our members

heartla's published authors

Elaine Grant's first novel, ROSES FOR CHLOE, was published by Berkley/Jove for their Haunting Hearts line. ROSES FOR CHLOE was a RITA finalist and a Holt Medallion finalist. Her second novel, MAKE-BELIEVE MOM, a Harlequin Superromance, was released in September 2007 and became a Waldenbooks Best Seller and RITA finalist.  Her third, also a Harlequin Superromance, AN IDEAL FATHER, will be released in 2008. Visit Elaine Grant's website and myspace page.
Cherie Claire (Cheré Coen) is a multi-published author of several Louisiana-set historicals. Her first novel, A CAJUN DREAM, was published by Zebra Splendor and was a Holt finalist, a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist, and a National Federation of Press Women third place winner. This debut earned a four star review in Romantic Times and was an Amazon regional best-seller. She followed this with the popular "Acadians" historical romance series for Zebra Ballad. Her column, Louisiana Book News, is published in The Daily Advertiser of Lafayette. Learn more about Cherie Claire at Romance Central.
Nancy Brandt - Nancy Brandt is the author of two published works. Her novel, FABRIC OF FAITH, an Inspirational, was published by Wings e-Press. ATTACK OF THE QUEEN, published under the name Honor Cummings, is a Fantasy also published by Wings e-Press. Visit Nancy Brandt's website.
Eleanor Cocreham - Eleanor Cocreham writes glitzy romance. Her first novel, CHOICE MAKERS, was published in 2008.  The second book in the series, THE RISK TAKERS, was also released in 2008. Both titles reached "Best Seller" status at her publishing house, Wings e-Press. Visit Eleanor Cocreham's website.
Anne Clayre Mason - Anne Clayre Mason writes romantic suspense and mystery. Her paranormal romantic suspense novella RENAISSANCE WOMAN explores the possibility of reincarnation in Venice, Italy and will be published by The Wild Rose Press in 2008. Visit Anne Clayre Mason's myspace page.
Connie Rachal - Connie Rachal writes historical romance novels containing characters who bring intrigue and action into her plots — which twist and turn from start to finish. Her first novel, BRIDE OF PASSION, is set to be released in July 2008. Connie is donating all royalties to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help in the progress toward finding a cure. Visit Connie Rachal's myspace page.
Tammy Riviere - Tammy Riviere writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance.  She lives in the small town of New Roads, Louisiana.  Her first novel, FIGURE 8, a romantic suspense, was released in February 2008 by Wings e-Press. Visit Tammy Riviere's website.
Sylvia Rochester - Sylvia Rochester writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She is the author of THE SWEET SMELL OF DEATH, WHEN EVIL LOVES, and SHADOW OF THE SOUL, all by Wings e-Press. She also authored, COME BACK, MY LOVE, which was released by Whiskey Creek Press in February 2008. Visit Sylvia Rochester's website.
Josephine Templeton - Josephine Templeton writes historical romance and vampire romance. Her first novel, CONVICTED OF LOVE, a historical romance, was published in February 2007 by Whiskey Creek Press. FOREVER YOURS, a vampire romance, was released by Wings e-Press in May 2008. Visit Josephine Templeton's website.

heartla's PRO MEMBERS

Our PRO members have been recognized by RWA National for their steps toward being published. PRO members have completed manuscripts and are currently shopping their work to agents and publishing houses.

Donna Caubarreaux - Donna has won and placed in numerous writing contests with multiple manuscripts. She writes romance, screenplays and children's books.

Carla Hostetter - A retired county library director who now writes romance novels, Carla was a double finalist in the 2007 "Cleveland Rocks Romance" contest and the 2008 "CTRWA Connections" contest with her football novel, GOALS FOR A SINNER, and 1920's historical, QUEEN OF THE MARDI GRAS BALL.

Rhonda McKey - Rhonda writes sweet romance with an erotic twist. Her manuscript THE BUSINESS OF SEX was a top four finalist in Red Sage Publishing's 2008 novella contest. Rhonda was also a 2007 Brava Novella finalist. She continues to write (and wait for her big break).

Renee-Marie Roy - Renee-Marie Roy has won and placed in numerous writing contests with several manuscripts. She writes contemporary romance, single title, romantic suspense, and time-travel.  She is an LPN and lives in the small town of Mansura, Louisiana.  She loves to fish and cook, and in 2007 she won the APCS Fall Festival Gumbo Cook-Off.

Watch for info about these PRO members (coming soon!): Lisa Songe, Jennifer Del Murray.

HEARTLA's MEMBERS

Jeri Frazier - Jeri channeled her anxiety over her husband's tour of duty in Iraq into the basis for her first manuscript.  Writing romantic comedy, she was determined to show that however short the separation, life goes on even when you sometimes don’t want it to and that laughter can often smooth the rockiest of roads. She is represented by Barbara Collins Rosenberg of The Rosenberg Group.

Kris Harding - Kris is HeartLa's contest coordinator and newsletter editor; she contributes a column of book and movie reviews to a local library publication. With several works in progress, Kris hopes to soon finish THE FLIRTING MASTER (a contest finaling sequel to her behemoth 197,000 word first novel).

Mona Hull - School nurse by day, closet writer by night; Mona has had several articles published in nursing journals. She writes poetry, essays, short stories and articles.  She is currently working on her first novel and believes the best way to conquer fear is to face it.

Pat S. Juelg - Pat is a charter member of HeartLa and has been contributing to the chapter's growth since May 1992. She wrote her first novel at age 12 (her mother later used it for kindling!) and she has been published in short fiction and poetry. She is the current president of Louisiana State Poetry Society.

Lynn Lamousin - Known mostly as a screenwriter and journalist, in the last year Lynn has started (and stopped) a romantic comedy manuscript and a thriller screenplay. She is currently trying to find her muse (has anyone seen it?).

Julie Robinson - Julie is an avid romance reader and writer. She participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2006 and 2007. Last year, Julie served as the Baton Rouge NaNoWriMo co-coordinator, helping other writers stay focused and motivated.

Joan Wallyn - Joan is a first-rate editor who places horses and hunky cowboys high on her list of important ingredients for a great story.

Watch for info about these HeartLa members (coming soon!): Wendy Thibodaux, Susan May, Tamela Wells.

HEARTLA'S FORMER MEMBERS

Below is a selection of our former published members. We are very proud of their achievements!

Christee Gabour Atwood penned the humorous autobiography, Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis. She has also written three business and training books for ASTD Publishing. Visit Christee Gabour Atwood's website.

Lynn Emery writes romance and women's fiction. Her first novel, NIGHT MAGIC, was recognized for Excellence in Romance Fiction by Romantic Times. KISS LONELY GOODBYE won Best Book 2005 and Favorite Hero 2005 at the Emma Awards presented at the Romance Slam Jam Conference. She's was also named Author of the Year 2005. Her novel, GOOD WOMAN BLUES, was nominated by Romantic Times for Best Mainstream. Additional titles include SOULFUL STRUT (Harper Collins) and ENDLESS PASSION. Visit Lynn Emery's website.

Cheryl Wolverton is a multi-published Inspirational author. She first began writing for the Love Inspired series. Some of her titles include the popular "Hill Creek, Texas" series and the newer "Everyday Heroes" series. She has been a RITA award finalist, a Holt finalist, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice finalist. Visit Cheryl Wolverton's website.

Terri Hoover Dunham is the author of The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story, newly released by Sleeping Bear Press. She has also published articles, essays, book reviews and poetry in many local and national magazines and newspapers. Visit Terri Hoover Dunham's website.

Leo Honeycutt is the official biographer of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards. The first draft of Edwards' biography topped 1,800 pages and 3,000 footnotes. Leo is currently editing the manuscript.

SPEAKERS BUREAU

Several of our members are accomplished speakers who are available for engagements at your business, school, or event. HeartLa's Speakers Bureau includes:

Nancy Brandt - An enthusiastic and eloquent speaker, Nancy Brandt is a published romance and fantasy author. She has experience speaking on several writing-related subjects including plotting, mapping, motivation, and the world of e-publishing. Nancy has a degree in Journalism from Pennsylvania's Shippensburg University. Contact Nancy directly to inquire about her availability.

Cheré Coen - Published author and freelance journalist Cheré Coen (aka Cherie Claire) teaches mass market novel writing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and business classes at Baton Rouge Community College. She also speaks at libraries, schools and conferences on a wide range of writing topics including writing romance and freelance travel writing. Contact Cheré directly to inquire about her availability.

Lynn Lamousin - Filmmaker and professional corporate copy editor Lynn Lamousin speaks about topics related to independent filmmaking and entrepreneurship. She has been a guest speaker at New Jersey's Garden State Film Festival, The Atlanta Film Festival, IMAGE Film & Video Center, Women in Film, and Southern Polytechnic State University. Contact Lynn directly to inquire about her availability.

Connie Rachal - Business owner and pirate aficionado Connie Rachal can speak on topics related to writing and pirate legend and lore. She also brings a wealth of knowledge related to opening a small business, including advice on the ins and outs of attending buyers' markets. Contact Connie directly to inquire about her availability.