The Golden Heart Calls Go Out Today
March 25, 2008
The biggest contest in RWA for unpublished hopefuls, the Golden Hearts will be awarded at the National Conference in San Francisco on Saturday, August 2, 2008. I’m hoping to get emails from those who final and list them here. So, spread the word and Best of Luck to everyone who entered!
The categories are taken from www.rwanational.org.
GOLDEN HEART FINALISTS
CONT. SRSS Melissa James, REDEFINING MR PERFECT
Becky Clark, BORROWED STILETTOS
Diane Stoddard, SHE’S JUST RIGHT
CONT.SRS: S/A Kelly Ann Riley, KITTY’S FIRE
Lynn Raye Harris, HOT PURSUIT
CONT. ST Amy Atwell, PUBLIC RELATIONS
Sarah Castleberry, BEAUTY AND THE GEEK
Theresa Ragan, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Susan Seyfarth, THE PRINCESS PROJECT
Susan Seyfarth, MONEY, HONEY
Shelley Coriell, THE LOST
HISTORICAL Kathryn Parker, MOSS SQUARE
Kris Kennedy, THE KINDS OF WANTING
Kris Kennedy, WANTING FINIAN
Beth Trissel, THROUGH THE FIRE
Courtney Milan, BREATH OF HONOR
Cindy Nord, NO GREATER GLORY
CJ Chase, EARTHBOUND PARADISE
INSPIR. Susan MAson, WYNDERMERE HOUSE
Denise Meinstad, THIS TIME FOREVER
NOVEL W/SRE Liese Sherwood-Fabre, HEADS UP, ST. ANTHONY
K. McMorris/L. Yoshida, FLAHERTY’S CROSSING
Cathy Perkins, THE PROFESSOR
PARANORMAL Tracey O’Hara, NIGHT’S COLD KISS
Kelly Gay, BEDKNOBS & BROOMSTICKS
Jennifer North, THE SEXTANT
Helen Scott Taylor, THE MAGIC KNOT
Kerry Allen, WISH LIST
REGENCY HIST. Susan Gee Heino, MISTAKEN BY MOONLIGHT
Darcy Burke, GLORIOUS
Anne Barton, MIDNIGHT PROMISES
Pam Bolton-Holifield, LOST IN LOVE
R/S Kim Howe, ONE SHOT, TWO KILLS
Theresa Ragan, FINDING KATE HUNTLEY
Robin Perini, TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES
Joan Swan, SAFE IN ENEMY ARMS
Rachel Grant, MURDER IN SITU
YOUNG ADULT Amanda Brice, PARTY LIKE IT’S 1899
Catherine Chant, WISHING YOU WERE HERE
Kelly Gay, BLIGHTED
Kay Cassidy, THE CINDERELLA SOCIETY
RITA FINALISTS
ROMANCE NOVELLA Cheryl St. John, CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILY
Vickie Taylor, ANGEL AND THE HELLRAISER
Sylvia Day, MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS
Maureen Child, CHRISTMAS CRAVINGS
Jennifer Greene, BORN OF MY HEART
BEST FIRST BOOK Terri Garey, DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY
Rosemary Clement-Moore, PROM DATES FROM HELL
Kelly Parra, GRAFFITI GIRL
Helen Brenna, TREASURE
Emily Gee,
CONT. SRS Kristi Gold, FALL FROM GRACE
Nina Bruhns, NIGHT MISCHIEF
Elaine Grant, MAKE-BELIEVE MOM
Natasha Oakley, THE TYCOON’S PRINCESS BRIDE
Kelly Hunter, SLEEPING PARTNER
Heidi Rice, MILLIONAIRE’S BLACKMAIL BARGAIN
CONT.SRS: S/A Cindy Dees, THE MEDUSA AFFAIR
Cindy Dees, THE MEDUSA SEDUCTION
Samantha Hunter, UNTOUCHED
Raeanne Thayne, HIGH RISK AFFAIR
Merline Lovelace, STRANDED WITH A SPY
Helen Brenna, TREASURE
CONT. SIN TTL Toni Blake, TEMPT ME TONIGHT
Leslie Kelly, SHE’S NO ANGEL
Kristan Higgins, CATCH OF THE DAY
Diana Holquist, SEXIEST MAN ALIVE
Jennifer Greene - BLAME IT ON CUPID
HISTORICAL Julianne MacLean, SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL
Jade Lee, TEMPTED TIGRESS
Madeline Hunter, LESSONS OF DESIRE
Laura Lee Guhrke, AND THEN HE KISSED HER
Elizabeth Hoyt, THE LEOPARD PRINCE
INSPIR. Linda Goodnight, A TOUCH OF GRACE
Susan Mae Warren, TAMING RAFE
NOVEL W/RE Allison Brennan, SEE NO EVIL
Emily Gee,
PARANORMAL Terri Garey, DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY
Linnea Sinclair, GAMES OF COMMAND
Linda Winstead Jones, PRINCE OF DARKNESS
Linda Winstead Jones, RAINTREE: HAUNTED
J.R. Ward, LOVER REVEALED
Christina Dodd, TOUCH OF DARKNESS
Stephanie Rowe, HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME HOT
REGENCY HIST. Anna Campbell, UNTOUCHED
Anna Campbell, CLAIMING THE COURTESAN
Julia Quinn, SECRET DIARIES OF MISS M. CHEEVER
R/S Karen Rose, DIE FOR ME
Allison Brennan, SPEAK NO EVIL
YOUNG ADULT Simone Elkeles, LEAVING PARADISE
Kelly Parra, GRAFFITI GIRL
Melissa Marr, WICKEY LOVELY
March 25, 2008 at 11:37 am
fingers crossed everyone! I’m hoping for a Judi Fennell sweep! (did you enter more than one?!)
March 25, 2008 at 11:44 am
Of course, Jen!
March 25, 2008 at 11:51 am
Here’s hoping the good news continues, my fingers are crossed too!!
March 25, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Good luck Judi,
cmr
March 25, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Good luck to all the GH entrants!
Cheers
Cheryl Wilson
March 25, 2008 at 12:29 pm
oooh, good to know! Thanks for letting us know
March 25, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Wishing you ALL the best, Judi!
Bon
March 25, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Good luck to everyone who entered this year.
March 25, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Is it that time already? Wow! Time flies when you’re having fun. Doesn’t it?
Susan
sshay.wordpress.com
March 25, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Hey Judi — a familiar name from Gather.com, here! Thanks for keeping track… I’ve entered one, and my heart rate is going 100 mph.
Sarah C.
March 25, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Good luck to all the contestants.
March 25, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Good luck, everyone! Judi, I’ll be checking back all morning. Hope you’ll keep us posted!
Kate
March 25, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I’m so nervous, more than once I’ve caught myself typing in all caps because I hit Caps Lock instead of Shift. Doh! I wish they’d call earlier than 1:00 Eastern time; as it is I think I’m too nervous to eat lunch today.
Good luck to everyone, especially my VFRW Sisters!
March 25, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Me, too Carla! My fingers are shaking all over my keyboard!
Good Luck Everybody!
March 25, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Do calls for the GH go out starting 1 Eastern? I thought they could start at any time this morning?
Fingers crossed for everyone!
March 25, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Sarah –
Calls can go out at any time today.
Someone over at Romance Divas posted like about five to ten minutes ago that she’s a finalist in the GH Young Adult category.
An RWA board member posted there last week that just because we start seeing finalists in some categories to not assume that all finalists in that particular category have been called. A board member may have a couple contemp finalists, a couple FF&P finalists, etc. on her list, so the calls could go out all day long.
Also, this same board member said that she’s probably isn’t making her calls until her lunch time–and she’s on the West Coast.
March 25, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Prolonging the agony, then. Thanks!
March 25, 2008 at 2:25 pm
YAY! Congrats to Julianne - well deserved!
March 25, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I just emailed you, Judi. My PARTY LIKE IT’S 1899 finaled in Young Adult.
March 25, 2008 at 2:42 pm
My fingers are crossed for everyone out there! I’m entered in the Historical category for the RITA.s This is like having a baby but without labor pains, thank goodness!
Patti
March 25, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Yes, I touched base with National - calls can go out whenever the Board member gets up, dressed and has her coffee!
March 25, 2008 at 2:57 pm
My critique partner, Kathryn Parker, finaled in the GH in the non-regency historical category with “Moss Square”
(Bragging on your CPs is the next best thing to having good news of your own!)
March 25, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Good luck to everyone! I can’t wait to hear who else is a finalist! I read some excellent entries in the category I judged and am sure some of them will final!
March 25, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Thanks for doing this updated list/blog, Judi!
Much more fun to watch results come in like this.
MARIAN
March 25, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Good luck to everyone. I admire your courage in entering such a tough contest! Like Amanda Brice said, I also read some excellent entries in the category I judged. I expect to see at least two of them in the finalist list.
March 25, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Hi Judi,
Wishing everyone good luck! I just had a call from the lovely Terri Reid letting me know my novel ONE SHOT, TWO KILLS finaled in the Romantic Suspense category.
Congrats to all the finalists in both the RITA and GH!
KJ
March 25, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Good luck!
March 25, 2008 at 3:23 pm
This is so exciting .. I’m already seeing familiar names
Way to go!
March 25, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Congrats to those who’ve gotten a call already, and good luck to those still waiting.
Keena
March 25, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I have several friends in the running for these and I’m so excited. Thanks for giving us a way to find out as they happen.
Congrats to everyone who entered no matter what. That’s huge no matter how it turns out.
March 25, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Linnea Sinclair got the call for “Games of Command” finaling in the Rita Paranormal!!!
March 25, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I’ve been trying to do a list too. So far I have a double nominee in paranormal for the Rita and a lead on a GH final for contemporary series.
March 25, 2008 at 3:37 pm
My friend and blog sister (www.booksboysbuzz.com), Simone Elkeles finaled in the Rita YA for her book LEAVING PARADISE!!!!
March 25, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Anyone else sitting here obsessively refreshing this blog? LOL! I had an entry in the GH this year but had to pull it when I sold it to Ellora’s Cave! LOL
March 25, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I am…and amazingly enough, though I thought I’d come to terms with the fact I wouldn’t final, that spark of hope still hasn’t died…
March 25, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Arwen, you think obsessively refreshing this is crazy, try doing 2 email lists and 2 postings. I’m having a blast and it’s definitely making it easier for me to forget to notice I haven’t gotten a call! (oops, spoke too soon. I noticed.)
March 25, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Eek. The phone rang. It was my ex-husband. Not who I wanted to hear from.
March 25, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Miranda, OMG!!! Too funny! Perfect tension breaker!
March 25, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Arwen and Judi–I hear ya!
I think my phone is totally dead! Not even a wrong number! Yeah, that noticing stuff is cruel!
A blast to watch this unfold!
March 25, 2008 at 4:15 pm
LOL! I know what you mean, Carolynn and Judi! I was comforting myself with the fact that no finalists in my category were posted, so the calls probably hadn’t been made, then one popped up…
March 25, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Thanks for posting everything, Judi. You’re the online romance writer queen.
I’m refreshing constantly to catch the news, too…
March 25, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Is your category Contemporary Series (like mine), Gail? Because I had that same comfort…LOL
I’m thinking about chucking all this to head for the mall and dive into the discounted Easter chocolate!
March 25, 2008 at 4:20 pm
[...] Judi’s Journey [...]
March 25, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Step Away From The Chocolate! (how else will you fit in your gown for the ceremony?)
yes, it’s easy to say when I’m sitting in a construction trailer with no chocolate in sight!
March 25, 2008 at 4:20 pm
My CP Catherine Chant is a finalist! I had the pleasure of sitting next to my other CP Victoria Dahl in the Section for Awesome People when she won the GH in 2005. I almost started hyperventilating. It’s truly an experience and I’m so excited for everyone!
March 25, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Yes, Carolynn, it was Contemoorary Series! I’ll join you in spirit in a chocolate binge!
March 25, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I’m actually too lazy to drive to the mall right now, plus I’d only be thinking about the damn phone. Has anyone else picked theirs up to make sure it’s still working? LOL
Good luck, Gail, Judy and everyone else…this blog really helps me not to feel alone in my agony! (Ok, not agony, just extreme duress)
March 25, 2008 at 4:26 pm
From what I understand, board members don’t even all have a full category…some of them might have one Rita finalist in Single Title, then a couple of Inspy Golden Heart finalists, then a Rita Inspy finalist. And then another board member might have the entire rest of the Inspies except for those three that the first board member had.
It’s totally random. So just because people from your category are getting notified doesn’t mean anything. Your board member might not be up yet, or might be in a meeting, or whatever.
March 25, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Ok, Miranda, that cracked me up! Ex husband… GH call. Yeah, not the same!
March 25, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Hey, Jenn! Big congrats to Catherine!
And my phone is broken. I kid you not. Repairman will be here before noon, allegedly. This is agonizing.
March 25, 2008 at 4:30 pm
OMG Vicki! You know, when an agent was trying to call me to sign me on, my son and I had managed to kill the phone by dropping it in the bathtub.
March 25, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I got a call from Linda Howard a little while ago. My Christmas novella, Christmas Day Family from A Western Winter Wonderland anthology is a finalist. I’m excited!
March 25, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I just learned that “Heads Up, St. Anthony” finaled in the Strong Romantic Elements category.
March 25, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I got a call at 10:00am EDST to give me the good news that my manuscript finaled in the Golden Heart Regency Historical category. Guess I have no excuse not to pack up the van and go visit the in-laws as the dh has planned for today.
Good luck, everyone!
Susan Gee Heino
March 25, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I’m finished calling my list. And I’m not telling what category(ies) that was. Bwahahaha.
Have fun and congrats to all.
March 25, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Congrats to all the finalists so far! (some of whom I know-yay!).
Does anyone know what happens if they can’t reach you by phone today? Normally I’d sit on it all day, but I MUST leave the house in a couple of hours.
March 25, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Phone is first.
Then Email is next.
In any case, the list is officially posted on RWA’s site tomorrow.
March 25, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Eeek! Just got the call that FLAHERTY’S CROSSING, a collaboration with my mother, Linda Yoshida, finaled in the Romantic Elements category! We just signed with our dream agent, Marcy Posner, last week. I can’t wait to tell Marcy the news! Yay, yay, yay!
Congrats to all the other finalists! And good luck to those still waiting to hear!
March 25, 2008 at 5:10 pm
[...] tallies, please go to either http://www.theunofficiallist.blogspot.com/ or http://judifennell.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/the-golden-heart-calls-go-out-today/. [...]
March 25, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Hi Judi! I just got two calls in a row, one from Terri Reed and one from Dorien Kelly, telling me that FINDING KATE HUNTLEY finaled in the romantic suspense category and BETTER LATE THAN NEVER finaled in the single title category of the Golden Heart! I am thrilled to say the least.
Good luck to everyone who entered!
March 25, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Judi–
You’re always on top of these things; I’m forever impressed.
Sexiest Man Alive is a finalist in the RITA Cont. Single Title category. I’m still quivering with disbelief!
–Diana
March 25, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I was doing good until I saw Judi’s initial post! Cell phone is now firmly attached to my waist and my concentration has evaporated.
BIG hugs and congrats to those who’ve gotten the call! Best wishes to the rest of us! Oops, I hear my boss! Bye!
Catherine
March 25, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Argh! I’m at work and have no idea if I got a call or not. Do you think anyone would notice if I suddenly disappeared for the afternoon.
March 25, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Oops, sorry Carolynn and Gail for making you nervous! Since no one else is on any series list at all, I’m pretty sure calls are still going out. Good luck!!
March 25, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I use my cell phone as my RWA contact phone and other industry professionals. That way I’m never out of touch. (pitiful, isn’t it?)
March 25, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Congrats Kristina and Linda and everyone else. Judi, please correct Kristina’s name in your list to Kristina McMorris - thanks!! (Hey, you have to look out for your chaptermates!) And thanks for running this list today!
March 25, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Sorry for not clarifying! FLAHERTY’S CROSSING is a GH finalist.
March 25, 2008 at 5:19 pm
LOL, me, too, Judi. But I almost left hte cell phone at home this morning. I was 3/4 of the way to work when I realized it, so I insisted on turning around to get it.
March 25, 2008 at 5:19 pm
cross post, Darcy! She emailed me!
March 25, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I’m on tenterhooks, waiting to know if my meg-talented CP Rachel Robinson made it in the Short Contemporary section…but with her asleep in Australia…do they call in the middle of the night? I never entered the GH before I got the call so no idea, and didn’t enter the RITA. Too busy moving.
Thanks if anyone can help!
March 25, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I know they won’t mind me filching this from the NINC loop: Jade Lee and Cindy Dees finaled also:
Jade: “I’m up in Historical Category for TEMPTED TIGRESS!!! Woo hoo!!
Jade Lee, http://www.jadeleeauthor.com”
and Cindy:
“I just got the RITA call and I’m a double finalist with two Contemporary Series Suspense & Adventure novels….
THE MEDUSA AFFAIR and THE MEDUSA SEDUCTION both finalled. Cindy Dees”
I’m beyond thrilled my GAMES made it in. Shocked, actually. My hands are still cold and clammy. ~Linnea
March 25, 2008 at 5:28 pm
That’s okay, Melissa…I think it’s awesome you’re a finalist. Congratulations! I “recognize” you from eharlequin, or is that another Melissa James?
At any rate, growing a thicker skin is good for any writer. As is using cliches in lieu of meaningful sentiments (not!)
Carolynn
March 25, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I judged a GH category so I’m watching to see if a particular entry made it. It was so good!
March 25, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Hey, I went to school with a Carolynn, spelled that way! I’m the published Melissa James, the GH finalist is another very talented lady of the same name, who’ll have to take another name when she sells, I guess.
Melissa
March 25, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I judged in the Young Adult GH and none of mine are in yet. Last year in Romantic Suspense, I had two.
Carolynn
March 25, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Wow, exciting! Good luck to all. I’m still in the MS stage. I can see a long and winding road ahead. But perseverance pays off. I truly believe that.
March 25, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I judged in the Romantic Elements GH, and none of mine are in yet. I fully expect to see at least one.
March 25, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Melissa,
I’ve heard of both Melissas on the eharlequin boards. You’re notorious, I guess (in a good way!)
I have a question…does anyone know why some categories have more finalists than others? Is it based on the number of entrants? Thanks!
Carolynn
March 25, 2008 at 5:40 pm
One of the YA Golden Hearts I judged is in! That’s pretty cool. = )
JR Ward finaled with LOVER REVEALED, but I don’t know what category for Rita.
March 25, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I want to say it’s the top certain percent, but don’t quote me. If anyone knows definitely, please enlighten us.
March 25, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Just a correction: UNTOUCHED by Samantha Hunter is a finalist in the Contemporary Series-Suspense/Action category, and not the straight Contemp Series category (at least that’s what she told me when I called her). BTW, thanks for doing this, Judi — wonderful to follow along!!
March 25, 2008 at 5:44 pm
change made. Thanks for letting me know!
March 25, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hi Karen
I saw Sam’s a finalist…I think that’s terrific!
Carolynn
(AKA Cari, my posting name on Love Is An Exploding Cigar)
March 25, 2008 at 5:53 pm
My first time entering GH. Didn’t think I’d care that much, lol. Haven’t seen any results from my category (Inspirational) so hoping those calls just haven’t been made yet.
March 25, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Judi, from the RWA website: “In the preliminary round, the 1,200 manuscripts are read and judged by members of RWA, who narrow the field down to approximately 100 finalists.” So I’m guessing that means 10 finalists per category.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds this waiting for the phone to ring thing nerve-wracking.
March 25, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Carolynn, ROUGHLY 10% of the entries final, so yes, it’s kind of based on how many entries there are. I think it’s more complicated than that, but that’s the basic correlation.
Congratulations to those who’ve heard so far!
March 25, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hi Carolynn!! Yes, it couldn’t happen to a better person.
March 25, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Kristin, it ain’t over ’til it’s over!
March 25, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I’ve seen anywhere between 5 and 10 finalists in a category before, so I think it’s somehow based on the number of entries in that category, in addition to the number of entries overall.
*shrugs*
It’s all very confusing!
March 25, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Waving to Marley! There was a book I judged that I’m keeping my fingers crossed for…I really hope it’s a finalist!
March 25, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I just got the call - I’m a finalist in the Regency Historical category with Glorious. (P.S. I’m on west coast time for anyone wondering about phone call timing.)
March 25, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I think the finalists are the top ten percent of total entries in the category.
March 25, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Congratulations, Darcy!!!
March 25, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Kristin,
Me, either…especially since I’d decided my entered MS wasn’t representative of my best work. (As of yet, I haven’t seen my best work, but I know it’ll appear one of these days!)
March 25, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Wow Darcy, Congrats. First the Maggie’s now GH!!!! Wonderful.
March 25, 2008 at 6:06 pm
[...] and the RITA Awards go out today. If you’re wanting to keep track, Lexi Connor sent out this link to Judi Fennell’s site via the chapter loop. Ms. Fennell’s trying to maintain a list of who’s gotten The Call, [...]
March 25, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Hi all - I got a call this morning too. Midnight Promises is a GH finalist in the Regency category! Judi, thanks for compiling this list.
March 25, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Two more to report: Rosemary Clement-Moore’s PROM DATES FROM HELL finalled in the Best First Novel category and Vickie Taylor’s novella “Angel and the Hellraiser” from the DEMON’S DELIGHT anthology finalled.
March 25, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I have recieved notification that my ms Night’s Cold Kiss has finaled in the Paranormal Romance category.
Tracey O’hara
March 25, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Hi Judi! You can my SPEAK NO EVIL down for Romantic Suspense, and SEE NO EVIL down for Best Novel w/sre in the Ritas!
I’m up against Karen! I couldn’t possible have better company. DIE FOR ME rocks. Karen is phenomenal. I tease her because I think my mom loves her more
(My mom denies it, but . . . )
March 25, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Allison Brennan finaled in the romantic suspense category of the Ritas with See No Evil.
March 25, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Ha, she beat me to it. LOL. I was bragging on you, Allison.
March 25, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Congrats to everyone who is finaling in the GH and RITAs. If you’re still sitting by the phone waiting, biting your nails, feel free to stop by
http://romancebandits.blogspot.com/ where we are having a big party with spectacular author Maureen Child. We’d love to see you there.
March 25, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Is it just me, or has the voice on my answering service taken on a taunting tone when it says: “You have no new messages” ?
Congratulations to all the finalists!
March 25, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Congrats, Allison! I’m so psyched for both you and Karen!! You know I’ll be screaming in SF when they call your name.
March 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Okay, folks. I have to be offline for a while (like, to drive home…
Chat amongst yourselves and I’ll catch up when I get home.
March 25, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Cathy Leming, it’s not you. Your answering machine is possessed. LOL. That made me HOWL!
March 25, 2008 at 7:03 pm
How many finalists will there be for each category? Is there a set number?
March 25, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Hi, Judi–
I just emailed to let you know that I have two mss that finaled in the GH, single title contemporary category: The Princess Project & Money, Honey.
I got the call from Dorien Kelly around 9:45 this morning, central time, for those of you who are watching the clock.
Thanks for doing this, Judi! I’ve loved watching the names & titles pop up!
And congrats, Kim, my fellow Romance bandit! We’re definitely having a party in the lair!
http://www.romancebandits.blogspot.com
Susan
March 25, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Nicole, it partly depends on the number of entries in each category. It’s the top 10% of each category’s entries (no fewer than three or more than eight). The minimum total score for each finalist has to equal 80% of the total possible score also.
So if a category only has 40 entries, then there will only be the possibility of 4 finalists.
Julie
March 25, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Finalists are the top ten percent of each category, so it depends how many entries there were in that category. If there were 200 submissions in one category and 30 in another, one will have 20 finalists and the other 3.
March 25, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Yay for simultaneous posting! *blush*
March 25, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I just got the call! I’m a finalist in the GH series romantic suspense with Hot Pursuit! Yayy! Congratulations everyone who’s finaled, and keep up the hope if you’re sitting by the phone!! I’d nearly given up!
March 25, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hey, Kerry, at least we both got it right. I had to actually go look at policy to make sure I had it right.
Julie
March 25, 2008 at 7:21 pm
One of my brilliant CP’s , Pam Bolton-Holifield, has a GH final in Regency Historical.
We are so proud of her!!!
March 25, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hi Judi, I sent you an e-mail to your website addy, but just in case, I wanted to let you know I have 2 mss that finaled in the GH, historical category.
Titles are: The Kinds Of Wanting and Wanting Finian.
I got the call on a *very* estrogen-heavy day. Was feeling fierce and irritable, then I got the call about 11:15am (Pacific time). So, here’s a revelation: estrogen cannot compete with a GH final.
Congrats to all in both the RITA and the GH!
Kris
March 25, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Thank you both, Julie and Kerry!
March 25, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Question-on the RITA nominees, wasn’t there a requirement that the book have a 2007 publication date?
March 25, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Chris, it’s not publication. The rules are that the book must have an original copyright date or a first printing date or a first North American printing date in the year prior to the current contest year.
So it’s not just copyright but printing or N.A. printing.
Hope this helps.
Julie
March 25, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Julie,
Yes, thanks! I was worried.
March 25, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hi!
I just got a call too. My book “Kitty’s Fire” finaled in the GH Contemporary Series Romantic Suspense/Adventure Category. I had about given up on a call. Congrats to all the finalists. Good luck to those still waiting.
March 25, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Julie,
Yes, thanks! I was worried. There is a book I love on the list that B&N says was pubbed in 2006.
March 25, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Congrats Kelly! I was wondering where all the other series finalists were.
March 25, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Another GH finalist from one of my chapters: Beth Trissel, Historical, “Through the Fire”
March 25, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Hi! I just wanted to say thanks so much for compiling this list. It’s exciting to see it build.
And good luck to everyone!
March 25, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Stopping by to wish Judi good luck!
And I recognize a familiar name on the lengthening list. Congrats to Sarah C with Beauty and the Geek! I remember you from First Chapters Romance, when we were competition. LOL! Glad that’s over.
I didn’t enter this contest.
Best of luck to everyone. The waiting is the hardest part ~~ as Tom Petty would sing.
March 25, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Congrats Melissa! I’ve been watching that category all day too. So the glad the calls are going out for it.
March 25, 2008 at 8:21 pm
My manuscript, Borrowed Stilettos, is a finalist in the contemporary series category. Very excited!
March 25, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Hey Becky, what time did you get the call. Wondering is series contemps are done…
March 25, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Thanks, Judi, for the updates! My ms, The Lost, is a finalist in the Contemporary Single Title category.
March 25, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Thanks, Jamie! The Gather.com contest was a nightmarish month or two! This is relatively painless… just the waiting.
March 25, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Oops, I wasn’t clear. No doubt from the excitement.
I’m a finalist in Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure.
Thanks for keeping this list! I got the call at 2:07 Central, for those keeping track.
March 25, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Melissa Marr just posted in her blog that Wicked Lovely is a YA RITA finalist.
March 25, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Anna Campbell has double finalled in the RITA Regency Historical Category with Untouched and Claiming the Courtesan!
March 25, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Here’s a new one: Fellow Brava author Sylvia Day ust announced that she’s a RITA finalist in the novella category with her novella “Mischief and the Marquess” from the PERFECT KISSES antho.
Wahoo for Sylvia and congrats to all of the GH and RITA finalists!
March 25, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Thanks Kathy!
And I’m thrilled to see so many books and authors I’ve read on this list! Waving to Sylvia . . .
March 25, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Why haven’t there been any postings about the Inspirational category in either GH or RITA? Is it possible those people haven’t been called yet? What time were the phone calls supposed to be finished?
March 25, 2008 at 8:51 pm
The only Inspirational finalist I’ve seen is for the RITA…Linda Goodnight with A TOUCH OF GRACE.
Maybe the person calling for the Inspirational categories fell and can’t get up to make the calls, lol. Or the people who were called weren’t home and messages are waiting on their answering machines.
For Judi…Hello to a fellow gather First Chapters Romance survivor.
March 25, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hi, Kristin! I knew it was you from your email address!
Are we having fun yet, people?
March 25, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Hello, Judi! Thanks for keeping track of this list.
My novel LOST IN LOVE is a finalist in the Regency Historical category of the Golden Heart. Pamela Bolton-Holifield
Congrats to ALL of the finalists! This day has just been beyond amazing to me!
March 25, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Yes, it’s true. I got the call and I”m so thrilled.
I also have heard that Susan Mae Warren finaled in the inspy RITA with Taming Rafe.
Merline Lovelace also finaled in the RITA with STRANDED WITH A SPY. I just emailed her to ask which catagory.
Linda Goodnight
March 25, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Merline’s book is a Sil. Romantic Suspense, part of her Code Name Danger series.
March 25, 2008 at 9:20 pm
She’s Just Right finalled in the GH. Contemp series. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call this morning! Judi– I remember you from Gather’s romance contest. You wrote a great story. Thanks for the place to post. =)
March 25, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I finaled in the Historical category of the GH with my ms “Breath of Honor.” Or, at least, I think I did. But maybe I imagined the call. In fact, I’m sure that must be it.
March 25, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Congrats Courtney! And judi, you forget the ‘t’ on her name.
March 25, 2008 at 9:44 pm
They’re not done calling! It’s 5:41 pm Eastern time. I just got a call from Sheri (sp?) Davis that my ms. BEDKNOBS & BROOMSTICKS finaled in the paranormal category!!
March 25, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I just found out I finalled in the GH in Romantic Suspense. Title is Truth and Consequences. Totally doing the happy dance in New Mexico!!!
March 25, 2008 at 9:47 pm
P.S. Sharon Sala finalled in the Rita for MIMOSA GROVE in Romantic Suspense.
March 25, 2008 at 9:48 pm
No, no. Please leave off the “t”. And take off the “u,” too. “Corny Milan”–I think the DH would definitely agree with that one!
March 25, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Congrats to everyone who has finaled!!! How exciting!
March 25, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I’m a finalist in the historical category for my Civil War manuscript, “No Greater Glory”. I am in complete and total shock!!!!!
March 25, 2008 at 10:05 pm
There are no Inspy GH finalists reporting yet????
March 25, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Congrats to eveyone who has finaled and good luck to everyone still waiting to hear!
March 25, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Whoopee! I was driving myself NUTS (I’ve been up since 5:30 EST!), so I ran some errands. When I got back there was a message on my machine (left at 5:20 pm!). My paranormal THE SEXTANT finalled in the GH!
Congrats and happy dances to all! And a special hi and congrats to Theresa Ragan and doglady from last fall’s WetNoodlePosse GH forum…thanks!!! We did it! (banksofmillbrook)
March 25, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I just wanted to send out a huge congratulations to all who finaled in the GH and the RITA, and kudos to all who entered because you should be proud for having completed a novel, whether you finaled or not!
Good luck to everyone, and keep on writing!
March 25, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I give up!! (waves white flag) MAJOR congrats to all the finalists! What a draining day…
March 25, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Just heard about 15 minutes ago that my American Title finaling story The Magic Knot is a finalist in the Golden Heart paranormal romance category!
I was about to go to bed as it’s 10.30pm here. I won’t be able to sleep now!
Thanks for running this list, Judi. It’s been fun watching the names pop up as the day’s gone by, but nerve-wracking as well. I’d just about given up hope. But the last calls are obviously still going out.
March 25, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Thanks, Judi. This is fun to watch for a non-participant, too.
Hope you get your golden call, and congratulations to those who have.
March 25, 2008 at 10:49 pm
HUGE congrats to everyone! All this excitement… now what’s to keep me on tenterhooks tomorrow?
March 25, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I have a few names not here over on my blog. Judi and I have been sharing info all day. I know it’s nerve-wracking for the folks who entered, but it’s been so exciting to see the names come in.
Congrats to all the finalists.
http://www.theunofficiallist.blogspot.com
March 25, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Doing the math here, you’ve got 35 GH finalists and 38 Rita finalits, which means roughly 350 entires in GH and 380 in Rita–if they take ten percent. (Actually, I read that they take 10% up to 8 people in a category, and I don’t see more than 8 listed anywhere). Is the 1200 cut-off figure a combination for all Rita and GH entries combined? And do you think they got 1200 entries?
March 25, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Stephie, the cut-off is 1200 each for RITA and GH entries. And the 10% finalists figure is per category, not overall entries.
Julie
March 25, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Julia Quinn finalled in the Regency Historical category of the RITA with The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever.
March 25, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Tiffany - do you have anything on submission anywhere? Obsess about that tomorrow! LOL.
Thanks to everyone for keeping my fingers busy today typing, typing and more typing. I’m taking a break (Kid needs to use the laptop) then I’ll check back.
Is anyone still getting calls for those of us who refuse to throw in the towel…
March 25, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I was just wondering that, Judi. I asked over at Romance Divas if anyone’s going to be delusional enough to think, “It’s midnight here. It’s only 9 p.m. on the West Coast. They could still call!”
(And, umm, I may be that delusional person.)
But a board member posted over there that calls were still going out, and that was around 7:25 p.m. EST. She said that some categories have been completed, but calls are still going out.
March 25, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Judi,
Thanks for doing this. It has been fun to watch all day.
I was being hopeful as long as the GH Inspy category remained empty. Now there is one listed. Sigh! Continued good luck to those waiting and Congrats to those who got the Call.
March 25, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Adding to the list…My CP Joan Swan finaled in the GH Romantic Suspense category with her book, Save in Enemy Arms.
March 25, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Ack! Typo. Joan’s book is Safe in Enemy Arms. I’m too excited to type right!
March 26, 2008 at 12:02 am
I got home at 7 PM and had a message on my voice mail to call Terri Reed. My GH entry “This Time Forever” is a finalist in the Inspirational category. I still can’t believe it, but I wrote it down so I can remember everything she said.
March 26, 2008 at 12:17 am
Huge congrats to all the finalists. Enjoy every minute of this ride and use the opportunity wisely. I wish you all the very, very best.
March 26, 2008 at 1:28 am
Congrats Everyone!
March 26, 2008 at 1:31 am
Congratulations to all the finalists! Job well done and I’m looking forward to the awards ceremony in San Francisco!
March 26, 2008 at 1:37 am
I’m out of town, so I was late getting the word. My historical, Earth’s Only Paradise, finaled in the GH. (This is the second time I’ve been out of town and had to wait until late to find out I was a finalist. It seems most callers try several times to reach a live person before they leave a voice mail.) On top of that our laptop’s wireless had been down all day, so I’m typing this from the computer room at the hotel …
CJ Eernisse Chase
March 26, 2008 at 1:49 am
I’m just wondering - if there are supposed to be around 100 finalists - where are the other fifty or sixty hiding? I only see around forty on all the lists.
and congrats to all those on the list!! Job well done!!
March 26, 2008 at 1:56 am
Just spoke with Sharon Sala. Please remove her name. Mimosa Grove is 4 years old!
Thanks so much.
March 26, 2008 at 2:00 am
RWA will post the full list tomorrow, after everyone has been notified. Not every finalist will be burning up the interwebs with their horn tooting.
I, however, am. Got the call that Wish List finaled for Paranormal GH!
March 26, 2008 at 2:58 am
Judi,
Thanks so much for doing this! And congratulations to all the other finalists!
March 26, 2008 at 4:34 am
We’re on vacation, but I couldn’t take the suspense any longer. I borrowed DH’s computer, checked email and discovered The Professor is a GH finalist in the Mainstream with Romantic Elements category.
Thanks for keeping track of this list, Judi. It was such fun to scroll through all the comments!
Congratulations to all of the finalists!
March 26, 2008 at 6:44 am
Hi judi !!
a warm wishes from an INDIAN, just now saw your blog, hope I could join in future blogs, just let me know when you blog…. but its useful for the readers who cannot digest without reading b0oks, keep going……
March 26, 2008 at 10:54 am
Hi All,
Just wanted to toot my horn and say I got a call yesterday from RWA to say my second book The Mile High Club (out now in the states under the title The Millionaire’s Blackmail Bargain) finalled in the Contemporary Series Romance category. I’m chuffed to bits.
Best of luck to all the other RITA finallists and the Golden Hearters. And to all those Golden Hearters that didn’t get a call, I’d just like to say that when I entered my one and only ms in the contest two years ago I got a soul-destroying 2 from one judge! So don’t give up guys.
Heidi
March 26, 2008 at 12:47 pm
The lists are up at rwanational.org.
Thanks for stopping by here yesterday and keeping me busy! Look for me to do this again next year. Help spread the word so we can get more as they’re notified.
March 26, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Somebody had a question about why aren’t there 100 finalists?
I just counted on the official list, and there are 70 GH finalists amongst the 10 categories. There are only 4 of us in my category (YA).
From what I understand, it’s not just the top 10% of every category. It’s slightly more complicated than that. The top 10% is the MOST you can have, but even if you scored in the top 10% of your category, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely final. You must both score in the top 10% of your category and also receive at least 80% of all possible points. Also, you can’t have gotten disqualified for whatever reason (such as that ebook you released a couple of years ago turned out to be 20,001 words instead of under 20K, making you ineligible for the GH after all, or you received 3 or more “NR” or “NSRE” or “wrong category” marks).
So while it usually ends up being the top 10% of each category, it could end up being less than that.
March 26, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Now that I know you do this every year, I’m going to bow out gracefully and just feed you info next year. Whew! I spent the day at the computer just fielding emails, combing websites, blogs and message boards and then updating. But it was fun sharing in the finalists’ excitement.
Congrats to those who are finalists. To those who didn’t, keep trying. One of my chap