Oh, and guess who wrote the very FIRST post which started: "On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me …a super cool, hip, new blog to share with fans, family and friends?"
Yep, that was me. Since then our blog has grown to encompass several more wonderful writers. While we've lost a few along the way for one reason or the other, surprisingly, our numbers have mostly grown. Most of the writers whose blogs you read here have gone on to become wonderful friends of mine. One of them is even my sister (Hi, Sandy Parks!).
I had no idea when I wrote those opening words to the very first Not Your Usual Suspects blog that several of the women and men of this blog would go on to become such cool friends who would share the many ups and downs of my publishing career. But they did and I'm ever grateful for it. Some I've yet to meet in person, but we still support each other virtually. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that!
For the past several years those of us who are able to make the Romance Writers of America annual conference make an effort to meet and talk about our past year's publishing experience. This year was no different. In July, five of us NYUS bloggers met over breakfast to share insights to the business and share our successes and frustrations. I look forward to it every year.
Below is a picture of us (left to right): Sandy Parks, Sharon Calvin, Anne Marie Becker, me and Dee Adams. Just ignore the glazed looks and dark circles under our eyes from a weekend of little to no sleep. We didn't mind a bit because we were among friends. And now that you're here -- so are you!
9 comments:
Love this blog, Julie! And I really love the part of RWA (or whatever conference) when we can meet up, too. It's so helpful to have a chance to touch base in person, but I love our loop and our blog, too. :D
And I had no idea we were nearly 6 years old already. Or that you did the first post. I think I came along in late 2011. :) Thanks for the bit of NYUS history!
Awww...it is really nice having such a sweet, fun, supportive group of writer friends. Love you guys!!!
I think you all look stunning in the photo! I really love this group too. It could easily have fallen by the wayside. We are all so busy. But this group is super supportive and makes me very happy. :) <3 :)
Cool pic, Julie! Thanks for sharing it and reminding us how long we've been together. I haven't met a single of you in person, but you are all dear to me.
What a lovely tribute, Julie. It's good to be reminded of what was and is.
I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Lovely photo of lovely authors. Here's to the future. Lifts a glass of champagne.
What a great photo! I think we should have a virtual party.
Enjoyed the blog, Julie, and yes, Rita, we should have a virtual party sometime. Maybe even invite lots of reader friends to join us. It could even be a big Christmas party or New Years or, oh well, you get the idea.
I love that this blog is still going strong!
I've met a few of you at conferences but this group is so supportive -- we should definitely have a virtual party!
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