First Sales!

2005 News, Awards and Honors

2004 || 2003 || 2002 || 2001

2005 Special Nominations/News/Awards for Published Authors

 

Congratulations to WisRWA's 2005 RITA® Winner! Lori Handeland won the 2005 RITA® for Best Paranormal with BLUE MOON (St. Martin's Press)

Shari Anton's ONCE A BRIDE is a National Readers' Choice Award Finalist. The book is also a Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award Winner.

Jean Barrett (aka Bob Rogers) won first place in the Write Touch Readers' Award Contest, Romantic Suspense Category, with SUDDEN RECALL. His book THE LEGEND OF CROFT CASTLE was nominated for the Romantic Times Best Harlequin Intrigue award.

Carry Bebris won third place in the Write Touch Readers' Award Contest, Main Stream with Romantic Elements Category, for PRIDE AND PRESCIENCE.

Rowena Cherry is pleased to announce that FORCED MATE is a finalist in the 2005 Desert Rose Golden Quill in the Science Fiction/Fantasy/Futuristic category; and also in the Best First Book category of the First Coast Romance Writers BEACON awards.

Lori Handeland's BLUE MOON not only won the 2005 RITA for Best Paranormal Romance and the Colorado Romance Writer's Award of Excellence, the book is also a Holt Medallion Finalist, a Prism Award Winner and a KOD Daphne du Maurier Finalist. We'd call that a 'howling' success! Her novella, RED MOON RISING (in the St. Martin's Anthology Stroke of Midnight) is also a Prism Award Winner. Lori's A SOLDIER'S QUEST (Harlequin Superromance) is a Walden Books Best Seller.

Jewels of the Quill WisRWA member authors Christine DeSmet, Liz Hunter, Carrie Masek, Barbara Raffin, Julie Skerven, and Jane Toombs are part of a September anthology from Whiskey Creek Press. TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Vol. I is a Romantic Times BookClub TOP PICK with 4- 1/2 stars! A Christmas Anthology is also in the works, featuring many of the same authors.

Barbara Raffin's THE VISITOR, a paranormal suspense with sci-fi elements, received 5 angels and a RECOMMENDED READ from Fallen Angel Reviews. Barb also designed the book cover.

Roxi Romano has taken first place in The Lories Best Published contest with Fantasies R Us, erotica category. RT Book Club gave FRU an enthusiastic 4 1/2 star review.

Fran Shaff's contemporary romance, FOR LOVE OF MAGGIE (December '04/Awe-Struck E-books), placed third in "traditional" categories of both the Write Touch Readers' Award and the More Than Magic contests. These are "Maggie's" second and third awards. Her first was a Readers' Choice Award from eCataRomance. CHANGE OF HEART, American historical romance released in June by Champagne Books was the # 1 best seller at Champagne Books for June and July. STOLEN SON, Contemporary romance released in April by Champagne Books won a "Top Pick" Reviewers' Choice Award from Romance Reader at Heart for 2005. Congratulations, Fran!

Jane Toombs has sold her short story EARLY FALLS THE DEW to DiskUs Quick-Picks. Publication date to be announced.

Carol Voss' THE WAY TO A WOMAN'S HEART placed third in the Best First Book category in the Romance Writers Ink, More Than Magic contest. THE WAY TO A WOMAN'S HEART is also a finalist in the long contemporary category of The First Coast Romance Writers' BEACON contest.
 

 
2005 Contest Winners and Finalists

 

Congratulations to WisRWA's 2005 Golden Heart® Winner! Christine R. Merrill is the 2005 Golden Heart® winner in the Short Historical Category for her manuscript, SECRETS OF ALL HEARTS. Congratulations also to our three Golden Heart® finalists:                  Kathryn Albright (left) Short Historical Kelle Riley (center) Short Contemporary Beth Watson (right) Contemporary Single Title

Helen Johannes has finaled in the New England Chapter's 'First Kiss Contest' with PRINCE OF VAL-FEYRIDGE. The manuscript also received Honorable Mention in the Paranormal category of the Ticket to Write Contest.

Jackie Johnson's manuscript, ALL I ASK, received an honorable mention in WisRWA's Fab Five Contest Long Contemporary Category in May 2005.

Donna Kowalczyk won Honorable Mention in WisRWA's Fab Five Contest with her manuscript MEANT TO BE (Romantic Suspense category). Donna's manuscript THERE'S ONLY BEEN YOU, earned an Honorable Mention in NJRW's 2005 Put Your Heart In A Book Contest, and second place in OVRWA's 2005 Summer Sizzle Contest.

Eunice Loecher's inspirational contemporary romantic suspense, LOVING WATER,
will be released July 19th and can be found at Publish America.

Virginia McCullough won fourth place in WisRWA's Fab Five Contest with her manuscript ISLAND HEALING (Women's Fiction category).

Cheryl Nagro won first place in WisRWA's Fab Five Contest with MADE FOR EACH OTHER (short contemporary category).

Edie Ramer's single title contemporary, WALK THIS WAY, is the winner (overall) of the 2005 Valley Forge Romance Writers "Sheila" MOST UNIQUE PLOT award. It also took first place in the 2005 Heart of Denver Romance Writers "Molly" contest, and finalled in NEORWA's 2005 Romancing the Novel (single title).

Jennifer Spooner won Honorable Mention in the WisRWA Fab Five Contest
with her manuscript JOHN'S LETTER (Historical category)

Beth Watson took second place in the Winter Rose contest for TILL DEATH DO US PART. Even more good news, her manuscript LOVE IS IN THE AIR is a winner in the Finally a Bride contest.

 

More good news coming soon!

 First Sales! 

Meagan Hatfield's fantasy romance, A MAGICAL ENCOUNTER, is scheduled for release in 2007 from Wings ePress.

Kathy Steffen sold her historical women’s fiction, FIRST, THERE’S A RIVER, to Medallion Press. She pitched her manuscript at the 2005 WisRWA Write Touch Conference. Release date to be determined.

First Sale Honored at Write Touch 2005! Lori Devoti's LOVE IS ALL AROUND is a May 2005 release from Zebra Books.

Pam Ford Stutz's OH BABY will be released by Harlequin Superromance in December 2004. The book is a RWA Golden Heart Finalist, too!

Laura Iding has sold two books to Harlequin for their Medical Romances line. EMERGENCY: NURSE IN NEED is slotted for October 2004, and THE FLIGHT DOCTOR'S RESCUE will be a February 2005 release.

Kathryn Springer has sold an inspirational romance, TESTED BY FIRE, to Steeple Hill Love Inspired. The book will be released in August 2004.

Debbie Fritter has sold her short contemporary romance,THE PERFECT MATCH, to Whippoorwill Press. Publication date Fall 2003.

Carol Voss, has sold to Silhouette. Her GH finalist, THE KRAMERS TAKE A DAD will be a Special Edition and is slated for publication in 2004.

Sherry Wille, two book contract with Awe-Struck. OUTLAW'S SON is scheduled for release in November 2004. OUTLAW'S DAUGHTER follows in May 2005.

Jackie Core, w/a Jacqueline Ross, two book contract with Kensington Zebra. PLAYING BY HEART is scheduled for a September 2002 release.

Linda Steadman, w/a Roxanne Kirkpatrick, THE DREAMER, eroticsf.com, date to be announced

Victoria Hinshaw, THE FONTAINEBLEAU FAN, a Kensington-Zebra Regency, scheduled for September 2002

Jeannine Van Eperen, HEARTS IN 3/4 TIME, Neighborhood Press, June 2001

Peggy Hendricks, w/a Peggy Daniels, MAIL-ORDER GROOM, Kensington Precious Gems Historical, January 2001
 
Elysa Hendricks, RAWHIDE SURRENDER, Hard Shell Word Factory, Spring 2000
 
Barbara Raffin, WOLFSONG, Awe-Struck E-Books, January 2001
 
Penny Wolberg, w/a Layla Flannery, FOR LOVE OF A LADY (tentative title), Kensington Precious Gems Historical, October 2000

Ann Voss Peterson, INADMISSIBLE PASSION, Harlequin Intrigue, August 2000 

Christine DeSmet, SPIRIT LAKE, Hard Shell Word Factory, February 2000 

Julia Charpenter, SUMMER SOLSTICE, Dreams Unlimited, December 1999 

Donna K. Smith, w/a Liz Hunter, BEYOND THE SHADOWS, Hard Shell Word Factory, April 2000 

Carrie Masek, UNDER A BEAR MOON, Hard Shell Word Factory, May 1999 

Muna Shehadi Sill, w/a Isabelle Sharpe, Harlequin Duets 

Roxanne Rustand, HER SISTER'S CHILDREN, Harlequin Superromance, August 1999 

Julie Skerven, FOOLS GOLD, Hard Shell Word Factory, December 1998 

Carrie A. Bebris (co-written w/ Wm W. Connors), SHADOWBORN, TSR Ravenloft, March 1998 

Michele Albert, w/a Michelle Jerott, ABSOLUTE TROUBLE, Avon Books, September 1998 

Patricia Hamon, w/a Patricia Roy, LUCKY STARS, Warner Books, June 1998 

Mary Z. Wolf, PATENT FOR PASSION, Hard Shell Word Factory, January 1997 

WisRWA Chapter Service Awards

2004 Award winner Shirley Cayer (above, left) receiving her plaque at Write Touch 2005 from 2003 Service Award winner Laura Iding. 2003 - Laura Iding (pictured above, right)

2002 Chapter Service Award Winners Leslie Parker (left) and Anna Baier (Ana Leigh)

2001 - Lori Handeland and Suzi Just
2000 - Kate Bowman
1999 - Sharon Antoniewicz
1998 - Bonita Mason
1997 - Peggy Hendricks
1996 - Georgann Suszka
1995 - Donna K. Smith

2004 Special Nominations/Awards for Published Authors/Author News

Fran Shaff's books, FOR LOVE OF MAGGIE (Awe-Struck E-books) and EVER SO HUMBLE (Avalon Books) both won CataRomance's Reviewers' Choice Awards for 2004. Congratulations, Fran!

Kathryn Springer has signed a three book contract with Steeple Hill Cafe. The first in the series is titled "Front Porch Princess."

Jean Barrett's COWBOY PI is a finalist in the Aspen Gold contest. Congratulations, Jean!

Ann Vos Peterson's novel CLAIMING HIS FAMILY is nominated for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Romantic Suspense! This is the third year in a row that Ann has been a finalist, and she's "way excited!" Congratulations, Ann!

Shari Anton's THE IDEAL HUSBAND is a second place winner in the RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Award of Excellence, Long Historical Category. The book is also a nominee for the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Congratulations, Shari!

Barb Raffin's historical romance, THE INDENTURED HEART, was an Affaire de Coeur on-line poll winner in the Colonial American Historical category. Barb's paranormal suspense, TIME OUT OF MIND, made the top three in AdC's paranormal category. Great news, Barb!

2004 Contest Winners, Finalists, News and Special Recognition

Helen Johannes took second in the FFP category of the Spring Into Romance Contest sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of RWA with PRINCE OF VAL-FEYRIDGE. The prize was a read by Anna Genoese.

Beth Watson's LEADING A CHARMED LIFE (chick lit) placed 3rd in the Laurie, and third in Touch of Magic. Another of Beth's stories, TILL DEATH DO US PART (romantic comedy) placed second in the Maggie, and Touch of Magic contests, fourth in the Labor of Love, and was a finalist in the Molly. Good going, Beth!

Denise Cychosz placed third in the Faith, Hope and Love Contest with THE SWORD & THE CROSS.

Pam Ford Stutz (writing as Pamela Ford) was a 2004 Golden Heart finalist with OH, BABY!, which has since sold to Harlequin Superromance and is scheduled for release in December. Good going, Pam!

Lori Devoit sold a short story to Arabella that will be out in 2005 titled FOLLOW THE SIGNS, a historical set in southern Missouri.

Barbara Raffin sold a short story to Arabella that will be out in 2005 titled THE STING OF ROMANCE.

2003 Special Nominations/Awards for Published Authors

Isabel Sharpe's 2-in1 with JoAnn Ross, titled WINDFALL, was awarded 4-1/2 stars and Top Pick mention from Romantic Times Magazine.

Barb Raffin garnered three awards recently. THE INDENTURED HEART was chosen #1 colonial historical in the Affaire de Coeur on-line poll. TIME OUT OF MIND made the top 3 in the paranormal category for the Affaire de Coeur on-lin poll. DEAD RIGHT, a romantic suspense, was a finalist in the 2003 PASIC contest.

Ana Leigh made the USA Today's extended bestsellers' list. Her latest story, A FRONTIER CHRISTMAS, is part of Harlequin's Historicals Christmas anthology.

Jean Barrett's (Bob Rogers) Harlequin Intrique OFFICIAL ESCORT placed fourth in the Barclay Gold 2003 Contest of Top Ten Favorite Books.

Mary Alice Monroe's THE BEACH HOUSE son the Maggie Award for best single title fiction fromthe Georgia Romance Writers.

Roxanne Rustand's OPERATION:MISTLETOE won the Aspen Gold contest in the long contemporary category.

Ann Voss Peterson's LAYING DOWN THE LAW was a finalist in the long contemporary category of the Aspen Gold Contest.

Victoria Hinshaw’s first book, THE FOUNTAINEBLEAU FAN finaled the Bookseller’s Best.

Roxanne Rustand’s book, Operation: Katie (Harlequin Superromance. 6/02) is a finalist in the Holt Medallion. Also, Roxanne’s Christmas story, OPERATION: MISTLETOE is a finalist in the suspense category of The Golden Quill contest.

Ann Voss Peterson's ACCESSORY TO MARRIAGE is a finalist in the Kiss of Death Daphne du Maurier contest.

2003 Contest Winners, Finalists, and Special Recognition

HOT PROSPECTS Contest, Valley of the Sun Romance Writers.
     Mary Jo Scheibl, Second Place, Mystery/Suspense Division for IT HAD TO BE YOU.
     Mary Jo has also received her PRO Pin from RWA®

PASIC
    Barbara Raffin, winner for her entry, TAMING TESS.

LORIES Best Proposal
    Barbara Raffin, winner in the Paranormal category for DEAD RIGHT.

2002 Special Nominations/Awards for Published Authors

Shari Anton's KNAVE OF HEARTS is a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards Contest!

Congratulations to Bob Rogers aka Jean Barrett for taking first place in the Best Single Title or Romantic Suspense category of the Bookseller's Best Contest sponsored by the Greater Detroit Chapter of RWA. Winners were announced at the RWA National Conference in August. His winner is a Harlequin Intrique called: THE HUNT FOR HAWK'S DAUGHTER.

CRYSTAL MOON by Elysa Hendricks is a finalist in the GDRWA Bookseller's Best contest and. GEMINI MOON has placed 2nd in the Volusia County Romance Writers 2002 Laurel Wreath Award contest, judged by booksellers. Now Elysa can say that ALL her books are award winners!

Ana Leigh's THE MACKENZIES: JARED reached #31 on the New York Times extended list and #87 on the USA Today Bestseller list!

Ann Voss Peterson got 4 1/2 stars and TOP PICK review for her new romantic suspense, ACCESSORY TO MARRIAGE. And more good news for Ann, she was offered a two book contract from Harlequin Intrigue. The first book is SINS OF THE FATHER (tentative title), release date TBA. Details on book two will be available at a later date. Ann's HIS WITNESS, HER CHILD was a finalist in WisRWA's Write Touch Readers' Award in the Single Title/Romantic Suspense Category and also made the finals in the Daphne du Maurier awards for published romantic suspense.

Barbara Raffin's WOLFSONG is a finalist in the WisRWA Readers' Choice Award, Single Title/Romantic Suspense Category, and also in the Quasar cover competition. Barb credits cover artist Rickey Mallory for a very fine job. Barbara has also finalled in Peninsula Chapter RWA's "Off and Running" contest for her manuscript, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Barb was also a double finalist in the PASIC "Put Your Heart in a Book" contest. This contest was open to pubbed and unpubbed authors. She finalled with TAMING TESS and NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Congratulations, Barb!

Nikki Rivers' A SNOWBALL'S CHANCE was a finalist for the WisRWA Write Touch Readers' Award in the Short Contemporary category.

Jaye Roycraft has been nominated for a 2001 P.E.A.R.L. Award -- Paranormal Excellence Award for Romantic Literature -- for "Best New Author! AFTERIMAGE has been nominated for a Sime-Gen Reviewer's Choice Award.

Jo Schmidt, writing as Anna Schmidt was a finalist for the Holt Medallion (Inspirational Category) and for the Colorado Award of Excellence with her book, THE DOCTOR'S MIRACLE.

2002 Contest Winners, Finalists, and Special Recognition

Kate Bowman was a GH finalist in 2002 for "Super Mom by Proxy"

Susie Just: Fabulous Five 2002 Silver Quill Award for Romantic Suspense for "Always A Hero."

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
     Patricia Schroedl, Second Place, Historical

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
     Christine Merrill, Second Place, Short Contemporary

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
     Betsy Norman, Honorable Mention, Short Contemporary

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
     Susan Marie Just, First Place, Romantic Suspense

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
    Laura Iding, Second Place, Romantic Suspense

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
    Laura Iding, Third Place, Romantic Suspense

WisRWA Fabulous Five Contest
     Barbro Whiting, Honorable Mention, Romantic Suspense

A whole slew of congratulations to Laura Iding for finaling and winning in multiple contests! Laura took first place for DEBT OF FREEDOM (Short Contemporary) in the Toronto Golden Opportunity contest. She is also a finalist in the same contest for RELUCTANT PROTECTOR. In the North Texas RWA contest, she finaled in the Romantic Suspense category with KEEPING CODY SAFE. And let's not forget her two wins in our own FAB 5! Congratulations, Laura!

Virginia McCullough's GRETA'S GRACE is a finalist in the single title/mainstream category of the Valley Forge Romance Writers "Winning Beginning" contest. Congratulations, Virginia!

Betsy Norman's synopsis for MISMATCHED took first place in The Dreaded Synopsis contest, sponsored by the First Coast Romance Writers. The same manuscript placed second in Short Contemporary category of the Heart of the Rockies Contest and is a finalist in the Golden Pen. Congratulations, Betsy!

Barbara Raffin is a finalist in the Valley Forge Romance Writers Winning Beginning contest with TAMING TESS (long contemporary category). Congratulations, Barb!

Pam Ford Stutz has finaled in the long contemporary category of the Golden Pen Contest, sponsored by the Golden Network. Another of her manuscripts is a finalist in the long contemporary category of the Virginia Romance Writer's "Fool for Love" contest. Congratulations, Pam!

Carol Voss is a finalist in the Georgia Romance Writers' Maggie awards with her long contemporary, WHERE LOVE BLOOMS. Congratulations, Carol!

2001 Special Nominations/Awards for Published Authors

Lori Handeland, MOTHER OF THE YEAR, winner of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence for Long Contemporary. Lori's WHEN YOU WISH has been nominated as Best Bouquet of 2000 by Romantic Times. Lori is also one of the winners of this year's WisRWA Chapter Service Award. Lori's RICO, book three in her ROCK CREEK SIX series received a 4-1/2 star rating from Romantic Times!

Ana Leigh, THE MACKENZIES: JOSH, Romantic Times 2000 KISS Award Nominee.

Roxanne Rustand, MONTANA LEGACY (Harlequin Superromance) is a long contemporary finalist in the Golden Quill, sponsored by the Desert Rose RWA Chapter in Arizona. This same book also placed third in WisRWA's Write Touch!

Jo Schmidt (writing as Willa Hix) THEN AND NOW took first place in paranormal in the Sooner Area Rising Star Contest. Jo also took second place in the SARA inspirational category for her book A MOTHER FOR AMANDA (written under the pen name Anna Schmidt).

2001 Contest Winners, Finalists, and Special Recognition

Colorado Romance Writers Heart of the Rockies Contest
     Betsy Norman, Finalist

Beau Monde's Royal Ascot Contest
     Victoria Hinshaw, Finalist

Golden Network's Golden Pen Contest
     Carol Voss, Finalist, Contemporary Category

Golden Opportunity Contest (Toronto RWA)
     Laura Iding, First Place, Short Contemporary

Heart of Denver Chapter, Molly Contest
      Sherry Wille is in the Semi-finals with COFFEE, TEA OR LOVE, single title category.

Windy City's Four Seasons Contest
      Carol Voss, First Place for HIS OWN ANGEL

WisRWA Fabulous Five Writing Contest
     Mary Biebel, Honorable Mention, Short Contemporary Category
     Linda Gant, Third Place, Paranormal/Fantasy/Futuristic/Time Travel Category

Congratulations to Debbie Fritter! Her manuscript PARADISE IN A SQUARED CIRCLE, a contemporary romance, met the criteria for participation in the RWA Pro Special Recognition program and she received her RWA Pro pin on August 20, 2001.