by Deirdre and Western Romance editor Megan Long We all have an image of the classic Western romance hero. That law-abiding, straight-shooting, white-hat-wearing rancher or sheriff who sweeps the heroine off her feet, saves the family ranch and rides with her into the sunset. But what would happen if he weren’t quite so admirable? What…
Can you guess the opening line? “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” “Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm…” “New Year’s Resolutions I Will Not…” There’s no better way to stand out from the crowd and catch an…
by Deirdre The superhero genre is one I’ve found perfectly resistible in the past. Then Netflix came out with the darkly compelling Jessica Jones, and I was introduced to Luke Cage. Swoon. After binge-watching Marvel’s Luke Cage from beginning to end, I was convinced Luke was the perfect contemporary alpha hero. Here are five reasons…
by Deirdre When I asked a group of Harlequin editors for romance tropes they’d love to see refreshed, one favourite was the marriage of convenience. Although the MoC is most often associated with historical romance, contemporary romance readers love it too. But making the marriage of convenience trope work in a modern romance – and…
This week, we’re delighted to welcome new author Liz Shoaf to Love Inspired Suspense! Here is her story… I’ve loved reading romance and suspense since high school—I even won a writing contest during my junior year—but the idea to actually write a book took root when I lost three fingers in an accident. I stayed with…
By Kayla King, Editorial Assistant to Harlequin Intrigue and Harlequin Nocturne Discussions around paranormal romance tend to be a bit polarized—but while these may not be the glory days, I still find myself a staunch defender of this category. Whether you still think it’s hot or not, there’s a reason paranormal romance once took the…
Let’s give a big welcome to Christy Jeffries, our newest visitor to the SYTYCW blog! We’re delighted to have her and chat about her writing. Don’t miss her new book from Harlequin Special Edition, The Makeover Prescription. Without further do, here’s Christy! How did you get into writing? I was in law enforcement and, on my first…
So you’ve finally decided to write your book. Or perhaps you’re double- or triple-checking a few plot points in your story before you submit your manuscript for this year’s So You Think You Can Write contest. Either way, your characters are speaking to you. You can see their world in your mind. You sit down…
Love Inspired is always seeking new authors and you could be one of them! Do you have a Christian contemporary romance that celebrates all things Amish? If so, we would love to see it! We publish clean Christian romances that are 55,00 words, with a faith element. The romance must be the focus of the…
“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” – Julie Andrews Happy New Year! Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Opinions differ on whether making resolutions for the year really works, or what the best way is to achieve your goals. But the truth is there’s no one best way for everyone. This week…