Another "Call" - New Book Contract with Crimson Romance

My novel, Breaking the Rules, will be published by Crimson Romance! Woo hoo! I’m still on a high!

This “baby” (a.k.a. Frequent Flyer) has been through the hoops – from winning a contest with Harlequin to receiving rejections from other publishers. But, it finally found its home with Crimson Romance and I couldn't be happier.

Breaking the Rules Unofficial Blurb:

A forbidden love affair in the past has led HOPE ROBINSON, a middle school principal, to Harbor Bay, where she commits herself to play by the rules. This can be difficult for a perpetual klutz, who - even strapped to a cast – has to uphold a competent attitude at all times.

Luckily, she has Dr. Colin Calaway on her side, a widower and father of a student, who is ready to give love another try. When Colin convinces Hope that they should explore the connection between them, a steamy romance develops – though it could destroy them both. They must decide if their jobs – and their hearts – are worth the risk.

How did I find Crimson? Well, I’ve been reading their awesome Contemporary Romance titles for a year now and I knew that one day I wanted to publish with them. It’s always great to have a goal! When I read that Crimson had a twitter pitch I went for it and I’m happy I did! Here’s the twitter pitch that got acquisitions editor, Jennifer Lawler’s attention:

Sparks fly with sexy widower Dr. Calaway. Too bad he's the father of Hope's student. She never breaks the rules…or does she?

I sent in my full manuscript and a week later I heard back from Jennifer with an offer.

 

The funny of my story is this…

As many of you have experienced, when a writer is waiting to hear any news about a manuscript, we tend to load – reload- load emails … Waiting for some good news. J  

Well, that’s what I did the entire week. Some of you know, I’m a middle school teacher, so I’m usually busy during the day. On this day, April 11, I happened to be beginning my Greek and Roman Myths unit with a video about the Greek gods. I sat down at my iPad and then I saw it… an email from Jennifer!

When I saw the email, I was like...

And then like...

 

I freaked. You know that feeling when you’re on a rollercoaster at the top of the hill and about to drop, but there’s that instant where you’re waiting, the seat suspended in the air. That’s what I felt.

Opening the email, I saw the offer! I actually screamed. Yes, squealed. Of course, this caught my students’ attention. So, I stopped the video and announced to my students that I received an offer on my book. They screeched, I shrieked… I’m sure my classroom sounded like a farm about to head off to the slaughter. All my students ran to me (21 kiddos!) and gave me a group hug. What a wonderful feeling!

So, after many questions and prodding from my students (there’s only so much I can say since I write steamy romance) I continued class – I don’t even remember what we did or how we did it, or how I even made it home.

Even Ryan is celebrating!

In the end, after reading over the contract and discussing terms with Jennifer, I am now officially signed with Crimson Romance. Another dream has come true!

Expect Breaking the Rules in July!