Our editors bring passion, dedication, and a range of experience to Harlequin. This month meet Dana Hopkins, Assistant Editor for Harlequin Blaze and Harlequin American Romance.
When did I join Harlequin?
2011, as Editorial Assistant with MIRA and Overseas.
What brought me here?
I began my career in academic publishing, but I wanted to move to trade, my real love. I was specifically drawn to Harlequin because I wanted to work with dynamic women crafting heartfelt stories and because I’d heard (quite correctly, as it turns out!) Harlequin employs a wonderful group of people to work with.
I’m happiest when. . .
I’m with my own romance hero Graham, trying out a new restaurant or exploring an unfamiliar neighbourhood, or just curled up together reading and drinking red wine or rich espresso.
People may be surprised to know that. . .
I’m also an audiobook narrator and technician. I’ve volunteered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to make accessible books and magazines since 2009. I love working with a team of dedicated volunteers to make as many books as possible available for people to enjoy.
A few of my favourite things
Song: I’m a classical music nerd, and I have an ever-changing rotation of favourite pieces. Currently: “Au fond du temple saint,” the sublime duet from Bizet’s opera Les Pêcheurs de Perles.
Movie: The Empire Strikes Back. Star Wars forever.
Book: Just one? Impossible! Top five: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz 
Zafon, Possession by A.S. Byatt, and A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.
If I could do it all over again, I would. . .
Start travelling earlier. We took our first major trip to Europe last year and there’s so much of the world I want to see! We’re thinking Thailand and Vietnam next.
What I’m reading right now
I’m listening to Kate Mulgrew narrate her memoir Born With Teeth, and I’m reading Daire St. Denis’s Blaze debut Sweet Seduction and the second in Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet, The Story of a New Name.
For more about our editorial team, visit our Editors page.
And say hello to Dana on Twitter @Dana_Reads.
3 replies on “Editor Spotlight: Meet Dana Hopkins”
Nice to meet you Dana.
Dana Congrats on your career …we have the same first and last names
Hi Dana, why you are a girl not a boy!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!