I'm in the midst of cleaning, packing and otherwise preparing for my trip to Atlanta tomorrow to attend the RWA National Conference. Last year I was so nervous. It was my first RWA, and my first writer's conference ever. I had no idea what to expect, or whether the clothing I packed would be correct. (Business Casual is way too broad a range.) In any case, everything worked out fine, and I had a great time and met some wonderful people. So this year, I'm mostly just extremely excited. It will be great to see some familiar faces and chat with friends I haven't seen since last year.

I am battling a slight case of nerves, but that is mostly because of my award nominations. The winners of the Daphne du Maurier Awards will be announced on Thursday night, and the RITAs and Golden Hearts Award Ceremony (truly Oscar-glamor worthy) are Saturday night. I'm up against some amazing authors and books, and it truly is just an honor to be named among them.

But before I head out of town, there's a few matters of business take care of.

First, it is Monday. And you know what that means. Time for some MANor Candy.

This week we're ogling Althorp. I watched a lovely documentary on Althorp last weekend on PBS. Its rooms are gorgeous and its history is fascinating. Located near Northampton, in Northamptonshire, England, UK, Althrop has connections to many fascinating and famous people, including Princess Diana. 

I also have several guest blog appearances to tell you about. 

Get Lost in a Story is featuring the RITA Finalists in the Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category today, and giving away copies of the nominated novels, including The Anatomist's Wife. So hop on over to their blog to check out the other finalists, and to register to win a copy of these great books.

I'm also being featured over on Blue Owl Reviews, so drop by to see what questions they had to ask me. 

Mortal Arts, Lady Darby Book 2, releases in just 7 short weeks, and I've been scheduling appearances, both in person and online, and asking my author friends to join me for some Twitter chats. Check out the Events page to see what exciting things I've already got planned, and stay tuned for more announcements to come. If you would like me to come speak at your bookstore, book club, or organization, or host me on your blog, it's never too late to Contact me. 

And don't forget, I'm currently running a Contest over on my Facebook page. Be sure to enter for your chance to win an Advanced Reading Copy of Mortal Arts and one of two Vera Bradley Gift Sets. Tell me you've pre-ordered Mortal Arts and you'll receive an extra entry. And be sure to share this contest with your friends. The more entries, the more copies of Mortal Arts I'll give away.