July Newsletter
Greetings to all!
It's that time of year again, the "lazy, crazy days of summer." Here at the lake, the buzz of motor boats can be heard at any time, from dawn till dusk. Fishing tournaments are in full swing, and we often watch people at play on jet skis, water skis and that old stand by, the inner tube. Our Fourth of July celebration will have a lake theme this year. At
I've only been back a couple of days from the two-week Mediterranean cruise I told you about last month. Jet-lag is still has me in its toils. The main symptom is a tendency to start yawning around six in the evening—since that's
The cruise, undertaken with my two daughters, Lindy and Kathy, was wonderful; we saw so much, did so much, that my mind is a jumble. My main impression, however, is absolute wonder at the incredible feats people accomplished with their limited means 2000 – 3000 years ago. We saw the Parthenon and Acropolis above their olive groves; the Blue Mosque and also
Waiting for me on my return were the AAs, or page proofs, for my February 2009 release, GALLANT MATCH. It's my job as the author to read through these for any final errors—in case you ever wondered what writers do when they aren't writing. Since the package arrived just after I left for
The cover for GALLANT MATCH should be available soon. Since a large section of the book takes place aboard a sailing steamer and in
One thing my two daughters and I did, while cruising in the
Meanwhile, I'll be creating a proposal for another romance set in the same time period. Though not precisely a continuation of the Masters at Arms series, it will use a character from CHALLENGE TO HONOR, Denys, brother to the book's heroine. Another story or two in a similar vein may follow. This all depends on upcoming contract negotiations, however, so isn't set in stone. But what a great way to spend the rest of the summer, leisurely making up stories that won't have to be written until the fall and winter.
Yesterday I received, by DHL delivery, four copies of the Czech hardcover publication of an older title, ROYAL PASSION. It's fascinating to see the covers for these foreign editions with their different interpretations of romantic figures, and I love having a copy on my shelves. But what to do with the extras? Some writers toss them, some donate them to libraries, others pass them on to readers, at least for the more common languages. I've done all three at one time or another. After more than two decades of getting multiple copies in different languages for more than 50 books, however, I'm running out of room to house what I can't use, and I hate destroying them! FYI: ROYAL PASSION is available in the
I don't do a lot of public speaking these days, but have agreed to one engagement so far in 2009. This will be for a reading group, the Arcadia Literature Club. The meeting will be at the Bienville Parish Library,
Writers, being human, enjoy fan mail, and email makes this an easy process these days. Now and then, a message comes along that strikes a special note. The one that follows popped up in my email box this past month:
"I'm writing to ask if it is possible to get signed bookplates or if there is an address to which I could send a SASE with some blank bookplates to be signed (provided you have the time to do so, of course.) I'm asking because I've just fallen in love with the Masters at Arms Series. I was out looking for books to take to the beach this week and I picked up the first book on SAT thinking, "Well, set in New Orleans, different type hero, strong female lead...this looks like it might at least be a little different from the norm." I read the book in one sitting that afternoon! So SUN I went out for the next book (to take it to the beach) and stayed up SUN night to read it. MON I went out, bought the next two and IMMEDIATELY packed them in the luggage! These stories are a perfect combination of romance, suspense, history and just enough spice. It seems many historical romances have gone the way of 'erotica goes to the costume ball' and frankly, if I wanted erotica, I'd read it. When I pick up an historical romance, I want romance. Yes, passion is part of that, but some details I just don't need to read. Anyway, these books will be kept in my personal library, something very rare for romances. It's been over ten years since I added a romance author to my favorites list. I read many (many, many, many) but very few appeal enough to make me want to reread them and as I have over 2,000 books in my home, if it won't be reread, it has to go. There are a few others, but up until now, only Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn were guaranteed a trip to the bookstore on release day and a spot in the library. FEB 2009 will find me eagerly awaiting Gallant Match (as it comes right after my birthday (1/31) I'll even have a gift card to purchase it. So, if at all possible, I would like to add signed bookplates to my copies. Please let me know if this can be arranged. And most of all, Thank You for a great series. (Now if I can just stay out of the luggage for a few more days...)"
Nothing is quite so gratifying to an author as the knowledge that their books have become "keepers." It suggests that something about the story world they created made the reader want to hold on to and revisit it at some point. Did I sign bookplates for this lady? Of course! And I'll be glad to do the same for anyone else. Just contact me directly to arrange it.
That's about it for this month. Have a grand Fourth!
Warmest wishes,
Jennifer
Challenge to Honor, 2005
Dawn Encounter, 2006
Rogue's Salute, 2007
Guarded Heart, 2008
Gallant Match, 2009