having his own harem, the scamp!

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  80. Hi Cathy P! I'm so glad you enjoy my books.

    I'm happy to say that I JUST sent the finished manuscript of my next historical off to my editor. Woot!! It's a Christmas book, and it will come out next fall. It's a very, very Christmas-y book - lots of fun!

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  81. Na, thanks so much for all your support, and Kelly, it was great meeting you, too!

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  82. Somehow I've not read any of your books (I know - how did that happen). I need to rectify that because your books sound wonderful. As to my village - my family, my husband of 42 yrs., two wonderful grown daughters and my 89 yr. old mom who is doing very well (among others and many friends and my cats).

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  83. I'm sorry - I forgot to add U.S.

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  84. I'm happy to say that I JUST sent the finished manuscript of my next historical off to my editor. Woot!! It's a Christmas book, and it will come out next fall. It's a very, very Christmas-y book - lots of fun!

    I'm so looking forward to this one, Vanessa. I just love Christmas love stories :-)

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  85. It was so nice to meet you Vanessa and all the other Romance Dish ladies at the M&M conference!

    Hey Kellie! It was such a pleasure meeting you at M&M. Hope you are staying warm up there! :-)

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  86. That's right, Buffie. The one titled "Randy and his Dishy Harem" *g*

    LOL! But of course Gannon! I bet he had it blown up too :-)

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  87. Buffie, PJ is sending me a disc with the pictures from the M&M. I will be sure to frame one of Randy and his harem, and put it on his desk! He really likes having his own harem, the scamp!

    LOL!! I bet he does!! ;-)

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  88. Vanessa Kelly said: I'm happy to say that I JUST sent the finished manuscript of my next historical off to my editor.

    Woohoo!! Congrats, Vanessa! Can't wait to read it!

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  89. Kellie Kamryn said: It was so nice to meet you Vanessa and all the other Romance Dish ladies at the M&M conference!

    Kellie, it was so lovely meeting you, too!

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  90. Buffie, PJ, Gannon, and Andrea, thank you so much for having me on today! It's so wonderful to be part of this village, and I look forward to many adventures with you gals in years to come!

    PS. Randy is counting on a road trip down south!

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  91. Vanessa said: PS. Randy is counting on a road trip down south!

    We're waiting! *g*

    Thanks for being here, Vanessa, and being part of our village and letting us be a part of yours. (((Hugs)))

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  92. Congratulations on your Maggie. How wonderful to receive an award from and among friends. It is nice that you have such a supportive husband, even better that you work and write together.

    My village has changed over the years. I was an Air Force wife for 20 years. The support of fellow wives and others in the unit is something that makes the separations and uncertainties of military life bearable. They know what you are going through, and will step in to help without being asked. We just attended a unit reunion last month. It has been at least 2 years since seeing most of them, but it seems like only yesterday. We recently saw our old base neighbors after over 20 years. It was like sitting down at our kitchen tables to talk after only a few days.
    I worked for a small county for about 8 years since we retired and moved here. That was my village until 1 1/2 years ago when I lost my job. We were all outsiders in the community and had much in common. We have lived in this community for almost 20 years now and still are having trouble finding our "village" here. We are outsiders and always will be no matter what organizations we join or how involved we are in the community. It is all the more noticeable since we know how close a community can be.

    Congratulations on your nomination for a RT Reviewer's Choice Award for MY FAVORITE COUNTESS. Thanks for the interesting post.

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  93. Hi Vanessa, what a happy and uplifting post.:)I really loved the pictures! I guess my "village" is my family and friends.

    US

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  94. It's great to have such a great support system around you! My village is definitely my family!

    INT

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  95. I'm on vacation with my nuclear village: Me,George and our son, William.

    So sorry I could not finish my posting yesterday. We've been in Chicago since sunday and I've not been able to participate as much as I'd Like on your terrific anniversary week.
    I do want to offer my congratulations to you Vanessa on your incredible year: Maggies, RT's Dishing, Oh my!! Meeting you and PJ and many other favorite authors at RWA in NYC has made me very happy to be part of your wonderful village.

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  96. Lovely post!

    My village is composed of my two best friends who have seen me through so many challenging times.
    I am blessed to have them in my life.

    USA

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  97. PS. Randy is counting on a road trip down south!

    So are we!! :-)

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  98. My village would probably be my extended family. My father passed away when I was 2, and things were really hard for my mom for a while. A lot of people had a hand in my brothers' and my upbringing, from aunts, uncles, and cousins to grandparents. It was definitely like a village raising a child, and we never lacked for love or good role models. I feel very lucky to have so many wonderful family members.

    US

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  99. My village would definitely be my family...and believe me when I say it is a big village, with more than one village idiot, lol.

    US resident

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