Visit Leslie's alter ego Jordanna Kay.

Banned Books Week

Posted by Leslie on October 1st, 2007 | 2 Comments

Did you know? Obviously I’m not checking the internet and blogging hopping enough! Check out this list of the 100 most challenged books. How many have you read?

I counted 17 for myself, but that was a very quick skim of the list, plus I’ve probably forgotten some that I read back in high school. Of course, Harry Potter is on the list, and I’ve read all seven of them, so that would up me to the 1/4 of the list mark!

New Historical Cover Trends

Posted by Leslie on September 17th, 2007 | No Comments

Wordwenches has a fascinating post on the newest cover trend for historical romance and Cover Art Examplefiction. The use of art, instead of cover models. Instead of a male sweaty torso, we see a period-custom painting of a young woman.

I’m liking this new trend. It’s a mix of two creative lures: fiction writing and art. It automatically tells you that you are picking up an historical and yet you aren’t embarrassed to read it out in public. No more half-dressed men and women who are on her knees before them. I see, instead, a strong woman, who is beautiful and regal AND in her own time period.

Of course, Wordwenches states a few of the problems facing these types of covers:

Which leads me to my Question of the Day: With all the thousands of historical images available around the world and over time, why are publishers using the same paintings over and over?

However, for the sake of fair reporting, I have to note that fine art covers on historical romances are, in several cases, proving more confusing than enticing. Readers aren’t “seeing” these covers as romances, and seem to feel a traditional clinch (however overdone) announces a romance much better than a 19th century portrait — or so the marketing folk are whispering with trepidation.

Honestly, when it comes to the sale of my own historicals, my opinion probably won’t mean much. Very few publishers ask their authors for ideas and some even limit an author’s pushback. So we’ll see…one day…

Finger Crossing Time!

Posted by Leslie on September 12th, 2007 | No Comments

Ok, not only have I sent back my revisions on SECRET INTENTIONS/A TARNISHED HEART to The Wild Rose Press, I heard from my agent yesterday that Dorchester requested a read of MONSTER! YAY!! I should hear something on SI/ATH by Halloween. As for MONSTER, let’s say that next Mother’s Day might be a bit early! ;-)

Quick Update

Posted by Leslie on September 5th, 2007 | No Comments

Sorry I’ve been too busy to post much here. Hopefully, life will be somewhat back to normal over the next week or so. But I do have one update to report:

The Wild Rose Press has reviewed SECRET INTENTIONS and made some minor suggestions and edits. I’ll be reviewing those over the next week or so. Hopefully after my revisions they will offer me a contract and this story will once again be available for sale!

Playpals Do It Again!

Posted by Leslie on August 31st, 2007 | No Comments

I just posted about Beth, who sold to Superromance, and now another playpal, Terri Garey, is Dead Girls Are Easyfinally seeing her first book on the shelf. DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY is out there for the buying — and already selling out! And she was just interviewed by her local TV station! Major Coolness! I’ve been to Terri’s gorgeous home in Florida and seen just the spot where she’s written her books. This is so thrilling to watch my friends go from their painful rejections to sales to books on shelves!

Oh, and if you’re wondering who else is part of the playground group of friends, check out my list of the Haut Ton. That’s the group of fabulous writers I’m so proud to be a part of!

Cross your fingers!

Posted by Leslie on August 6th, 2007 | No Comments

My agent sent MARK OF THE MONSTER out to NAL (New American Library), a publisher who was interested in the story before. The editor who read it suggested some changes and wanted to see it again. I made said changes and now it’s been sent back. If she’s ends up not being interested, it’ll go to a whole list of publishers. So cross those fingers, toes, and anything else you got for good luck. And here’s a short excerpt of MONSTER to let you know what she’s reading:


The woman leaned across the counter. “You heard the rumors about that house? They’re true, I tell you. Something isn’t right up there. Not right at all.”

A chill skated down Vivian’s spine at the memory of the attack in the dark halls. There was something going on in that house, but whether monster, ghost, or foul-play, it would not sway Vivian from her purpose.

“As you can see, I am in fine spirits and excellent health.”

The postmistress raised an eyebrow. “That may be, but how is your mind? Have odd dreams haunted you at night? Have the drafts and noises stirred you from slumber?”

Vivian sighed. Perhaps next time a servant should mail her letters. “My mind is still alert and sound.”

“And the master? Lord Ashworth? He’s not frightened you with his behavior or terrifying face?”

Terrifying face? Vivian could only think of the roughness of his chin, the sensual curve of his lips, the intensity of his eyes. His scar was a groove upon a spectacular stone, not diminishing its luster but adding to its uniqueness.

“I am perfectly well. Thank you for your concern. Now, a stamp, please.”

“Eh, you’ve only been there a short time.” She reached into a drawer and withdraw the same small stamp Vivian had seen on Lady Wainscott’s letter. “You’ll regret staying in that house, mark my words.”

Vivian slid the coin toward her. “I see no reason why I shall.”

Once the stamp was on the letter, the postmistress glanced at it then slid it into one of the lower slots. Still facing the wall of compartments, the woman glanced over her shoulder. “Keep a sharp eye out, Miss Suttley. You may think we only speak of rumors, but even gossip usually begins with a bit of truth.”

Been busy…

Posted by Leslie on August 5th, 2007 | No Comments

Sorry for the lagtime in posting. Got my parents in town staying with me and just HAD TO finish the final Harry Potter! Whew! Got it done, so now things should be a wee bit back to normal. I’ll find something interesting to say this week, I promise! ;-)

Got Potter?

Posted by Leslie on July 31st, 2007 | No Comments

Well, despite ordering the book months in advance to be sure it arrived on release date (it did), I didn’t get started reading it until yesterday. That stupid real life (you know, job, family, out of town guests, etc.) got in my way. But I’m now about 1/4 of the way through. My sister and nephew who have read it are ITCHING to talk about it so I need to hurry up and finish. And since I have my DVD copy of 300 now (w00t w00t!), I have to finish Potter so I can spend the rest of my free time drooling over Gerry’s nearly naked body! LOL!

I’ve been quoted!

Posted by Leslie on July 28th, 2007 | No Comments

Wuthering HeightsGosh, the littlest things excite me! Bronte Blog quoted a part of the interview from American Chronicle where I mentioned how much of an influence “Wuthering Heights” had on me. And it was the absolute truth. No other books has affected me more. Something about that tortured Heathcliff and his forlorn love for Catherine….Sigh. Hmmm, kinda makes me think of…well, The Phantom of the Opera! ;-) See, there’s always a Gerry connection somewhere!

(Im)patience

Posted by Leslie on July 26th, 2007 | 1 Comment

They say Patience is a Virtue. Unfortunately, I was not born with it. And in this writing business, it’s all about being patient. Basically, except for the actual writing, most of the rest is out of the author’s control. So we wait.

The editor at The Wild Rose Press asked for 60 days from the date she received SI/ATH to read and review it. A fair and generous offer, actually. Yet, here I am on day 30 anxious to hear from her. Sigh.

My agent told me she’d send MARK OF THE MONSTER off to NAL after the conference. I’m sure she’s still getting caught up and back into the groove.

So I’m waiting. And trying (really, really hard) to be patient! ;-)

Don’t forget to sign the petition to have SHATTERED released nationwide!

« older posts
next posts »