A dear, dear friend sold a three book mystery series to NAL.  Kathleen is one of those people who have truly paid her dues.  Go to her website http://www.katecarlisle.com (read the bio!!!!) and yes, she’s actually that funny and then some.  That alone is enough but it was her perseverance that awed me from the get-go.  While juggling a fulltime job, she managed to be one of the most prolific writers I’ve ever known.  In 2006, she won the RWA Golden Heart and I sat there crying as she was presented with her award.  She was an American Title Finalist this year and again, I waited anxiously as she progressed round through round toward the final prize, a publishing contract, she almost made it too.  This year she won the Stiletto Contest.  This woman has talent out the ying!

So yesterday, when I got the news I felt like a proud auntie hearing the news that a treasured niece had just given birth to triplets.  I say auntie because I in no way contributed anything more than moral support to Kate even after the sweetie acknowledged me at the RITA Awards when she was accepting her Golden Heart. 

Kate – congrats and YOU GO GIRLFRIEND!

WOO HOO Kate!! Rhonnie, it was soo exciting to see Kate getting her roses on Saturday! Wish you and Ames could have been there!

Aww, Auntie!! You are sooo sweet!! I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for your good wishes. I couldn't have done it without my friends and that's the absolute truth. :)

Awww, congratulations to Kate!