Interview with Michelle Celmer, New GDRWA President

by Renee Uitto

This month we talk with Michelle Celmer and her thoughts of being the GDRWA president

What made you decide to run for president on the GDRWA Board?

Our current President harassed me relentlessly until I said yes.

No, just joking. I've always enjoyed volunteering. I jumped into this chapter feet first, taking on the role of librarian my second meeting. From there I went to Web Mistress, BTS Coordinator, BBA Scorekeeper, and recently I became a BBA category coordinator. I've also served on various committees and did a fair amount of behind the scenes work. I've been with the chapter quite a few years, and in all that time, I've never seen it so cohesive and productive. The current board has done such an awesome job, it will make my job incredibly easy in some respects, and tough in others because I have some big shoes to fill. The chapter has given me so much over the years, I feel it's my obligation, as well as a pleasure to give back.

How long have you been a member of GDRWA? RWA?

This July will be my ninth anniversary. I joined RWA, then joined GDRWA without having ever been to a meeting. I wanted to write romance, and desperately needed guidance, so I knew GDRWA was the place I needed to be.

What are some specific goals that you have in mind for the chapter?

I believe in total honesty, so here goes. Right up front I will admit that I am not a business woman. Never have been, never will be. I even have trouble writing a business hero/heroine. My brain just doesn't work that way. I'm often scattered and sometimes downright incoherent. I live in my head most of the time, and sometimes my mouth has a tough time catching up with my brain. So, if you're looking for a staunch leader who will take our chapter to knew heights, for God sakes do not vote me in.

That said, I know that an RWA chapter is a business. I by no means intend to let the stable base our past boards have worked so diligently to build crumble to the ground. This chapter has come a long way and we have certain responsibilities to our members as well as the national membership. We have a contest that not only funds our activities, it brings our group, and individual members, publisher recognition. Single title romance novels are being published with "Bookseller's Best Winner" on the cover. How cool is that? We have a voice in the industry (however small) and an obligation to use that voice responsibly.

I also think it's just as important to have a deep sense of camaraderie and trust. I believe we should walk away from a meeting feeling inspired and creatively motivated. It should be FUN.

In the past, that was not always the case. Unfortunately (and especially with women, of which we are a majority) business and pleasure don't always mix. We are reactionary and emotional. Feathers are easily ruffled and feelings hurt. GDRWA has seen its share of bumpy roads and a high turnover in membership. Call it Karma, or maybe the planets have aligned, but I think currently the chapter is in a good place. We've found the perfect balance. THAT is what I would like to build on.

Through workshops and programs I would like to see the membership continue to grow. I would like to see more pro pins and first sales. That's what we're here for. Because we love to write. We need each other to stay sane, because lets face it, people who don't write just don't get us.

What are some of your upcoming releases

The Millionaire's Pregnant Mistress, part of a Desire, Rich & Reclusive series, hits the shelves in July. The Secretary's Secret, also a Desire will be out in December. I recently sold a Special Edition that will be out some time next year, and a Harlequin Special Release that is scheduled for August '07.

Do you work with a critique group? Please explain.

I have a couple of critique groups that I work with. Lately though, we've been meeting less. Life has been getting in the way, and in my case I write so fast, it's a chore trying to keep up with me. However, if I need to brainstorm or have a manuscript that just isn't going the way I want it to, I have several close writer friends ready and willing to lend a fresh eye.

What advice can you give to new, unpublished writers?

It takes determination and sacrifice to become a published author. If you're going to sell, you have to really want it. You have to work your tail off learning your craft and the market. You have to develop a thick skin because publishing is definitely not an industry for the overly-sensitive or the faint of heart. As with any creative profession, it can be temperamental and unpredictable. You must be willing to compromise and change with the market.

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