Be a Crone for a Moment!

There’s so much advice for new writers out there. I regret some of the tips I’ve given, realizing now I’m too new to be giving advice! I hate some of this stuff I read: write x hours per day, stick to a genre, follow this precise formula…but that’s just me. I think the really helpful tips sometimes come from our mistakes. Perhaps you jumped on a contract too quickly, changed companies too often, CHANGED YOUR PSEUDONYM (honestly, be really sure you want to do that)…the list is endless. This certainly goes for editors too–what do you wish you would have done differently?
Be a pal to a new or aspiring author–put on your wisdom cap and tell us what you wish you would have known back then…whenever back then was.

The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done

In writing, I mean. I’m in agony. It’s real pain. I’m overhauling the first book I ever wrote, The Princes of Anfall. It’s humiliating, and frustrating, and really, really hard. Did I mention it’s really hard? This story called to me, started me writing. I look at it now and my brain freezes up. Stilted, childish, full of cliches. I’m getting through about five new pages a night. Holy moly, this is…

Has anyone gone through this? It’s two years old, and I feel like I wrote it a thousand years ago. The trouble is that it’s so fixed in my mind, it’s hard to change. Any tips? At least I have the plot LOL, that’s something. I keep telling myself, “look how far you’ve come, look how much you’ve learned.” Thud. Help me Obiwan. I’m dying here. I’ll be back in cyberspace when I get through this.

PS–scroll down and enter my Love’s Alchemy contest if you’ve yet to do it!

Interview with Samhain Editor Angela James

I’m so grateful that Angie took time out of her insane schedule to answer a few questions for us. Angie is my editor at Samhain, and after an incredible dumbass move on my part at the beginning of “acquiring” this gem (I am not kissing ass, promise), I’ve come to really appreciate her guidance. She’s Evil, it’s true, but she’s also Nice (to more than her little girl). Onto her thoughts:

Ciar:
Thanks so much for doing this! First up—the important stuff. Your daughter is adorable, and I don’t say that simply because I’m waiting for edits from you. Describe Brianna in one sentence for us! Are you really a “nice mommy?”

Angie:
She is adorable, isn’t she? One sentence… She’s a rambunctious, too-smart-for-my-own-good, amazing little hellion who has hit her stride in the terrible twos and makes me want to pull my hair out while loving her with hugs and kisses at the same time. And yes, I’m a pretty nice mommy, though she’s learning her limits and we do have rules and expectations for behavior so she doesn’t end up one of those horrible spoiled children.

Ciar:
Would you share your background, and how you landed at Samhain? I’m amazed at how quickly the company has pulled together an impressive catalog and roster of authors. What’s in store there?

Angie:
I’m guessing you don’t mean my background as in I was born August 25th 1975 in a town in North Dakota, raised by…lol. I started as I think everyone does, an avid, voracious reader. I think it was on the Ellora’s Cave yahoo group they were advertising for proofers needed. I took the test and did proofing for EC for a couple years. During that time, I also worked for authors individually.

Last fall, two authors I’m friends with mentioned that Crissy (Christina Brashear) was opening the doors to a new publishing company, was looking for editors, and they thought I’d be good at it, given my experience. And that’s how I became Samhain’s first, lonely, overworked–*looking over shoulder for Crissy*–ah luckiest ever editor

As for how the company has grown and thrived, I credit that to Crissy, for knowing what she wanted, having the knowledge to get it, and for sticking to her standards and believing in the story and the reader first. I think it’s her desire to put out the best possible product, making the experience as great as possible for both author and reader, that’s driven the company’s name forward in the eye of the reading community.

What’s in store? More fantastic books, of course. Getting print books in an increasing number of brick and mortar stores, in addition to Borders and the independent bookstores they can already be found in. Visibility at more reader and author conferences. And more. But I can’t give away all our secrets

Ciar:
Damn, 1975. I graduated from high school that year. Okay, writers won’t forgive me unless I ask what you’re really looking for in terms of submissions? What’s hot, what’s not? Is Samhain new-writer friendly?

Angie:
We love new writers. The rush of introducing new writers to publishing, being their “first”, molding them in my image. Ah…*clearing throat* I mean watching them experience the thrill of their first release. It’s incredibly fun. So yes, we’re new-writer friendly.

Talking about submissions is trickier because I don’t want people to limit themselves to only what I say. What I WILL say is that we haven’t had a lot of science fiction romance submitted, and our author liaison, Marty, and I are both huge fans of futuristics and sci/fi romance and they sell well. And I’ve been searching for someone to write me one good cyberpunk book, but I think my search is in vain, lol. And if anyone out there has a hot ménage…I’ve only had one of those and would love more (well, not had a ménage personally, but released a book with a ménage…oh, you get my point).

Other than that, areas we don’t have a lot of submissions in, but would love to see, western romances, young adult, inspirationals and romantic comedy. Those are submissions that would get noticed because they’re in less-seen categories.

What’s hot? Sex still sells as does paranormal of any type. And we’re acquiring quite a few m/m authors and those seem to be popular. But when we buy a book, it’s really all about the story. Yes, that’s our tagline but it’s true. The bar raises every day for submissions and we’re looking for those books that will sell because they’re just that damn good!

Ciar:
So…epublishing. I noticed you read a lot of print books (that’s quite a list on your blog BTW). Can you find the quality, genre, etc. you’re looking for without print? Are there differences?

Angie:
Oh heck yeah, I love epublishing, I think everyone should read ebooks because you can find some of the most phenomenal authors and stories. NY still has limits on what they can buy. They DO have to go by what’s hot or what will be hot, because their overhead demands it. Epublishing doesn’t have those restrictions.

I read more print in my spare time, at this point, not because of the quality of books but because I spend upwards of 15 hours a day (and even more…I’m on hour 12 today) on the computer, staring at the screen, editing, answering emails, IMs, blog-hopping, doing promo, etc. Looking at a print book is a break from my eyes and that’s why I favor print for relaxing. Although I recently received an Ebookwise for my birthday and I’ve found myself returning to ebooks. I’ve enjoyed checking out the selection from other publishers and recently read some great books from Loose Id and NCP. I love that, because I think every good book published by another epublisher only increases the readers who glom on to ebooks in general.

Ciar:
Do you think it’s important for an author to stick to a genre? To establish an author personality—like the bitch goddess, the snark goddess, the hot mamma, the seductress… Some of it strikes me as really cheesy.

Angie:
Oh heck no. In fact, I think that’s the beauty of Samhain (as well as the beauty of epublishing); authors being able to move around in genres and heat levels. A fantastic example is one of my good friends, author Shannon Stacey. Her first release, with Ellora’s Cave, was a romantic comedy. Her second release, with Samhain, was a traditional romance. Last month she published a romantic suspense with us. In October, she has a paranormal romance releasing with Samhain. Four releases, four different genres and she’s done each one of them with talent and incredible flair. I would hate to see an author like Shannon forced to stick to one genre because convention or “the rules” told her too. The reading community might miss out on some well-written, fun reads if authors forced themselves to one thing.

Ciar:
What makes an editor good? Beyond helping to shape a title, do you think there are other attributes a good editor should have? Must they also be cheerleaders? Do you ever advise your writers about their careers, make suggestions about what they should write, etc.?

Angie:
I was just chatting with another editor the other day about this. While I think a good editor is one who can help an author shape a book without trying to impose their own voice on the book, I also think there’s more to it than just having a good eye for the technical aspects; the pacing, the plot, the character development and all that dang grammar stuff As an editor, yes, I also have periods of being a “cheerleader”. I hold hands, build egos and remind the author that there really is worth in their writing. I’m often consulted on a variety of things including how to deal with a bad review, what direction a series should take, how to do book signings, questions about promo, potty training questions (no really, I DID answer a question from an author on potty training, lol). I’ve also advised authors on other publishers to seek out, things to avoid in the publishing industry (like sharing your ideas with too many people) and a variety of other things. My inbox is frequently full and I answer 25 to 50 emails on any given day. Some days more 

Ciar:
What is your favorite genre? Do you read outside of romance novels?

Angie:
If you’re holding a gun to my head and forcing me to choose, I’d say paranormal romance is probably my favorite, though I also enjoy romantic suspense, some romantic comedy and contemporary romance. I read less in historical romance, though some of my all time favorite books fall in that category.

I do read outside of romance, most notably mystery and fantasy/science fiction. But there are very few genres I would say I absolutely do not read or don’t enjoy. I really just love books in general.

Ciar:
Given a year of unlimited resources (time, money, babysitting, etc.), how would you spend it? Where would you like to travel?

Angie:
I would read, for one thing. One sad truth for anyone working in the publishing industry is that you sometimes find yourself too busy to read. I’ve built more time for pleasure reading back into my schedule, but I’m reading nowhere the amount of books I used to. I’d also get my house in order—how does anyone ever keep their house clean and keep up with all the little things that need to be done?

Where would I travel? Back home to North Dakota to spend time with my family and let them get to know Brianna. Back to England and London, which I loved the first time I visited but didn’t get to see nearly enough of. Las Vegas. I’ve never been and I’d really like to go and see the shows. New York to see a ton of Broadway shows. One of my passions but something I rarely get to indulge in (theater). And a variety of other out of country locale that I tell myself “someday”.

Ciar:
What makes you want to ring someone’s neck? Okay, more specifically, if you could grab a new, aspiring, or even established writer (or collectively) by the neck, what would you scream at them?

Angie:
Your editor isn’t your worst enemy, they can be your best friend. I edit because I love helping shape a book, but I don’t make suggestions for changes lightly, and it makes it much harder when authors argue every small change. When I say that, I mean every change, not the authors who disagree with certain changes or prefer to keep something. All I ask is that an author think somewhat dispassionately (so hard to do when we’re talking about your “baby” I know) about my requests and really consider whether they’ll make the book tighter, the sentence clearer before saying “nope, not changing it”.

If I had to say anything else, I’d have to say that I’ve really come to appreciate the authors who treat every book equally and professionally, whether they’re writing for the smallest epublisher or the largest NY pub. I’ve worked with authors who write for both NY and epubs, and they take each book, each edit and each deadline just as seriously as the next. It’s nice to work with authors who understand that professionalism is professionalism no matter who you write for.

Ciar:
What are your goals for your own career?

Angie: I’ve been at Samhain for a year now, and it has flown by. Because I’ve been so involved in helping with the start-up and building of the company, I haven’t really had time to think about where I was going. But I love Samhain, Crissy is the most incredible businesswoman and wonderful to work for, so I just want to hang on for the ride and keep helping the company become a force to be reckoned with in the publishing world.

Ciar:
Tell us one surprising thing about yourself. One tidbit you haven’t yet shared online.

Angie:
I don’t know if this counts as a surprise, but I don’t know that I’ve ever said it anywhere, but I don’t aspire to write and publish my own book. That’s not a dream of mine, I love editing and that’s where I want to be.

Oh, and I love cookbooks even though I buy them and rarely use them. I just like to look at all the different recipes. I usually only cook a handful of new recipes from each cookbook. But I keep buying them. I just love cookbooks!

Ciar:
Thanks so much for your time! Tell readers about your blog if you like )

My blog started as Brianna’s Mommy about 2 years ago and has gained the subtitle of “Nice Mommy~Evil Editor” thanks to one of my authors, Mandy Roth, who designed the header and gave me the tagline. I talk about a rather mishmash of topics, from parenting and bragging on my daughter, to editor topics and book reviews and things related to the romance industry. It’s pretty much anything goes over there. http://nicemommy-evileditor.com/blog

Thanks for having me, Ciar!

Too Many Books? Is it Possible?

We all know you can’t read too much, right? There’s no such thing as owning too many books, dusting and shelf space aside. But can you write too many books? Some of us are prolific, some of us are not–although of course that’s a very relative statement. I was Chez Target the other day and saw a Nora Roberts book that sounded kinda familiar, and I couldn’t remember if I’d read it or not. I scoured the book for rerelease info until my husband urged me into auto supplies and out of the space-time warp that book sections become to me.
I wondered: has Nora written too many books? I suppose she hasn’t received too many advances. I remember when I’d pick up each of her new releases, but they’ve all run together in my head! (I’m still a fan.)
Seriously, for the rest of us who are just getting started: is more better? Should we have a release every month (which generally means writing for several companies)–and I’m obviously not talking about NY print here. Every two months? Three? Do we gain readers with more books or press our luck with our loyal readership? How long are you comfortable going without a release?
I’m slowing down in the coming months, charting a course, plodding along on a big WIP and gradually checking off my current commitments. How about you?

LOVE’S ALCHEMY Contest!

I’m celebrating the October 3 release of Love’s Alchemy at Loose ID. I don’t have a cover yet, but I’ll post it as soon as I do! I’m so very excited about this release, the story of the immortal children of the Last Sorcerer, Sir Isaac Newton. I hope you’ll enter my contest to win this Anguistralober Necklace, a working miniature of a 18th century instrument to measure the direct path of destiny between specified heavenly bodies, crafted in pewter and brass, about 1.5 inch.
To win this Pendant, you’ll have to wrestle me. Okay, how about reading a little of this summary, and complete the following: “Who do you think has the Philosopher’s Stone?” Take a guess! Email your answer to ciarcullen1@yahoo.com!

Despite his unparalleled brilliance in physics and mathematics, The Last Sorcerer, Sir Isaac Newton, devoted body and soul to the ancient study of Alchemy and to the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone—the legendary source of life. Risking ridicule and possible execution, Newton finally conjured the key to breathing life into the lifeless.

Newton’s first creation, handsome and charming Donovan Barlowe, along with his intriguing “brothers,” now walks the streets of the 21st Century. The Barlowes seek the one person who can save them from Newton’s deathbed curse—a soulless lifespan of 300 years. They’re playing “beat the clock,” and they have enemies—those “children” of Newton who would prefer to die. Where is the foretold Alchemist, the reincarnation of The Last Sorcerer?

Sidra Patmos is at the breaking point. Just when her grief for her dead mother begins to abate, her world becomes a different kind of nightmare. Sidra has almost become accustomed to her affect on street lamps and electrical appliances. She’s found some solace in her online chats with other SLIders—those who experience Street Light Interference—especially parapsychologist Donovan Barlowe. However, Sidra doesn’t confide that burnt out lights are the least of her worries. She’s developed a horrifying ability to see the real underbelly of lower Manhattan—a world where wraiths scream silently in the misty night and weave their way into her apartment, turning her days into waking nightmares, making her nights unbearable. Sidra agrees to meet SLIder expert Barlowe in a SoHo bar, hopeful that he’ll offer some explanation.

Sidra’s meeting with the dark and irresistible Van Barlowe unleashes a frightening chain of events. Three brothers—Van, Alexander, and Wentworth, scour the world searching for the Alchemist, a woman with the knowledge deep within to rescue their family from sure ruin. Created in the 17th Century by the Last Sorcerer, Sir Isaac Newton, and cursed by his dying breath to a lifespan of three hundred years, all Daemonia, including the Barlowes, know their time is at an end. That is, unless they find the woman capable of recreating the Philosopher’s Stone.

Van suspects he may have stumbled upon his rescuer in Sidra. As he rids Sidra’s loft of the pesky wraiths that are slowly driving her insane, he learns that Sidra is a professor with expertise in Newton. Sure that Sidra’s own academic passion cannot be a coincidence, Van probes to learn if she’s the reincarnation of his beloved “Father,” Sir Isaac. The connection between the pair is instantaneous and mystical, and in short order, they conclude that they indeed loved one another in a previous life. Of course, this time, Van’s affection is for a beautiful woman rather than his eccentric male creator. Viva la difference! The heat builds, and Van and Sidra fall into a sexual union surpassing all their fantasies.

Van convinces Sidra to walk with him into the mist of time to see if she can redeem him. And he has more incentive than ever to live on, as Sidra slides into his heart as no one has done in his long lifetime. Van hasn’t been willing to throw heart and flawed soul into a relationship doomed to last a mere human lifespan. He’s found it less painful to engage in quick trysts than to watch as his beloved ages and withers while he thrives with youthful elegance and vigor.

Van’s sexual pull on Sidra is absolute, but Sidra doubts that a sexy demon with a 300-year agenda is the best boyfriend material. She’s sucked into the vortex of Van’s frightening world, desperate to escape, but unable to leave the man she loves to perish without a fight. Sidra suspects that once redeemed, Van will no longer find her useful. Is it worth the risk of more heartbreak?

Pardon Me While I Squee!

Enchanted Ramblings gives Lords of Ch’i 6 magical wands and raves:
“From page one I was riveted. The world and characters are so well written you practically see Traier and the characters as if they actually exist. There is non stop action and sexual tension that will have you turning page after page. When I reached the end I was frustrated that it was over so soon. Jet is one sexy hero and Silver is not your typical heroine. She is smart, beautiful and doesn’t pull any of those too stupid to live acts. I highly recommend this book.”

Your Secret Writing (or Reading) Life

On my loop, we were discussing whether we’re “out” as romance writers (and as erotic romance writers if that applies), or whether we hide from our families, coworkers, and the public in general what we do? Are you comfortable telling folks that you write (or read) the steamy stuff? I’m coming up on my first booksigning, and it just occurred to me that I might actually run into people I know! Duh. If you’re not out, why? Does anyone ever disparage your efforts? Are you frightened by the response you’ll get if you say “I write romance” or “I read steamy romances?” I really hate the teasing sometimes. How about you?

Review of Ransom, by Lee Rowan and Some Thoughts on M/M

Ransom, by Lee Rowan

Lee’s book was voted the best ebook of the summer, so I thought I’d mosey over to Linden Bay and take a peek. First, this is the perfect time to express my…hmnn, surprise I guess. About the burgeoning M/M trend (is it a trend?) in electronic publishing. And the fact that an M/M book was voted the favorite on my little poll. This is about my fourth M/M novel read, and I have to say, I’m now four for four on the “yeah, baby” side. Who would have thunk it? I’m not qualified to comment on the psychology of manlove–I’ll leave that to those who write it. But I can say that so far, I think the characterization of the books in this category I’ve read have surpassed many, if not most of the heterosexual romances I read. Why is that? Perhaps these women simply love to write about men. I do! I hope those who love to read and write this stuff weigh in here!

Anyway, I hate reviews that go on about the plot, so I’ll first just reprint the “offical” version:

“It’s 1796 and not only is love between men taboo, it is punishable by death. Lt. David Archer is an officer in His Majesty’s Navy and a gentleman of Regency Society. He is also hopelessly in love with his shipmate, Lt. William Marshall. David is certain that his feelings, if expressed, would be met with revulsion. Afraid of losing the strong friendship that he has forged with William, he vows to never speak of or act on his desire, promising himself to take the secret to his grave.

Although William is young, his innate talent has allowed him to quickly rise above his humble background and gain a reputation as a promising officer. The Royal Navy is his world, and in that world there is no room for anything as frivolous as romance.

Then, in a twist of fate, the two men are abducted by a ruthless pirate who finds pleasure in toying with his captives. Thrown together in close quarters and wondering if they will survive, they’re are faced with some difficult choices. William struggles with his growing feelings for David and, try as he might to dismiss them, he can’t. When David makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect the man he loves, the reason for it is clear and the passion that the men have denied for so long is realized for the first time.

Before the lovers can have any sort of life together, they must first escape. After that, they face an even greater challenge—is their love strong enough to survive a clandestine life under the ever-present threat of the Navy’s implacable Articles of War?”

So, firstly this book was advertised properly, and I like that. It’s historical, romantic, very very sensual, adventure. Did I say I hate historicals? I kinda got bored with them a while back. This new twist (I get really tired of the old clash of class stories or arranged marriage stories) brought life back into historicals for me. It’s very fast-moving because of the action, which is appropriate to the M/M basis, I think. The villian is horrid, the heroes are heroic yet vulnerable, and it’s hot. But mostly, it’s romantic. Lee’s writing pulls you along, and I found that I really cared what happened to these characters. I have to agree with the voters–great book! Whether you read for the hot men, the historical fast-moving plot, or the romance, you won’t be disappointed. Both thumbs up!

I hope Lee doesn’t mind sharing space with another recommendation: Love’s Evolution by Ally Blue. Awesome! Another writer who uses men (in the good way) to pull at your emotions. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

Brava, all you territory forgers, and thanks for giving us some new material!

5 Hearts for Lords of Ch’i from Love Romances!

Read the review at Love Romances! Thanks Valerie!

Interview with Author/Loose ID Editor-in-Chief Treva Harte

I’m very happy to present an interview with author and editor-in-chief of Loose ID publishing, Treva Harte. Many thanks, Treva!

Ciar: Treva, writers thinking of subbing to Loose ID will kill me if I don’t ask this question right away–what are you currently looking for in your subs? What’s the book that you really wish someone would do?
Treva: Well, we’re always looking for something that sells. Fortunately we seem to be cooking on that front. We keep building speed as time goes by which is a good thing, since the alternative won’t make us money.

We’re looking for things that are well-written, have a clear voice, and have something unique to say. I keep a fairly open mind on what to accept. For example, we almost accidentally backed into the m/m market and that’s doing well. I think we want to keep finding new markets that will speak to new and established LI readers and keep on doing well with what we do already – cross-genre, very spicy, often paranormal stories with some I/R, romantic suspense, historical.

Ciar: There’s something (to me) that ties all Loose ID books together. They’re unusual, they stand out, with fresh plots and interesting characters. How would you summarize what makes a great Loose ID book?

Treva: I was looking at some of our books recently and thinking, “Wow, there isn’t a book here that I wouldn’t want to read.” Then I thought about that and said, “Idiot, you’re the Editor-in-Chief. Of course it will reflect what you like.” That’s not necessarily true, honestly. But all the books, even ones that aren’t my first choice, have something in them that makes me-and hopefully everyone–interested. I come from a romance background—I read it for many, many years so I like there to be some romance in the story. I like hot sex. I like characters that make me love them even if they’re difficult. I like to read things that aren’t the same old, same old, since you can get that elsewhere. I like to see our editors and authors work to make something shine.

Ciar: Were you a writer before you were a publisher? What are you working on now, and how do you find time to write?

Treva: You bet I was and am. I’m writing a were trilogy and the second in the series, Stay, is due out soon from Loose Id. (I currently have others out at Changeling Press and Liquid Silver Books.) Stay includes lots of sex while figuring out, literally, what being Alpha means. Nothing more Alpha than the Alphas in a wolf pack.

I don’t know how I find time but I have to. Sometimes, sadly enough, it’s the only thing that keeps me from running, screaming, from RL.

Ciar: I see a lot of Loose ID books in Borders. There seems to be a fairly substantial POD trend these days. Do you think that will continue?
Treva: Probably, unless it fails to make enough money. Authors love it. Bookstores are going for it since they are interested in finding new ways to get readers. Hopefully readers love it as well.

Ciar: Can you offer some guidance to our blog visitors who write? What would you consider the keys to writing success? What’s the kiss of death? I’m fairly open about my neurotic fears, challenges, etc. Do you agree with most folks that it’s best to have an online persona that’s less, well, real?

Treva: Oh Lord, help me. I have a blog that I write on when time and inclination strikes at the same time. That would be – oh, one or twice every few months. That is a kiss of death—you need to write regularly to gain a readership there. I’m probably the last person to discuss blog success with, but I think anything you do that makes the reader want to read more would work. Be controversial, funny, sincere, unusual. I tend to shy away from sharing a lot of personal stuff (at least I think I do) because online Treva is a lot more fun and interesting than RL me. But that’s me and, see above about my blog success rate.

Ciar: What makes you proud? Personally? Professionally?

Treva: My family being happy. Publishing a really good book. Writing a really good book. Surviving until the end of the day with some sense of humor intact.

Ciar: Does it matter to you if your authors write for other publishing houses? You have a good reputation for suggesting other spots if you must reject a book for some reason. So many ebooks, so many choices? What’s it like to try to stand out as a company?

Treva: If our authors write for other places and that increases our readership, go for it. There are plenty of books out there that are wonderful but we don’t sell. Find a place that does, for heaven’s sake! I’m more hesitant to recommend other epubs than I used to be because the market changes so rapidly that I’m no longer sure if I’m recommending the right thing.

I think you stand out as a company by starting with a well thought out business goal, then provide a good product and finally by continuing to deliver.

Ciar: In your opinion, is it deadly for a writer to genre-hop?

Treva: Uh. I dunno. I write whatever suits me. It works for epubs. Conventional wisdom says you can’t with print pubs, although they seem to be loosening up and following epub leads a lot more lately. It’s probably best to start with some clear sense of yourself as an author and your writing voice. If that means genre hopping, make yourself happy. If it means mapping out the market and playing to your biggest strength—well, that’s probably smart. So far I haven’t been that smart for myself.

Ciar: Any crystal balls hanging around the house? Your thoughts on the future of epublishing, of romance publishing in general? Trends?

Treva: Not really. I think there are a few obvious trends. A lot more epubs will launch and very few will make real money. Romance publishing in general right now is looking for money-making models but I don’t know that print is flexible enough to emulate epubs, who can grab onto popular trends quickly. Print may have to come up with a whole new way of winning readers back.

Ciar: Can you tell us one favorite non-Loose ID book you love?

Treva: I have lots. I love mid-period Nora Roberts, much of Elizabeth Lowell, Roberta Gellis, Linda Howard, Jennifer Crusie (I’m looking at the oodles of books and bookcases I have right now) …and too many more to mention. I love my critique partners’ stuff too (kisses, Kate Douglas and Shelby Morgen) and my LI business partners and Angela Knight and Diane Whiteside, but I must admit my personal friendship might get in the way there. Like I said before, I’ve been reading romances a long, long time.

Ciar: Oh, you named my personal fav—Elizabeth Lowell. Finally, please tell us anything you’d like about yourself, your family and friends, pets, personal tastes…

Treva: I have three jobs, two children and one husband, which seems to be the right mix, although sometimes it may be a bit too much. In RL I’m too busy to really think about what I’m like. I do have a website, blog and Yahoo group where I sometimes entertain:
www.trevaharte.com
newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TrevaHarteBlog: http://trevaharte.blogspot.com