I know I’m WAY behind on this one, but I started reading my first Bombshell book last night. (Yes, they’ve been in my TBR pile THAT long.) Despite the fact the majority seem to be written in first person (not my reading preference), I’m enjoying the stories. They appeal to the big, dumb action movie lover in me. (Notice I didn’t say the Alias and Buffy the Vampire Slayer lover in me.) I’m probably the last person on the planet that hasn’t watched either show. Not because I don’t think they’ll be good, but because I never got around to it.
Anyway, why am I bringing this subject up? I’ve decided to revisit Harlequin/Silhouette. In the past, I didn’t think I could write for them. To be honest, I’m still not sure. I was never a H/S snob. I just knew how hard it was to get the pacing of the books down. It’s been a few years since I’ve really checked them out. I’ve grabbed a book here and there, but nothing on a regular basis (ie since they started implementing changes to the lines). There are a few more options for writers like me. (Blaze Extreme, Spice, Bombshell, etc.) I think it’s time.
Have you avoided a specific publisher or line? If so, why?
August 16th, 2005
I have Stef Feagan’s sitting in my TBR pile and I want Evelyn Vaugh’s AKA Goddess book(s?). Saturday at our chapter meeting our guest speaker was telling us about an author generated six book continuity series coming from bombshell next summer. I think it’s gonna totally rock.
by Cece August 16th, 2005 at 11:29 amCece, I have AKA Goddess in my TBR pile, along with Urban Legend by ERica Orloff and Kiss of the Blue Dragon by Julie Beard. The series sounds good.
by Jordan August 16th, 2005 at 2:01 pmI’ve never really avoided a publisher that I know of. But I don’t get the Sil. Super’s or Special Editions. I’m not sure why. I’ve just never bought one. I think I read the backs and always put them back on the shelf. They just don’t appeal to me.
by Teresa August 16th, 2005 at 2:49 pmTeresa, I’m like that with the Supers too. I just haven’t seen any that appeal to me subject wise.
by Jordan August 16th, 2005 at 3:22 pmI tend not to avoid lines or publishers, but one or two particular editors I thought were unreasonable—yup.
And without mentioning names–there’s room for being careful, even at H/S. A friend of mine got seriously shafted by a certain junior editor at Bombshell.
But that may have been the exception rather than the rule.
And I’ll be interested to see where the Spice line is going.
by raine August 16th, 2005 at 4:21 pmRaine, Please email me privately with names. Thanks!
by Jordan August 16th, 2005 at 4:33 pmGood luck if you decide to try a Bombshell, Jordan! There ARE a lot of interesting and different opportunities at H/S now!
by Suzanne August 17th, 2005 at 5:07 amActually I’ve only ever targetted H/S, and only one line. I need to broaden my horizons! But I think you’re right, it takes a lot to get the “tone” of each line down, and if one particular line doesn’t speak to you, that’s a LOT of reading to get a handle on tones.
Good luck with the lines you’re exploring!
by Amy August 17th, 2005 at 7:29 amI’ve avoided the newer lines only because I’m not as familiar with them. I’ve read category for two decades, so the older more established lines, I’m very familiar with. I don’t think I could pick up and write for the ones started in the last 5 years or so because I haven’t read many.
by Sharon August 17th, 2005 at 10:36 amCece and Jordan, the AKA Goddess books are by far among the best books I’ve read this year. She definitely deserved the Rita for that one.
I think for me, avoidance of publishers happens because they don’t sell what I write. I’m targetting H/S primarily because that’s what I write. I do have some requests from a ST house that I’m working on, but most of my story ideas are best suited for H/S. And for specific lines therein. Will I ever submit to EC? At this point in my career, probably not. Not because I have anything against them, but because I write sweet romance. My market is really limited, obviously, so I don’t want to waste my time trying to sell something to someone who doesn’t publish what I write. *shrugs*
by Danica August 17th, 2005 at 3:09 pmThanks Suzanne! I think so too.
by Jordan August 17th, 2005 at 3:44 pmAmy, I only read a couple of books in a line just to get an idea of what’s happening. I don’t tend to delve much deeper than that because I don’t want the work to influence my writing. A level of ignorance sometimes goes a long way. (wg);-)
by Jordan August 17th, 2005 at 3:46 pmSharon, I’ve read the older lines and enjoyed quite a few, but I knew I couldn’t write them. (I tried.) The newer lines are less constrictive (in my mind), so there’s a better chance of having my writing fit somewhere. At least that’s what I’m going to keep telling myself. LOL!
by Jordan August 17th, 2005 at 3:47 pmDanica, I think that’s important to know. I knew that prior to the introduction of these last few lines at Harlequin that I’d probably never be able to write something for them. Now that they’ve opened more lines and made changes to others, I may have a shot at them. We’ll see. I have no idea at this point.
by Jordan August 17th, 2005 at 3:50 pmI don’t think I avoided reading Harlequin/Bombshells and whatever other line is out there on purpose. When I started reading romance novels 15 yrs. ago, I picked the historical firsts. Then I moved to early paranormals like vampires. Remember Linda Lael Miller’s or Nancy Gideon’s vampire romances? *vbg* I look at the titles of these lines romances and they just don’t compell me to buy them.
by Silma August 17th, 2005 at 6:23 pmSilma, I do remember those vampire books! *ggg* I’m actually enjoying some of the new lines at Harlequin because of the adventure packed in them. Have I mentioned that I love big, dumb action movies?
by Jordan August 17th, 2005 at 10:36 pmI look at the titles of these lines romances and they just don’t compell me to buy them.,/i>
most of the “line” titles compell me to turn around and walk away, Silma–sorry ya’ll. HOwever (and that’s a big However) the Bombshell titles and the titles for the NEXT books have been great–very mainstream and catchy =)
by Cece August 18th, 2005 at 10:20 amSorry jordan! I screwed up my Italics tag! =(
by Cece August 18th, 2005 at 10:20 amNo worries, Cece! And I agree with you about the titles in the Next and Bombshell lines.
by Jordan August 18th, 2005 at 1:11 pmI love Bombshells Jordan but you must be reading the wrong ones - I’ve read about 30 now and only 2 were in first person *g*
by Jaynie R August 19th, 2005 at 3:11 amJaynie, You’re kidding, right?
by Jordan August 19th, 2005 at 5:02 pm