Well not really strangers, but I liked the title much better than “Kindness of some people I met online and even though I’ve only seen them once in real life, I love them and they have been good to me”. 
You see, I belong to this community of writers called Romance Divas. I have posted about them before. My love of the Divas knows no bounds. It’s extraordinary, really. They are a very giving group of writers, in more ways than one.
Every year the Romance Divas reward a scholarship. The scholarship is to help defray the costs of going to the RWA National Conference, which can cost a lot of money. The lucky recipient is chosen by co-founders Jax Cassidy and Kristen Painter, and VP Eden Bradley. Funds for the scholarship are raised via donations where those who donate have the option to win various prizes (usually writing related, but not always.)
This year I am that lucky recipient. I’m really not sure why I am so blessed, but I am not going to waste a moment of it. While this announcement was only made official in the last few days, I have known for a while. They let the recipient know because they need time to book everything, especially the actual conference while the price is lower. The whole thing has already kicked my career up a notch, and I’m not even at conference yet. What it has done for me is force me to look at my career and see what I want. Instead of piddling around and letting fear of the unknown get the better of me, I’ve just made the decision to go for it.
Go hard or go home.
Because I was not doing anything before this scholarship. I was letting a crappy year squash my motivation. Personally I’ve suffered some major setbacks this year. I had let that settle over me like a weight. Let it give me all sorts of reasons to avoid doing anything. To avoid writing. You (the three of you that still read this) probably noticed I haven’t blogged much. I was just like a windless sailboat floating on the water. I had no motor and no oars, so I drifted.
But now. Now I’m motivated, baby! I was like 
, then I was like 
and now I’m like 
.
My book is finished. I have sent agent queries out. I’ve received rejections and I’ve happily received requests. I’m preparing myself to meet agents and editors next week. I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do, to move onwards and upwards.
I want to say thank you to Jax, Kristen and Eden. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for appreciating me, thank you for kicking my butt! 
Thank you to Immi and Chichi 
for getting me through the last few weeks and letting me pick your brains “just one more time.”
Thank you to all the Divas that donated to this very worthy cause, in what is a very tough financial year for so many. I promise to make the most of this, to continue to work hard and to, some day, pay it forward. If I am ever in a position to do so, you can count on it!
Divas rock! (And if you don’t believe me, why don’t you head over and join them for the Not Going to Conference Conference, which starts next week on the Forum)
You won!! CONGRATS! It’s very well deserved.
Have loads of fun and you can wow them all. I’m sure of it!
by Amy Ruttan July 11th, 2009 at 12:58 pm ♦Oh and I should say I love Romance Divas too. I love that forum. LOVE all the writers on there. So supportive.
by Amy Ruttan July 11th, 2009 at 12:59 pm ♦Enjoy!
by Inez Kelley July 11th, 2009 at 1:04 pm ♦You deserve it, sweetie! I’m so happy for you!
I wish you the best of luck and success while you’re there, hon. Be safe and have a great trip!
by Maya Doyle July 11th, 2009 at 1:14 pm ♦I was happy you were chosen MG! Congrats!
by Alexia Reed July 11th, 2009 at 1:23 pm ♦
Yay!!! So excited for you, MG! Have a wonderful time! 
by Antonia Pearce July 11th, 2009 at 1:34 pm ♦I’m so happy you were the recipient this year. You’re such a dedicated, hard worker. You give tirelessly and I’m proud to call you friend. This is your year!
by Kristen Painter July 11th, 2009 at 1:37 pm ♦Just adding my congrats, MG!!! I’m so excited for you! Go get ‘em!
by Cynthia Justlin July 11th, 2009 at 1:42 pm ♦Cause you rock. And so do the Divas.
by Feisty July 11th, 2009 at 2:02 pm ♦Congratulations! Have a blast for all of us who are staying home.
by Charlotte McClain July 11th, 2009 at 2:08 pm ♦Congratulations! You totally deserve this and I know you’ll knock ‘em dead next week.
by Jeannie Lin July 11th, 2009 at 2:24 pm ♦You totally deserve it, sugar! You’re ready. This is your time, MG. Shine on, you diamond! ((hugs))
C.C.
by Cassandra Curtis July 11th, 2009 at 4:07 pm ♦I’m so happy for and proud of you!
by Leigh Royals July 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm ♦aw. we love you too.
Neith
by Elise Logan July 11th, 2009 at 4:53 pm ♦I heart you! You deserve the scholarship and I am so excited you’re going to be in DC to kick butt! Can’t wait to see you!!!!! **Mwah**
by Jax Cassidy July 11th, 2009 at 6:20 pm ♦
Congratulations!!
by Adelle Laudan July 11th, 2009 at 6:21 pm ♦Well deserved. Have a few for me while you’re there *wink
Take lotsa pics!
Congratulations, MG! I’m SOO glad to see you stepping out. You have so much to offer.
YAY!!!
by Debbie Mumford July 12th, 2009 at 9:10 am ♦
by Ciar Cullen July 12th, 2009 at 9:32 am ♦Make us proud, hun. Just remember, what happens in DC gets all around the internet ;o)
xoxo
Congrats!!! Have a wonderful time at conference.
by Bonnie Ferguson July 12th, 2009 at 5:16 pm ♦Your blog is so informative … ..I just bookmarked you….keep up the good work!!!!
I’m Out!
by online stock trading guru January 10th, 2010 at 5:17 pm ♦