BUY MY BOOK, DAMMIT

Frequently Asked Questions About My Book

Title: Her Son's Hero

Publisher: Harlequin Superromance (#1718)

Author: Vicki Essex

ISBN-13: 978-0-373-71718-7

1. So, it's a romance, right? 'Cuz I don't read romances.

Yeah, it's a romance. And you're a liar: you've read romances, you just don't think they are because other things happen in them. And I didn't say you actually had to READ my book, just BUY it.

2. So, what's it about?

Go check out the Books page on my author website. Though, do you really need to know? All you have to do it BUY MY BOOK.

3. How much is it?

Go check it out on the Harlequin.com website. The price ranges around $5-$7. There is a large print, regular print and ebook version. They are all readily available through Amazon, Chapters, your local Walmart, drugstores, grocery stores...pretty much anywhere they sell Harlequin books, which is a LOT of places. BUT...

4. It's only on shelves for a MONTH????

The Harlequin business model means category romances only stay in stores until the next month's books come in. After that, you'll only find hard copies in used bookstores, libraries, and the occasional smaller store. The ebook will be available indefinitely on the Harlequin website. So BUY MY BOOK BEFORE THE END OF AUGUST. 'Cuz after that, you're SOL.

5. Well, what if I just pirate it?

Then you're a bastard, and I'm going to roll you for your latte money next time I see you walking down the street.

6. Is there sex in it?

Yes, there is one sex scene. But the book is mainly about the romantic conflict between the hero and heroine, and while the attraction smolders, you won't find any "throbbing members." At least, I'm pretty sure you won't. If you're a prude, you can easily skip the sex scene without missing much.

7. Will you sign my book?

I'd love to...but you'll do everyone a huge favor if you attend one of my signings. Check out my website for details.

8. Are you writing more?

Yup.

I SOLD MY MOTHER#$^&*$#@ BOOK!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go to my new website and read the story of how it happened! Then bookmark my website and visit it every day! DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!

Vickiessex.com

Do. Not. Want.

Her Cinderella Secret has been rejected once again.

*sigh*

Back to ye ol' drawing board...

Cross-posted from Victory's March.

Cowboys and cookies, beefcake and biscuits

Corportate shilling? Maybe. But I like men and cookies and would do anything to push both upon the beefcake cookie monsters of the world. Nom nom nom.


As part of Harlequin’s 60th anniversary sampling campaign, Harlequin has partnered with Peek Freans Lifestyle Selections to offer Canadian women A Taste of Mischief through a unique co-branded promotion – and the fun starts this Saturday right here in Toronto!

Promotional Events & Highlights

Sampling at Indigo Stores – Sat. Sept. 26

Come check out the heroes of Harlequin’s Montana Royalty as cowboys, sheriffs, and princes greet customers with cookie samples at select Indigo stores this weekend. Staff at many other Chapters, Indigo and Coles locations across Ontario will also be distributing the sample packs. The Heroes will be at the following Indigo stores at 12pm this Saturday and Sunday:

· Scarborough Commons

· Yorkdale

· Square One


Launch Event at Yonge/Dundas Square – Wed. Sept. 30

Harlequin is hosting a live-sampling event at Yonge/Dundas Square on Wednesday, September 30. Highlights include:

· LiveEye segment with CP24’s Matte Babel (7:00 am – 9:00 am)

· Learn how to pose for a Harlequin cover and have your photo taken with our Harlequin Heroes. (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)

· Enjoy a musical performance by The Good Lovelies, a sassy and flirty bluegrass trio reminiscent of The Dixie Chicks (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm)

· Catch the Harlequin Heroes distributing sample packs (10:00 am – 2:00 pm; 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm)


peekfreans.ca – Sept. 8 - Nov. 15

If you haven’t done so already, visit peekfreans.ca to:

· Enter for a chance to WIN a trip fit for one of Harlequin’s Heroines

· Download Montana Royalty, a FREE exclusive eBook from Harlequin’s Intrigue series

· Create Your Harlequin Story by completing a short and simple questionnaire

· Tell us what tempts you by answering the Harlequin Romance Report questionnaire

· View photos from the Harlequin Hero events

· Learn about the better-for-you qualities of Peek Freans Lifestyle Selections cookies

Best. Book review. EVER.

From Smart Bitches, guest book review on PREGNESIA, which I proofread.

Frickin' hilarious.

Carla Cassidy's comments are included. What a sport.

Golden Heart 2009 Results

My score sheet from the 2009 Golden Heart Contest:


I think it's interesting to see the judges' ranking here: Judge 2's score of 2 out of 10 tells me either he/she was having a bad day, he/she is a harsh judge, or he/she really, really, REALLY didn't like my work.

I admit, it could probably use a little work (Read: a lot of work). After a year or so of sitting on it, I think I can probably shave it down, tweak a bunch of things, write a better synopsis, tighten up the plot and so forth. But such is the business of writing. I can always do better. Judging it on my own, now, after having spent more time on other projects with lots of hindsight, I'd say it's probably a 6.2, Judge 3's assessment.

Well, back to the ol' drawing board on that one.

On a separate note, I got a letter from Harlequin Mills & Boon acknowledging the receipt of my partial for Her Cinderella Secret (formerly known as All in the Details). Why they bothered to spend the money on postage rather than call or send an email is beyond me.

I suppose a letter is nice, but whenever you get a thin little envelope from a publishing house, your heart usually sinks to your feet. In this case it went from, "Awwww, man..." to "Oh," to "Aw, geez, now I have to wait some more."

Moments in which I wish I had better forethought/judgment....

Me, writing a steamy hot first-kiss scene for my third book, Fighting for Her Love...while on the public bus, with a wide-eyed Filipino nanny reading over my shoulder:

Me: [typing] A low growl emitted from his throat. The temperature of her skin went from frigid to flaming in seconds, and a buzz started low in her gut, a primal reaction that echoed Dom's almost feral snarl of possession. His hands raked through her hair, across her shoulders and circled around her waist. She was lost in heady lust as he backed her against the edge of the dining room table, its lip pressing into her waist, the unmistakable...

[thinking] ...evidence of his arousal? Naw, that's so cliche....

[typing] ...jut of his arousal grazing her belly. She let his palms, big, strong and capable, caress massage squeeze cup her aching breasts through the too-thin fabric of her sundress....

This was almost like that time I read my first Harlequin Blaze while sitting in a Tim Hortons and nearly choked on my tea...oh, for those more virginal days....

First in a series!

In my ultra-dorkiness, I am starting a series of pictures of me and authors whose paths I cross at Harlequin. I've been meaning to do this for a while, and today I finally managed to start my collection. I've also been keeping a collection of all my autographed books. One day, I might get to read them all....

Here's me and New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers, signing her latest, The Angel. This was taken with my cell phone, so pardon the fuzziness.


I haven't read The Angel, but I did read Betrayals, and it was fantastic. You can read my review of the book here.

Recession? What recession?

Harlequin's sales are up 32%. Because romance does well when times are tough.

Awesome feature from Nightline featuring celebrities reading from a steam selection of our books!

Watch it here.

Hey, isn't that....?

Yes. Yes it is.

Proof that Harlequin models can be totally sexy, even if they're gay, married, and host a home design show.

The Border Lord and Once a Hero will be available in May.

Ah, for the days when men could wear skirts and play with their swords and nightsticks....

Harlequin featured on This Hour Has 22 Minutes

"...and takes place in nineteenth-century Scotland."

Hilarious. (Click on Harlequin Romance clip on the right side.)

FREE STUFF!!!

Today marks Harlequin Enterprises's 60th anniversary!

Go to www.harlequincelebrates.com and you can download a free full book from a fabulous selection of 16 different romances, ranging from Inspirational Christian romance to racy Blaze to Paranormal Romance to NASCAR-branded goodness!

Who can pass up free stuff in these dark economic times?
Now, go! DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!!

Ten freelance editors needed at Harlequin

People often ask me how they get into the publishing world. Well, if you have 5-7 years of experience editing and live in the Greater Toronto Area, here's your chance.

Via JeffGaulin.com:

Freelance Line Editors (x 10)
Harlequin Enterprises

Location: work from home in the GTA, Ontario
Posted: November 6, 2008
Deadline: January 6, 2009

Description
Here's your opportunity to edit manuscripts for a leading global publisher of women's fiction….and work from home!

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the most successful publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 29 languages and sold in 107 countries. We offer women a broad range of reading experiences from romance to psychological thrillers to relationship novels.

We are seeking 10 skilled freelance line editors for occasional work.

Qualifications

* 5-7 years’ trade publishing experience
* ability to edit across all narrative genres—from series romance to mainstream fiction
* knowledgeable in onscreen editing using Track Changes in Word
* applicants should reside in the Greater Toronto area due to the quick turnaround nature of the material



No phone calls please; only applicants who meet our qualifications will be contacted.

Interested editors with the requisite background should e-mail their résumé and references to: line-editing@harlequin.ca.

N.B. Please include Freelance line editor in the subject line and state in your cover note that you found this job on Jeff Gaulin's Journalism Job Board.

Freelance Line Editor
Harlequin Enterprises


E-mail: line-editing@Harlequin.ca.
Web address: http://www.eHarlequin.com

Best. Romance Covers. Ever.

Covers reimagined. So damned hilarious.

More here and here.

*Note to TRW memebers: brace yourself, some of YOUR covers are on here!

Calling All Good-Looking True-Life Heroes

Harlequin is looking for authentic heroes for its covers.

On November 29, 2008, we will be holding a casting call at Powerhouse Casting in Toronto for real firefighters, police officers and paramedics to become cover models.

We regularly feature models posing as heroes—firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other emergency personnel—now we want to celebrate the authentic heroes who put their lives on the line every day, by featuring them on the covers of our novels. If you know someone in any of these professions that you think would make a good Harlequin cover model, please forward this email on to them.

The casting call is for good looking males between 25 – 48 years old. No acting or modeling experience is required.

Casting will be held at Powerhouse Casting, 93 Berkeley Street, Toronto, Ontario, on November 29, 2008 between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Obligatory Author's Update

Among the klassy postings of penis size charts and clips of Avatar-related YouTube videos, I'm trying to strive some professionalism in my "writing career". Ergo, here be the obligatory update on my works in progress, since people seem to be asking:

All in the Details--my first book, completed in 2007, was rejected in January by Harlequin Silhouette Special Edition, as you probably already know. It is, however, under consideration with The Wild Rose Press, a much smaller publisher that's been accepting a lot more submissions. I should hear back by the end of the month. (Crossing fingers.)

Star Attraction--I recently completed my second book, part of a series with two common characters from All in the Details. Members of my lovely critique group, who I met just recently for lunch, are reading the first three chapters and hopefully tearing it to shreads (because only from the ashes can a phoenix rise, or some such Iroh-esque proverb). From there I'll be editing, and then panning for beta readers. (Takers? Takers? Anyone?)

Untitled short story--Samhain Publishing has a call for submissions for a humorous fantasy/supernatural anthology of short stories. Being a bit of an old hand at churning out Avatar laughs over at Fanfiction.net, I figure, meh, let's try writing on a tight deadline and submitting. I've been skipping lunchtime pilates sessions, churning out what I can on my lil' Eee PC and getting eyestrain doing so. My goal is simply to finish and submit. If I'm funny enough...well, we'll just have to see....

Fanfiction--Still working on In the Family Way, and publishing about one chapter per week. I actually write a whole bunch of drabbles, connecting the story threads as I go, until I have a cohesive story...with as many punches as I can throw in, just to keep it interesting.

Other...?--I have two other novels on the go, but haven't touched them for about 2 months now since I've been working to finish the short story and the seventh draft of Star Attraction.

On the pseudonym front, I haven't chosen one yet, but I've had quite a few suggestions, which will someday go into a post of its own.

So, yeah, busy, busy, busy. If you ever wondered what I do in my spare time, this is pretty much it. Yup. My life summed up in one blog post....

More Romance? Gee, what a surprise....

Harlequin is hosting its annual Romance Report Survey for 2008.

I COMMAND YOU to take it right now! It's anonymous and will take maybe about 10 minutes (perfect time waster for those slow work days.)

Go to it now! Click on Romance Survey to do it! DO IT, DO IT!

There's also a neat little "Confessional" section where you can divulge your deepest, darkest secrets to the world anonymously!

And if you want to read the 2006 and 2007 findings, they're available, too. Check them out here.

Post 300!

THIS.
IS.
300!!

And what better way to celebrate my 300th post than by announcing that one of my fanfiction stories, The Game, previously thought to be some quaint and eccentric (excuse to be anti-social) nerd habit, has been nominated for a dotmoon.net 2006 UFO honorable mention award. Here's the badge to prove it:

Okay, so said like that, it doesn't mean much. Mind you, my story was the only Avatar: The Last Airbender fanfic nominated this year, and I've never even heard of this Web site until today. So it was pretty cool to see the e-mail in my inbox this morning from some out-of-the-blue Web site saying "Hey, someone read your stuff and thinks you're cool."

Anyhow, I'm milking this for all it's worth. When I write my author profile for my Harlequin novel, you know that's going on there....

Meanwhile, yes, I have in fact finished my Harlequin novel, tentatively titled All in the Details. A host of lovely people I've met through fanfiction.net have kindly agreed to beta-read for me.

A teaser, if you will:

Lilah Mann had to grow up fast when her father abandoned their family while she was only 17. She had to drop out of high school and work to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. She'll do anything for her mother and sisters--it's what drives her to make sure her new event planning business succeeds. And she'll do anything to make it work, up to and including engaging in some questionable business practices with her newest client, the too-sexy-for-words Kent Sullivan.

But what the senior publisher of Sullivan Media doesn't know is that the spunky, elfin-haired "event engineer" is the same woman he met at a Halloween costume ball only a week ago...minus a stunning red dress and a blond wig. Can Cinderella keep her slippers under wraps, or will Lilah's Prince Charming insist on a fairytale ending?

...Admittedly, that does sound cheesetacular, but if you've read any Harlequin novels (and I insist that you do!) then you should be glad there are no nymphs, vampires, or time-travelling Highlanders in my book.

Wish me luck: I'm already starting a second book....