I have two more books to finish before the end of the year (one is a small novella) and another small novella for next year. After that, I have no contracted obligations. Instead of panicking (lol), I've decided to concentrate on writing a book specifically for Silhouette Desire of Harlequin Books.
Why category romance, you might ask? Well, because that's where I truly feel my voice lies. I read a Lisa Kleypas novel a little while ago and became depressed because I knew I'd never write like she does, with beautiful prose and long, drawn out plots. But then I realized, I had tunnel vision. I was looking longingly at the *single title* romances that I didn't quite understand that my "voice" lies in category.
If you've read any of my books, you'll know they have a few things in common. First of all, it's rare to read a book by me over 60K words (aside from my fantasies). Secondly, my plots resemble Harlequin. A lot.
The moment I realized that, I knew I shouldn't be "disappointed" at not being like all the other single title authors, I should embrace my category-ness and shoot for Desire! I've submitted to Desire once before, but ultimately got rejected (for PROMISE ME FOREVER) because the book didn't fit their "formula". Now, I've been able to write to a formula before. I have the experience at writing a book. I have a small following now. I love the Desire line and have many of their books on my shelves. I write the correct length. I think I'm truly ready now.
The book in question that I will write in the coming months is a contemporary western, entitled TEXAS HOLD'EM. Here's the blurb:
Wealthy cattle baron, Zane Tucker, is unwilling to become saddled with a gold-digging bride. After his father's untimely death, Zane reverts to what he does best; riding the range with his cattle. That is, until his housekeeper gets hurt and Zane has to tend to it all, unless he can get some help fast. He’s grateful when his brother Ian lends him his housekeeper--until Zane finds she’s the one who got away.
Bethany Greene has landed the perfect job, housekeeper for the Tuckers, the wealthiest family in Texas. But Beth gets more than she’s bargained for when Ian sends her to the main house to step in for an injured housekeeper. Beth comes face to face with the very man she kissed into oblivion at the Rancher’s Ball five years ago and memories of his sultry mouth fill her every thought.
Zane is sure Beth is after more than a mere job, more like his bank account. But when Ian moves in on Beth, wild mustangs couldn’t tear Zane away from claiming what’s rightfully his.
Wish me luck! I'm really excited about this and have already written the query letter. I need to write the synopsis next and then get started on the manuscript. Woohoo!! Perhaps someday, my name will be on a Silhouette Desire. Wouldn't that be awesome? :D
~~Becka
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~~Becka