The Party Is Over

posted by Michele

Yes, it's a long post. But there's a contest question at the end! Read, or scroll down to it, whichever you prefer.

I have always admired the Harlequin/Silhouette empire. But I have never felt it was a place I really belonged, or would fit in should I attempt to write a story for one of their series. It's as though I have always stood outside the castle gates, in fear of the angry villagers, should I attempt to infiltrate their ranks. Let's just say I 'slipped in to Harlequin through the back door'. And I've felt like an imposter ever since.

By slipping in, I mean, I sold my first book to Harlequin a few years back. It wasn't a romance. Heck, it was a medieval fantasy. I'd just heard of the new Luna line Harlequin had planned to introduce, and did I have a story for that. I sold the book in two months. And suddenly, I was a Harlequin author. But not really. I was a Luna author. I still hadn't broke through to the ranks of series writer. I had invaded the curtain wall, but the keep was yet closed off to me.

One day my Luna editor suggested I send her a proposal for the new line they were starting about kick-ass heroines. "This is a series?" I asked nervously. "Er, I don't know." It wasn't because I didn't want to write a series book. It was because I knew I didn't fit in with that elite crowd of writers who fashioned stories with rich romantic details and emotional punch. My confession? I struggle with the romance part. So how could I be expected to write one of those...romances? I was just fine standing outside the keep door.

Sure, I've written historical romances. And yes, I believe they were very romantic. But I've never sacrificed my love for action and adventure and 'the quest' for romance.

Anyway, my editor asked me again to write a Bombshell proposal. And again. Finally, I figured she really wanted something from me. And, encouraged that this series would be different--action/adventure, suspense and thrills, NOT a romance, but with a touch of romance to fortify the characters and add to the overall story growth. Well, I'd give it a try. I sent in my idea for ONCE A THIEF. My editor bought it. The keep doors were pushed wide open. And I had fallen in love.

I had become a series writer. And I couldn't be more thrilled about it. Still, I felt an imposter, because these books were not romances. But I didn't care. I had breached the inner sanctum. I was part of the empire!

I sold three more Bombshells, and currently have at least two or three ideas beyond that in the works. I have grown passionate about this line. Where else can I write a story that focuses mainly on the heroine? A heroine who is allowed to be rough, tough, a little vulnerable, yet one who DOESN'T NEED A MAN to rescue her? Of course, there always is a man. He's good for joining the heroine on her quest. For eye candy. And sex, sex is good. But he never gets in her way. And if he does? Well, then the sparks fly. And romance? You bet! I've done these heroines so far: a jewel thief, an undercover billionairess who fights white-collar crime, and a getaway car driver. None apologize for mistakes they've made in the past. All are trying to be the best they can be. And each proved the best time I've ever had writing a story.

The Bombshell series was my home. I began to feel less like an imposter. I had found my niche.

Well, you've all heard. January 2007 will be the last month the Bombshell series is published. Sales were not as expected. Theories have been bounced across the blogsphere for the past few days, most landing on marketing. Readers went to their favorite book stores, spied the new Bombshell series nesled amidst all their other favorite H/S romance series and assumed this must be another romantic series. They expected happy endings. They were...confused. There was nothing wrong with the stories. The writers are awesome. I've discovered some great new reads in the line. But something didn't click once the books hit the shelves. The series was given a chance (about 2 1/2 years). Now it's on to the next new thing.

The announcement this past Monday was a shock, even though there had been rumblings that Bombshell was on it's last leg. I am devastated. But I am one of the lucky ones. I had two contracted Bombshells, both in about the half-done stage, slated for publishing later in 2007. Those stories will now be set aside. I may find a new home for them elsewhere. I'm just not sure. In the mean time, I'll replace them with two Nocturne stories, since I am also writing for the new paranormal Nocturne line that debuts this October. That means I have to come up with two new stories, pronto.

Other authors may not be so fortunate. There were first-time sales that will not see their stories published. I cross my fingers for them that they are able to sell the book elsewhere. There are some authors who were in the middle of three or four book series, which will now end abruptly (my Network series ends abruptly as well). Some of these books may find positions in other H/S lines, others will not. It is the nature of publishing. Nothing ever remains for too long. Lines rise and lines fall. Publishers put forth valiant efforts at trying new things all the time. If it works, awesome; if not, on to the next thing.

So here's to all the awesome Bombshell authors who, for a moment, got to kick ass right along with their heroines. Best to you all!

And as for the imposter? Well, I'm still standing inside the keep walls, now writing for an official 'romance' series, which has me shaking in my boots. Sure the Nocturnes are paranormal (which I love!). But that romance I struggle so to put to the page? Do you think people will notice the imposter and charge after her with torches and pitchforks? I'm lying low until I can see if the villager's faces are friendly or ferocious. :-)

CONTEST QUESTION! How many of you found your way to our blog after reading about us in Romantic Times? Please delurk and let us know. And to make things even more interesting, I'll gather all those who post today and will draw one name tomorrow morning. The winner will receive an autographed copy of GETAWAY GIRL, my third (and last--waaaaa!) Bombshell adventure.

M