Saturday, August 9, 2008

Indecisive


OK, so I said I was back on track, but I'm allowed to change track, aren't I? I've put aside the thriller and have decided to return for a visit to Harlequin. Intrigue is the closest line to what I write but has a little more romance than I am used to. However, I'm sure I can adapt. What I have realised is that even though Harlequin/Silhouette say they want different and fresh, they actually don't. They might want new voices but the guidelines are too strict for any innovation. A while back I wrote an Intrigue and received a personalised rejection saying that my story was too dark and that no one would want to read a story set on a prison ship. That manuscript is my second book to be picked up by Wild Child Publishing so someone wanted to read it. What they actually meant was that no Harlequin Intrigue readers would want to read a story set on a prison ship. And there's the crunch.We are writing for their loyal readers. We are not trying to establish a new set of readers. Therefore it makes perfect sense that we follow their guidelines to the letter. And I will. At least I'll try. And that's the reason I am returning to H/S. Because they have an established readership and the author's promotional input is minimal. What bliss to be able to concentrate my time on writing and not the rest.
At the moment I am trying to decide whether to set the story in Cambodia or Egypt. I have my characters. Now I need an Intrigue for them to get tied up in. And I must remember the romance...

13 comments:

raine said...

Best of luck, Suzanne!

I've considered returning there once or twice...but I have staying-in-the-box issues. :-/

Suzanne said...

It's all about mind control, Raine. Stay in the box, stay in the box...

raine said...

I HATE the box, Suzanne.

Suzanne said...

Raine, I'll let you know how painful it is. The first chapter is written and I must remember to not go too dark and keep the romance up.

Suzanne

Nature Nut /JJ Loch said...

Hey Suzanne and Raine! Wild wave. :D You BOTH are super writers and I wish you both the best of luck.

Suzanne,

I LOVED the prison ship story, but am not a dedicated Harlequin reader. I find I want more in a read...like you write. Wish you could start your own publishing house!

Hugs, Nancy

Nature Nut /JJ Loch said...

I should say you are both super AUTHORS. I'm the one who's not pubbed. :D

Hugs, Nancy

Suzanne said...

Don't sell yourself short, Nancy. You will be very soon. You have a signed contract.
You start the publishing house and I will submit to you. You are my best fan.

Suzanne

Bernita said...

Now this is the most intelligent essay on category I've seen.

Suzanne said...

Thanks, Bernita.If one wants to write category, there are definitely certain sacrifices that have to be made.

Suzanne

Nature Nut /JJ Loch said...

Suzanne, I AM your biggest fan!!!

Thank you for your support. I'm going through a lot of changes right now. Trying to keep on track. One of my submitted proposals received the go ahead to develop. :D

Jeff came home sick on Thursday. He inhaled cedar shavings at work and it messed up his respiratory system. Thought he may need emergency treatment last night, but the fever finally broke. It's the best weekend of the summer and Jeff's grumbling because he is stuck in bed. Poor hubby.

Hugs, Nancy

Suzanne said...

Fantastic news about the proposal acceptance, Nancy.
I'm sorry to hear Jeff has been unwell. Tell him to take care.

Suzanne

Lisa Whitefern said...

Hi Suzanne. It's Lisa Gardiner aka Lisa Whitefern here. I just realised you write for the sister company of Freya's Bower where my novella was recently contracted. Good luck with the HI book!
I made the decision awhile back that I didn't think I could stay inside the box well enough for Harlequin etc...myself.

Suzanne said...

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for the book you kindly gave me when we were leaving conference.
Congratulations on the contract with Freya's Bower. I have a book coming out with them later this year.
I'm almost finished Chapter 3 of the HI. We'll see how long I can stay inside the box. It's quite an exercise in discipline.

Suzanne