Friday, I met for plotting & coffee with three of my closest friends, who also happen to be amazing authors. Fellow NovelFriends Jamie Kersten , and New York Times Bestselling author Stacey Joy Netzel (Yep, I said NYT Bestselling, people!). And we were lucky enough to be joined by author & publishing consultant Virginia McCullough. We chatted, plotted, chatted some more. Until real life reared its ugly head and I had to head home. (Disclaimer: Donna loves her family very much!)
Saturday morning, we all drove down to Milwaukee to join our sister WisRWA (Wisconsin Romance Writers of America) members for their monthly chapter meeting. Stacey and I spoke on a panel about indie-publishing, along with Edie Ramer, Leigh Morgan, and Mary Hughes, all incredible authors who found success with indie publishing. We were honored to be asked, and enjoyed the meeting very much. I even learned a few things myself!
After the meeting, the four of us drove further south to Racine, Wisconsin to have lunch with another dear friend, Mary Jo (award-winning author Casey Clifford). Mary Jo and her dashingly handsome husband, Jim. As soon as we walked into their stunningly beautiful condo (I'm on a roll with the adjectives...LOL), Jim showed us all out onto the balcony, which overlooks beautiful Lake Michigan, to take tons of pictures. I felt like a rock star! Though it was their energetic little dog, Oreo, who stole the show. Isn't she gorgeous?
I love all these gals dearly...
Stacey & Mary Jo
Jamie & Mary Jo
Virginia & Mary Jo
After (a gazillion) photos were taken by all, we were treated to a tour of their three-story condo, which as I already mentioned, has a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. I now have office envy, bathroom envy, and husband envy! We were also thrilled to meet her charming son.
We chatted for a while, then Mary Jo served a delicious yet light lunch of chicken salad (chock full of dried cranberries, celery, and cashews), fresh fruit, and yummy rolls. But the grand finale? Mary Jo served us the most delctable Better Than Sex Pumpkin Spice cake, and heavenly Lemon Bars! I'm stealing Stacey's picture since I didn't think to take one myself (I was too busy stuffing my face...LOL).
Thanks for reading about my awesome weekend! I hope everyone had just as nice a time as I did. :-)
~ Donna
It really was a perfect weekend, Donna. Had such a wonderful time with so many of my favorite ladies. I think the picture of Donna with Mary Jo is missing though. :-) Hope it isn't too long before we have a chance to do it again.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful weekend. :-) Next, we need to plan our GNO. I miss Dulcie, and I think we're due to come to Wausau next, aren't we...?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you all had an awesome time...and that pumpkin cake! YUM! I'm glad you all got a chance to get out and spend some quality time together.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Delia! Like I said, the only thing missing was YOU! We have to get together soon. :-)
DeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed our visit. But we, my charming son, handsome hubby and energetic dog enjoyed having all of you here even more.
Glad to hear it, Casey! Looking forward to another invite one of these days. ;-)
DeleteLate here...(what's new?), but it really was a great weekend starting with Friday and going all the way into Sunday for me. Each part was special in it's own way and I'm so glad we had the time together.
ReplyDeleteBut you're also right, we need another girls weekend with Dulcie. :) Soon!