September 17, 2014

The CALL!

Oh my stars! I got The Call! The one that began with my agent saying, “I’ve got some fun news…” advanced to me burbling something like, “ohmygodthisisbeyondmywildestdreamsI’mgoingtocry,” and ended with, “Great! I’m calling them right now to tell them we accept!”

I’m so giddy and thrilled to tell you that my Golden Heart® winning manuscript, Charlene and the Duchess Factory, and two other books, sold to Carrie Feron and Amanda Bergeron at Harper Collins/Avon books!

Avon is my dream house for so many reasons — Eloisa James, Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, hello! Plus they have the most delicious covers and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve held one of their books and trailed my fingers over the sensual matte finish and fantasized that it was my cover.

I have so much to celebrate and a HUGE list of people to thank. I will write a longer post and thank absolutely everyone very soon. For now I just want to say thank you to my sweet, long-suffering husband who cooked me dinners, built me wood fires, and went out to play in the music studio when I needed space…you have bewitched me, body and soul.

Also a big shoutout to Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan for sticking with me since Avon FanLit and showing me the path to greatness. And to Eloisa James for inspiring me to write romance in the first place. Oh, and of course an enormous thank you to my amazing literary agent, Alexandra Machinist, for taking a chance on a debut author.

That’s the short version. More to come!

There’s a subplot in Charlene and the Duchess Factory about rescuing girls in the Covent Garden neighborhood of Regency-era London who have been forced into prostitution. I promised myself that if I sold, I would donate a percentage to a local Bolivian shelter for girls that have been trafficked. This month, we will hold a “prom” at the shelter so they can wear pretty dresses, open presents, dance, and be young. So this is perfect timing!

Thank you, Romance Writers of America®, @AvonRomance, and a big hug and tons of gratitude to you for reading.

Remember, even your wildest dreams can come true!

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46 thoughts on “The CALL!”

  5. SQUEE!!!! So, so happy for you!! And your generous heart fills mine with joy. So excited to be Avon sisters. 🙂 Congrats!!! xoxox

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  7. Congratulations!!! I don’t seem to be able to find all of the words needed to express my admiration and happiness. Remember this is only the first of many, many more!!!

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  10. I’m late to the show, but I’m still genuinely enthusiastic for you. So happy, Lenora! 🙂 This is amazing news and I can’t wait to hear/read more about your wonderful story.

    I told the hubs today about your sale. He was like, Oh, right, I remember her from the awards ceremony! So he sends his congrats as well.

    Reply

  12. So excited for you – and that is awesome that you are supporting the shelter. Published author and fairy prom-mother 🙂

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    1. Hi Robin! Boy am I happy I chose to sit at your table at the Golden Network retreat! It was so lovely to meet you, Jenn, and Liz! Thanks so much for giving me such amazing advice! Hugs. – L

      Reply

  15. Yay! Congratulations! This is such good news! Just what I needed today.

    While walking the dog this morning, I listened to a RWA14 panel that included Avon authors and publicists. They had some great advice for newbie authors and since you’ll be working with them, it applies double to you. 🙂

    And I your books and you even more for donating to the shelter.

    Reply

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