My Recent Comments

I think Blazes are cutting edge and of all the H/S lines, probably stay the most in touch with the current cultural times 

Julie, I couldn't agree more (and Liv, you summarized it well).  Blaze allows me to write characters who think the way I do and who speak and act like people I know.  And it's one of the Harlequin lines where the heroines aren't afraid to take control of their lives. 

 

Hi Jane,

To answer your question, I don't know that either line is easier to break into than the other.  The best line would be the one that is the best fit for your voice and writing style.  If you're not sure, you may try writing something that feels natural to you then seeing where it fits when you're done.  That's what I'd done after several failed attempts to sell to Desire.  I stopped concerning myself with the line and wrote a story in a way that felt natural to me.  When I was done, my CPs informed me that it was most definitely a Blaze.

That was the book that ended up being my first sale to Blaze, and I'll admit that when I wrote it, I'd never read a Blaze in my life.  That's not to diminish the importance of getting to know the lines you're submitting to, but it underscores how important tone and voice is in finding the right line for you.

Good luck!

Welcome Misty!  Don't I know you from the Desire board ages ago?  I wish you luck on your Blaze!

Lori

Lou, here's a recent Q&A with the senior editor of the line that has lots of good information for anyone interested in targeting Blaze.  http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/write-stuff/archives/get-your-house-order/toronto-harlequin-books-canada/20-questions-senior-

Good luck and keep us posted!

Lori

Donna welcome back!  I fear computer problems.  Mine is dying a slow death but I'm too cheap and lazy to upgrade.  I cringe over the notion of losing it completely and feel for you!  Good to have you back on line!

Hey Joanne!  Thanks for the heads-up on the on-line read.  I'll have to go check it out.  I've heard a lot of buzz about the Thoroughbread Legacy books.  Congrats on being part of such an exciting series!

Anyway, the first scene with a character shapes the reader perception from then on out. 

I think that's really true.  Some people will say every chapter is important, but nothing is going to form the reader's opinion quite like those introductions.  And a wrong step can put you in an uphill battle from there on.

I also find that as a reader, if that opening scene doesn't spark my interest or turns me off for some reason, I'm pretty prone to sticking the book back in the TBR pile and not coming back.  I'm horrible that way.  And it always causes me to agonize over my openings.

Lori

...I'm not surprised April flew by.  That's a lot to pack into one month.  I'm glad your son's okay.  You're right.  That is not an experience I wish on anyone.

LOL Avery.  I haven't gotten any of that flavor of hate mail--YET.  I hear they're not uncommon.  (Not that I haven't gotten my share of strange e-mails, just not along those lines).

I'm with you in that it curdles my blood when I see it, just like it does any time I see someone campaigning to decide what's best for everyone else. 

Lori

Marianne, I can't imagine the Blaze editors having a problem with a multi-cultural story line.  Like they say about everything else, it's all in how it's written and executed.  If you like the idea, I think you should go for it.  You'll never know until you try.

Lori