Happy New Year
everyone and what joy 2013 will bring to the editors, writers and fans of
Harlequin Heartwarming! In reading my
fellow authors’ upcoming novel blurbs, I’m taken with the inspiring and deeply
romantic stories they’ll be sharing in the months ahead. I’m thrilled to be a part of this talented
group and a romance line that upholds what is most important to me, unconditional
love, family, friendships, and the traditional values that give our lives
meaning and purpose. Writing novels that incorporate all of those qualities is a dream
come true.
When I was a
child, books were not a major part of my household. So imagine my dismay when,
after being allowed to attend my first sleepover, my 13-year-old hostess
pointed to a bookshelf of HARLEQUIN PRESENTS, told me to grab one, and
proceeded to read. I was crushed but determined not to go home. I’d moved
recently and was thrilled to make a new friend. Surely Lynette couldn’t read
all night? But she did… and strangely enough, so did I. From then on, I became
an avid fan of Harlequin romance and credit it for making me the strong reader,
and English teacher, I am today. Yet another reason to be proud of writing
books that mothers feel good about sharing with their daughters.
Through the
years, my grandmother passed along her Harlequin books to me. Sometimes she’d
give me paper grocery bags full of novels! Talking about our favorite stories
and authors was a special bond we shared. To this day, some of my best memories
are sitting in her warm kitchen, learning how to make family recipes, and
chatting about those uplifting romances. Whenever I had boyfriend troubles, she
always said, “Karen, don’t cast your pearls before swine.” And by that she
meant, don’t settle for any boy- wait for a special love with a deserving young
man- the kind we read about and adored. On my wedding day, she confided that my
husband Greg looked like Lynn Graham’s hero, Alex, in the VERANCHETTI MARRIAGE.
It was huge compliment from my choosy Nonna and I treasure it to this day now
that she’s passed from my life.
My opportunity
to write for our outstanding editors, Victoria Curran and Laura Barth, came
when my wonderful agent, Barbara Rosenberg, sent out an email about this new
opportunity. At the time, I was focused on writing a Young Adult romance
series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, with my sister-in-law, Joanne Rock, a talented and
popular Blaze author. While my mind was occupied imagining the romantic
possibilities involved in bonfires and late night swims, an idea for a
Heartwarming took root that I couldn’t shake. I’ve always enjoyed talking to
couples and hearing how they’ve found lasting love. One couple’s inspiring
story touched me the most- my close friends and neighbors, Marty and Kathy. They
met in nursing school, started dating, then discovered Marty had Leukemia. Kathy
surprised Marty by staying by his side, helping and supporting him through everything.
Marty calls Kathy the love of his life and the strongest woman he knows for not
giving up on him. They married shortly after they received their nursing
degrees and now, eighteen years later, Marty is cancer free and they have three
beautiful children. What their amazing journey taught me is that illness can never
conquer true love. My September, 2013 release, THE FOREVER WISH, is inspired by
their beautiful love story.
I pitched my Heartwarming
idea to my agent who loved it so much that she sent it directly to Victoria.
Victoria wrote back that she liked it as well and wanted to see three chapters.
All of these emails were happening, unbeknownst to me, as I worked with my students.
What a joyful surprise when I read the news later that day. I quickly got to
work on those chapters and heard back, a month later, that Harlequin Heartwarming
wanted the novel. What a thrill!
In THE FOREVER
WISH, we meet Christie Bates who has worked hard to overcome the pain
of her brother's death as a teen, a path that led to her work as a grief counselor . When she meets cancer survivor Eli Roberts, she is
touched by his obvious devotion to his children, all the more so after learning
his wife left him during his treatments .
Yet no matter how drawn she is to Eli, Christie knows better than to risk her heart to the kind of loss that brought her to her knees once before. Except that, during the course of their friendship, Eli's kids have already found a place in her heart. And Eli's strength of spirit has taught her to live - and love- again. Soon Christie begins to see that love and family are worth any risk- even when forever isn't guaranteed.
Yet no matter how drawn she is to Eli, Christie knows better than to risk her heart to the kind of loss that brought her to her knees once before. Except that, during the course of their friendship, Eli's kids have already found a place in her heart. And Eli's strength of spirit has taught her to live - and love- again. Soon Christie begins to see that love and family are worth any risk- even when forever isn't guaranteed.
I hope you’ll like my novel
as much as I enjoyed writing it. It is lovely to meet you and I look forward to
hearing your stories. To learn more about me or to talk to me, please leave
a comment or visit my website at www.karenrock.com
. Also, follow me on twitter for day to day updates at www.twitter.com/karenrock5 . It’d
be great to hear from you J.
To celebrate Harlequin Heartwarming, I'm giving away my copy of Jodi O'Donnell's COUNTESS IN COWBOY BOOTS along with two friendship bracelets. I loved reading this Heartwarming book about an ex-countess who returns home to Texas and meets her real Prince Charming... and the bracelets are super cute! The winner will be selected from those of you kind enough to comment on this post. Good luck!
Karen - lucky you to have had Harlequins at 13. I didn't discover them until my thirties (Yes, I'm a lot older than you are!) I used to save money from groceries to buy Harlequins - sometimes sacrificing chocolate. That's how serious my habit was.
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to reading the Forever Wish. Sounds like a keeper.
Muriel
Hi Muriel :) Wow! You are serious when it comes to romance!!Giving up chocolate for your love of reading Harlequin is the ultimate sacrifice, but I'd do it too (though I might cheat and eat one of those chocolate calcium chews since I must have my fix:)But I know what you mean. Reading love stories enriches your life more than food ever could! Maybe we should start the Heartwarming Diet- I'd be on board after my holiday gain! We'll call ourselves "THE HEARTWARMERS". Thanks for your comment, Muriel. Looking forward to your upcoming books!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, I just love this story. It's always nice to read authors pub stories and this one is so moving.
ReplyDeleteMy love of reading started young, too. I haven't stopped since.
Looking forward to reading more from you.
Thank you so much! I've very appreciative of your feedback :) I wanted to write a story that moved me the way one of my all time favorite books did- CHRISTY by Catherine Marshall. The pure love that transcended all in that brilliant novel was so profound that it has stayed with me all these years.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about your writing journey! I'm excited about this new line, and I look forward to getting my hands on your story when it's released.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! I'm thrilled about the new line and I'm so proud to be amongst such talented writers with such moving stories to tell :)
DeleteThanks so very much for sharing this moving story with me. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future. :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Edward! Your comment means so much :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLove this post!! I grew up reading Harlequins with my mom and I still love sharing them with her, and now also with my mother-in-law and husband's grandmother :) So many fun memories spent discussing our favorite romances!
ReplyDeleteAwwwww- that's such a sweet memory, Rachel, and I love that we have that common! I'm guessing many families share that tradition; books are such a great way for generations to bond :)
DeleteKaren, as a fan of this book from the moment you shared your idea, I am so excited to countdown until the release day. The Forever Wish is a beautiful story that captures the idea of "Heartwarming" so well. I'm not at all surprised that savvy editors like Victoria and Laura wanted to put this one in the line! Congratulations on your debut book and I look forward to celebrating all the exciting career milestones that 2013 will bring for you.
ReplyDeleteOh- Thank you so much, Joanne! That comment was every bit as sweet as you :) I'm so excited for what's ahead for me with Heartwarming. Like so many of the iconic lines in Harlequin, such as Blaze, it's all about the magic of finding your one and only. Thank you so much for reading this book from start to finish. I learned so much from your expert eye and advice!
DeleteKaren, your journey to a love of books and writing is inspiring, and I'm sure your newest novel is poignant and
ReplyDeleteheartfelt. (I'm so glad your friend recovered.)
My mother has always loved reading more than anything, and
has encouraged me in that area.
Thanks, Dale! Like so many afflicted with cancer, there is never any guarantees except the love we share with them. Ultimately, it will outlast anything illness can take away. I love how your mother encouraged you to become a lifelong reader. The role of families in supporting each other this way is so meaningful. That's why I'm especially proud to write for a line intended for mothers and daughters to share :)
DeleteI really like this article you have pub on this page. You summed up part of your life and accomplishments you have achieved successfully. I love your story and I hope you continue to reap many more successes in your career. You are a very talented writer.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Karen! Looking forward to read your books and learn more from you.
Cristian
Thanks so much, Christian! I'm so glad you like the story :) I certainly loved writing it! Take care.
DeleteGreat post, Karen! We're so pleased to have you in the Heartwarming lineup, and I know readers are going to fall in love with THE FOREVER WISH.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Laura! It's been wonderful working with such a talented, thoughtful editor who knows how to bring out the very best in her writers! I look forward to our future projects together :) You are as inspiring as the Heartwarming line.
DeleteHi Karen! I'm SO excited about your Heartwarming debut. I'm a long time fan of Harlequins and it's exciting to have a new author's work to check out - your story stounds wonderful!!! Congrats again!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy! I've been a fan of your amazing novels and it means so much that you are excited about my work :) Hope to see you at RWA!
DeleteI found Harlequins when I was in high school, from a good friend's big sister. When she found out I was a bookworm, she handed me a whole box. I think they were presents, too LOL
ReplyDeleteI love that story, Pamela! I think lots of Harlequin fans have someone in their lives to thank for passing on these incredible books... and we're lucky to be in a position to do the same :)
DeleteAnd thank you, Pamela, for all of your hard work in setting up this blog for us!!!
DeleteWelcome to the world of writing Karen. I found harlequins the old fashioned way I stumbled across them in the library one day when I was looking for my usual choice of court room drama,they had moved the shelves and I ended up not being able to my eyes of the cover of a Melanie Milburne book,and just like that I was addicted to her writing and soon discovered other authors from the same line. Since then I am a all out romance addict.I wish you many happy sales for the future!
ReplyDeleteI love your story, Desere! It's great hearing about how others found Harlequin :) Bet you didn't think you'd be leaving the library with a new love... and how lucky that you found it. If we are romance addicts then I hope we never kick the habit! Thanks so much for your comment.
DeleteHi Karen. Love your personal story and also the blurb for your debut Heartwarming! This is definitely going on my 'must look for it' list! And like you, some of my most cherished childhood memories revolve around being able to discuss favorite books with those near and dear to me.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Harlequin family - I look forward to reading THE FOREVER WISH and future titles from you.
Thanks so much for welcoming me to the Harlequin family, Winnie :) It's so uplifting to hear how many of us share special memories about how our affection for Harlequin began. And I agree with you- those family memories are ones to be cherished. It's nice to know that we write for a company that connects us all in such personal ways. Your HANDPICKED HUSBAND is on my "to read" list too! What a great premise and I have title envy :)
DeleteKaren, It's my editor who takes credit for that title - I'm very title challenged :). And I love it too - except for the time I had a reader mistakenly refer to it as HENPECKED HUSBAND! LOL
DeleteHENPECKED HUSBAND- LOL! That's too funny. I think I would buy with that title just so I could show it to my hubbie and say- "see- you're not alone... and have you cleaned out the garage yet?" haha.
DeleteOh Winnie, this was a Burst Out Loud Laugh!! Henpecked... now that is too cute.
DeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteYou did a fabulous job on your blog. I hate to have to follow you tomorrow, because I told Pam I have no idea how to put up a photo, and heavens, I take such horrid ones, not sure I want to post one. Looking forward to everyone's books. More great writers to put on my "must read" list. Roz
Thank you, Roz! I'm looking forward to reading your post tomorrow. Your romance writing career is amazing and inspiring. You are on my "must read" list :) As for pictures- if you need help email and I'd be happy to show you how.
DeleteI add my kudos, Karen. Imagine how I feel, following you and then Roz! And after Syndi's sparkly beginning, too! Well done, everybody!
ReplyDeleteMuriel
Thank you so much, Muriel! We do make a great team- "The Heartwarmers" :) Pam has done an amazing job setting this blog up for us! I'm looking forward to reading your post.
DeleteCongrats on your debut book, Karen! What a great story--can't wait to read the fictional version.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Steph
Thank you for your warm wishes, Stephanie :) My friends have long inspired me and I'm proud to have written a story that captures the special love they share.
DeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteIt is always great to be able to write from your heart. Continue to pour your passion into your work.
Wishing you the best!
Steady,
Marquin
You are right, Marquin... writing from the heart gives an authenticity and conviction to your work that makes the creative process flow. Thank you so much for your warm wishes :)
DeleteKaren, I'm in love with your story. Is it September yet? LOL My mom bought Harlequins and put them in a bag to give to my aunt who I think bought Silhouettes. Then they'd switch books, and I was the happy reader of both! It's amazing how the bug gets us early and doesn't let go :)
ReplyDeleteThe Harlequin Bag... it should be a thing... I love that your mom and her sister traded books this way and then you benefited :) What a great memory and I bet, like me, you're thinking- wow- am I now writing the very books that inspired me (and still do!) I can't wait to read TRUE LOVE! It looks amazing. My book is out September 2013. Thanks so much for your kind words about it! I'm honored that you want to read it :)
DeleteWonderful news about your Heartwarming debut, Karen. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteLol, Harlequin romances are addictive, innit? I discovered them as a teen, too - these (at the time, we thought them to be be 'naughty'!) naughty books describing love and lots of kissing, where every woman got her very own hero. I've been hooked ever since.
The idea for your story strikes close to me as I'm a 2x cancer survivor, and I love reading about stories where people overcome their odds and beat this parasite. Cannot wait for the book to come out - it's going on my wish list already. :)
XOXO
Haha- I always thought it was funny when there were certain covers that my Nonna told me to hide from Mom... she's was always a woman ahead of her time :)
DeleteAnd Zee- your cancer battle is inspiring! A 2x survivor means you are a cancer warrior! Like you, I'm inspired by stories where people overcome the odds. I'm honored that you want to read THE FOREVER WISH! xoxo
Congratulations to Julie Jarnigan for winning my giveaway of my copy of Jodi O'Donnells's COUNTESS IN COWBOY BOOTS (loved) and the friendship bracelets (so cute!) I'll reach out to you, Julie, through your Google plus account or on Twitter. If you haven't heard from me, please send your addy to my contact form on www.karenrock.com and I'll mail you your prize! YAY!
ReplyDelete