Guest Post: C.R. Guiliano on Dreamspinner Press

Mingling With the Stars

C.R. Guiliano is visiting today with a post about her experiences with Dreamspinner Press, and particularly at the Dreamspinner author workshop last month in Portland, Oregon. It’s a heartfelt and totally deserved tribute.

I have to admit, my very first Dreamspinner Workshop was very intimidating. After all, I was among some of the best writers in the m/m genre. I’ve been reading m/m since about early 2010, but only started writing in the genre later that same year.

All along, Dreamspinner was prominent in the books that I enjoyed. I haven’t read a Dreamspinner publication that I did not adore. So, when I submitted my first story to them, needless to say, I was on pins and needles. I honestly didn’t think I was up to their level of expertise.

I learned, after that first story was accepted, that I was better than I thought. Now, two more stories have been accepted, and I’m on the schedule for writing two novels! Have I made the big time? It sure feels like it. Do I think I’m as talented as the stars of Dreamspinner? No, but I’m working towards bettering myself with every story I write.

I learned quickly that Dreamspinner writers are very personable and friendly. I was accepted into the fold with open arms. There is nothing like that feeling… that feeling of belonging somewhere. To be able to say, I am a Dreamspinner author. To be part of a group of writers that have influenced and inspired me to, not only write m/m, but to do it well.

I met so many of my favorite authors, all the while trying not to fangirl, but I think the highlight was meeting Elizabeth North. She is Dreamspinner, and I was so anxious that she like me. Silly, I know. But she was as sweet as she could be, making me feel comfortable and just as important as the stars who have been writing for Dreamspinner for a long time.

I hope that I will continue to be a part of such a wonderful group of authors and I have every intention of continuing to attend the future workshops. I learned a great deal and was very impressed with the panels.

Additionally, I learned about Harmony Ink, Dreamspinner’s YA imprint. I’ve been dabbling in a couple of young adult/new adult stories, and had Cody Kennedy, a Dreamspinner author, encourage me to write them. They are in the process, and I will be submitting them to Harmony Ink when they are done.

This is what I’m talking about. The camaraderie, the encouragement and sharing. This is why I am so impressed with Dreamspinner, and knowing that Elizabeth instilled such openness with her staff and authors.

I may have held in my fangirling with the authors I met, but I cannot help but gush about such a wonderful and heartwarming publisher. After all, what publisher would put together an anthology for two of their authors, with all proceeds going to them, in a matter of months? That right there is why Dreamspinner is the best and I will forever be proud to say I am part of that.

CR Guiliano is an avid reader which logically morphed into the love of writing. She writes in many genres, but is most happy writing the love between two men (or more!) She makes them work hard for their HEA and considers herself an expert in angst. CR finds her favorite form of writing is in serials, where she can continue to write about characters who have captured her heart and hopes have captured her readers as well.

You will usually find CR cuddled up to her laptop creating stories to entertain, inspire and bring your emotions to the surface. CR has a huge warren of plot bunnies that is growing every day and can’t wait to fill out each story idea and share them all with her readers.

CR was proudly nominated in the Goodreads Best Anthology Nominations and was thrilled to be included with the many talented writers from the same Anthology.

CR is a committed advocate for the GLBTQ community and does her best to change society’s attitudes, one mind at a time. You can learn more about CR Guiliano and her stories at the following locations and feel free to drop her line as she loves to hear from anyone interested in her or her writings:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CR-Guiliano-Author/243814592322136?ref=hl

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/crguiliano

Author blog: http://crguiliano-author.blogspot.com/