We are thrilled to announce the finalists!
The Divorce Party
Harlequin Presents® / Mills & Boon Modern Romance)
by Jennifer Drogell (Ontario, CA) – @jendrogell
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- What made you start writing romance?
I have loved reading romances since I was a teenager! Particularly Harlequin Presents which took me away to glamorous places with gorgeous heroes who made me swoon. I particularly loved the darkest of dark heroes the heroines had to redeem. I have a journalism background and it was just such a natural thing for me to catch the bug and want to write one! It would be my dream job to be a full time writer.
- What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I read a story in the newspaper about an American billionaire who threw a million dollar divorce party in Manhattan to celebrate his amicable split from his wife and I thought, wow, what a bizarre idea. Do people really do that? Yes they do! And Ricardo and Lilly De Campo were born.
- As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I don't think there's really any way to prepare as it would be my dream to be a Harlequin/M&B writer, but my husband does have Veuve chilling in the fridge! Just in case.
Grand Theft, Auto
Harlequin® Romantic Suspense
by Mel Sterling (Washington, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
I've always been drawn to the exploration of what makes one person fall in love with another person. Romance, more than other genres of fiction, is about mining character and relationships and special connections that are deeper than ordinary friendships. The grocery sacks full of Harlequin romance novels my grandmother gave me when I was in high school might have been a formative influence, too.
- What was the inspiration for this particular story?
One afternoon a couple of years ago, I came out of a convenience store where I'd been buying Mentos for my spouse to make a Diet Coke geyser. At the curb next to my elderly Subaru was a car with its door open and the keys in the ignition, and the engine running. The car was empty. I looked around and saw no one. I suppose the owner was just inside the store, but my "what if?" brain was already off and running. What if an ordinary woman like me were to steal a car? This car? Right now?
- As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I've been rehearsing clever and charming quips for days now, but I suspect that when it comes to crunch time, I'll simply squeal with excitement at such a high pitch that all glass in the vicinity will be in danger of shattering.
In Defense of the Past
Harlequin® Medical Romance/Mills & Boon Medical Romance)
by Amber Whitford (Alberta, CA)
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- What made you start writing romance?
I started reading Harlequin, again, during my residency training in Obstetrics & Gynecology. "My stories" as my husband refers to them were a great escape after a hard work week or studying session. After graduation my best friend dared me to write my own book. So over the past year this story has been slowly written. I discovered the contest a couple of months ago and somewhat neglected my outstanding medical charts to finish the story that has been done in my mind for a year. It has been a great experience and stress reliever!
- What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I wanted to write a medical romance novel with the heroine in a leading medical role. As much as I have enjoyed other stories, I didn't want her taking orders from her love interest. I have worked with so many amazing women who push themselves to the extreme and do so with compassion and selflessness that is amazing. So for my story I wanted "Kate" to be the same with her love interest having to learn and adapt to her lifestyle. I think for female physicians acceptance of our careers is one of most important parts of a relationship.
- As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
My preparation plan will be getting a U.S. phone package as that week my husband and I are in New York celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary. As we are both physicians and work a lot, we have always repeated our honeymoon, same city and hotel, for every wedding anniversary as a way of ensuring we have time together and can truly celebrate. If selected then a bottle of champagne will be followed by about one hundred texts as to my friends, family (even Grandma) and colleagues who are all harassing me to find out what happens next.
After much discussion and debate—never mind the storm of the decade and a major election!—the editors have made their decision. The top three manuscripts will be posted for the final round of public voting, which takes place November 16-27. Stop by to vote!
Not a finalist? Don't give up! The editors flagged many other contest entries for follow-up and will be in touch shortly with those writers to request full manuscripts for future consideration. Stay tuned!
We want to thank all 700 authors who entered the contest with a special callout to the fabulous Top 28 finalists as voted on by the public.
The first place winner—and recipient of a series contract with Harlequin!—will be announced November 29. There are also prizes for second and third place.
Meantime…want to chat about your favorite entries with others–or ask a question? Go to 50 Editors, visit our Facebook page or follow the hashtag #sytycw2012 on Twitter.
Finally check the Calendar for info on our newest online chats, Twitter events and blogs, designed to keep you inspired and focused on your writing!
