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A Closer Look |
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Hi and welcome to A Closer Look! This is a new feature at Writerspace and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring you A Closer Look at some of the best Romance novels that simply shouldn't be missed.
I was surfing the web recently and discovered some amazing statistics. Did you know that romance book sales generated approximately $1.37 billion in sales in 2000? And did you know there were ONLY *g* 2,289 romance novels released in 2000? That's approximately 190 books a month!! Now think about how many books You read each month. Mind boggling, isn't it? All those books and authors out there waiting to be discovered....
What are the chances that people like you and me got the opportunity to read even half of them..... okay realistically, even a quarter of them last year? I know I'm always finding new books and new authors; many of them have been around for years and I've only just discovered them recently and so glad that I did!
If you're a voracious reader like me, you probably can't get enough of romance novels and each time you discover a new author whose work you enjoy immensely, you probably get all excited and rush out to grab her entire back list. Right?
Sometimes it's an author you've always adored but when her last book came out, you didn't get a chance to buy a copy or you simply didn't realize there was a new one to be on the lookout for. Happens to me all the time. I mean, come on, seriously, how many books do you buy each month without stopping to think about those credit card or utility bills, grocery money or facing up to your own hunky hero at home - who is now your pleasure master and slave - without cringing when he catches you sneaking home with another shopping bag almost bursting with romance books? And if you're anything like me, you're hiding them in every nook and cranny your honey won't go peeking into until you can casually..... innocently...... underhandedly *g* add them to your ever increasing TBR (to-be-read) pile!!
Well, if you can relate to all of the above, A Closer Look is just the right column for you! With the kind and generous support of the publishers and authors of romance, I am pleased to bring you A Closer Look at some of the hottest and unforgettable romances the industry has to offer! Not only can you discover books you may have missed, but sometimes, you can even get a brand new autographed copy, along with some other great goodies, just for the price of postage! That's a pretty good deal, don't you think? And you won't even have to try and be sneaky or underhanded to add it to you tbr pile! *g*
I hope you enjoy this column and if you have any comments or suggestions, please drop me a line!
If you would like to have one of your previous, current or upcoming releases featured in my column, please feel free to email me at anytime. I'd love to take A CLOSER LOOK at some of your books!
A Closer Look
* Karen White
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I had the opportunity to meet debut Harlequin Presents author, Lucy Monroe, for lunch last month. One of the first things that struck me was her exuberant and friendly personality. It made me like her right away.
She has a beautiful heart and a warm, open face with a sweet smile that makes you feel like you're her long lost friend. In my case, it was the perfect thing to help put me at ease. Unlike how talkative I can be online, when it comes to face-to-face interaction, I'm usually the shy sort who keeps tripping over my own tongue. I was really nervous about meeting Lucy and I think she picked up on it because she literally took me by the hand, patted the seat beside her and gave me her attention like I was the only one who mattered. She humbled me. Over the short span of time I've gotten to know her since, I've realized that's one of the wonderful gifts Lucy has. She makes people feel Special. There are no chips on this woman's shoulders. No airs she carries with her. None of that sort of thing for her. With Lucy, what you see is what you get. And all of it is good! Lunch lasted only for a couple of hours but by the time we parted, I felt like I'd known her for years. In fact, I didn't want her to go home! She was late -- and it was all my fault too -- because I kept asking her so many questions! *grin* Hopefully her children have forgiven me by now. We talked about writing (naturally) and about Harlequin Presents. It's no secret I'm a big fan of this line and I wanted to know how Lucy got started on her path as a writer.
Lucy replied, "When people ask how did I choose to be a writer, I say that I didn't. It chose me...but the when and how of it are a very different thing. :) You see, I was having this chat with God in the bathtub and it sort of came up. The writing thing. I'd been told by teachers throughout school I ought to be a writer, but I pursued other things - then I just knew it was time to pursue this one and it has become a burning passion for me."
I was intrigued by her. Lucy's got this vivaciousness to her that just grabs you and keeps you mesmerized. She spoke with such passion about her career and her love for writing, I wanted to know more. Why did she decide to choose Harlequin Presents as her line? What was it about Presents that appealed so much to her? She responded, "This is an amazing thing to me. I had this agent who was taking forever in dog years to read my work. It gave me writers block to write for the shelf. I'd become depressed and scared I was losing my dream. I knew I needed to write a book I loved more than anything to even get to writing again and in order for it not to be written for the shelf, it had to be targeted to a market I could submit to on my own. I wrote THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM with the belief that Presents was an impossible line to break into, but it is my favorite line and I knew if nothing else, I would enjoy writing the book. I did. I loved it! No one could have been more shocked and delighted than I was when the book sold to them. I love writing for this line because I get to deal with deep issues, the harder side of loving and yet create a gorgeous fantasy world that satisfies the imaginative side of my artists soul.
Her journey on the path to become published has taught Lucy many things and he's become extremely adept with the ins and outs of the publishing industry. "I've learned that setting myself to deadline before selling was a very good thing, that the wheels of publishing grind slowly at times even after you've sold, that revisions are both a joy and a curse, working with an editor is fantastic, self-promotion is a huge time consumer and you've got to determine what you can and cannot do early on and that the business side of writing is brutal (both before and after you sell) - so keep your focus on the writing and you'll stay sane."
Before I tell you more about my conversations with Lucy, here's A Closer Look at her compellingly sensuous debut novel, THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM.
Savannah has returned to Greece with the intention of making her peace with the Kiriakis family. But Leiandros Kiriakis still believes the lies about Savannah and is set on making her pay for the past.
Savannah is reluctant when Leiandros demands that she share his home. As for Leiandros, now he has Savannah right where he wants her. And in a short time he'll be giving her an ultimatum: if she doesn't want to lose everything she holds most dear, she'll agree to be his wife!
"THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM is a sensual and compelling debut novel! Lucy Monroe has handled a strong, emotive conflict with skill. Interweaving powerful sexual chemistry and hot passionate sex scenes -it's a winning combination!"
"The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum by new author, Lucy Monroe, is an intense, compelling read from page one to the very end. With her powerful voice and vision, Lucy packs emotion into every scene. If you like sizzling stories with tangible sexual tension, The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum is not to be missed!"
"'THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM' transported me back to the Greek Islands where I have holidayed many times over the years. So much so, I could almost smell the scent of honeysuckle in the air! Lucy has written a wonderful full-blooded hero and a beautiful warm heroine with two of the most adorable little girls in the world! If you're in need of a little Mediterranean sun and a romance to remember long after the sun goes down, then look no further!"
"Presents fans, rejoice, and take note: Lucy Monroe will soon be a shining star within the Presents line. THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM is a fabulous read with all the elements beloved by Presents fans: alpha hero, strong heroine, scorching sensuality, and exotic setting. Ms. Monroe understands alpha heroes and what readers want because though Leiandros is definitely alpha, he isn't cruel or abusive, and he does indeed crawl when he discovers the truth about his misconceptions and absolutely melts your heart. If you haven't read a Presents lately, or are new to the line, THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM is the perfect introduction. Highly recommended." ~ 4 1/2 Hearts
"Lucy Monroe captivates readers with her first book, a tale about family loyalties, desire, compassion and romance as if she has been doing it for years. Ms. Monroe brings together a strong alpha male with an intelligent, fiery female who need each other and captured my heart. This book is a MUST read, one I believe readers will enjoy immensely."
"Romantic throughout, THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM is a charming yet realistic portrayal of a man and woman struggling with the past in order to secure a future for themselves. A highly recommended and enjoyable debut!"
She believes there is no stronger emotion than love and that it truly is a force that can overcome pain, past rejection and the challenge of finding happiness despite the hardest things life has to offer. To her, the passionately sensual romance novel is a beautiful expression of the reality of love packaged in a fantasy readers can enjoy. She believes in the victorious conclusions found in today’s romance.
She’s been told by her editor that she pushes the envelope with her writing and she wants to keep doing that because her sexy stories that deal with modern women and issues come from deep in her heart. She hopes they touch her readers in the same place.
Since selling "The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum," Lucy has contracted for five more books with Harlequin Mills & Boon. She has a second release in 2003 and four books in 2004 in the HM&B Modern Romance line which will come out later in North America as Harlequin Presents.
Writing as a profession can lead us down an empty road and I know several people who've struggled along the way, some giving up before they even got half way and some who hang on by the nails. Support and inspiration are two qualities a dedicated writer always needs and Lucy receives a lot of it from her loved ones and friends.
"There are so many people I could name. On a personal level, my husband, my children, my mom, my sisters...they've all been incredibly supportive. My husband had a vision for my career that was so much more than I could see in the pile of manuscripts that kept getting rejected. My mom has always maintained her children could do anything they set their mind to and she lived by example.
"It’s been my privilege to mentor Lucy Monroe before she was published. The first time Lucy came to have lunch with me, she brought the lunch, plus gifts for everyone in the office! And this was at a time when she was still home schooling her children. It’s been exciting to see her develop into a published author with determination and confidence. It came as no surprise when I learned she’d sold. Lucy is talented, goal-oriented, generous, fun and professional. Her star is going to rise and light up the entire publishing world. Her books entertain and touch the heart."
"I have carefully analyzed Lucy Monroe and am happy to share the results of my scientific observations based on a final score of one hundred:
This woman is about twenty-five parts gorgeous--make this fifty because it's inside and outside. Throw in ten parts generosity--you never saw anyone so willing and eager to help a friend, or someone she just met. Ten parts encouraging and supportive--to all writers from beginners to veterans like me. Another ten parts is loving, and ten parts lovable. This woman is one of the most huggable you could possibly meet. Thirty parts talented--she's a wonderful writer, soon to become appreciated by all. Another twenty parts has to be awarded to energy. Oh, make it fifty parts, Lucy is a whirlwind. She's also proved stubborn enough to stay the course, perseverance is her middle name.
I see I got up to 170 parts, which isn't a bad score out of 100. And on top of all that, she's also a loving wife and mother, with great kids, she loves romance novels and romance authors and spreads that love around with all the generosity at her command. Can you tell that I adore her?"
"Lucy Monroe is my best friend. She is loving, giving, a true example of what I think a real woman should be. She loves her family fiercely, follows her ambitions, helps others, and still manages to smile almost all the time!. She is open, honest, intelligent, and fun. Lucy talks a mile a minute, and I think she types that fast too! She is a compassionate extrovert who is very patient with shy people like me! Oh, one thing I forgot to mention, she is one heck of a writer!"
"Lucy Monroe is a remarkable woman of talent, charm, compassion, and good old fashioned friendliness. She has the most amazing and positive outlook on life. Strangers and friends alike, enjoy the warmth of her "sunshine" personality. She is a true friend for all seasons, whom we love and treasure.
Lucy's mind works so fast that it's even hard to keep up with the speed with which she talks! Several years ago we decided on the perfect word to describe Lucy's style - Dynamic! Lucy is on a never ending journey of deep exploration of everything that catches her interest. When she decided in her mid twenties that she liked Country Western music, it meant, for Lucy, that she had to learn to sew so she could make matching Western shirts for her husband and herself, (shirts that could be worn in public!), she had to learn all the current dances and the best clubs to dance at, and she had to know who the best Country Western music artist were! Starting with zero knowledge on all fronts, she became a very competent seamstress, graceful dancer, and a walking "who's who" for the country western scene! When she decided that "stamping" was a creative way to express yourself, when she saw a pair of beautiful earrings made out of "friendly plastic", and when she decided reupholstering a couch was far cheaper than buying a new one - she attacked each new "craft" with equal enthusiasm and tenacity. Before she starts anything she thoroughly researches it and then gives it her best shot at mastering it. Once mastered, she moves on. Hence, the word Dynamic!
So, when she decided to be a writer, no one was surprised at the "all out" commitment and dedication she gave to make it happen. However, with writing, she has found her niche and her call. We don't see her "moving on," from writing, but instead, we know she will continue to stretch herself, her imagination, and her ability, benefiting all of us who enjoy her books thus far!
What a blessing she is. We are so proud of her."
"Lucy is one of the best people you will ever meet. She always thinks of others before herself, her home is always open and inviting. When ever I have needed someone to talk to she is always there. You can't help but fill good when you are around her because she is always warm and bubbly, even when she doesn't feel her best. I hate that we are so many miles away from each other, but I've kept in touch with her more than anyone else. I love that she has been able to reach her dream and publish this first of many books. No one I know deserves it more. Congrats Lucy!!!"
"I met Lucy the first night she came to our Olympia RWA chapter. We were a small struggling group and often wondered if we'd fold as a chapter before we ever grew to more than a half dozen members. Lucy's energy and enthusiasm impressed me right away. It wasn't long before she not only joined our group, but began inspiring us as well. Soon new members came and stayed, motivated by Lucy's energy and giving spirit. She assumed a leadership role in our chapter and is largely responsible for the vibrant group it is today. She sets a good example in her quest to constantly learn and improve her craft. I'm sure she may have felt like giving up at times, but she never showed it. I am positively thrilled that her hard work, talent, and dedication have finally paid off and I will be one of the first in line to purchase her first book."
"It doesn't surprise me that Lucy's books are filled with emotional intensity. Everything about her is intense! She's passionate about romantic fiction, vigorously supports her fellow writers and is fiercely dedicated to her friends and family. Lucy approaches life with verve and she tells her stories in the same way. So when you pick up a Lucy Monroe book, prepare to be swept away by a vibrant story."
"If Lucy wasn't such a good friend, I'd be incredibly jealous of her. She's smart, creative, talented, fun, and funny. She can write fast, she's got close friends in high places, she doesn't just have lots of great ideas--she delivers--and most sickening--she's so dang nice. Lucy has the biggest heart in the world and she truly cares for her family, friends and readers. With Lucy on your side, you'll never lose."
"Lucy and I have been corresponding for several months now since we discovered both our novels were due to debut with Harlequin Presents/Modern. To tell the truth, I have been absolutely blown away by her unstinting generosity and kindness. She promoted my book on her own website and also did an interview, encouraging me all the way with ideas and tips to help me find my way round this crazy publishing world. And when it comes to anything 'technical' Lucy is an absolute wiz! I am both inspired and awed by her talent, but most of all I feel very blessed to have her as a friend. You can be sure her natural warmth and integrity shine through in her writing. I'm sure she has a great future as an author."
"Lilles Slawik (Lucy Monroe) is one of the most extraordinary women I have ever met. She has the ability to look at life with complete joy in any given circumstance. Her counsel and wisdom has always led me back to the truth."
"The first word that comes to mind when I think of Lucy is *generous*. I've never met a person so willing to give of herself. And she applies this in every situation, with every relationship. It is so wonderful to be able to say that not only do I love to be with her: going out for coffee, shopping, writer's conferences, hours on the phone, talking, sharing and laughing, I also admire her so much. She truly gives 110% to everything she does as a writer, a friend, a wife, and a mother, a daughter, and a sister. She inspires me in so many ways to be better than I was yesterday, to try new things and to do everything with my whole heart. She has an extremely strong faith in God, which touches everything she does and everyone around her. She also has faith in herself, which has shown me a persistence that I aspire to. Her writing is some of the best in the genre, in my opinion. She delivers every time with real characters, passionate relationships and satisfying endings.!
Fans of romance and alpha heroes need to make room for Lucy Monroe's books on their keeper shelves!"
Anyone who's read a Harlequin Presents novel understands the depth of passion and emotional intensity that is packed into each story. A 'Happily-Ever-After' is a given in any romance but with a Harlequin Presents, the reader is assured the journey from the first page to the last is going to be tumultuous, passionate, and packed with heart-wrenching emotion.
It does to me. Romance has never been completely fantasy for me because inside the fantasy trappings is a story about real love and real life. A story I can spend the rest of my life telling." Makes perfect sense to me too, Lucy, and Thank You so much for sharing your HEA story with us. You've combined true love and real life beautifully! We're lucky to have you write such wonderful stories for us.
Well, now that we've taken A Closer Look at Lucy Monroe's life and her debut novel, THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM, I've got one more thrilling piece of news to share! Lucy has kindly contributed five copies of THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM to be given away to readers at A Closer Look, along with some other goodies!
If you would like to receive a free autographed copy of THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM, email me. Please note autographed copies of these books are only available while supplies last so act fast! Drop me a note and find out where to send your SASE.
**Only one email entry per person please.**
Lucy would love to hear from you so if you'd like to share your thoughts about her debut novel, please drop her an email. Alternatively, you can drop her a note via snail mail at - 1401 Marvin Rd., NE Suite 307 #275, Lacey, WA 98516, USA
Be sure to visit Lucy's website to learn more about her and stay informed on news about her upcoming releases. She's got several other books in the pipelines for us! And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter, Lines From Lucy!
If you're a writer, you may be interested to know that Lucy has an online class group where she gives free workshops every other month. If you are interested in joinging, visit the "Online Classes" page on her website under "For Writers." And Lucy's got some advice for all aspiring writers out there who are aiming for Harlequin Presents ~
"Don't worry about the fact that you can't write like your favorite authors. HP already has a Lynne Graham, a Michelle Reid, an Helen Bianchin. It's a new voice, a strong voice, a unique voice that isn't afraid to delve deeply into emotion and unashamedly fulfill the conventions of the line that is going to sell to them. There will always be an opening for a fabulous book in this line!"
Please keep in mind that my supplies of Lucy's terrific new romance are limited and this opportunity won't last long! Grab your chance for a free autographed copy of THE GREEK TYCOON'S ULTIMATUM ~ send me an email now!
Happy Reading!! | |||||||
Lucy lives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, surrounded by towering Douglas firs and a plethora of pets and children (her own, the neighbors, her sisters...). She started reading romance at age 13 and has been in love with the genre ever since. She finds inspiration for her stories everywhere as she is an avid people watcher. So much so that she disconcerted her husband upon first meeting when she watched the other dancers as much as she watched him. He thought she wasn’t interested...silly man.
"Lilles (Lucy) is an absolute dream to work with - she's passionate & prolific which is perfect for Presents! Its wonderful to work with such an enthusiastic, dedicated author, who's passion for the genre shines through in every possible way - but most importantly you can sense all of this and more by turning the pages of her books!"
Lucy told me about her own 'Happily-Ever-After' story with husband, Tom. "This isn't something I share very often because I'm living out my HEA, but my husband and I had a tumultuous courtship. We really did. Our path to the altar was through a lot of briars, over some major hurdles and through some pretty dense fog. His family were not ready to let him go, he was unsure of making a lasting commitment and I was more independent than your average nineteen year old. It's not easy bringing an alpha male and female together and I think God probably had more than one Guardian Angel on our case. On at least two significant ocassions, our relationship almost ended. Both times, hurt, pride and misunderstandings played their role in keeping us apart.
