Paying it forward

When I was a university student, my mum paid for me to go to my very first Romance Writers of New Zealand conference after we saw a little write-up about it in our local paper. I was working part time around my studies, but there was no way I could've afforded to go to the conference on my own.

Attending had a profound impact on my life - not only did I learn so much, for the first time, I'd found my tribe. Other people who understood the need to tell a story, who valued the journey of the human heart and adored romances, and who spoke to the people in their head!

I've always wanted to pay my mum's kindness forward, so this year, I'd like to send one New Zealand-based writer to the 2019 RWNZ Conference, to be held in Christchurch.

I'd like this to go to a FIRST TIMER, someone who's never had a chance to attend a national writing conference but would love to go. So if you know someone like that in New Zealand, please share the information with them. You don't have to be a romance writer, but you have to respect the romance genre and the people who work in it.

Here's what I'll cover:

- economy class flights from anywhere in New Zealand to Christchurch (if you're close to Christchurch, I'll cover your petrol/parking, or train/bus costs)
- conference registration for the "Love and Other Journeys" conference, to be held by RWNZ from the 23rd of August 2019 to the 25th of August 2019, including the awards dinner
- if you're not a member of RWNZ already, I'll throw in a year's membership
- $50/day for expenses (the conference already provides morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea)
- accommodation in the conference hotel for 4 nights from Thursday 22 August to Sunday 25th August inclusive. If the conference hotel is booked out, I'll pay for any nearby accommodation you can find in a similar price range.

(You'll be responsible for making all the bookings/registrations yourself).

If you'd like to be considered, just drop me an email with "RWNZ Conference 2019" in the subject line, telling me a little about yourself and your reasons why you'd like to attend. Since I know writers like to write, try to keep it to around 300 words or so. :) Email: nalinisinghwritesATgmail DOTcom

This isn't an official scholarship, just one writer paying it forward, so I'll read through all the replies, and choose the one that resonates most with me. I'm sure it'll be a very hard decision for me, but I do hope to do this again next year, so please try again if you miss out this year.

Dates: Emails must be in to me by Saturday March 2nd 2019 at 5pm. I'll email the recipient back by end of day March 10th 2019. If I don't hear from them within 72 hours, I'll choose someone else. Also, if you're the recipient, you can keep your name private if you wish - or you can feel free to out yourself.

Good luck.

New York Night

Angels' eye view of New York. I want wings!!

Brisbane Signing This Saturday & Friday Book Club

Before I throw open the Friday Book Club, a quick note for readers in Brisbane, Australia.

I look forward to seeing some of you at the Australian Romance Readers Convention this weekend! If you missed out on a ticket, you can still attend the booksigning tomorrow from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. You can find full information on the signing session on this page of the ARRC website (scroll down).

And now for the book club! What are you reading and loving this week?

Friday Book Club

...coming to you from the RWA Anaheim Conference! I hope you all had a great week!

I was just down having a look at the swag in the Goody Room, and I met Tessa Dare. She mentioned she was going to do a swag giveaway on her site, and I realized I had room in my luggage this year. So I picked up some swag, too.We'll do a giveaway when I get back! (Thanks for the idea, Tessa!)

Okay, onto the books. What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Walker & Lara, and Anaheim

I've just completed the current draft of Walker and Lara's novella.It's not yet final, but it's getting there. I'm hoping to work on it further on the flight to Anaheim - it'll be good to do a read-through start to finish.

Talking of Anaheim, I'm looking forward to seeing some of you on Wednesday! Full details of the super-duper gigantic book signing here.

You might have noticed we've made some changes to the blog - I hope you all like! Please test out the comments - they should be working fine, but if not, shoot me an email (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com).

And in the spirit of comment testing, here's a tough question for you: Shapeshifter or vampire? Reasons?

Catchup

I've been a bit scarce online this week as I'm hoping to get this draft of Walker and Lara's novella completed before I leave for RWA next week. If you're in Anaheim and attending the Literacy Signing, do make sure to come by and say hi!

What are you all up to?

New York, New York!!

I'm currently sitting in my hotel room in Times Square listening to the pulse of the city - sirens, music, horns, the buzz of activity. I almost expect to look up and see Elena flying overhead.

I hope you're all having a great start to the week. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you at the Literacy Signing tonight!

ARRA Photos

Who is this? Swing by Oddshots to find out, and to see some photos from my recent trip to Sydney to attend the Australian Romance Readers Convention! :-)

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books. What are you reading and loving this week?

p.s. I'm off to the Australian Romance Readers Convention, and so looking forward to it! See some of you there!
p.p.s. Don't forget to vote for Archangel's Kiss in the DABWAHA! The third round of voting is currently underway. 

Conference Photos

Some more photos from the Orlando RWA Conference! Included are shots of several of the RITA winners who passed by the fountain where I was hanging out with the NZ/Aussie contingent.

Julia Quinn with her two RITAs!


Sherry Thomas and Tracy Wolff, looking fabulous.


With the lovely Jodi Thomas at the Berkley signing.

Roxanne St. Clair and Kresley Cole celebrating Kresley's RITA win.

And one of the highlights of my conference - being able to meet the wonderful Lisa Kleypas, who not only writes awesome books, but is incredibly gracious in person. (I had a total fangirl moment, I confess).

I hope you're enjoying the photos. Question for today - if you had a chance, which author would you absolutely love to meet?

Conference Photos

Today, I thought I'd share some photos from RomCon (Denver) and RWA (Orlando). The shot above is from the Literacy Signing at RWA before the doors opened.

With the wonderful Christine Feehan after the RomCon signing.

With reader, Sotheara, after RomCon.

With Romance Diva buddy Jax Cassidy by the fountain at the Dophin hotel during RWA. The fountain was the central hub of the conference - it was a really great spot. There were sofas in little seating areas all around, and lots of space where everyone could mingle.

Open air performers at Downtown Disney (there was a shuttle from the hotel, so a lot of attendees hopped over to Downtown for dinner / shopping).

Nora Roberts & Karen Rose in between workshops at RWA.

Ann Aguirre dancing at RWA after receiving some good news.

Lego dragon at Downtown Disney. See the Ghirardelli ice-cream/chocolate shop behind it? I may possibly have visited that and come away with a giant ice-cream. *g*


Celebrating with Erica Hayes and Kylie Griffin after Kylie's Golden Heart win. Go Kylie!! (Yes, those are cartons of milk that we're holding *grin*).

I have a ton more photos, so I'll post up some more once I've downloaded and sorted them!

Orlando

I'm in Orlando at moment, attending the RWA National Conference. The Literacy Signing was last night, and it went wonderfully. I loved meeting all of you that were able to come. Next year, it'll be in New York, so if that's close to you, make a note in your diary!

Today, I'm planning to attend the keynote speech by Nora Roberts, which should be fantastic.

Also, if you're at RWA, don't forget to come to the Berkley signing 3-4.30pm, Friday. Free books!

Hope you're all having a great week :-)

RomCon

I've got my traveling shoes on and am off to the RomCon conference in Denver! If you're attending, please come on over and say hi!

I'll only be posting sporadically during the next few weeks, but I've got several guest authors scheduled to post through that time, so keep an eye out for them!

Bonds of Justice News & Reviews

I've had emails about whether Bonds of Justice would be available in Kindle format on release date (July 6). The answer is yes - for both the Kindle and for other ebook formats (no live links yet but keep an eye out).

Also, I wanted to share some great reviews for Bonds that have just gone live in the blogsphere.

Every time I read a Psy-Changeling novel, it feels like I'm coming home. Nalini's characters are like family to me....Bonds of Justice delivers a jammed packed, adrenaline rush of a story and an amazing couple with Max and Sophia.

Read the full review at Babbling About Books

I was lapping this book up like the best dessert ever. The kind with the good calories. I love this series and it’s so rare that I get to say that when we’re this many books in. I loved Max and Sophia’s hot romance and I am still just as excited about this series as I ever was back in its beginnings.

Read the full review at Lurv A La Mode

The chemistry is definitely hot between the two main characters , but they have to overcome tremendous odds to be together...It is a wonderful story...

Read the full review on the eHarlequin Community Boards

I'm getting so excited about the release date! I'll actually be in the U.S. around that time so I plan to lurk in bookstores ;-)

In truth, I'm going to be attending RomCon in Denver. It's a reader focused convention being held in Denver, Colorado, July 9-11th. If you're in the area, or close, do check it out. It looks like it's going to be a whole lot of fun!

ConSciption 2009

This was my first sf con and I had an absolute blast. Here are some photos from the weekend.

The international guest of honor was writer Julie Czerneda, who gave a 3 day writer's workshop prior to the con. I joined in for a discussion session on the last day, and it was so much fun. I really enjoyed hearing her speak over the weekend - if you have a chance to attend one of Julie's talks, don't hesitate.

Of course, I also fell in love with Julie because she bought me a present.


You're looking at a copy of Anne Bishop's Queen of the Darkness, signed to me! It's no secret that I adore Ms Bishop's Black Jewels world so you can guess how excited I was to receive this!

Then as the weekend kicked off, the con was invaded by expert swordsmen...


...and Roman legionnaires.

The displays were fantastic. I was particularly interested in the demonstration and talk relating to the history of the modern sword. The speakers brought along a beautiful collection of swords and related armor from across several centuries, and it was wonderful to be able to handle the weapons - especially as blades play an important role in Archangel's Kiss.

The weekend ended on a high note with Stroke of Enticement winning the Best Novella category of the Sir Juilus Vogel Awards. Here's a photo of me with fellow winner Sally McClennan, who won for her children's book Deputy Dan & the Mysterious Midnight Marauder.


A great weekend all around!

Branded By Fire Excerpt

I'm back from Conscription 2009 (great con - post on it later this week), and as promised, here's another excerpt from Branded By Fire.

Mercy and Riley have been in a meeting with Lucas and Hawke as this begins.

___________

Riley stirred beside her. “You need us the rest of the day?”

It was Lucas who answered. “No. Go . . . play.”

Hawke’s grim look turned wolf-wicked as Mercy narrowed her eyes at her alpha and left the room. She felt Riley exit beside her, though he didn’t say a word until they were back in the main corridors. “I guess the secret’s out.”

“What’re you talking about?” she said, the devil in her taking over. Seeing that bloody, broken body had been the final straw—she needed to decompress. And what better way than by teasing Riley?

“You,” he said, his voice dropping as she stopped and turned to face him, “and me.”

Her nipples hardened to aching points, but she made her expression dismissive. “Don’t flatter yourself.” She shoved her hands into the back pockets of her jeans and rocked back on her heels, decision made. Excitement was a taut bow inside her as she said, “I had an itch. You scratched it. End of story.”

A low growl that made her thighs clench. But she smiled and wiggled her fingers. “See ya later, wolfie.”

Riley was about to stalk after her when be belatedly realized he was no longer alone. Scenting the air, he found out how the intruder had snuck in under his defenses. His wolf didn’t consider his younger sister any kind of a threat. “Bren, don’t say a word.”

Brenna took one look at Riley’s face and bit back a laugh. Not fast enough. Her oldest brother turned to her with that look. The one that made everyone behave. But this time, she was laughing too hard to hold it in any longer.

Riley just waited until she’d gotten it out of her system before raising an eyebrow.

“You and Mercy. I love it!”

Silence.

She sniggered. “You wanted Little Miss Submissive and you got a DarkRiver sentinel.” Her giggles started again, deep in her throat.

“Brenna, I’m still your eldest brother.”

“And I’m mated to a big, bad Psy.” She put on her best annoying little-sister voice. “Plus you know you love me.”

“I know that right now, I wish I had some duct tape to put over your mouth.”

Oooh, that was interesting. Nobody really ever got to Riley. She knew he loved her to pieces, but even she had to prod and poke at him for a really long time before she got a reaction. “Mercy and Riley in a tree. K-i-s-s-i—” She shrieked as he picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, and strode toward her quarters.

Her laughter came unbidden. She was giddy with delight. Riley had always been mature, contained, but he’d also had a sense of quiet humor. He was the kind of man children loved because he was both patient and open. But he’d changed after her abduction, withdrawn all that warmth, become so hard that nothing seemed to reach him. She hated that. And she loved Mercy for refusing to allow Riley to be this stranger he’d turned into.

Her nostrils flared at the familiar scent of ice laced with something that was uniquely Judd. “I assume you have a reason for manhandling my mate?” Cool words but his amusement was apparent.

“Riley likes Mercy,” she stage-whispered, trying to twist around to look at her mate. “But she told him that h—oomph.” Riley set her on her feet without warning.

She swayed, but Judd’s hands on her hips kept her upright. Pushing her hair off her face, she leaned into her sexy Psy mate and smirked at Riley. “Sooooo . . .”

“Judd.” Riley ignored her. “You’re obviously not interesting enough for my sister—she’s got way too much time to poke her nose into other people’s business.”

Judd wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin on her hair. “I’m more interested in you and Mercy.”

Growling—Riley actually growled—her big brother turned on his heel and left.

_________

Hmm, wonder where Riley's heading off to???

RAW Pictures Part II

As promised, more pictures from RAW, with some reader pictures too! (If I took a picture of you and it's not up, can you email to let me know it's ok to post it? Also, send me your shots! Some of mine didn't come out.)

We open today with a picture of me with Courtney (who posts on this blog with a Puss In Boots avatar), and Courtney's sock in progress. I now pass the mike to Courtney to explain the significance of this *grin* (Thanks for the photo, Courtney!)

Shiloh Walker, international woman of mystery.

With my dancing partners Brean & Sukhee. (Thanks for the photo, Sukhee!)

Lucy Monroe and her hunky pirate husband.

With Mermaid Carol - isn't her costume just gorgeous?!!

And to close, here's one of Naomi (who has promised to delurk on the blog) & Courtney knitting in the hotel lobby - which was the place to be to meet everyone :)

RAW Pictures & Winner

First up, the random winner of the signed copy of Devil's Bride is Frances (who had a question about CBI - the answer is on pages 297-8 :)) Congrats! Can you email me your details (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com).

As promised, here are some pictures from RAW. (This set is mostly of the authors as I want to double-check with the reader attendees as to whether it's ok to post their pics up.)

I had the most wonderful time - the mood of the entire weekend was upbeat and fun. Getting to meet readers and authors I've only spoken with online before was the absolute highlight. :)

Now, onto the pictures! I have to start with a photo of me with Lora Leigh - I was a huge fan of Lora before we met in person, but now I'm an even bigger fan. She is just the loveliest person. It was so much fun chatting with her.

These next photos were all taken at the book signing on Saturday.

Jennifer Estep with a gorgeous poster of Jinx. I had total poster envy!

Jacki Frank with the cover of the first book in her new Shadow Dwellers series. Hot Gossip: Hypothetically speaking, I might possibly have misspelled Jacki's name when I signed a book for her. In return, she might possibly have added a few extra vowels to my name when she signed an ARC of Ecstasy for me. *grin*


Diane Whiteside with her awesome cover!

The lovely Mary Wine and Kay Stockham. I keep seeing Kay on dance floors - the last time we saw each other was at the Harlequin party in San Francisco. But we officially introduced ourselves to each other this weekend.

Now, I've got some photos from the Masquerade Ball!


Mary Wine in a show-stopping costume - the picture really doesn't do it justice, it was so beautiful, from the fabric to the actual workmanship. Everything was authentic - down to the shoes!


The beautiful Anya Bast with a masked stranger *grin* This was my first time meeting Anya - she's an absolute sweetheart. Her new book "The Chosen Sin" looks really interesting. And the cover - yum.

This next picture was taken on Saturday afternoon.

Jennifer K (who used her hypno-eyes on me to get me to reveal all sorts of secrets!), author Jasmine Haynes/Jennifer Skully, and Sara, a lovely, lovely bookseller who gave me a wonderful guided tour of the city :)

I have more pictures, but I think this post is already ginormous enough! More tomorrow!

I'm Back!

And all I want to do is sleep...zzzzz

There'll be a more coherent post tomorrow (hopefully with pictures), but just quickly - I had a wonderful time at RAW! The attendees - authors and readers both - were fantastic. If any of you are thinking of doing this event next year, I'd totally recommend it.

So, what've you all been up to while I was away?

p.s. I'll also pick the random winner of Devil's Bride tomorrow.

Off to RAW!

I'm heading off to Lora Leigh's Reader Appreciation Weekend (RAW), so the next blog update will likely be sometime late next week.

Hopefully, I'll have lots of photos to share with you all when I get back. But, until then, I have a great giveaway for you - a signed copy of the fabulous Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens.

I love the Cynsters, and Devil's Bride is the first book in the series. My own copy is very well loved and sits proudly on my keeper shelves. I was soooo tempted to keep this copy, too, but I decided I'd rather send it out so someone else could experience the magic.

If you like protective, possessive alpha heroes, and female leads strong enough to take on these gorgeous men, I think you'll enjoy Honoria and Devil's story. You can read an excerpt on Stephanie Laurens' website, but take my word for it - it's a wonderful book!

Leave a comment on this post by midnight, Tuesday 23rd September (New Zealand time) if you'd like to go into the draw for this copy of Devil's Bride. See you when I get back from RAW! :)