Friday Fun Facts

"And while the law of competition may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department." ~Andrew Carnegie

I'm still on vacation in the Outer Banks, with one eye on Hurricane Bill (looks like we'll have some turbulent surf along with a few storms on Saturday, but nothing too bad)...but I do have two pieces of NEWS for all you romance writers:

First, Firebrand Literary Agency recently announced that it's closing its doors. This is interesting news, since it comes on the heels of a Writer's Digest article that features 2 of its agents as open to submissions from new authors. Regardless, they are no longer in business, though I hear that one/or more of their agents may be opening her own agency. Don't know what genres they'll be looking for. Anyone heard?

Here's the official statement from their website.

Second, if you haven't already heard, Quartet Press is a new digital press, currently accepting submissions in the usual variety of romance sub-genres. Now, I don't know anything about Quartet Press and am not endorsing them, BUT Angela James, former Executive Editor at my publisher, Samhain, recently joined them as editorial director.

While we at Samhain are sad to lose Angie, it's a huge gain for Quartet. She has tons of editorial experience, and she's savvy to the ways of digital publishing and its future. I'd say that Quartet is very lucky to have her.

So...if you're looking for a new publisher, you might want to check them out. Again, this isn't a recommendation by any means, but here's their home page all the same.

Writers' Wednesday:On Hiatus

Hi, everyone. Since I'm on vacation this week and have limited Internet access, the weekly author interview is postponed until next week. See you then!

Monday Mentionables

"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in." ~Robert Orben

Actually, there's only one thing really worth mentioning today, and that is that I am ON VACATION for the week! For the last 3 years, we have rented a home in the Outer Banks, NC, with a group of other couples. Not a lot to do down here but relax, enjoy the beach and the pool and some shopping and some seafood, and generally rejuvenate. It's lovely so far, and the weather for the week looks great.

So...yes, I brought my laptop, and yes I hope to do some writing, but we'll see! Relaxing and sleeping in is first on the agenda!!