Friday, October 22, 2010

Friday News & A Poll

You know that show So You Think You Can Dance? Ever thought of attempting it? No? Me neither! But, for every writer out there, there’s another challenge - So You Think You Can Write? For most of us the answer is...yes, or maybe.

Whatever your response is, the lovely people at Harlequin are setting us all a challenge. In their words…

Does your imagination run wild with vivid characters? Have you ever dreamed of becoming a USA TODAY bestselling author? Well, our editors want to make those dreams come true. We are hungry to find talented new writers for Harlequin Books. Through podcasts, blogs, and discussions with our expert editors and current authors, we’re going to help you understand the appeal of the romance genre. And there’s a special daily challenge with feedback that will give some great insights into crafting the perfect story. So for the next week, come by to hone your skills and get started on the path to publication. So you think you can write? Here’s your chance to show us!

Seriously, this a truly spectacular chance to show what you can do. And, pssst! We’ve heard one of the podcasts is by friend of the Minxes, Maisey Yates! We've also heard she's got the cutest accent so do check it out!

So, sharpen your pencil, or pens, or keyboards (hmm, maybe not the last one) and prepare for this awesome event. For more details click on the link below

http://harlequinblog.com/so-you-think-you-can-write/

In other news, I wanted to chat about pitches. In case you haven’t heard (yet), I did an online pitch on Wednesday for Carina Press and I truly wanted to encourage anyone who's ever been too intimidated or (like me) too scared out their wits, to attempt one. Yes, it's scary, yes you'll shake like a leaf in an autumn wind, but believe me, it’s so worth it just for the experience. I know some people prefer face-to-face pitches where you can tell the other person’s body language, see their smile of encouragement, or hear the nuances in their voice, but for me, letting my fingers do the work was enough for me. Of course, sitting in my jogging pants and covered in biscuit crumbs also gave me comfort like nothing else, lol.

What also helps is the pitchee. In my case, Executive Editor Angela James was so lovely and put me at ease immediately. According to Rae of eHarlequin, they hold pitches for various lines every few months, so if you’ve never thought of it, I can attest that it’s a great way to get your work in front of an editor. So go for it! And if you have awesome cheerleaders on your side or an Unstoppable Force aka a pom pom waving sister high on sisterly love like Jodie’s sister Nini, do bring her along!

Romy's addendum:

What our Modest Minx Maya has neglected to mention above is that she got a FULL REQUEST from Angela James in that pitch. Way to go, Maya!

In other news, Lorraine Minx brought to our attention that Mills&Boon recently ran a survey among readers looking for the celebrity who makes the best Ultimate Romantic Hero.
The winner was an interesting choice: Simon Cowell.

However, we Minxes know who we'd prefer. (Hint: here he is!).



We're pretty sure all our blog readers have an opinion on their Ultimate Romantic Hero, so check back here next Friday for the Minxy version of this poll.

12 comments:

Maya Blake said...

Thanks Romy! And most definitely, I prefer the one with the bare, manly chest. Come to Mama, Jake!!!

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Congratulations again, Maya.

XX

Sally Clements said...

Yup, Jake's a winner - what was everyone else thinking? (Sorry, Simon)

Rachael Johns said...

Huge congrats Maya! And I definitely like the Minx's hero choice better too :)

Kat said...

Congrats again Maya, you rock.

Simon, BLURGH!

Jake wins hands down. Or up. Or anywhere else he cares to put them!

Sutton Fox said...

Congrats again, Maya. You do rock! As does your writing.

Jake's a sure winner for me!

Wendy S Marcus said...

I can tell you first hand that the Harlequin pitches are a great way to catch an editors attention. I did an online pitch, coordinated by Rae at eharlequin.com back in March. The editor requested a partial, then a full, and after five months of revisions, I sold my medical romance this month. If nothing else, the online pitches give you excellent experience.

Oh, and I hear wonderful things about Angela James. I met her at national and she was very nice and approachable. A friend of mine is working with her on a book coming out in a month or two. She's very happy with her. Good luck!

Lacey Devlin said...

Really? Simon? I'm glad I missed that. Jake's much better :)

Congrats again Maya I know you're going to wow Angela!

Sally Clements said...

Congratulations on your sale, Wendy, that's awesome!

Jane Holland said...

Simon would be all right if we couldn't see him. Or hear him. Or ...

Way to go on that requested full at Carina, Maya!

And mega-congrats on the sale, Wendy! I *love* medical romances. ;-)

Wendy S Marcus said...

Thanks Sally and Jane!

Maya Blake said...

Thanks for all the congrats and well-wishing, everyone! You're all wonderful :)

Wendy, that's really great to hear! And congrats yourself, too.