May 7, 2008
Deadlines
Written by RobynDeHart in Our Books“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” — Douglas Adams
I’m on deadline. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not really complaining. A deadline, for a writer, means employment. So it’s a good thing, but it’s scary as well. Especially this one, it’s always nerve-wracking turning in that first book to a new editor. I’ve been in that particular scenario three times now. Twice at Avon, and now with my move to Grand Central. You have a whole new learning curve with every editor because they’re all different, they all have their own likes and dislikes and hang-ups. So you essentially start over with every editor. And moving to a new house ups the ante too. Needless to say I’m a mess. A complete ball of nerves. Did I mention I’m not done with the book? And it’s due June 1st?
For the record I’m not a Simpson’s fan (much to The Professor’s annoyance) but this picture was perfect.
Did I also mention that this book is running short? Okay, it’s okay. Deep breaths. Ohm. Ohm. Ohm. 
Hey, pictures take up a lot of space and I wanted it to look like I really worked on this blog for y’all. But mostly I’m trying to rush right through it and get back to my writing. Wish me luck. And I hope I have new of a completed (and brilliant) book very soon.
In the meantime I’ll give you a topic to discuss amongst yourselves. (Remember that old Saturday Night Live skit with Mike Myers doing Barbra Streisand? The Prince of Thieves is neither about princes nor thieves…discuss…too funny?) Okay what was the first romance novel you read and is it still in your top 5 favorites? Ready…discuss.
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Shana Says:
Good luck with the deadline, Robyn! You’ll make it.
My first romance was something by Jude Devereaux. Velvet something? No, it’s not in my top 5. My favorite authors are Julie Garwood, SEP, Anne Rice, Alexander McCall Smith, and a tie between Nora Roberts and Janet Evanovich.
Fedora Says:
Best wishes with the deadline!! Hang in there, Robyn!
My very first romance I can’t even remember the title of–it was a historical of some kind that my classmate lent me when I was in high school. That’s definitely not still in my top 5. I took a long break from romances, and I think Jenny Crusie’s Crazy for You was the one that pulled me back in–I’m not sure that’s in my top 5 but Welcome to Temptation definitely still is
Emily McKay Says:
Ah … Deadlines. I know just how you feel. Though I do think the picture of Lisa Simpson sums it up best.
As for the top 5 question, probably either Judith McNaught’s Perfect or Pam Morsi’s Simple Jess. I really love Judith McNaught’s Perfect, but I think I’d decided last year to bump Perfect out of my top five list. She’s a wonderful storyteller without nec. being a wonderful writer. Whereas Pam Morsi is wonderful at both.
Margo Maguire Says:
Top FIVE? Only five?
I don’t know if I could limit it to five. Maybe I could list five favorites in different categories.
If I had to pick just one, I think it would be OUTLANDER (but just the first one. I wish I had stopped with that one).
Jenna Petersen Says:
My first romance was MINX by Julia Quinn. It isn’t in my top 5, but others by her are:
Silver Lining, Maggie Osborne
Be Mine Tonight, Kathryn Smith
The Duke and I, Julia Quinn
When He Was Wicked, Julia Quinn
Devil in Winter, Lisa Kleypas
I actually just went through my bookshelf and cleared off a lot of books (I needed more space for research books), but all of these I still kept. They’re like Level A+ keepers.
Sarah Says:
My first was MIDWINTERS NIGHT (A Tapestry Romance, No. 64) by Jean Canavan. I remember it because the heroine was psychologically blind. It was interesting.
Okay, it was my first one with a love/sex scene. Before that one, I was on a strict regiment of Regencies (none by Barbara Cartland). My fav was Janice Bennett, cause she wrote time-travels.
But five all time favs - authors of historicals?
Garwood, Dodd, the Late Great Arnette Lamb, Quinn, and Wiggs.
When I was young… in high school… I didn’t want to read the authors that were popular with the store’s customers. So to this day - I haven’t read a McNaught, Quick or Deveraux.
Emily McKay Says:
Ah … Arnette Lamb! I used to *love* her books.
We went to Scotland on our honeymoon and before leaving, I scoured the used bookstores to find one of her books ’cause I wanted to read an Arnette Lamb, while in Scotland. I’m such a sap.
Sarah Says:
Actually that would be fabulous! Highland Rogue… Yum…
And if she hadn’t passed on… we would have gotten pirate books from her. How is that for a twist!
Jane Says:
My first romance was “The Bride” by Julie Garwood. It remains one of my favorites along with “The Lion’s Lady” and “The Prize.” “The Wicked Lover” by Julia Ross and “Then Came You” by Lisa Kleypas are also on the list.
Helen Says:
The first one I read was Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers I still have it but only 5 top books I don’t think I can do that Claiming The Courtesan By Anna Campbell Devils Bride Stephanie Laurens Shana Kathleen Woodiwiss Everything Forbidden Jess Michaels The Duke and I Julia Quinn there really are lots more
Have Fun
Helen
Shana Says:
Oh, I forgot about Diana Gabaldon. I like her too.
Anna Says:
My first romance was Rogue’s Mistress by Eugenia Riley (Avon 1991). I was in 8th grade and unfamiliar with the romance genre, so I worried that they weren’t going to end up together. Not in my top 5 faves today.