CAROL BURNSIDE / ANNIE RAYBURN

>Perfunctory. Wat’s it mean?

Posted on April 15, 2008 by Annie Rayburn/Carol Burnside

>I like words that aren’t used in everyday conversation. I dunno about you, but I’ve never heard anyone say, “That was a rather perfunctory smile. What’s wrong?”

Saying “perfunctory” feels slightly humorous, sounds kinda old-fashioned, but wat’s it mean?

Yahoo’s definition is:
(adjective) unenthusiastic, routine, or mechanical

M-W online says:
1. characterized by routine or superficiality: mechanical
2. lacking in interest or enthusiasm

So, let’s use it in a few sentences. (Keep in mind, I write romance.)

1. His kisses had become perfunctory, as if he felt obliged to offer what little was left now that the passion had fled their relationship.

2. After receiving word of her ex-lover’s suicide, her on-stage performance was perfunctory at best.

Posted in Wat's it Mean?, Wednesday's Word | Comments Off

>2008 Moonlight & Magnolias Conference (x-posted)

Posted on April 15, 2008 by Annie Rayburn/Carol Burnside

M&M committee members were asked to post this on various loops and venues, so FYI…

Carol Burnside

http://carolburnside.blogspot.com

***PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED AND ENCOURAGED ***

Have you heard? There are many reasons to register early to attend this
year’s M&M!

_ 5 editors and 4 agents coming to M&M. That’s 9 industry professionals
taking appointments. Wow. See their interviews on our website and get ready
to make your appointment selection-E/A appts opening up May 1st!

_ Back by popular demand! Friday morning workshop to groom your pitch for
this super line up of editors & agents (go to www.georgiaromancewriters.org
for the list)
___ Only the 1st 100 eligible attendees will get to participate. You must be
registered and have paid your conference fee to be eligible.
___ An editor and agent will speak at the Friday workshop before attendees
break up into small groups. Attendees for the pitch workshop will pitch
their stories to published authors who will offer critiques and suggestions
to improve your pitch to an editor or agent.

_ In addition to the terrific line up of workshops offered to all conference
attendees, we have a separate track for published authors.

_ The Saturday book signing will feature a string of best selling authors,
beginning with our Keynote, NYT best seller Teresa Medieros.

_ A Bookseller/Librarian Koffee Klatch (Details on this event coming in the
next couple months, but there is limited space and participation will be
based on registration number).

_ And as an added bonus: NO Parking FEES at the Hilton! That’s right. In
addition to the LOW, low room rates – no additional parking costs!

Go to the website for ALL the details. This note is just a thank you to
everyone who has registered and a heads up to the rest of you to sign up
ahead of the crowd. 🙂

Direct link: http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/MMConf/2008/MM08Home.php

What??? You need more incentive?
Paid registrations by May 1 will be entered into a drawing for a partial
read (synopsis and 3 chapters) by an agent or editor, so sign up NOW!

Thanks,
Darcy Crowder, your 2008 M&M Conference Chair
and the Moonlight & Magnolias Conference Team.

***PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED AND ENCOURAGED ***

Posted in Everyday blather | Comments Off

>Tuesday Tidbits and A-I

Posted on April 14, 2008 by Annie Rayburn/Carol Burnside

>Over at I Heart Presents, Lynn Raye Harris’ winning first chapter and synopsis are on display as well as her editor’s comments. Wow. What a strong story and great voice. I have no doubt Lynn will have great success as a Presents author.

My CP, Linda is editing one manuscript for publication and starting a new WIP this week, since as a teacher, she’s on Spring Break. Most people rest, but that’s Linda! It’s no wonder she has so many books contracted with Samhain. Go check out her latest two covers. OMG, they’re gorgeous!

I’ve started a new WIP too. This one’s working title is His Perfect Partner and is the 3rd in my series that includes ASW and HUF. That title will probably change, but does fit the story very well. I’ve also (finally!) updated my word meters in the sidebar, should you care to look. 😉

My weather pixie was stuck on a balmy day sometime last week or the previous. I had to adjust my location slightly, but she’s back to more accurate weather. We get warm spring days, then rainy and cold, but Spring has definitely appeared here. I took a bunch of pix yesterday of the pretty flowers around my yard. Will have to download and post soon.

Regarding American Idol: Karen Tabke and Amie Stuart cover that topic so well and more consistently than I so I’ll refer you to their blogs. I usually leave my .02 in their comments sections. After last week, my enthusiasm for the show waned after Michael Johns was voted off. What were people thinking? There were several more deserving of being voted off than he was.

Okay, enough tidbits. Until next time…