Header Promotion
My Top Ten Harlequin Moments:
#10. The first time my mother-in-law handed me one of those little paperback novels that she bought by the grocery-bag full at neighborhood yard sales.
I looked at her aghast. “I don’t read those kinds of books.”
She shrugged. “They’re short and easier to read while you’re chasing after the kids. You should try one.”
I did.
I was hooked.
The rest, as they say, was history. Thank you, Mae.
#9. The Call. Every author I know can recall with perfect clarity the moment their life changed and they learned they would soon be published authors. I can still hear my first editor’s lovely, exotic South African accent. “Hello, Debra, this is Zilla Soriano with Harlequin and we’d very much like to buy your book.” Thank you, Zilla.
#8. RWA 2000, Washington, DC. I remember two things very clearly about my first conference: freezing (note to self: the hotel sets the thermostat to “Men In Suits”) and attending my first Superromance Meet ‘n Greet where Roz Denny Fox, an author I’d been reading for years, said to me, “Hey, you’re Debra Salonen. I read your book. Loved it. You’re going to have a great career.” Thank you, Roz.
#7. My 76-year old father-in-law wearing a T-shirt with my first book cover on it. His favorite pastime was wandering through the book aisle at WalMart where he’d point to his chest and say, “My daughter-in-law wrote this. It’s a good book. You should read it.” As marketing strategies go, this one might not be that effective, but he works cheap. (It should be noted his other favorite T-shirt has a picture of a big mouth bass with the words “Bite me!” on it.) Thank you, Milt.
#6. My first royalty check. Since this was pre-Internet days, I was pretty un-informed. In fact, I was so darn happy Harlequin didn’t ask ME to pay THEM to publish my book, I honestly wasn’t expecting more than my advance. How times have changed!! Thank you, Swiss check signer person.
#5. My first “grouchy” reader letter. A man wrote to tell me in no uncertain terms that my shoddy research efforts sucked. He’d been to the library and had checked three atlases and there was no town in California named “Gold Creek.” (The imaginary town in my first trilogy.) “Well, yeah, guy, because I looked in three atlases to make sure I didn’t use the name of an existing town.” I was ready to whip off an angry reply when I read a little more of his letter. The man was the sole care provider for his dying wife--a woman who loved romance novels. He read them aloud to her every day. He felt they should be accurate. I sent him my backlist books and apologized for causing him any anguish. I never heard from him again, but I never forgot that our books are read by real people with real stories. Thank you, sir.
#4. Going home again. My first trip back to my hometown included a reading and signing at my local library. One of the women in the audience came up to me afterward and introduced herself as my 4th grade teacher. She told everyone that she’d always known I would be a writer because when she gave her students a one-paragraph assignment, I always turned in an entire page. Thank you, Mrs. Wrage.
#3. Dancing at the Harlequin party at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Need I say more? Thank you, Catherine Orr and your wonderful, creative party-throwing staff.
#2. My first “poignant” reader letter. A woman wrote to tell me that my book, Back In Kansas, had changed her life. Like my heroine, she’d been raped by a family member when she was a young teen. Like my heroine, she’d made a number of bad choices that impacted her life, confirming her belief that she was less than worthy. But reading my heroine’s efforts to turn her life around had opened her eyes and her heart to new possibilities.
“I think I’m finally ready to forgive myself,” she wrote.
I cried, of course. Thank you, brave girl.
And my #1 Harlequin moment: the day I saw my first book on a shelf at Borders. The thrill that went through my body was not unlike the one I experienced when I held my baby girl in my arms for the first time. I grabbed a copy and raced to the counter, my hands shaking as I tried to find my credit card to make this important “business expense” purchase. I nudged THAT COWBOY’S KIDS across the counter to the bored college kid behind the register.
“This is my book,” I told him, so proud the words came out all squeaky and high-pitched.
He glanced up and said with a sigh, “It will be when you pay for it.”
Can you say: bubble-bursting wince?
How come this is my number one Harlequin moment? Well, first of all, it helps keep me grounded. I’m not curing cancer here. The sad fact is the world does not revolve around me. But this guy’s reaction also reminds me that a lot of people have preconceived notions about romance novels and part of my job is to educate and inform.
So, thanks for the reality check, Mr. Bored Borders Clerk. You really need to expand your horizons and read a little romance. If a 76-year old guy with a fish on his chest can do it, so can you. May I suggest a nice Harlequin Superromance?
What, fellow bloggers, do you say to someone who disses romance novels? Maybe we need to put together a Top Ten List of Clever replies. Who’s going first?
About The Author:
Debra Salonen comes from a long line of storytellers. A college professor once called Debra’s grandmother’s handwritten memoirs of life on the Dakota prairie “Giants of the Earth in ten pages.” Her great-great uncle was a published author whose tale of waking up in a rattlesnake den combined elements of Pecos Bill and Washington Irving.
She graduated from college expecting to teach but wound up with a career in journalism instead. Although non-fiction helped her hone her craft, fiction remained Debra’s first love, and with the support of her husband and family she sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance in 1999.
Great moments, Debra!
I'm a wee bit teary eyed here. I especially love the story of your FIL and of the Borders clerk (I can see that happening at my store, LOL).
As a hopeful Supers author, I'm paying close attention to what you guys have to say and am taking notes, LOL :-)
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
LOL
I loved your top ten list. I'm not good at coming up with clever replies so I will leave that to the more creative folk who will stop by today.
I really enjoyed the story of the angry reader who had to write and complain about your using a fake town.
On the other hand, I can't count how many times it was because of one the romance books I've read that I got a question right on Jeopardy. There has to be a healthy mix of fact and fiction to make a truly great romance!
Thank you for sharing.
Harlequin Historicals My Space ,
Facebook,, Good Reads, and Shelfari
LOVE THIS
Deb,
Your moments are wonderful. Just like a perfect Super--funny, tear-jerker, full of family, success, love, and people who are willing to reach out. How totally cool.
Love the fish shirt, the 4th grade teacher pic (all the pics--good job), and the final moment at Borders. It's so easy to burst the bubble isn't it? All the moments are great. I cried a little bit myself.
I'm not good with the clever comebacks yet, but when neighbors or people I know seem shocked about my books, I tell them I wrote it about a particular neighbor guy of mine. He couldn't be a nicer, more wholesome and normal guy. They get this look on their faces like really? Him? I just nod knowingly and say, "You should check it out."
My neighbor is fully aware of this joke. He's always posing when I pass his yard, hoping to create the "cover shot" for my next book.
Ellen
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
Deb's September blog
Deb,
What can I add except that I was dead right in D.C.
Loved reading your 10 best moments. They're great and touching. I think it would be a hard assignment.
Roz
www.korynna.com/RozFox
Oct 08 Superromance
A Texas-Made Family
Just love your moments
I just found a copy of your first book in UBS (blushing) and was so happy. I love the support you get from your in-laws. Thank you Mae for giving Debra the books that made her like romance. We all deserve a good read with a HEA. Thanks for the great moments Debra.
2009 February's Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Love your column, Deb!
Love your column, Deb! You have me wondering if I can rewrite mine and send a new one to Dee because yours is so much better. *g*
Your inlaws sound like wonderful people!
Amy
Amy Knupp
Firefighter trilogy (titles TBD)- Superromance, July, Aug, Sept 2010
http://www.amyknupp.com http://www.writemindedblog.com
Hi, y'all
That's my Texas greeting to those of you who are bracing for Ike. Ick!!!
Thanks, everyone, for the comments. I wrote this before I noticed what day it was scheduled for. Seems a bit frivolous given that today is Sept. 11th, but Dee assured me she'd defend to the death my right to be frivolous (or something like that)
.
If you noticed, the theme was "Thanks". Although we all work alone--butt in chair--it takes a global village to get one of our books in the hands of a reader. So, I truly do thank all the people--from editors to art department artist types to eHarlequin goddesses to distributors--for everything they do to make the system work.
JodieG., I look forward to the day when we read about your Harlequin moments. Maybe this will be one of them: "...and Debra Salonen said my day will come..."
Kim, I agree that a good mix of fact and fiction is VITAL. That's why I actually went back to South Dakota to research my new series. I'd lived in the Black Hills years ago but so much had changed. I didn't want to make glaringly obvious mistakes. But mostly, I think that poor guy was sad and stressed and I gave him an outlet to vent. That was okay. He didn't say anything hurtful about my writing or the story...so, in a way, that was a positive fan letter.
Ellen and Roz, you're both so sweet. Thanks for dropping by and lending your support. As always. Ellen, it cracks me up about your neighbor. Does he look ANYTHING like the hero on the cover of HIS SECRET PAST? I bet he almost never waters the lawn in a tux, right?
But, serioiusly, folks. Let's talk come-backs. The winner gets one of my backlist titles:
ORS (obnoxious romance snob): "How can you read that trash? It's all the same. A monkey with a keyboard and the formula could write one of those books."
DEB (delightful everyday bookwriter): "Oh, yeah? But don't the keys get sticky from all the mushed bananas?"
Hey, it's early here. I'm still on my first cup of coffee.
Sorry, Dee, still not serious.(It's a coping mechanism.)
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
awesome
Deb,
What lovely stories. I'm really enjoying this blog. What a great idea from the PTB. Very heart-warming. I think a lot of us can identify with many of your top 10 list. I have a few of those in my mental treasure chest as well. Thanks for sharing!
Kim
Kim's website
A MAN WORTH LOVING, Harlequin Superromance, Nov. 09
TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, Harlequin Superromance, Apr. 10
TO CATCH A KILLER, Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Aug. 10
LOL, Deb! Great comeback!
I really take offense when people roll their eyes about romances, or call them "purely formulaic", or say "anyone can write one of THOSE." To them, I say "Pthhbbbbt! YOU give it a try! It's harder than you think!!"
And LOL about the blog. (Shameless plug here)....Dee actually asked me to write one this time (I was Sept 6th) but it's all about my SECOND best moment, because I'm hoping to one day get THE CALL, and I'm saving the best moment for that spot. :-) I'm hoping during next year's blog bash, I can share that. (Nothing like the power of positive thinking!) And then, of course, I'll have to quote you.
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
Pthhbttt!
Excellent, Jodie! I'd use that more often if I could remember how to spell it.
I'm so sorry I missed your blog day. I need in-my-face reminders, which is why I just posted this link on my website blog. Hoping some of my readers will brave this scary new blogging frontier.
But, seriously, your return quip is excellent and in the running for the best comeback. Can we add: "So write on, Cheetah." (Who, by the way, is like 76 now. Remember Cheetah --the chimp who acted in the first Tarzan movie?Saw him on the news, recently. He looks a little bit like Paul Newman now.)
Aww, thanks, Kim and Amy. I love my Supersisters.
Kaedee, I'd have bought it, too!!! I just had an email from a reader who wanted that book, but it's been long gone from my shelves. I have one or two in cold storage for my granddaughters, but that's it. Hope you didn't have to pay a shipping fee. That's the part the really irks me about online UBS.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Debra
I went to a UBS and paid less than a Canadian dollar for it. I go to trade books in and always end up buying more than I take in. Every once in a while I find a book I have been looking for and have an eureka moment. Finding That Cowboy's Kids was one of them. Now I'm hoping it was your first one but if not it's close to it. I have the problem with people saying you read romance and I just say "Yeah you got a problem with it." My dbil who reads westerns (Like they are so superior to romance) really gives me the works. I try to ignore him when he is in that mood.
2009 February's Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Wow, Deb
What a fantastic blog -- I loved every one of your moments, though you had me teary-eyed by the end, too, darn it. ;)
Love the pictures, especially the one of your Dad. Interesting how Dads keep popping up in these Harlequin moments. :)
Thanks for a great moment today, reading your blog!
Sam
HARD TO RESIST, Blaze American Heroes: Texas Rangers, July '09
CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Blaze "Dressed to Thrill" Oct '09
"I Wish He Might..." Blaze Bedtime Stories Two-in-One, March '10
My Website
Dear Border's BORED UNEDUCATED CLERK...
He glanced up and said with a sigh, “It will be when you pay for it.”
What you could have said...
Thank you, sir, for reminding me that I now get to pay money for my dream come true. Especially since I've already paid with...
1) LONG nights frantically going through edits in terror that I was screwing up the story so badly my editor was going to drive to me to kill me...
2) Tears over rejection letters...
3) Countless moments of "ALMOST" there writing heart-attacks before anyone else ever had a chance to read it...
4) Nights when the family made due with Stouffer's instead of a home cooked meal because I was writing/revising/editing on a deadline...
5) Joy at the priviledge of picking up my VERY OWN BOOK at the bookstore to present to you so you can take my money...which I'm going to get back, by the way, at least a portion of it...
Because I JUST WANTED TO BUY IT!!
*giggles*
Sorry, may have taken that a bit to far, but I just couldn't help it.
What a well done blog! Thank you for the giggles...
ROTFLMBO, Deb!
I spell it different every time. It's my favorite non-smiley response.
And no worries about the blog....no biggie! :-)
OMG Tiger Toes! Too funny!!! (And yet, sadly true!!)
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
I choked up Sam?
My work here is done.
The rest of you know her as a steamy Blaze writer, but I know her as my almost-Super sister. Thanks, my friend.
Kaelee and takes-no-prisoners Tiger Toes are both in the running for best come-back. Tiger Toes, remind me never to cross you when it comes to romance books.
The only reason that splendid come-back wouldn't work is I'm not that fast on my feet. That's why I write--so I have time to really mull over the best response. But I admire quick wit as much the next guy--that's why I love Ellen. (see earlier post)
Keep 'em coming, people.
And guess what? I just got the best reader letter from a G.I. in Iraq. A man. He loved HIS BROTHER'S SECRET. I was so jazzed, I'm sending him BABY BY CONTRACT. He offered to pay, but, come on. It's my civic duty to support our troops...with romance novels. And I'm on it.
There, Dee, something serious and patriotic.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Oh, oh, oh...I forgot something
This is NOT Dee's fault. It's mine. I didn't actually have a photo of Mrs. Wrage, the 4th grade teacher I mentioned in my blog, because my hubby, who was at that reading at the library, was so busy gabbing with old friends he forgot to take a picture. So the lovely lady in the red vest is my mother. That was the last booksigning she attended. She was very proud and supportive of me. She passed away in May four days short of her 95th birthday.
Deb, a little dewy, too.
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Bows...
Debra, I'll admit to the fact I probably wouldn't have said all that to the guy...
That Southern upbringing would have held me back.
Or maybe not? I'm finding age is a wonderfully liberating thing. I've become eccentric and progressive...instead of the far less flattering adjectives.
And now you have a wonderful story to hold in your heart...to write in your memoires...or better yet, put in a story.
My hat's off to you...it takes a lot of courage to fess up and say...."That's my book."
Your mother and you -great picture
Every year we have a hugh used book sale to raise funds for the Calgary Phiharmonic Orchestra called Benny the Bookworm. They always sell Harlequins quite cheaply. I was standing in line with my box full and two ladies were standing behind me . We happened to be in front of the table with the Harlequins on it and I can't totally remember the remark one lady made about them but it wasn't nice. Any how the second lady said I really like Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts. I turned to look at what they had and realized that they both had some Mira books. I informed them that since they didn't read Harlequin they should put those books back. The look I got was Priceless.
2009 February's Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
*cracks up*
That's it. I want to be Kaelee.
Three cheers for setting those women straight!
Brava!
You're my hero this morning, Kaelee. Thanks for shining the light.
At least we CAN read.
Most of the people doing the criticizing don't read, period. But I bet they can tell you the latest on half a dozen TV shows.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Age has a lot to do with it
I really defend my choice of reading material these days. Harlequin can't sell all the books it does because people use them for toilet paper. People read them, enjoy them and then go out and buy more of them. Right.
2009 February's Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Debra, I loved, loved, loved
Debra, I loved, loved, loved your top 10 list! I blinked back some tears and guffawed when I got to #10. Bravo.
*snort*
Toilet paper! LOL, Kaelee! I almost spewed my drink! And I'm ROTFL about their Mira books...
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
Charmin and then some
Thanks, Malle. You're included in those thanks. I hope to see you when I tour the offices in October.
Kaelee, THAT is a great come-back. If you think about it, books and toilet paper are both things we need in our lives every day.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
I have no great comeback
because I am slow to think on my feet too. I did enjoy reading your Top 10. I teared up a bit at #5. His dying wife? And how romantic is that - he read to her. Great job Deb.
#4
Thanks for your comment, Marcie. He didn't say she was dying but he did say she couldn't hold a book any more--and reading was one of her favorite pasttimes. This broke my heart. Even toward the end of her life when she couldn't read anymore, my mom still found great comfort in holding one of my books on her lap.
Oh, crum, now I'm teared up.
Thanks for being here, everybody. I'll check back in AFTER my daughter's B-day party to name a winner. Homemade pizza (my son makes the bread dough from scratch) and a 7-lb chocolate from Costco. Oh, boy!
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Aw, Deb...
but I know her as my almost-Super sister. Thanks, my friend.
You're the best, and same back atcha. I'm ever grateful to all of the Supers gals who have adopted me as their own, but you've been so generous and a real inspiration. I can see that in your blog, too, how many people you reach out to, and I'm lucky to be one of them.
What a fun, inspiring blog. Now stop trying to make me sniffle. *G*
Sam
HARD TO RESIST, Blaze American Heroes: Texas Rangers, July '09
CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Blaze "Dressed to Thrill" Oct '09
"I Wish He Might..." Blaze Bedtime Stories Two-in-One, March '10
My Website
Sam
Isn't life interesting? I firmly believe people come into our lives for a reason. I've learned so much from the conversations on these threads and it's such a comfort to know there's this whole community we can rely on--to ease the pain or throw confetti or bring cyber chocolate. But it's the bonds that come from words alone that amaze me. Aw...now, I'm getting mushy. It's been an emotional day for me. Always is.
Thanks, eveyone, for sharing it with me.
JodieG., I'd love to send you a book--back list or one of my Spotlight on Sentinel Pass series titles. Kaelee just won one recently, and I think Tiger Toes has read a couple. So, email me and we'll set something up.
Enjoy the rest of the blogs. Sam's is soon. Is there a central list someplace?
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
#7
Loved all your Top Ten Moments.......Especially #7. Wearing your book cover Tee has to be the best expression of love from a father-in-law that I have seen.
Love your books......I have read most of them.....and really like the Sentinel Pass Series. Would like to go back to South Dakota to visit next year. ...Keep up the good work........a loyal fan of Romance fiction
Thanks, Ruby
I appreciate your kind comments and praise, Ruby. Always does a writer's heart good to know her stories are finding their way into the hands of loyal readers.
If you want any Black Hills travel tips before you go, email me. I had a great guide while I was there doing my research. I'd be happy to share. It really is a special place.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Debra I got mail today THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for His Brother's Secret and the bookmarks. Wish this would have come one day sooner so it would have been more of a Harlequin moment for me. The bookmarks are the neatest things. I haven't tried to use one yet but my husband took one for his use. He's a salesman, sometimes travels, and he loves the idea of a bookmark that won't fall out of his book.Now I have to read the book and review it. Thank you so much.
2009 February's Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Wow, thanks, Deb!
I just emailed you. :-)
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
Just realized I forgot to congratulate Jodie
I know you will enjoy Debra's book and the bookmarks are so cool.
2009 February's Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Thanks, Kaelee
Kaelee, glad you're happy with your book and the bookmarks. I'm having fun with them because people really do seem to like them. They were such a last ditch, pre-conference decision when the giril I hired to design a regular paper bookmark flaked on me.
What's that saying about necessity being the mother of invention? It's true, and I really like that they stay in place. You can even place it mid-page right where you left off reading.
Jodie, I'm most happy to send you a book. I hope you'll add to your Challenge list. It will go out Monday.
Best to all!!
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Just want to say I've been
Just want to say I've been telling and re-telling your No. 1 Harlequin moment to folks all day....cracks me RIGHT up. So glad you shared...loved the blog post.
Jayne
Community Manager
eHarlequin.com
Hey Debra - great post!
ORS (obnoxious romance snob): "How can you read that trash? It's all the same. A monkey with a keyboard and the formula could write one of those books."
Smiling author: "But does the formula not gum up the keyboard?"
"Why not give it a try yourself and I'll reread it for you, see you same time, same place, next month!" 
I have a nasty side to me
My usual reply is "you can't possibly judge what you haven't read, try ten and we can talk about them, same time, same place, next week!" and when the person says they won't possibly have read ten books in a week, I just smile and tell them Harlequins are quick enjoyable reads, they won't notice the time flying by!
I mean I usually manage to read ten books in a weekend, ten in a week is a doddle!
Hugs
Sadhbh
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
No more excuses, just READ!
Ah, as is so often the case,
I am late to the party.
I rarely do comebacks (my brain doesn't work fast enough), but I do defend my Harlequins. I think that Harlequins are well-written and well-edited. You can't say that about a lot of the "best seller" books or really popular books. DH and I listened to a book by the "next big thing" and I stopped about half-way through b/c that book needed some major editing. Major. Harlequins, on the other hand, have such tight word counts that it takes an incredible amount of talent and skill to get the story told with all the emotions spot on. And Harlequin authors do it month after month.
I had a friend (Stephanie Feagan) who had a similar experience in the bookstore here in Ft. Worth when she bo't her first book. Since then, I am prepared to lecture the cashier that they should be impressed. I think that I've actually done it once, but maybe that was in a dream. I would do it, I really would. Don't get me when I'm defending my Harlequins or my friends who write them.
Okay, so a smart-aleck comeback? Hmmmm . . . okay, how 'bout, "The monkey would probably do a better job than you! It's much harder than it looks!"
Penn
Penn-eHarlequin ~ Alternative Formats Host
Join the Book (Reading) Challenge!!! It’s for a good cause and it’s FUN!
Oh, Penn...
Talk about a zinger! You might get punched, tho. I'm okay with knowing that what I write, buy and read pleases a lot of people. It's like our "little" secret, right?
Sadhbh, I'm so envious. I used to read a lot more than I do now, but I don't think I was ever in your league. Way to go!
Thanks so much, Jayne. I wanted to use a photo of us at the last PJ party, but somehow we ended up looking like giraffes peeking over a fence of people. Just didn't work. But I have great memories of those parties, too. And a particularly memorable lunch of tapas at one RWA.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
10 Harlequin Moments-Debra Salonen
Sorry I'm so late, I forgot! Last week was the "lost" week LOL
Wonderful and imaginative list, Debra. I so enjoyed.
I don't have a comeback other than I like Harlequins!
Hope to see you Saturday.
Hiya, Barbs
Thanks for dropping by. You will see me at the Susan Wiggs luncheon on Saturday. Can't wait. Love her books and love seeing my old friends in person, instead of just online. I'm looking forward to signing HIS BROTHER'S SECRET, too.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Deb - even my mother didn't believe that I wasn't skimming
the books, but when I can discuss things I both liked and disliked about nearly every books I've read, most people admit that I really don't skim that much (and I usually admit it when it happens, it's like zapping when you can't cope with the suspense on television!)
There are times I'd like to read more slowly, but those are the books I reread ad infinitum (because yes, in addition to all the new books, I ALSO reread books a lot LOL)
Sorry my boys are interrupting me to sing me a happy birthday - must not miss this!
Hugs
Sadhbh
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
No more excuses, just READ!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Belated, but still good wishes coming your way.
I'm a fast reader, too. My mom sent me to a speed reading class when I was 10 or 11. Perfect timing; it really served me well through school. I can also read and watch TV, which drives my husband up a wall.
I never reread because any spare time I have is spent on new books. I'm so far behind in my reading pile. Sigh.
Hope your birthday included a good book or ten.
Best,
DEb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
Ah now Deb - I'd never get ten books read on a workday
I never learned to speedread!
Seven is about my limit in a day (and that's the weekend when I don't "work")
Hugs
Sadhbh
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
No more excuses, just READ!