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, released in November 2008. Elaine's latest book, NO HERO LIKE HIM, will be out in July 2009. Visit Elaine Grant's website and myspace page.
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.
Laura Burks - Laura writes what she enjoys reading most – young adult crossover. Her first novel, ALTERED, a paranormal romance mystery set in Louisiana, was released in September, 2011 by Wings ePress and placed on their bestseller list. Currently, two more works are in progress. One, she's excited to add, is a shared project with her daughter. Visit Laura Burks'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. Her latest release, Heart Breakers, is now available from Wings e-Press. Visit Eleanor Cocreham's website.
Beth D. Carter - Beth writes erotica romance and currently has three published novels through Siren-Bookstrand and Loose Id. She has traveled all over the world, and her first novel BLACK LEATHER PANTS, was written while living in Paris. She believes if there was more love and romance in the world there would be a lot less killing and intolerance. She is always striving to better her craft and write stories that move readers on an emotional level. Visit Beth D. Carter's website.
Carla Hostetter (writing as Lynn Shurr) - The author of two published contemporary romances, Goals for a Sinner and Wish for a Sinner. Her first historical novel, Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball, will be coming out in January, 2012. With luck, the contemporary sequel, Kicks for a Sinner, will appear sometime in 2012 as well. Carla's mystery/romance, Mardi Gras Madness will also be out in the fall of 2012. Visit Lynn Shurr's website.
Rhonda McKey (writing as Rhonda Leah) - Rhonda writes erotic and contemporary romances. Her stories range from sweet and sassy to sensually erotic, covering everything in between. Her stories will always have a Happily Ever After, because nothing makes her want to scream more than a cheerless ending. Her latest is RISKING DELANEY from Lyrical Press, Inc. released on April 18th, 2011. Check her website for current news.
Anne Clayre Mason - Anne Clayre Mason writes romantic suspense and mystery. Her paranormal romantic suspense RENAISSANCE WOMAN, published in 2009 by The Wild Rose Press, explores the possibility of reincarnation in Venice. APRIL FOOLS, a murder mystery set in New Orleans written as A. C. Mason, was released in December 2010 by Wings ePress. Visit Anne Clayre Mason's website.
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, 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.
Josephine Templeton - Josephine Templeton represents angels, demons, vampires and sometimes humans. She is Treasurer of Heartla (the Baton Rouge chapter of Romance Writers of America) and a freelance writer with Lafayette ’s 008 Magazine, Town Favorites and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. With two published novels under her wings (Convicted of Love – a historical romance and Forever Yours- a vampire romance), she is pleased to announce that she will have two more books soon to be released. A Pirate’s Kiss is a historical romance through Whiskey Creek Press, and book one of her Fallen Angelle series, Scorned, will be through Crescent Moon Press. Stay tuned to her website at www.josephinetempleton.com for the release dates.

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.

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

Beth Bares – penned as BB Mac writes Paranormal Romance. Although unpublished, she was picked up by an Agent in June of 2009 and has been steady working on editing a three book series “Dreams.” Beth’s agent plans to submit the trilogy to major publishing houses while she begins writing her second series...which is top secret. Fingers crossed…

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.

C.J. LaBranche - C.J. is a former columnist for Dark Moon Rising online magazine. His published fiction appeared in HandHeldCrime magazine, an online service which provided short fiction to handheld computer users (they were far ahead of their time). He's currently working on a mystery novel set in Louisiana.

Nicolete Summers - Nicolete married her high school sweetheart and today they have two children ages 17 and 7. By day she is a recovery room nurse (RN) and at night she works on her paranormal and historical manuscripts. She has a history in journalism - founding and editing a college newsletter, and publishing several articles in the state nursing newsletter.

Meredith Tague - Meredith is currently tackling her first novel, which will be the first in a Paranormal Romance series. She has plenty of support from her husband, six cats and two dogs. When not bothered by her full-time job, she escapes to a world of fangs, fur and spells. Dazzled by her kick-butt female characters and handsome male warriors, Meredith is honored to be their chosen vessel so they can tell their stories.

Watch for info about these HeartLa members (coming soon!): Wendy Thibodaux, Martha Burch.

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.

Sylvia Rochester - Sylvia lives in the heart of Cajun country on beautiful Bayou Corne. Swaying moss, reflected in black water, fuels her imagination. Surrounded by a cypress swamp, she has only to step out her back door to enter a world of mystery and majesty. To date, she has six published novels: THE SWEET SMELL OF DEATH, WHEN EVIL LOVES, COME BACK MY LOVE, SHADOW OF THE SOUL (2009 Eppie Inspirational Winner), COURAGE TO CARE, and DA VINCI'S LOST YEARS. Visit Sylvia Rochester's website.

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.

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.

Member News

Laura Burks' first novel, ALTERED, a paranormal romance mystery set in Louisiana, was released in September, 2011 by Wings ePress and placed on their bestseller list!

Eleanor Cocreham's latest release, HEART BREAKERS, is now available from Wings e-Press. Never had Jaime Wanamaker witnessed a more stunning sight than the woman standing on the moonlit terrace in her iridescent dress and dazzling opals. When she spied him, as if wondering who he was and why he was at her party, he grinned. Tomorrow she’d know, they were slated to come face to face!

Rhonda Leah's latest contemporary/erotic release is RISKING DELANEY (Lyrical Press, Inc., April 2011). Brock Chandler is a walking ad for danger and she’s lived her life for security. When their worlds collide for a second time, anything can happen!

Anne Clayre Mason's latest book APRIL FOOLS (Wings ePress) was released in December 2010. Mystery writer Susan Foret's decision to clear her twin brother of murder creates marital discord with her New Orleans homicide detective husband and leads to threatening phone calls, another murder, and an attack that lands her in the hospital. Can she solve this real life mystery? Or will she end up divorced ... or dead?

Carla Hostetter (writing as Lynn Shurr) announces her new release, Wish for a Sinner (January, 2011), the sequel to Goals for a Sinner (April, 2010). She has also signed contracts with L & L Dreamspell to publish a historical novel, Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball in January, 2012 and a short ghost story in their Haunts 2 anthology.

Elaine Grant was nominated for a RITA for MAKE-BELIEVE MOM in the "Best Contemporary Series Romance" category.

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.

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.