I’m really thrilled to have won Boroughs Short Story contest “@First Sight” (okay, a bit dumbfounded, actually). The story comes out this Friday, and I adore the cover. I adored even more working with the extraordinary Chris Keeslar. Writers will know him as a fantastic editor from now-defunct Dorchester. But that description doesn’t do him justice. It’s like me saying I’m the former Editor-in-Chief at KIII communications (they used to own Seventeen and other periodicals). I am. Or the former candy counter girl at Westview Cinemas. Yup, *cough* years ago. Okay, back to Mr. Keeslar, who is the lynchpin of the exciting new Boroughs Publishing Group. He’s why I entered the contest–part of the prize was getting a full manuscript in front of him and to get a crit of it. Wow, what a great editor, honestly. He pointed out the fundamental weakness and gave awesome counsel for fixing it… just so much fun!
But this story has a very personal backstory of its own. It’s my story. And my mom’s and my whole family’s as far back as I can remember. I started this story shortly after my dear brother, Tom Schneider, passed away in March. My grief, so intense, made me think I couldn’t possibly write. But I did, and I wrote my sadness onto the page. I wrote about my mother, Kitty, who was an incredible painter, but had a somewhat depressed life. I wrote about both my brothers (who became “good” and “bad” vampires–no, I don’t dislike either of them–one is redeemed in the full length novel I’m now writing). Mostly, I wrote about myself. About feeling that the urge to write didn’t die with my brother. That there was some light at the end of the tunnel. That I could still have a “happy ever after.” That’s a lot of stuff to put in 10,000 words. I’ve never written anything so quickly. But oh, those edits! 
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So thanks for listening, and as a real thank you, I want to offer you a chance to win your choice of the first three Lunchbox Romances coming this Friday! Three people will win their choice.
All you need to do is leave your name and a way to contact you. And don’t forget to stop by Friday to see if you’re a winner!
xoxo
Ciar
Love the cover
Congrats on the awesome cover, and what a very cool prize!
Julie/phoenixfirewolf @ gmail dot com
Very nice cover! Thanks for letting me know. Congratulations, Fran
Thank you for the kind words, Ciar. We’re thrilled that you are one of Boroughs’ authors. Congratulations on winning @First Sight and we wish The Shop Girl and the Vampire great good success.
Congratulations! I heard about The Shop Girl and the Vampire via Heroes and Heartbreakers and I immediately tried to find where I could buy it. Can’t wait to read it!
I’m so proud of all you overcame to put yourself back in the race! Congrats and we’ll done, my friend.
Toni Sue