In the last week I've been doing a bit of reading about Harlequin. I'm aiming my current manuscript at their Sexy/Modern/Presents line, and have been trying to clarify their requirements so I'm fully prepared before I pitch. The lines have different names in different countries, which takes a little getting used to!
I came across a brilliant new community for Mills & Boon writers which offers a range of information for prospective Harlequin M&B writers. If you're interested in this publisher, join up to the community quick smart.
I also discovered the wonderful blog of author Kate Walker with a checklist for male characters in the lines. Wow. This list made me feel extremely relieved because my hero appears to be spot on for my line. Check. Check. Check. Yippee!
Finally, there's been some interesting media coverage on Harlequin. This video is pretty funny http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7329822 because it features some well known celebs reading from Harlequin books. Worth watching just for that!
On a final note, there's been some discussion in our Bootcamp loops regarding the necessity of blogging. Yes, it may be a time waster, but if you manage your time well, blogging can be an extremely useful tool. If it wasn't such a great way of communicating, many writers wouldn't bother! And it's thanks to a large number of blogs entries I've read from other people that I've learnt so much in such a short time. I'm an advocate for blogs. Blogs rock!
Happy blogging :-)
I came across a brilliant new community for Mills & Boon writers which offers a range of information for prospective Harlequin M&B writers. If you're interested in this publisher, join up to the community quick smart.
I also discovered the wonderful blog of author Kate Walker with a checklist for male characters in the lines. Wow. This list made me feel extremely relieved because my hero appears to be spot on for my line. Check. Check. Check. Yippee!
Finally, there's been some interesting media coverage on Harlequin. This video is pretty funny http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7329822 because it features some well known celebs reading from Harlequin books. Worth watching just for that!
On a final note, there's been some discussion in our Bootcamp loops regarding the necessity of blogging. Yes, it may be a time waster, but if you manage your time well, blogging can be an extremely useful tool. If it wasn't such a great way of communicating, many writers wouldn't bother! And it's thanks to a large number of blogs entries I've read from other people that I've learnt so much in such a short time. I'm an advocate for blogs. Blogs rock!
Happy blogging :-)
7 comments:
Hi Monique,
I've also been following the blog/M&B community forum posts on writing the alpha male. Very helpful.
I also struggled to get my head around the different names of the lines in various countries initially.
And thanks for sharing your experience and views about the benefits of keeping a blog. I've been mulling over whether I should start a blog, but haven't been sure due to the time waster aspect.
Good luck with your pitch :)
Hey Mon, with regards to blogs there are the pros and cons, but I learn so much about the industry through them and I find having mine, helps me keep focused. IMO. Happy blogging back!
Hey Angie,
Thanks for dropping by. The M&B community is a great resource, isn't it? I'm trying to make sure I'm completely prepared before Brissie so my ms fits all the requirements. What line are you aiming for?
Blogging is a wonderful idea. I use it as an online 'diary' or sorts. You can be personal or professional or a combo of both. You can also keep track of other blogs from writers and other industry sources like agents, and each tidbit of info builds your knowledge.
The other bonus is you make heaps of new friends via blogging, and you learn a lot. It's been a wonderful thing for me. Just make sure you set aside time for blogging and time for writing.
Best of luck with your current wip(s),
:-) Mon
Hey-ya Eleni,
Yeah, there are pros and cons, but I believe it's all about managing your time. Doing crits also takes away from your writing, as does reading other peoples books etc. etc. The list goes on. We lose lots of writing time to many other things.
I agree, the stuff we learn from the industry via blogging is gold. Googling it alone wouldn't produce that kind of info. I love it when writers, agents, editors etc. offer advice in blogs because it all helps before publication.
You have to be one of my most interesting blogger friends, btw EK. I love all the cool stuff you put on your blog! Very distracting, but loads of fun!! *vbg*
:-) Mon
Mon, I'm a lurker on the M&B community, but it is certainly a great resource.
I'm aiming for Modern Heat/Sexy Sensation. I'm just starting the first draft, but I've written 2 romantic suspense manuscripts before this.
Food for thought re: the blog. Thanks for the advice. I definitely think the networking aspect is a major bonus, considering that I didn't know anyone at last year's RWAus conference which was difficult.
Have you entered your ms in any comps?
Looking forward to reading more of your blog! :)
Angie,
Did you hear about last year's Modern Heat contest? If you keep track of the I Heart Presents blog, they'll probably announce a new comp for 2009. It's around Sept, from memory.
Are you going to this year's conference? I'll be there along with a few other gals I know, so you're most welcome to hang around with us crazy people! Lol.
And if you do set up a blog, go to my profile page and see the list of blogs I follow. You can then click on some of those blogs and follow them yourself - it's the
easist way to set it up.
Good luck, and let me know if you set up one so I can follow it!
Mon
Wow Mon, talk about a flattering comment. Glad you find it fun (even though distracting) ;))
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