Last summer for the rewrites of TRINITY STONES, it was my critique partner, Joanie, and I who holed up in the Sofitel in Washington, D.C. for our ‘Rip ‘n Repair' weekend. Unfortunately, Joanie and I couldn't make that work again this summer due to conflicting schedules – not to say she isn't in this up to her eyeballs with everyone else 🙂
This year, the 2nd Annual Cross-Stitch Summer weekend hosted by Pat at her beach house on the New Jersey shore turned into the perfect venue for my next book in the Angelorum Twelve series, The WANDERER'S CHILDREN, due out in mid-December.
Angelorum Twelve Beta Team: Selfie on Joe's Boat
Me & Lesley
Beta Team at Pat's Beach House on the “Jersey Shore”
For nearly two decades, we've been meeting for “cross-stitch” on almost a monthly basis. Not that any of us have actually stitched anything in over ten years, but hey, it's all about the chat and the food. It only made sense that they became part of my core Beta Team. All four of us meet back in the late '80s / early '90s while working in the Agricultural business for the now defunct American Cyanamid Company. Adding my other beta, Eileen, that makes five of us. She's been with us in spirit, contributing a lot to this effort from her new Miami digs. These ladies are four of the brightest brains I know. I'm blessed to have them, plus Joanie, and a couple of new additions to my team.
I couldn't do this without my amazing team… As a result, they get to see parts of themselves in the finished product while I create a better story.
The best advice I could give a new writer is to get a beta team 🙂 They are your cheerleaders and your support system. These ladies happen to be extra special. Not only have we known each other forever, but we've reached a working rhythm where they are my trusted advisors. They can be both brutally honest and constructive, which is exactly what every writer needs.
XOXO to my ladies!
Joanie and I at last year's ‘Rip ‘n Repair' D. C. weekend in July… She's the one who sees what everyone else misses. XOXO, Joanie!
Two Hot Broads – Joanie & Liz in D.C.
Photo Credits: Pat Campbell, Joe Campbell, and Joan Sorensen. All rights reserved.
