March 31, 2006

The Rita

Written by Shana in Jaunty Post

Okay, you had to be expecting this blog. I got the amazing news a week ago today that I am a finalist for the Rita award. Quick definition for those scratching their heads.

“RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) RITA is the most sought-after award in romance publishing today. The 1,000 romance novels entered in this year’s contest have been narrowed down to 94 finalists in 13 categories. These finalists advance to the “final round” of competition where they will be judged by very discriminating judges – their fellow published authors. The judges now have the difficult task of critiquing and ranking these finalists to determine the final 13 winners. The winners of the 13 RITA Awards will be revealed on July 29, 2006 at RWA’s 26th Annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.”

The complete list of finalists can be found at the RWA website

Here’s what happened. About 8:10 a.m. the phone rings. I am brushing my teeth and don’t answer. A few moments later I go into my office to start work for the day. I check my emails and see there is discussion on several writing loops that I’m on. The question of the day is: Have you gotten The Call? Not the call that a publisher wants to buy your book, which is THE CALL, but The Call that you’re a finalist.

Suddenly, that missed phone call took on a whole new significance. Was it The Call or just a call? The caller didn’t leave a message. Should I call back? Should I wait until she calls back? What do I say when she answers? “Hi, did you call because of the Rita?”

More than likely, I convinced myself, it was just a credit card company trying to get me to purchase fraud protection.

How silly of me to be thinking I would get The Call. There are so many good books published each year. Surely, it would take a miracle for that call to be The Call.

So I got to work. Slowly. Looking over my shoulder at the phone every ten seconds. The darn thing didn’t ring. Not that I expected it to.

But who had called? Why hadn’t they left a message? Why didn’t they call back?

And then, thank God, the phone rang again. It was Gayle Wilson, president of RWA, and she asked if I knew why she was calling.

Oh, yes. I did.

So The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I’ve Dated, a book written under my real name, Shane Bolks, finaled in the Best First Book category. I was stunned and ecstatic.

This is the best thing that could have happened. That book never quite got the attention I’d hoped, and now it’s like getting a “do over.” And I couldn’t have picked a book more deserving. I had so much fun writing that book. It was easy, you know? It seemed to write itself.

So like they say at the Oscars (and this really is the Oscars of romance writing), it’s an honor to be nominated. I don’t care if I win. I don’t care if I ever final again (well, maybe I care a little about that one). But I am just so amazed and thrilled and fortunate to be on the list this time around.

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10 Responses to “The Rita”

On March 31st, 2006 at 10:43 am
lacey kaye Says:

Congratulations! I can see why it might take a week to come down off that high and be able to write a coherent article about it Whoo-hoo for Shana!
On March 31st, 2006 at 11:51 am
USF Says:

I will have to say for myself that Shane Bolks/Shana Galen is my favorite author, and that this nomination is truly deserved. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly men I’ve Dated is a great read, and that comes from someone who rarely and I mean RARELY reads. This book was witty and fun and kept me interested throughout which is no small task. If you actually get to attend the RITA’s, I’ll be the one cheering the loudest when they announce her as the winner. I could not be prouder and if you hadn’t already guess, I am the beaming (newlywed) husband. I read this blog quite often and I just couldn’t resist saying a few words about my favorite author.

USF
On March 31st, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Jennifer Yates Says:

Congrats!

Aww…what a guy!! How sweet!

I must admit I haven’t read this one, but will definitely add it to my To Be Bought list!
On March 31st, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Shana Says:

Thanks, honey
On March 31st, 2006 at 3:34 pm
AndreaW Says:

Congratulations Shane! I’ll be rooting for you!

And I agree, what a guy! It is very sweet, indeed!

Andrea
On March 31st, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Kimberly Logan Says:

Shane,

I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for you! This couldn’t have happened to a nicer person, and you know I’ll be giving USF a run for his money in the cheering department on Rita night.
On March 31st, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Isabel Says:

Congratulations, Shane. Best of luck.

Is that “the” USF commenting up there?

USF, you’re so sweet, congrats to the newlyweds

Isabel
On April 1st, 2006 at 2:37 am
Haven Rich Says:

Shane, you might have seen me dragging my hubby around tonight at the book signing but man ole’ man you’ve got me beat. I don’t think my husband has ever visited my blog…either of them. Supportive yes, reading what I write, no lol. USF that is so sweet of you to drop by and comment…and read the book hehe.

Congrats on the nomination. Have you began picking out your fab dress? You know its a win/win thing. You win the Oscar..ops I mean RITA and look great doing it or you don’t win but you still look great. Plus a really great thing is that is actually your name on the cover. I’m so excited for you.
On April 2nd, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Shana Says:

Hey, Haven, any guy who goes to a romance booksigning is a keeper. And yes, Isabel, that’s THE USF.:-)
On April 7th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
John Hathorn Says:

Shane, I guess that honeymoon bed is going to have to be a king-sized with room for you, USF and Rita. I can’t imagine sleeping with a trophy, or worse yet, a hurricane.

Congratulations,

Book

March 31, 2006

The Rita

10 Responses to “The Rita”

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