My Harlequin Moment by Amanda MacIntyre

Synergy.

I am the new kid on the block in terms of years here at Harlequin. My debut single title from Spice, an erotic historical, Diary of Cozette is slated for release in October 2008. Though I have been writing for the last ten years, this will be my first novel with Harlequin and it goes beyond words, even for a writer, to describe the array of emotions that I feel.

Already I have gathered many “moments” that I hold dear to my heart. The first time I heard from my brilliant editor, Susan Swinwood who uttered those magical words, “We’d like to offer you a contract for your book…” Later meeting Susan and hearing first-hand her story of how she came to be at Harlequin and her vision on writing. Listening to the quiet and dynamic Randall Toye speak to a room full of aspiring writers about the future of romance writing, getting my author page up at eHarlequin and scrolling down that index list of legendary names and finding my name among them. A most recent “moment” for me was receiving my debut books. I held it in my hands as if it were glass. Even now, get a lump in my throat when I think of the journey of this project.

I believe in synergy. In April of 2009, I will be celebrating my tenth year of writing and my first Romantic Times convention. How could this be related to a “Harlequin moment” you might ask?

Synergy.

To begin with, two of my roommates that year were then aspiring writers as well, Cathy McDavid and Carrie Weaver, both now are successful authors here in the Harlequin family. In addition, I met scores of my favorite authors, listened to them speak on panels, visited them at the book fair and this too, was a pivotal point in my career. When I return to Orlando in 2009, this time I return as a published author with Harlequin.

Synergy.

The journey has been an adventure. I have met many authors who have given me wonderful advice and insight. If I may be able to do that for aspiring writers, I am most happy to try.

I look forward to the “moments’ to come. It is both humbling and a challenge in this present state of the economy to be able to continue to write and offer readers stories of survival, hope, commitment, courage, and love. How fortunate we are to be storytellers, to have visionary editors, and be connected to the grandfather of all romance publishers.

It is my belief that each of us possesses this synergy, that we have potential and possibility inside of us. We only need to recognize, believe, respect, and nurture those gifts.

All the best to writers, new and seasoned. Seek with determination and joy, the “moments” that make you a better writer and a better person.

Amanda McIntyre

About The Author:

Hailing from the Midwest, Amanda McIntyre, aka Pamela Johnson, is multi-genre author of several novels, anthologies, novellas, and short stories as well as non-fiction. Since her first published novel in 2001, she is recipient of several Highly Recommended Reads, nominations, and was a featured book at Midwest Book Reviews and its syndicated show Booktalk, for UNFINISHED DREAMS. Twice finalist for a CAPA award she won for Best Mainstream for TIDES OF AUTUMN. She is a two-time EPPIE finalist, DRRWA Golden Quill finalist, Bridges Magazine Golden Chalice--first place winner, Independent Publishers finalist, an RIO (Reviewers International Org.) award nominee and received special recognition in Romantic Times magazine of her founding and co-editing of the seventy-eight author anthology, "CRUMBS IN THE KEYBOARD," with its proceeds benefiting the education and awareness of domestic violence. Reviewers describe her work as "superbly sensual, powerful, emotional, and character-driven."