Hello everybody!

Well, here it is. My very first newsletter. This is something I've been meaning to do forever. I don't know how this is going to work out, so here goes.

First off, if you've received a note from me and you don't want to be on the newsletter mailing list, please let me know. I'll be glad to remove you. No one knows better than me how our inboxes can overflow with stuff. So, you're overwhelmed and don't want to get anymore emails, not to worry. I'm happy to take you off the list. No pressure here.

Please forgive the simplicity of this correspondence. To be honest, I'm terribly bad with computer stuff and this is so new to me, there won't be any bells and whistles for awhile. Just you and I, a little bit of chatter, and a lot of grattitude (well, this last one is on my part).

If you're receiving this newsletter it's because you left a note on my website guestbook, are a dear friend of mine that I have badgered into buying my books, are a member of one or more of the writing groups I'm a part of, or you are part of my family. (I can take you off the list if you're any of the above except family. Ha, ha, if you're related to me, you're just stuck with it.)

On to the latest news!!!

Yesterday I finally turned in the latest set of revisions for my novel IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND (due out April 2006) to my editor. I posted the back cover blurb and a short excerpt on my Authors Den website under books, so I hope you'll look it up. I really had a terrific time with these characters and it's my hope that you will, too.

Just a hint: It's a Regency set paranormal about an army surgeon who can read minds and the neice of brilliant scientist whose uncle is threatened by a killer bent on possessing her at all costs. Drawn together, the two set off on a path fraught with danger, intrigue, and a passion that neither of them have ever known.

Writing craft: I'm going to include a short blurb here on writing craft. If you are not an author, you can skip this part.

Conference mp3's. Since I received my recordings from the national Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference held last July, I have been busily plugging into my iPod and listening to all the wonderful workshops I missed. Yes, I was there, but in four days there is no way to get the 180 plus hours of workshopping done unless you have five clones, two hundred gallons of pure caffeine, and enough energy to launch the space shuttle.

This is a terrific way to boost your motivation to write. Even though I will probably never write chic lit, erotica, or contemporary womens fiction with romantic elements, the same basic tenants of writing apply. These authors took their too prescious time to put together intense workshops and the value of their wisdom is without compare.

On them I have such cool speakers as Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Jane Ann Krentz, just to name a few. But it's not only the big names. New authors who have stuggling like me as well as long time published writers who know all of the ins and outs of the business. I tell you it's gold in the form of a sound bite. I'm even thinking that I'll go to the RWA website and order previous years workshops.

More than that, if you're serious about being a writer, you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the printed word. Things like craft, business, and personal growth are essential to a writer. It's the best $99.00 I've ever spent.

Now, on to other writerly stuff. I would like to take a moment and mention a few of the groups I'm part of that give me support, friendship, and unlimited help with my writing career and life in general.

The Central Florida Romance Writers, www.cfrwa.org, affiliated with Romance Writers of America. I've been with them since the beginning. A fine and more talented group of authors do not exist. If you're interested in becoming a writer and want a chance to learn, grow, laugh, cry, and network, then this is definitely the place to go. We have several multipublished, award winning authors who totally rock. Stop by. You won't be disappointed!

Romance Unleashed. These terrific ladies are compatriots of mine since my first RWA recognized publication. They live at www.romanceunleashed.com. Award winning authors of fabulous books encompassing all genres of romance, they have saved my sanity on many, many occaisions. Add to that, they write the coolest books.

Kensington books: I have to mention my publisher because it was my K. editor who pulled me out of the slush pile and gave me a shot. Not only that, they also gave me beautiful book covers and tons of support. I am sooo lucky.

Wings ePress. This wonderful epublisher offered me my first contract. The devotion of their editors and staff knows no bounds. I have gotten lots of support, wonderful covers, and the best leg up in the biz that anyone could ask for. Check them out at www.wingsepress.com.

In closing I'd like to invite you all to my websites: www.pamlabud.com and www.authorsden.com/pamlabud. Stop by, sign my guestbook if you get the chance. I have excerpts and reviews on both, and my very own blog on the authors den website.

Until next time, have a great day and Happy Reading!!! Pam.