by Assistant Editor Dana Grimaldi
Hometown Werewolf |
I have to admit, as I was writing this blog post, I was
tempted to start with an April Fools' joke. I was this close to announcing that
Heartwarming was changing formats: only clean paranormal romance from now on! Books
like The Vampire’s Second Chance or Hometown Werewolf. But why joke around when
there’s so much real news?
First of all, I’m thrilled to announce the Heartwarming Submission
Blitz! From Monday, April 4–Friday, April 22, you can submit your clean romance
proposal to Harlequin Heartwarming and receive quick feedback—within 20
business days after the submission period ends. If you’ve got a clean,
emotionally satisfying contemporary romance, we’d love to see it! You can find
out more about the blitz here: http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/2016/03/announcing-the-harlequin-heartwarming-blitz/
You can also follow #HWBLITZ on Twitter. Any of the Heartwarming editors are
happy to answer your questions about the contest, but if you’re curious about what
it’s like to be a Heartwarming author, you’re already in the right place. The
Heartwarming authors are such a warm, welcoming community, and I’m so impressed
by how supportive they are of each other and any writer who’s interested in writing
for Harlequin.
Which brings me to the giveaway! Heartwarming books are now
in select U.S. Walmart stores, and until April 4, you can enter to win a
Walmart gift card: http://prismbooktours.blogspot.ca/2016/03/celebrating-harlequin-heartwarming.html
Good luck!
And, in Dana news, I’ll be starting with a new editorial team
on April 4. I’m moving from the Heartwarming/Superromance group to the Western
Romance/Blaze team. It’s exciting to work with a new team on new editorial, but
I’m going to miss my Heartwarming authors! It’s been a real pleasure to work
with so many creative, talented and witty writers. I will be a guest editor for Heartwarming, working with a couple of Heartwarming authors, so you’ll still see me around. J
Finally, happy book birthday to the April Heartwarming
authors, Melinda Curtis, Cynthia Reese, Leigh Riker and Liz Flaherty! I can’t
wait for readers to discover your books!!
Dana
Dana, still laughing at Hometown Werewolf. Thank you for sharing all this exciting news with our readers. We'll be doing our best to spread the word. This submission blitz is such an amazing opportunity for would-be authors. And one of the things I love most about Harlequin - they'll give anyone a chance. Like, say...me, for example(: Wishing you happiness and tons of success in your new editorial endeavor. We will miss you! But so happy you'll still be around.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carol! :)
DeleteDana, You would have shaken up the current authors for sure on April Fools Day. But you may have received a lot of proposals, too. LOL Happy April 1st. I'm currently in the "Western" group. I know you'll love it there. The thing about Harlequin is that there are nice people everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Roz! One of my favorite things about working for Harlequin is working with so many smart, kind, funny people!
DeleteI'm still chuckling, too, about Hometown Werewolf!
ReplyDeleteOn a personal note, I'm sorry to learn that you're leaving Heartwarming, but I am happy and excited for you about your new opportunity. On the plus side, I know you're always just an e-mail or tweet away.
I wish you continued success in your new role!
Thanks so much, Kate! :)
DeleteI'm joining the laughter on Vampire's Second Chance and Hometown Werewolf! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is an exciting month for Heartwarming with so much going on. Good luck to everyone who submits to the line! We love watching our family grow.
And best wishes for success in your new position at the Western/Blaze team! They're lucky to have you and we'll be missing you!
Thanks, Rula! I should have asked everyone to come up with their own paranormal Heartwarming titles. :)
DeleteI'm so glad you're continuing as a guest editor on Heartwarming, Dana. I wouldn't want to lose your creativity, expertise and dedication from our line. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria! :D
DeleteBest wishes to you, Dana. We'll miss you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda. I'll miss you, too!!
DeleteLoved your funny post, Dana, because you know I have an overdeveloped sense of humor! Best wishes as you transition within Harlequin, and thanks for all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amie! :)
DeleteDana, I'm so glad you didn't go for the April Fool's joke...I would've totally fell for it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree about the warm, welcoming community of Heartwarming authors. I attended the open house at nationals last year and was blown away at how nice everyone was. The authors rock!
I've been hearing a lot about the Western Romance line. Is it taking the place of American Romance or is it a totally new line?
I'm so excited for the blitz. Will you still be helping with that even though you're moving over to the other lines? Best of luck on the new endeavor!
Hi, LeAnne. I remember seeing you at the open house last year. :) As far as the Heartwarming blitz, I'm not sure how involved I'll be. I'm definitely cheering everyone on, though!!
DeleteI am soooo excited for the Blitz! I took part in the Write From The Heart contest and made it to stage 2, received awesome feedback, and pretty sure I had a R&R or could send in a new idea.
ReplyDeleteAnd then I lost my writing mojo. No matter what I did nothing felt right,
I got it back over the winter and have started a new story targeted to HW and am about 35k in to it.
So yeah, I'm happy for the Blitz!!
And Dana, I wish you the best with Western and Blaze. Thanks for being part of the HW books I've read.
Hi, Marcie! I remember you, too!
DeleteAww, thanks Liz!
DeleteThanks for the warm wishes, Marcie. And good luck in the Heartwarming Blitz! :)
DeleteMarcie,
ReplyDeleteI remember you from Write from the Heart :)
Dana, glad you'll still be a guest editor for Heartwarming :)
Oh! Thank you Pamela.
DeleteThanks very much, Pamela! :)
DeleteI hope you enjoy your new "place," Dana--and you keep working on those story lines!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Liz! :D
DeleteWow, we're gonna miss you, Dana. Those Heartwarming/Superromance group to the Western Romance/Blaze authors are in for a real treat, though! Looking forward to this month's Heartwarming releases. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Loree!
DeleteDana, you will be missed so much! I agree with Kate that you are always only a tweet away. And thank you, thank you for NOT pulling an April Fool's joke on us. I would have fallen hook, line and sinker...though my proposal for Hometown Werewolf Cowboy will be in your email inbox by Monday morning. All my best.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO MELINDA, LIZ, LEIGH and CYNTHIA. Your covers are smashing!!
Best of luck to the winners of the BLITZ. Heartwarming is a very special place to be---the best sisterhood I've ever known.
Thanks so much, Catherine. The Heartwarming authors are a wonderful group!
DeleteExciting times. Best of luck in your new group, Dana. Enjoy those cowboys.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth! :)
Delete