President

(two candidates)

Marianne Stillings

The GSRWA's success as a viable organization is important to me; that's why I'm running for the office of president. As a member for the last five years, I've had a chance to meet many wonderful writers, both published, and those on their way. The friends I've made and the information I've garnered, along with the fabulous workshops offered at the annual Emerald City conference, have been instrumental in helping me get published. As a result of my own experiences and my new understanding of the publishing world, as president, I'd focus on every aspect of the craft of writing, especially in terms of our chapter's aspiring authors. For the past twenty years, I've been a senior technical writer at Boeing, and have both organized large groups and led teams to accomplish common goals. I'd like to apply those same skills in leading every member of the GSRWA to a publishing contract. With guest speakers and online classes, I'm hoping to offer something for every member of the chapter, whether you are yet to write a single word, or have published many books. Is 2005 the year you get The Call? Let's work on it together to make your dream of publishing a reality. Thank you.

Pat White

I started writing romance fiction in 1995 and joined the Chicago-North Chapter of RWA.  Since then I've served as president and newsletter editor for two RWA chapters, plus manuscript chair, conference co-chair, publicity chair and chapter advisor for Chicago-North.  A six-time Golden Heart finalist, I've published three books, two with Dorchester and one with Harlequin.  As president I would encourage professional support, education and development of our skills as writers.

Vice President

(one candidate)

Heather Koenig

While still a relatively new member to the Seattle chapter, RWA PRO Heather Koenig took on the job of vice-president in January 2004.  Since then, she's enjoyed booking speakers for chapter meetings and organizing the Spring Training event.  When not following up on submissions to agents and editors, Heather writes adult and teen chick lit.  In 2005, she hopes to see GSRWA continue to develop as a professional, caring group which fosters craft and career goals in an uplifting setting.

Secretary

(one candidate)

Jennifer Nielsen

As the 2003-2004 GSRWA Secretary, I have been an RWA and GSRWA member since 2000, and have also been the Production Chair for the past two Emerald City Writers’ Conferences.  I write category lighthearted romantic comedy and action romance.  I currently am a Licensed Massage Therapist in Enumclaw, and have worked as a Hallmark Gold Crown Sales Associate, an 8 mm film repair technician, a thrift store clothes sorter and have over 10 years combined experience as a Secretary, Administrative Assistant and Executive Secretary in both the public and private sectors.  My most memorable position is with the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a non-profit organization for which I helped increase their membership numbers by 25% over a two-year period.  As the 2004-2005 GSRWA Secretary I’m excited to continue supporting the advancement of the professional interests of our chapter’s career-focused romance writers through efficiency and dedication to my position. 

Treasurer

(one candidate)

Lynn Rae

My interest in holding the position of treasurer for the GSRWA chapter is a selfish one.  By learning the guts of the organization and familiarizing myself with all its members, I can satisfy my need to give, as well as receive encouragement and support while I surround myself with the ambiance of mystery, romance, and stories. I’ve been cursed or blessed with the love of and the fascination for words since I was a child.  

My work background encompasses the following: banking, office management, corporate clerical tasks, and retail.  I’m skilled at using several types of software (i.e. Excel, Visio, Access, or Word) which include familiarity with Quicken and Money.  I have experience in handling accounts payable and receivable, daily accounting and company deposits, and ‘activity’ tracking and measurement.  I handle all the finances at home as well.  My experience will make it an easy transition in the administration of the group’s finances.

Being a part of this organization is like being a part of a powerful sisterhood (with some male touches here and there).  When I joined, I had no idea of its potent effect.

Member at Large

(three candidates)

Kari Lewinsohn

My name is Kari Lewinsohn, I write Contemporary, Suspense, and
Historical Romance, and YA novels.  I have been a member of GSRWA and RWA for
over a year.  Currently, I serve as the newsletter editor for GSRWA.
 
My day job is as a Middle School Math/Science teacher, a daily exercise for planning ahead and then changing it all at the last minute to get results.  I am extremely organized and work well with others.  As conference chair I will be delegating activities and responsibilities to insure that each facet of the conference can be performed perfectly.  I have the summers off, due to my profession, so preparing for the conference will not be a burden for me to undertake.
 
I would welcome the challenge of organizing the conference and maintaining prompt, effective communication between all members of the committee I would be overseeing.  I look forward to bringing another incredible conference to romance authors here in the Pacific NW.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Lisa McKay

I have been involved with GSRWA and the ECWC since I joined the chapter in 2001.  In December of 2001, I volunteered to be Facilities Chair for the 2002 ECWC, and researched/located our present venue, the Coast-Bellevue Hotel.  In 2003, I was Conference Chair, and in 2004 I was GSRWA President and Raffle Chair.  I have been involved in the planning of all three spring events that have occurred at the Coast-Bellevue, 2002-2004, and I assisted with the 2003 Holiday party, last December.  I would love to continue being involved with the ECWC by serving as the 2005 Conference Chair/Member-At-Large. 

Ruth Peterson

A large part of the success of GSRWA's future is dependent on the Emerald City Writers’ Conference held every year. While I am a relatively new member of this chapter, I would like to volunteer for the position of Member at Large/Conference Chair with the intent of doing my best to ensure the 2005 Emerald City Writers’ Conference is a huge hit among all attendees. I am confident I can organize and coordinate a conference for 200 people. I understand the success of this position depends on the ability to communicate, delegate and make decisions. I feel I am a strong candidate for this position based on past experience: I have single-handedly put together and hosted a large dinner party for 60+ people.  In my professional life, I am responsible for our Payroll/HR applications, and have held lead management positions in the past.

On a personal note, I've been a member of RWA for the past two years, and have written fiction for the last five years, three of which have included the search for a publisher.

Over the past year, I have not participated actively in the chapter due to my professional life taking unexpected time, however, I feel I have the time and the energy needed to take on the role of Conference Chair for the ECWC. If elected, I will actively seek responsible volunteers to help organize a successful 2005 conference. I know it takes a team of people to make a conference as large as the Emerald City Writers’ Conference a success. 

I look forward to meeting and getting to know more of you. Thank you.