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
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Interview with a Vampire...sort of!
Hmmmm. I wonder, if you create vampires out of your fertile imagination, does that make you a vampire...mom? Or perhaps more powerfully: The Mother of All Vampires (at least the ones you create).
I forgot to ask that really interesting question when I asked The Mother Of Some Vampires, the new voice in vampires, Jennifer Armintrout a few questions about POSSESSION. I thought I'd share the questions I did ask!
Me: How do you see the Blood Ties series fitting into the broader vampire oeuvre?
Jennifer: It's a sort of more adult, more gory THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, the young adult series that LJ Smith did back in the 90's. I was super influenced by that when I was a preteen. I tell people that if they liked those books, or if they liked the television show "Forever Knight," they'll probably like my books.
Me: Will someone who hasn't read THE TURNING enjoy POSSESSION?
Jennifer: I think this is the part where I'm supposed to say it can stand on my its own and rush out and buy it, and if the first book isn't available then yeah, you're not going to be completely lost reading Possession first.
But it's only book two. Readers can still jump on this thing on the ground floor, so to speak, and be all, "I was reading Blood Ties from book two!"
Me: Will someone who has read THE TURNING enjoy POSSESSION?
Jennifer: Yes, because THE TURNING didn't end the story. POSSESSION is the second in a series in the truest sense of the word.
Carrie's story isn't over and we don't now move on to some other character, it's still telling her story. For those curious, it will be like that all the way through the series.
Me: THE TURNING was your first novel. Did you think of it as a series, or did that grow as you wrote?
Jennifer: I thought it would be straight romance that would end with happily ever after, but that it would be a series in that, okay, Carrie got her happy ending, now Max will get a happy ending and so on and so on.
Gosh, all that happy ending stuff sounds so...dirty, doesn't it?
Me: Why Vampires?
Jennifer: Why not vampires? It honestly baffles me when I get that question, because I can't even begin to grasp that other people might not be interested in vampires!
I don't know how it all worked out, but I've eaten, slept, pretended, dressed up as, and obsessed over vampires since I was a pre-schooler. It just seemed like the natural course for my writing.
But I will write non-vampire related things in the future, I'm sure.
Me: What's your favorite medical TV show?
Jennifer: Is this a set up? Do you know my agent? :)
I love House, but less because it's medical show and more because he is obviously Sherlock Holmes. I'm not all that into medicine in entertainment.
I think I wrote Carrie as a doctor because I grew up in a family where everyone was an EMT, and my mother is a critical care nurse, so I reaped the benefit of all the stories around the dinner table that come with those types of jobs.
Me: Do you have favorite characters, and how does that make you feel when you are working through the plot and they have to die?
Jennifer: I do have favorite characters, but I recognize that they can't all live and it wouldn't be realistic to write the kind of stories I write and have no body count.
There is one character that dies in book three that I had a moment of "Oh, that's so sad that I can't write that character anymore," but I don't get as involved in their lives as some writers do with their characters.
Me: When is the next Blood Ties coming out?
Jennifer: August of '07.
Me: What are you working on now?
Jennifer: Blood Ties book four is what I'm working on right now, and I'm sort of crossing my fingers and toes and praying I get it done on time because, wow. I won't even go there. Strike it from the record. ^_^
Me: of course, I am leaving in Jennifer's footer...
Hundreds of people have already read BLOOD TIES, BOOK ONE: THE TURNING, by Jennifer Armintrout. You don't want to be the only one who hasn't, right? On-sale now, from Mira books.
BLOOD TIES BOOK TWO: POSSESSION, by Jennifer Armintrout, 02/07, from Mira. Be one of the cool kids. Buy it.
If you're still hungry for info, you can check out the FAQs on her website.
www.JENNIFERARMINTROUT.com
I forgot to ask that really interesting question when I asked The Mother Of Some Vampires, the new voice in vampires, Jennifer Armintrout a few questions about POSSESSION. I thought I'd share the questions I did ask!
Me: How do you see the Blood Ties series fitting into the broader vampire oeuvre?
Jennifer: It's a sort of more adult, more gory THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, the young adult series that LJ Smith did back in the 90's. I was super influenced by that when I was a preteen. I tell people that if they liked those books, or if they liked the television show "Forever Knight," they'll probably like my books.
Me: Will someone who hasn't read THE TURNING enjoy POSSESSION?
Jennifer: I think this is the part where I'm supposed to say it can stand on my its own and rush out and buy it, and if the first book isn't available then yeah, you're not going to be completely lost reading Possession first.
But it's only book two. Readers can still jump on this thing on the ground floor, so to speak, and be all, "I was reading Blood Ties from book two!"
Me: Will someone who has read THE TURNING enjoy POSSESSION?
Jennifer: Yes, because THE TURNING didn't end the story. POSSESSION is the second in a series in the truest sense of the word.
Carrie's story isn't over and we don't now move on to some other character, it's still telling her story. For those curious, it will be like that all the way through the series.
Me: THE TURNING was your first novel. Did you think of it as a series, or did that grow as you wrote?
Jennifer: I thought it would be straight romance that would end with happily ever after, but that it would be a series in that, okay, Carrie got her happy ending, now Max will get a happy ending and so on and so on.
Gosh, all that happy ending stuff sounds so...dirty, doesn't it?
Me: Why Vampires?
Jennifer: Why not vampires? It honestly baffles me when I get that question, because I can't even begin to grasp that other people might not be interested in vampires!
I don't know how it all worked out, but I've eaten, slept, pretended, dressed up as, and obsessed over vampires since I was a pre-schooler. It just seemed like the natural course for my writing.
But I will write non-vampire related things in the future, I'm sure.
Me: What's your favorite medical TV show?
Jennifer: Is this a set up? Do you know my agent? :)
I love House, but less because it's medical show and more because he is obviously Sherlock Holmes. I'm not all that into medicine in entertainment.
I think I wrote Carrie as a doctor because I grew up in a family where everyone was an EMT, and my mother is a critical care nurse, so I reaped the benefit of all the stories around the dinner table that come with those types of jobs.
Me: Do you have favorite characters, and how does that make you feel when you are working through the plot and they have to die?
Jennifer: I do have favorite characters, but I recognize that they can't all live and it wouldn't be realistic to write the kind of stories I write and have no body count.
There is one character that dies in book three that I had a moment of "Oh, that's so sad that I can't write that character anymore," but I don't get as involved in their lives as some writers do with their characters.
Me: When is the next Blood Ties coming out?
Jennifer: August of '07.
Me: What are you working on now?
Jennifer: Blood Ties book four is what I'm working on right now, and I'm sort of crossing my fingers and toes and praying I get it done on time because, wow. I won't even go there. Strike it from the record. ^_^
Me: of course, I am leaving in Jennifer's footer...
Hundreds of people have already read BLOOD TIES, BOOK ONE: THE TURNING, by Jennifer Armintrout. You don't want to be the only one who hasn't, right? On-sale now, from Mira books.
BLOOD TIES BOOK TWO: POSSESSION, by Jennifer Armintrout, 02/07, from Mira. Be one of the cool kids. Buy it.
If you're still hungry for info, you can check out the FAQs on her website.
www.JENNIFERARMINTROUT.com
Friday, February 16, 2007
A few more things to share....
Don't you think February should be about Vampires as well as Valentines? May 17, 20006, I posted about a new author, Jennifer Armintrout, you can scroll down on the archives to check what I said about Jennifer's first novel, Blood Ties: The Turning. I had loved the proposal--don't think I'd even gotten a copy of the complete book yet!
Less than a year later, and her second is on the stands, check out Blood Ties: Possession. You can read an excerpt on her website. It's a doozy!
Some Amazon.com reader/reviewer comments:
Possessed reader. Peggy Hanchar 5 stars
"I just finished the second in the Blood Ties series and liked it even better than the first....Although I loved the first book, I thought this book had more depth and advanced a better understanding of the characters and what made them what they are.
"The author's flashes of humor always caught me by surprise and made me chuckle outloud. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series to see where these characters evolve.... Kudos to the author and her terrific imagination."
Excellent paranormal romantic thriller. Harriet Klausner 5 stars:
"....The key to the second Blood Ties tale (see BLOOD TIES: THE TURNING) is that readers will believe that vampires and werewolves are real species because the cast is solid and deep. The two subplots consistently intermingle and cross. This leads to an electrifying action-packed story line that contains a strong psychological suspense element yet never slows down until the climax, but the audience will not know what to expect until the final collision."
Five intense hours. LeAnna Rankin 4 stars:
"So I was standing in line at Walmart, wishing to get out of there before I could collect my Social Security, and this book caught my eye. I didn't have much to lose so I started reading it in line. I couldn't put it down when it was my turn and so I bought it. When I got home, I sat down and read it straight through until the end, in just a little under five hours.
"I love the style of writing because it feels like you think right a long with them and the way they speak and interact. I was delighted when I realized it was a series and now I have an excuse to go by another book."
The last of Nora's four movies on Lifetime is out Monday, February 19th. You can check out various Nora/Lifetime and moviebilia on the Nora Roberts' Lifetime website. If you missed them, or don't get Lifetime, you can get them from iTunes. Yes, there's a tutorial on how to download stuff. We'll see how that goes. If not, I'm going to Ask Lorie!
Karen Harper's excellent Publishers Weekly review for her January title, Inferno: "Lauren and Brad are full, appealing characters who are easy to care for, and their growing mutual attraction feels organic and unforced. Harper keeps tension high as the insane villain cleverly evades efforts to capture him. And Harper really shines in the final act, providing readers with a satisfying and exciting denouement." Sara Pearce, aka LitChick, of Cincinnati.com mentions the ever fabulous Harlequin Romance Report and local authors Lori Foster and Karen Harper's titles in her Valentine post.
You have to check out the video of NYMPH KING by Gena Showalter, out in February, 2007. And Gena Showalter is on the February 18th Extended New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists!
THE WINTER LODGE, Book Two of Susan Wiggs Lakeshore Chronicles is on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today Bestseller lists. Susan also has started her own blog. You can check out the starred Publisher's weekly review of WINTER LODGE, if you need convincing!
Linda Lael Miller's first in the new McKettrick series, MCKETTRICK'S LUCK is out right now with a great PW review!
And PW has starred review of MCKETTRICK'S PRIDE by Linda Lael Miller. HQN Books, coming out in March, 2007. MCKETTRICK'S LUCK is also on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today Bestseller lists. Not bad, eh?
Did you read Heather Cochran's Red Dress Ink title, MEAN SEASON? I did, and really liked it. Her second is coming out in MIRA in March and is reviewed by PW, titled THE RETURN OF JONAH GREY. Haven't read it, but nice to see PW likes it!
Also in March is Sherryl Woods A SLICE OF HEAVEN if you want to check out the rather nice PW review. It sounds really appealing, and I've signed up to participate in one of those readathon blog post thingys, and the competition is fierce! I have not been reading fast enough and checking out some of these excellent reviews & knowing the authors is really inspiring me to "start my engine!"
This just in--Sherry's , STEALING HOME, out right now, just hit the March 3rd New York Times extended list! What a way to launch the Sweet Magnolias trilogy--Congratulations Sherry!
Less than a year later, and her second is on the stands, check out Blood Ties: Possession. You can read an excerpt on her website. It's a doozy!
Some Amazon.com reader/reviewer comments:
Possessed reader. Peggy Hanchar 5 stars
"I just finished the second in the Blood Ties series and liked it even better than the first....Although I loved the first book, I thought this book had more depth and advanced a better understanding of the characters and what made them what they are.
"The author's flashes of humor always caught me by surprise and made me chuckle outloud. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series to see where these characters evolve.... Kudos to the author and her terrific imagination."
Excellent paranormal romantic thriller. Harriet Klausner 5 stars:
"....The key to the second Blood Ties tale (see BLOOD TIES: THE TURNING) is that readers will believe that vampires and werewolves are real species because the cast is solid and deep. The two subplots consistently intermingle and cross. This leads to an electrifying action-packed story line that contains a strong psychological suspense element yet never slows down until the climax, but the audience will not know what to expect until the final collision."
Five intense hours. LeAnna Rankin 4 stars:
"So I was standing in line at Walmart, wishing to get out of there before I could collect my Social Security, and this book caught my eye. I didn't have much to lose so I started reading it in line. I couldn't put it down when it was my turn and so I bought it. When I got home, I sat down and read it straight through until the end, in just a little under five hours.
"I love the style of writing because it feels like you think right a long with them and the way they speak and interact. I was delighted when I realized it was a series and now I have an excuse to go by another book."
The last of Nora's four movies on Lifetime is out Monday, February 19th. You can check out various Nora/Lifetime and moviebilia on the Nora Roberts' Lifetime website. If you missed them, or don't get Lifetime, you can get them from iTunes. Yes, there's a tutorial on how to download stuff. We'll see how that goes. If not, I'm going to Ask Lorie!
Karen Harper's excellent Publishers Weekly review for her January title, Inferno: "Lauren and Brad are full, appealing characters who are easy to care for, and their growing mutual attraction feels organic and unforced. Harper keeps tension high as the insane villain cleverly evades efforts to capture him. And Harper really shines in the final act, providing readers with a satisfying and exciting denouement." Sara Pearce, aka LitChick, of Cincinnati.com mentions the ever fabulous Harlequin Romance Report and local authors Lori Foster and Karen Harper's titles in her Valentine post.
You have to check out the video of NYMPH KING by Gena Showalter, out in February, 2007. And Gena Showalter is on the February 18th Extended New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists!
THE WINTER LODGE, Book Two of Susan Wiggs Lakeshore Chronicles is on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today Bestseller lists. Susan also has started her own blog. You can check out the starred Publisher's weekly review of WINTER LODGE, if you need convincing!
Linda Lael Miller's first in the new McKettrick series, MCKETTRICK'S LUCK is out right now with a great PW review!
And PW has starred review of MCKETTRICK'S PRIDE by Linda Lael Miller. HQN Books, coming out in March, 2007. MCKETTRICK'S LUCK is also on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today Bestseller lists. Not bad, eh?
Did you read Heather Cochran's Red Dress Ink title, MEAN SEASON? I did, and really liked it. Her second is coming out in MIRA in March and is reviewed by PW, titled THE RETURN OF JONAH GREY. Haven't read it, but nice to see PW likes it!
Also in March is Sherryl Woods A SLICE OF HEAVEN if you want to check out the rather nice PW review. It sounds really appealing, and I've signed up to participate in one of those readathon blog post thingys, and the competition is fierce! I have not been reading fast enough and checking out some of these excellent reviews & knowing the authors is really inspiring me to "start my engine!"
This just in--Sherry's , STEALING HOME, out right now, just hit the March 3rd New York Times extended list! What a way to launch the Sweet Magnolias trilogy--Congratulations Sherry!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Hello out there!
I get statistics on my blog and am amazed to realize that there are people reading my posts from all over the world. And I do mean all over. So I just wanted to say hello! Thank you for stopping by. I wrote down a few of the hometowns of my visitors this year:
Jaipur, Bangaladore, Sao Paulo, Melbourne, Lucca, Ft. McMurray, Bombay, Turku, Qormi, Calgary, Kaarina, Vecchiano, Margotsfield, Attard, Singapore, Road Town, Mombassa, Little Gaddesden, Juan Franco, Barcelona, Ft. Meyers, Chengdu, Eskisehir, Halifax, London, Lugarno, Bang Kruai, Box Hill, Paris, Cavrie, Norcross, Wee Waa, Ugong Norte Hominersak, New York, Ingelheim Am Rheim, An Matias Tlalancaleca, Chiclayo, Slough, Vevey, Metcalf, Mashad, Dour El Brahma, Niigata, Los Angeles, Merville Subdivision, Chonim de Baixo, Moscavide, Ockley, Toronto, San Diego....
I just get the city name and can sometimes figure out the country. No idea if the spelling is correct--apologies if I've transcribed things wrong.
Was recently posting a (slightly) snotty comment about various speakers at a conference speaking as if their opinions were "the" opinions, & realize my posts are highly US/East Coast referential, and I am perhaps guilty of being too self-referential myself. Oops.
While there is a certain 'of the place & of the moment' topicality, I will try to do better, also please comment, suggest, question.
And could someone from from one of the more amazing sounding places--Turku or Lucca or Attard please post and just say "Hi" so I don't think Google is making this whole thing up?!
Love is truly a universal language. I will be posting a speech I gave at the University of Pennsylvania a few years ago about romance novels shortly. I talk about the fact that Romance is not only global, universal, but goes back to through time as well (where would we be without it, after all!).
So it is truly wonderful to see the map of the world with a million points of connection, demonstrating how there are such powerful and essential things that bind us together as people. Romance. Love. A great story.
Jaipur, Bangaladore, Sao Paulo, Melbourne, Lucca, Ft. McMurray, Bombay, Turku, Qormi, Calgary, Kaarina, Vecchiano, Margotsfield, Attard, Singapore, Road Town, Mombassa, Little Gaddesden, Juan Franco, Barcelona, Ft. Meyers, Chengdu, Eskisehir, Halifax, London, Lugarno, Bang Kruai, Box Hill, Paris, Cavrie, Norcross, Wee Waa, Ugong Norte Hominersak, New York, Ingelheim Am Rheim, An Matias Tlalancaleca, Chiclayo, Slough, Vevey, Metcalf, Mashad, Dour El Brahma, Niigata, Los Angeles, Merville Subdivision, Chonim de Baixo, Moscavide, Ockley, Toronto, San Diego....
I just get the city name and can sometimes figure out the country. No idea if the spelling is correct--apologies if I've transcribed things wrong.
Was recently posting a (slightly) snotty comment about various speakers at a conference speaking as if their opinions were "the" opinions, & realize my posts are highly US/East Coast referential, and I am perhaps guilty of being too self-referential myself. Oops.
While there is a certain 'of the place & of the moment' topicality, I will try to do better, also please comment, suggest, question.
And could someone from from one of the more amazing sounding places--Turku or Lucca or Attard please post and just say "Hi" so I don't think Google is making this whole thing up?!
Love is truly a universal language. I will be posting a speech I gave at the University of Pennsylvania a few years ago about romance novels shortly. I talk about the fact that Romance is not only global, universal, but goes back to through time as well (where would we be without it, after all!).
So it is truly wonderful to see the map of the world with a million points of connection, demonstrating how there are such powerful and essential things that bind us together as people. Romance. Love. A great story.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The Harlequin ~ Nascar Romance...an unexpected love story
Harlequin Nascar is launching this February at the Daytona 500 with NASCAR driver Carl Edwards. He's been such a great supporter of the genre, the guys are teasing him and calling him "Carlequin!" 4 titles in each of February, May, August and November Check out http://www.getyourheartracing.com/. Its very cute.
Now some may say "NASCAR...not for me," or, heaven forbid, something more negative, like..."It's a beer-based sport, really." or,"Creates a compelling illusion that you are actually exercising, doesn't it?"
But I bet those of you will be guilty of the appalling 90 second idiocracy rule! It generates the classic "How stupid are they? Yes. Sorry. That stupid," moment. You wouldn't want to be guilty of that, now would you? I didn't think so.
You see, reading romances does make you a better human being. Because you know what its like to have someone say negative things about a genre (or perhaps a sport...you see where I'm going here?) that you love, and then, almost always within a minute and a half (90 second idiocracy rule) that someone will unblushingly say...'of course, I never read one/seen one/experienced it/have no ****ing idea of what I'm talking about, but why should that stop me from having a strong opinion about the subject? Knowing anything about what I'm talking about has never be a pre-requisite for me shooting my mouth off!' (As aforementioned, the classic "How stupid are they? Yes. Sorry. That stupid." Moment. I want to keep on the moral high ground here. The low ground is really low).
It cuts all ways. If I think people are unmitigated potato heads to diss romances without having read any, or knowing what they are talking about (and, of course, I do), the same applies to me saying something negative about something if I haven't experienced it. So OK, I haven't gotten hooked on NASCAR on TV, but I've never been to a race, so I have to withhold judgment.
I am not a NASCAR aficionado, but he is very cute.
- Carl will be making a cameo in the first book, SPEED DATING by USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Warren. You can read SPEED DATING with the eHarlequin hosts.
- Carl's No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion will be on the front cover.
- Look for February Titles:
- SPEED DATING by Nancy Warren, set in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- THUNDERSTRUCK by Roxanne St. Claire, set in Florida and North Carolina.
- HEARTS UNDER CAUTION by Gina Wilkins, set in North Carolina.
- DANGER ZONE by Debra Webb, set in Alabama.
Now some may say "NASCAR...not for me," or, heaven forbid, something more negative, like..."It's a beer-based sport, really." or,"Creates a compelling illusion that you are actually exercising, doesn't it?"
But I bet those of you will be guilty of the appalling 90 second idiocracy rule! It generates the classic "How stupid are they? Yes. Sorry. That stupid," moment. You wouldn't want to be guilty of that, now would you? I didn't think so.
You see, reading romances does make you a better human being. Because you know what its like to have someone say negative things about a genre (or perhaps a sport...you see where I'm going here?) that you love, and then, almost always within a minute and a half (90 second idiocracy rule) that someone will unblushingly say...'of course, I never read one/seen one/experienced it/have no ****ing idea of what I'm talking about, but why should that stop me from having a strong opinion about the subject? Knowing anything about what I'm talking about has never be a pre-requisite for me shooting my mouth off!' (As aforementioned, the classic "How stupid are they? Yes. Sorry. That stupid." Moment. I want to keep on the moral high ground here. The low ground is really low).
It cuts all ways. If I think people are unmitigated potato heads to diss romances without having read any, or knowing what they are talking about (and, of course, I do), the same applies to me saying something negative about something if I haven't experienced it. So OK, I haven't gotten hooked on NASCAR on TV, but I've never been to a race, so I have to withhold judgment.
Because there are 75 million fans, 30 million of them women--many of them are our authors and readers! There is clearly some kind of special magic that has captured so many people around the nation. Whether I understand it or not. And anything that can capture that many people's attention has something special about it, and it's my bad if I can't understand it, even if I don't share the feeling.
Besides, have you ever heard a more sexy line than...Ladies, start your engines!
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