Editorial Director Karin Stoecker explained that Walkies is an annual Book Trade Benevolent Society fund raiser.
"Teams generally have a theme around a book or imprint they are promoting. We chose to go with a MIRA title, The Death List by Paul Johnston currently on the Heatseeker Chart here in the UK."
Catherine Burke, Editor, MIRA, Mills and Boon, reported that a great time was had by everyone on the team and noted that, "Out of around 20 Publishing teams taking part, the Harlequin Mills and Boon team won Runner Up for the Best Team Award (beaten by Random House Children's chaps dressed as cows; they deserved it really…)."
They've raised hundreds of pounds for the BTBS, which is terrific, but there’s still time to add any last donations at www.justgiving.com/thedeathlist everyone!
Cute lil' devils aren't they? And THE DEATH LIST is a truly page-turning and scary book. Available right now on both sides of the Atlantic!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
THE BIG THRILL COMING TO NYC
Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling Mira author and delightful person, has agreed to report on Thrillerfest, coming up in New York City while I am hanging out on a island in Maine. No comments please!
Karen has been in the Denver area visiting family and researching her next Mira. She just sent me this ThillerFest Preview with some "pre-game" info. Next week, she'll send more information on the event, hopefully with quotes and interviews, if feasible. Margaret Marbury has a digital camera, so we're hoping to get photos as well.... Karen notes:
Quite a few Mira Books thriller/mystery authors are heading to the Big Apple for the 2nd annual ThrillerFest Conference, July 12 - 15. Mira attendees include (sorry if someone's name was inadvertently omitted!) Heather Graham, Alex Kava, M. J. Rose, Jason Pinter, Carla Neggers and Karen Harper. Mira editorial staff attending are Margaret Marbury, Linda McFall and Miranda Stecyk.
Highlights include an all-day Thursday craft fest for writers wanting to learn the basics of thriller writing. Friday (Fri. the 13th--perfect!) through Sunday are panels and presentations such as a Spotlight Guest Presentation with Heather Graham and the following workshops hosted by Mira authors:
--Heather Graham: Sleeping With the Enemy (sex and violence, a precarious balance)
--Karen Harper: Psycho (thrillers that haunt you)
--Alex Kava: The Killing Fields (serial killers in our midst)
There are booksignings galore including a massive autograph session on the last conference day. A banquet with awards is included too.
More details and photos from this "thrilling" event coming later, courtesy of Karen Harper!
Karen has been in the Denver area visiting family and researching her next Mira. She just sent me this ThillerFest Preview with some "pre-game" info. Next week, she'll send more information on the event, hopefully with quotes and interviews, if feasible. Margaret Marbury has a digital camera, so we're hoping to get photos as well.... Karen notes:
Quite a few Mira Books thriller/mystery authors are heading to the Big Apple for the 2nd annual ThrillerFest Conference, July 12 - 15. Mira attendees include (sorry if someone's name was inadvertently omitted!) Heather Graham, Alex Kava, M. J. Rose, Jason Pinter, Carla Neggers and Karen Harper. Mira editorial staff attending are Margaret Marbury, Linda McFall and Miranda Stecyk.
Highlights include an all-day Thursday craft fest for writers wanting to learn the basics of thriller writing. Friday (Fri. the 13th--perfect!) through Sunday are panels and presentations such as a Spotlight Guest Presentation with Heather Graham and the following workshops hosted by Mira authors:
--Heather Graham: Sleeping With the Enemy (sex and violence, a precarious balance)
--Karen Harper: Psycho (thrillers that haunt you)
--Alex Kava: The Killing Fields (serial killers in our midst)
There are booksignings galore including a massive autograph session on the last conference day. A banquet with awards is included too.
More details and photos from this "thrilling" event coming later, courtesy of Karen Harper!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
What's Love Got To Do With It?...
Everything.
You know, almost 30 years in the business & I still haven't gotten my elevator statement down on Romance—you know the one minute spiel that says it, sells it, and shuts all argument down.
Because my initial Mad Magazine 'Snappy Answers To Stupid Questions' attitude just isn't the right approach. Responding negatively to negativity (not to get too California on you) just begets more negativity. And it can go from bad to worse—though not without moments of satisfaction, I must note.
The right way is to have a positive conversation—to say not only do I like what I do, but I think it's important. Scratch that. It IS important. Let me compellingly demonstrate, you small-minded snot...oops!
I am behind on my TBR pile, so I didn't catch this on the first round, and connected when I was checking out Galleycat in Media Bistro & saw Ron Hogan's June 8 post on Jane Green and her spirited commentary on Erica Jong's letter, apparently originally published in Publishers Weekly and then posted on the Huffington Post.
I thought FINALLY. Someone—not a romance writer (sorry, endorsements need to come from certified literary types—for some reason Ms Jong fills the bill—or from guys, in order to have any weight or be taken seriously) coming out and saying in public that love is not only OK, it's pretty darn important.
Ms Jong notes that "deep down, the same old prejudice prevails. War matters: love does not. Women are destined to be undervalued as long as we write about love." (She accurately notes the same is not true for guys. 'When they write about family and relationships, critics marvel at their capacity for empathy'!)
What is...challenging and perhaps unresolvable is the double edge of the weapons and protective armour women use. And the implications the choice of those 'weapons' have.
For we can be complicit in diminishing ourselves, our choices, our preferences for a thousand reasons. To protect ourselves; to protect, comfort, reassure others that we do not pose a threat; to give us the opportunity to pick our battles; to fool others; to avoid having to prove ourselves, be ridiculed, justify our choices to insensitive boors; to avoid being hurt.
Playing dumb is an effective strategy for many. Truly, there are some situations where you just can't afford to play smart; it's bad for your health. So the dismissive words, 'it's just a trashy book, a beach read, nothing serious, light reading: Fluff!'...are ascribed to stories that touch us. Books we enjoy. . . .
We often deny and diminish ourselves to men, and also to the thought-police women, who sometimes, in the desire to 'win the battle,' push women to deny parts of who we are as women, as—along with the patriarchy—they see things feminine as weak, agree that using "feminine whiles" is demeaning and cheating. (The concept of "masculine whiles" does not, of course exist. That's just the normal way of doing business). There are a thousand reasons.
For example, there was a moment on the first Apprentice TV show where the girls were decimating the boys—mostly by exploiting S-E-X and their appealing assets. After about a 4-0 score, Trump told the girls they were too smart to just keep using their attributes to win. It was an interesting moment. Do you think a boy would have set aside a sure-fire winning strategy just because it was too easy and worked every time? Hmmmm.
There's not much sport in dynamiting fish, but if you need to feed your family, have no fly fishing skills & you're not a member of the exclusive Rod 'n' Gun Club and you've got a nice stick of dynamite, I for one am not going to waggle my finger at your using assets given as effectively as possible.
"War matters, love does not." That translates to me to read: Death matters—has depth, value, weight. Love—life doesn't. It's feel-good, frivolous, lightweight. And not to say confronting one's own mortality isn't a difficult and necessary task, but without love and life, why do we want to stay alive? Every condolence letter I write turns into an acknowledgement of how very precious life is—how love makes it that way—and how the challenge now is to reach out with deeper appreciation to those that remain.
It is not a time to complain that some colleague's language is too rigid or limiting, or doesn't say this, or I don't agree with that. Let's keep our eye on the donut and focus on the fact that love matters.
Perhaps, like in It's a Wonderful Life, one could ask what the world—or just your life—would be like without it.
You know, almost 30 years in the business & I still haven't gotten my elevator statement down on Romance—you know the one minute spiel that says it, sells it, and shuts all argument down.
Because my initial Mad Magazine 'Snappy Answers To Stupid Questions' attitude just isn't the right approach. Responding negatively to negativity (not to get too California on you) just begets more negativity. And it can go from bad to worse—though not without moments of satisfaction, I must note.
The right way is to have a positive conversation—to say not only do I like what I do, but I think it's important. Scratch that. It IS important. Let me compellingly demonstrate, you small-minded snot...oops!
I am behind on my TBR pile, so I didn't catch this on the first round, and connected when I was checking out Galleycat in Media Bistro & saw Ron Hogan's June 8 post on Jane Green and her spirited commentary on Erica Jong's letter, apparently originally published in Publishers Weekly and then posted on the Huffington Post.
I thought FINALLY. Someone—not a romance writer (sorry, endorsements need to come from certified literary types—for some reason Ms Jong fills the bill—or from guys, in order to have any weight or be taken seriously) coming out and saying in public that love is not only OK, it's pretty darn important.
Ms Jong notes that "deep down, the same old prejudice prevails. War matters: love does not. Women are destined to be undervalued as long as we write about love." (She accurately notes the same is not true for guys. 'When they write about family and relationships, critics marvel at their capacity for empathy'!)
What is...challenging and perhaps unresolvable is the double edge of the weapons and protective armour women use. And the implications the choice of those 'weapons' have.
For we can be complicit in diminishing ourselves, our choices, our preferences for a thousand reasons. To protect ourselves; to protect, comfort, reassure others that we do not pose a threat; to give us the opportunity to pick our battles; to fool others; to avoid having to prove ourselves, be ridiculed, justify our choices to insensitive boors; to avoid being hurt.
Playing dumb is an effective strategy for many. Truly, there are some situations where you just can't afford to play smart; it's bad for your health. So the dismissive words, 'it's just a trashy book, a beach read, nothing serious, light reading: Fluff!'...are ascribed to stories that touch us. Books we enjoy. . . .
We often deny and diminish ourselves to men, and also to the thought-police women, who sometimes, in the desire to 'win the battle,' push women to deny parts of who we are as women, as—along with the patriarchy—they see things feminine as weak, agree that using "feminine whiles" is demeaning and cheating. (The concept of "masculine whiles" does not, of course exist. That's just the normal way of doing business). There are a thousand reasons.
For example, there was a moment on the first Apprentice TV show where the girls were decimating the boys—mostly by exploiting S-E-X and their appealing assets. After about a 4-0 score, Trump told the girls they were too smart to just keep using their attributes to win. It was an interesting moment. Do you think a boy would have set aside a sure-fire winning strategy just because it was too easy and worked every time? Hmmmm.
There's not much sport in dynamiting fish, but if you need to feed your family, have no fly fishing skills & you're not a member of the exclusive Rod 'n' Gun Club and you've got a nice stick of dynamite, I for one am not going to waggle my finger at your using assets given as effectively as possible.
"War matters, love does not." That translates to me to read: Death matters—has depth, value, weight. Love—life doesn't. It's feel-good, frivolous, lightweight. And not to say confronting one's own mortality isn't a difficult and necessary task, but without love and life, why do we want to stay alive? Every condolence letter I write turns into an acknowledgement of how very precious life is—how love makes it that way—and how the challenge now is to reach out with deeper appreciation to those that remain.
It is not a time to complain that some colleague's language is too rigid or limiting, or doesn't say this, or I don't agree with that. Let's keep our eye on the donut and focus on the fact that love matters.
Perhaps, like in It's a Wonderful Life, one could ask what the world—or just your life—would be like without it.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Finalists for Awards--very exciting
Pam Jenoff’s book The Kommandant’s Girl has been nominated for a Quill Award in the Category of Best Romance (story also available in audio). Publishers Weekly gave this stunning debut novel a starred review and said “This is historical romance at its finest.”
It's a complex, multi-faceted and riveting story, great for a book club selection--there are even Reader's Ring reading guide discussion questions available. Check out the titles the Amazon reviewers chose for their reviews: One of the Best Books I have Read!, A Delightfully Beguiling Read!, A page turner, Read in less than 24 hours, deep look at WWII, 4 stars.
Pam’s fellow nominees are veterans of romance publishing, including Nora Roberts, Luanne Rice and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
The Quills Voting Board, made up of 6,000 booksellers and librarians will choose the winner by August 31st. The Awards Program to be televised by NBC-TV’s Universal Stations on Saturday, October 27, 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.thequills.org/.
LUNA sweeps the PRISM awards!
The PRISM 2007 Contest for Published Authors, sponsored by the Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal Special Interest Chapter of RWA, has announced this year’s finalists…and all nominations in the fantasy category belong to LUNA!
Jeri Smith-Ready's EYES OF CROW, published November, 2006
Gail Dayton's THE BARBED ROSE, published March, 2006
P.C. Cast's DIVINE BY CHOICE, published December, 2006
National Bestselling author Susan Grant's first title for HQN Books, YOUR PLANET OR MINE is nominated for a 2007 Prism award in the Futuristic Category. Her next title will be released August 2007: HOW TO LOSE AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL IN 10 DAYS.
It's a complex, multi-faceted and riveting story, great for a book club selection--there are even Reader's Ring reading guide discussion questions available. Check out the titles the Amazon reviewers chose for their reviews: One of the Best Books I have Read!, A Delightfully Beguiling Read!, A page turner, Read in less than 24 hours, deep look at WWII, 4 stars.
Pam’s fellow nominees are veterans of romance publishing, including Nora Roberts, Luanne Rice and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
The Quills Voting Board, made up of 6,000 booksellers and librarians will choose the winner by August 31st. The Awards Program to be televised by NBC-TV’s Universal Stations on Saturday, October 27, 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.thequills.org/.
LUNA sweeps the PRISM awards!
The PRISM 2007 Contest for Published Authors, sponsored by the Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal Special Interest Chapter of RWA, has announced this year’s finalists…and all nominations in the fantasy category belong to LUNA!
Jeri Smith-Ready's EYES OF CROW, published November, 2006
Gail Dayton's THE BARBED ROSE, published March, 2006
P.C. Cast's DIVINE BY CHOICE, published December, 2006
National Bestselling author Susan Grant's first title for HQN Books, YOUR PLANET OR MINE is nominated for a 2007 Prism award in the Futuristic Category. Her next title will be released August 2007: HOW TO LOSE AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL IN 10 DAYS.
Winners to be announced July 11, 2007!Congratulations & Good luck!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Press Release: Harlequin Announces Launch of Nonfiction Program
Editorial to include relationship books, self-help,
memoirs and biographies
Toronto, (May 30, 2007) Harlequin Enterprises Limited, one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, announced today that they will enter the nonfiction market in the fall of 2008. Harlequin will publish titles in numerous genres, including relationship, health, self-help, diet, fitness, inspirational, memoir and biography, as well as companion pieces to successful fictional series by the company’s many bestselling authors.
"Harlequin’s entry into the nonfiction market builds upon our existing strengths as a publisher who provides millions of women around the world with great entertainment and a rewarding reading experience," says Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
Industry analysis and reader feedback clearly indicate that the nonfiction category holds tremendous opportunity for Harlequin, with its unique stature as a publisher of content for women. Harlequin had tremendous success with Friends: A Love Story by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. Spotlighting the compelling real-life love story of the Hollywood power couple and published in February 2007 under the Kimani Press imprint, Friends: A Love Story was a New York Times bestseller and marked Harlequin’s very first nonfiction romance story.
Harlequin is not creating a new imprint for the nonfiction program. Instead, the books will be author/title-led and will be published under Harlequin’s existing imprints, based on their content.
"The publishing strategy will focus on content that entertains, supports, inspires and provides insights to women as their lives and roles change," says Loriana Sacilotto, Executive Vice President, Global Publishing & Strategy. "The editorial will concentrate on such categories as health, diet, fitness, self-help, motivational and relationship books as well as narrative nonfiction—nonfiction that tells a story, such as memoirs and biographies—and will cater to women 35 years and older."
About Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 26 languages and sold in 109 international markets. The company releases 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 17 countries, including Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.
Media Contacts:
Heather Foy Senior Manager, Public Relations
(647) 286-2263
heather_foy@harlequin.ca
Don Lucey
Assistant Manager, Public Relations
(416) 391-7094
don_lucey@harlequin.ca
Harlequin Enterprises Limited Harlequin Enterprises Limited
memoirs and biographies
Toronto, (May 30, 2007) Harlequin Enterprises Limited, one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, announced today that they will enter the nonfiction market in the fall of 2008. Harlequin will publish titles in numerous genres, including relationship, health, self-help, diet, fitness, inspirational, memoir and biography, as well as companion pieces to successful fictional series by the company’s many bestselling authors.
"Harlequin’s entry into the nonfiction market builds upon our existing strengths as a publisher who provides millions of women around the world with great entertainment and a rewarding reading experience," says Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
Industry analysis and reader feedback clearly indicate that the nonfiction category holds tremendous opportunity for Harlequin, with its unique stature as a publisher of content for women. Harlequin had tremendous success with Friends: A Love Story by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. Spotlighting the compelling real-life love story of the Hollywood power couple and published in February 2007 under the Kimani Press imprint, Friends: A Love Story was a New York Times bestseller and marked Harlequin’s very first nonfiction romance story.
Harlequin is not creating a new imprint for the nonfiction program. Instead, the books will be author/title-led and will be published under Harlequin’s existing imprints, based on their content.
"The publishing strategy will focus on content that entertains, supports, inspires and provides insights to women as their lives and roles change," says Loriana Sacilotto, Executive Vice President, Global Publishing & Strategy. "The editorial will concentrate on such categories as health, diet, fitness, self-help, motivational and relationship books as well as narrative nonfiction—nonfiction that tells a story, such as memoirs and biographies—and will cater to women 35 years and older."
About Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 26 languages and sold in 109 international markets. The company releases 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 17 countries, including Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.
Media Contacts:
Heather Foy Senior Manager, Public Relations
(647) 286-2263
heather_foy@harlequin.ca
Don Lucey
Assistant Manager, Public Relations
(416) 391-7094
don_lucey@harlequin.ca
Harlequin Enterprises Limited Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Entry Point
The Book Club meeting was great. One of the writers was an avid and knowledgeable romance reader, so we had a lot to talk about. She'd gone to the NJ Writer's Conference once to refresh & renew & couldn't say enough nice things about the supportive atmosphere of her fellow writers, how inspiring, helpful and great the experience had been. Really nice to hear.
What did I learn? Entry Point, and how important it is in a continuity.
For example, viewers who have recently tuned into Guiding Light are fine with Josh's relationship with Cassie. Sure he went out with others in the past, but this is now & it's working. But longer term viewers simply can't see them as a valid couple. Josh and Reva, despite all their difficulties, belong together. They have a history, and for the viewers who have lived through that history, it colors their perception. Yes, and the fact that Reva is Cassie's older sister does make it difficult!
Listening to the group—comprised of people from all walks of the company, writers, marketers, human resources, public relations, business affairs, management—speaking so passionately of their characters, their choices, motives, relationships, histories, stories was fascinating. And their entry point to the ongoing story, how that impacted their point of view, their perception of reality, was really interesting.
For we all have our "entry points." In life, of course: we arrive before/after something was invented, something happened, our family moved to that house, to this country, before/after a sibling was born, and that defines our place and perception of our universe. A universe which (remarkably) existed long before our arrival and will continue on long after our departure.
And in stories, it is all about entry points. When does the slice of life the author chooses to tell begin? Who do we invest in as readers? Who do we care about? What do we believe? It's all in the timing—for it will impact our perception of truth.
I read an excerpt from a book about a woman that re-read classics she'd read when she was young. She said at 18 she had found ANNA KARENINA the most romantic book she'd ever read. But as a mother, at 40, she was appalled that Anna could have killed herself and abandoned her child. Even as a reader we have entry points and see different truths. That's true even when we read the same information.
Rereading a book isn't always about savoring favorite scenes—it can also be about re-processing information in a new way. Realizing how we've changed and aligning ourselves to a touchstone—or discovering we have moved on.
I have one school motto that is "Veritas" Truth. Hmmmm. Truth can depend on your entry point!
I prefer another of my school's mottoes: "Function in Disaster. Finish in Style."
Now that is a truth to which I can aspire.
What did I learn? Entry Point, and how important it is in a continuity.
For example, viewers who have recently tuned into Guiding Light are fine with Josh's relationship with Cassie. Sure he went out with others in the past, but this is now & it's working. But longer term viewers simply can't see them as a valid couple. Josh and Reva, despite all their difficulties, belong together. They have a history, and for the viewers who have lived through that history, it colors their perception. Yes, and the fact that Reva is Cassie's older sister does make it difficult!
Listening to the group—comprised of people from all walks of the company, writers, marketers, human resources, public relations, business affairs, management—speaking so passionately of their characters, their choices, motives, relationships, histories, stories was fascinating. And their entry point to the ongoing story, how that impacted their point of view, their perception of reality, was really interesting.
For we all have our "entry points." In life, of course: we arrive before/after something was invented, something happened, our family moved to that house, to this country, before/after a sibling was born, and that defines our place and perception of our universe. A universe which (remarkably) existed long before our arrival and will continue on long after our departure.
And in stories, it is all about entry points. When does the slice of life the author chooses to tell begin? Who do we invest in as readers? Who do we care about? What do we believe? It's all in the timing—for it will impact our perception of truth.
I read an excerpt from a book about a woman that re-read classics she'd read when she was young. She said at 18 she had found ANNA KARENINA the most romantic book she'd ever read. But as a mother, at 40, she was appalled that Anna could have killed herself and abandoned her child. Even as a reader we have entry points and see different truths. That's true even when we read the same information.
Rereading a book isn't always about savoring favorite scenes—it can also be about re-processing information in a new way. Realizing how we've changed and aligning ourselves to a touchstone—or discovering we have moved on.
I have one school motto that is "Veritas" Truth. Hmmmm. Truth can depend on your entry point!
I prefer another of my school's mottoes: "Function in Disaster. Finish in Style."
Now that is a truth to which I can aspire.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Book Club choice for non-romance readers--what book would you choose?
A friend works in the creative department at the soaps for P&G (Guiding Light and As the World Turns). She's invited me to recommend a title and then attend one of their Book Club meetings. Though I haven't been a daytime soap watcher, I am deeply respectful of the amazing job they do to sustain an hour a day, FIVE days a week of a continuity story for years. Decades. Now that is continuity storytelling!
I chose DANGEROUS MEN, ADVENTUROUS WOMEN; Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance, edited by Jayne Ann Krentz. It was originally published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1992. I read it then and really found it interesting and am re-reading it now and still finding it filled with good perspectives. Patricia Smith was at UPP at the time and sheparded the project through--she'd been a Harlequin sales rep, an editor at Silhouette and not only had a great personal appreciation and insight into the genre, she knew Jayne and of course they worked with a roster of fabulous writers and advocates. Taking notes for my meeting I'm thinking about essays of my own I'd like to write--it's thought provoking--as well as points to discuss at the meeting:
Thinking about the subversive aspect of romances & a patriarchy; the connection of writers and readers/viewers, writers and actors; encoded language, expectations and boundaries; political correctness & feminism--emotional Vs intellectual connection; identification Vs place-holding; empowerment & what we mean by that....
Will need to think further on how some of the issues within the romance genre are potentially similar or different from soaps--whether due to being a visual storytelling medium, the content, or the form. And what does that mean? Hmmm. Rich.
On a seemingly separate topic, I thoroughly enjoyed Christina Dodd's TONGUE IN CHIC which I read during my recent travels. I picked up a copy after getting an email from her saying she was planning to do a post on how she enjoys Harlequin Presents on her group blog Squawk Radio It's there RIGHT NOW CHECK IT OUT (I am quoted! Cool!).
Of course I had to tell her about the fabulous IHeartPresents blog, which she, of course, already knew about. Some people know everything. If you don't know about it, go check it out. After you read Christina's post about how quintessentially delicious Harlequin Presents are, please look at the IHeartPresents blog.
But what was really amazing, along the lines of synchronicity, is that as I was reading TONGUE IN CHIC, there, on p.162, the heroine and the whole hotel crew are parked in her bedroom watching and discussing...you guessed it, Guiding Light! I'm taking TIC to the Book Club meeting.
Christine (who knows everything) also just informed me that Michelle Buonfiglio is also blogging about Harlequin Presents! Do you know her delightful Romance by the Blog? May 2nd, "The Italian Footballer's Virgin Romance Columnist Bride" is all about Presents, mentions Christina's post and Squawk Radio. Its part of her Romance b(u)y the Book though her website and blog are going to be moving to Lifetime.com in June--pretty cool--and will be at http://romancebuythebook.com/
Got back from Ecuador a little while ago, where my brother got married. It was very pretty.
As it happens his wife is from Ecuador, so there was a compelling reason to be there, but if you're planning a big event, check out Ecuador. Same time zone and it's on the US dollar, so you don't have to change money, and the prices are very reasonable. Beautiful country, amazing hummingbirds, great restaurants, hotels, we had a lovely time. Worst case you come back with some Ecuadorian change.
Don't say I don't share hot tips with you!
I chose DANGEROUS MEN, ADVENTUROUS WOMEN; Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance, edited by Jayne Ann Krentz. It was originally published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1992. I read it then and really found it interesting and am re-reading it now and still finding it filled with good perspectives. Patricia Smith was at UPP at the time and sheparded the project through--she'd been a Harlequin sales rep, an editor at Silhouette and not only had a great personal appreciation and insight into the genre, she knew Jayne and of course they worked with a roster of fabulous writers and advocates. Taking notes for my meeting I'm thinking about essays of my own I'd like to write--it's thought provoking--as well as points to discuss at the meeting:
Thinking about the subversive aspect of romances & a patriarchy; the connection of writers and readers/viewers, writers and actors; encoded language, expectations and boundaries; political correctness & feminism--emotional Vs intellectual connection; identification Vs place-holding; empowerment & what we mean by that....
Will need to think further on how some of the issues within the romance genre are potentially similar or different from soaps--whether due to being a visual storytelling medium, the content, or the form. And what does that mean? Hmmm. Rich.
On a seemingly separate topic, I thoroughly enjoyed Christina Dodd's TONGUE IN CHIC which I read during my recent travels. I picked up a copy after getting an email from her saying she was planning to do a post on how she enjoys Harlequin Presents on her group blog Squawk Radio It's there RIGHT NOW CHECK IT OUT (I am quoted! Cool!).
Of course I had to tell her about the fabulous IHeartPresents blog, which she, of course, already knew about. Some people know everything. If you don't know about it, go check it out. After you read Christina's post about how quintessentially delicious Harlequin Presents are, please look at the IHeartPresents blog.
But what was really amazing, along the lines of synchronicity, is that as I was reading TONGUE IN CHIC, there, on p.162, the heroine and the whole hotel crew are parked in her bedroom watching and discussing...you guessed it, Guiding Light! I'm taking TIC to the Book Club meeting.
Christine (who knows everything) also just informed me that Michelle Buonfiglio is also blogging about Harlequin Presents! Do you know her delightful Romance by the Blog? May 2nd, "The Italian Footballer's Virgin Romance Columnist Bride" is all about Presents, mentions Christina's post and Squawk Radio. Its part of her Romance b(u)y the Book though her website and blog are going to be moving to Lifetime.com in June--pretty cool--and will be at http://romancebuythebook.com/
Got back from Ecuador a little while ago, where my brother got married. It was very pretty.
As it happens his wife is from Ecuador, so there was a compelling reason to be there, but if you're planning a big event, check out Ecuador. Same time zone and it's on the US dollar, so you don't have to change money, and the prices are very reasonable. Beautiful country, amazing hummingbirds, great restaurants, hotels, we had a lovely time. Worst case you come back with some Ecuadorian change.
Don't say I don't share hot tips with you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
