Meet the Top 28 finalists in Harlequin’s SYTYCW 2012 contest!
We want to thank all 700 authors for their great submissions and the fans for voting! Sorted alphabetically by title, here are the top 25 finalists plus three wild cards (and they are all mixed together).
While the editors are busy judging, discover how our finalists started writing and what they are doing now. We asked them to answer three personal questions about themselves. Enjoy!
Remember: the top 3 finalists for this round will be contacted by November 5. The final round of public voting takes place November 16-27.
Meantime don't forget to visit 50 Editors. Also, watch out for our upcoming online chats, Twitter events and blogs, designed to keep you inspired and focused on your writing!
Beautifully Broken (Harlequin® Superromance®)
by Varinia Kirk (Glendale, Arizona, US) – @VariniaWendell
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- What made you start writing romance?
I was about 13 years old when I picked up a copy of "Twice in a Lifetime" by Rebecca Flanders at a flea market. It was a Harlequin American Romance and I was hooked. I read that book over and over and to be honest I still have the book today. I had always kept a journal and written poems but this story made me want to write "real" fairy tales. Writing real love stories staring real people using all the crazy karma that life throws at you became my dream. Of course, I want them all published by Harlequin. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
This story was actually a coping mechanism when I too thought my first love was dead. And he's not, imagine that! But it has gone through so many transformations over the years. Rebecca (named after the author of the above mentioned book) became so much more than a glorified version of me. Seth is the man we all want to believe exists. They have been such strong voices in my head that some days I begin to believe they are real. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
Honestly, I do not think I can prepare for that call. How do you prepare for the unknown? I can tell you that I will continue to edit until then. The story underwent a major change during this contest so I know that it's still flawed. Only due to time constraints though. Now that it is all in the editor's hands I will have more time to fine tune Seth and Rebecca's Beautifully Broken path. My husband, on the other hand, has a bottle of champagne at the ready.
Bride for the Bachelor (Harlequin® Special Edition)
by M.J. Esber (Ohio, US) – @mirandaliasson
- What made you start writing romance?
I just love romance. It's everything that is the best in life—love, families, second chances, hope and forgiveness—I just simply love it. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
My teenage daughters and I get together with our friends every year and watch—yes, I must confess, it is a guilty pleasure—The Bachelor and Bachelorette reality television shows. I wondered what it would be like if a bachelor contestant who was determined to pick a bride logically would suddenly be confronted by his long-lost first true love. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I will just keep writing every day and polishing my manuscript. I am driven by that old adage, luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Thanks, Harlequin, for the opportunity!
Crazy for Cake (Harlequin® KISS)
by Dana Volney/Shaunna Owens (Wyoming, US) – @VolneyVentures
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- What made you start writing romance?
We are both a sucker for a good love story and read many of them…not to mention all of the cute Christmas movies that we obsess over during the holidays. We are the best of friends and share the same sense of humor, view of the world, and work ethic. We enjoyed creating our own world and our characters have become real to us. We have had a blast writing Crazy for Cake, because when it's all said and done…we love the love! - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
Unbeknownst to either of us, we both lived in the Northwest at the same time…reading love stories. Dana was obsessed with baking shows, and wondered what her best case scenario would be to move back to her small community in Wyoming. Shaunna was starting a family and living the American dream. Five years, and one solid friendship later, Crazy for Cake started to take shape as we bonded one night over the novels we enjoy to read and our soft spot for hard working men. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
We will prepare in two parts…one part will be trying to contain our excitement of how amazing it is to be a top 28 finalist and get to submit our manuscript to editors at Harlequin. The second part being the continuation of looking through Crazy for Cake, because editing, as we have been told, isn't done until this sucker is published! (The silent part three is that we will probably quiz each other about our story and characters over Skype with a glass or two of wine, because that's what best friends, who are very competitive, do.)
Cursed and Chosen (Harlequin® Nocturne)
by Tami Lund (Michigan, US)
- What made you start writing romance?
I love a good happily ever after. I love reading about them, I love writing about them. Real life has far too many unhappy endings… I want my characters to always find true love in the end. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I love reading paranormal romance, especially those involving shifters (dragons, wolves, cats, I'm not picky). Shape-shifter heroes are so… alpha. The heroines are so… cool. Besides, who wouldn't like to have the ability to change form at will? - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
By purchasing a bottle of bubbly and keeping it on ice… just in case.
Fainthearted (Harlequin® Desire)
by Annabelle Morales (Puerto Rico, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
Sometimes, we need a way to release the burden of our everyday lives. What better way to express clearly what we feel than through writing? This way our hopes, illusions and our most intimate fantasies are embodied and trapped on paper; propelled by the purest sentiment of all, love. Romance provides a seed of hope in a world distorted by negative feelings. And what better way to embark in this wonderful journey than by the hand of a handsome, sometimes dangerous hero and his spirited counterpart, our heroine? - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
Inspiration comes from different places. Sometimes, it's a fleeting memory or a person in your life. It might even be a smell, or a song. It can also come when least expected or when you need it the most. I remember being on an airplane when I reached for my ever faithful notebook and pencil to help decrease the anxieties of travel. My mind couldn't help but go back to my early teenage years when I read my first romance novel. I wanted to pay homage to that story and recreate on paper the way it had made me feel. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
One can never truly prepare for something you have worked so hard. Life has taught me that the best way to face your fears is by being yourself. I would like to think that I will be able to hide the nervousness in my voice and sound calm and collected. But in reality I'd probably be holding the phone tightly in my hands, while jumping up and down excitedly. I might even forget how to speak English!
Francesca My Love (Harlequin® Historical/Mills & Boon Historical Romance)
by Carolyn Jursa (Vancouver, British Columbia, CA) – @Maggie_Devine_
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- What made you start writing romance?
I thought about writing romance for many years and jotted down story ideas on foolscap and A4, long before we had smartphones. I started writing seriously a few years ago when I lost my job. I was off for three moths and managed to write two manuscripts and four short stories and I haven't stopped. I love writing. You can do it anywhere, it requires very little equipment and it doesn't make you sweat! And best of all, if you look around you there is always a new story to tell. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
The truth behind this story is not very glamorous. I was at a champagne tasting one day and the sommelier was very dry – no pun intended. We were in a very old mansion in a vineyard somewhere in California (okay, sparkling wine tasting then) and I got locked into a daydream and started writing what I wanted to happen on the paper I was meant to be taking notes on. By the time I was done, I had used up my sheet, my two friends' sheets and some strangers who was at our table…and then I promised them all a copy… - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
Oh, this is easy. I will be pleasantly surprised, thank them graciously, ask them about the next steps and timelines and then when I hang up, I will do that "GANGNAM STYLE" dance. But I don't know the dance so the answer to the question is – I am going to practice the GANGNAM STYLE Dance in preparation for the call from the editors.
Grand Theft, Auto (Harlequin® Romantic Suspense)
by Mel Sterling (Washington, US)
- 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.
Her Brother's Brother (Harlequin® Special Edition)
by Melanie Roberts (Maryland, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
I love happy endings. In a world where so few are guaranteed, it makes me happy to generate even small, fictional ones. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I like the concept of families and what exactly makes up a family. Is it just an accident of blood? Or is family something greater that connects us with the ones we love? - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I will probably stockpile caffeine while I agonize over all the things I would have done differently while simultaneously wondering if the Halloween Cadbury Crème Eggs taste as good as the Easter ones. I anticipate many hours of intense taste tests ahead of me.
Home Again, Home Again (Harlequin® Blaze ®)
by Nadine Christian (Pitcairn Island, New Zealand) – @pitcairngirl
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- What made you start writing romance?
I've always been a voracious reader of modern romance, the thrill of the chase, the tug on the heartstrings, the consummation and passion of the final scenes. I wanted to write my own version of a grown up fairy tale, with a taste of Pitcairn, and my own brand of humor and romance. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
Inspiration for Home Again, Home Again came from my own romance with my husband and my home island of Pitcairn. The isolation and beauty inspired a tale of love, touched by both my own experience on island and with the love of my life. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I am prepared – check out my to do list.
– Panic, shake with excitement
– Tell everyone in the world I've gotten through to the final twenty eight.
– Re-read congratulations email 100 times
– Stalk the Harlequin and So You Think You Can Write websites
– Check my emails 10 time an hour
– Shake and panic some more
– Hassle my friend to complete the Nadine Christian Author website
– Revise and edit, revise and edit, revise and edit…..
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.
Kiss Me Katie (Harlequin® Romance/Mills & Boon Cherish and Mills & Boon Riva)
by Monica Tillery (Texas, US) – @MonicaTillery
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- What made you start writing romance?
I have tried to write in other genres but could never quite finish a piece. I enjoy romance so much that I wanted to try my hand. I think of my collection of romance novels as a delectable assortment of guilt-free candy. They're sweet, satisfying, and fun. I'm ecstatic to be a part of this competition and to enter the world of romance writing. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
Blake and Katie just came to life for me and begged to have their story told. I love the idea of romance on a summer tour, the excitement of celebrity, and the intimacy of two people finding a bubble of privacy within the public nature of fame. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
First I'll be relaxing with friends and family and celebrating this success! Next I'll be getting to work on my next book and of course reading lots of new romances.
Letters From Grace (Love Inspired ® Historical)
by Rachel Muller (Maryland, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
Since childhood I have been intrigued and awed by the timeless tales of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. It was not my intent to ever write novels-especially romance for that matter-but then a story began to form in my mind. At first, Letters from Grace was to take place during the late 1800's, but I realized I knew too little about the period. I moved on the most romantic generation—the 1940's. It was a beautiful time period filled with endless tales of high school sweethearts and long lost loves. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
As an early adult, I wrote to a soldier who joined the armed forces after the 9/11 attack. Although our story was not one of romance, we wrote with the understanding that we were to remain pen pals. Letters from Grace combined my true life story and the story of fictional characters to create a romance based on faith and trust. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
Only through God will I be able to completely prepare for that particular call to come through. However, I will keep writing, keep editing, and keep plugging forward; learning everything I can about the industry and how to improve my writing skills.
Lullaby (Harlequin® Nocturne)
by Bridgette Hare (Virginia, US) – @BridgetteOHare
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- What made you start writing romance?
Romance is found in all literature in some way. Is it possible to write a story without an element of romance? - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
It sounds a little familiar, but I had this crazy dream. Off and on for years I've written dreams down so I'd remember them, but this one was different. I didn't write it down …not right away. It was persistent. It kept replaying in my mind all day through work. When I got home, it was still looping. It demanded to be written. Finally, after doing the typical mom stuff, I sat down to write. Literally write, not type. When I stopped (not finished) I had over ten handwritten pages. It was my "here's your sign" moment. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I will keep writing. That's what I do. And pray. Prayer is good.
Maguire's Corner (Harlequin® KISS)
by Heather M. Gardner (New York, US) – @hmgardner
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- What made you start writing romance?
I remember swiping my Mom's romances as a teen. I loved reading about stubborn, strong women and powerful, proud men. It was a natural progression to write romance, when I started to create my own stories. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I am a slave to the voices in my head. When Maggie Maguire decided she needed a whole town full of family and friends I wrote it for her. When she asked for danger and excitement I created Jack. The murders and mayhem were all my idea. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
Waiting is not my strongest suit so I will need plenty of distractions to help pass the time. Chocolate is at the top of my list followed by reading and working on my next book. Maybe some more chocolate, just in case.
Manhattan Millionaire’s Cinder Girl (Harlequin® KISS)
by Sun Chara (Los Angeles, California, US)
- What made you start writing romance?
I loved reading romance, especially Presents. Beautiful love stories that uplifted the heart and engaged the imagination…in like, yes, dreams do come true! - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
When opposing forces collide, in a modern Ugly Duckling/Cinderella combo tale. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I'm not sure I'd know how to prepare for something that could be life changing in a most wonderful way… probably go on a wing & a prayer!
Property of the Diamond Tycoon (Harlequin® Desire)
by Carrie Brady (Dublin, Ireland) – @carriebrady121
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- What made you start writing romance?
Since my first teenage crush on a Harlequin M&B hero, I've been smitten. Pagan Heart by Rebecca Caine was well thumbed and quite a few years old by the time I got my hands on it, but the wonder of it snagged my teenage heart. Over the years passion for reading romance evolved into a desire to write it. Being whisked away and falling in love with every turn of the page is a magical experience. As a writer I've tried to recreate that feeling with a worthy heroine and irresisible hero. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
Kelly and Quinn have been in my head waiting to fall in love for ages and I knew I'd have to allow them a platform to meet, spark, reach the heady heights of passion and eventually heal each other with love. Kelly's home setting – the quiet, rural beauty of Ireland, which I love, inspired me to provide the perfect foil to what could amount to destruction by Quinn's diamond mining corporation. It's an enchanting backdrop to their struggle to overcome the sins and wounds of the past and find happiness. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
Wow! That call – how will I prepare? Besides balloons and party-poppers? Seriously, as well as yelling a big 'thank you' I'll be prepared to revise and rewrite. Even though I think I've done all my preparation and delivered a finished manuscript, I know expert eyes and skilled red pens of HM&B will help make it a better romance and that's what I want in the end of the day – to make my romance writing as good as it can be. I'll also be working on my next romance outline – you never know!
Reap 'Em & Weep (Harlequin® Nocturne)
by Lisa Medley (Missouri, US) – @lisamedley
- What made you start writing romance?
A couple of years ago, a girlfriend suggested I read J.R. Ward's Dark Lover. I read it all on the plane to Sanibel Island for a family vacation. Obsessed, I scoured the island for a bookstore and miraculously found book two! I was hooked! It wasn't until I was four books into her series I realized I was reading paranormal romance. I didn't even know such a thing existed. I spent the next two years reading more than a hundred paranormal romances including several Harlequin Nocturne authors. I was in love with the genre. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
One of my friends read my first 30K attempt at paranormal romance and asked, "What makes this different?" Uh, nothing. I love paranormal beasties of every flavor, but I realized I did want to write something different. I hadn't read any stories about reapers, and when I did a search only a few came up. I knew I'd found my niche, and once I began to write, their world opened up to me. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I am ready! I've learned so much this past three years, but I know I have much more to glean from an editor. I look forward to the next step in my writing career and making my reaper stories sparkle and shine like a scythe in the moonlight. Bring it on!
Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids (Harlequin® Desire)
by Deb Julienne (California, US)
- What made you start writing romance?
I fell in love with reading romances in high school. I have the complete set of Barbara Cartland's books to prove it. When I branched out from the bodice rippers, I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. When I discovered romantic comedies were my personal favorite, it sort of evolved from there with me reading any genre and putting a spin on it to make it funny. Once that started I was a goner…that was back in the 90's. I've been writing ever since. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I'm one of those people where it's my personal motto "Don't ask what's next unless you're prepared to find out". That said, my other motto is "If you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans." It's not a matter of what will go wrong, but how bad, how long, and when will it stop. We all have our insecurities, how we deal with them is how we find out what we're made of. Also, I love to play in the kitchen…and yes, I made the lip gloss…and yes, my lips did swell, but the color was perfect. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I have a padded room all ready for my inhabitance. Seriously though, I'm almost finished with book II and plotting book III in this series. My focus is on finishing that series. This has been a dream, one I'm not ready to give up on. I have 26 books in some form of completion, across multiple genres…and I've always dreamed of a home at Harlequin.
Shaman Dreams (Harlequin® Nocturne)
by Megan Hughes (Australia)
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- What made you start writing romance?
I have been a fan of Mills & Boon since I was a teenager and have continued to read romance as an adult. If there's no romance in a book, I'm not interested in reading it!
I always enjoyed writing in school and thought for years about writing a book. However, it never seemed like the right time to start. This year I wanted to try something new and do something just for me and writing seemed to be a logical choice. I read a number of blogs from some of my favorite authors about their writing process and dove in. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
Finding inspiration for my story was an interesting process. I knew I wanted to write a paranormal romance, but I wanted a new concept, something that I hadn't read before. I approached it from the angle of 'What would I like to read?'.
I had an idea for a story where the two main characters meet each other in a dream. Researching out-of-body experiences and dreams, I found information about Celtic Shamans, something I had never heard of. From there, I found the legend of the Tuatha De Danann and the mythology of 'Shaman Dreams' evolved. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
It's been an incredible honor to make the top 28 and I'm very thankful for this opportunity to have the team of editors at Harlequin read my first manuscript.
I plan to spend the rest of the competition time reading as many of the manuscripts as possible.
If I am truly blessed and make the final three, I will be in the air when the winner is announced, flying from Australia to Paris. Very poor timing on my part! However, I will be soaking up the atmosphere of winter in Paris and hopefully getting new ideas for my next book.
Someone Special (Harlequin® Special Edition)
by Colleen Moore (California, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
I am devoted romance reader. I discovered my first Harlequin books in my dormitory lounge. I do love a happy ending. I had played around with a few stories to entertain myself when I was stressed, but never finished. As a busy momma of two, I soon learned that toting a book around in my diaper bag was futile. What to do? I began writing one in my mind, ready to dive into at a free moments notice. By the time I had fleshed out half the story, I decided to start writing it down! I'm hiding from diapers and play dates in the sequel! - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I am a stay at home mom, and I felt like I was losing my identity in a never-ending stream of meal-prep and laundry. This manuscript was something special for myself, something that I could pick up and think about in my spare 5 minutes to keep my mind active. I had this visceral recurring dream of the pivotal moment of betrayal between Nick & Dani, and I just couldn't let it go until I had gotten it all down on paper. Many details from my real life inspired the setting and character development, too! - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I foresee a lot of stress eating, nails bitten to the quick, and anxious nightmares about proofreading errors over the next three weeks. My cell phone will always be charged and never be on silent, my apologies in advance to my daughter's preschool class. On the plus side, the stress of this competition will probably allow me to complete the sequel in record time! I will also spend many hours on Facebook, voting for friends' cute babies and charity fundraisers to try and pay forward some of the amazing kindness I've been blessed with through this contest!
Stolen (Harlequin Intrigue®)
by Jennifer Kranig (Chicago, Illinois, US) – @MsLeola13
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- What made you start writing romance?
I've been reading romance novels since I was a ten year old girl. I used to sneak into my mother's closet and read regency-era novels that I didn't completely understand. Even though the content level was beyond my comprehension at that age, what I did understand was how the novels made me feel – alive, inspired, and "in love". For me, to be able to capture those feelings on paper and share them with others, what's better than that? It's a kind of magic to write romance, and I love it. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I actually set out to write something very different, and somehow, I didn't like the hero and heroine that I created. They were too perfect, their lives too far from ordinary for me to connect with them, and I realized if I didn't even like them, who would? That's when Anna, my heroine, was born. I wanted to see what would happen when a couple who had lived very different lives and each carried scars, got together. To me there is nothing more romantic than a story that says, 'I know exactly who you are, and I love you anyway.' - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
The same way I prepared for round one – guessing, second guessing, and if there were such a thing, third guessing every single word I wrote down in my manuscript. That, and driving my family and friends mad with my very own version of 'they love my writing, they love my writing not' on a daily basis! Luckily, the community of authors involved in SYTYCW2012 is awesome – tons of love and support, so we can commiserate together and keep one another sane while we wait for The Call.
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.
The Silver Box (Harlequin® Romance / Mills & Boon Cherish and Mills & Boon Riva)
by Alex McIntosh (Newfoundland and Labrador, CA)
- What made you start writing romance?
My girlfriend. I found true love, and I crossed the ocean for it. I moved 3000 miles from England to Canada, and I swore I would write my girlfriend (an avid lover of Harlequin) a romantic novel. I've loved writing for years, but now I believe I can inspire others with all I've experienced in my journeyed life. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I believe firmly that when the time comes, everyone can find a partner in life. I felt that a powerful and independent CEO with a strong head and stronger heart may also find love in the strangest place. I visited Vallon Pont D'Arc to canoe the Ardeche River and was mesmerized by its beauty, grandeur, and romanticism. The most stubborn and single of people across the world could find inspiration for love here. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
This whole experience has already been surreal. I have had huge support from everywhere and everyone, and just to get to this stage by such a huge number of votes is overwhelming. To even think about how to prepare for THAT call is unnerving. I could only promise honesty in my answers to whatever questions they might have, and I hope I still reflect truly who I am: an ordinary person going through a very extraordinary phase.
The Unspoken Game (Harlequin® Romantic Suspense)
by Alexis Sykes (Clermont, Florida, US) – @Lexy_Sykes
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- What made you start writing romance?
Love stories are my favorite kind of story and I'm a born romantic. I wasn't finding enough of what I wanted to read on the bookshelves so I started to write them myself. I love to make up characters and set them in impossible situations. I'm excited and intrigued to see how they handle it, how they grow and come together. Love is an essential part of life and it's fun to write about. Plus you get to imagine how you wish things happened. It makes for a great fantasy life. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I love the idea of a feisty, brilliant heroine and a strong, protective hero. I've always wanted to write an exciting story about an ancient legend so I dreamt up Antonia as an archaeologist and Donovan as the head of security. It seemed like an exciting mix. But they needed a thrilling story to bring them together then drive them apart and I figured eccentric billionaires and zealots ought to do it. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I read and write every day in between taking care of two adorable boys, a husband, and a small business. Writing is my escape and I work every day at getting better at creating characters people want to see with words they want to read. I hope to continue to get better every day, find new inspiration, and grow my connections so that when I get the call I'm ready for anything!
The Weather Girl (Harlequin® Romance / Mills & Boon Cherish and Mills & Boon Riva)
by Amy Vastine (Illinois, US)
- What made you start writing romance?
I have always had stories going on in my head since as long as I can remember. I love reading and am a big romance fan. About three years ago, I decided to put those two things together and write my own romance story. Once I wrote one, I couldn't stop! - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I have a friend who loves storm chasing shows and asked me if I ever thought about writing a story that had a storm chasing main character. I originally wrote a story about a high school girl who was obsessed with the weather and spouted off random weather facts when she got nervous. My mom loved that story and was truly the one who inspired me to bring Summer Raines to life, a more grown up version of the heroine from the first story. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I have no idea. I am the mother of three very active kids and a full-time school social worker. My days are never boring and luckily provide some distraction from the waiting. I'm very excited and will be obsessively checking my phone to make sure I don't miss that call!
Three Ever After (Harlequin® Romance / Mills & Boon Cherish and Mills & Boon Riva)
by Kerri Geringswald (Nebraska, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
My mom told me to start writing romance…writing has always been an outlet and something I love to do but I hadn't given romance much thought until she gave me some romance books to read that inspired me. Then, after watching a romantic movie end so awfully, my mom said that I should rewrite the ending. That started my adoration of romance, realizing that I could create the sweet endings I wanted. From there I fell in love with love stories and creating endings that would always have a happy ever after - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
It started with the idea of creating three stories where the last word would be the lead in for the next character. Creating three separate stories in one came from loving movies or shows that have multiple story lines because there is always one you can relate with. The outline was completely different from the end result. The more I wrote for each character the more I was interested in telling "their" story. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
This is such an exciting opportunity, which makes me so thankful and completely sick to my stomach (in the best way). To be honest the way I'm going to prepare for the call is not to prepare, stay in this very moment of unstoppable appreciation. However make a note that if the phone call doesn't come I am not above begging the editors. I bake some incredible desserts if bribery works…
To Serve and Protect (Harlequin Intrigue®)
by Kristen Parr (Oegon, US) – @Kristenparr
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- What made you start writing romance?
A friend of mine writes romance novels and told me about this contest. I thought I would give it a try and I've come to enjoy the writing of it far more than I realized I would. It's been a whirlwind adventure. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
I love to read thrillers, mysteries and crime novels. I wanted to have two people fall in love as they battled against those who would harm them. There was also the internal pain and emotional wounds my heroine would have to move past in order to fall in love. The hero's struggle to not fall in love made him endearing. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
I have no idea! I will continue to write, take care of my family and try very hard not to think of it until the day they are supposed to call. On that day I will probably jump every time the phone rings.
When Hearts and Morals Disagree (Harlequin® KISS)
by Kimberly King (North Carolina, US)
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- What made you start writing romance?
I have been writing poems and romance novels since I was a young girl. My parents always told me that I had a vivid imagination. Writing is as much of an escape for me as reading. - What was the inspiration for this particular story?
This particular story is inspired by a recent event in the life of someone I am close to. As a writer, I hope to take bits and pieces that are true to life and turn them into something a romance novel reader can relate to and feel part of. - As a finalist, how will YOU prepare for the call from the editors?
As a finalist I will wait with anticipation for the call from the editors. I have already started my next book and will keep working on it while I wait.